Tag Sales and Meetups

Today was all about Yard Sales and Meetups.  This morning the large “neighborhood” my friends live in are having a huge Yard Sale and it's not a rinky dink activity this development is a rather large one at that (at least I think so).  We drove around to the indicated places on a map looked and couldn’t find anything worth buying that is.

    We then headed back towards the house making a few stops to a small park and walked around.  It was about half a mile and called the Rose Park.

We then headed towards the Silverton with the idea in mind ot have lunch.  We tried going to Cracker Barrel that was near the Silverton but there was an hour long wait.  So we tried one of the restaurants in the Silverton. It was the Sundance Grill. My friends had a hamburger and calamari while Surf and turf.  Unfortunately part of the turf was fried shrimp. So I had my asparagus, and salad. The whole meal came to $59 (including tip). It was fun and on top of that we go to see the Mermaid Tank.

By then we headed home to get ready for the Happy Hour Meetup at The Martinis restaurant in the North Summerlin Neighborhood of Las Vegas.  I met a lot of nice people all retired from the respective jobs.  From all over the country they all moved out here because they were tired of the weather in respective locales.

We had wings, and soda and really great conversation.  We left around 7 and were home by 8. We relaxed for a while.  I tried to watch TV for a while and then got tired and headed to bed.  I was thinking the pollen was getting bad again.

Unfortunately didn’t make my daily 12000 steps goal.  Mama encouraged me to use the treadmill but I would have be preferred to walk outside but by then I was too tired.  It will be different tomorrow. We are going to Overton NV tomorrow.

Red Rock Canyon

The day started off pretty cool at 48 degrees and very sunny.  I was looking forward to the temperatures going into the 70’s for the hike into Red Rock Canyon.

Before we went though  we had to do some errands in the same area.  They wanted to meet with their attorney for stuff.  So I kept myself busy. I went to a coffee shop called Leone  Cafe and had breakfast. It was quite a busy place and I got an egg white Asparagus Omelet with a salad. I thought it was strange to include a salad with breakfast but what do I know the other options were things I couldn’t have.  I had coffee with it. I sat out on the patio and did some people watching. The meal came to $12. 99. It was still a bit cool but nice.

IF you need to go to a public restroom you will need to go down the street into another building.  Where the Lawyer’s office is located. I learned that this Business center that included a wide range of stores and restaurants and offices all had an underground parking facility that you could access from any location.

I was thoroughly pleased to see a bakery called CupKates by Kate.  Just what I need!!!   I showed great restraint by not going in the store but I did take a picture of it!!!

When my friends finished their errand we met up at the cafe and they had a late morning breakfast.  We chatted about stuff and then headed to Red Rock Canyon.

Red Rock Canyon is 20 miles west of Summerlin.It is a Nature Conservatory and has many vistas and things to do.  OF course you can pay for the day or for a pass which allows you many things. We attempted one of the trails and couldn't do it.  Some of the trails were widespread and all over the place. We decided to drive the scenic loop and look around that way. So my attempts at the hikes were not fulfilled.  Neither was my daily steps goal. I did get to see a couple of people try to round up two goats which was very cool.

The Visitors Center is hosting a Naturalization Ceremony tomorrow and anyone could attend.  We have made other plans but it would have been very cool. It was to be held in their outdoor amphitheater

When we finished the scenic drive we went back into the Visitors center to look around.  There were so many nice things from T-shirts, books, clothings and Media . WE then went to a late lunch.

It was at Sweet Tomatoes.  A Salad bar that was very interesting you could only go once so you had to fill up on what you wanted.  There were 8 fresh soups and chili made daily. They had breads, desserts, and fruit. The price is fairly reasonable $9.

We headed out to Albertson’s to get some snacks for tonight’s Mexican Train at their friend J’s home.  She is in a Senior Living complex that’s very beautiful. She has a cute dog named Petunia and loves attention.  We played until 10. We chatted for a bit before going home.

As we were driving home the night time views were just as beautiful.  You could see the Las Vegas Strip from where we were. It was awesome.

We got home about 11 and I got ready for bed.  We had to be up by 9 in the morning for the Development’s neighborhood yard sale.  

