Vegas/January 11 Royals for Bum
Flight 711 on JetBlue.
Didn’t sleep at home. Up @ 3am. Coffee at 4am- N.A. Tommy picked me up and I was 2 hours early for flight- Never mind, I’m going to VEGAS!!!
Hey ! No Pat down, No X-ray- just old school at JFK.. what gives?
Packed- full flight. Everyone’s sleeping but me.. Grr. Wisht I wasn’t such a freakin’ Diva. How does everyone sleep sitting up while blood pools in your legs?
Doomed to be bedraggled and grumpy tired. HATE! Hate sitting.
I want you all to know I am Bantam weight/ fighting weight of 130.00--- F U menopause. I'm a lean and mean fighting machine. W.W for a solid year.
Baby I can see your Halo. Know you’re my saving grace Halo halo halo halo (Beonyse or however you spell her.) I watched 3 Soprano epis on TNT and hoarded snacks
Bum was waiting for me at luggage but my red Tumi took several minutes to come down.
Bellagio room 19-0159. The Conservatory was made up for Chinese New Years. A 20 foot tall rabbit made from lavender was fanciful, a giant mirrored horse stood under the Chiluliy.
I was home.
Got $75.00 Freeplay and 2 for the buffet. Unlike my normal self, we ate first. Crab, spinach omelets and tons of water melon, double cappuccino. Bum savored the vanilla bean ice cream and sorbet.
Their Sunday buffet is mostly egg dishes and breakfast meats- not worth the price but we got a line pass and it was free so Bum can cross it off his list. I took a banana for the morning.
Win on Airplane. Gave Bum money my pal Wei has won for him at M. and we split the cash winning from my freeplay. ($20.00 each cuz I’m just a sport)
Found a Giant group play American Idol- deadly- like SITC where you can play $4.00 a hand w/ 4 hands. I hit a loud group bonus round (got very lucky) Tons of Asians came out of the ether, flocking toward the game while we TITOed a winner and left. LOL
On to Palms, mostly Joker Poker- got many quads. We played LOTR.
We could do a LOTR crawl here!!
Hit Gold Coast. Deluxe Wheel poker and found LOTR there too!!!
Late night--- dead at 11:40PM-ish
By the time I ORGANIZED, SHOWERED AND STOPPED STARING AT THE VIEW oops cap lock...
It was after 1am.
Monday January 10th
Up 7am.
I mixed CLV’s Starbucks vias in a glass and chug it. Bum is calling for me by 8am to walk the canyon.
I was able to hit a progressive quad for $132.00 before he found me.
Canyon walk was cold, clear uphill . We’re both in shape, more in shape than last summer. I got a tad spooked and didn’t want to go further as I didn’t know what was over the top of the hill which led me to sing "The Bear Went Over The Mountain” I don’t think Bum knew that old boy scout song. He looked at me strangely
We found a Smiths where I wanted to buy 4 carton’s of Marlboros but my card was declined 3 times until it dawned on me I hadn’t called them to let them know I was going to be in Vegas !?!?!
So Bum used his card—we also had a deal for him to pay for Bellagio but I used my card to check in- while he parked. Found out he charged it that morning to his card but they charged him more for resort fees.(AND credited the difference to MY cardLOL)
Well, I was tired, achy and hungry when I called the number on the back of my card while in the car—ruining the ride as I quarrel w/ someone who couldn’t help me… she transferred me to a dept that wasn’t open yet and it disconnected. She did it on purpose that whore!?$%@#$&(*%#$!!.
I flipped and lost my cool so food at the Hash House A-Go-Go didn‘t taste too good. I asked for burnt/well done and got cool potatoes and un-burnt chicken Audelouise sausages w/ blue cheese. Bum did much better w/ his fried chicken and waffles.
I don’t ever need to go back.
I was ancy until I got my charger back at my room and called the C.C. Co. again---- thank goodness for speaker… I held and held and finally got a guy who asked me more than I thought they knew about me.
Question: Name your old address… so I do.
And he asks “what are the cross streets?”
Wow. I was thrilled I remembered..
Anyway, we got it straightened out and I promised not to charge anything over $500.00 (!?!?)
Deal.
I’m walked and fed so we visit Cosmopolitan which is walkable and right next door. I played 2 Little Shop Of Horrors slot machines and we both played LOTR’s in the hot back. Cosmo is done right and sharply smart.
I was up front playing 3 Kings when I asked TB what time he thought it was He guessed 3:30pm while he was turning his phone on- damn if it wasn’t 3:30 on the dot. Bum is right a lot.
We did Planet Ho’s D.L after I lost $100.00 in STP while a French couple got STP after STP and let their Royal add it’s credits up w/o hitting the machine or button to stop the noise which wasn’t mine. I’m cranky, huh?
. Planet Ho doesn‘t have cappuccino but they did have sugarless Red Bull AND macadamia nuts- I poured 2 platefuls in my ziplocks and counted us almost even.
We hiked back to Bellagio against the evening winds. Bum stayed downstairs listening to piano lounge music while I changed in my room. He got asked what he wanted to drink and told he couldn’t sit down if he didn’t order anything so I found him standing…
Off to M!!! I got a T-shirt for New Years/ $20.00 freeplay. Bum went to play poker and I died on Quick Quads- I didn’t re-up my money. Half of my stake is in my room , I’m down to my last hundred after tanking at Q.Q. and Ultimate X.
. I know if I ask Bum to borrow money, he’ll think I’m on tilt and will suggest leaving. I don’t want to leave.
I cash the 100.00 into twenties and hope I make some right choices. A lady was hitting bonus after bonus on Stinkin’ Rich- se has that machine up to $824.00!
So I sat at a machine near hers to see what she’d do now—this machine I sat down was a new one—JACKPOT Manor. It looked lame. I was so scared I was playing 70 or 80 cents a hand when I got 3 Jackpot Manors—but crapped out on the bonus.
Phooey… then all of my whole screen filled w/ these Casper-like ghost guys. It said Big Win and the cash thermometer didn’t stop until it read: $546.30
Holy Smokes!
I pull out the ticket, run to Bum and laugh. I’m good/ keep playing away. His favorite drink gal cocktail Nadia was there- Dwinks? Dwinks? In her flat Romanian voice…
I insisted on viewing the Calendar M girls calendar from one of the bartenders- who knew Nadia /tells me she wasn’t in it- it was not well done one bit..not at all glossy and well shot like the Borgota girls
After meeting @ LOTRs, we drove home.
I wanted one more cigarette so I stopped at the 10 coin quarter DDBVP and hit 4/4/4/4 for $200.00. Don’t ask why but it’s a hand pay- so while waiting for Manny, I play them next machine when these 2 older woman come by asking his help. They want to know where the slot machine of the large Gorilla is? The Gorilla comes around a corner and helps you win.
Manny is blank but he asks “what denomination?”
They don’t know.
Hey, I don't know and Manny doesn’t know- so frustrated one old lady trys again saying "Dos Primato!”
and my eyes go wild/wide , sad for him, this abuse.
Poor Manny. After they leave I hit 2/2/2/2 (another hand pay $200.00) while Manny is still there and in perfect English he says to me shrugging...“64,000 slot machines. I can’t know them all".
LOL—I tell him: Hey, I PLAY them all and never heard of that one. I go to bed w/ my stake way intact- $900.00+ win in 1 hour.
Bath Bed 11:30pm
TUESDAY Jan. 11th
Up 5:30am—This $!#(*&%^% bed in Bellagios as bad as my I.P. Luv Tub bed—swayed in the middle, lumpy on the side- humped to death. Ugh!
Drive out the R.R.-We walked at least 7 miles. I let Tennis_Bum go to where he wanted to go. I swear he didn’t know the lyrics to Bear Went Over the Mountain…
He keeps looking at me..
The bear went over the mountain,
The bear went over the mountain,
The bear went over the mountain,
To see what he could see
To see what he could see,
To see what he could see
And what do you think he saw?
And what do you think he saw?
He saw another mountain,
He saw another mountain,
He saw another mountain,...
This was a premier walk—sunny, no wind and helpful nice other people stopped along the way.
Oops, it’s 11:15 and I must check out of Bell..by noon…. We zig back but end up at the Zen Monastery again by taking the wrong road. He drops me off to park and is playing LOTR for a time.
He swears Bellagio credited my card $70.00.
I don’t understand but know he would not lie to me.
I hate to leave. Bye-bye B….. Off to the locals part of the trip.
Check into Sunset Station. I get free amenities and he doesn’t. I get smoking 1004. Bum gets no smoking 1117.
Hey! Listen- they're playing the Beach Boys!! a sign we both notice.
nice.
Please make note I walked over 7 miles- packed, moved and haven’t eaten yet.
I have The Hulk hunger. I barely make it to the Feast Buffet- thank God our room keys serve as Line Passes as the line is long.
