OUTDOOR RESORTS

We have arrived at our winter home last Monday. After being away for the off season there was much catching up to do, cob webs to be removed, tons of dust, sprinklers to be fixed etc. None of the jobs were too cumbersome. Don't miss the beautiful white heron sitting by the lake.

Otherwise, Ron has golfed almost every day and I am busy settling in. It is nearly paradise here. Weather is too perfect for me the Fall lover, but Ron is truly in heaven. Everything is flowers, green, and sparkling air. The nights are a little chilly, I guess, by southern California standards. In any case, one cannot complain.

LAS VEGAS, SATURDAY

We sure walked our feet off today. After coffee/tea and bagels in the morning we thought we would once again do a Casino tour. We visited the Balagio and Ceasar's Palace once more. This time we saw the Balagio Lobby with some incredible Fall decorations. There was even an agri-sculpture. Agri-sculpture is something made out of plants. This one was a bridge with a walk through gateway. Indescribable,really, but I will include a picture of Lisa on that particular walkway. Some of the pumpkins there were over 500 pounds.

This evening I won $63.00 on a nickel machine. And it only took me a dollar of nickels to do so. That was neat! The kids bought margaritas by the yard and we all shared them. Even at that we couldn't finish them. Unbelievable! This place is so incredible.

LAS VEGAS, FRIDAY

This beautiful day began with Heather handing the keys to her old car to Lisa. Lisa is thrilled with the sweet Honda. It is a 2002 Civic and in excellent shape. Heather got a new 2006 model.

Well after traveling to Los Angeles on Thursday we took off for Las Vegas on Friday morning. Mother (Tessie), Lisa, Ron and I took one car. Diane, Jose, Heather (the birthday girl), and Heather's boyfriend, Casey took another.

What a marvel this place is!!! A Disneyland for adults I would say.

We stayed at the Aladdin right across the street from the Balagio. The Balagio is probably my favorite hotel. We were next to the Paris. Such fun! We also walked to Ceasar's Palace. I am amazed at how Las Vegas has turned into a major shopping mall. This seems to be more of an occupation for visitors than gambling or shows. Wow!

We celebrated Heather's birthday with dinner at P.F.Chang's. That was great. Of course we tried a little gambling. Being old fashioned we were disappointed to find out there were no coin machines in our hotel. We all yearned for the sound of real nickels falling into the tray. Oh well! We had a lovely day anyway.

TRAVEL SOUTH

Ok, so we left Ashland Saturday around noon. We spent the night with friends in Walnut Creek.

On Sunday morning we continued south. We stopped by Blackstone Winery in Gonzalez, California. Ron remembered an excellent Merlot that Connie had shared from there one time when she was out west visiting. He was interested in rediscovering it. We ended up buying a couple of bottles of things only available at the winery. Fun though!

After that we spent some time at Montana de Oro. This is the beautiful beach that Angie loved so much. It was here that we scattered her ashes. I have included some pictures.

From there we went to Patty's and Scott's. We arrived at the same time as Grandpa and Grandma. We were so happy to see Grandma Amy, Melissa, Matt, Angela and of course Patty, Scott and my brother, Dave. The meal was delicious and the company was a favorite.

Since Sunday we have been spending time being with my Mom and Dad and that is wonderful. I really haven't taken any more photos. Last night Patty came over and joined us for dinner. Today we went into San Luis and had Frank's famous hot dogs for lunch. Tomorrow we should be having dinner once again at Scott and Patty's. That way we can see everyone again before we head to L.A. on Thursday. With any luck I will remember to take more photos tomorrow. Maybe David III and Kim and Chloe will even join us.