The Wheels Are Turning!

At least for mobility but not so much my brain!

While I thought I had it all together, when I got down to the convention and met up with my daughter, I handed her my camera to take a picture of Buddy getting his first ride with grandma in the chair. Well guess who forgot to get the SD card out of the computer and put it back in the camera. So I have no pictures of the awesome afternoon we had.

The kids were so cute as they interacted with the trade show venders. I was so proud of the knowledge they already have on water treatment and I think the vendors were impressed as well.

Our future entrepreneurs?

We had the best time teaching them how to play Black Jack at one of the booth’s. It wasn’t the real thing but they didn’t care. Math was covered for the day and they got 21 a couple times to win prizes. Even grandpa joined us after his meeting. It was so fun! Though I miss not having actual pictures, I will hold the memories in my heart for ever.

After a day at the convention it was time for even more fun!

Hoping aboard the monorail we headed to the strip.










We went down to watch the NASCAR Parade of Haulers but first we went through M&M World.

Not all plans work out like we hope. Going to M&M World before the parade was not such a good idea. It was crowded. Within crowds are rude people. We made our purchases and got out of there.


Grandpa was not a fan of going into the store for the above mentioned reason. He instead found us some awesome seating for the parade, above the crowds and out of the cold.

Sure, I could have stayed outside and MAYBE gotten better pictures, or none at all. When your in a chair, people don’t always care that they are blocking your view. Some fans were really pushing the boundaries of proper behavior. It was best we were above them.

Unfortunately all my pictures had the glass glare and or reflections of people in them.





















Bug was happy to poise with his favorite drivers fire suit. He even gave him a hug!





















This morning me and the grand’s will hang out, maybe play some more Black Jack, while their mom and grandpa finish up their last day of break out sessions. They will be done a noon today and then me, gramps, Buttons and Bug will head to the track for qualifying. Then we will meet up again after for a tour of Hoover Dam and who knows what else we will find to do.

What happens in Vegas…a whole lot of fun!

I Thought I Could, I Thought I Could!

Usually, well most the time, when I am presented with a situation that a healthy person does without a second thought, I keep a positive attitude of I Think I Can, I Think I Can! Sometimes I can. Unfortunately sometimes I can’t.

This trip I thought I could do it without my chair. So we left it home. Of course I got the, are you sure’s, but I was insistent I will be fine. Beside, when we were here a few weeks ago I didn’t bring it and I managed okay.

Well, last night I got the, I thought so’s!

After a day of walking to and from our room to the convention center…

Of walking through the trade show…

To and from the monorail…

 

 

 

 

 

 

By 9pm I could not, nor did I want to walk another step. So this morning I ordered me a chair.

Time to get my day on!

What Happens in Vegas…

A sand storm as we drove in…

 

 

 

 

 

 

The winds have been terrible! Shortly before we saw the wall of sand, there was a BIG flashing sign warning of blowing sand ahead. Then we saw it! I was not thrilled we had to drive through it. Honestly, it freaks me out. Thankfully it was narrow, maybe a few hundred feet before we were out the other side, but you just never know how dense it will be or long you will be driving through it.

We only had one other hiccup on the way in but as it turns out, us missing an exit was for the best. Less surface streets coming in as we did and no airport traffic either. WIN! WIN!

Our view for the next 5 days.

Do you unpack your suitcase? I do! Hubby not so much. Once settled in we headed down to check out the convention happenings. He was suppose to have a meeting this afternoon. By the time we found our bearings and location, it was almost over.

Perfect!

During our 5 hour drive, listening to NASCAR on Sirius, they’re talking all about the race’s that will be running this weekend in VEGAS! We have known this all along. So it wasn’t a surprise. We  just felt our schedule wouldn’t accommodate it and I accepted it. However, we have had a few adventures that took us close to something once before, like the Grand Canyon, but never got to see it. I mentioned how this trip reminded me of it and a couple others. I just tell myself someday, add it to the bucket list and move on. Eventually we get back to those places and see what ever it was we were anxious to see or do before. I must be patient now, because when we do make it back for the race, it won’t be during business time but our time which would make it even better.

After we finished up with the convention stuff, we decided to take a drive out to the track. Just to check it out and all.

The winds were terrible. We thought maybe we could fit a dirt track race in, but not if this wind continues. So we stopped at the track store to check it out just in case. While he went to see about the tickets, I was browsing the gift shop. Shortly I was summoned to the ticket window upon where I am asked to pick seats for the Nationwide race on Saturday. Seriously! The sneak had it planned all along. Well at least he was hoping he could pull it off that is. He would have bought me Sunday tickets if I wanted. We talked it over and agreed the Saturday race would be great. I had wondered if he had something up his sleeve when we checked in at the hotel. He asked the desk clerk if we would be able to stay an extra night or two. Part of me was hoping he would figure it out if it was a possibility. I knew we weren’t here for NASCAR, we were here for business. But I was hopping! I am very HAPPY! Not only to see the race but his last meeting on Friday gets out in time for Qualifying and looks like we just might make a trip to the NEON Garage as well.

That’s what happened in Vegas today! Tomorrow our daughter and her family arrive.While her and dad do the business, me, her hubby and the grand’s will explore.

The news just said estimated gust at 65 mph. I believe it!

Not on Track!

More like we are not at the track!

Since 2005

And the inauguration of the first night race at PIR (Phoenix International Raceway), we had not missed a race to what we called the spring race. Till now!

Last year they changed the date and is now the 2nd race of the year. Which means it is not spring anymore. Which means COLD! And I don’t do well in cold weather.  Oh, and it is not a night race either.

SO as I watched practice on T.V., in my home for the first time in like ever, I can’t help but miss what use to be our norm.

Though we had been going to PIR since 1996, 2005 was the 1st year we were going to be RV’ing it. We enjoyed it so much that we upgraded and added a site for the November race.

2006

I got meet Kenny Schrader and Greg Biffle.

 

Look how close we got to Jeff and Jimmie…

But what I will miss the most, the years the grand’s began to come.

2007

Our grand Bug was turning 5 and he wanted to go the races when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday. More seats were added and it became a regular thing.

2008

Besides the grand’s, my brother and his family would came down as well.

2009

I got to meet Jimmie Johnson…AWESOME! Just not very good pictures of me though.

We held our one and only Easter egg hunt at the track.

2010

If only she knew how many people thought she was so cute sleeping during the races

2011

You can see here how cold it was. A hat under a hood still didn’t work. And it was a wool hat!

I am thankful though to be watching practice from my home, as it is very COLD and WINDY outside and I know it wouldn’t have been pleasant for me.

This change did not affect the year, just the season. We will continue to go for the fall races. Besides, we have 2 RV spots for that race and can host more guest. It also frees  up funds to go to a different race…now I just have to decide which one!