I seem destined to have to tackle the Clark County School Board. Last year the twins missed four days of school on days they are spraying pesticides in the public schools. Why in the world they can’t do this after hours, on weekends, holidays, teacher days or any other day the little guys aren’t there is beyond me. But more importantly, the school thinks I’ve somewhat lost my mind. The Principal says no one else has EVER questioned this spraying. They’ve missed two days of school since it started – then the ants came inside – so now there are two more days. I just don’t get it. Or they just don’t get it. I’m sure they all think I’m nuttier than a fruitcake but I’ve lost one child to pesticides sprayed on the school ground, one who was never sick a day in his life, so they can talk about me all they want. I will take it up with the School Board but meanwhile my guys have to miss school. Just seems plain stupid to me.

Sunday morning and we want to take a road trip/test drive in the “bus” so we packed up and headed to Mesquite. Met a good friend Carole for lunch and then I drove us back home. My first time on the highway and thought it would be more of a challenge but it’s big and smooth and lots of cameras. No issues whatever. Found a few bugs that have to be worked out, shelf that slips and some blinds which won’t stay up but other than that enjoyable traveling. They have the Direct TV hooked up in two different places so the family is all ready for riding down the highway.

Well it was one of those days when absolutely nothing worked. It got almost comical that if I actually had a high card there was a complete blank to go with it. I was able to steal a few pots but every time I raised I hit a strong re-raise and without a premium something my tournament life was on the line. Stole some pots and made it very late in the day … then get the KK I’ve been waiting for and run into AA. Survived over half the field, but that doesn’t really matter. Glad I played but it wasn’t much poker on Day 2, at least not from my seat. Like a lot more ebb and flow …

Got home and the gators were preparing to camp out in the motorhome. That, quite frankly, was worth being out of the tournament. We had a great time and I am glad I didn’t miss our first night in the motorhome. Fun indeed, all we were missing were s’mores.

Woke up unsure if I was or wanted to play the 10k event at the Bellagio today but felt better and more awake as the morning went on. Joined the other 391 players, although late. My kind of structure, long and slow with 40k in starting chips. Had the ever aggressive Jason Mercier to my left but managed to get through it all okay. Had one misread when I thought the guy was on a flush draw and refired when that didn’t hit. He had flopped a set of queens. Happens. Finished with 53k and return tomorrow at noon.

Had it on the books the last couple of weeks to have a woman from New York out as my guest. She’s done some amazing marketing things with her own company which is how to for home improvement for single women. Her product line is fascinating and she wants to help me do the same thing with the Nancy Todd story. It’s been an interesting thought-provoking two days and I’m glad she came. More on this as it develops.

All the family is still here and we spent yesterday doing what everyone wanted to do. The kiddos wanted to go to the M and M Store on the Strip, Don’s son wanted to go to a fight last night and took his wife and son. Don and his sister spent the day getting Christmas presents for the kids and grandkids, so a good day indeed. My lack of sleep caught up and I headed to bed after everyone got back in the house.

Today was another $540 at Bellagio and off I went. Again, made it clear sailing through the dinner break but couldn’t seem to get a break. Small blind/Big Blind, I have A J of spades, I raise, BB smoothes. Flop is Q high with two spades, I shove as I only had 13 big blinds left and he calls with KK. A million outs of any spade or an ace and I couldn’t get there. Out 35 of 235 … better than nothing and think I did my best. Not sure what else I could have done but just have to keep plugging away at it. Nice to be home in the warmth, cold out there. Back to school for the kiddos tomorrow.