If at first you don't succeed

I decided to start my Christmas baking on Monday....it didn't go so well. First off, I was looking for recipes that do not include egg as Eli has an allergy.  I found what I thought sounded good; butter, brown sugar, milk, graham wafer crumbs, chocolate chips and walnuts.  I mixed up the batch and baked about 4 1/2 dozen mini baking cups of these cookies.  I thought there was an odd smell in the kitchen as they baked but decided it was my imagination.  After they cooled, my son and I both tested them.  Eww, there was something off and we both agree it was the chopped walnuts.  I went to the garbage bin and pulled out the bag, checking the best before date - October 2016.  Oops!  How did I miss that when I did my last fridge clean out?  Suffice to say that batch made its way to the bin, pronto!

Thankfully the following day I had better luck with my first batch of shortbread.  While I used a new-to-me recipe, it turned out very well.  I love the buttery taste of shortbread and so does my son, so I'm know this batch will disappear in short order.  It may be the first batch but it won't be the last.

Later in the week I made a pan of a gingerbread cake.  Another oops!  Somehow or another, the oven got turned off in the middle of baking.  When I finally wized up and realized it, and finishing cooking the cake the outside was a bit well done but at least the center was cooked through. But that wasn't the end of it.  I turned the cake out onto the board, flipped it over and part of the top came off.  It sure doesn't look pretty but it tastes fantastic While I intended to gift most or all of it, this cake won't be going anywhere.  At that point, all I could think was hopefully I'd have better luck with the next one! 

By Friday afternoon, I'd baked another gingerbread cake, another batch of shortbread (using my tried and true recipe), made a pan of butterscotch taffy, and had cookie dough chilling in the fridge. AND everything looked and tasted great!  But that wasn't all the excitement that day, as I received a frantic call from D that morning.  A water pipe had burst in the house, the water was flowing throughout the main floor and the basement had several inches on the floor as well.  She was trying to mop it up but was overwhelmed by the flooding.  We didn't know where the shut-off valve was, so she called a plumber who came over and shut it off. 

He discovered a pipe in the bathroom off the kitchen had literally "popped off".  This wasn't an old pipe from when the plumbing would have put into the house, probably in the 50's or 60's but a PVC pipe from the 1990's.  D called the insurance company to make a claim while the plumber went to his shop to get some parts.  He returned and left the old pieces with D, in case the insurance company wanted to see them.  In the meanwhile the insurance got in touch with a local restoration company to get the process of cleaning up the water, checking the furnace and water heater in the basement, and for any damage upstairs.  They will prepare a quote for the insurance company but based on D's conversation with the adjuster it sounds like they will approve it all.  

After the restoration company had arrived and done their walk-through, D called me.  Oh boy, this is going to be a real process.  Both the furnace and water heater will need to be replaced even though both are functioning at the moment. 

ALL of the flooring on the mainfloor will need to be replaced as well, as there was already buckling in the dining room, and the flooring goes throughout the main floor.  In addition, they told her they want to start ripping out the flooring today because of mold concerns.  So D and Eli went for a drive to a larger center, where she did some Christmas shopping, to allow the guys to get the work done.  Luckily the temperature was hovering above freezing so the cats could hang out in the sunroom and out of the way of the workers.  When she returned a few hours later all of the flooring was up, and the fans were in place.  Amazingly they worked around her furniture and everything was back in their normal placement as well.  


I did get out of the house as well this week.  Groceries were picked up on Tuesday, I met friends for breakfast and went to stitch and chat on Wednesday.  Friday evening, C and I went out to the Regina Golf Club to the annual dinner put on by our local AirForce association.  The dinner brings together young air cadets, their cadet leaders, members of the Snowbirds including pilots and aircraft technicians, AirForce assocation members and friends.  This night, the guest of honor was our Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Russ Merasty and his wife Donna.  The meal was great and we had a good group at our table.  

I got started on a new cross stitch project at the afternoon stitch group.  I'd picked up the kit at the Salvation Army thrift store for just a few dollars.  I've finished up a few projects and simply grabbed it to give me something to do.  

