Hello Darlings,
I do not know where all of you live, but if you live here in the San Francisco Bay Area, I do hope you have been enjoying the Sunshine.
My little Diva Darling, Princess and I have been enjoying our early evening walks along the beach, but I do confess that towards evening it still gets a bit chilly.
I know that some of you are wondering what have I been doing for the last week or so, well Darlings, working with my Tax preparer and getting the Taxes filed, such work and making sure I have all the information, but it's done.
On Valentines day my other speical friend Kenneth and I had a wonderful dinner at a delightful restraunt in San Francisco, but I can't remember the name it was such a surprise.
And of course the mundane, grocery shopping with Juanita ( I really let her plan the menus, and shopping with her can be an adventure, if it's not up to par we go somplace else or we will find it at Andronico's), and having some men replace a damaged gutter that the high winds managed to bend, it didn't harm the house but it needed to be fixed.
Now Darlings, I’m going to talk to you briefly about reading materials, yes Darlings reading materials.
Now remember what I said the last time I posted that I use the public library. Well I still strongly recommend the library to save you money, think of all the subscriptions you do not have to buy, the DVD’s and CD’s and books you do not have to rent or purchase when you use the public library. As long as you return it on time it is a savings. Make going to the Library part of your shopping day, that is shopping for things for the home.
I prefer Thursdays myself, all the sales have started.
But there are subscriptions that you should think about getting and these are a few suggestions especially if you plan to invest.
Kiplingers Personal Finance (they also have a monthly news letter called Kiplingers Retirement report)
Money Magazine
Now if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are thinking in terms of Real Estate or businesses there is the San Francisco Business Weekly and the East Bay Business Weekly (one covers San Francisco and the other the East Bay side of the Bay)
Investor’s Business Daily this is a daily newspaper that covers the business investment news
Business Week
The Economist
Now if you want something to cover Society and Fashion I recommend these 2 two of them are local and 2 you can find on the news stand.
The news stand ones are Vanity Fair and Real Simple. Now why those two, well Darlings Vanity Fair has the most wonderful articles much better than Vogue and it is always up to date on fashion. Real Simple has wonderful ideas on almost everything which can be inspiring.
The two that are locals are really for those wonderful Darlings that Live in the San Francisco Bay Area the first of course is San Francisco Magazine, it will tell you all about the Society events and wonderful places to go to as well as some very interesting articles that could lead you to wonderful investments.
The other magazine is a bit trickier, it depends upon where you live this is a local publication that will cover the city or county that you live it and it will have the name such as Oakland magazine or Diablo magazine etc. This will cover the events and list places to consider on your free evenings or days. And it will keep you up to date and in the know about who is who.
Now if you are those wonderful Divas that live outside of the Bay Area such as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Chicago, New York etc. You will find comparable magazines of the same time in your local area, but the ones for investing you will find almost anywhere, unless you are living in a cultural desert for which I can only suggest to get out as soon as you can and only go back there just for mental vacations.
Because just as it is important about what you know it is equally important about who you know. But never forget where you came from and the family and friends that have supported you and have given you solid life values remember them always and cherish them.
Just as a “side-bar” although I have become very wealthy, that for my late husbands sake I cultivated social connections, I never forgot all the wonderful things that my parents did, the hard work my father did to get to a point of financial and social promince, my mother still being an old-fashioned home maker but getting use to the idea of having staff to assist (we never-ever called them ‘servants’ they were Staff always remember that my dear Divas) and still making time to always have family fun together, going to church every Sunday and always being aware that not everyone was as lucky and fortunate enough as us, that there were people for whom fortune did not always smiled upon but that within themselves they were as precious as gold.
My parents were right, there were several young people that I knew and became friends with and because I suggested to my father that it might be a good idea to help them out, one became a successful inventor, another a well-established artist and the third an editor for a publishing company, and we are still friends, even if we are still living in various parts of the world. Always remember that Darlings.
Now Darlings if you do not have the funds to subscribe to all these magazines do not worry, by going to your public library you can see which magazines would fit your needs and just subscribe to a few, while the others you can read in the library or photocopy those articles that will have the information that’s needed even at 15 cents a copy that is far cheaper than paying $4.95 for the whole magazine.
