Cold Noses and Cold Toes~~~~

Well Darlings,

We finally made it to Reno and the Sliver Legacy. There was snow which slowed the progress of our train but we finally made it.

And it is COLD!! One of the first things that Michelle and I did is go to our rooms and take advantage of the jacuzi and heat up our bodies, then we settled in and started making our plans.

I am so glad that I packed for cold weather, and because we are relutant to leave the Legacy we were thinking of what entertainment we wanted to see. Of course we do want to see "Forbidden Broadway" it's our understanding that it is one of the funniest shows in Reno, but we've decided that the Museum is not going to be on our list of things to see, so we are going to focus on what is being offered at the Legacy mostly.

Although Jo Dee Messina is also going to be performing, I believe at the Nugget and Michelle has tickets so we are going. So it's using taxi's and requesting them early allowing for snow on the ground.

But all it not lost, they do offer wonderful spa therapies here and we are planning to take full advantage of them. And there is several lounges here.

I'm using Michelles' lap top and her data port access, she showed me how it all works. I'm so glad that I have stock in IBM and Apple, with all the inovations that they are developing I'm sure it will keep them solid.

But Reno has grown, even in the last few years since I've been here. I remember many years ago when it was the smallest, biggest town, and it was easy to walk to all the Casino's. I remember the Mapes in it's hey day. My parents and I stayed in one of the rooms and I could see the Truckee River from my window, it seemed more glamourous in those days, and Harolds Club was just plain friendly folk. of course it was all business Darlings but they projected that image.

Other clubs were more workman like, but they knew what the people wanted. Now it's more glitz and splash. They're all gone, the Mapes, the Primadonna, Harolds Club, even the little clubs like the Bank Club.

I remember when I turned 21 and could legally gamble my Father warned me "Never lose more than you can afford because no matter what the odds are always in the Houses' favor." And he was right, slots, craps, Keno, even roulette all favor the house, only when you play Poker or Blackjack do you have half a chance, but it is a wise Diva to know to always play with only that money that you have set aside for recreation and not the money to pay bills.

That is why Michelle and I will limit our gambling and focus on the entertainments.

So now that large bed is calling my name and I'll have the pleasure of sleeping in a bit late.

Until Anon, Darlings, Kisses.

Just an update

Well Darlings,

I just heard on the news that several trains have been stuck in the snow and had to be sent back to Reno and the passengers will have to stay in Motels or take the buses.

Darlings I know I have been toutting train travel and I personally feel that it is the best way to travel, why what if you were driving in all that snow using your expensive gas to keep warm.

At least on a train you are warm and comfortable so don't give up on it. It's much better than a drafty airport.

Until Annon Darlings, it's time for beddy by.

Back from my Winter Vacation Darlings

Well, Darlings I am back!

And such a wonderful whirlwind vacation!

I’ll give you all the highlights in just a few paragraphs, but first, I know that some of you wonderful Darling Pet Lovers want to know how my little Diva Darling fared while her “Mommy” was gone.

Princess did remarkably well, I phone Betty every few days and it seems that Princess and Jezebel were have their own little vacation. The two of them would play for hours on end until they were exhausted and then they would sleep together in Princess’s little bed. My little Diva Darling even used the kitty litter box, like a little lady.

This surprised Betty, but seeing as they were getting along so well and Princess appeared to be happy it was no cause for concern, but it seemed that each wanted to try the others food, fortunately no tummy upsets.

Of course when “Mommy” came to pick her up she was just jumping for joy and is back in her own home and into her regular routine, first checking out everything in the house to make sure all is well.

I know some of you would have asked “why didn’t I have Juanita watch Princess,” well I would have except that we had made arrangements prior to my going where she could visit her family for a few extra days and simply check on the house from time to time.

And Betty prefers to stay home as much as possible during the winter time; she is not one for the cold outdoors, it makes her joints ache painfully and considering how cold it’s been and still is, with snow on Mts Hamilton and Diablo I’m not a bit surprised. So it was a perfect arrangement and Princess and Jezebel’s antics did give Betty much laughter, especially in light of the horrible weather that everyone here in the Bay Area is suffering from.