I couldn’t eat enough. Sesame balls (ziplocked a bag)—Grits and spicy cheese, bacon, jalapeño~ cheese omelet, burrito and enchildas abound on my many plates. 4 forks. I grab an apple and orange for the morning My snacks counter is growing in the room. LOL
So happy here—We find LOTRs where I pick the Prancing Pony bonus , getting 11 doors twice. It’s a terrifying bonus round..—“I’m scared. " "yes But Not scared enough!”
That’s the truth. These sciths come in and try to stab your bed while you lay sleeping. If they miss your beds, you get the prize amount of the bed you choose- I do well at this all week.
CLV comes- we lose lose lose on fricking single line VP. Bum plays live hand poker. We play a few things ending up at the new I LOVE LUCY video slots. I’m down to $200.00 again. Get a text from Bum “My trip queens lost to trip kings grrrr”
Bad beat Bum
Find double Super Times Pay (It's DOUBLE!!!) and all 3 of us go to town on them. This is where we discovered “The Loggins Effect” – let me explain… When Kenny Loggins is singing "Footloose” we all were winning so we played as fast as we could during that song. Yeah, we got stupid-silly. So what?
Cindy does the best- last the longest. Me? I’m down another hundy… The music at Sunset is perfection for me. Wings, Michael Mac Donald- The height of Easy Listening.
We all end up at the bank TB and I love- the penny or 2 cents Video Poker. It’s late, CLV has to be somewhere at 8:30am AND drive back to Strip but I’m starving and it’s 8 hours since we’ve eaten.
We gobble fatburgers and I drag her to my room to give her Planter Bliss bars and her coat.
I’m sure Bum excorted her out to the car—I bathed and fell into bed.
Drop
Dead
Tired and broke. Every part of my body hurts from walking, moving, and jogging- like a prancing pony- how old do I think I am>?!?!??? Hips, calves, wrists…. Waaaaaa.
But I couldn’t sleep.. hot bath , ambian- up 3 times- smoked 2 cigarettes up til 2am. God, what’s my major mal-function?!?
Wednesday Jan 12
Holy moley! I open my eyes to see the clock says 7:24—oopsy! I can do this- suppose to meet Bum at Starbucks at 8am. I throw open the covers, the phone rings- It’s Bum saying: it’s me, Paul.
I answer in a dry sarcastic frogs croak : No kidding.
Bum says You sound strange. (OMG Didn’t have the words to explain I am not nicotined nor caffeinated- Cheese & Crackers padre, gimme a break, I’m non verbal primato, senoir)
I think this I don’t say it
I say: Just Talk
He says meet in room?
No- I need coffee- Starbucks.
I’m brushing my teeth (have to roam the room as brushing is a boring chore) as I see him in the parking lot walking away from the car. Nothing to do but get dressed. No make-up I can do this, right? Clock says 8:01
I’m late, not late-late, but its a minute until I get in line for Coffee and the girl tells me its 8:06. Bum’s not around, nor is his phone on- I go Brooklyn bat-shit on the innocent girl behind the counter asking her if ANYONE EVERwant their receipt? Also; how if I wanted something else I would’ve ask for it to begin with- God help me, I can be a vicious two-toned bitch.
I’m confused, still in an Ambian haze- layered dressed hot for walking, not casino-wear.. where would he be? Where would he start out? Should I just go outside? Shitballs… He DITCHED me?!? I call him anxious. You..you ditched me? I’m only 6 minutes late- MY CLOCK was wrong?!? You DITCHED ME??!!?!?
I hold back tears- go outside, find a bench… now I’m walking around the Sunset parking lot w/ a cup of coffee and a smoke- one in each hand, my gloves locked in the Bum-mobile……. All my childhood abandonment issue flare up- ghosts of being left alone, Summer Snipe and Jackalope hunts leaving me alone in the woods, in the dark, by two older evil sisters that giggle when I find my way back/ horrible flashbacks that still FEEL like it’s happening all over again-
Can you say Hormonal and P.T.SS..?
I knew you could.
- what should I do? Should I just walk? Go gambling on tilt? Bum’s Spock-like linear—he started walking WITHOUT ME!!!?!! I just don’t know what to think.
I crossed the street and walked some but it’s not the same. w/ a coffee in one hand, a cigarette in the other- this is streets and strip malls, not Red Rocks. phooey.
Shouldn’t be walking w/ a cigarette.
I go back in- head to my room to change my Marathon clothes, dry my tears, crushed/pouting- really intent on starting my day over which I know I am capable of. , there’s a maid knock at the door…. It’s Tennis_Bum!!!
I wrap my arms around him in relief, start crying all over again .- he didn’t ditched me he was looking for me all this time!!! Disaster averted- he was wandering around looking for me- then got his phone from the car or room and listened to my messages.
He was just looking for me- jubilation!
I couldn’t come down from my emotional melt-down for some time so when I’m like this, he feeds me. (I had brought 6 free buffet tickets from home)
I was so happy,
laughing/joking and thanking him. It dawned on me that I walked and he didn’t. Thank goodness one of us is even-keeled.
I don’t remember this but I wrote down Bum got 5OAK and a Wild Royal on Joker 10 –plays. We played LOTRs and I pulled out 2 TITO for both over $400.00 on dime Super bonus Quads.
Leave Sunset to go to Sketchers Outlet GRAND Opening on 1495 East Flamingo—in the car Bum takes my MP3 player and ups the gigabytes thingy to hold more plus he filled it w/ more Joni and Jimmy.
The Sketchers store was shooting a live commercial (No Photos!) I got 2 new pairs; the second pair is half off. I use them I walk a lot. Nevada tax is now 8.10% I have 7 pairs now giving one away to a women in the office that gave me that brown pearl.
We were going to Orleans for the jacket promo. 500 points and the jacket is very very nice. Played LOTR for a time. I won- we looked for the quarter triple play that was up to 49K and I spent $200.00 trying for it but I’m not there to work so I gave up my seat to the local pros.
Lost $100.00 in Ultimate X dimes, got the jackets, drove to LVA to get our MRB and join another year where I got a call from CLV about a monster dealt hit on 10-play. Bum drives, we park I run like I’m on fire, texting all the way how close I am don’t play it off—zoom, I ask a dealer just standing there—which way the poker room is—zoom, knowing Bum will find us and get to see CLV’s aces w/ a kicker dealt on ten-play!!!!! Whoo-Fricking-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs all around! Well timed!
She’s dressed like its Winter. I have a t-shirt on. She’s wearing the lucky marathon headband I sent her. She gets a check. Like the Staples easy button- that was EASY! LOL
I break even on quarter Double STP and lose $100.00 on something else. Boo.
We visit the D.L., they had panko fried shrimp & salad. Bum gets his Newcastles. Then we lounged in her suite where TB fixes the living room TV(cord was unplugged)—I am impressed w/ the view and the tub and …everything.
She has a bag of goodies for me- What a wonderful day it became after my melt-down that I had to work to over-come… SERENITY NOW!!!
I insisted on doing the Terribles deal—gently asked, nudging Bum to print it out so we went there may be around 6 or 7pm.
I get the idea to play volatile games then non-volatile on the FP.
I lose $100.00 in less than a cigarettes time on Queens Rock you and Some Vampire game.. Bum find the nickel VP progressive CLV told him she and Fflowers did—I join him after I get my $100.00 loaded. I’m tanking…. He gets aces and more aces, 800 coins each- then I get the nudge- OMG Bum scored/filled in a 2 card Royal draw for over $200.00 cashing out for $330.00!!! Screw the promotion!
I cash for $130.00 after scoring my own aces. I ask if he’s mind I do the MRB… Get a BJ, they pay you triple… I change $40.00—I lose and lose so I ask if I can play two hands- the dealer says yes, IF I play ten a hand, not five.. S’OK! Both hands I win, second hand is a BJ! For $30.00. I end up w/ over $60.00. Bum tokes the dealer. Dealer wins 4 dollars a few times (I had to double down) but we leave very happy w/ the promotion (Thanks LVA!) back to Sunset. Singing “Bum got a Ro-yal…!!!”
More Double STP., turn $40.00 into $80.00
Score $223.00 on dime Super Bonus.
Bed early 11PM- wash hair and write in journal.
Thursday January 13th
Notes read I awoke at 5 ugh. 5:30 got up Shaking fist- Why God Why?
I Cocktail a Starbuck via between 2 plastic cups w/ hot tap water. Did some organizing as it’s another moving day, apologize to the scared Starbuck barista downstairs about yesterday when I torn her head off about asking for about a receipt and if I wanted “anything else” I mean by God if I wanted anything else I would’ve ASKED for it the first time- but it’s not her fault, they MAKE them say that- I over-tipped her and told she I was normal, not my HULK-self today.
So embarrassed and rightfully so. I kicked ass & took names on Double STP – got 1,500 coin hit on Joker Pker and A/A/A/A/2 on DDB--, lots of catches.
Cashed a TITO for $468.00- Find Bum, we walk a few miles around Sunset, it’s beautiful day, mild w/ lots of sun and we’re walking! Stop by a 24 hour sports/wings/ pinball machine joint- it was open but we saw no one.
