The Conjurors in Las Vegas – my favorite Vegas show

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Several years ago, I saw The Conjurors perform in a small intimate theater inside the Orleans Hotel Casino. To say the show left an impression on me would be an understatement. It’s been my favorite ever since and I’ve always hoped for a chance to see them again.

Their previous venue was closed for renovations not long after I saw them. I followed their social media as they traveled the world performing for countless audiences, including at the Sydney Opera House.

I feared they weren’t coming back to Vegas when out of the blue, my sister (who lives there) let me know she’d scored tickets during my visit to see them at The LINQ in the Magician’s Room. I was THRILLED!

This isn’t only magic and illusions. It’s so much more – it defies description. Matthew Pomeroy and Natasha Lamb are charming, talented, clever and engaging with chemistry to spare (and they are in fact engaged❤️❤️). It is original and utterly captivating. The small theater creates an intimate and up-close experience as they interact with the audience throughout the performance. It was everything I remembered and more.

The Conjurors remains my most favorite Vegas show and whenever I’m there, I hope to see them again and again.

We got to meet them after the show – what a treat!

“O” at the Bellagio

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In Vegas there are shows that defy description. “O” at Bellagio is one of those shows.

“O” by Cirque du Soleil is a breathtaking aquatics masterpiece and has been thrilling audiences since 1998. On my recent visit I saw this remarkable 90 minute, non-stop breathtaking performance.

Hosted in a custom-built, 1,800-seat theater designed to resemble a 14th-century European opera house, it features a massive 1.5-million-gallon pool where 75+ world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers, and aerialists perform.

While we were prohibited from filming, we were allowed to take photos (no flash). My photos can’t capture the magic of a live performance but I had to share a few of them.

Bellagio Conservatory- Summer 2026

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The Bellagio Conservatory has been a “must see” experience each time I visit Las Vegas. My sister (who lives there) keeps track of the display changes five times a year as there is a dark week each time they change to the next season’s theme and it should not be missed.

Since I arrived on the next to last day of their Summer display we drove to Bellagio straight from the airport. We were back the following evening and after seeing “O” – the long running Cirque du Soleil show, we experienced it after dark – a first night viewing for me which was amazing. The photos that follow are from both visits.

I was still in Vegas when the Autumn display debuted so expect a post from that day soon….

SUMMER DISPLAY – Daytime

SUMMER DISPLAY – Nighttime

Fun amongst the flowers

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Last year I learned of a local u-pick flower farm but between their limited hours and my travel I was unable to visit. I follow them on social media and last night saw they were canceling their Friday event due to weather but rescheduled for today. Tickets were still available so I registered online and showed up this morning at 10:00.

Started during Covid by a wife and husband team (she’s a teacher, he’s a firefighter) this is their passion project. They do special events on their beautiful wooded property and the variety of annual and perennial plants has grown each year.

Owner Jessica took the group on an informative garden walk, identifying blooms ready for picking today, showed how to cut and strip the stems and gave us valuable information on how to make our bouquets last up to two weeks. Then we picked our mason jar, grabbed clippers and walked about the property filling the jar with our fresh picked bouquet.

Once home I began arranging the flowers quickly realizing I could make two bouquets and so I did!

The pickings fresh from Barefoot Blossom Farm
Arrangement #1
Arrangement #2

For a $30 ticket this was a lovely way to spend my morning and now that I know where it is I will be a regular at this charming flower farm!

In the Garden – Blooms

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I found this little beauty blooming, in spite of the fact that it was hidden underneath my hydrangea.
When I planted this last year,
it became dinner for a hungry bunny.
To my surprise it’s back, small but determined.
My new Alpine Poppy continues to bloom.
A snapdragon blooming in the middle of my lilies.
This is year three for these stunning lilies.

Back to Alaska part thirteen

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This is the last installment of Back to Alaska. I’m including photos taken from my balcony suite as the views were so stunning to witness. The sea is ever-changing, reflecting clouds, mountains, sunrises and sunsets. It’s surreal and mystical.

In short, it was a trip I’ll never forget!

Back to Alaska part twelve

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Toward the end of my two week Alaskan cruise we visited Ketchikan again and explored the city taking in the beauty of this coastal town.

This included Creek Street which was highly recommended and it was easy to see why.

A top attraction in Ketchikan, Creek Street is a wooden boardwalk of brightly painted buildings resting on pilings perched over Ketchikan Creek. Though it’s best known for its history as a Red Light District, Ketchikan Creek has a rich and fascinating history. We found charming shops with lots of local artists represented.

The day started out cloudy and foggy but cleared up nicely and we walked a lot that day.

Arriving in Ketchikan
Another Princess ship in port
Like a parking lot for cruise ships
We disembark onto the pier
The Creek Street Red Light District
Shops built on pilings
Art
Ketchikan Creek

Back to Alaska part 10

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On the cruise ship Discovery Princess, you can count on delicious salads, starters, entrees and yes, the desserts. And some days a light breakfast of almond croissants fresh from the oven or my Brie croissant sandwich with arugula, orange marmalade and toasted walnuts. Chef’s kiss!