As my dear friend “Mean Kitty” would say “…and I do mean suffering!” Poor dear is down with a nasty cold, all coughing, wheezing and sniffling. Not much one can do except bed rest, plenty of fluids, and cold medicine to at least make it bearable and lots of Kleenex with a very soft ply for a very sore nose. As soon as I found out she was sick I sent a Care package to her, her “hubby” was very grateful for it, poor soul was all thumbs caring for her.

Now Darlings about the trip; we finally made it into Reno, it was a bit of slow going because of all the snow, but the “upside” as my dear friend Michelle says is “We don’t have the headache and tense nerves driving in it”

And she is so right, how lovely it was to sit back, relax and leave the “driving” to the train and enjoy the view, it was like a Christmas postcard or a Thomas Kincaid painting unfolding before us.

We arrived at the Station a bit behind time and again gathered our luggage and took a taxi, although the station is only 4 or so blocks from the Legacy, considering the weather and all the luggage we had again it was best to take a taxi and again we paid the driver very well so he wouldn’t feel that he did a lot of hard work for nothing.

Remember that My Dear Divas, when you travel anywhere, if it’s a short trip from the station or air port and you have a lot of Louis Vuitton or quality Samsonite luggage be sure to tip generously. Everyone works hard for their money.

At the Silver legacy we settled in, and I found out that Michelle had booked us through Sunday with an option for staying one more night or two depending upon the weather. Of course we would return by train. So we took our time to unpack and unwound ourselves. We were fortunate to have Spa Suites, definitely for a romantic get away or just to relax, and feel pampered; the “I’M QUEEN OF THE WORLD!!!” type feeling.

And what a view of Reno and the mountains with all that cold, cold snow, which I’m sure many ski bunnies, appreciated.

After we refreshed ourselves we decided to talk a walk around to see what is being offered, do a little gambling, find a bite to eat and maybe take in a lounge or cabaret act.

And we weren’t disappointed. Since we were unwinding from traveling after a more than 4 hour trip from Sacramento to Reno, we relaxed and had a drink at the Sliver Barron Lounge where they had live entertainment, I thought the act was very good and Michelle said that she was familiar with them and was glad to see them doing so well.

Now on the entertainment---We saw Forbidden Broadway, very funny and very enjoyable and much of the “In-house” entertainment was very top notch, comedy acts, dueling pianos, a sort of Tiki act, singers too much to even begin to relate but I can tell you this you will not be disappointed. There was something different each night and with the Legacy, the El Dorado and Circus, Circus being linked with sky walks you can walk from one to the other and see something different each time.

Of course reservations are a must with the large name acts and a number of the cabaret acts. And each theatre or lounge had a different theme.

The same could be said of the food, so many choices so little time, we both were grateful for the workout rooms and spas massages that was offered, even so I did put on a couple of pounds---Got to work it off Darlings, can’t afford to have it all go to the hips.

And each restaurant with a different theme and specialty, from Steak to Tuscany and everything in-between. I cannot even begin to tell you which was my favorite.

But I do have to say that starting the day’s adventure at SIPS coffee and tea was the perfect way to begin. Michelle arranged for a chauffeured vehicle for us and we went to the Nevada Museum and took in the antique slot machine exhibit as well as paintings and everything. Another day when the weather wasn’t so bad we simply were driven around Reno to see how much it had changed over the years, and we had a chance to visit with some performers that Michelle was familiar with and see them do their acts.

I have to admit Reno is not the same as when I was a little girl to young lady, it’s all gone, Harold’s Club and the Mapes and the Primadonna, there was something about it that was just a bit gritty and edgy and a bit dangerous back them. The “Rat Pack” feeling now it’s a pizzazz and glitter and Disneylandish for adults.