Investor papers such as Value Line, Morning Star, Mergent and the Standard and Poor’s stock guide should be available at your library and again you can photo copy those pages to see about the progress of a stock that may have your interest.
There are always books on how to read the financial pages, how to invest, but if you are still unsure about yourself, look for seminars or classes offered by schools or colleges that you can take classes in. It is possible that you can audit a class as a guest without having to sign up for college itself.
Now I have several young friends who are getting established in life and they want to know how they can have the Diva Look while they are still trying to get the Diva Bucks.
The first is avoid using your credit cards, only use them occasionally and pay it off with 3 payments, remember credit cards is a bad debt, whereas owning and paying on a home (that has been reasonably purchased) can be a good debt, now why is that? Very simple Darlings, the interest on a home loan can be taken off in taxes but not the interest paid on a credit card---interest paid on a credit card is money lost. Interest on a home loan is money gained.
There are many other things that you can do and I will cover that in another Blog.
The Sun is out and shining my darling friend Kevin and I are going to an estate sale auction that starts at 2 p.m. and being the hungry man that he is, he doesn’t want to miss out on the appetizers that they will be serving.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Darlings Do you think that Life can be difficult?
Darlings,
Today I went to my local public library. Now I do belive that the library is the most wonderful place a Diva can go to find wonderful information to improve her Diva life. And it can also save you money.
As long as you return the items on time, you do not have to pay a thing. Books, Magazines, DVD's, music CD's and much more.
I love it because sometimes I want a change of pace for my music and sometimes I want to see a different film that I would not buy to add to my collection. But once in a while I do come across something that I know is just wonderful so then I will look for it.
But you have no idea how wonderful it can be-----Unless Darlings ****sigh**** one encounters a person who is ---well ----not quite right in the head.
There was a woman today---I refuse to call her a lady----from the way she was dressed, very nice and neat, you would not think there was anything wrong with her. But just as I was going towards the check out desk, she started spueing a mouthful of foul words and gutter language at one staff person.
There was no reason for it, then this woman, who was behaving like Brittany Spears on a very bad day, began to throw books all over. I ducked back to prevent myself from being harmed but I was wondering if I should use my cell phone to call the police. That was taken care of by another Staff person and the police were brought in.
Needless to say they took care of this person quickly, but I have to say that the Library staff behaved in a manner that was most impressive, no raising of the voices, just quick and efficent work and I do have to confess very steady nerves.
But as I was going home and to have a cup of tea, I began to wonder, what brought this woman to such a situation, why make one's life so difficult when life is difficult enough. There is no need to behave in such a manner.
Then I read in my "People Weekly" magazine what is happening with young Ms. Spears, and then I read that 1 in 20 children are found to be autistic, why is all of that? What makes those many years ago different from today, why are more people having such mental problems? Is it stress, diet, birth defects, something that happened pre-natally? Or are we better able to discover what the illness is? And it is more out there---in one's face so to speak.
I must confess Darlings, and this may seem prejudice, but just before Ronald Regan became state govener, the previous govener (whose name I can't recall) terminated the mental health programs---unfortunately this termination took effect when Regan became Govener of California. So people blamed him instead of looking at who the real culprit was.
But when this happened less and less people were being helped, now here it is 30 years later, and I in a public library have to be careful to not be hit by a flying book thrown by a mentally impaired person.
What is wrong with this? I have to confess Darlings, I do not have the answers, but I do belive that there are certain democrates who would have a lot to answer for.
I'm sorry Darlings, but this situation has upset Moi and my head just keeps spinning on it, when I should realize that I do not have an answer, but I think I will watch to see if anyone comes up with a solution that is feasible.
In the meantime I think I will indulge in a martini for tonight and perhaps Mmmmm Frank Sinatra.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
Today I went to my local public library. Now I do belive that the library is the most wonderful place a Diva can go to find wonderful information to improve her Diva life. And it can also save you money.
As long as you return the items on time, you do not have to pay a thing. Books, Magazines, DVD's, music CD's and much more.
