Wheel of Fortune It was a strategic choice to end my trip in Las Vegas, where I could shake off the road dust in style. As I'm hoping for a better year in 2003, I suppose it was appropriate that I played the Wheel of Fortune slot machines during my stay at the Mandalay Bay. As it turned out, the Wheel was good to me, so hopefully it's a sign of good fortune in the year to come. This was, in fact, my most successful stay ever in Las Vegas, from a financial standpoint. Not only was my two-night stay complimentary (thanks to a special offer which brought me here in the first place), I am also leaving here with enough winnings to pay my gas expenses for the past week's 3,000-mile trip (not an insignificant amount for a gas-guzzling SUV). Now, at long last, I return home. It's only been about a week and a half, but after so many miles on the road, it feels like I've been away for much longer. After the crazy autumn I had, I was exhausted and in much need of a break. Now, I'm chomping at the bit, ready to jump back into the fray. In that sense, at least, this expedition has been worthwhile. And, frankly, I'm looking forward to getting busy and working hard again, so I won't have the time to do so much thinking and so little doing. E-mail comments | Back to Home Page Content, photography & design © 2001-2003 Michael Strickland All photographs digitally watermarked · Unauthorized use prohibited