Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The finale
Our last day at Suncoast was spent finishing packing and then out the door to the Silverton.
We got there a little earlier and grabbed a bite to eat in the Cafe. I had the roasted turkey sandwich
and James had the homemade chicken noodle soup with an order of rye toast. All of which was
comped of course. The place was super quiet and service was swift and efficient.
Our regular "ATM" VP slots were not so agreeable. We shared a virgin pina colada while we watched in vain as our hard earned cash got gobbled up and facing screens void of wins. It was inconceivable really. This spot has never failed to provide good returns for us. Hmmm, not so today. Behind us sat a wonderfully social elderly lady who told her stories of carpet repair woes and we could surmise that she was there trying to recoup some of the bill that she would be presented with later that day. As luck would have it, her little wagers and persistence coupled with dealt aces and "jakes" as she would say, left her with a $400+ ticket and away she went.
Some penny slots were next on the agenda and before you knew it Anne, Steve and Jason were texting us that they had arrived and were waiting for us at the Buffet area.
Thank goodness this Buffet was comped (points) because it was not as great as I remembered. It was Seafood Night and other than crabs legs, we didn't see much that would warrant jacking up the price for this one. Anyhow, we all enjoyed our meals and desserts while being entertained by little kids who found the beaded curtains to be play things. A little VP after and a lucky streak by James who got the Bonus on a Monopoly game, was a mini savings grace.
We all parted ways with hugs and best wishes and hopes to meet up again in December. Our trip is already booked and I sincerely hope that fate sees to it.
This trip certainly wasn't rich in the sense of money, but as far as everything else is concerned, I had the time of my life.
We got there a little earlier and grabbed a bite to eat in the Cafe. I had the roasted turkey sandwich
and James had the homemade chicken noodle soup with an order of rye toast. All of which was
comped of course. The place was super quiet and service was swift and efficient.
Our regular "ATM" VP slots were not so agreeable. We shared a virgin pina colada while we watched in vain as our hard earned cash got gobbled up and facing screens void of wins. It was inconceivable really. This spot has never failed to provide good returns for us. Hmmm, not so today. Behind us sat a wonderfully social elderly lady who told her stories of carpet repair woes and we could surmise that she was there trying to recoup some of the bill that she would be presented with later that day. As luck would have it, her little wagers and persistence coupled with dealt aces and "jakes" as she would say, left her with a $400+ ticket and away she went.
Some penny slots were next on the agenda and before you knew it Anne, Steve and Jason were texting us that they had arrived and were waiting for us at the Buffet area.
Thank goodness this Buffet was comped (points) because it was not as great as I remembered. It was Seafood Night and other than crabs legs, we didn't see much that would warrant jacking up the price for this one. Anyhow, we all enjoyed our meals and desserts while being entertained by little kids who found the beaded curtains to be play things. A little VP after and a lucky streak by James who got the Bonus on a Monopoly game, was a mini savings grace.
We all parted ways with hugs and best wishes and hopes to meet up again in December. Our trip is already booked and I sincerely hope that fate sees to it.
This trip certainly wasn't rich in the sense of money, but as far as everything else is concerned, I had the time of my life.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Four Queens
Today we had a light breakfast/lunch here at the Siena Cafe and then headed out to get out our laundry. No more "creepy poker guy" as there was someone new there this time running the place.
Both of us had free play at Four Queens so we met Mike down there and played a little VP for an hour before heading back to the Sun Coast for our play and eat promo.
Another wonderful dinner at the Sun Coast buffet with Mike, Norm and the two of us. Mike made me one of his favorite concoctions of ice cream and coffee. Oh boy! I am going to struggle with my pants today, but it would all be worth it. Norm shared his tales of travel as he is the nomad extraordinaire for sure. No dust settles under his feet and it is almost mind blowing at how he manages to get around to so many places each and every day. It sure does make the rest of us feel lazy at times. Many people live their life through Norm's stories and photos whether he realizes it or not.
Both of us had free play at Four Queens so we met Mike down there and played a little VP for an hour before heading back to the Sun Coast for our play and eat promo.
Another wonderful dinner at the Sun Coast buffet with Mike, Norm and the two of us. Mike made me one of his favorite concoctions of ice cream and coffee. Oh boy! I am going to struggle with my pants today, but it would all be worth it. Norm shared his tales of travel as he is the nomad extraordinaire for sure. No dust settles under his feet and it is almost mind blowing at how he manages to get around to so many places each and every day. It sure does make the rest of us feel lazy at times. Many people live their life through Norm's stories and photos whether he realizes it or not.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Sometimes it is all about the friends
We departed the Aquarius and made our way back to Vegas. This last leg of the trip would have us at the Sun Coast for a few days and some quality time visiting with great friends.
