Leaving Pre-Dawn

It is Sunday evening at the moment but I thought I should post early.

Mom and I are meeting at her house at 4AM to drive 90-minutes north to a new Las Vegas-style Indian Casino. Mom LOVES to gamble but there really are no close casinos in our area. She is thrilled that this new one has opened. We'll see. I have read that the machines are tight and the smoke is thick, which is not good for my lungs. Thus, our 6AM arrival before all the 10AM buses filled with people who smoke.

I am always worried about being around groups of people, so we think going so early should really lessen the exposure. With the oxygen and a mask along with plastic gloves, I think I will be as well protected as possible.

Mom had been so looking forward to this excursion but phoned earlier to tell me her $300 in gambling money had been stolen. She lives in an independent living community where the staff has a general key to all units. She was heartbroken that someone would actually steal something from her. She reported it to the front desk, went to the bank and was continuing to get ready for the morning when...she found the money. She bought a new smaller purse to take with her and forgot that she put all the money into a pocket. She thought there were only two pockets and discovered there were actually three pockets and there was the money. She immediately phoned the front office, apologized and reported to me that they were thrilled that it had been found.

For me, going on this trip is kind of a gift I am giving to my mom. It is something that she loves yet she is not able to do by herself. I like, not love, to gamble but the joy for me will be watching her having fun.

We missed all the football games today but instead had a lovely day in SF with British Don. Blue Bottle Coffee, lovely breakfast, sitting and chatting while enjoying the sunshine and getting caught up with each other. Pretty great day. Nice to be together.

Off to bed I go! Wish us luck!