Twinkie

So before we left Vegas for Laughlin, we just had to finally have a Deep Fried Twinkie from Mermaids.  Been there...done that!  It was kind of disgustingly good.

Before that, we had a wonderful lunch at Noodle Exchange in the Gold Coast with Gary.  James
also swung by Tuscany to pick up the Gift Cards that were not available to us yesterday.  Both of us had the yummy lemon chicken and Gary opted for
the teriyaki chicken.  Always a good meal there!

Finding out that the Grand Cafes do their deep cleaning these nights put us in a quandry for food.  We ended up having savory turkey sandwiches though at Arizona Charlie's Deli.  It was worth the run around for sure.  As my Mom would say "No Mistakes!".

Right now we are settled into the Aquarius in Laughlin in another well appointed handicapped accessible room.  Our Host greeted us warmly yesterday at VIP check in and presented us with our exclusive dining vouchers good for THE COVE and the VIP section of the weekend Buffet.  Sometime while we were gaming in the early evening we got another welcome basket in our room.

Our evening meal was at the Cafe Aquarius and then we took a little detour outside to warm up before heading to McDonald's for Blizzards.  I see that my "buffer" is back and it is strange for me after all these months of being overly slim.  It will
come off once I get home and back to a fitness regime.

James is still sleeping and I'm not sure what the plan is.  We did mention pool time, but who knows?

I am a few days behind in my Blog, but here goes.

We're checked into the Riviera for a change of pace.  The room we got is a handicapped accessible one that is serving it's purpose.  

I napped, hydrated, and had a few snacks (thanks to our stash of 99 cent store finds) while James made a few trips to the car for our belongings.  The pending storm in the Gulf was taking up interest on most of the channels.

Yesterday we found a decently quiet bank of dollar single line VP to play on as we ended up racking
up 10 K in points with minimal loss.  I did have to
contend with the odd button slapper and cellphone hog, but managed to stay composed.  In my mind I have created an utopian Casino void of stray children, people of a shallow gene pool, and unnecessary noise.  Ahhh

I'd like to point out some blatent descrimination
now that I'm temporarily wrapped up in this wheelchair.  Timeshare hounds don't blink an eye
when we go by!  Who is to say that I just have a
broken leg or something?  James and I made this
the topic of conversation during our late night meal
at Palace Station Grand Cafe.  Funny that we probably have way more money than the "suits" that they attempt to lure.  It provides us with a decent reprieve.

It is a shock to many who see me in the chair.  Some..."God Bless" me, while others give me accusatory glances.  Maybe I need a T-shirt explaining why I am in it?

Anyhow...this has been our longest trip yet and last night we discussed residency again.  James is so familiar with Vegas that he can drive anywhere and basically not get lost.  If and when we move here, we'll check closely with our friends on safe areas and probably rent to get a "feel" of things.  The weather is a huge draw for us.

Today we are off to Tuscany to play for Gift Cards and have lunch.  We have no free food at the Riviera and comps are very important especially
in the lengthy trips on one bankroll.  

I'm feeling pretty good and the VP along with sporatic reading, my eyes are not as bad.  Getting a treadmill for the house should get me on the right track so to speak. 

We checked into Sam's Town yesterday and got room #650.  All comped of course and James
got a Gold Card and $100 free play.  

Our room is a handicapped accessible room and
has a great view of the park.

We ate at the Deli overlooking the Sports Bar.

Not a lot of luck gaming, but we did run through
a lot of points.

 

What a gorgeous place!  6000 ft above sea level too.

I did not thrive well here and James and I figure
that we both got a touch of altitude sickness (dehydration).  Not to say we didn't have a blast here.  I'm anxious to come back when I can walk.

 Our gaming was focused on the property next door - Harvey's.  It is leaving us up $1300 so far for the trip.  They might have had a handicapped room for
us, but we opted to keep our nice room at Harrah's in a renovated Presidential room.

And out and about...

 

I enjoyed Reno very much.  It is a much quieter
place that has kept its integrity by making sure
that chain businesses fit in rather than stand out.

Our highlight per say was hitting the Gold N Silver
Inn Restaurant that was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives.  James tried the 
recommended Lemonade Pork and both of us
said we would return to this 1956 run family place for a great meal.

The gaming was generous to us with lots of playable VP for us.  

Off to Tahoe for a few days...

Travel day!

We're getting ready to head out for our flight
to Reno/Tahoe.

Last night we had dinner @ Silverton Casino 
with Anne, Jason and Stacy.  After that, James
managed a couple of jackpots while we overheard
an absurd altercation with an apparent alien who
clearly was unaware of the tax implications involved with jackpots.  (His wife won while playing on his card and he did not want to pay
tax).  It was funny actually and the security staff
apologized to us afterwards.  

Hazy here today with storms on the way.  Looking
forward to going somewhere new.  We have plans
to eat at the iconic/historic Gold N' Silver Diner
that was also featured on the Food Network's
Diner, Drive-In and Dives.

More later...

This morning we hit the gym here at Gold Coast where I did the recumbent bike and a little on
a treadmill (my first attempt).  We spent a short
time at the pool where I finished another book.

Back to the room we showered and have plans
to pick up our laundry and then over to M.

We'll play a bit but mostly we want to get our
cash comps and get back on the mailing list.

A bit cooler here today just around 100.  

 

Most of you know that I am very much a patient and positive person.  Since my ailment became 
full blown, I am sensitive to noise of any kind.  I prepared for this trip by loading up my MP3
player with tunes to drown out my least favorite
noise - BUTTON SLAPPERS!

