Get Away with Friends

Allen arranged a fun getaway for us to Las Vegas.

   This was the rough draft of the "big event!"  And, in case you'd like to know, we NEVER went to McDonalds for breakfast.  That was squashed early on!

Of course, there were some changes, but it was just FUN and relaxing.  And, sadly, we didn't get pictures of everything we did; like eating chocolate at the Ethel M chocolate factory.  Now, THAT would be a happy picture, for sure.  HA HA

The Grand Adventure started at the Bellagio, where the displays were celebrating Chinese New Year.

We have been on several little short jaunts together and we always have a great time.
 Both Loretta and Mike are easy to get along with, very flexible and just plain fun. 

We went to a really nifty little restaurant in the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile where we ate lunch for five dollars a plate, unless you add an appetizer!  We actually liked it so much that we went there on another day for another lunch.  It was inexpensive and just fun, plus the food was good!

I can't believe that I don't have a picture of Janessa's apartment and where we were staying.  It's just a lovely little condo and she has it fixed up so well.

This was not taken on our stay there, but just after she moved in.  Janessa and  Bear!

Las Vegas Temple was on the agenda for Tuesday morning...now, that is ONE beautiful temple!

It was a mighty windy morning when we came out of the temple.  We ate lunch in the cafeteria and met our dear friend, Doug Mainord, who has lost 90 pounds.  We hardly recognized him!  He gave up soda first, then bread, then just ate less.  WOW!  He looked different, but he was so happy!  And, I am totally inspired by his HUGE achievement!

When Janessa got off work, we headed to Zuppa's for dinner, then to a show that I don't want to mention.  It was sad.  I was embarrassed for myself and for our friends, and that I took our granddaughter to such a show.  I got up and walked out and Loretta turned off her hearing aid!  HA HA

One of the highlights of the trip for me was visiting The Historic Mormon Fort in Vegas.  It was absolutely fascinating to learn about the 30 missionaries (all Men) who were called to settle in Vegas...There was a spring near by, so they planted crops, and built a fort.  However, contention arose between two factions, and the mission was abandoned.

The old and the new across the street from each other!

One of the most fascinating parts of the visit was when Mike was reading the list of names of the 30 missionaries and his great grandfather's name was there!  He was so very surprised.  And, yes, he checked on his family search account and it was his relative.  What a profound moment for him and us.  This is not the actual fort, but a reconstruction of it.  These adobe bricks are very uniform and straight.  when we saw the origin adobe bricks, they were not as squared, etc.

We drove to Red Rock Canyon, but I didn't take pictures of that stunning landscape.  We also went to visit a Ranch that Howard Hughes had owned.  What a fascinating story.  He bought it so his wife would come to Las Vegas, but no one thinks he ever stepped foot in it.  It was bought by an heiress and she fixed it up, used it as a ranch, and an entertainment venue for the rich and famous, but today it is a visitor place.

Gotta try on a cowgirl hat when you're in Vegas!

But the BEST and most relaxing part of the trip was our stop on the way at Moapa Warm Springs.  We have visited there before, but have never been swimming it its 80 degree water.  It was great.

Here Loretta and I are "BASKING" in the sun, as Mike called it.  He didn't want to get in so he took at the pictures.  It was just so very great.  I'm glad I thought of it!  HA AH.....Because you see, Thursday is the only day they are open for swimming as individuals.  So, I said we should stop on our way home on Thursday......wasn't that a good idea?  Can you even imagine how thrilled the early settlers would have been to find this incredible oasis in the desert?  Although we didn't go in it, there is also a regular swimming pool that is fed by the springs.  In this natural pond, little teeny fish swim around, and if you stay still, they will eat the dead skin off your feet.  I didn't do that this time; it tickles.

I am wanting to return, for sure!

Anyway, it was a great four days; lots of good food, some just blah; but lots of laughter, stories, listening to a spiritual talk on the way home.

How Loretta and I fill our time while riding in the back seat.  

It was all good.

Until I opened the fridge and was hit in the face and nostrils with the stench of SOMETHING!  Who knows what it was or is, but it was well worth it to enjoy such a grand vacation.

Thanks, Janessa for the use of your lovely home.  It was just perfect.