VIVA LAS VEGAS!

I had fully intended posting last week, but my new, perhaps one time, 'part time' job took longer than anticipated.  I was offered an opportunity which seemed, at the time, too good to pass up, and in retrospect, it probably was.  "If we pay for you, will you come to Las Vegas and be a babysitter?"  I didn't like the idea of the kids paying for me to have a holiday, because it probably would be more of a vacation, than a 'vocation', but I agreed that I would join them for a few days. 

We would leave on the Friday.  They had friends arriving on Saturday and on Sunday.  The couple arriving on Saturday were coming in for a conference, at which one was expected to attend, and the 'other half' could do whatever he pleased!  (No doubt, within reason!)  The friend arriving on Sunday was there for a poker tournament!  All were leaving at various times during the week.  I agreed to travel with them on Friday, and come home Tuesday.  The 'other' couple were leaving on Thursday, and the poker player would be on their flight home, the following Friday.  In addition to this, one of Samantha's 'new mum' friends was going to a 'hen' party, and would be on our flight out.  She was leaving her daughter at home with her husband.  Sounded like a very well oiled plan to me!

After dropping the dogs off at the office, the truck rounded the corner, and I loaded my two small bags into the bed.  I climbed aboard, and we headed for the airport.  It was not busy, as it was still quite early, although not quite as early as they would have liked!

As usual, my daughter did not cease to amaze me.  I know she did not inaugurate the system, but she called the Transport Security Administration (known to us as the TSA) and let them know she needed assistance.  After checking our bags, Edward called them to let them know we were ready, and we stood, with some others, in a small area, awaiting a representative.  A couple of uniformed personnel arrived, and walked us through the crowds to a checkpoint, where we were taken to the front of the queue and walked through the 'dingers'.  As Samantha had liquid for the baby, this was taken to one side, and checked, and the rest of our bags were put through the x-ray machine.  I wondered why this service was not offered when checking in, as it prevents a lot of time wasting for those who do not need assistance.  Watching either families with young children, or incapacitated travelers trying to negotiate the security areas, has often caused me to wonder, "Why isn't anything in place to help these people?"  Apparently, there is!  

Heading for the gate, Edward was ordered to get me coffee and a snack for the flight. After all, the 'au pair' (nanny seems a little old) needed to be kept happy!  Sitting in the waiting area was Samantha's friend.  They squealed like teenagers when they saw each other, and it was lovely to see my daughter with 'new mum' friends.  It is a new chapter for her, and she is embracing it whole-heartedly.

"This is the Southwest gate for flights to Las Vegas, and Chicago.  I know, it doesn't say Chicago, but it is.  The screen lies!"  The lady at the desk made the announcement, and continued to say that there were three of them at the gate, gave their names, and then said if anyone has any problem with Southwest, or the flight, please see anyone other than the three (and she named them again) at the desk! Of course, this brought much laughter to the crowd that was waiting, for two different flights.  Ours was delayed slightly, and although it made no difference to us, Samantha's friend was on a tight schedule.

My youngest grandson seems to take most things in his stride.  He sat on his mum's lap and played with some 'spinners' that she had put on the window.  He slept a little, after his bottle, which he had at take off. Completely undeterred by anything around him, other than to be generally 'baby' curious, he seemed to cope better than most!

The plane landed, and we taxied to the gate.  As the seatbelt sign delighted, the purser came over the speaker, "Get off!"  Everyone, again, laughed.  We deplaned, picked up the stroller on the airbridge and headed for the arrivals lounge, where a man was standing with a sign that simply read, "Teddy Gray".  We were in Vegas, and everything is extraordinary!  

Our room was ready, but there was a little confusion as to why there needed to be a 'pack and play' cot, and a fridge.  Interestingly enough, the hotels (or those that are willing) are set up for babies, and will accommodate most whims!  They are in the hospitality business and then some!  

Curious as to when my 'duties' should start, I asked my daughter, "What are you expecting me to do?"  I was more than delighted to be told, "After dinner, you can bring him back to the room and watch him, if we want to go to any shows or something like that".  Now that was a job I could deal with!

