Winter Getaway

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• I guess I’ve made a full transition to being a Canadian west-coaster because I’ve certainly lost that prairie feeling of gratitude that it’s only raining in January. I have many neighbours from Alberta, Saskatchewan and other interior regions of the homeland who seem to find rain a delightful alternative to snowstorms and seriously sub-zero temperatures. They are the group who are still running around wearing shorts and spending time in the pool even though Southern California is into a fourth day of chilly rain that comes in waves and pounds on the roof.

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• This morning I’m heading out for a three-day trip to a gambling resort in Laughlin, Nevada. The tour group will travel by bus and I’ll be glad to let someone else do the driving since the roads are slick. As advised by my optimistic tour guide, I’m packing my passport in case I win big. Hey, you never know!

• Laughlin is a desert town that brags of having more than 300 sunny days per year with barely an inch of annual rainfall. However, I checked the internet weather report and discovered that rain is in the forecast for today, followed a return to warm, sunny days. While I keep reminding myself that the American Southwest needs the rain, I’m feeling somewhat like “Pigpen” the Peanuts cartoon character who continuously has a cloud swirling around him. His may be dust but mine seems to be rain.

• My Laughlin tour group will stay at a Native American casino/resort. Living in a motorhome is great but the bathroom is tiny and I’m looking forward to checking into the hotel and having a hot bath. Or two.