My Thanks...

Here is a re-print of my Thanksgiving post last year. I don't think any of the sentiment or meaning has changed - so I"m leaving it as is. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.



As we approach the holiday, we are suppose to reflect on what we're thankful for and pray that we have the same things next year that we can brag about. I wanted to post in this space a Thanksgiving "blessing" if you will, that I wrote from my heart probably 10 years ago expressing my thanks for everything in my life that I'm so very thankful for. But I cannot locate the paper copy. So I'll try to recall some of it from memory. I read this "blessing" as everyone was standing around the dining room table, hands joined, and mouths watering for the feast presented before us. I can remember my brothers, who are two of the most sensitive, grown men I know, sniffling and trying not to let anyone hear them. I recall saying that I was thankful and grateful for my extended family as we never turn anyone away when it comes to family fun and traditions. I had a fairly new sister in law at the time who has grown to become the true big sister I never had. And while my parents had been long divorced with Dad on the "left" coast, we never really lost touch of what family really means. It means accepting our loved ones despite their shortcomings, their faults and their bad habits - because we have them too. It means opening your heart and your home to those less fortunate - because we've had to do without at some point in our lives. It means accepting people for who they are - because you can't, or shouldn't, try to change anyone. Family to me is a feeling that no one else can take away. And for that - my family and my friends, I am forever grateful.

Have a wonderful, safe and happy holiday.

Brrrrrrr......

Baby it's cold outside! Yesterday's weather was such a tease. We had a warm wind and the temps were hovering near 80. But today, BAM! Winter (or at least Fall) has arrived. Windy, blustery, and cold. Definitely a stay inside kind of day. I'm planning to finish up some work in the art room on a few Christmas gifts. Maybe slip in a quick nap then watch the final Nascar race of the year. I think we already know who the champion is going to be but nonetheless, I'll be watching. Then I guess I'll have to fill my Sunday afternoons with football. Or - maybe I'll get lucky and find some West Wing or NCIS marathons.

The picture was taken at the outdoor nature trail at the Flamingo Casino in Vegas last month.

VICTORY!

Viva Las Vegas!

You've noticed I haven't blogged in a while and I'm going to try and get caught up with myself - no easy task. I was recently in Las Vegas for a trade convention. I was able to take the spousal unit with me and we stayed an extra two days to play. First, the convention. It was very good - but then again, I had no doubts. Out of three days of sessions, there was only one that really seemed to bomb. So I guess those are pretty good odds. I also had a personal meeting with the City of Las Vegas who recently implemented a erm program. Very nice folks. So after sitting in classes all day, we hit the monorail and the strip each evening to take in all the sights (i.e. the Bellagio fountain, the lions at the MGM Grand and the roller coaster at New York New York). It's almost too much to take and can be overwhelming. We didn't gamble much (just some long lost green backs that folks back home wanted me to gamble for them) and didn't plan to see any shows. But we had enough to keep us busy. We hit a different monorail stop every night and saw something new all the time.

The view from our balcony was looking north toward the end of the strip at the Hilton and Sahara. But we had a beautiful mountain range off to the right that was just spectacular each night at sunset.

After the convention, we took the two days as mentioned to play. The first day we drove to Hoover Dam and walked across it - what a fantastic place that was! Just incredible what those laborers were able to accomplish back in the 1930s. And we had a beautiful day to boot. Then we drove up to the LV Motor Speedway (being the Nascar fans that we are). Went to get a couple of souvenirs and I ended up taking a ride around the track through the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Thought that was my one chance to ride in a Nascar car. 3 laps at 165 - what a rush! From there, we bounced all around town getting souvenirs for others - golf balls, t shirts, etc.

Friday was the crescendo. We had a quiet morning - we went down to the Flamingo to see the flamingos! How pretty they are. They have this entire outdoor walking path with koi ponds, waterfalls, and all kinds of waterfowl. It was early in the morning (8am) so it wasn't hot yet. We took a lot of pictures there. The afternoon was our big treat. We took a helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon and actually landed down inside the canyon. Words just cannot describe the excitement, the beauty and the awestruck feeling. The we flew back over Hoover Dam and came back into the airport via the strip at dark. Talk about a light show! Overall - it was a fabulous trip. I recommend the helo trip to Canyon to everyone!

All of that aside, thankfully we only have a few days left until we have our new President elected. Quite frankly - I can't wait. I can't wait for all of these annoying ads and phone calls to end. This has been the worse year yet.

Hang in there - and don't forget to vote!