In the meantime, this is one of my latest finishes.  I had lots of this orange yarn, so I crocheted myself a slouchy hat. It's bright enough I shouldn't lose it anywhere, right?

I used the same yarn to make matching beanies for my D and Eli.  I actually made the larger one first thinking it might fit Eli, but I could wear it, so I revised the pattern slightly to make the smaller version.  I've started crocheting a pair of mittens for Eli of the same yarn since I still have some left.  I've never crocheted mittens, only knitted, so these are an experiment in the making.  So far, I've unravelled the first mitt twice because I wasn't happy with the way it was looking. 

Sunday is shaping up to be a relaxing day, at least most of it.  I got a notification just before 8, that CBC was live streaming the quarter finals of curling from an event in Halifax, so I have that running on my laptop as I write this.  Later there are two football games, the East and West Division finals, and our Riders are playing the the second game.  You can bet I'll be glued to the television and the poor cats will be running from the room as I cheer from my couch. 

Enjoy your day everyone!

Some whining and a bit of gratitude

If you are hearing whining in the distance, it's just me.  We had more snow, followed by the cold, more snow, and more cold.  This is November, dammit not January or February!  Apparently Mother Nature doesn't care what I think.  Wednesday morning was the worst as I awoke to -21C (-6F) with windchills approaching -30C.  I had thought I'd shovel the driveway but it was still so cold when I went out to feed the birds, I decided to head back indoors and have a shower instead.  

We had more snow on Tuesday afternoon, and I had shovelled before my son got home from work.  There must have been 2-3 inches of the fluffy stuff at that time.  It continued to snow lightly, so there was maybe a 1/2 inch or so left on the driveway that I cleared up on Wednesday before I went to the weekly stitch and chat at the library.  

Friday was a reasonably decent weather day, but that brought snow on Saturday.  I shovelled twice that day to try to keep the driveway clear.  By evening it had stopped but there was a cold wind so we've got a couple of days of freezing to get through before things improve.  Ok, enough whining!  I grateful to have a warm and comfortable home where I can shelter from the weather.

This week, I went through the items I've purchased (or made) for Christmas gifts and finalized my list.  I was very happy to realize I'm almost done.  Just a couple of gift cards; one for my nephew K and one for L, my esthetician.  I'll pick those up later this month, K's when I fill up at the gas station and L's at the grocery store.  When I added up the total, I was even more excited to realize I've stayed within my budget and it will all be paid for in advance of Christmas.  I don't need Christmas cards or wrapping paper as I have lots of that left over from last year.  (I know it seems early but as most of you know, I dislike crowds with a passion, so shopping around Christmas time is a non-starter for me).  

I also started the list of Christmas baking ideas.  I'm sure it will change over time but there are a few things I generally make every year.  Shortbread and mini cheesecakes are definitely on that list and I was fortunate to find butter and cream cheese on sale at Costco a few weeks ago. Since I have more time to spend on these activities I'm thinking I may try my hand at more finicky type baking.  Nanaimo bars, perhaps?

C and I postponed our regular Friday night dinner to Saturday, after we went to see the movie Midway.  The movie was incredible: the special effects amazing and the story was told without a lot of gore (which is sort of suprising given the topic).  While the impact on Pearl Harbor is well-known and I visited there several years ago, I must admit I didn't know anything about Midway.  The US navy had fewer men, fewer ships, and fewer aircraft, than the Japanese.  Through the efforts of the code-breakers and the belief of their results by the man in charge, they were able to surprise the Japanese at Midway and secure the Pacific.  The sheer bravery of those young (and some old) men to fly into the face of the guns on the aircraft carriers, while being chased through the skies by the Japanese war planes.  I'm sure there were at least a few on both sides shot down by friendly fire.  The movie was a spectacle, real life must have been excruciating.  While this movie focused on the one battle in the one war, I'm grateful to all those who served to ensure our security and freedom.

It reminds me that I really have little to complain about.  Now I'm off to watch the finals of the curling, and the CFL playoff games.  Eight hours of sports isn't for everyone but I'm a happy girl.

Have a great week everyone!