I love it because sometimes I want a change of pace for my music and sometimes I want to see a different film that I would not buy to add to my collection. But once in a while I do come across something that I know is just wonderful so then I will look for it.
But you have no idea how wonderful it can be-----Unless Darlings ****sigh**** one encounters a person who is ---well ----not quite right in the head.
There was a woman today---I refuse to call her a lady----from the way she was dressed, very nice and neat, you would not think there was anything wrong with her. But just as I was going towards the check out desk, she started spueing a mouthful of foul words and gutter language at one staff person.
There was no reason for it, then this woman, who was behaving like Brittany Spears on a very bad day, began to throw books all over. I ducked back to prevent myself from being harmed but I was wondering if I should use my cell phone to call the police. That was taken care of by another Staff person and the police were brought in.
Needless to say they took care of this person quickly, but I have to say that the Library staff behaved in a manner that was most impressive, no raising of the voices, just quick and efficent work and I do have to confess very steady nerves.
But as I was going home and to have a cup of tea, I began to wonder, what brought this woman to such a situation, why make one's life so difficult when life is difficult enough. There is no need to behave in such a manner.
Then I read in my "People Weekly" magazine what is happening with young Ms. Spears, and then I read that 1 in 20 children are found to be autistic, why is all of that? What makes those many years ago different from today, why are more people having such mental problems? Is it stress, diet, birth defects, something that happened pre-natally? Or are we better able to discover what the illness is? And it is more out there---in one's face so to speak.
I must confess Darlings, and this may seem prejudice, but just before Ronald Regan became state govener, the previous govener (whose name I can't recall) terminated the mental health programs---unfortunately this termination took effect when Regan became Govener of California. So people blamed him instead of looking at who the real culprit was.
But when this happened less and less people were being helped, now here it is 30 years later, and I in a public library have to be careful to not be hit by a flying book thrown by a mentally impaired person.
What is wrong with this? I have to confess Darlings, I do not have the answers, but I do belive that there are certain democrates who would have a lot to answer for.
I'm sorry Darlings, but this situation has upset Moi and my head just keeps spinning on it, when I should realize that I do not have an answer, but I think I will watch to see if anyone comes up with a solution that is feasible.
In the meantime I think I will indulge in a martini for tonight and perhaps Mmmmm Frank Sinatra.
Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Taxes, the curse of life and Divahood
Oh ***sigh*** well, Darlings, this Diva Must buckle down and focus on putting together her tax information.
What a bore, but it must be done, after all we don’t want to give to the government more than we have to.
I am fortunate in that the best way to stay up-to-date on one’s tax information is to periodically file it at least every two week, but it’s better if you do it once a week. So that means that you have an “In-Box” to file such material. This means that you have to be very focused and organized to make sure that it is taken care of.
It is so important to designate a day to do all that filing and bill paying and balancing the accounts. Of course when you come home from a hard day of earning the “Diva Bucks” it is hard to get into the mood to do this, but in the long run I have found Mondays to be very good, just think of Mondays as “money days” and it will all make sense, and if you do it every Money day it won’t be so hard or difficult.
My dear friend ‘Mean Kitty’ says that she also ties it in with doing laundry, Mondays for all the underwear, Tuesdays of all the nice outerwear, Wednesdays for the rough outerwear like jeans and sweat suits and Thursdays for sheets, pillow cases and towels, with Saturday mornings for the weekly drop off and pick up at the dry cleaners. I like the way she has that organized.
But one thing to remember if your bills are pretty stable in that you have an idea how much the bills will be then you should be able to budget for any grocery shopping or entertainment over the weekend.
Budgeting is always very important.
Now Darlings do you remember all that information that I posted earlier on my Blog, well remember it will come in handy for you.
Now getting back to doing Taxes---Darlings you must do your taxes no matter what. Until someone or some group comes up with a fool proof lawsuit to show that taxes are illegal we have to pay them.
But never pay more than what the law requires, which means you have to see if you have any tax deductions---don’t think that just because you are renting or living with your parents (until you are Diva wealthy-independent) that you don’t have tax deductions and therefore can only 1040 and 540 EZ forms. There maybe deductions that you are not aware of.
