2005. Okay. Here we go again. Anyway, holidays went well. Flew out to LA at our scheduled time on Christmas Eve, just in time for Midnight Mass at the LA Cathedral, which is always good because of the Plenary Indulgence granted by the cardinal. Sweet. Some snacking and present opening, then sleep before heading out to Vegas on Christmas Day. Carl's Jr. was the only restaurant open that we found along the way, so that was the Christmas breakfast. They didn't even have breakfast foods. Anyway, stayed at the Venetian, fabulous suites, split level, 2 TV's, pull out sofa bed, enormous bathroom with 2 sinks, marble all around, giant tub. Oh, before that got to spend some time with the extended Basa's, my brother's in-laws, which was cool. Al's nephews, Ben, Sebby, and Thomas were all little bundles of fun and excitement, especially Sebby's Hot Wheels. But did a little gambling, ate some dim sum at Jasmine again, great stuff. Akira came out Wednesday, and we tagged along with my family for the next 40 or so hours he was here. Also made it out to see the Welshes, since Sarah was in town, and Akira wanted to see Cash. That's a big family. Learned how to play craps, did well thanks to rolls by Al and Nicole. Managed to get a peek at the new Forum Shops at Ceasar's Palace, very nice. Also got a peek at the Sony Style store there, and the Qualia section. Wow. That projector, the 004? Drop dead amazing. Absolutely amazing. They were using a Blu-Ray HD source for it too. Wish I could have spent a little more time there. Travel back was easy, no problems. New Year's at the Russell's. Good times. Made Potatoes Deluxe and some stuffed Chicken breasts for the potluck. And now it's the new year. Huh, 2005? Bring it on.