It’s a wonderland for sure…

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This wildebeest has a new name…Blondie, with this adorable blond hair.

Last night, when we went to bed shortly after dinner. Still tired from our long journey, we both fell asleep during the two shows we tried to watch. We agreed to wake each other up when we saw the other snoozing to get on a practical sleeping schedule, but we fell asleep simultaneously. We probably shouldn’t have taken a short nap during the day.

Another view of Blondie.
We were thrilled to see the dozen wildebeests visit our garden.

Subsequently, I awoke at 2:30 am and Tom shortly thereafter. We’ve been awake since. It’s been hot since we arrived on Monday and the high today is expected to be 96F, 36 C and similar temps will continue through the next seven days.

Pellets were on the menu. So far, we’ve purchased two 40 kg bags, 88 pounds, which should last through the weekend. The pellet guy comes to Louise’s nearby office on Fridays, when we’ll buy two more weekly bags.

It’s still summer here, and the mozzies accompany the hot weather. We use repellent three times a day and multiple insect repellent products when sitting outdoors at night. Once it cools down, there will be fewer mosquitoes in months to come, but we will still use repellent since it is prevalent to a lesser degree during the fall and winter months.

They lingered for an hour and then took off to search for “greener pastures.”
Scientific Name: Connochaetes taurinus (Blue Wildebeest), Connochaetes gnou (Black Wildebeest) Common Name: Wildebeest, Gnu. Size: Approximately 4-5 feet tall at the shoulder, body length of 6-8 feet. Weight: 260-600 pounds. Lifespan: 10-20 years in the wild. Diet: Herbivore, primarily grasses.

Overall, we feel good. Our sleep schedules will return to normal in a few days, but we enjoy every moment in the meantime. The familiarity of living in the bush for over four years hasn’t diminished our sense of awe and wonder of this magical place.

There are two species of wildebeest: the blue and the black. We see blue wildebeests in Marloth Park.

This morning, we’re doing three loads of laundry. With the heat we don’t wear anything twice, whereas over the past year, living with central air conditioning we could wear the same shirt for a few days and jeans for several days. Tom found the portable drying rack in the storage room. He’s doing the laundry while I hang it on the drying rack as each load is done.

They often drink from the pool.

Tonight’s dinner will be a repeat last night’s: chicken breasts, legs, and thighs on the grill with a side of egg salad and rice for Tom. I’ll make more elaborate meals once it cools down and I’m more rested.

Wildebeests are part of the Great Wildebeest Migration, the world’s largest land migration.

Kathy and Don arrive tomorrow, but we won’t see them for a few days while they recover from an even further journey from Hawaii, several hours longer than our trip from Nevada.

This morning, more than 50 animals came to the garden, and we welcomed everyone. Already, we’re becoming familiar with frequent visitors and seeing a few we recall from almost two years ago.

Wildebeest calves can run within minutes of being born.

What can I say, other than…it is lovely. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be here. Thanks for all the well wishes from our readers/friends and family. We write here, just for YOU!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 6, 2015:

In Kauai, the seawater was so clear we could see little fish swimming in this tide pool. For more photos, please click here.

We’ve arrived at wildlife paradise!…Marloth Park, South Africa…

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Our first visitor this morning, a male bushbuck.

Note: There is a blur in some of the photos from using our camera instead of my phone. I think I’ve fixed it but I will see how it goes after a few adjustments/

It was a long trip, almost two days, but we are thrilled to return to South Africa. I wrote part of this post on our last of the three fights, albeit a little raggedy after little sleep. We awoke on Saturday morning, anxious for the long journey to be completed and never slept again until Monday night.
A younger male bushbuck than the photo shown above

And there we were on Monday, flying from Cape Town to Mpumalanga/Nelspruit/Kruger, where we collected our bags and the rental car for the 90-minute drive to Marloth Park.

A handsome, Mr. Impala.

