Just have to go into more detail on our weekend around the Mohave Desert. We started in Laughlin where we stayed at the Colorado Belle. Our room was on the top floor (6th) facing the river. It's a shame the weather wasn't nice enough to sit on our balcony, complete with ornate wrought iron railings and posts. Took off Saturday morning and went down to Lake Havasu in AZ. Walked under and over the London Bridge. What a feat of dismantling and rebuilding that must have been! Of course it is a very touristy area with many shops and eating places. Everything is set back from the water so it looked quaint rather than gaudy. From there we headed out of town until Jim saw a dirt road. Jim can't resist dirt roads in the middle of nowhere! It was off of this road that we found the Havasu Wildlife Preserve. We had actually passed it but I had seen a little sign so we turned around and went back. No trails or anything. Just a parking area, boat ramp, little pier and dock, and a bathroom. This is where I noticed the grafitti on the dock. What a shame! The area was so beautiful and tranquil I could have stayed there for a long time. Headed north through AZ on back roads. Took a couple of side trips on "goes to nowhere" dirt tracks. Got to see cactus and rock formations up real close! Then it was back through Laughlin until we got to Christmas Tree Pass road in the Lake Mead domain. The sign said only street legal, SUV, truck vehicles recommended. We got half way through before there was a sign saying 4 wheel drive recommended from this point on. As far as I was concerned the whole trip was 4 wheel drive rutted, dipping, twisting, and jaw jarring terrain. When we got about 3 quarters of the way there was a stopping point where you could look through the mountain pass and see the specks of civilization that is Bullhead City, AZ. Breathtaking would put it mildly! Of course Jim saw no reason to continue over the flatland west of the mountains that would take us back to NV 95. So we turned around and went back the same way we had come. Bump and grind! It was fabulous. Stopped at a place called Grapevine Pass. The rock formations look like the namesake of the area. Bunches of rock grapes twineing their way around the mountain. Unfortunately I learned that I would not have made a good pioneer. It was getting dark so we headed back to the Belle. I was asleep by 7:30 (unbelievable huh). Got up Sunday and headed towards home on the major highways until we got to Searchlight. Headed back east and went to Lake Mohave. Got to go on the houseboats they rent out. Some of them are bigger than my manufactured home! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, full kitchen with disposal and dishwasher, jacuzzi on the roof. In season they rent for 6000.00 plus gas a week. Lake Mohave has a marina with big bucks boats, a trailer park, cafe and store. Government regulations allow the owners of homes there to live on premises only 6 months a year. If anyone is looking for a job you can get one there. They said they went through 85 people last summer in the cafe/store. It's quite a commute if you don't live on property. Employees can hook up their motor homes free..an added bonus for sure. Interesting information..the park management is placing floating "johns" onto the lake for boaters and campers to use. Overnight campers along the shore will be asked if they have sanitation facilities on their sight and if not they will be fined. The floating johns are to curb pollution. I personally can't see myself getting up in the middle of the night, starting the boat, and going out looking for a floating outhouse. I guess they think others will. Mayby I misunderstood and the outhouses will be placed on shore at strategic spots around the lake. That makes more sense to me but then I don't work for the government! Anyhow headed back west through Searchlight down the Joshua Tree road which goes through Joshua Tree Forrest. I use the term forrest lightly. As we drove through I found myself thinking "so this is where powder puffs grow." Stopped in a town called Tipton, CA population mayby 25. General store had a good book on Windshield Tours which I bought. By now we were low on gas so Jim opted out of taking anymore back roads to Primm. He did talk to the lady at the store who told him the roads he was talking about were pretty much washed out and there wasn't much left of the ghost town he wanted to show me. We gased up in Primm and headed for home. Neither of us is feeling 100% well but it was a fun weekend.

We bought the travel trailer on the way home. These weekends out can get expensive with rooms and meals so we will bring our own. Checked the weight limits for Jims Ford Explorer and the Zeppelin should work well. It's a cute little thing with a lot of stuff in less length that the width of our house! Forgot to mention in my last post that it has an awning and lots of underside storage which really appealed to me. Whatever options were available this one has.

Happy Trails to all. See you ???

Where in the world have the past 2 months gone?

November is a blur-r-r. December was super busy between work and my relationship with Jim.