I remember one time I was walking with my Father through one casino, he held my hand we were going to meet my mother at a restaurant at this casino and I can’t remember which one, and there was this table that was roped off and men and one woman were playing a high stakes game and everyone was gathered around with the ropes keeping the distance. There was one old man playing at this table. My Father stopped to watch briefly so I watched with him and there was something about this old man, he looked at his cards and then looked at everything on the table, his face revealed nothing, he said something to the house dealer, and another man laid his cards down and then the old man’s eyes seemed to take a sparkle at what he saw, and with that he laid his cards down without any flourish but with a little smile on his face.

All the chips were given to the elderly man and he shook hands with the fellow who had lost. People quietly applauded as if at a chess match. I heard my Father say “He’s still good” and who that man was I never knew, because we had to meet my mother for dinner.

I also remember staying with my parents at the Mapes Hotel and Casino many years ago when it was still in its Hey Day and I had my own room connected to my parent’s room. I remember it overlooked the Truckee River and that the drapes, bed clothes and everything being gold and white, at least that was the impression I had. Marilyn Monroe stayed there when she was filming the Misfits, if she had this room I cold understand the feeling I had being there, I felt like a princess. Ahhh so many years ago---now all gone.

But now with the Legacy, the El Dorado and Circus, Circus being connected by skywalk ways you don’t even have to go outside to get to a Casino. It feels a little disconcerting, like losing all track of time. That is why it’s very important to wear a watch.

But I could see the advantage of these walkways in both Reno and Vegas, and being connected to all the casinos

I remarked to Michelle that what Reno and Vegas is doing feels like a forerunner to the city of the future. Imagine being able to walk around Chicago and New York with being in the snow or heat. But it also feels a bit isolating as well. Hmmm that is something for future thought.

Well besides touring, eating and taking in the shows we did gamble a bit and I need to warn you Diva’s do not lose more than you can afford, that is the best advice my Father gave me, so for years I’ve always set aside a “Gambling Fund”, any lose change in my purse plus a certain amount goes into that fund, and that is what I recommend.

An acquaintance of mine does that as well but she goes one further, she’ll save cans and bottles and such, so when she goes on her walks she takes and old canvas bag and any cans, bottles she finds she collects and once a week takes it to the recycling. She plans about several trips a year and always when one of her favorite performers is appearing.

I asked her about the Indian Gaming Casinos and she told me it was the same policy, only if one of her favorite performers was appears and the roads were really bad to Vegas or Reno.

So keep that in mind Darlings so you won’t have to use and Max the Credit cards.

One of several habits that Michelle and I have is when we are in our rooms to have the television on at certain times to the news and for me, stock reports; we each have our own personal preference depending on our interest.

Imagine our surprise at seeing the Monte Carlo on Fire, but so far as we understood it no one was hurt. Michelle said she wasn’t a bit surprised about the situation, as she had heard of someone trying to set fire to a hotel that was in the process of slowly being renovated while it still maintained its tenants, she was wondering if it was some sort of arsonist trend. And taking into consideration the age of the Monte Carlo that was another factor. Michel I know will be looking into this considering her interests in the entertainment industry.

Another habit we both have is to listen (without appearing to be listening) other people’s conversations, there are different reasons for the both of us; you never know when it’s someone who is affiliated with some aspect of finance, industry or trends. It gives the both of us what to consider on our various investments. And on the lighter side it also made for good gossip for us after the other people leave, much more fun than soap operas. And on some occasions with our eaves dropping a bit more dramatic than “Dallas” or “Falcon’s Crest” or that other high society soap opera that had Joan Collins in it.

Michelle and I have set our Televisions to Tivo “Cashmere Mafia” and “Lipstick Jungle” so well has something to laugh over. I’m sorry Darlings I simply cannot get excited over “America’s Top Model” or “Survivor”, who wants to see sweaty, insect bitten, undernourished contestants bickering and that’s just “America’s Top Model”.

Well Darlings considering the weather we weren’t able to leave Reno until the following Tuesday but that was no hardship for us since we did have that planned. So once again we took the Capitol Corridor back into the Bay Area and then Taxi to my home. Allowing ourselves a bit of time to unpack and for Michelle re-pack I had her stay with me for a couple of days until she caught the train to Los Angeles and I have to admit I will miss her, we had so much fun together. Now she says that we'll have to plan a trip to Hawaii!!! I asked her if we could hold off on those plans for a while. And she laughed, and said I'd have to plan on staying with her for a week or two and do some serious shopping with her.