Yes, it already feels like home after being away for one month short of two years. It seems like yesterday when we last left. We assumed we’d be returning a year earlier, but health circumstances kept us away a year longer than anticipated.

Three female kudus stopped by for a visit.

However, we are grateful to be here now and will treasure each day we are given in this wildlife wonderland, along with the joys of some of the best friends we’ve made in years, both human and animal.

Ah, it feels good.

A lovely female kudu.

The trip was long and tiring for old-timers, but we never complained. We maneuvered through each of the three flights, two layovers, five times through security, and only once through immigration.

A male warthog visited.
A mom warthog with two of her three piglets.

We had to collect our bags and recheck them in Cape Town for the last leg on the smaller Airlink plane. Much to our delight, they were all there, and we didn’t have to pay more than the $100 fee for one very overweight bag.

A male warthog attempting to climb onto the veranda.

The weirdest part of the trip is that the first and second flights from Las Vegas to London and the next from London to Cape Town were both in the dark, with dinner served and breakfast 7-8 hours later. Of course, this was due to the 10-hour time difference.

Big Daddy kudu.

This morning we had the blessed opportunity to see many animals and we stayed busy tossing them pellets.

Some of the wildlife will likely take several days to learn we are here. I’m looking forward to seeing my boy Norman, the daddy and now grandaddy Nyala, in the park. We can’t wait to share!

Another Big Daddy.

Last night, after our arrival and time spent with Louise and Danie at their place, we showered and dressed to head out to Jabula for dinner. The kisses and hugs from Dawn, Leon, and other old friends we saw in the bar warmed our hearts, making us all the more aware of the magic of this remarkable place.

Dinner was predictably outstanding. Our total bill included two light beers for me and three for Tom, plus our meals, taxes, and tips, was US $32.67, ZAR 608.72. This is a far cry from the US $100, ZAR 1863.25, we paid each time we dined out in the US.

Tom’s dinner was a bunless pineapple burger with green beans.
My Greek salad.
It looks awful but spicy peri-peri chicken livers is one of my favorites at Jabula.

We are entirely unpacked and will soon head to the new grocery store in Marloth Park. We only need to buy enough dinner ingredients to last until Friday, when we’ll return to Jabula on Friday night (and Saturday)to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.

Plus after a good night’s sleep neither of us has jetlag.

Stay tuned, dear readers, lots more is yet to come!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 4, 2015:

We always feel fortunate to have the opportunity to embrace these memorable scenes, in this case in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.
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Would you do this luxury adventure?…Five days and counting…

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A small pond at the hotel in Poipu Beach,, Kauai where we stayed on my birthday in 2015.

This 25-day Private Jet Trip Includes Stops in 9 Countries—Plus a Free 9-night Cruise…

The free pre-trip cruise features a roomy suite with a private veranda and butler service. By Rachel Chan

 Published on February 18, 2025

Here’s the link for the following article from Travel and Leisure online magazine.

Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has long set the luxury travel bar with its epic continent-hopping private jet journeys—and now it’s launching one of its best offers yet. Travelers who book the 25-day Ancient Kingdoms & Dynasties: A Journey by Private Jet itinerary will get a complimentary nine-night pre-trip cruise with its sibling company Crystal Cruises.

“This unprecedented collaboration … offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the pinnacle of both air and sea adventures in one extraordinary experience,” said Ann Epting, Abercombie & Kent’s senior vice president of product development, in a statement to Travel + Leisure.

The free, nine-night prequel to the main event starts on Sept. 25 in Barcelona aboard the Crystal Symphony and will sail through Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, with stops in Ibiza, Cartagena, Málaga, Gibraltar, and Casablanca, before ending in Lisbon. Passengers will have the chance to enjoy the ship’s spacious Sapphire Veranda Suite, which comes with perks like a private veranda, butler service, and complimentary laundry.

