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Post by freecharlie on Oct 5, 2019 0:35:53 GMT
I don't know anything about your location, but I would drive to a cabin in the mountains
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Post by elaine on Oct 5, 2019 0:56:15 GMT
Telluride, CO (where we honeymooned) has snowmobile tours on Christmas Day. There is also downhill skiing and tubing, of course. And cross-country skiing. I love Telluride and you can drive there. The downside is that it is expensive in ski season.
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Post by lauradrumm on Oct 5, 2019 1:25:40 GMT
Are you close enough to drive to New Orleans?
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tanya2
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1604
Posts: 4,427 
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Post by tanya2 on Oct 5, 2019 1:29:11 GMT
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Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 5, 2019 3:02:54 GMT
I’m so sorry the holidays are a painful time for you. I hope you both are able to find something fun to do that will bring you a bit of relief from the sad memories. ((Hugs))
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Post by flanz on Oct 5, 2019 3:54:57 GMT
elaine - I seriously love you! Such a big, loving heart you have! dewryce - you are one of my favorite peas of all time. I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your son. This ziplining that Elaine found sounds fab! Whatever you do, I wish you and your dh peace and lots and lots of love.
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Oct 5, 2019 4:01:09 GMT
I am sending you a big hug! It's hard to watch people we love struggle, especially when it's something you've had to struggle with as well. I hope you find the perfect distraction, even if that ends up being a hotel in a different area and a movie and Chinese food!! I'm so sorry this is something you are going through.
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 4:29:57 GMT
I'm so sorry that Christmas is so difficult for you. I'm Jewish, the only time I celebrated Christmas at all was during my marriage to my (Christian) ex. Can you play Jewish For a few days? For me it's pretty easy to ignore on the actual days. Christmas Eve I often host a traditional Hanukkah (even if it's been over for weeks) dinner at my house. there are lots of holiday "orphans" around and we always have lots of fun. Board games and wine round out the night. Christmas Day we sleep in and then make a specific brunch. Every year. Then Christmas afternoon we see a movie that opens on that day. Often times we run into our neighbors who are "done" with Christmas by then. By about 4pm, some bars and restaurants start to open up as well.:DHonestly, Christmas night out at a fun bar is great, trust me. It sounds like you were toying with NYC? Many shows on Broadway will have a Christmas Eve matinee. Plus there will be lots of other entertainment opportunities elsewhere on Christmas Eve and beginning after about 3pm on Christmas day that aren't holiday centric. between those two evenings, a lovely dinner out, leisurely breakfast in bed, and a long walk or maybe a ferry ride to Staten island and back to get you out and about? 😂 I have never heard that term before. But that is the general plan, treat it like any other vacation. We did Christmas in Houston for an NFL game a couple of years ago so I know we will be able to find some frou-frou food places open for brunch and dinner, many with special menus and we will definitely take advantage of that. I would love to hang out with other people at a bar, but we don’t drink so that takes out half the fun. But, we could do a sports bar after dinner, maybe one of the Christmas Day basketball games will be on. That’d be perfect and keep him occupied until he’s exhausted. Thanks! I only think he would be willing to drive to NYC for Hamilton. But I will check for Christmas Eve shows and run it by him. We’ve only been to NYC twice and would love to explore more. Oh...I might be able to tempt him if he can get reservations at a Michelin starred restaurant! elaine  Thank you so much, really. Before you go crazy let me run all of these fabulous ideas by him and get his feedback. I might have him on the hook for NYC between a play and a great restaurant. I haven’t looked into pro games in the tri state area except Pittsburg, I bet I can find one. I am sorry for your loss. Perhaps a log cabin in the woods or mountains. Oklahoma isn’t toooo far to drive. Rent a beach house on the coast. I got a lot of hits on Air BNB for both these. Go to a casino in LA or OK. A lot of people i know go to WinStar Casino on IH35, just across the border in OK. You could call ahead and see if they do or don't decorate and such for Christmas. I have a couple friends that go, signed up for a card and get a free room a couple of times a year. Go go a couple movies and out for Chinese food. Best wishes. Sharon Thanks, Sharon. Log cabin, especially in the snow, would be great anytime except this one. I need to get him busy and out of his head. We actually considered WinStar for a bit, I was just there in July. But decided there is not enough else to do and when funds are tight you can only gamble for so long, and he’s not into spas  We are still considering New Orleans because there is so much to do other than gamble, and he could do that on Christmas. Along with a couple of movies and a couple great meals that might just work! We are decorating for