Guest Blog!

This post is written by Travis' girlfriend, Katy (here for a visit).

I arrived Friday night. From the the airport, we went to MGM to use Travis' hard earned comp points for dinner. We went to Seablue, which of course was pricey, but I would recommend it. Afterwards, we joined Devon and Stacey at their place for a nightcap.

The next day was Derby Day. Travis had the makings for mint juleps: Kentucky bourbon, crushed ice, mint and sugar. We made a big batch "to go" and hurried to the sports book at the Santa Fe Station casino. This casino is as nice as any casino on the strip, but with a more neighborly feel. I hadn't done my homework, so I had to call my mom, the librarian, to give me some info on which horses to pick. (Mom was also born in Louisville, btw!) I placed a bet for each of us to win, place or show (i.e. 1st, 2nd or 3rd). Devon had Denis of Cork, Stacey and I chose the filly, Eight Belles, and Travis went for Pyro. Travis and I also had a side bet, he bet $10 dollars that not one of us would win. Of course, he was the only one who didn't win and had to pay up! If you didn't watch the race, there is a bittersweet ending to this. Eight Belles came in 2nd, but shortly after collapsed and was euthanized, she literally gave it her all.

After this eventful afternoon, Travis and I went to the Sahara to check in. I've stayed at 3 other places in Las Vegas, the Excalibur, MGM Grand and Binion's. The Sahara ranks after Excal and slightly above Binion's. MGM is leagues above them all, by far my favorite.

The next morning, we met up with Stacey and Devon to do a little shooting. It only takes a 20-minute drive south to be in the middle of hills that look like the horror movie, The Hills Have Eyes. I didn't come up with this on my own, it was suggested by Stacey, but I totally agree (scary!). Anyway, Devon knows of these spots where you can target practice. People bring (and leave) all sorts of junk to blow away: bowling ball and pins, furniture, paint cans, bottles, playing cards, fruit, toilet seat, playing cards - you name it! Also, scattered everywhere are shells, it was quite the site. I fired off 3 rounds on the 9mm, 1 on the 45, 1 shot on the rifle and a couple shots on the SKS (an assault rifle). It was fun, next time we should bring a watermelon to shoot, if there is a next time. I like new experiences, but some you can mentally check off the list when you're done. I'm thinking this might be a "check." At any rate, I'm definitely not Annie Oakley.

The rest of the trip has been uneventful and fun - drinking, gambling, hanging out. I did want to say something in here equivalent to ice cream, say - popsicles? But, I would just be making it up for jokes and spite, I admit I only have eyes for Travis! I'd also like to say that Stacey and Devon are most hospitable and I am very grateful to them for sharing their home with Travis.