Guests will then kick off their private jet journey with a night at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon before jetting off to Fez, Morocco; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Salalah, Oman; Udaipur, India; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Luang Prabang, Laos; Istanbul, Turkey; and Malta. Some highlights on the itinerary include a chance to explore Tanzania’s historic Stone Town, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman, the City Palace in India, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. At the final stop in Malta, travelers can learn the art of falconry from a local expert, tour Villa Bologna, and attend a musical parade thrown in their honor.

Accommodations throughout the trip are top-tier and include stays at properties like Raffles Udaipur; Palais Faraj Suites & Spa in Fez; Zuri Zanzibar; Corinthia Palace Hotel; and The Peninsula Istanbul—the T+L’s World’s Best Award winner for the Turkish city.

Travelers will have plenty of opportunities to learn and enrich themselves along the journey. A&K brand ambassador, who was born and raised in Portugal and spent six decades traveling the globe, will share his experiences and thoughts throughout the journey. Foreign correspondent Martin Regg Cohn will also be along for the ride, providing lectures about his time spent reporting in more than 40 countries and interviewing world leaders ranging from the Dalai Lama to Benjamin Netanyahu. Cohn says he’s especially excited to join this globe-trotting trip.

“It reminds me of what I found so appealing as a foreign correspondent—traveling to get a closer look at our cultural roots while also seeing the historical roots of today’s conflicts,” he said. To him, the itinerary is a way of figuratively “connecting the dots on the map.”

Undoubtedly, a highlight of the trip is A&K’s private jet, a 48-seat Boeing 757. (I was lucky enough to experience it on a birthday trip to Iceland in 2023.) Every passenger has a first-class, lie-flat seat with an iPad and noise-canceling headphones on board. They’ll also feast on elegant meals throughout the journey.

The entire trip (including the cruise) runs from Sept. 25 to. Oct. 28. Prices start at $147,950 a person based on double occupancy, with a $7,498 single supplement—50 percent off the standard fee. Check out A&K’s website for more details or booking. You can also reserve your spot by calling 800-554-7094. (We do not receive commission or compensation for posting or purchasing this tour).

This package sounds fun but doesn’t fit into our budget. However, we’ve found many affordable cruises that offer multiple ports of call, enabling travelers to visit many parts of the world and fulfilling many of our travel goals.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 23, 2015:

Upon closer inspection of a rooster’s foot in Kauai, we saw how dangerous these spurs could be. Undoubtedly, roosters know how and when to use these. We kept our distance, although he was a friendly fellow. For more photos, please click here.

Fantastic birthday…Eight days and counting…

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We spent a few days at Poipu Beach in Kauai, which we visited ten years ago on my birthday, staying in a lovely hotel.

Yesterday, we had a wonderful day on my birthday. The day was light and fun as we chatted on the phone with several friends and family members. I was thrilled to see messages from many worldwide readers, musical messages, and online cards.

I even received a thoughtful snail mail paper card from friends Kathy and Don in Hawaii, whom we will see in Marloth Park in a few weeks. We all arranged our visits to South Africa to coincide, and we’re so excited to be able to spend time with them and our other countless friends in the magical place.

At 4:15, an Uber picked us up and drove us to Richard’s home. We then took off in his vehicle to drive to Texas Roadhouse, where the four of us had drinks and a delightful dinner. We love that place! They certainly give their customers plenty of fresh, well-prepared food with many sides. Tom loves their buns but doesn’t care for the honey-cinnamon-sweetened whipped butter. He had no trouble getting regular butter after asking the server.

After dinner, we returned to Richard’s home to watch the second half of the US/Canada hockey game. Then, we sat at the dining table and played an entertaining board game, Mind the Gap, a generational trivia game. We laughed the entire time we played. When we said goodbye to the two of them, I felt a twinge of sadness, knowing we may not return to Nevada for a few more years with our upcoming busy world travel itinerary. But, as always, we’ll stay in touch.

