Dateline Dayton — Good times to bad!
A week ago Wednesday I left for my annual Vegas trip. This time, as I mentioned last week, I was traveling alone. The first leg of the trip was to Reno, where, after going through the ordeal of getting my rental car, I visited a few casinos in Reno, where I spent the night. Early the next morning I was on my way to Grass Valley, in Northern California, to visit a high school classmate.
Fortunately the weather was very good, so the travel to Grass Valley was without incident. Lots of snow in the mountains. Beautiful scenery. I wish I had stopped along the way and taken pictures. Grass Valley is a community of 12,000, a thriving downtown and no big box stores.
My visit with Dave was great. We enjoyed getting caught up on the events in our lives. Like me, he still works. Dave and his wife own a Mexican restaurant, open six days a week.
I told you I am not a fan of Mexican food. Fortunately, that wasn’t a problem. They only serve meals after 3 in the afternoon. Had breakfast in Grass Valley, prior to our visit, at a restaurant that advertises “here is where the big men eat.” Yeah.
At 2 o’clock it started to rain. They had a catering event at 3, so I started back to Reno. In the mountains, the rain turned to snow that didn’t stick to the road. Since they also use sand on the highway, the car was very dirty upon its return.
Nevada, Here I Am
Again Thursday, I spent the night in Reno. After another hassle returning the car, I left for Vegas. The flight was bumpy, but we made it on time.
After checking in at the Four Queens and putting my luggage in the room, it was time to grab a sandwich for lunch. Since there was a meal at the opening event, which started at 4, McDonald’s was my choice.
Following the great opening meal and getting our assigned times the Silver Strike Club had their business meeting. After the meeting, I took the bus to the Mirage so I could play their Silver Strike Machine. I did very well and met three fellow Strikers, who played the machine next to me. One lady did very, very well on that machine.
Early Saturday morning I was up playing on one of the eight Silver Strike Machines at the Four Queens. I did okay. Next, the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. I’m taking this off my list of thing to do. It is not as exciting as before.
Eleven o’clock was my time for tournament play. I had an outstanding score, higher than my total score for last year. After completing my first round, having breakfast, I visited the Mob Museum, a couple blocks from the Four Queens. It’s an interesting place, well laid out, really worth your time, if you have any interest.
Saturday afternoon at 3 it was time for my second round and it wasn’t nearly as good as the first, but acceptable. After completing that round it was time to go stand (sit) in line for the $300 coin release.
I went back upstairs for a dinner sponsored by the club, followed by our swap meet. I have always felt the swap meet was disorganized and I have never been able to make a trade, although I have purchased a couple items at previous events.
Sunday morning I did get up in time to attend church. After the bus ride back to the hotel, it was almost time for me to play. This time I received my lowest score, but felt I still could have a chance to be in the money.
In the afternoon, the awards ceremony was held. When 21st place went and my name still had not been called, I knew I had won something. Turns out I got 15th place and won the grand sum of $76.
Sunday evening, after having a $20 hamburger, I attended a circus at Caesars Palace. The acts were great, but the seating and Master of Ceremonies were terrible.
Monday my trip home ended on propeller- driven flight from Washington, D.C. Just goes to show, nothing good comes out of the nation’s capitol.
Tuesday I took Pauline out for supper and on the way home I hit a gentleman crossing the street. He ended up with a broken leg and I got cited. What a way to end a good week.
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net