They still have the Play and Eat program, so after a short nap we were able to cycle through 600 points each (with no loss) for two complimentary buffets. Tonight we were meeting Carol and Mike. It was a long time since we had the opportunity to connect with Carol and hearing her work stories and life in Vegas accounts were really interesting. Mike made the special trip from home to spend time with us once he heard about my diagnosis. Friends drop everything to be there. Our time together was heartwarming to say the least.
Our evening winded down with a little gaming that didn't really go our way, but we still had fun. Mike was the lucky winner with hitting a Royal while earning his comp buffet before supper.
Our4 evening ended around midnight after watching some David Letterman interviewing George Clooney.
They still have the Play and Eat program, so after a short nap we were able to cycle through 600 points each (with no loss) for two complimentary buffets. Tonight we were meeting Carol and Mike. It was a long time since we had the opportunity to connect with Carol and hearing her work stories and life in Vegas accounts were really interesting. Mike made the special trip from home to spend time with us once he heard about my diagnosis. Friends drop everything to be there. Our time together was heartwarming to say the least.
Our4 evening ended around midnight after watching some David Letterman interviewing George Clooney.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
RED CARD day!
Instead of rushing out of the room, we bummed around for a bit watching baseball and chilling. I had a tough time leaving the sheets, so that is what I did. Stayed put for a while.
By the time we got out of the room it was close to 2 and I had my free play to do $ 135 and churned it up to a good $ 350 before we made our way to the Buffet for Italian Night. Another comped meal for us and both of us had a good feast.
For the rest of the night we continued a slow bleed but had fun playing around on different machines. We played up my card to the points we like to keep it at and then continued on his new RED CARD which we achieved last night some time. This gets us free smokes (neither of us smoke) and 3 X points along with the discounts on food in the Casino restaurants which we already get. 25 % off is pretty good, but like James said it would be nice if Red Card got a little more.
Room service is here and we are going to have some snacks while catching some television. Nice to relax early in the evening for a change. It was a dizzy day for me so I am thrilled to be not on the move for now.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Much of the same
Today was pretty much a carbon copy of yesterday.
Our breakfast in the Aquarius Cafe was comped and each of us had a great meal. I had french toast, eggs over easy, sausage, coffee and orange juice. He had the pancakes, eggs over easy and hash. Nothing too exciting to report other than the ignorant conversation coming from the bench behind us. All I can say is that in this day and age it floors me that people are not educated enough to speak intelligently and with compassion. My comment to James in protest to this garbage that was spewed was "Now you know why the world hates Americans". He laughed and did not object to my out of the ordinary negative comment. It was well founded.
Our gaming at VP was spotty all day but what I can say is that we do get lots of playing time for our money here. There is never a rough time parting with our money seeing as we get much more for it.
A walk across the street to Burkes brought out out of the Casino and into the gorgeous heat of the day. James got a pair of dress pants and he found me some Ryka sneakers. Hard to beat the prices here and the entire mall has good offers for those that love to shop.
We walked back to our room and succumbed to a long coma which we both were in desperate need of.
After freshening up a bit we continued to play a bit more VP. One of the sought after games I like to tinker with is the Red Hot Fusion, so we did that one for a bit. I ended up with $100 from twenty and cashed out on our way to getting supper. Of special note, a slot attendant was right there when I left opening up the machine and doing whatever it is he does. Sad. There goes my fun for the future.
Our buffet was comped and it was too bad that neither of us drink as they have wine, beer and margs included in the meal. Both of us managed to fill ourselves without going crazy and it was funny to see one of the desserts from our Celebrity Chef dinner being served. I guess it was a leftover. Hmmmm.
A bit more VP $100 in dollars $0 out and then $100 in triple play .25 and cashed out at $101.25 before I called it an early evening. James walked me up to the room and he continued to play. He was up a bit and we are under and in need of some royals badly.
Our breakfast in the Aquarius Cafe was comped and each of us had a great meal. I had french toast, eggs over easy, sausage, coffee and orange juice. He had the pancakes, eggs over easy and hash. Nothing too exciting to report other than the ignorant conversation coming from the bench behind us. All I can say is that in this day and age it floors me that people are not educated enough to speak intelligently and with compassion. My comment to James in protest to this garbage that was spewed was "Now you know why the world hates Americans". He laughed and did not object to my out of the ordinary negative comment. It was well founded.