At around 11:00 pm, we ordered another Uber at half the price we’d paid earlier during rush hour and returned to our condo. We never fell asleep until around 1:00 am, and I awoke around 7:00, feeling tired and too lazy to get out of bed. I lingered until 9:00 am and finally got up to shower, dress, and make bacon and eggs for breakfast.

Today is an easy day. We are heading out for dinner tonight, most likely to The Pub, which is located at the bottom of one flight of stairs from the floor on which our unit is located. The exit, with a keypad entrance code, is a short walk down the hallway. It takes about two minutes to walk to The Pub.

This morning, I wrote to Louise asking her to get three bags of pellets from the pellet guy who comes to her offices weekly, two bags for us, and one for Kathy and Don. Also, she will get us a few groceries for our first morning’s breakfast and repellent, which I apply three times a day. Although it’s heading into winter there soon, there are mozzies year-round, which, of course, are worse in the summer months,

We don’t use malaria medication since we are there too long. It’s unhealthy to take that medication for extended periods since it has some side effects. However, using repellent several times a day on exposed skin is a necessary precaution and works quite well. While using it, I rarely get bitten. On the other hand, Tom never gets bitten, even without using repellent around the clock. On humid “buggie” nights, he may put some repellent around his neck and ankles.

We constantly change into long pants when sitting outside at night. Even when it’s hot, I wear long pants or jeans. The less DEET one uses, the better, and I don’t want to be lathering the only repellent that works for me on my legs three times a day. Skin products are easily absorbed into one’s system. I’ve read that people with blood type O, which I am, are more prone to mosquito bites. Tom is type A.

That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back with more as we approach our departure date.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 21, 2015:

This rooster in Kauai wanted to jump into the car with me after I’d made clucking sounds. For more photos, please click here.

Getting things done…Gratifying, as departure time nears…12 days and counting…

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There are almost a million feral chickens and roosters in Kauai. They are everywhere!

We are on a mission to complete as many tasks as possible before departing for South Africa in 12 days. This included completing our tax prep, which I forwarded to our accountant in Las Vegas today. Our mailing service will snail mail the tax documents to him today. No doubt, our taxes will be filed within a week, and this task will be entirely out of the way after we pay whatever tax sums we owe for this year.

I always dread doing tax prep but knew the sooner I got it done, the better, leaving my mind free of procrastinating. I am generally not a procrastinator, but “paperwork” such as this can send me on a tailspin.

Also, we found a home for the wheelchair I no longer need. The front desk staff at the Viera condo building said they could easily use it for disabled guests arriving for a visit. After checking, Goodwill had so many wheelchairs that they didn’t need more, nor would they be willing to pick one up.

We’ll have a few more loads of laundry before departing, after which we can pack. We will save that task for next week when we leave on Saturday. If we had to pack in a hurry, we could get it all done in about two hours. We’re thrilled to have so much in order already.

I placed our final grocery order for $150 this morning, which will get us through this week and next. We’ll be dining out this Thursday and Friday and thus have only six dinners to make using what we’ll have on hand, considering I have designated meals for the balance of this week. The night before we depart, we dine out in the Village if all the meat in the freezer is gone. Otherwise, we’ll make one last dinner.

Today is an easy day. Soon, I’ll start chopping and dicing for dinner, after which I’ll do my daily exercises. I am pleased to have committed to doing these daily with little need for added motivation. I can go downstairs more easily since the workouts have improved my knee flexibility. This alone is sufficient motivation. Yes, walking long distances is still challenging, but shorter distances are a breeze compared to what they were only months ago.

We have been in the US since December 2023 when we returned for medical care. Now, 15 months later, we are anxious to be on the move once more. It will be fun to rerun in June for Maisie’s graduation and to see everyone once again. However, when we leave, we won’t return until June 2026 for Miles’ graduation. From there, only time and good health will determine the future.

We hope you have a good week.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 17, 2015:

Tom was in deep thought while gazing at the sea in Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Photos from Valentine’s evening…

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The view from our table at Luna Rosa in the Village in Lake Las Vegas.

