Viva Las Vegas!

It must have been 1964 or 65 when my parents loaded us into the family's Ford Falcon for a short vacation. We then proceeded to drive the six or more hours from our home in the suburbs of Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Ah, those were the days without seat belts much less personal entrainment devices for children(god bless parents!).

I'll never forget approaching the city, which was lit up like a Christmas Tree as we arrived about dawn. Mother had been dieting (something like a bottle of Jacques Bonnet and a tin of caviar daily for a month or more) and fit beautifully into a blue and green brocade dress, cinched at the waist. I had an "up-do" for maybe the first time in my six or seven years.

"Vegas", as my big-brother Kjell and I would refer to it (thus feeling rather grown-up and cool) was the size of a postage stamp compared to the sprawling growth, which has infested it since the early 1990's. I'm sure the "rat pack" wouldn't recognize it, I almost didn't ("c'est la vie", it's the life and that's the price of progress). I don't recall what hotel we stayed in but, I do remember a gentleman bumped into me and included a compliment with his apology "what a beautiful hairdo". Needless to say, I've been a fan of LV ever since.

Taking a cue from previous birthday babes, Meredith donned a tiara to celebrate her 21st.


Armed with two of her aunts, and one of mine, she and her ever supportive Mom (this young lady knows how to travel) enjoyed a luxurious stay at the Venetian, as did the entire party posse. Here, #1 Mom Ms. Kitty, my Auntie Elsa, Aunt Kathy (note to self; always travel with a project manager who can double as a hair stylist!) "et moi" (and me) prepare for a day of shopping, cards, cocktails, more shopping and shows.

We saw Wayne Brady's side-splitting show at the Venetian. For more information on today's master of improvisation please see: http://www.waynebrady.com/





Speaking of shows, don't miss Jersey Boys --Winner of the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical -- this is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Everyone will know such songs as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. And, everyone will love the show (come to think of it, my sister Dawn may have been named after one of their songs).




Although our Croatian cab-driver didn't know "King Wlad" he did give the birthday babe a hug.




Never staying too long at the fair we cashed out and came home with a few cents to our name.

For more information on Las Vegas, please see

http://www.lasvegas.com/

Wine lovers stay tuned, tonight is the Beaujolais festival!