It was a good first day.  We went to the pool, we had a snack, the bar bill (including the snack) was more than my weekly shopping average, including feeding five on Wednesday, and we got ready for dinner.  Dinner was at an Asian restaurant, and my duck curry was superb.  The baby was very well behaved, and sat and cooed for a while, before going to sleep.  Not could be said for the little girl next to us, who about three years old, was trying her parents to the limit. I felt for them, as they did not let her kick and scream and disturb others, but took it in turns to take her outside, and presumably with a promise of behaving properly, she was brought back, until she broke her promise.  There are hotels that do not accommodate children, and for those who sat and looked in disgust, I would recommend they go to one of those next time!

Saturday morning started with a walk to the shops.  Having the stroller, we were unable to use the escalators and had to rely on the lifts.  It was not really a problem, but not as convenient. We strolled, and came back.  A girl walked across one of the pedestrian bridges, almost wearing a bikini.  The woman in front of me turned and did a 'double take'.  She looked at me, and I laughed.  She spoke to me and I did not understand, but nodded.  "French?" she said.  I responded that I was English.  I pointed to my head and said, "The same".  "Oui!" she said, and then "Regardez!"  We both laughed!

The couple who were expected in this morning, were delayed, slightly, and we were waiting to 'do lunch' with them.  Eventually, they alighted from the tram and we all walked to the buffet in the Cosmopolitan.  "There is an hour and a half wait" said the hostess.  "But, you can jump the queue for an extra $25 per head". We were not particularly interested, but our "No" became definite when she further announced, "And that is only a twenty five minute wait".  Or there about!  She did not add that little tidbit!  

The 'buns and shakes' place had no wait.  Obviously, these were not fast food burgers, and the shakes were not regular shakes.  I chose, "The" burger, which had more than the average amount of toppings. I needed not the 'fries' as they were included in, or should I say, on top of, the burger.  By the time I had taken everything off, it was a regular burger with enough sides to make a menu section!  The waiter took the stroller and put it 'out back', and so when Teddy started to get a bit grumpy, I fulfilled my 'au pair' duties, (despite it being afternoon,) and took him for a walk.  He was introduced to 'today's standards'.  A nightclub, which apparently operates during the day, had a queue outside.  "No swimwear" was on the notice, but it appears a bikini can be worn as long as it is covered.  It also appears that a 'cover' is anything that is worn over the top, including a fishnet (with holes way too large to catch a fish) dress, that leaves nothing to the imagination.  Gawping was my face feature for most of our walk! I wear more to swim than most of these girls wore to dance!  I like being old fashioned!

We bade farewell to the other couple, who were going back to their hotel, and went back to ours.  The baby was enjoying the water, and getting a lot of attention.  His father was getting a lot more!  Lighting a cigar, he had asked the ladies behind if they objected.  One took this as an invitation to flirt.  My son-in-law, quite like my husband, was oblivious to this.  I can hear you now, "Oh he knew", but I do not think he did.  "I like a good cigar", said the woman, who was not as old as me, but no youngster.  He offered her one from his pack. She took it and then, looking straight at me, said "Can I offer you some compensation for this?"  If she had not looked at me, whilst saying it, or had said the word 'compensation', without breaking it up into several words, I would not have thought twice, but I knew and she knew that I knew she knew!  My daughter, who found this very amusing, watched from afar, and we decided that this was a game. "Whoever 'catches' a guy today, doesn't pay for dinner".  There were more points up for grabs, as this guy not only had a wife with him, but a baby and his mother-in-law!  Perhaps it was dinner for the whole weekend!  Again, and again, she left her friends, and came and sat next to him, to talk about cigars, and then more personal things, such as, "Do you come here often?"  Oh my goodness, the original 'chat up line!'.  Eventually, after a couple of hours, and not a hint of a 'bite', Edward's school friend and wife came on the scene.  As soon as they sat down, (Samantha, Teddy and I had been sitting there for a while,) she realised this had been a complete waste of time, and all bets were off.  She made a hasty retreat and uttered not even a soft farewell!  This is Vegas!