Keeping on, keeping on

Snow, miserable snow.  D and Eli left earlier than planned on Monday due to the continued snow and blowing snow. After they left, I thought they might have stayed another night, but then checked the forecast and was glad they made it safely home.  We got more snow overnight, the temperature dropped to -11C (12F) and the snow continued through most of the day.  Oh, I had so hoped not to bring out the snow shovel just yet!

We got Eli into his Superman costume, most of it anyway, before he decided he'd had enough of that.  D had to "fly" him around before he decided that it wasn't so bad after all!  Excuse the dirty face.  He's had a cold and between the area under his nose that is rubbed raw and the cookie he ate, he's a mess. :) 

Due to the nasty weather, I stayed home Monday but did make a trip to the grocery store on Tuesday to grab a few items.  I'm having fun with my new Google mini - I simply ask her* to add items to a grocery list and pull it up on my phone when I get to the store.  No matter, I still bought more than was on my list.  Safeway had pasta on sale for $.99 a box so I grabbed a couple more for the pantry.  I know that comfort food will be high on my list of go-to recipes as the weather gets colder still. 

I'm getting back into my routine, with coffee on Wednesday and dinner on Friday with C.  I wish I could say she's less depressed about the separation but I suspect it will be some time yet before she's truly ready to move on, if ever.  Meanwhile we find other topics to discuss.  I went to my stitch and chat group as well; this week there were eight of us working on various projects.  One of the women, just started coming last week.  She'd picked up a crewel needlework kit from a thrift store.  None of us have done crewel stitching, so as she is learning so are we.  There was knitting, cross stitch, embroidery, a quilt in the process of being hem stitched, and someone cutting out pieces for a quilt.  I took along some table napkins to stitch - will show them off when they are finished.

I did get a few things finished this week. On the left is the framed counted cross stitch project which I will give to my friend C for Christmas.  I know she doesn't read the blog so I'm safe to show it here.  

On the right is one of the pillow covers I knit using leftover yarn.  For the backing I used the last bit of cloth from Eli's Superman cape.  To finish the cover, I sewed it on my machine on three sides, inserted the pillow form, then whip stitched the bottom closed.  I can easily open that side up, and replace the cover with something else after Christmas.  I need to pick up another pillow form ($10) to finish the second pillow.  There was still a bit of yarn leftover so I used it to make small squares for coasters.  These I hot glued to squares of cork board for backing.  

It did warm up a bit mid-week but unfortunately all that did was create wet streets and sidewalks that froze overnight and became skating rinks.  So Thursday I was hard at the house cleaning to increase my steps and activity.  I swept, vacuumed, and washed the floors upstairs before heading down to the basement to give it a good cleaning.  (Other than vacuuming, cleaning cat litter, and washing the floor in that part of the basement, it hasn't had a good scrub for a few weeks.)

The trick or treaters started showing up about 5:30, but just a trickle until an hour later when they started showing up more frequently.  I'd packaged up 45 bags of candy but only ended up handing out 27.  My son and I will likely make short work of the mini chocolate bars while the lollipops will get tucked away for next year.                                                                  This photo is of Eli out trick or treating.  No problem getting him to wear the cape when he realized he'd get candy!  D said they went around the block, which was plenty for the little guy.  One of the stops was at a senior's apartment; D told me that several of them thanked her for bringing him.  That's sweet!

Saturday was another day of football, with our Riders playing the Edmonton Eskimos in the first game.  Our starting quarterback was injured in practice this week and did not play.  No matter, we still won and have clinched first place in our West Division.  This means the team won't play until the division play off on November 17th...best of all they'll be at home.  It gives the guys a couple of weeks off to rest and recuperate, practice and watch video.  Well deserved!

The later games had less significance (at least to me) but I watched portions of both before heading for bed.  In the midst of the third came I had a text from my former real estate agent.  Another agent, who had shown the house earlier, was reaching out to see if I would be amenable to an offer lower than asking.  After a brief back and forth between us, Curtis texted her back to say "maybe, and how much lower?"  She did get back to him saying she'd let her client know and they would look at the recent Solds again.  So, who knows there may be another offer despite the house is no longer listed.  Again, I'm not holding my breath.  It just seems this saga is never ending.