Juanita had all my mail sorted and stacked and ready for me to go through, she transferred messages from my answering machine so I do have people to call back, which I have been doing.

Oh just when things were so wonderful I have to make an appointment with my Tax Preparer.

My Father use to say, “January, February and March is really the time to get once house in order for the New Year, January especially you really can’t plan for fun until after April 15th.” And he was so right.

So now Darlings, the sun is just about to set I still have an hour of daylight, so my Diva Darling and I are going to take another walk to the Beach, I find that it gives me inspiration. Then a nice quiet dinner and we will curl up in front of the fireplace with a nice warm fire burning, and plan our next set of adventures.

“Hold me close and hold me fast
This magic spell you cast
Is La vie en la rose.

When you kiss me Heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see la vie en la rose

When you press me to your heart
I’m in a world apart
Where roses bloom

And when you speak
The angels sing from above
Everyday words that turn
Into songs of love

Give your heart and your soul to me
And life will always be
Le vie en la rose”

So until Annon Darlings, La vie en la Rose.

Update on my Travels Darlings~~~~

Hello all you Fabulous Divas,

I'm doing my posting from one of those delightful cafe's that have internet access.

Well Michelle and I have been having the most marvelous time, and thank goodness we are using today as a chance to catch our collective breaths.

We took the Capitor Corridor train on its mid-morning run to Sacramento, and then from the station we took a taxi to the Delta King, our floating hotel on the Sacremento River next to "Old Town Sacramento". Poor cab driver, we had so much luggage that it couldn't fit into his trunk so we had to put some in the back seat, so I sat in the back and Michelle sat in the front. We tipped him handsomely for his hard work.

Remember that dear Diva's if anyone give you extra service or they take that extra step to help you out, be sure to tip them for their work, it's always appreciated.

It only took two hours by train to get to Sacramento, which is a marvel because if one drives it takes the same amount of time, so why stress one's self and it can be so relaxing.

The Delta King is just a beautiful thing, I almost felt like Rhett Butler was going to be walking the boards of it. Our rooms are comfortable and most importantly Warm.

Since it's on the river and since it is Winter time, it will be Cold, and since we were also going to Reno we packed for cold weather, which is a good thing, gloves, wool scarves are a must.

My dear Friend Mean Kitty has always said to me "If you're going to the North Pole, don't pack a bikini". And she is right Darlings, one of the first steps in traveling is packing, always check what the weather conditions are like where you are going and with the internet you can always get last minute weather conditions.

Well we arrived just a bit after lunch time, so we decided to get settled in our rooms first and then see about a late lunch and do a little sight-seeing in Old Town Sacramento. We lunched in Old Town, and I have to say I am so glad they were able to preserve it. It felt like we had stepped back in time or that we were some how between time periods. We didn't have much in the way of crowds because many people were not there yet to take advantage of the Holiday Weekend, and I do belive that the cold may have kept some people away. But it was enjoyable.

And at night it just lit up and took on a hazy feeling, like a dream in a way.

The Delta King even had that quality as a hazy fog from the River drifted up and surrounded it; it felt like old ghosts were paying a visit to the old dear.

Well we returned to the King after we had lunch and walked around the town a bit, so we rested and finished getting settled. Later we had drinks and a light dinner, and it was very good, there were some dishes that I felt could have been better but I was not disapointed. We finished off with de-caffe coffee and later an after dinner drink.

I thought that with being on a large ferry that when I slept I would feel some movement from being on the water but I slept like a baby. On Friday morning we had brunch, and took in the Sacramento Railroad museum. Michelle had never seen it and we felt in a way like school girls, just looking at the old history and in some ways all the idea of travel by rail. Michelle said that in taking the Coast Starlight up to San Francisco she really had an appreciation of travel by rail that in many ways it was a great improvement over air flight. That is was a shame that people had gotten way from traveling by rail.