Our room had not been made up when we returned at seven.  It was quite outrageous, and Edward called down to housekeeping.  They were extremely apologetic, after ascertaining that the 'service' light had been on since ten in the morning.

We went for dinner and then I took the baby upstairs, gave him his bottle and put him to bed.  I spent a good deal of time trying to work out the 'light' configuration, not realising that all could be controlled from the tablet next to the bed, that I assumed was just a clock!  I pressed the 'goodnight' button, about three times, closing curtains and turning off all lights, and then opening curtains and turning lights on separately.  By the time I had it all figured out, I was exhausted and called it a night!

I think the parents returned around three in the morning.  They had met up with the other couple, and all had a good night on the tiles!  I was glad that my 'au pair' duties had been put to good use.  I was up early, and Samantha did get up at a reasonable hour.  We went down to the lounge, and I spoke to the lady at the desk, telling her of our displeasure.  I say 'our' displeasure, but I was the only one who thought to say anything.  She was apologetic, said that there should have been robes and slippers in the room, and it was unacceptable.  If it happened again, we were to let her know, although she had made a note.  I said that I did not like to complain, but as we were paying for a service, we expected service.  After all, I was there as an employee and expected to fulfill my employment!  

We were meant to have lunch with the other couple, but they were still nursing heads!  Instead, we wandered around and ended up back at the pool.  This time there were no 'prowlers' and we ordered some nachos and drinks.  Taking the baby for a swim before his afternoon feed was a wonderful idea, as he took his bottle and napped for quite a while, giving us the chance to get ready for dinner.  However, dinner was not really on the cards (pardon the pun) for the evening.  

Our room was still not made up when we went back.  I had spoken to someone earlier about this, and although she saw the note on the account, she did not really make much of it.  "So what is it you want", she replied.  "Our room serviced", I said.  A robe and one pair of slippers, together with one towel had been left on the side.  Edward called again, and they promised to send someone up.  

"Shall we walk to the Venetian?" said Edward.  I was all for a nice walk, but dressed in my dressy one piece trouser suit, I thought shoes to match may be an issue.  I put on my trainers, and my hat.  The walk was long, but not too hot, and when we got there, I realised we were meeting the other couple.  She had been to 'enroll' at her conference, and it appears that was all she had to do to get 'credits'.  The conference is held in a big city each year, the choice of the conference holders, and the companies sending staff to attend, pay for their travel, accommodation and food, for the duration.  The people holding the conference get their whack, the companies get a tax break, and the employees have a good old 'jolly'. Naturally, there will be some that attend all day, every day, but everyone goes home happy! Like most things, you get the gist from the theory, but the 'practical' is what counts.  My husband was an air traffic controller. Many passed the test, but few could actually do the job, as once in the field, the reality hit!  Perhaps I am just trying to convince myself that not going to the conference is okay!  

We decided to walk back and see the conservatory at the Bellagio. Had I known that we were going to meet the other couple, I would have stayed at our hotel, as I did not realise they were not going to come all the way back with me!  I felt safe enough, but was unsure as to how to negotiate all the elevators.  "I shall take the tram", I said, very confidently.  "Just walk through the Vidara!" said Samantha, also full of confidence.  I am afraid I went into a bit of a tail spin.  I think it was because I was in a strange city, and had not realised the objective!  However, I pulled myself together, and the kids walked me to the elevator.  "The walkway to the Vidara is closed for maintenance", we all read the sign.  "I guess I will have to take the tram", I said.

Taking the tram was easy.  I was escorted to the terminal, and waited alone.  I could see eyes on me.  I was pushing a stroller, with a blanket over the top, so no one could see the baby, a couple of plastic bags underneath, and here I was in a nice, dressy trousersuit, and hat, with a pair of trainers.  Was there a baby in the carriage?  I entered the compartment. "You can sit here", said a young girl, looking around the pram to see if she could get a glimpse of what was inside. I thanked her and took my seat.  I was being stared at!  I was then smiled at when I looked at those who stared.  It was all very amusing. I exited at my stop, took the lift down, then another down again, walked through the casino, and took the lift to the room.  I fed and changed the baby, put him to bed, and promptly fell asleep!  I do not know what time the parents came back to the room, but I was not awake!

