Went out for a weeknight girls night out with Lori, Laura, Doray and Irene. The wine was delicious!
Comet!
We were successful tonight! The comet is definitely not as bright as it must have been just a few days ago. I have seen some really clear pictures of it taken from Austin. But, now that it is a bit higher in the sky, it sets later and so it may be easier to make out after the sun has set. But it is definitely faint. We drove out to Iguana Grill as the sun was setting. I think we spotted it around 8:25pm, or about 50 minutes after sunset. I was not able to see it with my naked eye. We brought binoculars, and I was able to see it pretty clearly through those. I used a 3-5 second exposure on my camera and was able to catch it faintly. Can you see it to the left of the waxing cresent moon?
My first comet shot!
Not a comet.
The comet PANSTARRS is out and about and is supposed to be visible to the unaided eye. So Monte and I went out after sunset to try to catch a glimpse of it. We were not successful. The sky was pretty, though. This was one of the shots I took – sans comet.
Two lips.
Home at last. Pretty flowers. My sweetie. My pretty birdie. 🙂
Looking up.
One last walk around the town before heading home tomorrow. This is a glass ceiling dome inside the Paris casino.
And this is an enormous Dale Chihuly glass art installation above the lobby of the Bellagio.
Hydroluminous.
I finally made it out. I took the monorail up the Strip to see the fountains out in front of the Bellagio. Then I walked back to the MGM Grand.
It was well worth the trip, even with a sore back. I hit Walgreen’s on the way back and picked up some heat pads. Hopefully that will help.
Spaaaaaaaah.
I managed to seriously strain my lower back overnight. And all day today I have been terribly uncomfortable; not able to find a sitting or standing position where I wasn’t in pain. Sheesh.
Coincidentally, I had made an appointment for this evening at the hotel spa for a massage – which was fantastic. Perfect timing. I still am sore but I am as relaxed as I’m going to be. It’s a very nice place. I might need to squeeze in another treatment before I leave.
Here’s a few more shots from inside…
Bright lights.
A view up Las Vegas Blvd.
Showtime.
Tonight the conference is hosting a concert in the garden arena of the MGM Grand. Carrie Underwood is treating us to an evening of music. On the floor you can see upwards of 8000 IBM-ers, clients and friends cutting loose. I’m enjoying seeing colleagues from current assignments, as well as those I haven’t seen in over ten years or more.
Exit row aisle.
Flew to Las Vegas today. I don’t really need it, but I simply must have an exit row aisle seat when traveling coach. It makes those tall guys green with envy.
I was hoping to get a good shot of the LAX airport tower, but didn’t have an unobstructed view. Can you spot it?
I’m staying at the MGM Grand. Come on by and see me. I have plenty of room!
Mmm mango marg.
I love Saturdays. And I love Chuy’s mango margaritas. Monte prefers their Texas martinis. A good combo. After dinner we took a walk around the hood.
Three birds.
I found myself taking 2 pictures today. After looking at them, they had something in common- both pictures of birds… so to speak.
First one taken while on a walk after work.
Second one right before dinner – Monte’s latest technique for grilling chicken … posed by me 🙂 Brined grilled chicken cooked with applewood chips. Yummy!
Yellow wildflowers.
Monte brought home some of the yellow wildflowers that have cropped up everywhere on the last few weeks. These are called Greenthread (Thelesperma filifolium). Very pretty.
Tuesday night at the chez.
We had a bit of a late start for dinner. But it was worth the wait. Monte whipped up some pizza dough and Julie and I were on toppings duty. We played a few rounds of rummikub – a fun tile game that’s a mix of rummy and dominoes. Try it. You’ll like it. That goes for the pizza or the game. 🙂
Sheila365 