I was upstairs re-dressing for the day- scouting for Bum by LOTRs, the deuces and on to 10-play poker machines when he called me.
It’s around 10am
“Come Quick” and hangs up
I knew where he had to be and my heart started pounding. He doesn’t bark commands like that lightly- if ever….
I was a minute away I flew
There he was pacing- the screen as I got closer was filled w/ diamond royals- on pennies which should pay $400.00—he got the progressive for almost $1,900.00 ($1,879.00)- Bum’s first W2G.
He’s sitting in shock. I start rattling off our future trips to Tiffanys and Bellagio Spa when the ladies come to put those hundred dollar bills in his hot hands—just for laughs. He knows I’m not serious. He over –tipped but he’s new to it- twenty to each of the girls. I wouldn’t tipped them more than $10.00 each. He thought he under-tipped but it’s all gravy anyway. Ya can’t make a mistake at this point, right?
Bum tells me how he saw a lot of face cards- but it didn’t register that were suited until his machine locked up. Then he tells me his wallet doesn’t close right- it’s too full..LMAO: Another first.
From then on, I say at different times of the day for the rest of thr trip:
" Raise your hand if you got 11 Royals"
and he'd raises his hand w/ that smile. I knew it would happen for his all at once- being under Royals all these years.. I reminded him of that. told ya, Bum..told ya.
Whoo-hoo!
Thrilling I could be there for all my pals wins! And see them live!!!
CLV showed up and we all ate heartily of the breakfast buffet—Feast does it right. 4 forks.
Their Mexican is very fresh and good.
CLV plays while I pack- meets me at Valet while I’m touching my toes and palms to the stone flooring. The valet ( age 23) mentions I'm very flexible.... er..um.. thanks.
I have no bill. Thank you Sunset.
CKV and I jet down East Flamingo to Bally’s- she valets We go into Diamond check in- the check-in-ling Jennifer and I bonded last time- she has a daughter named “Brooklyn” I got a smoking room # 2253 or 22 58 w/ a Bellagio fountain view- This was the best bed of the trip- firm.
Took 2 minutes to settle in and we’re downstairs. I was given $100.00 in vouchers to play. Didn’t do so well. Bum called we played together by the Keno for a time.
Checked out LOTR. Found CLV- time does fly in Vegas—it’s nearly 3. Time for CLV to return her renal and fly out.
Thanks for the swell but short time. We’ll do it again soon enough my West Coast sister.. bye-bye.
Bum & I go to Palms Via Rio Lost $100 on quarter Qucik Qaud waiting for the D.L. to open. Walk to Palms. Make money on Joker and LOTR. Walk back to Rio in the dark… suddenly hungry- Drive to Gatanos in Henderson where we had the most exquisite meal.
Goat cheese and beet salad- spaghetti and meatballs (10 stars) (meatballs made of filet) Sand dials (or dabs as TB corrects) angel hair pasta w/ oil and garlic….. I eat everything. We were very pleased.
Now we experienced “The Gatano effect” which I felt the carbs of the past coursing through my blood. Easy swing to M where I lost and lost $120.00 at Bally’s on the way to the room.
Bed 11:30PM—God Lord hear my prayer- I need a good night sleep. More than 4 or 5 hours please.
The temp was right/ the light or lack of it was right and the bed was solid and firm.
Friday January 14th
I had 40 minutes to meet Bum downstairs and Bally’s had a coffee maker. This was cake. I was my most comfy at Bally’s room-wise. So I’m glad I am giving Bum my last 2 nights here as he leaves out Monday.
It’s windy, brutal winds and chilly- as I walk and blow my nose, my eyes squirt defensive water of their own. Uphill seems twice a hard but we muster on….
Upon return, it’s pleasant w/ the wind at yer back. Bum wants to try out an Omelets place. I have no idea where I am but it’s between R.R Canyon and Cannery.
I eat lightly because I’m having lunch w/ Sue and Pat, her neighbor friend and gambling buddy. The coffee was great, the waitress a barely fading pageant girl.
On to Cannery- I lost $70.00 in 02. Cents Ultimate X and we got more miles on LOTR- Sue called. We all had the soup & ½ sandwich special at The Victory Café and caught up.
Started playing single line quarters- where Sue got 2 or 3 4OAK right off the bat.
Bum went to play real Poker and I drag Sue to the Wheel Poker where I lost $120.00.
We played until 3:30 when I got Bum because we were seeing a movie: The Green Hornet 3-D after hugs all around w/ Sue & Pat.
My turn to treat- I say : 2 Seniors and the kid questioned my age. Cannery just today had upped the senior age from 60 to 65 so I showed him my DL and feint not know or understanding and offered immediate apologies
I’m 55. But he feels badly so he says “I’m going to give you the discount anyway”
2 tickets cost $19.95
I liked the movie better than Bum I give it a B-, Guessing he gives it a C or C-. My big regret was not having my 2 lbs of red stwizzers with me I had stashed in my room
It’s dark (where do the days go here? We stay for more LOTR in the back and in the front.(Yes, Sue Casey I did keep playing on your card- on slots)
Got hungry, drove to Aliante for Feast!- The place was hopping/ There was a line but it went fast. Soon I was eating/ziplocking more sesame balls, chicken, noodles and brisket.
The sesame balls taste wonder from fridge to toaster oven even today!
I'm a ball hoader (sung to: I'm a girl watcher)
Food glorious food!
After a bad start on penny machines we settle into 1 and 2 cent poker 10-play- where I got a progressive royal on joker for ..i don’t know but it was decent ( notes say $120.00) must have been on 2 cents.… Many wild royals and 5OAKs, then I found nickel and dime Double STP slant tops where a guy next to me was making such bad plays it was worth watching like a bad accident. 4 to a flush and he holds one random high card.
Bum found LOTR. Bum say he was ready to go but stuck his TITO in Double TP, got a dealt SF on 5-play YAY!!!
11PM, got to Bally’s (Bum’s at Gold Coast)
Sort, clean organize bath- text Bum to PLEASE bring his travel bag up w/ him when he comes to get me in morning…. Can’t shut my mind off Goodbye last full day……
Bed 12:45.
Saturday January 15th
Up 7:15am
My plane leaves at 10:15pm
Bum called at 8:30 Perfect! He comes up w/ his luggage and shows me how to sharpen my knife he sent me- a lesson I avoided last summer—I’m teachable in the morning.(I did it. It worked I cut paper!!) thanks!
We walk to Bellagio where I use my last $100.00 bill on 10 coin quarter DDBVP—lasts a while but I crap out. Take the walk of shame to the ATM after getting us new M-Life slot cards- they’ve merged or switched or something…
Take out $500.00 from the ATM, changing 2 hundreds for twenties.
. Find Bum TITO a .50 cent win on Ultimate X—Oh Hell NO!--You DO NOT leave 3 3X X’s so I beg to let him give me the ticket and work that baby up to $145.00—best hands were a dealt flush back to back- whoo hoo!—we try LORTs and I finally get enough miles to play the sword bonus @ Arlwin and Bum the Balroc evil monster bonus—a mildly crazed suburban lady now playing my machine but w/ no sign-in so she trusts me when I tell her to TITO out, slide my sign in in and it’s then I notice her cash amount is over $700.00!!! I explain the game as best as I can—we speak Blondese—she can now play 4 bonus games if her rings come… she is very grateful and I hope the LOTR gods note I bothered teaching her- plus she’ll earn some miles for me hopefully…
I spot a JACKPOT Manor- slide in a twenty- hit a bonus for $130.00 – whoo-hoo winnah!
CLV says WE MUST see more of Cosmo and she knows her stuff so off we go. Did every floor. The pool is too die for, the views are to die for, the many worn labor houred 1900 circa sewing machines that line the front of the men’s clothing store all wore remind me of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory tragedy in NYC:
Historical Importance of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire:
A fire at the Triangle Waist Company factory in New York City killed 146 workers. The large number of deaths exposed the dangerous conditions in high-rise factories and prompted the creation of new building, fire, and safety codes around the United States.
Dates:
March 25, 1911
Also Known As:
Triangle Waist Company Fire, Triangle Factory Fire
Overview of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire:
The Triangle Waist Company was owned by Max Blanck and Isaac Harris. Both men had emigrated from Russia as young men, met in the United States, and by 1900 had a little shop together on Woodster Street they named the Triangle Waist Company. Growing quickly, they moved their business into the ninth floor of the new, ten-story Asch Building, on the corner of Washington Place and Greene Street in New York City. They later expanded into the eighth floor and then the tenth floor.
By 1911, the Triangle Waist Company was one of the largest blouse makers in New York City. They specialized in making shirtwaists, the very popular women's blouse that had a tight waist and puffy sleeves. The Triangle Waist Company had made Blanck and Harris rich, but it was through the exploitation of their workers.
Approximately 500 people, mostly immigrant women, worked at the Triangle Waist Company's factory in the Asch Building. They worked long hours, six days a week, in cramped quarters and were paid low wages. Many of the workers were young, some only age 13 or 14.
