Happy Halloweening in Las Vegas! 2017

Las Vegas
October 23 to Nov 2, 2017

This Vegas trip was fraught with issues before it even began. I live in Windsor,Ontario and always fly out of Detroit which means I must cross the border at the beginning of my trip. Normally my husband drives me to the airport using the tunnel, however this fall it was closed for renovations.  That meant that every single person who was trying to make it across the border on the morning of October 23rd would be on Ambassador Bridge. My husband can't drive to the corner store without cussing someone out, so the idea of being trapped on the bridge listening to my husband swear for hours on end was not very appealing.  I pondered whether there was any way to escape this situation. Many years ago I had tried a Robert Q shuttle bus and while there had been some problems, it still got me to the airport in one piece.  I decided to try them again since their senior rate was only $50. It wasn't a fabulous solution but I figured it was preferable to the scene I was envisioning.

My husband dropped me off at the Holiday Inn which was the Robert Q pick up location. It was 9 am. My plane left at 4:20 pm. It was either be late or be WAY too early. I am always early for everything but this was a bit much, even for me. I had asked to be seated up front due to how awkward I am at climbing in the back of vans and the kind driver obliged. The traffic on the bridge was moving slow but at least it was moving. U.S. Customs was very backed up and all the people on the shuttle had to get off with their luggage and be questioned and inspected. The guard seemed amused at the contents of my suitcase.

"What is this?"
"It is a vibrating heating pad."
"What is this?"
"It is a money boa."
Finally they let us all through and the poor driver had to load all the luggage into the van again.

We were surprised to discover that the highway to the Detroit Metro airport was moving slower than the bridge. We couldn't figure out what the holdup was, but then we saw about ten cop cars up ahead. There was no accident...what were they doing?  As we got close to the scene we saw that they were clustered around a dead body on the side of a hill.
Welcome to Detroit!

That was a first for me. I have never seen a body outside of a mortuary.

The driver was a good fifteen years older than I but he was still going out of his way to help me which I truly appreciated.  He even called ahead to the airport for a wheelchair assist. I did not know that that was possible! There was a young man with a wheelchair waiting for me when I arrived and he transported me to the Southwest desk. I was more than four hours before my flight and apparently they won't check you in that early so I just chilled awhile in my wheelchair.
Once I could check in and made it through security I had a quick breakfast. I was delighted to see four easy chairs with charging ports on the tables next to them at my gate. I stayed there all afternoon until my flight left.

There was a small dog in the seat behind me. I am still not used to seeing animals so frequently in planes, hotels and casinos. I am always concerned for their welfare. He had bad breath but I loved him anyhow. I think his owner had him all doped up...poor thing.

I was bored on the plane because I never succeeded in downloading a movie into my iPad like I usually do. I read a bit, dozed off, then I started playing with my iPad. I did not realize Southwest had free TV!  There were limited stations but it was better than just staring into space. I watched the news and "Love it or List it" until we landed.

On the ground I staggered off to get my luggage. I went out the shuttle door at Baggage Claim and headed for my usual shuttle company. I was dismayed to discover that Showtime Shuttle was out of business (at least at the airport). I have always used them because they had buses not vans and I find vans difficult to get in and out of.  I went with Airline Shuttle instead and they were fine. They told me I could make a request to be transported in a bus so that is good to know for future reference. I was the only one on the bus so the poor driver had to take me downtown all by myself.  I felt kind of silly but what are you going to do? (10.00 plus tip.)

I checked into my first hotel of the trip, The D, in downtown Vegas. When I got to my room I discovered that the toilet was making a weird noise and there was a razor blade on the floor by the bathroom, but I was too pooped to bother switching. It also occurred to me that it is probably not a great idea for someone with as much difficulty walking as I do to be on the 33rd floor. God help me if there is ever a fire alarm, I would not make it down all those stairs! Next time I will ask for a lower floor.

I was eager to get to the slots so I just grabbed a Big Mac for dinner and played Buffalo for an hour or so. When Day One's funds ran out I was off to bed. 