It was a lovely evening. First, we headed to Speakeasy for happy hour and then made the short walk to Luna Roa for dinner. As always, the ambiance was inviting, the service was impeccable, and the food was fresh and delicious. We perused the Valentine’s Day menu for $125 per person, deciding it was way too much food for us when everything on the menu, as shown below, was included.

Luna Rosa offered a Valentine’s Day menu for $125 per person.

With my dietary limitations, especially since I am working on losing weight, and Tom’s picky taste buds, spending $250 when neither of us ever orders appetizers or desserts makes no sense. We often see diners enjoying multiple courses, but we don’t care to eat that much food.

Instead, Tom ordered the lasagne, a dish he knew he’d like, and I ordered the salmon salad, as shown in the two photos below.

On the other hand, Tom chose this delicious beef lasagne with bread and butter on the side.
Since I am still losing weight, I opted for this low-carb salmon salad.

I’d brought my homemade salad dressing since restaurant dressings are often made with oils I don’t consume. Perhaps at Luna Rose, a more fine-dining establishment, they had dressings made with olive oil, but sugar is often added for flavor. I filled a small plastic container with my dressing and used it discreetly to avoid drawing attention to myself while using it.

Tom at Luna Rosa on our Valentine’s Day dinner.

Tonight, when we dine out again at Speakeasy, where they have a good salmon salad, I’ll do the same and bring a batch of my homemade salad dressing that I made this morning. We had a hearty breakfast this morning of thick-sliced bacon, which we baked in the oven at 375F for about 18 minutes for perfect doneness, and organic pasture-raised eggs fried in my amazing skillet sprayed with ghee spray.

It was fun to celebrate Valentine’s Day dinner at Luna Rosa.

Once I upload this post, I will do my exercises and begin working on our tax prep document for our accountant. I plan to have it completed by Monday and forward it to him, along with the documents we received at the mailing service, which they will forward to him per our instructions. It will be a relief to do this before we leave two weeks from today.

That’s it for today, folks. We hope you have a lovely weekend.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 15, 2015:

We took this video of the albatross interacting with one another in their beautiful dance. For more, please click here.

We’re back…Busy days…Exquisite trees and flowers…

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A Rainbow Eucalyptus tree found in Hawaii. What a fantastic tree trunk!

Rainbow eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus deglupta) are some of the most strikingly colorful trees in the world, and Hawaii is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see them in all their vibrant glory. These trees, native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, are known for their unique multicolored bark, which naturally peels away in strips to reveal layers of green, blue, purple, orange, and red underneath.

Rainbow eucalyptus trees thrive in Hawaii’s warm, humid climate, particularly on Maui and the Big Island. One of the best places to see them is along the Road to Hana on Maui, especially near mile marker 7 in the Ke‘anae Arboretum. Some groves are near Hana, where the damp environment helps the trees maintain their vivid colors. The Big Island also has scattered rainbow eucalyptus groves, often found in botanical gardens and private lands.

In their native environment, these trees can grow up to 250 feet tall, but in Hawaii, they typically reach around 100-125 feet. Although they were initially planted for paper production, they’re mostly admired for their beauty and serve as popular photo stops for travelers.

The bark’s colors appear as the tree sheds layers at different times throughout the year, creating an ever-changing natural masterpiece. The bright green inner bark is newly exposed, and as it matures, it transitions through shades of blue, purple, orange, and eventually brown before peeling again.

Because they are non-native, some environmentalists monitor their spread, but unlike other eucalyptus species, they aren’t considered invasive in Hawaii. If you visit, remember to appreciate them without damaging the delicate bark—taking pictures is highly encouraged, but taking pieces of the bark is not!

