Yesterday we had to arise before the birds to rush clear across the Vegas Strip to attend a gospel brunch, at the House Of Blues in Mandalay Bay. We’ve talked about doing this for years, but after the many trips we’ve taken here, we have learned that there is no such thing as pre-noon in Las Vegas. For a couple of old birds that go to bed early at home, it is ridiculous how late we stay up here…

At any rate, are we ever glad we made it to this gig – what a hoot! First off, the brunch is held in a groovy theatre in the basement of the HOB – the décor alone is almost worth the price of admission. Then there was the food – literally a spread spanning all three meals of the day: breakfast fare, lunch, and dinner, plus the fourth and most important meal of the day – dessert. Absolutely mind-boggling choices – so much for any diet plan we may have been on.

Finally, there was the entertainment. From the moment the curtain opened, to the time it closed 90 minutes later, these guys blew the roof off the joint – just like a musical performance scene from The Blues Brothers. This group of brothers sons cousins and uncles smoked the joint – we were up dancing and waving napkins with every hearty Hallelujah – and trying to sneak in the odd spoonful of scrambled eggs in between. Unforgettable.

We ended up beside a really nice family from Minneapolis that had spent time in Calgary, and are about to head up to Jasper/Banff in a few weeks, both of which are right out our back door – it is a small, small world indeed.

Later in the day, we were walking by the lake in front of The Bellagio, and just at that moment, the dancing water show began, with a song from our wedding! My God, talk about harmony, and being attuned with this city!! It just speaks to us.

Better load this puppy, before the frickin’ tin can and string internet service crashes again…

Chow for now!