Sunday is a day of rest.  I'll watch some NFL football, work on a crochet project, and if I'm feeling really ambitious, I'll do a little baking.  I took some bananas out of the freezer to make loaves which will likely end up back in the freezer.  I made two batches this week, chocolate chip drop coookies and cranberry ice box cookies so we don't need any more baking to tempt us.

Have a great week ahead everyone!  

Wordy Wednesday

Sadly, winter has arrived.  

Already a small pile of snow on the patio.

The deck is covered. 

The bird feeder is well attended.

The only one who seems to be enjoying it is my brother's dog Kola, on a run with R.  

Reality

It sure doesn't take long after returning from vacation to get back into the routine of home, does it?  After doing my laundry and putting away the suitcases, there was the rest of the house to tackle.  My son did a good job of keeping things tidy, but the floors needed a vaccum and a wash.  Quick, somebody invent a self-cleaning house!  I'd have to win a lottery to afford it but a girl can dream can't she?

However, I didn't totally focus on the house.  Monday was election day here in Canada.  Even though the campaign only lasted 40 days it seemed much longer.  The rhetoric was histronic with personal attacks rather than policy announcements. Our media made no attempt to refocus the attention, and in some cases even stoked the fear and division. Reminds me of another election a few years ago in a neighbouring country.  I spent Monday evening and well into the next morning, watching the results roll in.  For those who don't follow Canadian news the Liberal government was re-elected but with a minority government.  It's a result I thought was likely to occur, and as a progressive myself, I'm grateful for the result.  It will require cooperation and stronger communication to govern....attributes that I believe are truly important for any government.  

Tuesday was a back to normal busy day.  I met my friend K for lunch - she had a birthday last week so it was my treat.  I'd dropped the car off next door at Kal Tire to have the tires changed over for the winter, so we met at Mr. Greek.  We both enjoy their gyros, and with coupons it was a good price.  After lunch, the car was still on the hoist, so I walked over to the Safeway, to their pharmacy, to get my flu shot.  It's the first time I've had the shot so they asked me to stay in the store for 30 minutes to ensure no adverse reaction.  Other than a sore arm, there was none and when I walked back to Kal Tire, the car was ready to go.  Reminder to self: check the trunk for the replaced tires.  I got home, went to unload and discovered they hadn't put them back in the car!  So a return trip was made to pick up the summer tires. 

I had coffee with my friend C on Wednesday morning, then made a trip to Costco for furnace filters and a Google Home Mini.  The mini was $25 off it's regular price and the filters were $10 off three.  I use the kind that are supposed to filter out pet hair.  They seem to work reasonably well, as every time I replace the filter it is covered in fur!  While Costco is a bit further away than it once was, the savings were sufficient to make going there worthwhile.  

After dropping off my purchases, I headed over to the library for stitch and chat. A couple of ladies weren't there, one has left for Arizona, the other was playing bridge, but there were four of us plus a new woman.  Although we don't know each other well, there never seems to be a shortage of topics to discuss.  From crafts, to weather, to family health, and even curling.  As a result of the latter topic I realized the Grand Slam of Curling's first event is being played this weekend.  Thursday morning was the first televised game....can you guess how I spent most of the weekend?  Add in a Rider game and I was in my happy place.  


Then on Sunday, Eli and his mom are coming for a visit as she has appointments tomorrow in the city.  They will spend the night, and I will spend the days following their visit cleaning up after them.  But I wouldn't miss the time I get to spend with the little guy.  

We'll be spending our time indoors, I imagine because I woke to this this morning!  This looks worse than it really is, but we do have about an inch on the ground.  We have a couple of days in the next week where temps will be above or near freezing so it may disappear.  But I suspect winter has truly arrived.  :(

As for the house, I've heard nothing from my agent so I assume it was a no go.  That's okay, I'm quite enjoying not being quite as strict with my cleaning regime.  Speaking of which, I'd best get the cat litter cleaned before Eli gets here.  Talk about reality!