Tuesday October 24th

It is Tuesday morning in Vegas and you all know what that means!  (Or you should if you have been reading my trip reports.)  It is Old People Discount Day at Ross!  I called an Uber to take me to my favorite store. As I was getting in the car some very aggressive dude reached into the driver's side window and began yelling at the driver. The  Uber driver was very upset . He said  " See now...if I had had a knife or gun I might have done something to that guy...reaching in my car that way! That is how people get killed". This driver, who also drives bus, feels that Vegas drivers have gotten worse lately and he blames it on the legalization of pot.

Anyhoo...that was an exciting start to my day.  

As usual I found lots of things to love at Ross but restrained myself and only spent 70 dollars.  Afterwards I went to Peppermill to eat but it was packed at noon so I just took another Uber home.
Lunch was half a bag of popcorn and some whiskey. Breakfast was a Mc D's senior coffee and some suitcase nuts. 

My Ross treasures



After I returned from shopping I was pooped so I napped until three. Revitalized, I freshened up and went over to Binion's because I had forty dollars Freeplay there. And because I love it.  Just when I thought things were going to go poorly they turned around. I got the deuces on Deuces Wild and cashed that out and went to play Lightning Link. I had an awesome run of luck and had lots of fun people around me. At one point I had doubled my daily stake but of course I did not stop playing.  I played at Binion's from 4 pm till 9:30pm. I finally decided I had better pack it in and eat an actual meal...lol. The Motherlode swipe gave me fifteen dollars in food at the cafe and fifty dollars Freeplay!   Yay! Also I finished the day with the same amount of money I started with. If only every day could end this way!



I went to the Binion's cafe and decided to try their fish and chips. I was not a fan of their Wedding soup or their fish. It was too greasy for me but the fries were ok. I am so depressed that they took my favorite thing off of the menu...my beloved club sandwich. I feel so bad for the people that work there. They need more staff at the busy times. They are literally run off of their feet.  



I passed a man on the street with two dogs. It makes me so sad to see that. It is not like the animals have any say in the matter but if they did I am sure they would not choose to be tied to a chair on Fremont Street.
On that depressing note I went back to the D and to sleep. 

Wednesday October 25

I got a late start...just because I was free to do whatever I wanted!

I had not been using housekeeping, but for some unknown reason my toilet overflowed...and no...I did not stuff anything funny down there. That toilet has issues.   I had no choice but to get housekeeping today because I had to use the towels to sop up the water on the floor.   I went to McD's and got a McGriddle and a senior coffee and then went over to the D 's Lighting Links to "earn my keep" as they say.

Unfortunately these ones were not being generous as Binion's had been the night before. They gobbled up most of my funds.  I took what was left and went to the second floor to play Keno. I was playing multi card and won 1600 nickels. Not a big win but still a pleasant surprise.  In honour of Jennifer (iputmylifeonashelf.com) I played Cleopatra Keno for quite a while. I didn't win anything but I did enjoy the surprise bonuses.

I went back up to the room around 1 pm and freshened up and ate a few nuts to hold me till dinner. My plan tonight was to eat my free MyVegas Excalibur buffet and go to the Australian Bee Gees. (Also courtesy of MyVegas) I can remember having some difficulty getting an Uber around dinner time on other trips so I decided to leave for Excalibur around 3 pm.   It is a good thing because by the time I got down there, stood in a long, long line at the MLife desk for my free buffet and then stood in another long line to pick up my show tickets it was almost five o'clock.    I enjoyed my free Ex buffet once again as I had in the Spring.  I did not realize last time that you get free wine with your meal.  I made sure to have a glass this time with my dinner. Everything I ate tonight was very tasty. They had roast turkey and cranberries which I always enjoy and I had a piece of that yummy red velvet cake again.

My Excalibur Buffet

Incredible Red Velvet cake!!!!



I played keno for a bit after dinner to kill time before the show. It is usually the cheapest way to kill some time...other than just people watching. I do that too.

I was thinking of a member of my forum named Pluto when I entered the theater for the Australian Bee Gees show because I remembered that she had remarked on how uncomfortable the seating is.  And she wasn't wrong, it is awful. I got lucky and was in the first chair in my row with no one in front of me. 

