Saturday, April 26, 2008

April....No Showers But LOTS of Flowers!










WOW! April 26th 2008!! Already! Gads, we’ve nearly hit the ONE YEAR mark for our relocation! This year is zooming by and before we know it – I’ll be digging out that Christmas tree again! Some of you are probably just putting yours away as the weather in some places is making it seem like December…..still!!

Speaking of weather – same old stuff around here! Sunshine, warm….temps are definitely spring-like. They’ll feel more like summer this next few days – we’re supposed to be in the 90’s.

One thing that spring brought around our place is flowers! Amazing when you live on a rock pile as Randall refers to it. I keep reminding him – he could be mowing….and mowing and mowing…..not to mention, the weeding!

This morning, I opened the doors to let in the early cooling breeze and was greeted by the most beautiful bloom on my Herbie (cactus)!! I must have made some noise as seconds later, Randall come downstairs asking what had happened. LOL….he (typical man) rolled his eyes at my happy dance and upon seeing the flower – threatened to pick it!! Brat! Anyway, I took some pictures to share the color that is peeking through my yard pebbles!

Life is treating us well here in Nevada.

Randall is still employed with Allied-Barton. His schedule has become more then full-time graveyard shifts so a social life has been limited to his computer and online games with his Beaverton buddies. He doesn’t appreciate the extra hours much ……until the paychecks come in! We’ve reminded him on more then one occasion …..welcome to the real world!!
He is still enjoying his new car – and especially likes the fact that the accident mess has been finally settled. Insurance paid off his Honda in full as well as the extra financing that we had with the trade-in. So…his payments now are almost half of what he WAS paying and he has a nicer car (mom’s opinion!) The insurance rates didn’t go up either. Apparently, we have what is called “first accident forgiveness”! Wooooo hoooo!

The kid and I had a mom-son play date this last week. Haven’t done that in a few months and figured it was time! We did some shopping and then spent the afternoon at the movies! We then met Robert later that evening for dinner. Very pleasant day – we’ve decided we need to do that more often.

Robert declined the job offer of relocating to the Hilton property. Before it was to take place, we took a drive over and spent some time checking out the place. Nice hotel-casino but it is located in a not-so-nice part of town. The north end of the strip has become a bit rundown over the years and with the old apartments and such – well…..lets just say that we’ve become spoiled at the new south end of the strip. Then the drive home…..we planned it just as he’d be getting off of work at 5pm. Took us 45 minutes just to get home! Compared to the 10 – 15 minutes it does now!
Anyway, there were a couple of other smaller deciding factors but long story short – he gave notice on his decision immediately. He’ll remain at Mandalay Bay for now. Just look at the photo above at the beautiful gold towers in the sky! Truly, no other property takes on such a sight!

We’ve had some friends visit this past month. A couple new to Las Vegas and others that are well-seasoned to the area! I must say that walking is a big part of living here! Seems that one can’t go anywhere without putting a few miles on the poor little feet! So, if you are planning on visiting – comfortable shoes are a must-have!! And not NEW SHOES! I’ve already made THAT mistake.

Paula and Terry were part of our "walking tours"! LOL.....did you guys survive your visit?? It was great seeing you both and we hope that this part of your vacation was at least ..interesting! First visits to Las Vegas can be a bit overwhelming in that it really isn't what most would define as a "relaxing" place. After getting back home, I realized that we didn't take many photos! I did manage to capture one though - in front of the beautiful flower arrangement at the Four Seasons! Just the start of what felt like our million mile walking tour....the one that ended at the M&M factory! Can't believe I escaped that place without a treat!

During one particular visit to the Strip, while waiting for our friends – we did some playing at the slots. After about 10 minutes of button pushing and lever pulling, Roberts machine erupted into a lot of noise and put on a great light show! He won a nice jackpot of $750 on his penny machine! He attracted quite the crowd and I swear his face must have hurt by the end of the day from the smiling he did! Congratulations Honey!

Me – I’m doing my best to stay ahead…….or not to far behind in the toy business. My customers seem to know that they have to wait a bit longer for their products as with the move and Roberts schedule – I’ve lost my helpers! The work is still enjoyable though – I get to be home with my family, birds, and still earn some spending money. Not to mention the fact that I can choose my own schedule! This is particularly nice when the guys have different days off.

It has been nice hearing from you all via emails and phone calls! Life keeps us busy and moving in different directions – but keeping in touch makes everyone seem closer! Thank you for that!

Best Wishes and Lots of Hugs,
Crystal