Library Cats

August 8 is International Cat Day!  I must confess that our striped tabby, Tiger Belle, was less than impressed with our low-key celebration, although she did love the extra crunchy treats.  This celebratory day in honor of our feline friends was established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.  Here is another cat from the Bell Library collection to enjoy.  It was used as a printer's mark by the Venetian Sessa family, active in the printing and book trade in Venice from 1501 to 1617.

Sessa Printer's Mark, 1519

My Las Vegas Vacation

Everyone is always surprised when I tell them that I'm going to Las Vegas for my vacation.  It's assumed that we're going to gamble and party, etc, which apparently seems out of character -- and of course it is.  However, we actually like Las Vegas the city.  There are museums, art galleries, other sites, and wonderful restaurants that are not on the Strip.  And, it's where we were married.  The last time we were there, we visited this marvelous lion preserve.  When the city council voted to close the Las Vegas zoo, it had a difficult time placing the animals.  Some locals created a preserve for the lions and a few others just off the south end of the strip:  https://lionhabitatranch.org/  It's worth a visit.

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort

Did you know that the Mormons were among the very first settlers?  The remains of the original fort have been preserved by the park system;  its located in downtown Las Vegas.  There is also a visitor's center where you can learn more about it:  http://parks.nv.gov/parks/old-las-vegas-mormon-fort

This year I'm sure we'll go back to one of our favorite restaurants:  Forte Tapas   Marvelous eastern European food in a funky and eclectic atmosphere, located in an unassuming strip mall well away from the Strip. 

We also highly recommend a visit to the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas.  One of the most well-done museums I've seen -- be prepared to spend several hours.