The Fairyland Called Bellagio

There's a frustrated display artist somewhere deep inside me, and perhaps that's why I appreciate the conservatory at the Bellagio Hotel so much.

So, I was very disappointed to arrive on Tuesday only to see renderings of their Christmas display.

But never fear! By Friday, though not totally ready to go, one could see how close those renderings were!

From this...

To this (a slightly different angle, but you get the idea)...

Everything was suspended by cables.

This was the grand tree...

I never saw it fully decorated, but this gives you an idea of the surroundings...

Here's a broad overview of only a portion of the conservatory. You can see why it took a full week to get it right.

The entryway featured wooden soldiers under a large arch.

Here are some in progress photos as well as those from another angle.

And my beloved snowpeople!

After, they look pretty darned close...

And from a different angle...

Finally, the wonderful rocking horse...

Which looked like this...

Look above -- it's just as beautiful!

And you'll see plenty of poinsettias in later posts!

Don't forget that comments on this and other posts this month enter you into my blogaversary drawing!

Out and About in Las Vegas!

It's all here except the snow -- and you can even find that in the displays!

Personally, I thought these knit trees and reindeer took the cake in the holiday window category!

I found myself walking about and taking photos of everything -- even myself!


And what is that mirrored wall? Ta da!

The Venetian is lovely -- and we were lucky to be passing through the courtyard where a Renaissance group was singing holiday songs.

Caesar's Palace was pretty opulent -- outside...

And in...

And I was actually a little lucky at the slots (I never spend much, pennies and quarters at the max!) Rick made fifty cents on his son's dollar! (Then Kevin asked him to try again -- and we lost it all!)

And don't forget to look up -- or you might miss the Chihuly ceiling at the Bellagio!

More to come! Don't forget -- comments will be entered into my blogaversary drawing!

We're Back!

We're back! I've missed you!

For the next few days, I'll be posting some photos from our trip -- which was great! You'll see lots of holiday images, too!

It was good to get away -- when we left Michigan, it looked like this.

When we arrived in Las Vegas, it was in the 70s, then dipped to the 60s where it remained for the week -- and with lots of sun!

The trade show went well for Rick (always a relief and something to celebrate!)

And I loved spending time with my good friend Suzanne, who happened to be visiting at the same time.

When we arrived, the conservatory at the Bellagio (I wish we'd stayed there, but visiting was great) was under construction for the Christmas show. The posted their renderings and we could watch what was going on, taking pix when possible.

By Friday, they were almost done -- certainly enough to see that the renderings and the real thing were pretty darned close!

We did have some bad news while there -- though not totally unexpected. We learned that Rick's oldest who had cancer surgery last summer will have more, as they didn't get it all. Needless to say, we're very concerned and for that reason alone, it was good to return home.

Don't forget, this is my blogaversary month, and for every comment made on every post this month -- through December 31 -- you'll be entered. I'm still figuring out what the drawing will include and will post it soon!

I'll be back to check all your blogs as soon as I can. I've missed you all!

Vegas Six! Home Tonight

We'll be home tonight! Meanwhile, imagine us having fun in the bright lights of Las Vegas...(at the Wynn)...


And shopping at the Venetian! (Or simply enjoying the sheer magic of the holidays with their displays!)

And admiring the gorgeous poinsettias in the Bellagio conservatory.

This month will be my first blogging anniversary -- it is December 18! So, I'll be having a celebratory drawing later in the month. (Probably December 31, but I'll let you know if it changes!

Any comments left on The Marmelade Gypsy will be entered to win a packet of prizes -- I'll post them when I decide what they are!

Comment on every post and your name will be included multiple times!

Another reminder for new readers -- my series on grieving continues on Chopsticks and String with part two, Getting Through the Holidays.

Vegas Five -- Downtown

Today's Holiday Images are from "Downtown" Las Vegas -- the old Vegas, before the Strip became the place to be.

They have covered the street and every 20 minutes or so have a fabulous light show high above the street.

And if the lights above don't get you in the mood, the neon and sparky lights on the casino will add to the color!

Not in the mood? If this is your first holiday season without someone who died in the past year, you might not be. For tips on getting through the holidays, visit Chopsticks and String .

This month will be my first blogging anniversary -- it is December 18! So, I'll be having a celebratory drawing later in the month. (Probably December 31, but I'll let you know if it changes!

Any comments left on The Marmelade Gypsy will be entered to win a packet of prizes -- I'll post them when I decide what they are!

Comment on every post and your name will be included multiple times!

Vegas Four -- Shopping In Vegas

Today's Holiday Images are all from displays in department stores and malls in Las Vegas!

By now, I should have shopped rather a lot!

Perhaps it will be time for a rest!

Alas, my legs aren't nearly so long and elegant as this pretty lady!

This month will be my first blogging anniversary -- it is December 18! So, I'll be having a celebratory drawing later in the month. (Probably December 31, but I'll let you know if it changes!

Any comments left on The Marmelade Gypsy will be entered to win a packet of prizes -- I'll post them when I decide what they are!

Comment on every post and your name will be included multiple times!

Don't forget -- my series on grieving continues on Chopsticks and String with part two, Getting Through the Holidays.

Vegas Three -- At the Riviera!

Today's Holiday Image is... Me! By the big poinsettia tree at the Riviera where we are staying!


Want to hear something funny? My good friend from Suzanne (if you read my Canadian journey in October, that's the one!) is also staying here this week! That wasn't planned, but talk about terrific luck!

This month will be my first blogging anniversary -- it is December 18! So, I'll be having a celebratory drawing later in the month. (Probably December 31, but I'll let you know if it changes!

Any comments left on The Marmelade Gypsy will be entered to win a packet of prizes -- I'll post them when I decide what they are!

Comment on every post and your name will be included multiple times!

Don't forget -- my series on grieving continues on Chopsticks and String with part two, Getting Through the Holidays.

Vegas Two -- Trade Show!

This Holiday image is another from the Bellagio in Las Vegas!

We're getting ready to spend lots of hours working the floor of the winter well drillers show as Rick tries to convince them about the time-saving benefits of computerizing their offices!

Wish us well! (Could you resist that face? I couldn't. Didn't.!)

Don't forget -- my series on grieving continues on Chopsticks and String with part two, Getting Through the Holidays.

This month will be my first blogging anniversary -- it is December 18! So, I'll be having a celebratory drawing later in the month. (Probably December 31, but I'll let you know if it changes!

Any comments left on The Marmelade Gypsy will be entered to win a packet of prizes -- I'll post them when I decide what they are!

Comment on every post and your name will be included multiple times!

Vegas One -- We're on a Working Vacation!

Today's Holiday Image is from the Bellagio in Las Vegas, two years ago.

And that's where Rick and I are right now! He has a trade show and I get to help! So, for the next few days, I'll be posting holiday images from our earlier trip!

This month will be my first blogging anniversary -- it is December 18! So, I'll be having a celebratory drawing later in the month. (Probably December 31, but I'll let you know if it changes!

Any comments left on The Marmelade Gypsy will be entered to win a packet of prizes -- I'll post them when I decide what they are!

Comment on every post and your name will be included multiple times!

Maybe I'll be able to get online to add a few things about what's happening on our current trip, -- so do stop back! You can check out the day's Holiday Image AND get in another entry!

Don't forget -- my series on grieving continues on Chopsticks and String with part two, Getting Through the Holidays.