As for orchids, as shown below in the “Photo from ten years ago today,”…

Orchids are a stunning and diverse part of Hawaii’s flora, thriving in the tropical climate and lush landscapes. While orchids are not native to Hawaii, they have become deeply intertwined with the islands’ culture, gardens, and even leis. With thousands of varieties growing across the state, orchids are found everywhere—from botanical gardens and forests to roadside stands and hotel lobbies.

A Brief History

European botanists and plant collectors introduced orchids to Hawaii in the 1800s. The warm, humid environment proved perfect for many species, and orchids quickly became a beloved part of Hawaiian horticulture. Over time, the islands developed a thriving orchid industry, with many local growers cultivating unique hybrids.

Where to See Orchids in Hawaii

  • Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden (Big Island): This lush botanical garden is a paradise for plant lovers. It features a variety of orchids growing in their natural rainforest setting.
  • Akatsuka Orchid Gardens (Big Island): A famous orchid nursery near Volcanoes National Park, where you can see (and even buy) rare orchids, including the high-priced and fragrant volcano mist orchids.
  • Foster Botanical Garden (Oahu): One of Honolulu’s hidden gems, featuring a stunning collection of tropical plants, including native and exotic orchids.
  • Maui and Kauai Botanical Gardens: Various gardens, such as the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai, showcase rare orchid species in beautifully curated environments.

Notable Orchid Varieties in Hawaii

  • Dendrobium Orchids: These are commonly used in Hawaiian leis and have delicate, vibrant petals in shades of purple, pink, and white.
  • Cattleya Orchids are large, fragrant, and bold in color. They are often associated with classic tropical orchid beauty.
  • Vanda Orchids: Known for their bright blues and purples, these orchids thrive in Hawaii’s warm climate.
  • Oncidium Orchids (“Dancing Ladies”) flourish in Hawaii’s humidity. Their small, intricate blooms resemble dancing figures.

Orchids and Hawaiian Culture

Though orchids are not as profoundly tied to Hawaiian traditions as native plants like maile or plumeria, they have become a favorite for leis, floral arrangements, and even weddings. Purple dendrobium leis are most commonly given to visitors and at celebrations.

Orchid Growing in Hawaii

If you love orchids, Hawaii is an ideal place to grow them. Many local nurseries sell plants, and some even provide shipping services. The key to growing orchids successfully in Hawaii is good air circulation, filtered sunlight, and the right amount of humidity.

Orchids in Hawaii are more than just flowers—they symbolize the islands’ natural beauty and resilience and how different cultures have influenced the landscape.

We are grateful for our experiences in Hawaii and other countries, where we have visited countless botanical gardens worldwide. Now, we look forward to taking photos of unusual flowers that bloom in the bush in South Africa when we arrive in a mere 28 days.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 3, 2015:

What’s more beautiful than an orchid? This photo was taken at the Kauai Botanical Garden. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back…Disappointing football day…

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The veranda at our condo in Lake Las Vegas.

Last night, we had a lovely dinner at Richard’s home and watched the disappointing Minnesota Vikings game against the Detroit Lions. The Vikings were slaughtered, and we were all grossly disappointed and frustrated. They will still play in the playoffs, but we aren’t as optimistic as we were that they would have a shot at the upcoming Super Bowl in February. So it goes.

We took an Uber for the 20-minute ride to Henderson using Uber both ways. On the way, we paid $31.02 plus tip. On the return ride, we paid $21.17, with lower rates later on Sunday. The driver on the first trip did Tai Chi with his right hand while driving to Henderson.

The driver on the return trip explained she had been sick with the flu for the past five days and complained about how she got COVID-19 five times from her passengers but wasn’t wearing a mask while driving us. We didn’t give her a tip. We’ll wait over the next ten days to see if we get sick from riding with her. Oh, good grief!

The weekend passed quickly, and it’s hard to believe it’s Monday again. Soon, I’ll work on food prep for tonight’s dinner. Tom Is having a t-bone steak with rice, while I’m having sauteed Barramundi (fish), and we’ll both have broccoli and salad.  It will be a nice dinner which we’ll repeat, making everything fresh again.