In 1909, shirtwaist factory workers from around the city went on strike for an increase in pay, shorter work week, and the recognition of a union. Though many of the other shirtwaist companies eventually agreed to the strikers' demands, the Triangle Waist Company owners never did. Conditions at the Triangle Waist Company factory remained poor.
On Saturday, March 25, 1911, a fire started on the eighth floor. Work had ended at 4:30 that day and most of the workers were gathering their belongings and their paychecks when a cutter noticed a small fire had started in his scrap bin. No one is sure what exactly started the fire, but a fire marshal thought a cigarette butt had possibly gotten tossed into the bin. Nearly everything in the room was flammable: hundreds of pounds of cotton scraps, tissue paper patterns, and wooden tables.
Several workers threw pails of water on the fire, but it quickly grew out of control. Workers then tried to use the fire hoses that were available on each floor, for one last attempt to put out the fire; however, when they turned the water valve on, no water came out.
A woman on the eighth floor tried to call the ninth and tenth floors to warn them. Only the tenth floor received the message; those on the ninth floor didn't know about the fire until it was upon them.
Everyone rushed to escape the fire. Some ran to the four elevators. Built to carry a maximum of 15 people each, they quickly filled with 30. There wasn't time for many trips to the bottom and back up before the fire reached the elevator shafts as well. Others ran to the fire escape. Though about 20 reached the bottom successfully, about 25 others died when the fire escape buckled and collapsed.
Many on the tenth floor, including Blanck and Harris, made it safely to the roof and then were helped to nearby buildings. Many on the eighth and ninth floors were stuck. The elevators were no longer available, the fire escape had collapsed, and the doors to the hallways were locked (company policy) to keep the girl from sneaking smoke breaks. . Many workers headed to the windows.
At 4:45 p.m., the fire department was alerted to the fire. They rushed to the scene, raised their ladder, but it only reached to the sixth floor. Those on the window ledges started jumping.
The fire was put out in half an hour, but it was not soon enough. Of the 500 employees, 146 were dead. The bodies were taken to a covered pier on Twenty-Sixth Street, near the East River. Thousands of people lined up to identify the bodies of loved ones. After a week, all but seven were identified.
Many people searched for someone to blame. The Triangle Waist Company owners, Blanck and Harris, were tried for manslaughter, but were found not guilty.
The fire and the large number of deaths exposed the hazardous conditions and fire danger that was ubiquitous in these high-rise factories. Shortly after the Triangle fire, New York City passed a large number of fire, safety, and building codes and created stiff penalties for non-compliance. Other cities followed New York's example.
But I digress…
We watched folks play on the Billiards table and checked out the 45 records and sat on many chairs and couches. Got more slot cards but Bum wanted to see Aria (ugh) so we walked there—found a Tifanys and guessed prices. I was off mostly.. a Frank Ghery bracelet was $4,100 I guessed $1,000.
A Diamond Princess cut watch was $42K but I was close w/ the canary yellow solitaire and the other solitaire I was spot on. The sales lady remained sales friendly & stoic LOL I was literally high for a time after we walked out. Tiffany’s still affect me; like pasta or heroin. Ahhhhh.
Aria was PACKED w/ people but we got seats on LOTR and Bum noted the Bell lady got me some miles. Wonder what her $700.00+ TITO looked like now?!?
Used my new M-Life cards here. Played a twenty or forty in Stinkin’ Rich. I have decided Stinkin” Rich is very 2010.
I’m over it. It’s not magical anymore.
Won a bonus on Zesus ll
Took that TITO to Airplane where I picked Otto-Pilot for a huge bonus round. Cashed out $150.50
Tram to Bellagio—where I feel like I need to eat or I’m gonna die. Shitballs. I have a coupon for 2 at Toby Keith’s(that’s at HET if you don’t know)- Bum, Can we hump it over there on foot? I mean I really have to EAT now
We dash through B- stopping at the beauty of the O inspired statues by Richard MacDonald by the Conservatory- Put the pedal to the metal through the shops/overpass to Caesars to Bills and I’m doing crazy hands on the Strip through Flamingo and I.P. sidewalk when we remember it’s at Harrah’s- past the Carnival Court up the escalator running/jogging. Bum said we did all this in 10 minutes.
As we stand in second to next line at Toby Keiths, the hostess noted the coupon in Bum’s hand was NOT good on Saturdays (of COURSE its not!!!)
I just give up and we walk out dejected but at least I didn’t rip anyone’s head off (this time)—Hey!! The D.L. is open.
Bum gets 2 Margaritas. (Can’t blame the man / lol) I eat veggies, nuts, a cappuccino and garlic toast points. Bum notice no one else left any tips and when 2 $2 dollar bills were set on the table the wait staffs manner changed to all smiles and questions if we wanted anything else. Money talks here.
OK, the plan is to gather my luggage, visit Orleans, M (for my baby cakes coffee) (I only hinted 10 X I wanted to be there today) and then GVR eat gamble off to airport. Deal.
I insist on sauntering like tourists back to Bally’s- saunter saunter saunter w/ a touch of relaxed meandering…
I leave him assorted snacks. Luggage to Bum-mobile.
Bum drives to M jettisoning the Orleans idea. He honestly didn’t think it was worth the gas to go to M but I lobbied greatly for it and it’s my last day so he gives. Glad I did—in 3 minutes we both got dealt 4 to a SF and converted… on Double STP—My STP wouldn’t stop Super Times Paying!!! A few hand won w/ 10X Never put any money in- freeplay!. Cashed over $100.00 playing nickels.
Got my coffee when the line died down—Bum rushed me out of there as the sun was going down.
The District view was straight out the The Eagles “Hotel California” album- all purples, lavenders and pinks light to dark with Palms trees in the front drop- glorious
5:10-7PM ...We’re eating at Lucille’s which Bum always wanted to try—and no surprise, we’re hungry…lol
Had some faux burnt ends for appetizers. Fried Okra. Mac & cheese, garlic mashed ( a prize winning A+) And we split a whole side of ribs.. good to great sauces. oh hell yeah...
It was pretty much heaven. 4.5 forks. 5 actually cuz Bum paid. wink
Burp-
I have $35.00 Freeplay at GVR. It’s jumpin/hoppin’ here. I find a Penny Alfred Hichcock , get many popcorn bonuses I make $50.00 out of my FP—stand up / See a bank of Ultimate X machines—
I’m going there- Bum joins me. We both play 5-play nickels until I get a feeling, switch to 3-play dimes- I have a 3X multiplier on all 3 lines when I hit A/A/A/A/2 for 6,000 credits nudging Bum- He says : It’s that $600.00!?!?
I say: Why, I believe it is.
I think I might be even (Whoo-hoo!) I play some more nickels 10-play- use the TITO down to $488.00 and say I think I’m done.
Pay Bum cash for the cartons he charged (Waiting to see what my CC bill says. I can always write him a check. fair is fair, no?)
We play some single line deuces where the 4 deuces pay 3,000 coins- I wash and cash my TITO—Going to be early but Bum has a fear of being late (so do I)
He parks at the airport walks me to counter. My luggage weighs 48 lbs. Wait at the gate eating red tzwizzlers. I sleep going home; a miracle.
NYC is shockingly freezing, there’s a blanket of snow on the ground.
Brooklyn looks butt-ugly to me. Why do I live here?
I sleep 20 hours once I snuggle the cats and shower—I didn't think my bladder could not go for 20 hours- yay me!...~~~~turn my phone on Monday to 3 Bum messages:
1)Fire @ Bally’s. Evacuate down 22 floors of stairs.
2)R.As attending to elderly Flamingo closed.
3) All back to normal
Wow!/Holy Crap!
Glad we walk a lot- wanted to know more but his phone is off. I’m in process of writing a letter of excellence in the way Bum tells me he was alerted and felt safe at all time. Excellent system fast response- everything you’d want in case of a fire.
Besides, you get more flies with honey, no? My name was on the room. I will always feel safe at Bally’s. I am betting they got tons of folks wanting comped things at another time but no one sees or exclaims how well their fire safety worked. Putting my letter-writing skills to work today.
The day off I had to do errands the weather was like someone was constantly throwing slushies on me- freezing rain/ground slippery. Sucks a$$. Now another snow storm is a'coming... tell me,. why do I live here again?
Your humble reporter,
Noahcat
It’s a start:
Dear Mr. David Hoenemeyer,
I am in process of writing by hand a letter of commendation for all your service personal during the fire of Sunday January 16th. Please know that everything went off in profound perfection and at no time did we feel our safety threatened. Both your Staff and the Las Vegas fire dept. were on the money- thrilling to see them run UP the stairs as we were running down them—VERY well managed. We’ll stay there again with no hesitation. Jennifer at Diamond check in is superb as is Eric Holmes – both friendly, accommodating and profession as I’ve seen.
My letter in writing will by on your desk soon--- as a survivor of 9/11, it was assuring to see things done right.
Sir, your staff did EVERYTHING calmly, correct, with fast updated information and should be acknowledged for their excellence.
Thank you again.