This show was so much fun! I wasn't expecting much but I loved it. Of course this is because it was my era. Back when I was clubbing it was at the discos. The slow songs from the Bee Gee's early days made me cry. I don't know what is it with me getting so emotional in shows anymore. 

And another weird aberration....I seriously wanted to pitch myself at the tall cutie playing Barry Gibb. (His real name is Michael Clift) I don't know what the hell is wrong with me! I was never attracted to blonde men, nor did I have a Barry Gibb fixation, but I OMG....I found this guy so appealing.  I managed to restrain myself, even though I was very close to his side of the stage, but I did tell him he was cute after the show!
Who does that? I have lost my mind.....



I had no trouble getting a Uber back home to the D. Thank you MGM properties for your free visitor wifi!!!


Thursday, October 26


Since last fall the arthritis in my hips has not improved sadly.
It is a constant thing...like my smashed up left foot.
I overdid it on my first day last spring's trip and paid for it dearly afterwards. I tried very hard to pace myself on this trip, taking lots of rests.

I brought my vibrating heating pad and Lakota rub.
I have started taking Glucosamine Chondrotin and MSM and it seems to help. I start every day doing the stretches the chiropractor taught me. All of this is helped me manage ok, but it is clear my Vegas trips will never be the same. I can still have a blast but it has to be carefully planned out!

What should I do today?
Maybe I should go to the Bee Gees again just to admire that fella from afar!!  Ha ha ha


When I left the hotel this morning I stopped first at Walgreens to buy some polish remover then I made my way down to the Las Vegas Club....dodging over zealous cream pedlars on every block.  I took a few pictures of the demolition. It truly is an incredible sight...watching that huge machine chomp away at the hotel floors.



I stepped into the new fancy doors at Golden Gate. The TV tower is very impressive, especially because it has sparkly stuff inside it. 
 I discovered I had thirty dollars in Freeplay and fell in love with a new machine called Cash Express. It has all our favorite Aristocrat games but with added bonuses. The minimum bet is one dollar.

The Fast Cash slot!

The girl at the player's club said the reason why something has not been done where Dupars used to be is because the Stevens don't own that. You would think they would considering it is in their hotel. Weird.  

After I tore myself away from that machine I stopped into Binion's to play my freeplay on a VP machine. I did not hit on the Freeplay or on my own money.  I got lots of good hands but no deuces or Royal Flushes. I came back to my room at the D around two and Saul, the new editor of Vegas Bright, texted me to meet him downstairs. Micheal still owns it but Saul is the one doing the editing now.  So it was lovely meet him and chat awhile. Then he was kind enough to let me share his Uber since we are both going to the Strip.

We parted ways at Harrah's.  He left to take some pictures and I went to the Total Rewards desk and got a ticket for the Tenors of Rock for tonight and Circus 1903 for Sunday..



I had a free MyVegas buffet at Mirage so I crossed the street to go have a decent meal. Yummy as always.  Then I came back to Harrah's and found a .30 cent machine that I could play to kill time waiting for the show to start.

My Mirage buffet


Dessert





I have come to the conclusion that I really adore musical shows. I loved this show as well.  I lucked out and got a seat right up front desk to the stage. There was no one near me so I could stretch out. These fellas were incredibly talented! This is another show I would see again.There was some silly drunk Canadian girl making a fool of her self the whole show. 
( not me)

I called an Uber from Harrah's and had no trouble getting home to the D.

Friday, October 27

I got dressed and packed up this morning because I had to move from the D to the Plaza.
Before I left I used some food comps for breakfast at the D Grill.

Once again rolling my new suitcase down to the Plaza was a fairly painless process.  I was able to check in right away at noon.





I got settled in then went downstairs to meet up with Saul again, Whispers from this board and his buddy. I enjoyed chatting with them. I was hoping to sit on the nice couches in the Plaza lobby but all the couches are gone!   The fellas have been taking part in a get together called Oceans 14 xl or something like that.

They left to go to Pizza Rock and I was considering going with a board member and her mom out to Jerry's Nugget but it did not work out.