Our gaming at VP was spotty all day but what I can say is that we do get lots of playing time for our money here. There is never a rough time parting with our money seeing as we get much more for it.
A walk across the street to Burkes brought out out of the Casino and into the gorgeous heat of the day. James got a pair of dress pants and he found me some Ryka sneakers. Hard to beat the prices here and the entire mall has good offers for those that love to shop.
We walked back to our room and succumbed to a long coma which we both were in desperate need of.
After freshening up a bit we continued to play a bit more VP. One of the sought after games I like to tinker with is the Red Hot Fusion, so we did that one for a bit. I ended up with $100 from twenty and cashed out on our way to getting supper. Of special note, a slot attendant was right there when I left opening up the machine and doing whatever it is he does. Sad. There goes my fun for the future.
Our buffet was comped and it was too bad that neither of us drink as they have wine, beer and margs included in the meal. Both of us managed to fill ourselves without going crazy and it was funny to see one of the desserts from our Celebrity Chef dinner being served. I guess it was a leftover. Hmmmm.
A bit more VP $100 in dollars $0 out and then $100 in triple play .25 and cashed out at $101.25 before I called it an early evening. James walked me up to the room and he continued to play. He was up a bit and we are under and in need of some royals badly.
Play, Shop, Play
Yesterday was a little on the quiet side for us. I woke feeling less than normal and I wondered if it would
keep me in bed all day. Mind over matter - I made it!
We scooted down to the buffet to use our two Complimentary VIP passes to have a bite to eat. I love one of the waitresses there as she has the cutest voice known to man. James says she should be doing cartoon voice overs and I totally agree. It never fails to make me smile. The ladies really are great wait staff there and I can always get a great kick ass carrot cake there when I feel the need.
VP called and a short session left us with good point values and a little $ buffer to start the day. Off we went across the bridge to Beall's Outlet and Big Lots where James was able to get some work clothes. I didn't find anything that tickled my fancy, but it was nice to get out just the same. Gas is considerably inexpensive in Arizona, so we fueled up and he got a big cup of some sort of pop concoction.
A little nap to rejuvenate in the room and away we went downstairs to play more VP and then hit the Cafe. For supper we had the Grilled Chicken wrap (me) and he had a shredded steak sub that looked yummy. Only half of mine got eaten and after we ate, James ran it up to our refrigerator.
The evening continued with another 1 1/2 hours of VP and a meager $50 loss between us and a plethora of new points and comps.
Bedtime around 12 and I was able to smile that I made it through another day.
keep me in bed all day. Mind over matter - I made it!
We scooted down to the buffet to use our two Complimentary VIP passes to have a bite to eat. I love one of the waitresses there as she has the cutest voice known to man. James says she should be doing cartoon voice overs and I totally agree. It never fails to make me smile. The ladies really are great wait staff there and I can always get a great kick ass carrot cake there when I feel the need.
VP called and a short session left us with good point values and a little $ buffer to start the day. Off we went across the bridge to Beall's Outlet and Big Lots where James was able to get some work clothes. I didn't find anything that tickled my fancy, but it was nice to get out just the same. Gas is considerably inexpensive in Arizona, so we fueled up and he got a big cup of some sort of pop concoction.
A little nap to rejuvenate in the room and away we went downstairs to play more VP and then hit the Cafe. For supper we had the Grilled Chicken wrap (me) and he had a shredded steak sub that looked yummy. Only half of mine got eaten and after we ate, James ran it up to our refrigerator.
The evening continued with another 1 1/2 hours of VP and a meager $50 loss between us and a plethora of new points and comps.
Bedtime around 12 and I was able to smile that I made it through another day.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Cue Cards for Life
Moving day again and we made our way over to Gold Coast as planned to see if James qualified for free play from his participation in the tournament the other day. He finished 29th and was awarded $ 50 free play which he quickly turned into $ 85. Before he got this we had a light lunch at Ping Pang Pong because Noodle Exchange was not open yet.
Into the desert we went to Laughlin where we would be having our getaway time. I wish there were cue cards for life because I am anxious about sharing my condition with those that I love. I have long since made my peace with it and it causes me some grief when I have to recount or explain myself to others. People know right away that I am not "myself".