Noahcat
Flight 711 on JetBlue.
Didn’t sleep at home. Up @ 3am. Coffee at 4am- N.A. Tommy picked me up and I was 2 hours early for flight- Never mind, I’m going to VEGAS!!!
Hey ! No Pat down, No X-ray- just old school at JFK.. what gives?
Packed- full flight. Everyone’s sleeping but me.. Grr. Wisht I wasn’t such a freakin’ Diva. How does everyone sleep sitting up while blood pools in your legs?
Doomed to be bedraggled and grumpy tired. HATE! Hate sitting.
I want you all to know I am Bantam weight/ fighting weight of 130.00--- F U menopause. I'm a lean and mean fighting machine. W.W for a solid year.
Baby I can see your Halo. Know you’re my saving grace Halo halo halo halo (Beonyse or however you spell her.) I watched 3 Soprano epis on TNT and hoarded snacks
Bum was waiting for me at luggage but my red Tumi took several minutes to come down.
Bellagio room 19-0159. The Conservatory was made up for Chinese New Years. A 20 foot tall rabbit made from lavender was fanciful, a giant mirrored horse stood under the Chiluliy.
I was home.
Got $75.00 Freeplay and 2 for the buffet. Unlike my normal self, we ate first. Crab, spinach omelets and tons of water melon, double cappuccino. Bum savored the vanilla bean ice cream and sorbet.
Their Sunday buffet is mostly egg dishes and breakfast meats- not worth the price but we got a line pass and it was free so Bum can cross it off his list. I took a banana for the morning.
Win on Airplane. Gave Bum money my pal Wei has won for him at M. and we split the cash winning from my freeplay. ($20.00 each cuz I’m just a sport)
Found a Giant group play American Idol- deadly- like SITC where you can play $4.00 a hand w/ 4 hands. I hit a loud group bonus round (got very lucky) Tons of Asians came out of the ether, flocking toward the game while we TITOed a winner and left. LOL
On to Palms, mostly Joker Poker- got many quads. We played LOTR.
We could do a LOTR crawl here!!
Hit Gold Coast. Deluxe Wheel poker and found LOTR there too!!!
Late night--- dead at 11:40PM-ish
By the time I ORGANIZED, SHOWERED AND STOPPED STARING AT THE VIEW oops cap lock...
It was after 1am.
Monday January 10th
Up 7am.
I mixed CLV’s Starbucks vias in a glass and chug it. Bum is calling for me by 8am to walk the canyon.
I was able to hit a progressive quad for $132.00 before he found me.
Canyon walk was cold, clear uphill . We’re both in shape, more in shape than last summer. I got a tad spooked and didn’t want to go further as I didn’t know what was over the top of the hill which led me to sing "The Bear Went Over The Mountain” I don’t think Bum knew that old boy scout song. He looked at me strangely
We found a Smiths where I wanted to buy 4 carton’s of Marlboros but my card was declined 3 times until it dawned on me I hadn’t called them to let them know I was going to be in Vegas !?!?!
So Bum used his card—we also had a deal for him to pay for Bellagio but I used my card to check in- while he parked. Found out he charged it that morning to his card but they charged him more for resort fees.(AND credited the difference to MY cardLOL)
Well, I was tired, achy and hungry when I called the number on the back of my card while in the car—ruining the ride as I quarrel w/ someone who couldn’t help me… she transferred me to a dept that wasn’t open yet and it disconnected. She did it on purpose that whore!?$%@#$&(*%#$!!.
I flipped and lost my cool so food at the Hash House A-Go-Go didn‘t taste too good. I asked for burnt/well done and got cool potatoes and un-burnt chicken Audelouise sausages w/ blue cheese. Bum did much better w/ his fried chicken and waffles.
I don’t ever need to go back.
I was ancy until I got my charger back at my room and called the C.C. Co. again---- thank goodness for speaker… I held and held and finally got a guy who asked me more than I thought they knew about me.
Question: Name your old address… so I do.
And he asks “what are the cross streets?”
Wow. I was thrilled I remembered..
Anyway, we got it straightened out and I promised not to charge anything over $500.00 (!?!?)
Deal.
I’m walked and fed so we visit Cosmopolitan which is walkable and right next door. I played 2 Little Shop Of Horrors slot machines and we both played LOTR’s in the hot back. Cosmo is done right and sharply smart.
I was up front playing 3 Kings when I asked TB what time he thought it was He guessed 3:30pm while he was turning his phone on- damn if it wasn’t 3:30 on the dot. Bum is right a lot.
We did Planet Ho’s D.L after I lost $100.00 in STP while a French couple got STP after STP and let their Royal add it’s credits up w/o hitting the machine or button to stop the noise which wasn’t mine. I’m cranky, huh?
. Planet Ho doesn‘t have cappuccino but they did have sugarless Red Bull AND macadamia nuts- I poured 2 platefuls in my ziplocks and counted us almost even.
We hiked back to Bellagio against the evening winds. Bum stayed downstairs listening to piano lounge music while I changed in my room. He got asked what he wanted to drink and told he couldn’t sit down if he didn’t order anything so I found him standing…
Off to M!!! I got a T-shirt for New Years/ $20.00 freeplay. Bum went to play poker and I died on Quick Quads- I didn’t re-up my money. Half of my stake is in my room , I’m down to my last hundred after tanking at Q.Q. and Ultimate X.
. I know if I ask Bum to borrow money, he’ll think I’m on tilt and will suggest leaving. I don’t want to leave.
I cash the 100.00 into twenties and hope I make some right choices. A lady was hitting bonus after bonus on Stinkin’ Rich- se has that machine up to $824.00!
So I sat at a machine near hers to see what she’d do now—this machine I sat down was a new one—JACKPOT Manor. It looked lame. I was so scared I was playing 70 or 80 cents a hand when I got 3 Jackpot Manors—but crapped out on the bonus.
Phooey… then all of my whole screen filled w/ these Casper-like ghost guys. It said Big Win and the cash thermometer didn’t stop until it read: $546.30
Holy Smokes!
I pull out the ticket, run to Bum and laugh. I’m good/ keep playing away. His favorite drink gal cocktail Nadia was there- Dwinks? Dwinks? In her flat Romanian voice…
I insisted on viewing the Calendar M girls calendar from one of the bartenders- who knew Nadia /tells me she wasn’t in it- it was not well done one bit..not at all glossy and well shot like the Borgota girls
After meeting @ LOTRs, we drove home.
I wanted one more cigarette so I stopped at the 10 coin quarter DDBVP and hit 4/4/4/4 for $200.00. Don’t ask why but it’s a hand pay- so while waiting for Manny, I play them next machine when these 2 older woman come by asking his help. They want to know where the slot machine of the large Gorilla is? The Gorilla comes around a corner and helps you win.
Manny is blank but he asks “what denomination?”
They don’t know.
Hey, I don't know and Manny doesn’t know- so frustrated one old lady trys again saying "Dos Primato!”
and my eyes go wild/wide , sad for him, this abuse.
Poor Manny. After they leave I hit 2/2/2/2 (another hand pay $200.00) while Manny is still there and in perfect English he says to me shrugging...“64,000 slot machines. I can’t know them all".
LOL—I tell him: Hey, I PLAY them all and never heard of that one. I go to bed w/ my stake way intact- $900.00+ win in 1 hour.
Bath Bed 11:30pm
TUESDAY Jan. 11th
Up 5:30am—This $!#(*&%^% bed in Bellagios as bad as my I.P. Luv Tub bed—swayed in the middle, lumpy on the side- humped to death. Ugh!
Drive out the R.R.-We walked at least 7 miles. I let Tennis_Bum go to where he wanted to go. I swear he didn’t know the lyrics to Bear Went Over the Mountain…
He keeps looking at me..
The bear went over the mountain,
The bear went over the mountain,
The bear went over the mountain,
To see what he could see
To see what he could see,
To see what he could see
And what do you think he saw?
And what do you think he saw?
He saw another mountain,
He saw another mountain,
He saw another mountain,...
This was a premier walk—sunny, no wind and helpful nice other people stopped along the way.
Oops, it’s 11:15 and I must check out of Bell..by noon…. We zig back but end up at the Zen Monastery again by taking the wrong road. He drops me off to park and is playing LOTR for a time.
He swears Bellagio credited my card $70.00.
I don’t understand but know he would not lie to me.
I hate to leave. Bye-bye B….. Off to the locals part of the trip.
Check into Sunset Station. I get free amenities and he doesn’t. I get smoking 1004. Bum gets no smoking 1117.
Hey! Listen- they're playing the Beach Boys!! a sign we both notice.
nice.
Please make note I walked over 7 miles- packed, moved and haven’t eaten yet.
I have The Hulk hunger. I barely make it to the Feast Buffet- thank God our room keys serve as Line Passes as the line is long.