Last night, despite James cranking out another quarter Royal on single line VP, we did so with little fan fare and simply passed the camera and continued on. 

I am very much a player NOT a gambler and to win is a shocker.  I see that most noisy BUTTON SLAPPERS are angry and expectant.  This attitude and behaviour is not really acceptable to me.  Inside, I feel like I could go all Kathy Bates - Misery on them.  Forgive me!  I dream of a setting serene like the Nordic Spa where silence is golden.  I envision a place where touch screens abound, clapping and cheers are prohibited.  Ahhh...   

So we dropped off our dirty laundry today and then
stopped off at the Rio for our free Diamond tickets for tomorrow night.  I have wanted to see Penn and Teller for a while now, but refused to pay the price.  James has worked this "Vegas" system for such a long time that not only does it afford us long complimentary holiday time, all the other bells and whistles go along with a little planning.

Annie got us all set up with a newly renovated Gold Coast room that most certainly is the best equipped handicapped room so far.  We're both VERY impressed.

My right arm ached since this morning's breakfast to once again prove my new status as Barometer Girl!  There was a flash flood warning here until 5:45 pm and we could see parts of the City getting blasted by rain.  Not here at Gold Coast though.

So this morning at Suncoast started with colossal breakfast!  James
got a donut the size of a FIAT tire and he got me a blueberry
muffin to match.  They basically kept us full ALL day long.

We made the best of multi-point day and accrued a LOT of
credits with a tiny $8.00 loss between the two of us.

Supper with Norm & Andrea at Siena Cafe was wonderful.
They are wonderful friends and we always enjoy the
adventures of the never settled Norm.  Andrea is patient
and compliments Norm well.



Plans for tomorrow include the gym, pool (shade), then
back to quarter VP.  Today we vamped it up to dollar VP
and a fun 100 line 1 cent VP (which I sadly hit a Royal
on last night).

Yesterday we ventured out for a drive to Utah.   Neither of us
have been there before.  We stumbled upon Maverick's
that had REAL curd.  What a treat!

On the way home we stopped in Mesquite for a change of pace.

Today we met Carol for supper at Aliante, where we were staying and a visit.  Taking things easy as tomorrow is moving day again.

 

We are settled here at Aliante.  Beautiful property but they failed us on a handicapped room.
At least they brought up a shower chair.  The toilet area is almost impossible for me to use.
Going to be very tricky.

The pool area was quiet and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves out there today.  After that
we managed a buffet meal that did not disappoint.  It isn't an M buffet, but pretty decent
for the price of two for lunch at $18.00.  Our offer included four free buffets which they
instructed us to charge to our room.

I played VP with James and managed a $200.00 win by the time we called it a
night at 10:30pm.  Time for my last batch of chemo.  That takes me through until we
get home.  I am on a monthly maintenance.

Temps climbed today and it seems the Casino properties crank the air conditioning way
too high.  I know that I am not the only one struggling to stay warm.  In fact, we
have packed in the car, items that won't cut the mustard this trip.  I have my eyes
peeled for one more nice sweatshirt.  I did get a cute pink one, but it will need
laundering soon along with the sweet Aquarius one I got.

Okay...James is masked up ready to administer my last TA.  Gotta run!

I did it.  Hawaiin breakfast complete with Spam!  Funny the things that you put
on your "list".

Two days ago I hit a $1000 Royal at Main Street.  We're moments from
leaving here and off to Aliante which is new for both of us.  My sincere
hope is that we get a handicapped room.  This place has been a real
challenge for me with the tiny bathroom and all.  Other than that
we did get a one night reprieve at Sunset.

Hot temps on the way and we've got little to no play requirements
at the new hotel, so pool time will take precedence.  Since I
have laid off the pain pills, the bruising seems to be going away.
One more night of TA and I am free and clear until after the trip.

James purchased me a walker yesterday.  It will help me keep
my muscle tone as the chair is becoming a bit comfy.  He also
picked up two more sets of tights for convenience.  Tootsies
are up again as my ankles look like donuts.  I guess it goes
with my "Phil Shiffly" hair color and fried ass marks from
the "accident".

Y&R is on while James packs us up and seemingly our
vacation is just starting.  We've already done laundry drop
off once.

Photos later.

Well, I am not as detailed as James this trip mostly because
of my limited abilities.  Typing is tough and I have my swollen
tootsies elevated.  Not complaining AT all!

The concert here (Sunset Station) of Tears for Fears was simply
excellent.  They haven't changed since I saw them in Ottawa
at Barrymore's in 1986.  The crowd was behaved but nobody
heeded the giant signs saying NO cameras or recording
devices.  Most of the show was obstructed as people chose
to stand and block views.  I was just happy to be there.

Our room here is another brilliant handicapped room that
has suited me well.

We're about to have food in the Cafe and head back to MSS
to visit with Mike and Debbie before they venture home
tomorrow.

I've got my eyes peeled for sweatshirts as I have been cold
most of this trip.  Day two already done with the TA and
three more to go.

Going to be a bit quieter in town now as most of the entertainment
was last night.  Lots of big names and I am sure it was difficult
for some to chose which one to pick.

I seem to have finally gained some weight back but now I
am being careful about what I eat.  It makes a huge difference
in how I feel.

Last night we played some VP before bed and I broke even
at $100.00.  One point I had hit QUAD Aces and was above
$200, but we're going for points that will bring us back up
to our regular level despite being spoiled with our Silver Card.

Going to be hot today in the 100's.  I imagine there will be
some more rain soon.