Noteworthy news...Jim moved in with us the week before Christmas, he cooked Christmas dinner for 18 people, Amy and Matt were able to spend an afternoon of their trip here with us, (luckily I had the right day off that week), got sick on New Years day and am still recovering. This past weekend we took off on Friday night and toured the Mohave desert area. We were in NV, CA, and AZ. Beautiful landscapes. I was dismayed to see grafitti in places so out of the way that I was surprised we found them. I had my 1st experience with 4 wheeling! It was awsome but I did have to take Naproxin when we got back.

Biggest news...we bought a 19ft travel trailer this Sunday. Kitchen with 3 burner stove, sink, oven, microwave, TV set up for cable or satelite or antenna reception, radio with surround sound, heat, air, all with 1 remote control. So if we're in bed we can change the temp, turn on the coffee pot, etc by pushing a button. Am I going high tech or what? It has 1 sleeping area, a bathroom with toilet and shower. We plan on sleeping in the u shaped dining area that makes into a bed. I would feel claustrophobic in the bedroom! Look out world here we come! For now just short trips until we get the thing paid for and Jim can actually retire. We will drive and bring it with us when we come to IL this summer. Of course we have to stop in TX along the way. We pick it up Thursday and will be taking a class on how to do what with what. Jim doesn't need it but I want to take it so at least I'll have an idea of what to do. Or what he's doing and talking about! If you want to check it out on line it's a 2006 Zeppelin, ZP191 model. I'm really excited.

Can't wait to see everyone this year!

Brianshead, Utah. Finally got to go and see what the kids have talked about. It is absolutely amazing up there. Jim and I left last Friday and drove up to a resort in Pine Valley Utah. It is about 40 miles outside of St George. On Saturday the main roads were closed due to a marathon taking place so we took all back roads to Cedar City. Good thing he has 4 wheel drive! The scenery is breathtaking. Every color imaginable. Between the changing colors of the trees and the remarkable mountain ranges Crayola must be jealous. Jim couldn't handle looking down from the overlooks up at Brianshead but I will never forget the awesome sights. The colors and formations seem impossibly perfect. That this could be the work of nature seems unbelievable.

This week has been all work. Yesterday I had a guest that made me feel like I was being stalked. It was scarry! Security had escorted him from the building but he kept popping in, coming up to me, saying "I'm back Lillian" then leaving. After he had done this 4-5 times I told Nathan to keep a watch and next time he showed to please call security. Sure enough he came back and this time I got "look into my eyes. Do you see my tears? Do you know why I'm crying? A lot more. I went to get him some kleenex and get Nathan. Nathan talked to him and got him to leave that time. But he came back a little while later and when he saw the phone being lifted he left again. I told Nathan when he came back again I was going on break and would not be back until he was off the property. He did come back, I left, and apparently he threatened Nathan. Fortunately Security was now watching our area so they stepped in. He also threatened them so they got him off the property. After shift I had security walk me to my car. What's more frightening is that he had a gift coming so he must come to Boulder regularly. If I see him again I will immediately give my boss a heads up. Exciting huh!!!

Love you all. XoXoXo

Just thought I'd do a quick update while I have the time. This week has been very busy. Sylvias son Steve came in on Friday and Sherry and Marco came in Sunday. Our house is kind of full. Jim and I went to the Don Williams concert Saturday night and of course it was fabulous. I got my shift changed so I could get off work early enough to get to the concert at 8. Left work at 5, got to Jims and he had a filet mignon dinner waiting for me/us. Changed and off to the concert. When we got home he downloaded every Don Williams song and put them on a CD for me. Sunday we cooked dinner for everybody and he made Chicken Salad with the leftovers. I'd have never thought to do that. It was good too! Had enough for lunch for everybody on Monday. Steve went back this morning and Sherry and Marco go Thursday morning. I'll have to do an all nighter Wednesday to get them to the airport by 4a.m. I work Wed 2:30-8:30, have the landscapers coming Thursday morning, Sylvia to the Dr Friday morning, I'm going to crash on Saturday, then back to work Sunday at 6:30 a.m. If I survive I'll post again next week. Love to all.

XoXoXo

NASCAR 350 Truck race at LVMS. I was totally bored! Not anywhere near as exciting as Bush or Nextel but then I'm not into trucks. Attendance was 1/3 of the car races. Vendors, mayby a dozen. Seats were 1st come 1st served. We were on the aisle just over the start/finish line. If anyone saw the race we were seated where the drivers are introduced and come down from the stands to the track. For me seeing the new track was the best part. I could imagine the cars on it. They can easily go 3 abreast which could be interesting. The field of trucks was so spread out that I saw no close maneuvering. They said the old track produced boring races and I sure hope car races are better than the truck race was. There is still a lot of infield work that needs to be completed before March.

