Travel

July 25-28 Rhode Island , Great time in RI with Patti and Rusty. Stayed at there new beach house. The custom work is spectacular, detailed moldings and a wonder great room, (Kitchen, Dinning and Living room). My favorite is the veranda, (screened porch), and the outdoor shower. A typical day was going to the beach, me doing sudoku, Curt reading, have cocktails at 5 pm, then dinner at 8. The first night we had smores on their fire-pit with the Newtons, and Liz and Aidan Stewart. The work that Liz has done with Aidan is comendable. She is patient, and a wonderful mother. I enjoy talking with Liz because she explores the side of life that interests me, the non-typical. She is into magnets, and her advise to me was to drink more water. I have a great photo of Liz and Aidan on the beach.

It is just so easy being with Patti and Rusty, no expectation of being entertained, but just hanging out. The one day that it was cloudy/rainy, we played tennis. Rusty had this 5 point version, were we lobbed back and forth up to five points. I have not played in years, but my technique that I learned when I played in High School quickely came back, which was hit it hard and fast. Which meant I was hitting it out, but on one back hand, I hit a line drive directly into Curt's cheek. He didn't say much, but I know it hurt. (Five days later, he is still complaining of the pain in his cheek). Curt remined me, that the one time I was hit in the face by a volley ball by his brother Clarence, I dramatically run off the court and to the Men's room.

Aug 8-11 Iowa
We had a wonderful time in Iowa. Spent Friday at the Iowa State Fair, and visited with Marjory who had their trailer at the campgrounds. Marjory will be 75 in November, and Cindy is 55. I was really glad we spent time with Marjory. It is a good lesson in aging, to really make you humble for the benefits of good health. Marjory met us the the shuttle stop, and she was not walking well, and she was dizzy. But when we say her again on Sunday, she was doing much better, so that made me feel better. We played cards, and just hung out.

We spent about 4 hours touring the Fair, seeing the butter cow, and Shawn Johnson the Olympic gymnics from Des Moines. Saw the 1200 pound pig. This really is the best state fair. Eat a Pork chop on a stick.

Visited with Cindi who now works for a saddle shop. (Gwen) Their both was in the Horse Barn.

Spent the rest of the time with Tony, going to the Sprint Car Nationals on Saturday night. Growing up in Iowa, that was the last thing I would ever do, but the races were fun.

Aug 30-Sep 1 Vegas - Being about the 6 times we have been to Vegas, this was the best all-around trip. It started out First Class on Virgin America. Cool plan, and exceptional service. Too bad all flights everywhere are not like this, and only an hour and a half long. No waiting the long taxi line, we have learned to get a car service, well worth the extra money. Straight to the Wynn Resort, greated by Champagne from David and Tim, they are the best. Dinner at SW, then dancing at the V Bar. Yes, I think we were the oldest there. Too much Champagne, after Chris got a magnum. Great music.

The Spa was exceptional. Facial, Massage, and Medi/Pedi, I could do this everyday. The Fitness Center was very crowded, too small for the hotel. But the Spa was great.

The Dinner surprise for Joe was a hit, he truly was shocked to see all 11 of us. The Cher concert was great, wardrobe change for each song, much like a tv production.

Sunday dinner at the Wynn, Okada, - Superior service, she took care of my dietary needs, and everyone else loved their sushi.

Home on Monday at 3, and the trip is over... This was the best trip, because it was all first class, very relazing, and just going with the flow with Cindy and Chris.

Oct 2-5, Whistler Canada - Jeff's 50th birthday Celebration. The event starts out watching the VP debate. Not my idea of fun, but it gets better once that is over. Stuart and Carrie have custom made Converse shoes, Brown and orange, with Jeff's birthday on the heal 9-3-08. The FourSeason Resort is very, nice, and all of Whistler looks like it was all built in the past year, very new and clean, I can see why this would be a great place to ski. Jeff's Birthday dinner was at Barefoot Bistro, very good, creative food, I had the fish medly of crab, and the lobster with risoto for dinner, and a flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Very enjoyable dinner. Spa the next day, and home on Sunday.