So I went downstairs and played VP at the Plaza but sadly I did not hit any good hands.  I gave up about five and came upstairs for a rest.  I was telling myself that I was tired and should just stay in for the night...but I did need some dinner and I had food comps in lots of places.  So even though I had spent my daily bankroll I took a bit more and went to have dinner at Magnolia's for free and it was my intention to run into the Oceans gang if I could find them.
So I was trying to low play slowly at the Four Queens while I waited for the fellas to show up.  I was playing one of those old triple diamond machines and incredibly I hit triple triple sevens for 1800 quarters!!!!!
I was really happy I decided to leave the room!
After my hit I had lots of fun running around trying new machines.



I never did see the Oceans gang..maybe their plans changed?
I came home to bed around 11 pm. 

Saturday Oct 28

Another fabulous Vegas day was ahead of me!
It was sunny and warm so I decided to go for a swim in the lovely warm Plaza pool.
I enjoyed it very much...but would have enjoyed it even more minus the children.
Nothing like kids cannon-balling on your head to spoil a peaceful afternoon.
I could only take the sun for an hour or so without frying. I packed an empty can of suntan lotion.
Not helpful.



I got cleaned up and went for breakfast/lunch at the Brightside Cafe. I had something called a French Toast panini for ten dollars. OMG....so yummy. Three slices of French toast with cream cheese in between and fresh strawberries on top. And syrup of course. Syrup makes everything better!

Then I played VP at the Plaza but could not hit any of the premium hands.

I took a rest from 5 to 7pm and then went to the Scintas show.
The difference between seeing them at the D and the Plaza was like night and day. The sound quality in the Plaza showroom is so much better.  I was front row....and it wasn't too loud. I was particularly happy that I saw this show because it was probably Joey and Frankie's last show together. Joey took ill a week later and died shortly thereafter. They were a great team and he will be sorely missed.



Jonathan (the CEO) came over and chatted with me before the show and so did Gary Vickery, another manager and host.

I was thinking I would just go to bed after the show...but Frankie Scinta said he would be  at Oscar's Lounge so I wanted to go tell him how much I enjoyed his show.  I bought a real drink (A Rusty Nail, my favorite!) while I waited to speak with him. After that Gary had reminded me that there was supposed to be a party under the Dome outside...but by the time I got out there around 10 pm it was pretty much over.

I walked through the casino and the amazing Wonder Boogie were playing so I had to stop and listen to a set.


 
Somehow the rest of my money found its way into a Lighting Link after that.

Dinner was a Big Mac at midnight!!!!!
Yes I am a "fancy eater"!  Not! LOL

Sunday October 29

I woke up at 8 but just rolled around in bed watching horror movies till 10 am. Showered and got ready and walked down to Binion's at noon because I have lots of food comps there.
I was dismayed to see that my favorite club sandwich was off the menu. Someone had mentioned it but I was praying it wasn't true. I chose a Gambler' s special breakfast.

It was good but it is no club sandwich!!!

I am so sad to lose my sandwich. I could buy one of those...eat half at lunch and the other half at night....it was that big.  Two meals for ten bucks!



I witnessed a group ignoring the hostess and just barging in and seating themselves. I couldn't hear exactly what was said I got the definite impression that you don't mess with that "seating lady".

I wandered back to that Triple Diamond machine at the 4 Qs and tossed a twenty in it to see if if wanted to give me more money. It didn't....but it did let me play for an hour on that twenty so that was nice.

I came back to the Plaza...took yet another rest ( I apologize for taking so many rests!!) ....then called an Uber pool around three to go down to Paris to see the Circus 1903 show. I had lots of time to kill. I sat down at a Britney slot and she was quite generous at first but then she turned mean.

I stopped at 6 and was thinking I would have to grab some dinner after the show. Duh......once again I was forgetting that I am Diamond and the Diamond lounge was right behind me and I could go there for a quick bite.  I walked in and the lounge was packed. I witnessed several instances of people being rude...just walking past the desk and claiming that they had friends inside when they didn't etc.
My show started at 7 so I didn't have much time. I had to wait about 15 mins but finally got a nice quiet table in a corner and got a margarita and some delicious chicken wings.  I get annoyed at people who abuse the Diamond lounge...sit there for hours while there are people lined up at the door. Very inconsiderate.

