Circa Opens

Not even a pandemic can keep me from welcoming the newest kid on the block. Though, I did miss the celebrations at midnight. It was beyond my bedtime  - damn! It's hell getting old! - and, if I'm honest, I felt it was beyond my comfort level for risk of COVID.

Anyhow, we still stepped foot in the multi-level beaut on opening day. I had to see where my favorite neon cowgirl calls home. 

We parked in the garage and wandered the property for an hour ($4/hour for parking). To gain entrance, we had our temperature taken before we could proceed to security to be carded. The property is restricted to 21+ to enhance the experience. The wait was short on our arrival, but the line to enter was lengthy upon our departure.

     

There is no doubt the sportsbook is the centerpiece! The video wall is a stunner.

 

My personal favorite aspects are The Mega Bar and the return of Vegas Vickie. And I dig the casino floor vents that really do a phenomenal job of filtering the cigarette smoke in the air. This was my first time in a casino since February, I should have been extremely sensitive to the smoke from not having been around it in ages, but it wasn't bothersome and I didn't leave reeking of smoke.

The hotel is not scheduled to open until late-December so all banks of elevators are off limits. I'm told guests of the D can access Circa Swim until the hotel welcomes guests. On our visit, it was $10 per person to gain admission to the pool area. I wasn't interested in forking over the cash. I am certain it is an experience like no other. I'm hopeful to attend a Golden Knights Watch Party sometime in the future.

I'd Like to Cancel

I am sure I am not the only one looking to cancel this three month trial of 2020! I mean, golly gee willikers!! Who saw this coming?! I, for fact, did NOT! Holy shit! I was ill prepared. We traveled every weekend of 2020 until March hit. I also avoid stores like the plague - ahem, COVID - from Thanksgiving... until Valentine's day. When the virus hit, I had zero supply of toilet paper or paper towels, I was down to the last of my Clorox Wipes. bleach and hand soap. All are items, I buy -- I don't know? Quarterly?? Honestly, it's nothing I've ever given thought to before. You bet, I will, now! 

I've been asked what do you think you'll be doing after this is over? Honestly, I was never a fan or people or crowds; I was social distancing before it had a name, and I'm a bit of a germaphobe - so, on that front, it has been an easy transition. I want to get back to traveling ASAP, I'd like to think a future of working remotely is possible. And, why didn't I try grocery delivery sooner?

But preparing meals twice a day?! Now, that is much harder. And my goodness, how do I fill the dishwasher daily? We only have two of us, here? Quarantine math does not compute. Frank and I are both working from home and laundry is still a tale told by the never ending story. I really have no reason to complain, though. I have a home with a backyard; windows that open, etc. My heart goes out to those that are truly cooped up, waiting for their turn in an elevator. Note to self: Scratch high-rise living off my wish list.

On a slightly similar note; My sister, man, she is astounding! She is holed up in a house of five with one bathroom and no dishwasher. She's also been left unemployed - unless you can add teacher, chef, etc. to her resume. She is showing up everyday, dressed and hair styled. I cannot say the same for myself. I have not worn a bra in three weeks. Anyone else up for a game of quarantine confessions? No? Okay, moving on...

It's been so eerie; here, in Vegas, I'm sure it is - everywhere, but especially, so,  here - I've never seen the casinos close. Frank and I have gone out for two date nights - quarantine style - by simply cruising down the strip on Saturday night.

I've celebrated my 40th birthday and my 23rd year with Frank since our self inflicted house arrest. My family found ways to spoil me despite quarantine life and Frank and I have learned that there are always uncharted waters to navigate, and new experiences to share - even, after, all these years. I vowed to never feed him to tigers; like that bitch, Carole Baskin. Have you seen that train wreck? I mean no one would have watched it if it wasn't for Corona Life - but I think that might just be the most perplexing part of all of this, how in the eff? Did that disaster unite us??? Maybe, Joe Exotic for President, after all.

February, At Last!

Was January not the longest month in history?! I've never so happy to welcome February. It shouldn't have been bad. We traveled each and every weekend; making every attempt to dodge the cold. Unfortunately, it follows us everywhere we go.

Laughlin seemed like a good way to kick off the 2020 travels. We had a nice time, but brrr! I don't think we've ever felt it so cold. Thankfully, the machines were warmer. I was able to break even after a long run playing video poker.





The following weekend we tried our luck in San Diego. It was sunny, but cool. We ran across the border chasing the sun, but winter was there too. At least, tacos make everything better. We also snuck in one last visit to Con Pane Bakery. When, we were noshing on the best damn sandwiches (Italian on Rosemary and PB&J) and cinnamon bun known to man we had no idea it would be the last. They closed permanently two days later. The news was devastating! I'm so glad we got one last taste.



The third weekend of January, we were back in Mexico. This time we drove down to San Felipe, we met Frank's family in El Centro. They flew in from Chicago, and would stay at his uncle's house in El Dorado Ranch. We rented an Airbnb nearby. We stopped for lunch in Mexicali on the way. We've been told the Chinese food is amazing. Who would have thought that, but it's true. It was fantastic. I love the twist and fusions too like limes on the table; avocado or chorizo in the fried rice. The flavors were spot on, but somehow, brighter, with farm fresh produce. It was a delight, and a must stop on all future trips.



We had nice visit with his mom, Dennis, aunt and uncle. We grabbed bites at all our favorites, we discovered, Restaurant Toro; a new (to us) diner with killer breakfast and revisited the Valle de Gigantes. It's too beautiful not to repeat and it was neat to show Dennis. Living in KY, he's not seen anything quite like it.





The next weekend we traveled to Austin. Frontier was offering dirt cheap fares we could not refuse. When the drinks on board cost more than the flight itself how can one refuse? Plus, BBQ. I mean there is no arm twisting here. Better yet, I snagged my favorite hotel - the Fairmont - on Hotwire. Sometimes the stars just align. We were also able to meet up friends from Chicago and grab a bite with Frank's coworker born and raised in Austin. We gorged ourselves silly on brisket, links and ribs. Smoked turkey and Frito Pie can be included in the lot. No matter how often we visit I am still stunned by the sheer number of BBQ joints and shocked by how many are outstanding. We are always on a quest to try them all.

 

This time a dent was made by trying Terry Black's and La Valentina. We revisited old favorites like Rudy's, Cooper's and Stile Switch. And to further prove that kismet exists and we are meant to be happy, our favorite whiskey bar in Los Angeles is now open is Austin too. But wait for it... Seven Grand is connected to a Mezcaleria... by a cigar friendly patio. It could not have been more perfect. Although, we did kick a dead rat on the way back so do not be mislead I am not able paint a complete picture of perfection. Curious, though, is that bad luck or good luck since it's the year of the rat? I guess we'll see how the year pans out. For now, I'll default to my belief that there is an ebb and flow to all things. The universe, included. To further prove the notion, winter followed us to Texas too. Pity was taken on us on our last day. The sun shined and offered hope that warmer days are ahead. I soaked up every last drop!





 

January concluded with a trip to the south. We thought we'd be welcomed with sunshine and warmer temperatures than home but the joke was on us. A cold front met us in New Orleans and hung around for the entire Superbowl weekend in both MS and AL. I mean we experienced cooler than normal temps in three states; only to return home to a cold blast. It dropped 30 degrees in 24 hours. Dust off the hot hands. Winter isn't over yet.

Fairhope, Alabama

 

Mobile, Alabama

 

New Orleans, Louisana

 

 


 




Biloxi, Mississippi