In all the excitement surrounding a new addition to the household, I passed over recapping the details of our trip home from California. I have shared our time in San Diego, Seal Beach, and Temecula, but there’s more to the story. I’ll wrap up the return and throw in a few activities from a busy month.
We left Vail Lake KOA Campground with the intent to stop overnight somewhere between Temecula and Las Vegas, Nevada, but we got an early morning start and decided to go all the way. Helen called Desert Eagle Campground on Nellis Air Force Base to ask if we could arrive a day early. Desert Eagle is one of the largest (and nicest) campgrounds in the military inventory, so we didn’t expect a problem. Still, we wanted to ensure we could remain on the older part of the campground because it affords more shade than the recent addition. No problem, we were good to go for three nights instead of the two we had planned initially. Our only stop was to take a picture of the scenic Nevada Desert.
I can’t recall how often we have camped in Las Vegas, but we enjoy being there because there is so much to do. On our second night in the city, we decided to visit the Golden Nugget, one of the older casinos in town. Our daughter-in-law had visited the Nugget earlier in the year and brought home some unused poker chips from one of the gaming tables. Helen had them in her pocket and was eager to use them at the Blackjack table. She won on the first hand and immediately cashed in. She owes our DIL a commission.
On the second afternoon, we decided to walk through some iconic hotel lobbies to get a feel for the current happenings. Caesar’s Palace didn’t have much going on, so we walked the Sky Bridge to the Bellagio, where there is always a lovely display in the ballroom. Before we reached the presentation, I paused in the lobby to take a picture of the Chihuly Glass that covers the lobby ceiling. Stunning is the only word I can think of to describe this beautiful work of art.
Inside the ballroom, a fantastic display of flower sculptures filled the ballroom and surrounded a fountain and pool of water. A pair of flowered swans filled one edge of the pool and seemed to have a “thing” for Helen. We took lots of pictures before moving on.
Walking to one of the hotels, we passed through the Plaza leading from the parking lot to the Strip. Overhead, a group of Zipliners flew over us from the balcony ledge at the Linq Hotel. Believe me when I say there is more to do in Vegas than gamble.
When we left for home, we were alerted to a weather forecast predicting threatening weather in the coming days. The mountains to the west had significant snow overnight, and more was predicted for the higher elevations. We were headed to higher elevations.
We called ahead to Fort Tuthill, a military campground in Flagstaff, AZ, to learn that the campground was closed due to the predicted snowfall. We were offered a room in the inn on the base, but we decided to pass and keep moving to get ahead of the weather. We reserved a campsite in Winslow, AZ, about 100 miles east of Flagstaff and several hundred feet lower in altitude. Despite the elevation, snow showers moved over Winslow just as we arrived. Fortunately, the temperatures hovered above the freezing mark, and the snow did not accumulate.
Traveling on Interstate 40 by now, we spent the next night in Amarillo, Texas, in the campground we always use for the return trip home. The weather cooperated, and we had no issues. Oklahoma was the next stop.
Again, we used a campground that works well for us traveling home. We have camped several times at Tinker Air Force Base, but reservations are not accepted, and space is usually tight. Helen called the desk and learned that three campsites were available. We pushed hard and made it with one site to spare. The sunset that evening was brilliant.
We still had two nights on the road before arriving in Knoxville and spent one night each in Roland, Oklahoma, and Parker’s Crossroads, on the western side of Tennessee. We managed to stay ahead of some bad weather all the way home.
Once home, we had to get up to speed quickly. My mother was moved into a nursing home while we were away. My brother and sister did an excellent job of making the transition go smoothly. Helen and I were now home to help with the furniture and other items that did not make the move.
Another task for April was getting an English Bulldog accustomed to living with us. Although Mortimer (dog) has been a joy, it does take time and effort to get him set up to live in a new house. I tried my best to get that task accomplished without involving Helen, but she fell in love with our new pet and welcomed him graciously, primarily because Mortimer was a gift from me to me for my 75th birthday. She would have preferred to give me a box of chocolates, but I beat her to the punch and bought my own gift for the big day.
A big day needs a party, so we closed the month with a small gathering of close friends from our first neighborhood, plus my dear friend and business associate of twenty years. In observance of my new dog, we served hot dogs and cold beer.
April is a wrap…we’re Easin’ Along.