Friday Jim and I drove out to Lake Las Vegas. I had not been there yet and Jim didn't know it existed. It is scenic but it was empty. Don't know how the stores that are there exist.

On Sunday we went to Bonnie Springs Ranch. That was fun but I was offended by the adult inuendos in their performances. If I had children with me I would have left. I was shocked to see that it cost 45.00 for a 1 hour trail ride?

After Bonnie Springs we went to Red Rock Station T-Bones for dinner. What a beautiful room! The food was great (had Chateaubriand) the pianist was superb (and yea I had him play Charriots). Came home exhausted since I was at work at 6:30 that morning. It was a long day, lots of fresh air, and too much to eat.

So much for my excursions. Have to work this week Fri and Sat so nothing special planned. Mayby a trip up to Overton on Sunday. We'll see.

TTY later. XoXoXo

Double Date. Sylvia and I had our male friends over for dinner today. It is interesting that both share the same birthdate, August 27. We had a great time. Both gentlemen are fun to be with. I think I have mentioned Sylvias been going out with Chuck for awhile. They met at the blind center as he is totally blind. He also sings with the Senior Center choir and dances like a pro so they go to the Saturday night dances. Jokes about sore feel when he gets home because Syl is always stepping on them. He plays the spoons fantastically. I haven't heard that in years.

As for my new gent, his name is Jim. Currently manages a 7-11 store. We seem to click because, best of all, his favorite thing to do is "get lost." Has a great sense of humor, tons of travels to tell me about, and is really fun to be with. He loves the out of doors and has always been an avid camper. I get jealous listening to him tell me about the deer and elk and eagles and fishing (no tall tales yet).
Between Chuck and Jim competing to tell the best jokes it was a fun evening. We're planning on doing it again.

Did my 1st MNF last week and was really touched when one of the regulars brought a dozen roses and a note to memorialize Shirley. She had done MNF for years and had been well loved. MNF is co sponsored by 97.1 and I got tickets to the NASCAR truck race next Saturday. Plan on using them too. Only problem is that I have to train a new hire at GG on Sunday morning at 6:30. I told Sharon I may have to pull an all nighter! Took it upon myself to get new stamps for guest entry. The ones we had were tacky (according to me) so I got Boulder MNF with a football on them. Sharon insists on repaying me. Told her it wasn't necessary but she insists policy says she has to.

Thats it for now. Miss you all. Keep blogging - I love reading and seeing your sights.

LOL XoXoXo

Memorable moments in Promotions. Last Sunday we were giving away "Lucky" dogs. They are cute, cuddly, fluffy little stuffed critters. Traffic was light so I was having fun introducing the dogs to their new owners as I gave them away. This resulted in a lot of smiling guests. The most memorable one was a very serious lady. I introduced the dog to her and before I handed it to her I rubbed it's nose on my cheek. The lady looked at me oddly then asked why I did that. I smiled and told her I was saying goodbye to the dog. Still looking dumbfounded she took the dog and started to walk away. Then she stopped, turned back towards me, and took the dogs paw to wave goodbye to me. I don't know about her but it made my day.

Second memorable moment was when I signed a young man up for the football contest. When I handed him his resistration card I explained the purchase included free play on our slot machines. He very seriously told me he was a slot tech at Green Valley and couldn't play slots. I told him my son had also been a tech so I knew the rule. He asked my sons name and all I got out was Stev when he was off and running. "I miss him so much, he was my boss when he left SantaFe, he took us to the monster truck show, he was such a good boss, I got him the Kasey Kane stuff, I hate Kasey Kane but he's Steve's favorite so I got it for him, He was such a good boss, I was in trouble and he got me out of it, he took care of me and got me straightened out, I've got his phone number (he proceded to show me his cell phone with the # on it), anytime I have a problem I can call Steve. I miss him so much." If you detect a bit of mothers pride here - you're right. I thought I really missed my kids but Jeff has to be a close second.

Talked to the younguns today. Blogging is fun but now and then I need to hear their voices. Take care all.

