A HIke with a View

Yesterday we went for a hike in Torrey Pines.  What a beautiful day.

Remember, respect the snake

She Shops! She Scores!

When we were in Vegas, my sister-in-law was curious about my desire to go to the Catholic Charities Thrift Store, but thrifting is the only way you can find an outfit like this!  The ladyfriend gets the props for spying this on the rack in a San Diego consignment/thrift store.

 I wore this last night to an ACLU mixer here in San Diego, and let me say, it was a hit.  The dress fits as though it were made for me and the shoes (also from a thrift/consignment store) gave me an extra SIX INCHES OF HEIGHT!  Yes, I was, to use a PJ Harvey song title, a 50-foot queenie!

We Interrupt This Trip with a Flying Cat

I realize that many people enjoy photos of animals on blogs, and in an effort to reach out to those of you who are in this camp, I present this photo of Xander, the flying cat.  This, by the way, was not the greatest height he achieved, merely the best one the ladyfriend could capture with the camera.

Vegas Lost and Found

We renewed our search for the Catholic Charities thrift store Wednesday and were rewarded with a few goodies like this great glass drinks tray with matching coasters.   I also overheard the following, which I found hysterical:  "Let's go to the Mormons, they're cheaper."

The ladyfriend's sister and brother-in-law booked a night for us at The Paris Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip.  It's been about ten years since we'd last been on the strip, and let me say, it is far different from the last time we were there.  We should've known since the sign from the hotel we stayed at last time, the Stardust, was on display at the Neon Museum.

"Paris" in the rain

I also realized that gambling kind of bores me although I'm thinking that if we can make a game like Settlers of Catan a gambling game, that might work for me (nerd alert!).  I can sit at the video poker machine for a little bit, lose some money, make it back, and then be done with it.  Quite honestly, the casinos lacked glamour.  I know, it's not the '50s and the Rat Pack is long gone but can't people just try a little harder than khaki shorts, beer bongs, and flip flops? Demanding, I know.  Yes, if I were a high roller (which I am only in my mind), I could play with the fancy pants.  Maybe next time I'll try to figure out some of the table games.

Bright Lights, Big City

What's more Vegas than neon?  After a wild goose chase to find the Catholic Charities Thrift Store (we'll get there tomorrow), we made it to our tour of the Neon Museum aka the Boneyard.  I'd have to say it's a must for any visit to Las Vegas.  A nonprofit museum, they're keeping the legacy of the neon signs we associate with Las Vegas alive.  LEDs are no substitute for neon.

My Exciting Life

I've been in the midst of updating the blog with a post about our trip to Boulder, Colorado, but my life is so exciting.

The view from my plane window yesterday:

From the bus that took us back to the terminal.  See the flat tire?

But I have to say, Southwest Air took care of us.  I'd already decided I'd fly them whenever possible (two bags free!), and I'm really sold now.

I must be lucky, which is great because I'm in Vegas now.

But Where's LeVar Burton?

See?  Books are even groovier than you thought!

Mike Lalich, Photographer

Here's hoping we're all happy campers in 2013!