Purim Party

It is early in the morning I haven’t gone walking yet.  Decided to sleep in longer after going to bed so late yesterday.  Today we went to a Purim Party in Summerlin.  It was held at Community Center and with People that Mama met and apparently knew through other associations it was so funny.  There was some refreshments and (and I ate the fresh fruit and had coffee).

Afterwards we we went to a Bagel cafe.  I had ordered tossed Salad and huge bowl of chili.  The chili filled me up so I couldn’t eat the salad but saved it for a dinner tonight.  It was delicious and the restaurant was great and locate in one of the many Shopping centers all around the city and area.  

Afterwards we headed to the Summerlin Cottonwood Canyon trail which is located near a senior Center near another shopping center.  There are plenty of shopping centers every 1000 feet or so. We only did a half mile walk on it but it is supposedly much longer. Very good for bikers, dog walkers,  and slow people like myself. We made a quick pit stop at the said Senior Center and then headed home.

We took the highway 215 as it was getting late and close to the end of the work day.  Happily the sun had been out for a couple of hours by then and made the scenery vibrant and beautiful.  If I had been tired prior I wasn’t. THe walk and the scenery was rejuvenating.

We took a tour of the rest of the development before coming back to the house.  We had dinner at home and then R and I took an hour long walk in the outer rim of the development.  We checked the internet while M watched a show from Netflix.

I did call my nephew in CO but he hasn’t returned my call.  I would imagine he was working. I hope he will call me so we can chat.  I did send a message to Jim to let him know because I only heard from him earlier this morning.

Sent text to K back home and to Sis...

Then did some laundry.

I spent about 30 minutes on the treadmill and made my 12000.  I had already sent an email to AW for the food logs and an hour earlier so I wanted to make sure I had done the 12000.  By the time I got to bed i had done 200 more.

THE HMA Meeting

I got up shortly after 6 today and it was weird to not have Sky or Tiger waking me up!  What am I saying it was great. It was very cool to hear the planes flying over head.

Roberta and I did take our walk last night and it is on FB.  It helped with my steps but I didn’t quite make it to the 12000 steps I promised A.  I Did take the same routes today (it's a development) this morning and it is 1.09 miles.  My steps already were well into 3k by 8 in the morning.

The day started out in the 60’s overcast and would stay that way

I got news from back home.  The kitties are fine. Unfortunately there was a very big Fire at Silver Sands state park.  There is an investigation going on now.  Thankfully no one got hurt. I don’t know if these were recently added as the park was going through major renovations.  I had seen an alert on FB about it but didn’t think about it.

I also found out I forgot to cancel my dermatology appointment for the 26th.  So I made that call and it's now for the April 5.

One of my classmates lost her husband yesterday so I made plans to pick up a card and mail it.  I also sent one to my friend Cindy from the DTC.

As I said yesterday not really sure what is on the agenda today.  They have lots planned for me for these two weeks.

we had done some errands after having breakfast at Egg works Restaurant.  It was delicious and fun. I had a Mexican OMelet with Turkey bacon and a plate of fresh fruit sliced.  Of course had coffee. I am always surprised by what Turkey bacon looks like.

Afterwards we had to stop at Meinke and then to Albertson’s for groceries and the cards. I have always heard about Albertson’s and was interested in seeing what was like.  It is a regular grocery store. It was where we got the cards and some really delicious fruit.

We came home and relaxed for a while before going to the Timeshare Board meeting that was held at the VAcation Hilton complex.  The whole thing was interesting but reaffirmed I will never buy one (timeshares).

After the meeting we drove around the strip before heading to Dean’s BBQ restaurant that was located near the Silverton.  The restaurant is on Dean Martin Drive and I surmise is named after the late Entertainer Dean Martin.

I had a Caprese salad (my favorite in whichever form it comes) and a full rack of ribs.  That was nine and I ate them all. I was full for a short time. A dilemma I faced quite often while here.  I would eat but a short time later ended up getting hungry.

When we finished we came home and played a rousing game of Mexican Train.  We played well until midnight and took a walk afterwards. I even got on the treadmill for about 20 minutes.  I surpassed my 12000 steps.

