Runaway down South

So Grandma was going to be on her own (in the rest home of course) for two weeks while Mom went on a much deserved vacation.  I talked John into going down to visit with her if I drove.  Not my favorite time of year to head to St. George because it is frankly hot as hell.  But that is what we were working with.  As we worked out our plans, I decided to check with Mary in Vegas to see if we could put together a deal for a new car while I was down there.  As it all came together, we had a great long weekend full of fun, adventure, and family.

We woke up super early on Saturday and hit the road.  Our plan was to get all the way to Vegas on Saturday.  I would drop John off at the casino we planned to stay and I would go get the car. We had a great drive and leaving early meant the traffic wasn't bad at all.  With the time change, we found ourselves at the hotel in Vegas (technically Henderson) at about noon PT.  We got checked in and I dropped my bags.  Then headed over to meet Mary.  She was waiting for me outside as I pulled up. My beautiful car was all washed and waiting for me.

Passing through St. George

Mary and Me

She was all clean and waiting for me.

Took a bit of time to get the car all worked out.  There was a rattle I just couldn't make due with so we worked on that and about 4:00, I was pulling out and headed to the hotel.  John had been at the casino and was one happy camper when I got there.  We decided to grab a bite to eat and went to the buffet.  After that, I was completely beat (and super sweaty) so I went back to the room while John got his second wind.  I did catch a beautiful sunset!

John having fun

Sunday we were a little lazy but made it down for breakfast before packing up the car to head out.  We decided to take the long way home via Lake Mead.  I admit my GPS said it was only about 30 minutes longer which was naive for me to think because it was about 1.5 hours longer.  But it was pretty and relaxing and a great way to break in the new car.

Lake Mead

Unfortunately, the Lake Mead stop (well and alcohol run at Costco) made us late to meet up with Grandma.  We decided to stop and have a late lunch/early dinner in Mesquite.  Of course, we had to play a little slots while there.  John was showing me one of his favorite machines, Miss Kitty.  Now get your mind out of the gutter.  It really is a kitty cat machine.  John won big on a $.60 bid - he walked away with $75 which is fantastic!!

Winning!

We missed dinner with Grandma but we did get to see her before she went to bed.  When we walked into the room, her eyes lit up and she was thrilled to see John.  That alone was worth braving the heat and spending the weekend down there.

Me, Grandma, John

Grandma is going to be 101 in November.  She is doing remarkably well but having a problem with more confusion and she didn't recognize me for a long while.  That is okay.  I still love visiting her and seeing her interact with John was priceless.

Monday and Tuesday, I had to work but we did visit Grandma.  John actually used Mom's car so he got to spend more time with Grandma and take care of business.  Monday night, we planned to have dinner with Grandma.  When we got to the table, there was room for only one of us.  So I told John to eat with her and I would wait.  That night, we were lucky to make it to Cliff View restaurant.

Cliff View is by far my favorite place to eat down there.  They have a whole wall of windows looking over the city and we got there in time to see the sunset which is pretty fantastic.  Cliff View is a fancier than I think John is used too but he was a great sport and went with me.

St George view with Zions in the distance

John's fancy chopped dinner with mashed potatoes.
Very pretty presentation!

OMG.  Chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes.  So good.

Tuesday, John had lunch with grandma. She was sad to see him leave and that is really hard.  I worked until it was time for us to head out.  We had a nice drive home and even made it back before dark!  John and I enjoyed our get away and both came back feeling refreshed.  It was a good trip.

A few questions answered ahead of time - yes I was ready for a new car.  The last car was not a good car for me and seemed jinxed.  I had to really negotiate with Mary to get her to take it because I was way over miles, had a year left on my lease, and I had some "blemishes" in the body paint.  Although  I didn't get the steal of a deal I always feel like I get, I am happy with what we worked out and I am now a proud driver of a 2018 Acura TLX.  This car is gorgeous and has lots of improved features for safety and fun.  Ask me about Apple Car Play if you are bored and want to hear me squeal with delight.  Even John enjoyed it!  I do go to Vegas to get cars because I seem to save several thousands of dollars from buying in Utah.  And who doesn't want a weekend in Vegas??

Grandma is good and they are taking good care of her.  She is in an Assisted Living Facility and they love her but as she has aged, she is needing more help than they can really give.  Going down to visit and check in is part of helping her stay there as long as possible.  Plus it helps Mom and Chuck not worry so much about taking a much needed vacation.  They are her primary daily visitors since they live close.

Yes- we enjoyed getting liquor without the sin tax.  We decided to go to Costco this time.  We both picked up tequila and several bottles (lots) of wine.  I admit I bought more than John which is fine.  Unfortunately, it was so hot that several of our bottles uncorked by themselves including a large bottle of Mondovi red.  It is more than I can drink myself before it goes bad.  Luckily I have book club tomorrow so I think I will take it and share.  Here is a sneak peek of my purchase.

This girl loves Tequila.  That is a huge bottle of Hornitos!

The foster kittens were great thanks to Philip and Tiffany watching them for me.   The kittens have gone in to get spayed and then John and I will go adopt them on Saturday.  But that is for another post....stay tuned.