Now it’s too late for this year, but for the year to come, write down and keep receipts of all your expenses, especially if it’s for work. Do not be afraid to ask a tax preparer (after the tax season is past and things have calmed down) what you can take deductions on, spend the money on an appointment with a very good tax preparer to learn what you maybe overlooking.
Remember in some profession if you are required to wear a certain type of clothing that you have to buy or a certain type of style is expected of you because of an image to present you may be able to take that as a tax deduction, the use of your personal vehicle for your job may also fit into that category (so do keep a mileage log as well as repair and maintenance log).
You maybe surprised, and instead have a longer form to do, which could result in more money coming back to you
But always, Always have a good tax peparer do your taxes and confirm if what you have is a legitimate deduction or not.
Of course one of the best tax write offs is owning your own home, I know of two girl friends who went in together to buy a duplex and each live in their own part of it, and it worked fine until one of them got married and wanted to sell off her half, so her girl friend bought it and rented it out, using the rent to offset part of the monthly payment, insurance and property taxes as well as any maintenance..
Sorry Darlings, I did drift off the subject here, but what I want to make clear to you is that there are deductions you may not be aware of, even those that those computer tax programs may not show up.
That is why having it done by a live professional tax person is very important. A really good one will ask you questions, guide you through the process, find all those little savings you were not aware of, by keeping your receipts and cancelled checks you then discover all those little things.
That is why it’s important to do that for at least a year it will give you a guide line to watch for.
Now the second reason to have a live professional tax person do it for you is that they also have to sign their name to the tax form, so if there is a mistake they are responsible as well.
Of course if you are honest with your finances you do not have to worry about being audited.
Also it pays to have a tax preparer be one who can go before an IRS investigation person to argue your case as well. Not all of them can do that, so ask that of your tax person if they have that capability to do that.
My tax person has always said to never take a greater tax deduction than what is legally acceptable unless you have proof that you can take it. The reason is that this would send up “Red Flags” to the IRS. If you increase your deduction you MUST have documentation to back it up---receipts, photos, an evaluation from the receiving agency, cancelled checks, anything to back this information.
Also be consistent each year with your deductions, and spread them around to different charities, for example if for the last two years you’ve been donating to Salvation Army change and donate to St. Vicente de Paul.
This would also apply to cash donations, but if possible always write out a check, it is proof of donating; any change that you drop into the bucket or donation box that’s loose cash will be hard to rove if it’s too much. Or you may not be able to take that deduction at all. So if you want to buy Girl Scout Cookies always pay by check.
Always, always check with your tax preparer with what is safe that you can donate or take a deduction on what will keep you “under the radar”. Some years you may be able to donate a lot and some years not quite so much, so always keep it reasonable.
If you go to the same tax preparer every year, they will send you a checkoff form each year to see if you have the same type of deductions, this is a good model to follow as well as a good reminder on what to watch for the upcoming year. Simple things like the tax you pay on your car license plate may be a tax deduction depending on the tax laws in your state.
And there are many, many more hidden ideas, so ask your tax person.
Oh just the thought of all this makes my head spin, Darlings forgive me but this Diva is going to take an aspirin and focus on her paperwork.
Until Anon Darlings, Happy Deduction Hunting.
What a bore, but it must be done, after all we don’t want to give to the government more than we have to.
I am fortunate in that the best way to stay up-to-date on one’s tax information is to periodically file it at least every two week, but it’s better if you do it once a week. So that means that you have an “In-Box” to file such material. This means that you have to be very focused and organized to make sure that it is taken care of.
It is so important to designate a day to do all that filing and bill paying and balancing the accounts. Of course when you come home from a hard day of earning the “Diva Bucks” it is hard to get into the mood to do this, but in the long run I have found Mondays to be very good, just think of Mondays as “money days” and it will all make sense, and if you do it every Money day it won’t be so hard or difficult.
My dear friend ‘Mean Kitty’ says that she also ties it in with doing laundry, Mondays for all the underwear, Tuesdays of all the nice outerwear, Wednesdays for the rough outerwear like jeans and sweat suits and Thursdays for sheets, pillow cases and towels, with Saturday mornings for the weekly drop off and pick up at the dry cleaners. I like the way she has that organized.