Then it was time for the show. This was just like its name...it is a depiction of a 1903 circus. There are jugglers, acrobats, tightrope walkers etc.  They are very talented people...but I was bored to tears.
The best part was the puppet elephants and when the ringmaster brought four children on the stage.

The theater was three quarters empty.  I don't think this will last long.
Seriously I would have bolted after about ten minutes but I had people to crawl over and I don't want to disturb them. Also I feel guilty about doing that because I didn't give the show enough of a chance to interest me.  At least I watched the whole thing. It is fine as a kids show. In this day and age this show just doesn't have the content to wow people....in my opinion.  But don't listen to me...I hated Zumanity and others like it. What do I know..lol.

This is not a show I would see again. 
(As it turns out this was canceled a week after this)


I "Uber pooled" back to the Plaza. I tried the Uber pool for this first time this week. I have used it three times now. Two times I was alone. Last night there was another nice lady in the car with me.  I like it and it is cheaper.

I STILL have the issue that the ride share won't accept PayPal as a payment option from me. I have given up trying to resolve it. The ride shares blame PayPal, and PayPal blames them.

I also still have issues with getting the PIN in the right place.  I was told that the ride share pick up was the Paris north entrance so that is where I was. Apparently I had the pin at the front entrance...so the driver went there and attempted to call but I had my phone turned off because of the show. MY bad.  Anyhow.....why would I go to the place where they are NOT ALLOWED to pick up????   Anyhow they charged me a cancelation fee and I contested it and they gave me Uber credit to use at another time.

Meet day tomorrow!!!!!!

The Plaza staff sent me some cinnamon bagel cookies.
They were in my room when I got back.
Awwwww.....


Monday October 30

Monday was another low key day.
I did not leave the room until 11 am to grab some food and coffee.
Played nickel VP at the Plaza for about two hours then went upstairs to do my makeup.

I was the only one in makeup



The Simpatico room at the Plaza turned out just perfect for the meet...beautiful and quiet.
Jonathan (the Plaza CEO)  came to check on us twice to make sure we were happy.

The guests....

Me
Eva and Wolfgang
Shelby Mustang Guy
Gary
Pebbles
Tee
Whispers
Kiddo and friend
Otto and Ian
Dan and Mammacat
Elbee and hubby
Craig
BB King
Durham
Vice and his wife

As usual we did not manage to get everyone in this picture.




Other shots...









It was a good time...I think everyone loved the room. It was dark in there so the pictures aren't very good.

After the meet broke up a group of us went over to Pizza Rock.
It was good but Holy Hannah, we had to wait a long time for food!!!
Everyone ordered pizza but me. I got macaroni and cheese. It was delicious but enough to feed a crowd!




I was really happy with every aspect of the meet. You could not ask for a better location. The room was quiet and beautiful. The servers were attentive. It was awesome.
By the way...who was it who asked them to turn the lights down?  All of a sudden it got very dark and I went to ask the staff to turn the lights back up and they said SHE asked them to turn them down.  I had no idea who that "SHE" was???

Many thanks to Jonathan for his hospitality and he said we could have the room again next year if we need it!  How generous is he?

Thank you to everyone who bought me a drink last night!  Kiddo, BB, Tee and Otto!  I was feeling no pain by the end of the evening!

I realize that some people who frequent forums consider themselves socially awkward and I appreciate the effort it takes to get up the courage to meet a new crowd of people. Good for you and thank you for doing that!

I got a little nervous when I saw Wolfgang come in with bags and announce his intention to decorate the room but apparently he has quite a sense of humour and was just pulling my leg. Whew!
Eva and he had a bag full of goodies for people. Thanks guys!

I am sorry Durham...I don't think I got to say goodbye to you.

 We walked from the Plaza to Pizza Rock. I think half of us are crippled one way or another but we made it.  I didn't want ice cream after dinner and the others did so as I made by way home alone I noticed some people looking at me strangely. I forgot my face was painted!  I washed my face and went back to the casino with my last few dollars. I had a small hit on Buffalo but I did not last long. 