Monday morning was a little overcast.  We wandered around after speaking to Victoria, the clerk at the desk, and telling her of our further disappointment.  She promised extra towels!  The problem was that when housekeeping saw towels had been left, they did not leave anymore, so I was taking clean towels from the pool area.  I did not tell that to Victoria!

Lunch was at the buffet that charged extra for waiting!  It was rather delicious.  The table next to us had some obnoxious children who decided that it was okay to come and poke at the pram.  I told them to go away and leave the baby alone.  Their parents appeared not to notice.  However, a rather nice waiter appeared on the scene and told the adults to keep their children in their seats if they wished to remain! I was rather shocked.  It is rare that wait staff take the authority, but he pointed out that it was dangerous.  When they left, one of the fathers was told to take his child that was 'still under the table'.  He had not noticed she was missing!

We spent the afternoon at the other couple's hotel pool, and then went back to our hotel, where I stayed in the room for the duration of the evening, and packed my bag before feeding the baby and putting him to bed.

Tuesday was a long day.  We went for a walk, and I picked up a freshly baked Italian loaf, for my journey home, and then took a taxi to the airport.  I went through security, the long way round, and then walked to my gate.  However, try as I might to find it, I could not. "I am looking for gate B37" I told a wheelchair attendant.  "We do not have a gate B37", she told me.  When I showed her my ticket, she looked at me with pity. "That is your place in the queue", she told me. "Your gate is C1".  When I looked, and looked again, because any smaller and the gate number would be microscopic, I walked from the end of B, to the beginning and then end of C.

"Yes, this is the right gate for Kansas City.  Stop looking at the screens. They are lying.  We have no control over the screens. You are in the right place.  If you are flying to Kansas City, you need to be at gate C1.  That's right, the screens are wrong!" came the announcement, as many came and stood in front of my chair.  I had placed myself directly opposite the '36-40' sign.  As I watched more people enter the area, there was another announcement.  "There is a gate change.  Those travelling to Austin are now departing from gate C3".  Grabbing my bags, I headed for the new gate, with the display, "Eugene".  I sat opposite the '36-40' section.  "Yes, the sign is wrong" came the announcement.  My flight was delayed.

Once aboard, I looked at the seats in front of me.  As I was travelling alone, I hoped there would be one open exit row seat, which there was.  I took it and spread out.  I agreed to all the terms and conditions set out by the crew member, and waited for take off.  It was bumpy. About forty minutes into the flight, I felt my temperature spike, and knew that I was having a bout of air sickness.  I turned on the air vent to full, and was about to pour water over me, but thought I might splash the people on either side of me.  "Excuse me", I said to my neighbour on the left.  "Do you need to get out?" he said.  I nodded.

How I made it to the back of the plane is beyond me, but I slumped in the jump seat.  "She's very pale", said one crew member, as the other put a cold compress on the back of my neck.  It felt good.  "Ma'am. Are you on any medication?" I responded I was not.  "Have you any underlying medical conditions?"  Again, no.  "Are you travelling with anyone?" I thought to myself, "If I was, you would know.  My daughter would be here telling you exactly what to do!"  I said I was alone, and then managed to utter, "Motion sickness".  They gave me a bag and I then barked, "Toilet",  followed by "Water".  They obliged.  Within a minute or two, I was fine.  I sat for about twenty minutes, feeling much better, and was asked at intervals if I was okay.  Interestingly enough, they did not ask if I had consumed any alcohol, but I think they decided this was not my first rodeo!  As I emerged, they looked quite relieved, and told me I looked much better.  As always, there is one who is ready to give a dirty look, and she stood and watched for me to come out of the bathroom. Obviously, in her eyes, I should not be on the plane!  I returned to my seat, and wondered if I should sit somewhere else.  Would I be able to perform the duties of the 'exit row' person?  My neighbour, who had let me out, enquired as to my well being.  I told him I was much better.  "Motion sickness?" he asked.  I nodded.  "Thought so, when you put the air on".  The neighbour to my right was of the 'dirty look' brigade.  

