The words "Thanksgiving"

At a time when our tummies are full of turkey and other great foods, I am reflecting on five years ago. Five years ago, we all sat down to share a Thanksgiving dinner. Well not all, someone was missing. And that was just the first of many Thanksgiving dinner that she would miss. I remember it like it was yesterday. The call that came late at night. The late night trip to the emergency room. The look on the DR face. The state she was in. The next day was Thanksgiving. The call I got from the DR, the complications, the decisions that had to be made. Thanksgiving dinner that year wasn't about giving thanks but about giving up someone that had been a  person in our lives. We had all seen it coming to this. The treatments weren't working, the many trips to the hospital, the care she was getting in the nursing home and hospice. There was only so much that could be done. Her body was tired, her heart was working overtime and her speech was limited. She started losing her appetite, they had to feed her, do all the care for her, wheel her to and from. She spoke with her eyes and occasionally she spoke out loud. That day our family was uprooted. This is too hard. I know I said. It is something we have to do. But in the end, we didn't have to do anything at all.  You see, we don't have control on when the body is going to stop working. Only God does. He knew we couldn't make that decision, so November 29, 2008 God decided it was time for my mom to join him in heaven. When I think of Thanksgiving, I thank God for giving me a wonderful mother, a wonderful grandmother to my children and a wonderful mother-in-law to my husband. He gave me my mom when I was 2 years old. She raised me and my brother as a single parent since 1974. And she did the best job any parent can, given the situations. I am thankful for the values she taught me, the morals and the life lessons I have learned along the way. I miss my mom a

lot. But I am thankful she is free of pain and suffering.

Kathy

Winter Hands

Don't let the winter take control on the moisture in your hands. The winter poses dryness for your skin and hands. Start your day with Surface SKIN ACAI AND POPPY SEED BODY WASH! Luxurious acai-rich lather renews and hydrates skin while poppy seed gently exfoliates for smoother, healthier skin. The product is also infused with Babassu Seed Oil to renew skin’s natural moisture and leave skin cleansed and rejuvenated.

 Follow with SURFACE SKIN ACAI AND BLUEBERRY BODY LOTION! Winterize your skin! Give some extra love and attention to keep your skin looking perfectly moisturized and radiant, with the new ACAI AND BLUEBERRY BODY LOTION. This luxurious body lotion works on all skin types and leaves skin hydrated and protected delivering a youthful radiance. The secret weapon in this lotion’s formula is nature’s antioxidant-rich acai berry, which repairs and protects skin from aging

Use BASSU HYDRATING OIL! One of the most multi-functional Surface products, BASSU OIL intensifies shine, softens, defines style and helps lock in color all in one! Work into hair before heat styling to maximize benefits. Want to know an insider secret? The oil is also great for your skin.

Kathy

Las Vegas

A lot has happened since I last posted a blog.  We celebrated Mike and Leonards; 50th birthday Vegas Style.

We traveled to Las Vegas via Allegiant airlines. We purchased a "package" trip with included our stay at the Excalibur. When purchasing an airline ticket, you now need to either pay for a "checked" bag or a "carry-on". It is cheaper to pay for it online versus at the airport. It can save you around $20 or more. When looking for the size requirements, rules and regulations, we chose to pay for a carry -on. We also took a personal bag for each of us, which was a backpack and large "purse".The carry-on was an additional $30. I noted that a lot of people brought their "carry-on" which was a full size suitcase on wheels. Then you have multiple fees for who knows what. When on board the aircraft you will need to pay for everything including water. You are able to bring a bottle of water and snacks of your choice, which I would recommend.The water would need to be purchased after you have gone through security.
The resort, Excalibur also has a fee of $15 per day. I don't know exactly what it pays for. We were also able to get a $20 food or drink voucher when we booked the reservation. But you are limited to what places within the Excalibur you are able to use it at..
If you are looking to spend alot of time outdoors be aware that it is difficult as there is a lot of sidewalks closed to due construction. And the fact that the resorts, hotels and such are practically built on top of each other.
Don't expect to receive complimentary drinks when gambling. Some casinos do better than others. We enjoyed free drinks at New York, New York. But I sat at the black jack table for about 2 hours. The waitressess are very busy and have a distance to travel to get the drinks. Please be respectful of this and tip them for your Free drink.
An average beer is $4-$5, mix drinks are $15-up, food entrees are $15-up. There are some great little places along the strip to find breakfast and coffee. We ate supper at Hofbrauhaus. The food was great, the atmosphere was great, great service and such. On Saturday we went to Margaritaville  for lunch which had great food. Walked to an outdoor bar with live music. Saturday night we went to  Fremont street and tried out the famous "hogs and heifers" bar. Be prepared to be yelled at thru a megaphone, cursed at and make sure you tip the waitress. We enjoyed the light show on Fremont street, the entertainment, music, arts and much more. Sunday we ate at the famous "Dicks Resort". Again, they yell at you, scream at you, put funny hats on you that are usually downgrading. The wings are huge, drinks are expensive and the environment is unusual.
Las Vegas is a very busy place. If you can get away from the main stream of things, you may enjoy some different culture. Take in a show or two, enjoy outdoor bars and restaurants.
In closing, I would say go prepare to spend money, walk a lot, see a variety of things. It is true that Vegas doesn't sleep, but that doesn't mean you can't.

Kathy

Dry shampoo

Dry Shampoo: Our Current Favorites http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/intothegloss/VUQZ/~3/s3LeFfykVj0/ (Via Bloglovin')

Veterans Day

Like many families who have loved ones in the military, either currently active or not, it is a strain. A strain on marriages, a strain on siblings, a strain on children, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles. It's a sacrifice to all those who are affected. The time spent at war, training, working and waiting plays a huge toll on the lives around them. Thank you to those who have sacrificed their time, their families and their lives for this country that we call home. I am very proud to be an American. 

Bobbi Brown beauty

The Bobbi Brown Book of Teenage Beauty http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/intothegloss/VUQZ/~3/XrY4CLIIg7A/ (Via Bloglovin')

Lips

BEAUTY BASICS: LIP http://thebeautydepartment.com/2013/11/beauty-basics-lip/ (Via Bloglovin')

Remembrance

It's been almost 5 years since my mom passed away. I have to admit it was tough in the beginning. Losing your best friend is hard. She suffered a fall in May of 2008 that broke her hip. Her hip recovered and healed  but her heart never did. I think in time, she suffered another stoke(or more). Vocalizing became difficult for her. Feeding herself caused troubles as her hand was shaky. She was in a nursing home that care was should we say, inadequate. But her care needs were more than any of the family members could do. I remember the night before she passed away, Kara told her that she was expecting a baby and mom said "wonderful". Those were the first and only words I had heard her speak in months.  As this holiday approaches I am thankful for the many years I had with my mom. I am also thankful she is no longer in pain. She is at peace, in happiness and healthy.

Missing you everyday
I Love you!
Kathy