Have a great week everyone!

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.  

Vegas, Part 2

Sun rise view from our room

On Wednesday, we slept in a bit.  By a bit, I mean I think I was awake shortly before 7 and S was awake around 7:30.  We had big plans for the morning!  We were off to the Premium Outlet mall (North) for more shopping....charge!!

Wait, the mall didn't open until 9:30 so we had a couple of hours to kill.  I really don't recall what we did, other than clean up, sort through more brochures, check e-mails and the like.  Why we were looking at more shows is beyond me...we were already booked for every evening.  I'm pretty sure we sat and gabbed as we're both pretty good at that!

The mall is also a short taxi ride from our hotel, just over the $10 mark again.  We were there early, just at opening time, but several stores had yet to open their doors.  We found the food court where we both got a small bite to eat before we headed out to the stores.  I think we were both a little overwhelmed with all the options but we soon put those feelings aside.  Our first stop was at Gap for Kids.  I found two t-shirts and two pairs of sweatpants for Eli for a mere $4.99 each!  S did well too, finding items on sale for her grandsons here too.

I don't recall where we went next, but do know we had a long stop at the Jockey store.  I found a dressy t-shirt, a skort, and a pair of leggings for myself for less than $45 (less than $60 Cdn per my credit card statement).  The clerk found me a chair to sit in, while S tried on much of the store...she loves Jockey!  She walked out with a full shopping bag, clothing that will be good for her trip to Cancun this winter, and for summer too.  

Then it was off to the Disney store, where I found the cutest pair of pj's for Eli, while S picked up t-shirts for her grandsons.  We had planned to eat at The Cheesecake Factory, but there was a huge line-up when we arrived so decided we'd wait until we returned to the hotel.  After a few more stops in various shops, she headed to the Children's Place while I tried a couple of shoe stores looking for a specific brand of shoes for Eli.  He has wide feet that makes finding shoes to fit difficult.  Unfortunately I wasn't successful.  It was time to head back to the hotel, but on our way out we decided a burger at the Shake Shack was a great idea.  Our feet were killing us by this point, so sitting down was the key!

Back at the hotel, it was time to go through our purchases, gather up the receipts, do the math to determine how close we were to our limits, and relax a bit before we both showered and got ready for the evening.  Since we were booked for the show at the Stratosphere, we decided to take in happy hour in the Sky Lounge 107.  If one choses - we did not - you can eat at the revolving restaurant on the 106th floor.  

The photo is of the Strip - it was incredible to watch the city light up as the sun set.  We weren't fortunate enough to have this view from our seats as the place was packed but there was a spot where one could stand and take photos.  We had drinks and appetizers there before we headed downstairs for the show.

Celestia is billed as "an all-new entertainment spectacular presented in a state-of-the-art 30,000 square foot theatrical tent and featuring a talented troupe of more than two dozen world-class performers."  It was a wonderful show and I have few photos to share and a video of the finale.  

There were two young women, one to either side of the stage whose flexibility was just incredible!  The show itself revolved around another young woman as she travelled through the world after falling from the sky (sorry no photos of that).  Along the way she met and danced/tumbled with several different groups.  Each group had a different theme or aparatus.  There were fire and ribbons and drums; throughout she appeared with her celestial orb that was presented to the group at the end of each performance.






One of my favorite duos was a father/daughter team who had been on America's Got Talent. Dad balanced his daughter either on his hands or on his head.  These two photos are the start of end of his climb up and over a ladder with his daughter balanced on his head.  Not once did it appear that either one was off balance!

I couldn't watch the entire finale, but did capture 30 seconds of video during part of it.  Yes, the height of their antics got to me, and I had to turn my head to look away!  These guys have no fear.  S told me they had several of the troupe below spotting them, but I don't care, if one of them were to fall from that height it would have caused some serious injuries. (I can't get it to play in preview so I hope it works for you!)

After the performance, we walked back to the hotel where we had a drink before settling in for the night.  It was a good day, just under 19000 steps on the FitBit, we both got some bargains, had some great food, and saw a fabulous show!