Christmas ourselves this year, we are determined. We don’t make it every year but it is a big goal this yesr. And we know we will run into that everywhere. That part is okay and not really trigger for him so we’re not trying to avoid it...as if we’d be able to! I don’t know San Antonio, but there is a hotel on the riverwalk that has fall and winter package deals through Dec. 30. Sleep in, have brunch, walk along the riverwalk. Riverwalk vacation packages We actually live right outside San Antonio otherwise that’d be perfect, there’s tons to do here! Sending you both love. How tough. And how great that you’ve tried to make your own way through the holiday and grief. I don’t have any suggestions but wanted to say I’ve been on a cheap cruise and had a lot of fun! Maybe see what the onboard activities are? Maybe they cater to people who don’t really want to celebrate Christmas? I would love to cruise for the holiday, this is the first anniversary of my brothers death (dec 21) and I’m already melting down with all the Christmas stuff coming out. I actually had to have a crying jag this morning because the funk isn’t going away and I had to ask hubby to please help. I’m pretty good at burying my pain but this one just isn’t going to fix itself. I’m going to have to rough it out grief wise and I don’t want to. Anyways, sending you much love. I’m very sorry for your loss Julie. The first year is so hard, do whatever you need to get through it and know that crying through the whole thing is a perfectly acceptable way to handle it! Burying it is apparently what DH did, but he kept doing it. Sometimes I do just to get through what I need to, then process at a better time. I will be thinking of you this Christmas. (((Hugs))) |
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Deleted
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Oct 6, 2024 11:28:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2019 4:47:13 GMT
{love}
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 4:55:11 GMT
I'm very sorry. I didn't know about this loss or had forgotten. Do you all camp or hike? Golf? Maybe book a stay at Lost Pines or somewhere else up in the Hill Country and plan a long hike for the day. Or for that matter, out to Alpine/Terlingua/Big Bend if you haven't done that (or even if you have). Is he a history buff? There's a movie called 1917 coming out on the 25th - you could book tickets at an upscale theater like the iPic and a room in a nice hotel for after. I'll keep thinking and be on the lookout. There's a big Jewish community in Houston and I'm sure there are things there o do on the 25th. No worries! I think I only mentioned it on the pregnancy thread back at the old board and I don’t talk about it a lot. Our version of camping involves a bed, a kitchen, a bathroom and air conditioning. In the woods  I can hike a little, he could do more. Camping is too much thinking but a short hike would be wonderful. We were considering Horse Shoe Bay in Marble Falls, we’ve been a couple times and like just hanging out there. But the only thing we can find to do on Christmas Day is golfing. Maybe we can find something in Austin. We’ve never been to that area, will look into it. He is into history, and we just looked it up so he is excited about that movie and it went on our list for some point in the vacation! Houston is still a possibility, so will check out iPic. Actually we are leaving for Houston in about 12 hours too! There so he can swim with sharks in the bay and seeing the Astros and the Texans. We are trying Hotel Zaza this time and are looking forward to the trip! |
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Post by peatlejuice on Oct 5, 2019 4:58:33 GMT
It's a bit of a drive, but what about skiing in Angel Fire/Taos/Santa Fe area? Spend a bunch of time out on the slopes, or check out some of the art museums and whatnot in Santa Fe?
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Post by mom2samlibby on Oct 5, 2019 5:07:29 GMT
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 5:10:42 GMT
I’m so sorry, friend. 😔 How about a theme park? I don’t think you’ll be able to avoid the Christmas decor, but maybe a ride on Space Mountain or something would be a good distraction. You sing the song of my people but I have a bad back now so roller coasters are a thing of the past. Boo! Oh, we could stay in the Hill Country and come back here. I can’t believe they are open on Christmas Day! Even if we don’t make it then we will go, this is only about half an hour from our house. I think a cruise would be one large Christmas/holiday filled festivity ship.Is there a beachfront condo to rent at South Padre Island? Perhaps a low-key accommodation and then plan area activities accordingly. I'm so sorry for your loss! That is my concern as well. Probably, but we don’t do that much sun  Thank you. |
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 5:30:21 GMT