But one thing to remember if your bills are pretty stable in that you have an idea how much the bills will be then you should be able to budget for any grocery shopping or entertainment over the weekend.
Budgeting is always very important.
Now Darlings do you remember all that information that I posted earlier on my Blog, well remember it will come in handy for you.
Now getting back to doing Taxes---Darlings you must do your taxes no matter what. Until someone or some group comes up with a fool proof lawsuit to show that taxes are illegal we have to pay them.
But never pay more than what the law requires, which means you have to see if you have any tax deductions---don’t think that just because you are renting or living with your parents (until you are Diva wealthy-independent) that you don’t have tax deductions and therefore can only 1040 and 540 EZ forms. There maybe deductions that you are not aware of.
Now it’s too late for this year, but for the year to come, write down and keep receipts of all your expenses, especially if it’s for work. Do not be afraid to ask a tax preparer (after the tax season is past and things have calmed down) what you can take deductions on, spend the money on an appointment with a very good tax preparer to learn what you maybe overlooking.
Remember in some profession if you are required to wear a certain type of clothing that you have to buy or a certain type of style is expected of you because of an image to present you may be able to take that as a tax deduction, the use of your personal vehicle for your job may also fit into that category (so do keep a mileage log as well as repair and maintenance log).
You maybe surprised, and instead have a longer form to do, which could result in more money coming back to you
But always, Always have a good tax peparer do your taxes and confirm if what you have is a legitimate deduction or not.
Of course one of the best tax write offs is owning your own home, I know of two girl friends who went in together to buy a duplex and each live in their own part of it, and it worked fine until one of them got married and wanted to sell off her half, so her girl friend bought it and rented it out, using the rent to offset part of the monthly payment, insurance and property taxes as well as any maintenance..
Sorry Darlings, I did drift off the subject here, but what I want to make clear to you is that there are deductions you may not be aware of, even those that those computer tax programs may not show up.
That is why having it done by a live professional tax person is very important. A really good one will ask you questions, guide you through the process, find all those little savings you were not aware of, by keeping your receipts and cancelled checks you then discover all those little things.
That is why it’s important to do that for at least a year it will give you a guide line to watch for.
Now the second reason to have a live professional tax person do it for you is that they also have to sign their name to the tax form, so if there is a mistake they are responsible as well.
Of course if you are honest with your finances you do not have to worry about being audited.
Also it pays to have a tax preparer be one who can go before an IRS investigation person to argue your case as well. Not all of them can do that, so ask that of your tax person if they have that capability to do that.
My tax person has always said to never take a greater tax deduction than what is legally acceptable unless you have proof that you can take it. The reason is that this would send up “Red Flags” to the IRS. If you increase your deduction you MUST have documentation to back it up---receipts, photos, an evaluation from the receiving agency, cancelled checks, anything to back this information.
Also be consistent each year with your deductions, and spread them around to different charities, for example if for the last two years you’ve been donating to Salvation Army change and donate to St. Vicente de Paul.
This would also apply to cash donations, but if possible always write out a check, it is proof of donating; any change that you drop into the bucket or donation box that’s loose cash will be hard to rove if it’s too much. Or you may not be able to take that deduction at all. So if you want to buy Girl Scout Cookies always pay by check.
Always, always check with your tax preparer with what is safe that you can donate or take a deduction on what will keep you “under the radar”. Some years you may be able to donate a lot and some years not quite so much, so always keep it reasonable.
If you go to the same tax preparer every year, they will send you a checkoff form each year to see if you have the same type of deductions, this is a good model to follow as well as a good reminder on what to watch for the upcoming year. Simple things like the tax you pay on your car license plate may be a tax deduction depending on the tax laws in your state.
And there are many, many more hidden ideas, so ask your tax person.
Oh just the thought of all this makes my head spin, Darlings forgive me but this Diva is going to take an aspirin and focus on her paperwork.
Until Anon Darlings, Happy Deduction Hunting.
Friday, February 1, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Monday, January 21, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
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.
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.
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