April was quite lively for y’all. I am so happy you have Mortimer.
I have several friends who have been to see your Mom. Haven’t been there yet. Hopefully she’s settled in somewhat.
The trip home sounds like a movie. I love these adventures!!
Hi, Ann,
Mom said Carol had been by to visit. She loves company, so I hope Carol will come by more often. The trip home was a bit of a white-knuckler due to the storm, but we made it. Vegas is always fun, but Winslow, AZ was a downer–cold!! We love Mortimer, and I ope you get to meet him. Have a great weekend. Joe
When I grow up I want to be Joe Bruner!!!
Don’t grow up…it’s overrated!
Yay, Helen for putting those chips to good use and winning. Happy 75th! Sometimes the perfect gift is the one we buy ourselves. 😁
Hi, Ingrid,
Those winnings didn’t last long, but she always has fun! I always buy my own Christmas gifts too, but don’t tell anyone! Great hearing from you. Joe
Always enjoy your Easin’ Along. Thanks for sharing the fun.
Thanks, Ginny. Love having you along with us! Joe
What a wonderful catchup, Joe. Mortimer is absolutely gorgeous.
Richard and I were in Las Vegas this past January. We wholeheartedly agree that there is much more to do there than gamble – the choices are endless!
Wishing you a very happy 75th year!!
Good morning, Donna,
Thanks for the b-day wishes–our gathering was a lot of fun. We also had much fun in Vegas. I wanted to have breakfast at Rise and Shine, but it was 25 miles from our campground, so I cooked in instead. Nevertheless, I appreciate the recommendation. Always great to hear from you. Have a great weekend. Joe (P.S. Greek Fish recipe going on the grill tonight.)
Oh my, what a trip!! happy 75th. !!!
We’re down in New Brighton State beach in 2 weeks.
If you travel to N Ca, it’s right by Santa Cruz and one of our favorite campgrounds.
Hi, Christina,
We’ll return to California next January and want to work our way north this time. I’ll put New Brighton on our list of possibilities. Thanks for the information. Travel safely. Is winter over in Lake Tahoe?
Belated Happy Birthday wishes, Joe!!! It sounds like you did it up right for your special milestone – good for you! Happy to hear that your mom’s move went smoothly. Thank heaven for family. Have you and Helen visited Chihuly Glass and Garden in Seattle? His glass is truly a work of art; every piece is incredibly amazing. I’ll say welcome home but, if I know the two of you, you’re already planning your next getaway!
Mary,
We have not visited Chihuly Glass in Seattle, but it’s good to know about it. We hope to visit my sister in her summer home near Seattle sometime soon, and that would be fun to check out. His work is amazing. I’m working on our fall getaway now. Probably going to work the east coast this time. I hope you’ve thawed out up there. Please stay in touch. Joe
Happy Birthday, Joe! You certainly celebrated in style, and I’m so glad you got Mortimer for your birthday! I’m looking forward to more pics of him in future posts. :-))
We spent a couple of days in Las Vegas many years ago in our RV, and had a great time. The Bellagio lobby with the incredible glass ceiling and the flower-filled ballroom was one of my favorites. As you know, the ballroom display changes often, so I enjoyed seeing your photos of the current floral exuberance.
Hope you’re enjoying a beautiful spring display at home!
Good afternoon, Laurel,
Mortimer was a big, slobbering, loveable birthday present that gets better every day. Our springtime is waning as the temps creep higher, but the spring season never lasts long enough for me. Fall lingers and is special…you’ll love fall in Western NC. Have a great week, and please stay in touch. Joe
You must have hit that same winter storm that edged us in Utah, Joe. You did some smart driving and saved yourself some time. Love the pic of Helen’s swan “hat!” Glad Mortimer is getting situated nicely. We enjoyed Las Vegas when we stayed in 2019 after our other plans had to be derailed due to winter weather. We stayed at Sam’s Town KOA and managed to stay away from the strip and do some sight-seeing around the area. Glad your mom has been settled in . that is always a relief!
Hi, Terri!
The stormy weather chased us all the way home but never really tagged us, thankfully. We always have a good time in Las Vegas and take people-watching to another level (our favorite activity). Mom is doing ok but a bit bored. My sister is arriving today. That should lift her spirits, and that’s a good thing. I’m off to check out Sunday Stills. Have a great week. Joe