Typical casino door, Reno Nevada. Many are designed to look classic, old world and decadent. Emphasis on ‘decadent’
The following is my submission to Norm Frampton’s Thursday Doors blog challenge.
For the past three days I’ve been in Reno, Nevada wrapping up my mother’s affairs so that she can transition to her next phase of life. I’ve been doing this basically since June. I have to admit, I’m no saint. Things get tense. I’m a planner; she’s a “free spirit.” (This hasn’t always been the case. She was an accountant. But at her age, planning a busy day is confusing, tiring and so she refuses to participate and becomes irritated with me when I insist we stick with a plan.)
Reflections from the pool where the lifeguards are statues of Greek gods.
I was raised in Reno so you’d think I’ve spent a lot of time in the casinos. But the truth is, unless employed by one, most Nevadans steer clear of the clubs except to see a show or eat out. However, because this trip was bound to be arduous, we decided to splurge and stay at the Peppermill Resort which is famous for its pools, spa, and restaurants. The casino is gaudy, bizarre and everything in between but the pools were heavenly and the rooms quiet, roomy and luxurious.
It’s impossible to return to your childhood home without many reflections, some warped yet strangely beautiful.
Saying Nothing in Particular 
Oh, how I love ThursdayDoors. Thanks for another great one!
Thanks KC Gal! It’s good to be home. I always have bad dreams up in the Reno!
I am a sucker for doors and reflections – great job.
Thanks! I love reflections too. Without the reflections the actual building was pretty boring.
Lovely post. I can relate to your mother’s behavior. As a super organized person, I think if my mind no longer could keep up, I’d give up all pretense of trying. What a challenging summer you’ve had! And what a great way to try to make something so difficult a little easier – luxury has it’s function after all!
Thank you! You’re absolutely right. Making plans gets more exasperating as we age. I feel it in myself.
Great door post, and oh don’t get me started on moms. We try so hard to raise our parents properly… 😉
I’m currently getting a lecture for not having proper clothing for going to a football game. Apparently I must have the proper hat.
😀
Great post, Jan. How nice that you splurged and stayed at the resort. As you know, I’ve been spending a good deal of time with my mom this summer too, and I hear you about the strangeness and odd beauty of returning to your childhood home. In my case, I’m suddenly appreciating things I never did before. Still, I don’t think I’d want to live there again.
I figured it was cheaper than having a nervous breakdown!!
The exciting exotic-ness of all these wonderful “overseas” bloggers. The highlight of my day is checking the mail!
Outside of the casinos, Reno is basically a cowboy town. More dusty than exotic!
Then I must pass on by – on my horse of course!
Of course! Every Halloween (which is Nevada Day) I used to watch the Cartwrights (from Bonanza) trot down the main drag on their horses. Remember them?
Little Joe was one of my childhood heroes!
It is a very strange quirk of life that we have difficulty being organized by our children after a lifetime of trying to organize them!!
You’re so right! I have to tell mother she can’t have cookies and ice cream if she doesn’t eat some of her dinner! But my husband always caves in and say “oh, give her the cookies.” He’s the spoiler.
We were just at The Atlantis, and a couple of weeks back The Grand Sierra. The Peppermill pool area is very nice. But, like you said, Jan, Reno is otherwise, kind of …well it is a dirty and grungy place. My wife keep saying they should try to do what Las Vegas did and change their image. An upgrade like that would certainly draw people up there winter, or summer. Sorry your having to deal with the problems your mother is experiencing. There’s nothing fun with the aging process.
Unfortunately I don’t think that will ever happen. I grew up with a few of the councilmen and city planners and they have this fantasy that Reno is more wholesome than Vegas. LOL!
LOL That’s so totally delusional, but if they’re that far gone, they probably can’t help believing it! 😀
Having worked in both Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe casinos, I was always captured (and sometimes literally so) by the expansive and engaging entrances to each. They really are meant to draw you in–as if you’re about to enter into a world like none you’ve ever dreamed possible.
It was a long time ago that I visited Reno, but the pictures you posted are really lovely. The reflective component makes it so inviting.
Hope the transition is coming to a sweet end, and that you and your mom have been able to make some memories (and keep your coins!).
The Peppermill has yellow-orange tinted windows that from the inside make you feel like you’re on Mars! It was a stressful trip for many reasons but I’m starting to get my equilibrium back again. I stole your idea! (advice for a 14 year old). Hope you don’t mind! Remember imitation is, well, stealing!
Great photos and reflections. I went to Reno a few years ago for a wedding. I hope I never have to go back.
I feel the same way!
I’ve always had a soft spot for doors so I am loving you Thursday Doors series:)
Thank you!