Things seem a bit hectic but maybe it’s me, maybe it isn’t, I’ll just go with the thought that they seem hectic whether they are or not.  I made a trip into Las Vegas on Friday – that was yesterday – to pick up my oldest son Dan.  He’s going to be staying with me for a bit and look for work out here.  His flophouse lifestyle of living was getting to him I suppose…hell if I know.  The things my kids do/have done and their lifestyles are not mine but it’s certainly a peek into a completely different world than I live in.  I like to know I have a place to live that no one else will show up at any time of day, and that my stuff is reasonably protected and I don’t have to worry about someone taking it out the door to trade/sell it for their next fix, and a variety of other things, like a hot shower and clean sheets.  Maybe I’m just too picky.

Yah, I’d like to say that all my sons were settled in a profession that met with public approval and their lives were quite tidy and normal, but alas, it just ain’t so.  They are alive and fairly healthy and for that I’m thankful.  And we seem to get along quite well which is something else I’m thankful for.  I always knew I wanted my boys to be my friend and I believe we are there, they see me as an individual and not just ‘mom’ and I see them as people with ideas and their own direction and not just ‘son.’

On the trip into Vegas, it was fairly fast.  On the way out of town we went out through Red Rock Canyon as I wanted to stop at Costco on the way home.  We got up to the town of Blue Diamond on Star Route 159, about a 1/2 mile from the turn in and the road was blocked off with a patrol car and deputy sending everyone back the way they came.  A single engine airplane had crashed.  It really put a dent in our day but I’m sure it was nothing compared to the impact (no pun intended) that it had on the couple in the plane.  We had to travel about 40 miles back and around to SR 160 to make it home.  But the world wasn’t on fire and life wasn’t going to change much with that extra hour.

The world’s longest poker game is coming to an end.  That’s my thought anyway.  The Chilean Miners that have been trapped since August 5th were reported at one point to be in good spirits and playing poker.  The rescue efforts have managed to break through to a point where the miners may start to be pulled out in the next few days – one by one – in a tube encased lift.  The idea of all of it, being trapped and hauled out, makes my mind go numbingly black…I can’t imagine it or stand the thought of it.  But my sick side is curious if they kept track of poker wins and losses and how the game ended up.  We all know poker is one long game…but these are special circumstances since the good ‘ol game is closing down.  Here’s hoping and praying they all make it out with no complications or health issues…maybe they’ll write about that poker game too.

Last month when I went in to Vegas to pick up Riot, we stopped by Bellagio and went to the Garden but it was under construction for the fall theme and we could only walk around a roped off edge and back out.  I tried to talk Riot into settling in at this guy’s foot for a picture but he wouldn’t do it, although he didn’t seem frightened…not the guy, Riot.

Out on the top floor of Bellagio’s parking garage, looking south, I found the moon between the two buildings of the Cosmopolitan, the Jockey Club is right at the bottom – squished in between those two buildings and some of City Center is visible in the blue building in the back.

Back out to the land of quiet, a sunrise a few mornings ago.

It’s getting colder at night – much cooler during the day.  I have to start making plans to cover some water lines and do some cold weather type of chores soon.

I had a long conversation with the Monkey this last week.  It was great touching bases with him, we had our share of chuckles and “OMG!  You’re kidding?” in our conversation.  Love that guy.  Marie and I have been on the phone about once a week, she’s busy with kids, grandkids, relatives from who knows where.  She figured they (Gary and her) would be back probably in November this year.  Kee-rist!  I’m ready for her to come home now.  I miss her on my jaunts into Vegas.

The November 9 is cranking off soon.  I applied for media credentials but I’m really not sure yet what my plans are.

Laters…check back for more Montana updates.