Tuesday, Halloween, October 31
Another slow start to my day. Did not leave the room till noon.
Again breakfast/lunch at McDonalds...even though I have a million dollars in free food down at Binions.  Played Keno at the Plaza for a few hours...won nothing.
I was surprised when GarysGirl from this board appeared and we had a lovely conversation. I had met her at another meet but it had been many years since we had seen each other so it was great to get reacquainted.

I went up to Michelle's suite for the ELV get together.  (a Vegas Facebook group) She had two rooms but boy, that place was HOT and packed. I wound my way through the crowd saying hi to the folks I knew.  I managed to park my butt on the a/c unit windowsill thingie so that I could sit and be cool.  A tall man came over to say hello and it turned out that he is the author of the "Vegas Hotel Confidential" blog. We had a nice long chat about everything Vegasy. He thanked me for sharing his blog. He said my forum was bringing him lots of traffic.  He is a super nice guy so keep reading him! 
I met a number of people who knew me.  It is always encouraging to run into people who say, "I read your stuff all the time"!  I just love it.

Kiddo was there dressed as Smurfette and she won a prize for best costume, I believe. She gave me a Vegas calendar because I always want one and forget to buy one when I am here. (and I would have again) Thank you Kiddo!!

I left the party around sixish because it was supposed to move down to Whiskey Licker at Binion's.  I walked down with Mr Vegas Hotel Confidential.
Once down there I propped myself up on a railing and stood there for about an hour. I love chatting with everybody but I was dying in pain.  I came into Binion's to sit down and play for awhile.

After I lost my money...sob...Lightning Links was mean today ......I went to the Deli to see if they have club sandwiches but they don't.  So I ordered a Binion's burger and a root beer float paid for with another Motherlode coupon.



I am disappointed in myself this Halloween!  My intention was to stay on Fremont taking pictures for Vegas Bright....but I was just in too much pain from my hip so I had to give up on that idea.
Just could not swing it this year...
I was back in my room by 9 pm.

I had even fluffed my money boa....and had planned to come back to my room to get it after Michelle's get together but I forgot.  Duh!

I really was there...





Wednesday November 1 

I had a very pleasurable last day in Vegas.

I found a new machine I like.





Since it was a new month I had a few dribs and drabs of Freeplay to use.
I went down to the D and got quite a bit of play out of my Freeplay down there.
Then I was met for lunch by the inimitable Scott Roeben of Vital Vegas and Fremont Street Experience fame.
We ate at the D grill. His brisket was good...my Southwest chicken salad was not.
The chicken was dry and the dressing was icky. I only ate about a third of it.
However the food was secondary to the conversation. I learn so much just listening to him.

Scott's food



Mine







After lunch we parted ways...he to go back to work and me to continue on the Freeplay mission.
After the D I went to Binions and was dismayed to see that they moved the VP machine I have been playing for years.....I was playing it two days ago so it must have been recently.
Once again I never wrote down the number. The waitress showed me where they put it so I tried to locate the right one. I played it and it was fairly cooperative. When I was done with my Freeplay I played my own last day money in Lightning Link again. Again they were not hitting the way they were before. When I was finished I checked the Motherlode thing and I won $5 $25 and $50 in Freeplay!    So I had another 80 bucks to play with.

I decided to go to the cafe first because by now it was five and that little bit of salad was a long way down.  I tried a turkey, provolone and avocado sandwich . It was ok but I wouldn't order it again.



After eating I finished off my Freeplay. I had a strange man sitting next to me at Lightning Links. He kept saying "BAM ME!!" all during the bonus. He even made the dolphin noise. And when he wasn't properly BAMMED he would curse up a storm.  In the interest of camaraderie he started cursing at my machine too every time it did not perform well.  I really could have lived without this.

They are doing something in the middle of Fremont to the cement and it SPARKLES!

My trip home was uneventful.
Thank you to everyone who came to the meet. I love meeting you all!
It is crazy how you can talk to people for years on these forums and never meet face to face.

I am now pining for my next Vegas trip, but I am not sure when that will be.
Thanks for reading!