Bruce's Travels

Dawn and I went to Dubuque to escape the fuck-capade of a broken elevator here at Oakridge apartments. Started our journey at 2 p.m. Took 18/151 all the way to speed things up. Arrived about 4 p.m., checked in, and made for the pool/whirlpool. Dawn demurred because she felt self-conscious about her weight. Dinner at Caroline's for beef short ribs (they changed the recipe from last time I ordered them, and not for the better I'm afraid), hamburger for Dawn. I also had a brandy Old Fashioned cocktail after verifying the bartender knew how to make one (she did, being originally from Wisconsin). To bed around 8 p.m. Fairly good night's sleep. Up at 8 a.m. for breakfast at the Sunshine. Found out our favorite waitress, Jonell, had a stroke and was forced to retire. She was always so sweet and kept up with all the younger waitresses there. Spent the rest of the day relaxing. Dinner on day two was at Los Azteca's for a Mexican meal of beef enchiladas, chips and salsa, and a ni...

My major trip this year was to Las Vegas, Nevada, to see the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. We stayed at the Venetian hotel and resort, built over three years from 1996 to 1999. It features a grand canal and re-creation of St. Mark's square in Venice Italy. Here is a property map: Expenses were significant, notably the food. For example, one breakfast at Johnny Rockets in the food court at the Venetian cost us nearly $66, including $8.58 for a mandatory tip. Donuts at Donutique inside Venetian were marginal. This was billed as a "WOW" place on the Internet. Major meal at Trattoria Reggiano was a disaster. I've had better Italian at the Olive   Garden. Wait staff kept looking at us like Dawn and I were crazy for sending back burnt chicken parmigan. Should have just bought some "to-goes" in one of the markets in St. Mark's square and took it back to our room. Scooter rental went off without a hitch, and Sphere staff took me direct to my seat. Flight back to C...