On My Way

Well after having last minute change s to ride to the airport.    I am I'm on my way. What were the changes? CT Limo called me at 11 Monday morning to tell me they didn’t have a driver or vehicle and would have to cancel my reservation and refund me money.  I was annoyed. I called them back and told them I would never use their service again. I had to call Liz and let her know. I left a message but she didn’t get it but when I called her a second time we discussed that and caught up with each other.  So I called Hy’s Livery and got door to door service for 4 am this morning. I should have done that from the start.

I slept on the couch and managed to get up without issues.  I got ready and spent time with the kitties.

The ride to NY was fine.  There was some traffic due to the bridge reconstruction but we got to the airport in fairly good time.  Checked the luggage in at curbside for $3. You can do this by credit or debit. Tip can be cash.

Checked the boarding pass then went through the TSA lines and it seemed to move fairly quickly even with all the people there.  Got through the line and gathered my things and then headed to the Gate.

I found a less expensive coffee shop that had all kinds of food just before the gate.  I got a coffee and Strawberry chobani. I think it came to $6. I went and found a seat and ate.  Chatted with a few people sitting next to me going to San Lucia (the flight before mine). After chatting with them and they had to leave I took a walk to the window to take a picture of the skyline.  Chatted with other passengers and also sent some texts and posts to FB.

Boarding time was just about 7:25.  It was pretty quick and easy. As soon as I got to my seat I settled in and began dozing through all the pertinent announcements.  I could still hear them on some level.. Woke up long enough to watch the plane take off at 8:20.

AT 21344 Feet.  They began serving snacks and food.  Some of the offerings were expensive.  What the hell is Chia seed pudding? I would have had some protein snacks but they too were $9.  The free snacks were not an option.

By 10 of 9 were at 31368 feet and in the distance could see the land below and it was very cool indeed.

T was fortunate that there were only two people in the seats me and this other gentlemen. He was watching TV for a while and then fell asleep.  I spent the time trying hard to do puzzles but I ended up sleeping as much as I could.

We were scheduled to arrive in LV at 10:30 it turned out to be 11:30.  I tried a few times to let Mama know but it didn’t work until I was on the ground.  I was certain the time change would confuse me.

There were three women sitting behind us and they talked about working out and I had to smile.  They were actually pretty loud for a long while and even woke up my seat companion. I shared with them about working out.  I was glad they fell asleep because I was starting to get a headache.

Shortly after 11 the flight map came up on the screen in front of me and it was indicating we were over South Dakota and I looked out the window and it looked like there was still snow on the ground.

Around 12:15 Eastern (9 am pT) time we were over Wyoming and I was finally able to go to the lavatory.  I was afraid to wake the nice man up but he said next not to wait. I made several attempts to send messages to various platforms but they didn’t work and I had to wait until we landed.  The phone was beginning to lose power by then too. I couldn’t charge it anywhere around there.

We landed at 11:30 local time.  Got the luggage without any problems and contacted Mama and Papa.  I couldn’t find them at first but I finally did and we headed to a restaurant.

The scenery on the way to the restaurant was beautiful.  We could see Mt Charleston with snow on it. The restaurant was Our Families Country Cafe.  Mama and Papa had breakfast and I had lunch.  After Lunch we came home.

They took me on a tour of their neighborhood/development.  It is beautiful. Their home is beautiful. We relaxed for the next several hours watching a movie 2018’s  Interview with God.  It was great.  We followed that up with a few episodes of DS9.  

It was about 4 or 4:30 when we decided to go for dinner.  We went to Krazy Buffet. It is a An Asian all you can eat buffet.  there are two of them but we went to the one on Rainbow BLVD in Las Vegas.  It was half hour North of Mama and Papa's house. I had mostly seafood, some I listed on my food log as *chinese buffet*.  Coconut Shrimp, Teriyaki chicken, Crabs, shrimp and vegetables, Steamed sea bass. I had green tea and one fortune cookie.

On the way home we could see the strip lit up and it was awesome.  We saw some more developments all lit up but the night time traffic not so much.  They pointed out a hiking trail that I will like to try out this week. I don’t know if we can tomorrow.

Not sure what is on the schedule tomorrow but some of the things I did hear are the Mob museum, Lion reserve, a Mexican train game or two, a meetup or two (meals).

I have done 3909 steps so far and I need to do more so I need to go and do it before I start sleep walking.

