Tuesday, February 23, 2010

 It doesn't take long to get back in your normal routine after vacation.  I can't believe it is almost the end of February.  I shared these calendars earlier, but they mean so much to me since Amy made these for me for Christmas.  Very inspiring verses.  March will be up soon.Made bread.  I have made this in my bread machine but it just isn't as good as when it is made the old fashion way.  This is Ziti made in the crock pot - pretty good.And cookies for  my co workers.  Macaroon Kiss Cookies - these were fantastic.  Coconut is added to the mixture, refrigerated for an hour, then rolled in coconut and baked - press a kiss in each each cookie immediately when removing from the oven.  Everyone loved them.

Back From Vacation

We just got back from vacation - we had a blast.  We went to Las Vegas.  We love Vegas.  So much more than gambling and all that other stuff.  Our flight went well.  A rude awakening since we had not flown for a while.  Our luggage  was $25 per bag and you could only have one carry on.  Getting through the security line was a breeze.  So we read, knitted, watched TV and slept!!OMG - they serve Pomegranate Martini$$  - this is how it was served - mix your own.  It was pretty good.Meals were not served.  They offered these "snack packs" which were pretty good.  They only accepted credit cards - NO CASH! 
I was satisfied watching the Food Network!I had a book to read....and a book to listen to...

Our room at the Orlean's was very nice.
We had breakfast at the hotel on Saturday then headed to the strip.
Caesar's Palace is a favorite of ours.
I would love to stay here  - the pool area was unbelievable.
We found this wedding garden - isn't it beautiful?
The Flamingo is another favorite.  It is on the strip and looks like a great place to stay.
We ate at the Serendipity - it was fantastic.
Yes, this is their signature dessert - "Hot Chocolate."
Dave like the chili.
These nachos were to die for.  Too bad Dave doesn't like nachos  - he couldn't help me eat them so a lot were not eaten.
Tomato Soup, very yummy. Served with Gold Fish.
Just had to have their signature dessert - so very good!!!
Valentines Day!!
We had Fortune Cookies and Coffee for breakfast.
Dave gave me this:
Charms for my Pagoda
Bracelet:  Bible, Little Boy and a Rose.  I love them.
For dinner we ate at Emeril's on the Strip.  It was a High End Sports Bar.  We ate outside and enjoyed all the activity on the Strip.
Our table was right by this beautiful fountain.
The patio = with these comfy sofas and televisions every where.
The bathrooms were very cool also.
Soup for Dave - those grilled cheese sandwiches were a meal in themselves.
My salad was delicious.
This was a little different.  Salmon Tartare on a Rice Cake.  Tartare = Raw, yes the salmon was raw, but better than I thought it would be.  Along with the crispy, sweet rice cake - not bad.
Dave really liked his Shrimp Dish.
Oh yes, dessert was delish!
Can you tell?
Back at our hotel, their was live entertainment.
This shop (Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory) in the hotel could be very dangerous.  I spotted the caramel, coconut apple from day one.
Truffles for Dave.
That apple for me.
We went to Chinatown.
We rented a car on Monday and did a little exploring.  This Thai restaurant was recommended by a co worker.  The food was wonderful.
The best Pad Thai I have ever had.
We rode out in the desert to Prim.  There were two casino hotels in the middle of no where.
This Roller Coaster was around one of the hotels.  Not working at this time but it looked pretty scary to me.  It was the longest and tallest for years, so we were told.
On our way back to Vegas in the evening.
Of course there was a mall.
Dave found beige jeans which he had been looking for.
The best way to end our wonderful trip.  Dave hit the jack pot.  He was playing the $1 slots and won $3,000!!!! It paid for our trip and then some.  He was so excited!!!  I  had already gone to our room and was in the bed when he called.  I didn't believe him at first.  We have never won this much.  I have won $200 and was happy about that.  Guess what?  the taxes are 30 % and they remind you of this immediately.  I was just happy for Dave - he never wins, but he did this time - way to go babe. 
We are making plans to go back in the near future.  We are thinking about driving across country - next time.  I will have more time since I will be retiring - I can't wait!!!!