Telluride, CO (where we honeymooned) has snowmobile tours on Christmas Day. There is also downhill skiing and tubing, of course. And cross-country skiing. I love Telluride and you can drive there. The downside is that it is expensive in ski season. We love Colorado, especially with snow! Our first vacation was actually in Crested Butte and where we began to fall in love  We actually just went in August to Boulder and Denver. I can’t ski due to my back and ankles but I am happy to be a snow bunny and read at a lodge while he skis. I bet the lifts are open on Christmas! It probably is too expensive but it won’t hurt to look. And cold weather would be an automatic mood lifter! Are you close enough to drive to New Orleans? This is definitely on the short list! Thank you very much Tanya! I will go look at those. I could pretty much spend my trip at the zip lining, cave tubing and the ruins and be a happy camper. They’re all on my list to do. I’ve been zip lining before, but from what I understand it is a completely different and amazing experience there. Thank you so much flanz, that means a lot! I am sending you a big hug! It's hard to watch people we love struggle, especially when it's something you've had to struggle with as well. I hope you find the perfect distraction, even if that ends up being a hotel in a different area and a movie and Chinese food!! I'm so sorry this is something you are going through. Yes, this exactly. I’d do anything to take that pain for him a million times over and it’s heartbreaking having to sit here and watch him struggle. Thank you. It's a bit of a drive, but what about skiing in Angel Fire/Taos/Santa Fe area? Spend a bunch of time out on the slopes, or check out some of the art museums and whatnot in Santa Fe? We’ve done Rio Dosa (sp?), for some reason I was thinking New Mexico didn’t get snow that early in the season. Will check them out! You may have just cost me a lot of money and a I love you for it . We saw Wicked for the first time this last season and it immediately jumped into our top 5 of all time. Add a plus to the NYC tally. I guess I should see how long of a drive it is as we’ve only ever flown. |
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 5:32:35 GMT
You ladies are all so amazing. Thank you so much for your support and your help! We are feeling much more hopeful about finding not only a good distraction but having a memorable vacation. I appreciate you all so much  |
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sueg
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,417
Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
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Post by sueg on Oct 5, 2019 6:42:03 GMT
We did a cruise a couple of years ago over Christmas, and the ship was decorated to the hilt! There were no specific Christmas themed activities on the day, except for a couple of religious services, but there were special Christmas Day menus in the main dining room. Not exactly what I'd recommend to someone trying to avoid Christmas.
That was Royal Caribbean - other cruise lines might be different.
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 7:02:23 GMT
We did a cruise a couple of years ago over Christmas, and the ship was decorated to the hilt! There were no specific Christmas themed activities on the day, except for a couple of religious services, but there were special Christmas Day menus in the main dining room. Not exactly what I'd recommend to someone trying to avoid Christmas. That was Royal Caribbean - other cruise lines might be different. Good to know, thank you. We’re not trying to avoid Christmas, per se, we’re trying to avoid celebrating it with family who will (rightly) also be celebrating his cousin giving birth. She lives in our area, So the rest of the extended family will descend on us for the occasion and hosting anyone here for the new arrival is just asking for trouble I think. We don’t want to attend any celebrations on the day. Decorations are fortunately not really a trigger for him. But I do need something, hopefully amazing, to take his mind off of things. The NFL game a couple of years ago was perfect. Wicked on Broadway on Christmas Day and Hamilton the nest day would also be amazing. But google maps popped that bubble. I thought it was about a 17 hour drive. Nope. 27 hours. Plus the cheapest seats I could find for Hamilton were $337. With just the hotel, 2 shows and one fancy schmancy dinner we are already over what we wanted to spend. Ah well, it was a nice fantasy LOL. But we still have lots of great options! |
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Post by mom2ja2 on Oct 5, 2019 14:09:20 GMT
Ok - I think I'm wrong. I was looking into spam a lot for my own family. One calendar shows it does have an 8pm showing on christmas day, but another doesn't. Ugh, sorry about that! But - maybe Chicago still offers enough to get through Christmas and make it to the next days showing of Hamilton.
Is Chicago too far?
Spam A Lot has a christmas day showing at 8pm.
During the day things that are open are Willis Tower, Brookfield Zoo, ice skating at Millennium Park. And I'm sure there are more things open.
Then catch Hamilton the next day.
ETA - with the city being quiet on Christmas Day, I think I'd love to do one of the self guided walking tours, I've had friends who lived in chicago do a self guided scavenger hunt and they had a great time. Just bundle up, put on some great walking shoes and enjoy the city.
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Post by tentoes on Oct 5, 2019 15:00:37 GMT
So sorry for you guys. ((HUGS)) Let us know the plans when they work out. I always enjoy Colorado's mountains. They are so peaceful!!
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Why
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,168
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Post by Why on Oct 5, 2019 15:02:49 GMT
You mentioned your DH liked blackjack so if it is not too far to drive it is very distracting to spend a few days in Vegas. My SO and I spent several holidays there and it was great. I have a friend that takes a train to the closest spot and rents a car from there.