I couldn’t eat enough. Sesame balls (ziplocked a bag)—Grits and spicy cheese, bacon, jalapeño~ cheese omelet, burrito and enchildas abound on my many plates. 4 forks. I grab an apple and orange for the morning My snacks counter is growing in the room. LOL
So happy here—We find LOTRs where I pick the Prancing Pony bonus , getting 11 doors twice. It’s a terrifying bonus round..—“I’m scared. " "yes But Not scared enough!”
That’s the truth. These sciths come in and try to stab your bed while you lay sleeping. If they miss your beds, you get the prize amount of the bed you choose- I do well at this all week.
CLV comes- we lose lose lose on fricking single line VP. Bum plays live hand poker. We play a few things ending up at the new I LOVE LUCY video slots. I’m down to $200.00 again. Get a text from Bum “My trip queens lost to trip kings grrrr”
Bad beat Bum
Find double Super Times Pay (It's DOUBLE!!!) and all 3 of us go to town on them. This is where we discovered “The Loggins Effect” – let me explain… When Kenny Loggins is singing "Footloose” we all were winning so we played as fast as we could during that song. Yeah, we got stupid-silly. So what?
Cindy does the best- last the longest. Me? I’m down another hundy… The music at Sunset is perfection for me. Wings, Michael Mac Donald- The height of Easy Listening.
We all end up at the bank TB and I love- the penny or 2 cents Video Poker. It’s late, CLV has to be somewhere at 8:30am AND drive back to Strip but I’m starving and it’s 8 hours since we’ve eaten.
We gobble fatburgers and I drag her to my room to give her Planter Bliss bars and her coat.
I’m sure Bum excorted her out to the car—I bathed and fell into bed.
Drop
Dead
Tired and broke. Every part of my body hurts from walking, moving, and jogging- like a prancing pony- how old do I think I am>?!?!??? Hips, calves, wrists…. Waaaaaa.
But I couldn’t sleep.. hot bath , ambian- up 3 times- smoked 2 cigarettes up til 2am. God, what’s my major mal-function?!?
Wednesday Jan 12
Holy moley! I open my eyes to see the clock says 7:24—oopsy! I can do this- suppose to meet Bum at Starbucks at 8am. I throw open the covers, the phone rings- It’s Bum saying: it’s me, Paul.
I answer in a dry sarcastic frogs croak : No kidding.
Bum says You sound strange. (OMG Didn’t have the words to explain I am not nicotined nor caffeinated- Cheese & Crackers padre, gimme a break, I’m non verbal primato, senoir)
I think this I don’t say it
I say: Just Talk
He says meet in room?
No- I need coffee- Starbucks.
I’m brushing my teeth (have to roam the room as brushing is a boring chore) as I see him in the parking lot walking away from the car. Nothing to do but get dressed. No make-up I can do this, right? Clock says 8:01
I’m late, not late-late, but its a minute until I get in line for Coffee and the girl tells me its 8:06. Bum’s not around, nor is his phone on- I go Brooklyn bat-shit on the innocent girl behind the counter asking her if ANYONE EVERwant their receipt? Also; how if I wanted something else I would’ve ask for it to begin with- God help me, I can be a vicious two-toned bitch.
I’m confused, still in an Ambian haze- layered dressed hot for walking, not casino-wear.. where would he be? Where would he start out? Should I just go outside? Shitballs… He DITCHED me?!? I call him anxious. You..you ditched me? I’m only 6 minutes late- MY CLOCK was wrong?!? You DITCHED ME??!!?!?
I hold back tears- go outside, find a bench… now I’m walking around the Sunset parking lot w/ a cup of coffee and a smoke- one in each hand, my gloves locked in the Bum-mobile……. All my childhood abandonment issue flare up- ghosts of being left alone, Summer Snipe and Jackalope hunts leaving me alone in the woods, in the dark, by two older evil sisters that giggle when I find my way back/ horrible flashbacks that still FEEL like it’s happening all over again-
Can you say Hormonal and P.T.SS..?
I knew you could.
- what should I do? Should I just walk? Go gambling on tilt? Bum’s Spock-like linear—he started walking WITHOUT ME!!!?!! I just don’t know what to think.
I crossed the street and walked some but it’s not the same. w/ a coffee in one hand, a cigarette in the other- this is streets and strip malls, not Red Rocks. phooey.
Shouldn’t be walking w/ a cigarette.
I go back in- head to my room to change my Marathon clothes, dry my tears, crushed/pouting- really intent on starting my day over which I know I am capable of. , there’s a maid knock at the door…. It’s Tennis_Bum!!!
I wrap my arms around him in relief, start crying all over again .- he didn’t ditched me he was looking for me all this time!!! Disaster averted- he was wandering around looking for me- then got his phone from the car or room and listened to my messages.
He was just looking for me- jubilation!
I couldn’t come down from my emotional melt-down for some time so when I’m like this, he feeds me. (I had brought 6 free buffet tickets from home)
I was so happy,
laughing/joking and thanking him. It dawned on me that I walked and he didn’t. Thank goodness one of us is even-keeled.
I don’t remember this but I wrote down Bum got 5OAK and a Wild Royal on Joker 10 –plays. We played LOTRs and I pulled out 2 TITO for both over $400.00 on dime Super bonus Quads.
Leave Sunset to go to Sketchers Outlet GRAND Opening on 1495 East Flamingo—in the car Bum takes my MP3 player and ups the gigabytes thingy to hold more plus he filled it w/ more Joni and Jimmy.
The Sketchers store was shooting a live commercial (No Photos!) I got 2 new pairs; the second pair is half off. I use them I walk a lot. Nevada tax is now 8.10% I have 7 pairs now giving one away to a women in the office that gave me that brown pearl.
We were going to Orleans for the jacket promo. 500 points and the jacket is very very nice. Played LOTR for a time. I won- we looked for the quarter triple play that was up to 49K and I spent $200.00 trying for it but I’m not there to work so I gave up my seat to the local pros.
Lost $100.00 in Ultimate X dimes, got the jackets, drove to LVA to get our MRB and join another year where I got a call from CLV about a monster dealt hit on 10-play. Bum drives, we park I run like I’m on fire, texting all the way how close I am don’t play it off—zoom, I ask a dealer just standing there—which way the poker room is—zoom, knowing Bum will find us and get to see CLV’s aces w/ a kicker dealt on ten-play!!!!! Whoo-Fricking-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs all around! Well timed!
She’s dressed like its Winter. I have a t-shirt on. She’s wearing the lucky marathon headband I sent her. She gets a check. Like the Staples easy button- that was EASY! LOL
I break even on quarter Double STP and lose $100.00 on something else. Boo.
We visit the D.L., they had panko fried shrimp & salad. Bum gets his Newcastles. Then we lounged in her suite where TB fixes the living room TV(cord was unplugged)—I am impressed w/ the view and the tub and …everything.
She has a bag of goodies for me- What a wonderful day it became after my melt-down that I had to work to over-come… SERENITY NOW!!!
I insisted on doing the Terribles deal—gently asked, nudging Bum to print it out so we went there may be around 6 or 7pm.
I get the idea to play volatile games then non-volatile on the FP.
I lose $100.00 in less than a cigarettes time on Queens Rock you and Some Vampire game.. Bum find the nickel VP progressive CLV told him she and Fflowers did—I join him after I get my $100.00 loaded. I’m tanking…. He gets aces and more aces, 800 coins each- then I get the nudge- OMG Bum scored/filled in a 2 card Royal draw for over $200.00 cashing out for $330.00!!! Screw the promotion!
I cash for $130.00 after scoring my own aces. I ask if he’s mind I do the MRB… Get a BJ, they pay you triple… I change $40.00—I lose and lose so I ask if I can play two hands- the dealer says yes, IF I play ten a hand, not five.. S’OK! Both hands I win, second hand is a BJ! For $30.00. I end up w/ over $60.00. Bum tokes the dealer. Dealer wins 4 dollars a few times (I had to double down) but we leave very happy w/ the promotion (Thanks LVA!) back to Sunset. Singing “Bum got a Ro-yal…!!!”
More Double STP., turn $40.00 into $80.00
Score $223.00 on dime Super Bonus.
Bed early 11PM- wash hair and write in journal.
Thursday January 13th
Notes read I awoke at 5 ugh. 5:30 got up Shaking fist- Why God Why?
I Cocktail a Starbuck via between 2 plastic cups w/ hot tap water. Did some organizing as it’s another moving day, apologize to the scared Starbuck barista downstairs about yesterday when I torn her head off about asking for about a receipt and if I wanted “anything else” I mean by God if I wanted anything else I would’ve ASKED for it the first time- but it’s not her fault, they MAKE them say that- I over-tipped her and told she I was normal, not my HULK-self today.
So embarrassed and rightfully so. I kicked ass & took names on Double STP – got 1,500 coin hit on Joker Pker and A/A/A/A/2 on DDB--, lots of catches.
Cashed a TITO for $468.00- Find Bum, we walk a few miles around Sunset, it’s beautiful day, mild w/ lots of sun and we’re walking! Stop by a 24 hour sports/wings/ pinball machine joint- it was open but we saw no one.