LOL XoXoXo

This is me working in the Sports Book on the Great Giveaway. And I didn't want to move back East why! Oh yeh, it's the humidity that bothers me most, I thought. Now I wonder. Going to start working the Monday Night Football parties in the Railhead. Hope it's warmer with all those hyped up hunks. Should be a lot more fun at least.

Acrually it isn't me. Just a picture of an Eskimo in a Parka. Wishful thinking I guess.

Having my front yard redone in the near future. Got the watering system fixed so there's no more rumbling but the shrubs out front died. Decided to perk it up a little. Leaving the main rose bush but the shrubs will be replaced with pink Oleanders. They are evergreen and have nice flowers in the spring, summer and fall. Looking forward to the new look. New rock too.

Nothing else new so I'll sign off for now.

XoXoXo to all.

I took the Major test and came up with English at 94%, Visual and Performing Arts at 88%, next was Business Management/HR at 75%, down to 0% for foreign languages. It seems like a fun sight. Think I'll try a few others since I'm not going back to school anytime soon. TTY later. XoXoXo to all.

I'm back to 30 hour weeks for Great Giveaway. Had today off and we went to Sams Town to hear, and dance to, Randy Anderson. It was the best of both worlds for me. They had the Bush series race on the TV so I could at least watch it while I got to listen to great music. Tomorrow should be interesting if it is at all like tonights race. Lots of crunches. I'll be home so I can watch and hear it in comfort. Back to work Sunday but I'm off Mon and Tues so I can go to my art and dance classes. Haven't been for 2 weeks. Then I'm back at work Wed thru Sun. Already wearing my long johns in the sports book!

The Teddy Bear was done for KCB and seems appropriate for my current work area. It was a lot easier to do than people. TTY all later. XoXoXo to all.

This is what has kept me busy this past couple of weeks. Jon is a policeman and as I haven't been arrested for defamation of character yet, I think he likes it. Sharon is my boss, and I still have a job, so I don't think she lied when she said it was wonderful.
The Great Giveaway Football contest registration has started and I am now working more hours. Unfortunately I'll have to give up my line dancing classes for a few weeks due to my work schedule. Went to Gilleys the other night and had a ball. Couldn't do half the dances they did but had fun trying. Sticked to the dance floor and stayed off the "Bull", oh darn.

I feel like I'm really behind the times here. This past month has been a blur. So far in July I have had problems with my sprinkler system. Fortunately my brother John took it upon himself to come and fix things. Day 1 he worked in 115 degree weather to repair broken underground pipes. Day 2 the connector pipe broke so he had to come back out to fix that. Now all I have to live with is a jack hammer sound when the water comes on. Needless to say I changed the setting so that it no longer waters at 3 in the morning!

I had 2 days of training at work and I am now a Job Coach. The classes were a lot of fun and I learned what the jobs in several other departments entail. All of us in the class, there were 20, decided we liked our current jobs best.

Have been to a few meetings that were held to introduce us to candidates running for local offices in the upcoming elections. I have decided that if it is an encumbent, I'm not voting for them. I also think I'm going to vote for as many females as are on the ballot. They make more sense than the men.

I've gotten line dance classes started here in my senoir community. The instructor I had originally hired backed out 3 days before the class was scheduled. Fortunately I was able to find another teacher who had that night and time open. Whew! Thank you Jo Jo Pupich.

I have also gotten my first comissioned portrait sketch assignment. I am honored and really scared. I don't think I'm as good as others think I am.

I guess that's it for now. I'm trying to figure out how to get a picture or two on this blog. Someday I may accomplish that. Until then - sorry my sight is boring.

TTY all later.

This has been a very busy and exhausting week. Daughter Amy with husband Matt and granddaughter Kayleigh had to make an earlier than expected move to Tx. Needless to say I was there to help with whatever packing I could do. Our emotional farewells were overlooked due to troubles with the moving van and my car overheating. By time everything was fixed we were all too tired to do more than say good luck and goodbye. I'll miss them terribly. My son Steve and his wife Sara had move just a month earlier.

I had retired here in Vegas in 99 and was surprised when they moved out here also. I had 6 unexpected years with them before other opportunities took them away. I will miss them all but wish them the very best in their endeavors

I have my part time job and art and dancing classes to fill my time and we will keep in touch via Blogs>

Hi, this is Lil's Daughter - we're putting in her very first message!

This is a picture from Amy's Wedding - in order - Steve, Sara, Moniqua, ME!