Hope you find something fun to do that keeps you busy. My dd's BD was Dec 26th and even though she has been gone for many years it is still a tender day for me. ((hugs))
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Post by christine58 on Oct 5, 2019 15:24:54 GMT
One year we went to see the Steelers play on Christmas and I can’t begin to describe how much that helped him before Christmas, and how much lighter we felt Christmas Day. The Steelers play at the NY Jets on 12/22.....they actually play in New Jersey.. Or the NY Giants are home on 12/29 against Philly.(those tickets might be hard to get) |
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 15:34:53 GMT
Ok - I think I'm wrong. I was looking into spam a lot for my own family. One calendar shows it does have an 8pm showing on christmas day, but another doesn't. Ugh, sorry about that! But - maybe Chicago still offers enough to get through Christmas and make it to the next days showing of Hamilton. Is Chicago too far? Spam A Lot has a christmas day showing at 8pm. During the day things that are open are Willis Tower, Brookfield Zoo, ice skating at Millennium Park. And I'm sure there are more things open. Then catch Hamilton the next day. ETA - with the city being quiet on Christmas Day, I think I'd love to do one of the self guided walking tours, I've had friends who lived in chicago do a self guided scavenger hunt and they had a great time. Just bundle up, put on some great walking shoes and enjoy the city. We have only been one time I think, but we love Chicago! I can check out their sports as well. And maybe Hamilton tickets will be less expensive there. Good idea. Just checked and it’s only an 18 hour drive. We know we should check out new places, but we’ve always wanted to go back. You mentioned your DH liked blackjack so if it is not too far to drive it is very distracting to spend a few days in Vegas. My SO and I spent several holidays there and it was great. I have a friend that takes a train to the closest spot and rents a car from there. Hope you find something fun to do that keeps you busy. My dd's BD was Dec 26th and even though she has been gone for many years it is still a tender day for me. ((hugs)) I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. (((Hugs))) You and I think alike, I sent DH the directions to LV last night! We went on my 30th and had a blast. Great food and shows every night, wondering the casinos by day! I wonder if their shows are dark on Christmas, he’d love to see another Cirque show. And we made it out to Hoover Dam last time but could try the Grand Canyon this time. |
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 15:45:29 GMT
One year we went to see the Steelers play on Christmas and I can’t begin to describe how much that helped him before Christmas, and how much lighter we felt Christmas Day. The Steelers play at the NY Jets on 12/22.....they actually play in New Jersey.. Or the NY Giants are home on 12/29 against Philly.(those tickets might be hard to get) Ha, great minds think alike! I have the tm page opened to show DH, was looking into it last night. Lots of tickets are available and super cheap. Do the Jets suck too this year and/or have a fickle fan base? We have tickets in town Friday night to see “Dear Even Hansen” and IIRC the game was an early one. With a 27 hour drive...we’d definitely have to move things around. And we literally just bought the tickets Friday morning, ugh! It’s also on our anniversary so bonus! |
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Post by christine58 on Oct 5, 2019 15:49:02 GMT
dewryce Jets are awful!!! Steelers are worth watching
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inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
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Post by inkedup on Oct 5, 2019 16:00:12 GMT
My heart goes out to you and your husband, dewryce. It is painful to love and celebrate someone else's baby when your arms ache for your own. I am fully on board with your "get the hell out of dodge" plan. I think the cruise could be a great option for the two of you. Have you checked Cruise Critic to see if there is any information about what holidays are like on a ship? You could also consider contacting the cruise line and asking for more information about the holiday observances on a cruise ship. <3 |
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Post by brookeq on Oct 5, 2019 16:04:59 GMT
I would not do a theme park... at least not Disney. Disney World will be closed to capacity on Christmas. It is so crowded It is not fun at all.
I think a cruise is a good idea. We sail carnival a lot. The ship will be decorated but there will be so many activities to choose from that won't be Christmas related. The main dining room may have a special Christmas menu but the good thing about a cruise is you don't have to go. Eat on the lido deck (more cafeteria like) or eat at the deli or pizza station that night if needed. choose a western Caribbean cruise if you want more than just beaches. We went to Mahogany Bay, Roatan this past year. We went and held sloths and monkeys. There is also some good zip lining. Cozumel has lots to do. Shopping, mayan ruins, etc. We booked a small fishing boat and went deep sea fishing. It was so fun.
Check Airbnb for a small place somewhere. We just got a cabin near Yellowstone. We are going to rent snow mobiles.