Our Host greeted us inn the Executive Check In room at the Aquarius. I wasn't comfortable with telling our Host what was up with me and instead shrugged it off as being too over zealous at the previous night's Duran Duran concert. There was no way I was going to spoil her infectious mood unnecessarily and have her worry while we were here visiting. I will mention it at a later date in full once I feel the time is right. We were presented with two aprons and a Deli Pro knife as part of our gift bag. There were a few hours to kill before the Celebrity Chef dinner so we grabbed a few zzz's.
Leann Rimes is playing next door at the Edgewater Casino. Her tour bus is out back.
At 5pm the doors opened and the both of us were amazed at the participation level. For whatever reason, I had envisioned a group of 30 people or so. Not the case at all. Easily there were 250-300 attendees. As usual, we were by far the youngest guests there. The GM directed us to the front of the room where we were to see our Host for seating arrangements. As we stood near the front table full of RESERVED signs, a rather rude woman piped up that the seats that we were standing in front of were "taken". I looked at James appalled by her lack of cooth and class.
In no time at all we were given a great table facing the stage. Another younger couple joined us but they were not all that social. To our right sat a husband, wife and sister (the W's) and they were very nice to introduce themselves and start up conversation. It was apparent that I would have to explain myself to MRS at some point and I did so with much reserve. Her eyes filled up with tears as I leaned in to tell her "my story" and bring some answers to the questions which I knew she was too polite to ask. My hand gently sat on her arm as I looked her in the eyes and urged her not to be sad for me. I was quick to tell her that I had been blessed with a very full and enriched life for someone my age and that I found my ailment to be a blessing because it would serve as a daily reminder to not waste my life. As this couple was in their early 80's, it seemed right away that we found common ground where on the surface, there seemed like none. MRS said to me that it is how they live their life too at the age that they are and it is something that they have no choice but to think about.
The meal was as follows:
Black Olive Tapenade over French Crostini
Sundried Cranberry Waldorf Salad with Vina Walnuts and Citric Cream dressing
Braisede Filet with Wild Mushrooms, Gorgonzola Cheese and Tawny Port glace de Viand
Chicken Breast Vesuvio with Match Stick Potatoes, White Wine and Pea Beurblanc
Artichoke and Roasted Garlic Duchess Potato
Fresh Vegetable Medley
Cherry Vanilla Cream Tartlet with Brandied Cherry Mascarpone Cheese
While we finished up the amazing dessert, one of the chefs carved an ice sculpture of a fish.
The W's departed but not before Mrs, who struggled to get up, reached over and hugged me while whispering in my ear that she will include me in her prayers and she expressed a "May God Bless You". I hugged her back and gave her a peck on the cheek. Both of us were enriched by the exchange of the evening and the ability to share a moment and each others lives beyond normal conversation.
We stopped to say thank you to our Host on the way out before spending a few hours playing VP. At 10:30pm we called it an evening and once again I did fine with $100 in and $200 out to offset James' daily loss. I got on a great machine that provided me with lots of quads, full houses and three sets of 4OAK aces and Bonus threes.
Into the desert we went to Laughlin where we would be having our getaway time. I wish there were cue cards for life because I am anxious about sharing my condition with those that I love. I have long since made my peace with it and it causes me some grief when I have to recount or explain myself to others. People know right away that I am not "myself".
Our Host greeted us inn the Executive Check In room at the Aquarius. I wasn't comfortable with telling our Host what was up with me and instead shrugged it off as being too over zealous at the previous night's Duran Duran concert. There was no way I was going to spoil her infectious mood unnecessarily and have her worry while we were here visiting. I will mention it at a later date in full once I feel the time is right. We were presented with two aprons and a Deli Pro knife as part of our gift bag. There were a few hours to kill before the Celebrity Chef dinner so we grabbed a few zzz's.
Leann Rimes is playing next door at the Edgewater Casino. Her tour bus is out back.
At 5pm the doors opened and the both of us were amazed at the participation level. For whatever reason, I had envisioned a group of 30 people or so. Not the case at all. Easily there were 250-300 attendees. As usual, we were by far the youngest guests there. The GM directed us to the front of the room where we were to see our Host for seating arrangements. As we stood near the front table full of RESERVED signs, a rather rude woman piped up that the seats that we were standing in front of were "taken". I looked at James appalled by her lack of cooth and class.
In no time at all we were given a great table facing the stage. Another younger couple joined us but they were not all that social. To our right sat a husband, wife and sister (the W's) and they were very nice to introduce themselves and start up conversation. It was apparent that I would have to explain myself to MRS at some point and I did so with much reserve. Her eyes filled up with tears as I leaned in to tell her "my story" and bring some answers to the questions which I knew she was too polite to ask. My hand gently sat on her arm as I looked her in the eyes and urged her not to be sad for me. I was quick to tell her that I had been blessed with a very full and enriched life for someone my age and that I found my ailment to be a blessing because it would serve as a daily reminder to not waste my life. As this couple was in their early 80's, it seemed right away that we found common ground where on the surface, there seemed like none. MRS said to me that it is how they live their life too at the age that they are and it is something that they have no choice but to think about.