I was upstairs re-dressing for the day- scouting for Bum by LOTRs, the deuces and on to 10-play poker machines when he called me.
It’s around 10am
“Come Quick” and hangs up
I knew where he had to be and my heart started pounding. He doesn’t bark commands like that lightly- if ever….
I was a minute away I flew
There he was pacing- the screen as I got closer was filled w/ diamond royals- on pennies which should pay $400.00—he got the progressive for almost $1,900.00 ($1,879.00)- Bum’s first W2G.
He’s sitting in shock. I start rattling off our future trips to Tiffanys and Bellagio Spa when the ladies come to put those hundred dollar bills in his hot hands—just for laughs. He knows I’m not serious. He over –tipped but he’s new to it- twenty to each of the girls. I wouldn’t tipped them more than $10.00 each. He thought he under-tipped but it’s all gravy anyway. Ya can’t make a mistake at this point, right?
Bum tells me how he saw a lot of face cards- but it didn’t register that were suited until his machine locked up. Then he tells me his wallet doesn’t close right- it’s too full..LMAO: Another first.
From then on, I say at different times of the day for the rest of thr trip:
" Raise your hand if you got 11 Royals"
and he'd raises his hand w/ that smile. I knew it would happen for his all at once- being under Royals all these years.. I reminded him of that. told ya, Bum..told ya.
Whoo-hoo!
Thrilling I could be there for all my pals wins! And see them live!!!
CLV showed up and we all ate heartily of the breakfast buffet—Feast does it right. 4 forks.
Their Mexican is very fresh and good.
CLV plays while I pack- meets me at Valet while I’m touching my toes and palms to the stone flooring. The valet ( age 23) mentions I'm very flexible.... er..um.. thanks.
I have no bill. Thank you Sunset.
CKV and I jet down East Flamingo to Bally’s- she valets We go into Diamond check in- the check-in-ling Jennifer and I bonded last time- she has a daughter named “Brooklyn” I got a smoking room # 2253 or 22 58 w/ a Bellagio fountain view- This was the best bed of the trip- firm.
Took 2 minutes to settle in and we’re downstairs. I was given $100.00 in vouchers to play. Didn’t do so well. Bum called we played together by the Keno for a time.
Checked out LOTR. Found CLV- time does fly in Vegas—it’s nearly 3. Time for CLV to return her renal and fly out.
Thanks for the swell but short time. We’ll do it again soon enough my West Coast sister.. bye-bye.
Bum & I go to Palms Via Rio Lost $100 on quarter Qucik Qaud waiting for the D.L. to open. Walk to Palms. Make money on Joker and LOTR. Walk back to Rio in the dark… suddenly hungry- Drive to Gatanos in Henderson where we had the most exquisite meal.
Goat cheese and beet salad- spaghetti and meatballs (10 stars) (meatballs made of filet) Sand dials (or dabs as TB corrects) angel hair pasta w/ oil and garlic….. I eat everything. We were very pleased.
Now we experienced “The Gatano effect” which I felt the carbs of the past coursing through my blood. Easy swing to M where I lost and lost $120.00 at Bally’s on the way to the room.
Bed 11:30PM—God Lord hear my prayer- I need a good night sleep. More than 4 or 5 hours please.
The temp was right/ the light or lack of it was right and the bed was solid and firm.
Friday January 14th
I had 40 minutes to meet Bum downstairs and Bally’s had a coffee maker. This was cake. I was my most comfy at Bally’s room-wise. So I’m glad I am giving Bum my last 2 nights here as he leaves out Monday.
It’s windy, brutal winds and chilly- as I walk and blow my nose, my eyes squirt defensive water of their own. Uphill seems twice a hard but we muster on….
Upon return, it’s pleasant w/ the wind at yer back. Bum wants to try out an Omelets place. I have no idea where I am but it’s between R.R Canyon and Cannery.
I eat lightly because I’m having lunch w/ Sue and Pat, her neighbor friend and gambling buddy. The coffee was great, the waitress a barely fading pageant girl.
On to Cannery- I lost $70.00 in 02. Cents Ultimate X and we got more miles on LOTR- Sue called. We all had the soup & ½ sandwich special at The Victory Café and caught up.
Started playing single line quarters- where Sue got 2 or 3 4OAK right off the bat.
Bum went to play real Poker and I drag Sue to the Wheel Poker where I lost $120.00.
We played until 3:30 when I got Bum because we were seeing a movie: The Green Hornet 3-D after hugs all around w/ Sue & Pat.
My turn to treat- I say : 2 Seniors and the kid questioned my age. Cannery just today had upped the senior age from 60 to 65 so I showed him my DL and feint not know or understanding and offered immediate apologies
I’m 55. But he feels badly so he says “I’m going to give you the discount anyway”
2 tickets cost $19.95
I liked the movie better than Bum I give it a B-, Guessing he gives it a C or C-. My big regret was not having my 2 lbs of red stwizzers with me I had stashed in my room
It’s dark (where do the days go here? We stay for more LOTR in the back and in the front.(Yes, Sue Casey I did keep playing on your card- on slots)
Got hungry, drove to Aliante for Feast!- The place was hopping/ There was a line but it went fast. Soon I was eating/ziplocking more sesame balls, chicken, noodles and brisket.
The sesame balls taste wonder from fridge to toaster oven even today!
I'm a ball hoader (sung to: I'm a girl watcher)
Food glorious food!
After a bad start on penny machines we settle into 1 and 2 cent poker 10-play- where I got a progressive royal on joker for ..i don’t know but it was decent ( notes say $120.00) must have been on 2 cents.… Many wild royals and 5OAKs, then I found nickel and dime Double STP slant tops where a guy next to me was making such bad plays it was worth watching like a bad accident. 4 to a flush and he holds one random high card.
Bum found LOTR. Bum say he was ready to go but stuck his TITO in Double TP, got a dealt SF on 5-play YAY!!!
11PM, got to Bally’s (Bum’s at Gold Coast)
Sort, clean organize bath- text Bum to PLEASE bring his travel bag up w/ him when he comes to get me in morning…. Can’t shut my mind off Goodbye last full day……
Bed 12:45.
Saturday January 15th
Up 7:15am
My plane leaves at 10:15pm
Bum called at 8:30 Perfect! He comes up w/ his luggage and shows me how to sharpen my knife he sent me- a lesson I avoided last summer—I’m teachable in the morning.(I did it. It worked I cut paper!!) thanks!
We walk to Bellagio where I use my last $100.00 bill on 10 coin quarter DDBVP—lasts a while but I crap out. Take the walk of shame to the ATM after getting us new M-Life slot cards- they’ve merged or switched or something…
Take out $500.00 from the ATM, changing 2 hundreds for twenties.
. Find Bum TITO a .50 cent win on Ultimate X—Oh Hell NO!--You DO NOT leave 3 3X X’s so I beg to let him give me the ticket and work that baby up to $145.00—best hands were a dealt flush back to back- whoo hoo!—we try LORTs and I finally get enough miles to play the sword bonus @ Arlwin and Bum the Balroc evil monster bonus—a mildly crazed suburban lady now playing my machine but w/ no sign-in so she trusts me when I tell her to TITO out, slide my sign in in and it’s then I notice her cash amount is over $700.00!!! I explain the game as best as I can—we speak Blondese—she can now play 4 bonus games if her rings come… she is very grateful and I hope the LOTR gods note I bothered teaching her- plus she’ll earn some miles for me hopefully…
I spot a JACKPOT Manor- slide in a twenty- hit a bonus for $130.00 – whoo-hoo winnah!
CLV says WE MUST see more of Cosmo and she knows her stuff so off we go. Did every floor. The pool is too die for, the views are to die for, the many worn labor houred 1900 circa sewing machines that line the front of the men’s clothing store all wore remind me of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory tragedy in NYC:
Historical Importance of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire:
A fire at the Triangle Waist Company factory in New York City killed 146 workers. The large number of deaths exposed the dangerous conditions in high-rise factories and prompted the creation of new building, fire, and safety codes around the United States.
Dates:
March 25, 1911
Also Known As:
Triangle Waist Company Fire, Triangle Factory Fire
Overview of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire:
The Triangle Waist Company was owned by Max Blanck and Isaac Harris. Both men had emigrated from Russia as young men, met in the United States, and by 1900 had a little shop together on Woodster Street they named the Triangle Waist Company. Growing quickly, they moved their business into the ninth floor of the new, ten-story Asch Building, on the corner of Washington Place and Greene Street in New York City. They later expanded into the eighth floor and then the tenth floor.
By 1911, the Triangle Waist Company was one of the largest blouse makers in New York City. They specialized in making shirtwaists, the very popular women's blouse that had a tight waist and puffy sleeves. The Triangle Waist Company had made Blanck and Harris rich, but it was through the exploitation of their workers.
Approximately 500 people, mostly immigrant women, worked at the Triangle Waist Company's factory in the Asch Building. They worked long hours, six days a week, in cramped quarters and were paid low wages. Many of the workers were young, some only age 13 or 14.