I told her that half the fun of travel is getting there, it's not so much the destination but traveling to it.

Watching our time, we had an early dinner and then took a chauffered vehicle to the ARCO Arena. Yes darlings I said "chauffered vehicle" now remember when you were going to your Senior Promp and a group of you would make arrangements to have a chauffered limo take you around, well as Diva's you can also make arrangements to get you to events. We did not ask for a Limo but we did ask for a nice sedan. Imaging my surprise when a Bentley showed up to take us there and bring us back to our hotel. Michelle made the arrangements and I do not know what service she used but we made sure that if there was any parking fees for the Bentley that they were covered.

And the "Blue Man Group", Darlings I cannot begin to describe this experience short of saying it was fantastic, it was music and performance art at the same time. If any of you have a chance to see them or if they ever show any of their earlier performances on Cable or DVD do see it, sadly it is not the same as seeing a live performance that "sucks you in to it" and grabs your senses, but do see them at least once.

We were just so overwhelmed by it that after the driver dropped us back at "The King" we decided to have a drink to just analize what we had seen. Michelle said that if they had been around when she was managing in the entertainment industry she would have leaped at having them as part of her "stars". She said that it was so much lack of talent and so much posturing that is what made her leave the entertainment industry and start doing real estate and later investments, she like Moi had the sense of when was the right time to get out of something before the bottom fell out.

Saturday we both slept in and then had a very light breakfast, Michelle wanted to take in one of the historical tours and we felt that afterwards we could relax a bit before we took in the Mystery Dinner theatre on the Delta King. Fortunately I have excellent walking shoes and the tour we had around "Old Town" was so informative and entertaining. I was wishing that we had some time to take in Sutter's Fort and a tour of the Capital as well as the Crocker Art Museum but I'll have to save that for another time.

Afterwards we stopped at a Lounge for a drink and a nosh, and that's when Michelle and I had a chance to do a bit of catch up.

I asked her what she had been doing of late since it had been nearly 5 years since I'd seen her although we had kept in touch with cards, letters and e-mails.

She told me that after I gave her the warning to sell out of the dot.com investments based on my "gut feelings" (and just in time too) she put some of her money into hotels that were in the process of being renovated and upgraded.

She still was representing talent but it was getting more and more exhausting for her. She said "I was representing 20 somethings that had not paid their life dues and wanted everything on a platter and just try and keep the drugs away from them, selfish, spoiled and without control the minute they had cash and this was long before the Paris Hilton
and Brittany Spears fiasco. I did have a few really talented people and I knew I had to get rid of those that were trouble but part of the problem is that those trouble makers were also my biggest money makers.

The decision came after I fainted in my office and was rushed to the hospital. It was what the doctors told me that made me make the final decision to get out of the business. I wasn't going to die for spoiled babies. But what to do with those that really counted?

I had to be brutal and yet find a way that would preserve my reputation in the business. I decided to let the "spoiled brats" know that I couldn't represent them any more and why and gave them the names of others that I said would take them up in a heartbeat. I didn't even recommend anyone to them.

But those that I knew worked hard and were paying their dues, those I gently guided them to those that I knew could give them the right venues, give good advice and treat them fairly, they are doing well. The "spoiled brats" ? Well some of them faded away on their own drug induced dreams, and some are still out there but not as well.

My hotel investments paid well and steady, and then when I felt better I did real estate on the side until I had that feeling that things might go down the "tubes" and got out at the right time. My investments are paying me well and I'm contacted by charity event coordinators about talent recommendations and seeing who would be available for fund raising events, so I act as a laison making the initial connections and then guide them through the rest of the process. It's not too tiring and leaves me with plenty of free time to see what other talent is out there and connect with them for future charity venues, keeps my hand in and saves me from heart attacks."

From there we talked about changes in L.A. and S.F., families, politicial issues, and the future.

Then Michelle stopped talking and was listening to the piano player who was singing in the Lounge, after the player stopped and took a break Michelle went up to her and exchanged cards with the singer, and then joined me "She is good, local preferrs, to stay around here, but I've got some people and such that might be interested in her for a few events around here. Smart too she's got a good manager, I've heard of him. I'll give him a call after I get back to L.A."