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Post by dewryce on Oct 5, 2019 16:06:58 GMT
dewryce Jets are awful!!! Steelers are worth watching Good, that means Steelers might have a chance and it’ll put him in an even better mood Either way, cheaper tickets really works for me. My heart goes out to you and your husband, dewryce. It is painful to love and celebrate someone else's baby when your arms ache for your own. I am fully on board with your "get the hell out of dodge" plan. I think the cruise could be a great option for the two of you. Have you checked Cruise Critic to see if there is any information about what holidays are like on a ship? You could also consider contacting the cruise line and asking for more information about the holiday observances on a cruise ship. <3 That’s exactly right, thank you. Ohhh, you have just pointed out a flaw in my plan...we hadn’t given it a name! Something to do on our drive today for sure. We’re big in names. Our lists have special names too, it’s a thing and it’ll put a smile on his face so bonus. No, not yet. That’s one of my next steps. So far it’s looking like we’ll get more bang for the buck and have more distractions on land. But I’m going to show him the details of a couple of cruises I found and the ones Tanya found for me and if he’s interested I’ll dig deeper. |
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,681
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Post by peasquared on Oct 5, 2019 16:19:30 GMT
dewryce I am so very sorry. I understand how painful the holidays can be. Especially so when there is an anniversary. I don't have any ideas that haven't already been given. (The peas are truly amazing!!) I just want to pass on love and some strength to help you get through the holidays. You are a special one and I hate to see you or your DH hurting.
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Post by workingclassdog on Oct 5, 2019 16:33:49 GMT
What about Las Vegas? I went over Christmas (YEARS ago) and I honestly can't remember it being to Christmasy... The main shows won't be playing but I think a lot of the "B" shows are playing...
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Post by elaine on Oct 5, 2019 17:02:52 GMT
Ok - I think I'm wrong. I was looking into spam a lot for my own family. One calendar shows it does have an 8pm showing on christmas day, but another doesn't. Ugh, sorry about that! But - maybe Chicago still offers enough to get through Christmas and make it to the next days showing of Hamilton. Is Chicago too far? Spam A Lot has a christmas day showing at 8pm. During the day things that are open are Willis Tower, Brookfield Zoo, ice skating at Millennium Park. And I'm sure there are more things open. Then catch Hamilton the next day. ETA - with the city being quiet on Christmas Day, I think I'd love to do one of the self guided walking tours, I've had friends who lived in chicago do a self guided scavenger hunt and they had a great time. Just bundle up, put on some great walking shoes and enjoy the city. We have only been one time I think, but we love Chicago! I can check out their sports as well. And maybe Hamilton tickets will be less expensive there. Good idea. Just checked and it’s only an 18 hour drive. We know we should check out new places, but we’ve always wanted to go back. You mentioned your DH liked blackjack so if it is not too far to drive it is very distracting to spend a few days in Vegas. My SO and I spent several holidays there and it was great. I have a friend that takes a train to the closest spot and rents a car from there. Hope you find something fun to do that keeps you busy. My dd's BD was Dec 26th and even though she has been gone for many years it is still a tender day for me. ((hugs)) I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. (((Hugs))) You and I think alike, I sent DH the directions to LV last night! We went on my 30th and had a blast. Great food and shows every night, wondering the casinos by day! I wonder if their shows are dark on Christmas, he’d love to see another Cirque show. And we made it out to Hoover Dam last time but could try the Grand Canyon this time. For whatever reason, Hamilton tickets are consistently cheapest - reasonable actually - in Chicago. As I mentioned, Dh had a 9th row seat for $125. Finding a pair of tickets will be a little harder/more expensive, but it was ds and my second option because the tickets are so much less expensive there than anywhere else. |
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We are still considering New Orleans because there is so much to do other than gamble, and he could do that on Christmas. Along with a couple of movies and a couple great meals that might just work! We are decorating for Christmas ourselves this year, we are determined. We don’t make it every year but it is a big goal this yesr. And we know we will run into that everywhere. That part is okay and not really trigger for him so we’re not trying to avoid it...as if we’d be able to!
I can hike a little, he could do more. Camping is too much thinking but a short hike would be wonderful. We were considering Horse Shoe Bay in Marble Falls, we’ve been a couple times and like just hanging out there. But the only thing we can find to do on Christmas Day is golfing. Maybe we can find something in Austin. We’ve never been to that area, will look into it. He is into history, and we just looked it up so he is excited about that movie and it went on our list for some point in the vacation! Houston is still a possibility, so will check out iPic. Actually we are leaving for Houston in about 12 hours too! There so he can swim with sharks in the bay and seeing the Astros and the Texans. We are trying Hotel Zaza this time and are looking forward to the trip!
Thank you.
We actually just went in August to Boulder and Denver. I can’t ski due to my back and ankles but I am happy to be a snow bunny and read at a lodge while he skis. I bet the lifts are open on Christmas! It probably is too expensive but it won’t hurt to look. And cold weather would be an automatic mood lifter!