We’ve decided we will dine out two evenings a week. It’s an excellent way to get out and about, and we’ll have some variety with options here in the Village. We just read the menu for Rick’s Cafe at the Westin Hotel behind our building, where many options appeal to both of us.

Here are more details about the Village in Lake Las Vegas:

The Village at Lake Las Vegas is a picturesque Mediterranean-inspired oasis nestled along the tranquil shores of a man-made lake in Henderson, Nevada, just 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. This charming community feels worlds away from the neon lights, offering a peaceful, inviting atmosphere that blends luxury with laid-back living.

Architecture & Aesthetic
The Village boasts cobblestone streets, terracotta rooftops, and stucco facades reminiscent of a European lakeside retreat. Winding pathways lead visitors through plazas adorned with elegant fountains, lush landscaping, and cozy seating areas. It’s a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance that feels like stepping into a postcard-perfect scene.

Dining & Entertainment
Various restaurants and cafes line the waterfront, offering something for every palate. You’ll find it here whether you’re craving Italian pasta, fresh seafood, or a simple cup of coffee with a view. Many eateries feature outdoor patios where you can savor your meal while soaking up the scenic surroundings. Live music and seasonal events add to the vibrant yet relaxed ambiance, making the Village a hub for locals and tourists.

Shopping & Activities
Boutique shops and art galleries allow leisurely browsing, while the lake invites visitors to enjoy water-based activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and even yacht rentals. The area has a championship golf course and plenty of walking trails for those who prefer land-based fun.

Community Vibe
The Village exudes a sense of community and connection. It’s a place where people gather for wine tastings, farmers’ markets, and outdoor movie nights. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, it’s easy to feel like part of the fabric of this lakeside haven.

A Peaceful Escape
Surrounded by desert landscapes, the shimmering lake is a refreshing contrast and creates a serene environment. Sunsets over the water are especially magical, with hues of orange and pink reflecting off the surface, making it a favorite spot for romantic evenings or quiet moments of reflection.

In essence, the Village at Lake Las Vegas is a delightful blend of sophistication, natural beauty, and community charm, offering a tranquil escape from the fast-paced energy of nearby Las Vegas.

We couldn’t be happier to be here. It truly has a vacation-type feel, along with the hominess of this delightful condo.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 6, 2015:

A pink Trumpet flower as seen on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.

Good day, Everyone!…We’re back…

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Most shoppers in Hawaii prefer to buy shelled macadamia nuts that are roasted and salted.

It’s been an excellent past 24 hours. We were busy doing some tasks in the hotel room, talking on the phone with family and friends, and continuing my workout regime. Today, it’s been two months since we left Minnesota to drive to Cleveland. That seems like so long ago.

We enjoyed our second night of “takeaway food,” which was Asian beef salad for me and Chinese sweet and sour pork with rice for Tom. Tom had Costco pumpkin pie for dessert, and I had a slice of homemade keto cream cheese pie. After dinner at 8:00 pm, we watched a disappointing Minnesota Vikings football game and went off for bed when it ended around 11:00 pm.

For some reason, I awoke at 3:00 am and couldn’t get back to sleep until after 5:30. Instead, I read articles on my phone after trying to doze off with no luck. Finally, around 6:00 am, I drifted off and slept until 9:00 am. I feel good today after a total good number of hours of sleep overall.

Today is a quiet day. Once I finish today’s post, I go to the fitness center to work out. Hopefully, the housekeepers will do our scheduled deep clean today. However, they often don’t do it on the expected day, Friday, because they say they are too busy. Getting a daily refresh has reduced the issues we were having. They come at different times each day, but we are used to it and don’t feel as if we’re sitting around waiting for them.