I slept for the rest of the flight, and the landing was as bumpy as the take off.  I deplaned, and picked up my bags.  Dana was in the 'cell phone' lot, and I called to say I was waiting by the curb.  He arrived a couple of minutes later, and we headed home.

A little later, I took the dogs for a walk, and then came back to go to bed.  As I had been going to bed at a reasonably early hour, and waking the same, the two hour difference did not affect me.

Hailed as a saint, apparently, by the other couple, because I had taken the baby and allowed them all to have a 'good time', I wanted those days to return, as I took the boys out for a morning walk on Wednesday. I had told Dana that we should bring in supper from Wednesday evening, but changed my mind Tuesday night.  I could do this!  Dinner and dessert.  After all, I was only gone for a few days, and my trip back was not as arduous as the one from England.  

Samantha and Edward's flight was delayed.  They were travelling bac with the friend who arrived last Sunday.  I had thought about asking them to pick up the boys when they got back, but by the time they got in, I knew it would be very late, and I just wanted them to get the baby into bed, despite the fact that he slept all the way back, in his own chair, as the flight was not full, and then was unperturbed when put in his car seat.  

I took the dogs out as thunder rolled and lightening lit.  It had just started to rain, but I was sure we could manage to get a quick walk in. We did, and after they had completed their ablutions, we ran back home, and arrived just before it started to pour.  By the time I was upstairs, it sounded as if stones were being hurled at my window.  It also sounded like hammers were being swung at the side of my house.  I went back downstairs, where I retrieved a piece of hail the size of a kidney bean, with others larger, but I did not want to venture too far from the back door!

The skimmers were completely full on Saturday morning, and there were several branches strewn across the road.  It had been a huge storm but had gone through very quickly, thank goodness!  I tried to clean the bottom with the net, but only succeeded in extending the pole and tightening it so much, it would not go back down.  I could not put it back in the shed but left it with the brush on one of the stands.  

It was very hot, with the promise of hotter weather.  The storm did little to cool the temperature, and failed to lower the heat index.  Our summer had come in with a vengeance.  

After a swim in the afternoon, I chatted with some neighbours.  "Was that your alarm?" asked one, I replied that it was and at the same time, my phone rang.  "And that will be my daughter", I said.  "Does she have your schedule?" asked my neighbour.  "No", I said, "But she is the only one who rings me!"  When I checked my phone, it was not my daughter who had called, but our Chairman!  He had been involved in a small accident and wondered if I was at home.  Would I be able to pick him up, as his truck was not able to turn right!  I responded that I would, but he then said, "Can you make it in thirty minutes?  I need something to ea.t"  I found it a little strange to ask for a ride and then specify a time, but said okay.  "Was it your daughter?" asked my neighbour.  I responded that it was not, that it was our Chairman, and he had been involved in a small 'fender bender' and wanted a ride home.  I stayed in the water.  "What did you tell him?" asked another neighbour.  "I said, no way, tough, call someone else."  All three women looked at me aghast.  I then told them that he wanted some food first!  

Picking up our esteemed Chairman did not take long.  He said that after the accident, he realised he was starving and needed to get some food.  I put it down to perhaps a bit of shock.  He explained that a young girl had rammed into him, after someone had told her the path was clear, and she had not looked for herself.  At that, we were about to turn left and I stopped.  "It's okay, it's clear", he said, somewhat impatiently, as I had stopped and was looking to see.  "Really!" I responded.  He apologised with a laugh.  We got back to the complex and I returned to my happy place!  My neighbours were still there, and we chatted some more before they left, and I read my book.

It was hotter today.  I don't plan to spend too much time outside, as we have been warned not to.  

There are no more imminent trips on the horizon, but I doubt I will be called to au pair for a while.  It was fun, and I enjoyed spending some quality time with my youngest grandson.  Hopefully, I will have some quality time with the older two later in the year.  However, for now it is back to work and enduring the heat.  I am sure I will survive the next few days, otherwise there wont be .......... another story!