For the first time in the seven-year time span that I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve failed to report-in for a week. In the process, my running streak has also suffered, choosing to do shorter one-mile-plus runs rather than the standard 5k effort. Routine breakers like time changes, early morning travel, late nights, excess drinking, a cold, fatigue, and springing forward all contributed to these performance letdowns. For the first time this morning, I upped the mileage and finally settled down in front of the keyboard. 

A full week ago we drove to Orlando, spent the night at the Airport Marriott, and took an early flight to Las Vegas. For at least the 15th time, I returned to the “The Strip.” Many of the sights were familiar, but perhaps most disappointing was the lack of flower gardens at the Bellagio where we were married. A pool was being constructed and most of the lush foliage had been removed. Many years ago they had also torn down the staircase where we posed for wedding pictures.

On this occasion, twenty-two years later, we had reunited with our neighbors from Decatur that now live near Tucson, and settled on Las Vegas as a meeting point, taking advantage of our common connection with the Marriott Vacation Club. The Grand Chateau became our temporary home. We had gotten to the Bellagio via the Monorail that links the adjacent MGM with the other major casinos. 

We started our first day at New York, New York with a late lunch at Eataly and some gambling at the MGM. By the time we got to the Bellagio, our aging feet were already aching. It was then too far to walk to the chapel to reminisce, so we settled on a distant view of the stained-glass window that served as the backdrop for our vows. More walking, cocktails at Mon Ami Gabi under the Eifel Tower, and the Monorail delivered us back to the MGM for the humorous Terry Fator ventriloquism show and a nightcap. 

Day 2 was spent near the Venetian where we once enjoyed our wedding dinner at Delmonico’s. The four of us had drinks at McCormick and Schmick’s, dinner at Mott 23, and finished the perfect evening listening to Chicago in concert, performing from their 37th album. Blackjack and slot machines filled the time between. 

Our final day together in Vegas was spent primarily downtown, starting with a National Geographic exhibit, and moving on to the Mob Museum & Speakeasy, Neon Boneyard, and a late dinner at Hugo’s Cellar in the 4 Queens, an old-world dining experience of mine for twenty-five years. Table side salad preparation, massive martinis, huge steaks, and Bananas Foster never disappoint, plus every lady is presented with a rose. After a brief night’s sleep, we then caught another early flight back to Orlando. Disney World was next on the list of things to do, not ready to return to the norm, so once again breaking routine.