Vegas, Part 3

We slept in even later on Thursday, in fact I even got over 8 hours of sleep, and I didn't wake until 7:30!  S was a sleepy head and didn't rouse until after 8.  That was okay as we didn't have much planned for the morning.   Shortly after 9 we wandered over to the Strat for breakfast, and then stopped in at the World's largest Gift Shop (according to the marquee) to browse.  I found t-shirts for both my adult children and a set of coasters.  The latter are to replace a set I bought on my last visit to Vegas...I think about 12 years ago.  The old ones are pretty much worn out so it was time.  

S found a jean shirt for herself for $5.99 and a couple of other items too.  We headed back to the hotel to drop off our shopping bags, and then it was off on the monorail back to Ross Dress for Less.  I thought I had remembered seeing a pair of the brand of shoes that Eli's fat little feet will fit into on our last visit so we'd decided to go back and check.

My cousin P had contacted me the day before to say she and cousin B were arriving in Vegas on Thursday so we'd made plans to meet for a drink after they reached their hotel, the Park MGM.  We had a bit of time before we were to meet, so spent most of it at Ross.  I did not find the shoes, but both of us found two piece outfits (jacket and sweat pants) for our grandsons at very reaonable prices.  I purchased two, one for $6.99 and a Puma set for $12.99.  Eli is definitely going to be well out-fitted for the next year!  

We walked across the street to the Park MGM, as the pedway is still under construction there.  After wandering through the restaurant at the main entrance and into the casino, we found a quiet spot at the MoneyLiner bar to have a cold drink and wait.  Unfortunately, P's phone connection wasn't working and we weren't able to connect.  After an hour we decided it was time to head back to the Sahara to get ready for our evening.

We had planned ahead of time to dress up for dinner one evening and this was it.  After showering and putting on our finery we took a taxi over to the D Hotel for the show.  We'd been told to arrive at least a half before the show, and stood in line-up for that time before we were escorted into the venue.  We'd bought VIP tickets so were seated near the stage.  There really was no point to that, as the entertainment took place mostly off stage, but we were treated to a free drink and a free t-shirt for the extra cost.  

I only have a couple of photos from that evening as I was too busy watching and laughing through most of the show.  This was taken by one of the performers, as each couple was asked for one to choke the other...that's me on the right.  Not the most flattering of photos but we had fun!*

The meal started off with a nice salad as you can tell.  Our entrees were a choice of beef, pork, or a vegetarian cheese tortellini primavera with pomodoro sauce.  I obviously had the latter, while S enjoyed her beef. 

The meal was served while the performance went on, and I didn't feel I had enough time to eat my entree.  Otherwise it was all very good.  Dessert, no photo, was a red velvet cake trifle with a raspberry syrup drizzled on top.  Yummy but I couldn't eat it all.  I guess it didn't matter I hadn't time to eat all my entree either.

I wasn't able to solve the mystery either; while three people were "murdered" during the performance the killer and her motive weren't apparent until the very end.  "Marriage Can Be Murder" recently celebrated it's 20th year; written and performed by a husband and wife duo, with a few other actors and audience participation, it really is a fun evening.  We had a chance to chat briefly with Eric and Jane at the end of the evening.  While the story line remains throughout, the show is never the same due to the audience.  I would tell you, the cast has as much fun as does their audience.  I don't think I've laughed as hard as I did that night for a very long time.

It was back to the hotel after the show, where we used some free play they provided, and an additional $10 to play the slots for a bit.  We played for about 30 minutes but neither of us was lucky enough to take any money out of the machines.  Back in our room, we had a drink and did most of our packing.  Just the last minute items were left to be tossed in our bags in the morning.

I'm glad I didn't take my camera (thank you to those who told me I wouldn't need it) as it meant I had lots of room for my shopping.  I had taken a small roller bag along with my duffle.  I used the latter as my carry-on and it held all of my dirty clothes, while the shopping and anything that wasn't or was lightly worn (dress clothes), along with shoes and larger toiletries went in the checked bag.  S's large suitcase was full to the brim and she just squeaked in over the weight limit but was waved on at the airport check-in the following day.

Our shuttle was scheduled for 9:15 a.m., but we were ready to go a bit early, so they sent the driver to us when we called.  Good thing, as it took longer to get to the airport than our ride in, and the line-up at security was lengthy.  Our flight was slightly delayed but we were in Edmonton on our direct flight by 5 p.m.  S took the shuttle over to where her van was parked, to exchange the items in her suitcase for more cooler weather clothing, after which she headed back to the airport to catch a flight to Saskatoon.

When we had originally planned our trip, I had booked a flight home on Saturday but S's plans changed, and since the cost of making a flight change was greater than a hotel room for the night I chose to stay near the airport for the night.  My flight wasn't until 3:30 Saturday afternoon I spent the morning, reading, watching the Canadian news channels, and drinking coffee.  The hotel had a complimentary breakfast that I enjoyed as well. I checked out, and took the shuttle back to the airport around noon. I arrived back in Regina shortly after 5, and arrived at the house by 6.  I love to travel, but travel days always seem long, and good to be home. 

Oh, I know what else I forgot to mention earlier.  The house listing expired Wednesday, but on Thursday I had a text from my agent telling me that the people who had seen the house the previous weekend wanted to come back for a second look on Friday.  I contacted my son C, he was okay with it, so I agreed.  I let my agent know that C would be at work and the cats would be in the house, but they could go ahead.  I then sent C a text with some instructions - make sure the cat litter is clean, put dirty dishes (if any) in the dishwasher, wipe down the counters, and ensure the air freshners were full.  Shortly thereafter, I had another text from the agent, that another group had been watching the listing and saw it had come down, so they wondered if they could get in.  After letting C know, I said okay.  I told my agent, if he could get me two competing offers this past 6 months would be worth it.  

As of this writing, I've yet to receive an offer.  However, the first couple told their agent they wanted to do some price-checking on work they'd want to do on the house before they decide on an offer.  So I have my fingers, toes, and any other bodily part I can, crossed that something comes of this.  However, in the meantime I'm not holding my breath either.  What will be will be.

The time away was good for me.  I'm feeling quite rested and relaxed, despite getting back into my routine, doing three loads of laundry, cooking and cleaning, etc.  

One final look at Vegas as we flew away.  I'm sure I'll be back!

*Perhaps I should caption the photo of S choking me, "S's reaction to my question of whether she'd be willing to travel with me again."  She enjoyed herself too, but did inform me that her feet will never be the same.