I haven’t forgotten the promise to give you my solution to the Christmas game in my last blog. But I was surprised that I received so many “guesses” and they’re still coming in, many many different takes. So I’ll compile them and report in my next blog.
In the meantime, a new year always inspires reflection and never more so than the passing of 2020 into 2021. Here is one I penned (typed?) for one of the many “projects” here in our senior community.
2020 – The Year Hugging Disappeared
There are a lot of things I have missed during this COVID-19 pandemic:
- Big family reunions
- Sit-down meal choices in restaurants all over town
- The ability to see people’s faces to see if they’re smiling at me
- Being able to see my regular doctor in person when I need him/her to diagnose why I’m sick
- Visits to a friend’s home
- Trying on clothes in a store
- Feeling safe to fly to a vacation destination
- Going to a salon and getting my hair and nails done
But most of all, I missed hugs:
- When meeting an old friend
- When introduced to a new friend-to-be
- When someone does something nice for me
- When seeing a long-absent relative
- But most of all, when my three little great-grandchildren were warned that they couldn’t rush in and give me even their usual tight-squeeze “leg hugs.”
But I’m cautiously optimistic for 2021 — although not so much on the gambling front. Anthony Curtis, in a recent QOD, quoted a Station executive as saying, when refusing to no longer be part of the LVA’s Member Rewards program, they’re “not giving anything away anymore.” And players are reporting from all over, but especially in Vegas, that promotions and customer benefits are being drastically cut. It’s hard to understand this phenomenon. Most of us had thought that the casinos would up the benefits to lure customers back when the pandemic restrictions were lessened.
Maybe in 2022?
There is one positive note for gamblers, although it’s accompanied by a big IF. The American Gaming Association, the lobbying group for casinos and gambling in general, is optimistic about the prospect of the IRS raising the threshold for slot payouts, saying that it is “better than ever.” You can read about it here. However, I tell you that I’m not putting any money down on this maybe proposition. I would never bet on any IRS issue!
I do plan to stay hopeful about life in the future. Here is another short submission I wrote for the Legacy Reserve, our senior home, to be put in a buried time capsule.
End of 2020 – Start of 2021
Not enough negative adjectives in the English language to describe 2020: so much deadly racial violence, so much political nastiness, so much loneliness while trying to avoid the suffering and death from COVID-19.
But I am a little more optimistic for 2021. The COVID vaccine should bring down the hospitalizations and death toll and I am encouraging everyone with whom I come in contact to trust the scientists and get the vaccine as soon as it is available to them. And until the pandemic is truly over, I will continue to take the advice of health authorities and follow their recommendations, including wearing a mask to protect myself and others.
I am cautiously hopeful for 2021. Hope that new government leadership will be able to bring ALL Americans a little closer together, no matter the differences in ethnic or racial backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, cultural mores – and yes, even political views.
I want to do better myself in being more tolerant and showing more love. The spreading of more human love may be the biggest need to make 2021 better than 2020.
Hooray for Jean!!!!!…..You are still with us….sending us good thoughts…and much happiness….Keep up the good work……We all love you….and Brad…..We will keep you in our prayers……Love to you both….VA
Hi Jean
I enjoyed your hopeful time capsule message, words we all need to hear at this time.
Thanks
Duke
Hi, Jean.
Just heard from a LV local friend that Harrahs in Laughlin has downgraded their VP yet again. She said that 7/5 BP TP is now the best that she found.
Meanwhile, I have been getting amazing offers from Harrahs Laughlin for months now. Unfortunately, I live in PA, so I can’t take advantage of any of them. {{{sigh}}
What really stinks is that I usually spend Jan-March in Las Vegas. Had this been a normal year, I could have easily taken advantage. Oh, well…..
I’ve gotten the first dose of the vaccine and am schedule for #2 on 2/1. Hoping to travel again after that, but probably not to LV until summer.
Take care and stay safe.
Kevin, I think we basically agree but I view the resort fees as a way to keep some of the revenue out of the hands of Expedia and the other online reservation platforms that charge a percentage of the booking. I just find it a little annoying that they aren’t too forthcoming with the information, and you have to go looking for it. Most anyone on LVA should know that it is going to be a factor. I know that my $59 room is really going to cost me $99 a night after the fee and take that into consideration on comparing a resort to any other resort. Certainly the fees are ridiculous for what they claim that it ‘buys’ you but it is just part of the Vegas travel game. I consider any parking fees also when booking a room as part of the cost or a reason to go elsewhere.
It’s hard to imagine that they can keep up with the $25 minimum 6/5 tables as you mention. It just isn’t as much fun when the money disappears so quickly and they push away a lot of new customers that will be intimidated by the limits. The hordes coming in will eventually realize that a weekend in Vegas keeps getting more and more expensive, or simply run out of money to blow or max out their credit card. I am hopeful that some balance will return as well, we will see in the next year or two I guess.
Las Vegas as a desirable vacation destination had been circling the drain for quite some time when the pandemic hit. I find it baffling that they have tightened up everything rather than doing the opposite to attract business. I have some hope that their business won’t recover in 2021 and they’ll be FORCED to offer bargains. But all indications are that there’s tremendous pent-up demand, so when everyone feels it’s safe, the lemmings will clog I-15 and the airport to pay insane resort fees and play $25 minimum 6:5 blackjack.
I’d like to think that 2020 was an object lesson for the country and we’re all going to be more civil and the forces of evil have been beaten back. If only! I doubt we’ve learned anything at all. This country is still full of bigotry, racism, and hate, and political extremism is now normal–as in, not extreme at all. Will this get better eventually? Maybe–but not in my lifetime.
My new casino-based vacation destination will be Reno/Tahoe, where the prices and the gambling are still pretty good. Plus, a summer day in Tahoe counts triple on the Life Meter 🙂 For five decades, whenever I’ve wanted to get away from the world, I’ve headed for the mountains. And I fear that in 2021, this world will still be one I want to get away from.
Well-stated Jean. *As a writer, blogger, and former teacher – good summary and words as always. For others who may see my response, I recommend being more patient (if visiting your fav casino)- be flexible (with dining options, check in processes, etc- if staying at one of the hotels). Promotions- Try to keep in perspective in larger picture and enjoy whatever is offered (NOW) or whenever you visit! I still find joy in my (fewer) visits- both locally and in NV (when I can). *For example, I like to sometimes stay in Laughlin, which recently as a few years ago, began ‘charging’ minimal hotel/resort fees, even for basic club level members receiving ‘free stay/rooms’. So now it ‘costs’ me $8-18 per night, depending which offer I use, but I still consider this pretty reasonable as a ‘vacation’ (recreational budget). Times have changed. Adapting is necessary. (no more buffets!). There is still a regular ‘senior’ minimal play/promo I can do every Monday, if I want to (local Tribal resort). Hoping for a brighter tomorrow…Thanks for posting Jean. A better 2021 and beyond for everyone…
Jean,
As usual you find the right words for the situation.thanks for your encouragement
Smiles,
Brenda