In 1909, shirtwaist factory workers from around the city went on strike for an increase in pay, shorter work week, and the recognition of a union. Though many of the other shirtwaist companies eventually agreed to the strikers' demands, the Triangle Waist Company owners never did. Conditions at the Triangle Waist Company factory remained poor.
On Saturday, March 25, 1911, a fire started on the eighth floor. Work had ended at 4:30 that day and most of the workers were gathering their belongings and their paychecks when a cutter noticed a small fire had started in his scrap bin. No one is sure what exactly started the fire, but a fire marshal thought a cigarette butt had possibly gotten tossed into the bin. Nearly everything in the room was flammable: hundreds of pounds of cotton scraps, tissue paper patterns, and wooden tables.
Several workers threw pails of water on the fire, but it quickly grew out of control. Workers then tried to use the fire hoses that were available on each floor, for one last attempt to put out the fire; however, when they turned the water valve on, no water came out.
A woman on the eighth floor tried to call the ninth and tenth floors to warn them. Only the tenth floor received the message; those on the ninth floor didn't know about the fire until it was upon them.
Everyone rushed to escape the fire. Some ran to the four elevators. Built to carry a maximum of 15 people each, they quickly filled with 30. There wasn't time for many trips to the bottom and back up before the fire reached the elevator shafts as well. Others ran to the fire escape. Though about 20 reached the bottom successfully, about 25 others died when the fire escape buckled and collapsed.
Many on the tenth floor, including Blanck and Harris, made it safely to the roof and then were helped to nearby buildings. Many on the eighth and ninth floors were stuck. The elevators were no longer available, the fire escape had collapsed, and the doors to the hallways were locked (company policy) to keep the girl from sneaking smoke breaks. . Many workers headed to the windows.
At 4:45 p.m., the fire department was alerted to the fire. They rushed to the scene, raised their ladder, but it only reached to the sixth floor. Those on the window ledges started jumping.
The fire was put out in half an hour, but it was not soon enough. Of the 500 employees, 146 were dead. The bodies were taken to a covered pier on Twenty-Sixth Street, near the East River. Thousands of people lined up to identify the bodies of loved ones. After a week, all but seven were identified.
Many people searched for someone to blame. The Triangle Waist Company owners, Blanck and Harris, were tried for manslaughter, but were found not guilty.
The fire and the large number of deaths exposed the hazardous conditions and fire danger that was ubiquitous in these high-rise factories. Shortly after the Triangle fire, New York City passed a large number of fire, safety, and building codes and created stiff penalties for non-compliance. Other cities followed New York's example.
But I digress…
We watched folks play on the Billiards table and checked out the 45 records and sat on many chairs and couches. Got more slot cards but Bum wanted to see Aria (ugh) so we walked there—found a Tifanys and guessed prices. I was off mostly.. a Frank Ghery bracelet was $4,100 I guessed $1,000.
A Diamond Princess cut watch was $42K but I was close w/ the canary yellow solitaire and the other solitaire I was spot on. The sales lady remained sales friendly & stoic LOL I was literally high for a time after we walked out. Tiffany’s still affect me; like pasta or heroin. Ahhhhh.
Aria was PACKED w/ people but we got seats on LOTR and Bum noted the Bell lady got me some miles. Wonder what her $700.00+ TITO looked like now?!?
Used my new M-Life cards here. Played a twenty or forty in Stinkin’ Rich. I have decided Stinkin” Rich is very 2010.
I’m over it. It’s not magical anymore.
Won a bonus on Zesus ll
Took that TITO to Airplane where I picked Otto-Pilot for a huge bonus round. Cashed out $150.50
Tram to Bellagio—where I feel like I need to eat or I’m gonna die. Shitballs. I have a coupon for 2 at Toby Keith’s(that’s at HET if you don’t know)- Bum, Can we hump it over there on foot? I mean I really have to EAT now
We dash through B- stopping at the beauty of the O inspired statues by Richard MacDonald by the Conservatory- Put the pedal to the metal through the shops/overpass to Caesars to Bills and I’m doing crazy hands on the Strip through Flamingo and I.P. sidewalk when we remember it’s at Harrah’s- past the Carnival Court up the escalator running/jogging. Bum said we did all this in 10 minutes.
As we stand in second to next line at Toby Keiths, the hostess noted the coupon in Bum’s hand was NOT good on Saturdays (of COURSE its not!!!)
I just give up and we walk out dejected but at least I didn’t rip anyone’s head off (this time)—Hey!! The D.L. is open.
Bum gets 2 Margaritas. (Can’t blame the man / lol) I eat veggies, nuts, a cappuccino and garlic toast points. Bum notice no one else left any tips and when 2 $2 dollar bills were set on the table the wait staffs manner changed to all smiles and questions if we wanted anything else. Money talks here.
OK, the plan is to gather my luggage, visit Orleans, M (for my baby cakes coffee) (I only hinted 10 X I wanted to be there today) and then GVR eat gamble off to airport. Deal.
I insist on sauntering like tourists back to Bally’s- saunter saunter saunter w/ a touch of relaxed meandering…
I leave him assorted snacks. Luggage to Bum-mobile.
Bum drives to M jettisoning the Orleans idea. He honestly didn’t think it was worth the gas to go to M but I lobbied greatly for it and it’s my last day so he gives. Glad I did—in 3 minutes we both got dealt 4 to a SF and converted… on Double STP—My STP wouldn’t stop Super Times Paying!!! A few hand won w/ 10X Never put any money in- freeplay!. Cashed over $100.00 playing nickels.
Got my coffee when the line died down—Bum rushed me out of there as the sun was going down.
The District view was straight out the The Eagles “Hotel California” album- all purples, lavenders and pinks light to dark with Palms trees in the front drop- glorious
5:10-7PM ...We’re eating at Lucille’s which Bum always wanted to try—and no surprise, we’re hungry…lol
Had some faux burnt ends for appetizers. Fried Okra. Mac & cheese, garlic mashed ( a prize winning A+) And we split a whole side of ribs.. good to great sauces. oh hell yeah...
It was pretty much heaven. 4.5 forks. 5 actually cuz Bum paid. wink
Burp-
I have $35.00 Freeplay at GVR. It’s jumpin/hoppin’ here. I find a Penny Alfred Hichcock , get many popcorn bonuses I make $50.00 out of my FP—stand up / See a bank of Ultimate X machines—
I’m going there- Bum joins me. We both play 5-play nickels until I get a feeling, switch to 3-play dimes- I have a 3X multiplier on all 3 lines when I hit A/A/A/A/2 for 6,000 credits nudging Bum- He says : It’s that $600.00!?!?
I say: Why, I believe it is.
I think I might be even (Whoo-hoo!) I play some more nickels 10-play- use the TITO down to $488.00 and say I think I’m done.
Pay Bum cash for the cartons he charged (Waiting to see what my CC bill says. I can always write him a check. fair is fair, no?)
We play some single line deuces where the 4 deuces pay 3,000 coins- I wash and cash my TITO—Going to be early but Bum has a fear of being late (so do I)
He parks at the airport walks me to counter. My luggage weighs 48 lbs. Wait at the gate eating red tzwizzlers. I sleep going home; a miracle.
NYC is shockingly freezing, there’s a blanket of snow on the ground.
Brooklyn looks butt-ugly to me. Why do I live here?
I sleep 20 hours once I snuggle the cats and shower—I didn't think my bladder could not go for 20 hours- yay me!...~~~~turn my phone on Monday to 3 Bum messages:
1)Fire @ Bally’s. Evacuate down 22 floors of stairs.
2)R.As attending to elderly Flamingo closed.
3) All back to normal
Wow!/Holy Crap!
Glad we walk a lot- wanted to know more but his phone is off. I’m in process of writing a letter of excellence in the way Bum tells me he was alerted and felt safe at all time. Excellent system fast response- everything you’d want in case of a fire.
Besides, you get more flies with honey, no? My name was on the room. I will always feel safe at Bally’s. I am betting they got tons of folks wanting comped things at another time but no one sees or exclaims how well their fire safety worked. Putting my letter-writing skills to work today.
The day off I had to do errands the weather was like someone was constantly throwing slushies on me- freezing rain/ground slippery. Sucks a$$. Now another snow storm is a'coming... tell me,. why do I live here again?
Your humble reporter,
Noahcat
It’s a start:
Dear Mr. David Hoenemeyer,
I am in process of writing by hand a letter of commendation for all your service personal during the fire of Sunday January 16th. Please know that everything went off in profound perfection and at no time did we feel our safety threatened. Both your Staff and the Las Vegas fire dept. were on the money- thrilling to see them run UP the stairs as we were running down them—VERY well managed. We’ll stay there again with no hesitation. Jennifer at Diamond check in is superb as is Eric Holmes – both friendly, accommodating and profession as I’ve seen.
My letter in writing will by on your desk soon--- as a survivor of 9/11, it was assuring to see things done right.
Sir, your staff did EVERYTHING calmly, correct, with fast updated information and should be acknowledged for their excellence.
Thank you again.
Noahcat