One Day

It is now one day before I leave for my trip. Today I will do  the errands that need to be done before leaving.  I have to go to the library and print out the boarding pass.    The email arrived 10 minutes ago.  Prior to this I have been checking my emails for the last two days and the only thing I got was “what to expect” on the flight.  It basically shared what amenities I have and what refreshments will be available.  DO gave me a neck pillow to sleep along with the plugs and earphones for the movies.  I have found the puzzle books I am taking and left them downstairs.  I still have to find the book I want to read and I am going to bring hardcover journal in case I can’t get to the google documents.

I got an early morning pick up confirmation from my sister and so that’s taken care of.  I told her I took today off for a couple of errands and waiting for Livia.  Which I have to do something for that.

errands to do as well before I go to the challenge tonight.  I just remembered I have to go to the Quest diagnostics for the tests.

Today is my grandmother's Birthday

Today is not only St Patrick Day but my maternal Grandmother’s 123 Birthday.  She was born in Ireland and came to the US with her siblings at a young age in New Haven.  I don’t recall very well exactly how she got here or why her parents weren’t with her but she became fiercely independent that made her the person she was.  

There are so many different stories on what her life was like here.  She met and married my grandfather and they moved to Milford and raised their family until my grandfather died young.  She ended up working in jobs that women didn’t usually get.  THey had a large family as well.  Some of my older cousins are well into their 80’s as well.

Unfortunately the stories and my memories of her are tainted because of what she was like and how she treated people over the years before she had dementia and whatever.  She was always divisive and thought nothing of criticizing and cutting people down in front of others. 

I do remember the parties we would have for her and they were huge and we got to see family we hadn’t seen during the year.  Those were nice but I suspect even those times were divisify.

Don’t get me wrong I loved my family despite the dysfunctional crap that went on but these are  the memories I carry with them.  I would learn later that things were not always perfect in each of the branches of the family tree.  I never realized until all of our parents were dead that many had difficult times with my grandmother as well as their own parents.  Now I guess some of them laugh it off.  I can’t but I realize there is nothing I can do about it but recognize it.

So today i didn’t get up until 6:30!!  I was awake before that and trying to sleep but you know who was trying to wake me up.  I got up fed them and got on the couch for an hour.  It felt great to sleep in that late but it still makes me nervous about Tuesday’s alarm.

It is a lot cooler than yesterday but there is sunshine.  For how long is not clear.  There doesn’t seem to be any rain in the forecast.  If that’s the case then this will be a good day to clean out my car and and another walk.

I did check the weather forecast for LV.  it's going to be in the 70’s but cloudy (probably sunny and cloudy) for the first few days.  It looks like it will be mixture of sun and clouds for the entire time I am there.  The weather here looks almost the same except for the second half its supposed to rain the entire week.

I am trying to get anything done that won’t be in Livia’s way tomorrow.  I actually sent her a message to see if she is coming this week.  I got a reply 20 minutes later.  She is coming.  So I will do my errands so she can work.

I made more shrimp and had that for lunch.  I also burned my finger..and it yes it hurts.  Note to self?  If something hot drops on the stove wait.

A beautiful Saturday

It has been a beautiful Saturday all around.  The temperatures started off in the low 40’s and rose to low 50’s.  There was a cool breeze to make it feel like spring was coming but there was some moments that it got windy,  It's kind of cloudy now but not expecting rain I don’t think.

It's been a regular Saturday morning.  This time though ordered the Biales for Mama and will pick them up on monday around noon.  I can put them in my backpack for the plane.  I sent message that it was done and later in the day they sent thanks.

Went to the gym.  It was tough.  Today was also the last challenge group class for the fitness challenge.  We had pictures and you can find them on FB. I am sure.  I looked pathetic.  After the classes I went to the pharmacy and picked up the prescriptions and came home and relaxed for awhile.  At Noon I returned for the session with Alex.  We still did inbody even though I weighed in earlier (215lbs) according to Alex I lost 5 lbs for the challenge.  We reviewed the food tracking and when i came to class.   He reiterated many times to not mess up while on my trip.  I told him I would email, text, IM him if I have to.  I did ask him what other options could i have for breakfast while there.  I did have to row about 80 calories for the days I missed and promised him to get the steps in.