I could only smile, no matter what, my friend was still working and she just grinned at me when I smiled, it was like a silent secret message. Even I have to confess, I was looking around for things that might become a sign post towards good investments.

We returned to the King and freshened up and went to the Mystery Diner Theatre they have on board, Michelle and I had a lot of fun, I'm not going to even explain it to you, but I have to say you never know if you are going to be seated next to the victim or the killer. The food was good if not spectacular but I feel that one is in there more for the Mystery, but having good food helps.

Michelle said one drink after and then to bed, Sunday is going to be a busy day----And she was right!!

I have never seen professional bull riding or a rodeo and this was unbelievable! We had wonderful seats very up close and it was so dangerous, diffinetly a young persons sport. Forget Football, Soccer or Rock Concerts! Darlings THIS is something else!! It's one on one, mano e mano but between human and bull. It was in a way a sense of something almost primeval, and yet in the back ground I could sense that all though there was competition there was a form of comadre as well, not perfect because every one wants that prize money, but it's like they all know the chances.

I have seen Portugues Bull Fighting, which I preferr over Spanish Bull Fighting and I've seen the running of the bulls in San Marcos and this bull riding had all the excitment that one could ever want as in Portuguese Bull Fighting. It felt very Hemmingwayish if Hemmingway ever wrote a western, it was more competitive and the danger was more immediate. It was like grabbing a Tiger by its tail and knowning that it was trouble. And they breed these bulls for their abilities and strength, they were not going to be someone's meal after the ride.

Even Michelle was taken breathless by it all and she had seen it before. "It's Earthy" she said "but it's real and more exciting than any football game or rock concert and not snooty like a highclass horse or dog show. Not as glamourous as horse racing but more exciting."

Well Darlings I am "Hooked" as they say.

Well I must go my time is almost up and Michelle is has lunch for us planned. Once I get my business cards of all the places we've been too sorted out I'll post the places we've stayed and lunched at and what I recommend you see.

Just a quick up date for all you pet lovers----Princess is doing very well, I called Betty and Princess and Jezebelle are having a lot of fun together and Princess is eating well. A sort of Diva Darling vacation for her too.

Tomorrow Michelle and I will catch the Capitol Corridor train connection to Reno and we'll be staying at the Silver Legacy. One of the first things we are going to do is get a massage from head to toe, traveling and seeing the sights is fun but so tiring.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses

Travel Plans-----

Change in Plans Darlings,

Well my dear school chum Michelle or as the young people would say BFF, called me and there is a change in plans.

Oh yes, we will see the Blue Man group but not in Reno, in Sacramento instead. I don’t know how she manages it, but she wasn’t in the entertainment industry twiddling her thumbs, she has pull and can still effect changes at the last minute. I guess it’s who you know. And that is called Networking Darlings.

So as she has it planned we will leave a day early go by train to Sacramento, stay at the Delta King Hotel (something I’ve been planning to do). See the Blue Man group on Friday, tour Old Town Sacramento Saturday, take in the Delta King’s Mystery Dinner Theater that evening, and take in, of all things, the Professional Bull Riding competition on Sunday. Rest our poor bodies on Monday (and have fun catching up on each other’s lives), catch the train on Tuesday to continue on to Reno.

Where she made another change, we’ll be staying in the Silver Legacy instead of Circus, Circus and take in as many shows and acts that we can for the next week or so, as well as availing ourselves of the spa treatments. We even may take in the Slot Machine exhibit at the Nevada Museum if we have time. Then come back by train, Michelle will stay overnight with me (it does pay to have a fold out couch in the Library/Office) and then catch the train to Los Angeles.

Just thinking about it makes my head whirl and I may need to rest just from having fun, but it will be worth it.

So I’ve been packing and making arrangements, Princess poor dear, will not be able to come along, Diva Darlings like her, are not allowed on the Delta King or at the Legacy, but my friend Betty said she’d be happy to watch Princess, she gets along very well with Jezebel and Princess’s vet is also Jezebel’s vet as well, so it will work out fine.

