Something to sneeze at

I told MB I'd tell Vegas stories, didn't I? That's funny, because I don't have any wild or crazy ones, or even ones people might find interesting. Oh well, you can skip them if you want.

We stayed at the Imperial Palace, and you know what? They really give you the feeling that they just don't give a damn since the place is being torn down in a year or whatever. If you're going to Vegas before the Palace is torn down, I would recommend that you do not stay there. I can't even give an example of the lack of caring, it was just the whole experience.

The monorail, which wasn't built yet the last time we were out, is great! $15 for a 24-hour pass, it goes up and down the strip, it's air conditioned, you don't have to fight strip traffic or pay an arm and a leg for a taxi ... like I said, it's great!

The wedding went off without a hitch, the bride and groom looked beautiful, the chapel was nice, the minister was jolly, the photographer was kind of wacky, and I got to show my boobs to Las Vegas. I think the word Joy used to describe the bridesmaids' dresses was "boobilicious," and they sure were! But that's OK, it was Vegas!

Dave and I ate dinner at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill at Harrah's, and I was in heaven. Toby Keith = awesome, and his music was everywhere, and there was a gift shop, and the food was good, so we'll definitely be going there the next time we're in LV.

We also went to the Star Trek Experience at the Hilton, and that was pretty neat. It's kind of expensive, but there's lots of memorabilia to look at and there are two short show kind of things to do. And, of course, a gift shop. Even if you're not a hard-core Trekkie but like the shows, I think it's worth doing.

The last time we were in LV I got a (fake diamond) ring at the Scarab Shop in the Luxor, and I got one this past time, too. I've decided that that's going to be my LV "thing," getting a ring at that shop whenever we're there. How girly!

OK, that was August ... last month Kim, Mom and I went to the Yankee Peddler festival thingy, and that was pretty fun. So many cool crafty things! Pottery, jewelry, metalworks, herbs, candles ... I spent a good chunk of change, but I did actually restrain myself. We've decided to make it an annual outing, but if the bagpiper stalks us again next fall, I'm going to have to take him out.

Also last month Dave finally went to an allergist, which is where the title of this post comes in. He woke up unable to breathe several weeks ago, and thought maybe he should see somebody. (I won't point out that when he got his FULL health coverage a couple years ago I suggested visiting an allergist.) As it turns out, Dave's not just allergic to grass or some plants; he maybe should be living in a bubble. The list is: trees - elm, ash, walnut, pines and cotwood (cottonwood?); weeds - cockelbur, ragweed, pig weed, mugwort, English plantain, marsh elder, Russian thistle, and a couple abbreviated things that I can't figure out; dust mites; and, are you ready for this? Dogs (a little) and cats (a lot)!

How fun is that? (not very) I'm trying to do better at cleaning the house, but it's not working all that well. The animals are no longer allowed in our bedroom, and the cats are PISSED OFF about that one, let me tell you. And Dave now has to take medicine and has to get shots for the next five years. He has to get one in each arm once a week, but I guess the frequency will lessen over time. But then, when it's all done, hopefully he'll be immune to the allergens.

In less interesting news, I won a gourd-decorating contest at work. I may get around to taking a picture of it sometime, and if I do, I'll post it so you can marvel at the pathetic-ness that is my artistic ability.