The meal was as follows:
Black Olive Tapenade over French Crostini
Sundried Cranberry Waldorf Salad with Vina Walnuts and Citric Cream dressing
Braisede Filet with Wild Mushrooms, Gorgonzola Cheese and Tawny Port glace de Viand
Chicken Breast Vesuvio with Match Stick Potatoes, White Wine and Pea Beurblanc
Artichoke and Roasted Garlic Duchess Potato
Fresh Vegetable Medley
Cherry Vanilla Cream Tartlet with Brandied Cherry Mascarpone Cheese
While we finished up the amazing dessert, one of the chefs carved an ice sculpture of a fish.
The W's departed but not before Mrs, who struggled to get up, reached over and hugged me while whispering in my ear that she will include me in her prayers and she expressed a "May God Bless You". I hugged her back and gave her a peck on the cheek. Both of us were enriched by the exchange of the evening and the ability to share a moment and each others lives beyond normal conversation.
We stopped to say thank you to our Host on the way out before spending a few hours playing VP. At 10:30pm we called it an evening and once again I did fine with $100 in and $200 out to offset James' daily loss. I got on a great machine that provided me with lots of quads, full houses and three sets of 4OAK aces and Bonus threes.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
All You Need Is Now
James had a nice lunch at Gold Coast with Gary. It worked out well because "E" had to work and I was down and out, so it gave the guys an opportunity to hang alone. After they enjoyed their soups, James caught a VP tournament by accident and ended up scoring quite well in the end. It means that we will have to stop there on Saturday to see if he qualified for free play, Hopefully he did.
When he returned, we had take out from the Cafe here before getting ready for the concert. I had the chicken salad again and he had the turkey dinner. Yummy.
The parking garage at the Hard Rock was not too busy and we zipped right up to the 5th level and made our way into the concert hall. As this trip was a last minute thing, our seat selection was poor. We had a choice of $300 ones or the last row in the theatre. I didn't care that much only wanting to add Duran Duran to my human experience. As photos will show, there really are no bad seats in here, but the top few are obstructed by a steel post and some venting. The vents puff tummy stimulating smells throughout the evening which were not unpleasant at all. I actually enjoyed it.
I had a super craving for a milkshake, so James took us to Jack In The Box where we both got shakes before heading back to our hotel and played more VP. I did $100 and $100 out with a nice set of 7 quads and a plethora of full houses. James was not so lucky.
______________________________________________________________________
Iti s now Saturday morning. We looked through our videos from last night and got packed for our next move. The sky is blue and although they called for rain, it is supposed to be spotty. We have only one spot to stop here in Vegas then we are off to Laughlin. If you could, you would see the HUGE smile on my face. I am sincerely happy beyond words that most people find Laughlin "too slow" and "boring". It only means that the town is slow to change and with every visit we know what we can expect.
A hot shower beckons and then away we go.
Multi Points
Thursday we spent our day at Sunset Station getting the most of a multi point coupon that James had. We started our day at the Cafe there having lunch. So glad that the Cocos are gone and replaced with the more
personal Cafes that we have grown to love. Who wants chain food on vacation? Not us.
Not a lot of luck here other than banging out lots of points (which was our plan). We played triple play VP @ the 50 cent denomination. A few seats away from us was a button slapper than nearly brought me to madness. It is always sad to see someone "chasing" their losses and getting angry at a machine. It is the lowest and darkest aspect of gaming.
James go tme supper when we returned (a chicken salad sandwich and coleslaw) before he headed out to the Pinball Hall of Fame. I relaxed with my book and got caught up with emails before calling it a night.
personal Cafes that we have grown to love. Who wants chain food on vacation? Not us.
Not a lot of luck here other than banging out lots of points (which was our plan). We played triple play VP @ the 50 cent denomination. A few seats away from us was a button slapper than nearly brought me to madness. It is always sad to see someone "chasing" their losses and getting angry at a machine. It is the lowest and darkest aspect of gaming.
James go tme supper when we returned (a chicken salad sandwich and coleslaw) before he headed out to the Pinball Hall of Fame. I relaxed with my book and got caught up with emails before calling it a night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)