Well I’ve been thinking about a trip to Old Town Sacramento and Reno for sometime, and this will take care of two things at the same time and being in the company of a dear friend always makes it so much fun. And she managed to get joining rooms.

Now Darlings, as I said “Why the Train?” Well for one thing you do not have to deal with those lines as you do at the airport, granted the departure and arrival times are not the best, but you can walk around the train, nap, stretch out, eat, and sight see out of the train, all that scenery that you can see, which you can never see out of an airplane and you do not have to worry about how much luggage to take or that they will lose it. And you are not stuck with seeing a movie that you have already seen or do not care to see and you are not crowed together like sardines.

I indulged in one of those Ipod devices and down loaded classical music and my favorite big bands, (well Kenneth showed me how, he’s so clever with all this electronic things and he teaches so well)

If more people took the train, there would not be all that crowding at the airports or flight delays, of course people have to get some place in a hurry, but the whole idea of a trip is to enjoy getting there. If you know where you’re going, when you get to the station you can take a cab to your hotel and make arrangements to rent a car from the concierge for your stay. That is why earning the Diva Bucks is important, so you can enjoy things in style and do things in style.

Of course there is going to be some delay but the trains do have to meet a schedule as well, because fright trains also use the same tracks and being on time is very important.

You know Darlings you should think of taking the train to a destination, now some people take the train to Yosemite they get off at a particular station and the Yosemite shuttle bus will take you to the park to your hotel. Think of how stress free it can be.

I remember some 30 years ago, a girl friend and I took what was called the “Happy Hop” tour to Disneyland, we were crammed into a commuter flight, only had nuts and a small glass of wine (which I substituted water instead) but then it was only a one hour flight. Arrived at the Anaheim airport and took a shuttle service to a main drop off point where people waited for the shuttles for the different hotels there was a direct phone service there to each hotel and I will never forget this one man with a large stomach, wearing shorts with sandals and socks (why sandals and socks with shorts) and he had very hairy legs really not a good fashion choice and he was yelling into the phone “There are people waiting here!! When is that bus going to come!!??” And he arrived on the same main bus that I and my friend did.

He hung up not satisfied at all. I went to the phone to the same hotel that he called and said “Hello this is ‘so and so’ and guest, I would like to confirm that you are still holding our rooms? Wonderful… and what is the approximate time of arrival for the shuttle bus?... All right allowing for traffic congestion, thank you, please continue to hold the rooms for us as there was a bit of a delay getting here….Excellent, Thank you.”

The hotel staffer on the other end was friendly and informative and helpful, and I and Mr. Angry Man were going to the same hotel, so I tipped my hard sided Samsonite on end and sat on it and my girl friend did the same (old hands we were) she asked me “How long for the shuttle?” And I said “15 minutes allowing for any traffic delays, I recommend we take a quick shower as it’s so hot, to refresh ourselves after we check in” and I said this loud enough for Mr. Angry Man to hear me. He looked at me and my friend and we were looking as cool as cucumbers, totally not put out by the delay.

We then had the pleasure of hearing Angry Man’s wife saying to him “If you would just calm down and understand that delays happen and that it’s just what happens, you wouldn’t have ulcers. Look at those two ladies, they understand delays, but oh no you’ve got to have it done right now, you are going to die from ulcer problems if you don’t calm down and behave like a gentleman instead of a boor.” He did look sheepish after her scolding and us fanning ourselves with our magazines.

But that’s the whole idea of traveling; know that there are delays and plan on a trip in which you don’t have to be delayed, taking the train is, in many ways, the way to go. And packing correctly for your trip is also a plus.

Many hotels have laundry facilities now a days, and have irons and ironing boards in one’s room; you can plan on where to stay as you travel by car on where to stay even based on amenities.

If anything a Diva knows how to plan and also knows that there may have to be sudden changes in plans.

Well Darlings, to bed I must go, I’ve been busy today and I have more to do tomorrow, so if you don’t see me “blog” for a while-----Well I’m having fun!

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.