Surprise!

You just never know when something will surprise you (I guess that's what makes it a surprise, huh?) ... every so often, some of us will take a short 20-minute walk through the buildings to get the kinks out or just to get in some sort of cardio during the day...

Now this place is chock-full-o'art, which I wouldn't include in a post because I don't have permission but I did find an unexpected bonus at the base of one of the big plants outside of one of the elevator banks - orchids!

you never know what you'll discover in a day...

A Loss....

We flew to Nevada to say a final goodbye to our niece, Amanda - the world has lost a truly unique and special person..

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We stayed in Sam's Town this time because it was close to Mom and Dee; our room overlooked the courtyard where they have a fake mountain, with animatronic wolf, bear, and eagle...

and it gave a good vantage point for the laser shows at 8 and 10 pm

Early one morning, we made a quick visit the M&M store on the strip to pick up "thank you" gifts for friends watching the house and picking up the mail -

and we saw where the Key Largo burned down the day before (they were still putting water on it)...

I suppose this qualifies as a Men-at-work photo....

and, while we were sorry for the reason, it was a good visit with family as we got to spend time with some of our kids and grandkids.

Spring has Sprung

At least, the backyard irises have so proclaimed - there were two (seen here) - to begin with...

And more soon followed!

So - the weather has warmed up, the irises are blooming but there are no leaves on the trees yet...what screwy seassons!

For once, I was able to capture Ms. Roxie as she was out and about because she was distracted by the smells of Spring...

Did you call me?

What's that smell?

Guy! - Guy!  Let me in!
She's got that thing!

Wait - what's that smell?

Are you still looking at me?

I don't need any of you people...I'm outta here...

Scanning old photos

I still miss those boots...

and, even though the picture is faded, 

it was taken in color -

the skirt is a red plaid

and the boots are red.

And I slept in them.

2/11-2/13 Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday

Monday -
Dave spent the day with his Mom (picking up things in the yard, changing heater filters, starting the cleanup in the garage, etc.) and I had a day of rest which included room service; after he returned to the hotel we went to dinner, just the two of us - so nice!  I love date nights!  We ate at the Asian restaurant in the hotel, which was really worth the trip downstairs.  No pictures for Monday.

Tuesday -
Dave picked up Jeni and they spent a couple of hours at Mom's and then Mom decided she wanted to go too and have an early dinner with us and to take Jeni back to the airport...

only a few pics for Tuesday -

Mom, after dinner -
she wanted a "head shot"

A couple of silhouettes on the way to the airport - slightly out of focus when you get large, but should do nicely for some studio projects I have planned...

And, of course, a shot of the hotel...you know, the one with the big light...

Wednesday -
It was a beautiful day to fly - after breakfast, we headed to the airport...this is the first time in a long time that we could see anything from the air - Dave got a great shot of Hoover Dam and we both got great shots of the Grand Canyon...these are a few of my favorites...

Vegas, Baby!

Hoover Dam!

Can you tell when we were back over North Texas?