Yesterday, in My Chart, the company that reviewed the two-week heart rate monitor finally posted the results of my tests. There were dozens of comments about heart rhythm issues, including Paroxysmal AFib, PVCs, AV block, P wave morphology, Supraventricular Tachycardia, and more. I am waiting to hear from the electrophysiologist (a cardiac cardiologist specializing in heart rhythm issues) to discuss my upcoming heart procedures in February.

I’d hoped the results would be better and we could leave here earlier than February. However, after seeing the test results, I imagine we will have to stay for the additional tests and the procedures in February. Thus, we have four more months to go before we can leave.

Working out is not easy, and it’s challenging to stay motivated when it’s so difficult. For this very reason, I must continue to try each day. Some days are more complex than others, but I make a point of increasing the difficulty daily in small increments to ensure I am making progress.

The satisfaction I feel after working out each day is indescribable. Working out, especially when desperately needed, boosts one’s confidence in one’s health and well-being if not life in general. Although I am upbeat and optimistic, this physical boost is just what I need right now. That alone motivates me to go downstairs to the fitness center each day.

It’s getting cool in Cleveland. We have yet to turn on the heat in our room, but surely, in weeks to come, it will be necessary. We don’t go outside much and only have lightweight jackets for the upcoming times we’ll be heading out.

That’s all I have today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 25, 2014:

This is a view from an overlook along the highway as we drove to Lahaina, destroyed by a horrific fire a few years ago. For more photos, please click here.

Hopeful…

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The dancers’ costumes on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas were elaborate for the upcoming evening’s entertainment.

This morning, for the first time in almost two months, I walked to the end of the corridor and back without getting out of breath. My legs, from lack of mobility and residual effects from the toxic drug I was taking for almost a year, are unsteady and fragile. Since today is the day I have been cleared to start walking after last Friday’s angiogram, as soon as we returned to our room after breakfast, I got up from the wheelchair and embarked on the walk.

After months of limited mobility, my legs felt weak, but this time, it was not painful, as had been the case on that drug that caused me life-threatening side effects. Little did I know, regardless of how much research I did. It was the insight of the highly trained and experienced doctors at the Cleveland Clinic that determined the reason for my breathing issues and inability to walk was caused by the drug, more so than the condition of my cardiovascular disease.

After last Friday’s angiogram, which indicated I have ongoing cardiovascular disease with one artery that is 100% blocked and not fixable. However, surgery is not indicated at this time. As for the Afib and the PVCs, it’s entirely under control with the new drug, a drug that costs over $800 a month. (As soon as I get the OK from the doctor to continue the drug, I will order it from the Canadian pharmacy for a considerably lower price).

What are PVCs? See below as described by the Cleveland Clinic at this site:

“Overview
Ventricular arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the bottom chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. They can occur as a result of damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack or cardiomyopathy or in patients with hearts that seem structurally normal.

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are premature beats originating in the lower chambers that may be bothersome to patients, causing symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath. Over time, frequent PVCs can, in some patients, cause changes in heart function.

Ventricular Tachycardia – a sustained pattern of premature ventricular contractions, which can be life-threatening.
Ventricular Fibrillation – a fast, disorganized beating of the ventricles, which quickly leads to sudden death.”

If this drug continues to control my heart rhythm, even considering its high risks, I prefer to take those risks rather than live a life limited by feeling unwell from abnormal heart rhythms.

If the doctor gives me a “good to go” confirmation on my upcoming appointment on September 27, we will excitedly and quickly plan to continue our travels. We have some ideas on what we’d like to do between October and March or April before we return to South Africa. We will share those ideas once we know more.

No, my heart health journey isn’t over. I am going to have to live with the realities of heart disease. But, many people go on to live rich and fulfilling lives with conditions such as mine. At this point, at 76 years of age, I strive for” quality of life” for whatever time I have left to explore this world with the man who’s lovingly been at my side all along.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 13, 2014:

Tom is caught off guard while chatting with another passenger on a cruise. We can’t wait to be cruising once again. For more photos, please click here.