I had some time but not much before getting to the hair salon.  So i went to Chipotles for lunch.  I got a salad with steak chunks in them and had it at home and relaxed.  Relaxed for a while.  Noticed TNT has a star wars marathon going on.

Ran a couple of errands and went to the salon.  I was out of there by 3:30 and home by 4.  Not really in the mood to get much done.  Sleeping mostly.  Spending time with Princess Tiger and later on updating computer stuff.

I actually need to get more steps in before the night is over.  I promised A for that.  I did schedule a class for tomorrow and I tried for Monday morning but I think I will just do cardio because the class interferes with the Library that morning.

Had a cool surprise Canada geese/goose were in my yard.  You can see it on FB if you would like.

Almost ready

I think I am almost ready.  The kitty care has been arranged.  I am awaiting the most recent chewy delivery that should be here later today or tomorrow.  My hope is there is enough food there for them.  I can’t believe I will be away from them for so long.  

My suitcase is completely packed.  My outfit for the ride is picked out.  My ride to and from the shuttle is all set.  I spoke to Sis via text and she will be picking me up half hour before my shuttle pick up.

I just have to pick up some meds and put them in the med dispenser and then put that in my carry on.  I have my camera phone but I think I will pick up a camera or two when I get out there and tomorrow I need to order Beilles.   

At sometime between the gym visits I have to go to the bank and to the hair salon and get my hair done.

Work was okay.  Even though I got a lot done it took longer because the systems were giving me a hard time.  I didn’t ask AC how it was for her because I don’t think she was having problems but from what i gather others had problems with their stuff.  It was frustrating.  Everyone wished me a great time on the trip.

I had a great session with Debra.  We discussed the challenges that I had and how it was handled.  We talked about the trip as well.

Tonight the oil bill was waiting for me again.  Can’t wait to have it less during the summer.  I Hope.  Actually it was this time I am surprised.  That’s  good thing too.

I made shrimp and rice tonight.  I just put shrimp in cornstarch and seasoning and cooked it in  pan with a little bit of oil.  The rice was the Riced cauliflower.  It came out good.

I managed to not do very much tonight except watch a couple of movies and now its time for me

Thankful Thursday 3/14/19

1.         I am thankful for my family warts and all.   Everyone seems to be doing well..Baby Joshua came into the world last week and is beautiful.

2.        I am thankful for my kitties.  They are doing well and cuddly.  

3.         I am thankful for my job.  Been busy getting much accomplished.  Just ahve to stay focused. Union has a membership informational sessions coming up.  We have membership meeting when i get back from my trip. .

4.         I am thankful for the Medical profession that keeps me on the road to good health. See Debra tomorrow. Need to get to gym.  Didn’t go yesterday. Still need to get bloodwork done.  Out of sight out of mind.

5.         I am thankful for my neighbors.  Everyone is good.  Said goodbye to old friends and welcomed in new neighbors.

6.         I am thankful for my home.  

7.         I am thankful for my friends.   Getting ready to see Mama R and Papa M.  Had the Coffee meetups and one Walk meetup.  

8.         I am thankful for the organizations I belong to.    Went to the Ladies Guild the other night. Went well.

9          I am thankful for the weather.  Getting into the 50’s.

10.      I am thankful for the men and women who choose to protect and serve their country and their citizens even at the worst possible times.    Enough said.

Been Having a Hard time

Ever since we turned the clocks ahead I am having a hard time getting up.  Even with Sky’s help. I have slept through some alarms and them. After feeding them I will normally go back to my spot on the couch and either sleep or watch TV.    ONce I have gotten on the move to get ready I sit and watch TV while getting ready. Yet I seem to manage at least in the last two days to get to work within a reasonable time.

I had a pleasant surprise last night.  I found out I was recognized for most attendance for February to the gym.  NewFriend from Gym posted it for himself and I noticed I was like #2 under the Gold list.  Sent message to A and see if he noticed. He did. We met tonight and talked about the week’s appearances.  We talked about what I should have and can have while in LV. I am planning on showing him everything I eat via text and email.

Tonight is the ladies guild and then shopping.  We are having a speaker from the Mercy Center and so it should be great.

As for the shopping I am getting the new shoes and a windbreaker.  Not sure where to go yet. I don’t want to spend a lot of money on either of these things.