Last week was surprising. My gentleman friend, Jack Atkins, who has a life-threatening illness, suddenly was feeling much better. He no longer needed a walker. He was breathing comfortably. His thinking was in top shape. Jack had been prepared for the worst–but suddenly he was feeling near-to-normal so he had some ideas.

He asked me if I would like to make a trip to Cottonwood Cove, a place we had visited many times before. Cottonwood Cove is about an hour and 15 minutes from home. We wouldn’t be barbecuing as we had done in the past, but we could enjoy the day and the view of Lake Mojave. First we would stop in Searchlight, Nevada, then take a turn east on Cottonwood Cove Road and reach the lake-side picnic area.

I was a bit apprehensive when he first mentioned the trip. Yes, I could tell a new medication was doing wonders, but how would he be the next day? He was fine and because he had always been a good driver, we made the trip to Searchlight in the morning, stopped at McDonald’s. for two Egg McMuffins, then drove to the cove. The road to the cove was deserted except forone car coming in the opposite direction and one roadside overturned vehicle guarded by safety tape. We couldn’t imagine how that car ever turned over, but it did.

We stayed at the cove about 45 minutes, enjoying the view and watching a couple birds who landed nearby and posed beautifully. My gentleman drove home, too, and though tired, he made the trip safely.

A couple days went by and he was ready to go again. No, we won’t drive to Laughlin just yet. How about an overnight at the Tuscany Suites & Casino? I gamble there and can get a discounted night. Turns out, the Tuscany folks checked their records (my losses) and gave us a free night! We planned to stay Thursday night and I used my “comp” money to buy tickets to the Rat Pack show which plays six nights a week at the Tuscany. Our room was ready early in the day, so we had the room from Noon Thursday through Friday morning. (The rooms at the Tuscany are LARGE and contain a microwave, refrigerator and dining table in addition to a couch, chairs, comfortable beds and a TV. Love the Tuscany rooms.)

The show Thursday night had some great highlights (Chris Jason could sing even more; a great voice; the musicians were very good, and we enjoyed Drew Anthony’s audience participation.) But we both felt a bit of microphone training and script updating were in order. Nonetheless, we enjoyed an evening out. Jack, by the way, wore one of his sparkling shirts and it was noticed, in particular by a group of smiling men from Great Britain who “just love Las Vegas”.

The next morning we went down to the pool and sat in the shade of a beautiful palm tree enjoying the early morning weather and looking around, in particular, at one rather stacked babe in a bikini. The walk from the pool to our room in the “E” building was a challenge for the gentleman, but he made it and said he was glad for the exercise.

I like being with Jack Atkins and he appreciates my companionship. We are both of an age when time won’t be on our side forever. We are grateful for the enjoyment we have. And last week was a winner.