Dateline Dayton — Last week was the beginning of my annual trip to Las Vegas, with my brother-in-law.

We left Dayton on Wednesday afternoon on the first leg of our trip, which was Dallas.  After arriving and going to the assigned gate, we were told to go to a different gate, next to where we started.

The airline announced a mechanical problem, delaying the flight.  We questioned the truth of the claim since many passengers landed long after our scheduled departure.

Due in Vegas late Wednesday night, we landed early the next morning.  Even after sending an hour in a Las Vegas casino, we were up early on Thursday.

In the past, we have rented a car for a day at the Four Queens with no problem. Not this time. No cars. By 1 o’clock, however, we secured one, which we drove to the Pawn Shop, Rick’s Restoration and Count's Cars.  Rick's now is charging for previously free tours. Count's Cars is free and if you're into cars, it is worthwhile.

On to the Mirage so I could get my $300  Strike and play their Silver Strike machines.  Two hours later, it was supper and our traditional Thursday evening visit to Hooter's. Good, as usual, although the fries were not as hot as they should have been. With the eye candy, we did not have time to think about food.

Friday we went back to the Mirage where luck was scarce.  I was trying to earn Blue Caps for my collection. I was shut out. After turning in the car, at 4 o’clock it was time for our welcome dinner to gain our playing times for Saturday and Sunday.

Would Luck Desert Us?

My brother-in-law Willie played at 9:45 Saturday and my time was 11. We had a good lunch over at the still new Grand Casino, on the old Lady Luck property.

In the afternoon Willie and I had early times, and for supper we just snacked, still full from lunch time.

On Sunday, we passed on lunch because we were having  cake at 2 o’clock, and because that evening we were going to the Heart Attack Grill.

As for our results,  I finished dead last, which I expected after my first two rounds.  There is an advantage to finishing last. If you are out of the money, you receive a gift, a nice duffel bag.  Willie ended up No 73 in a field of 120.  .

Following the awards ceremony, we bussed over to Sam's Town for an hour.  They didn't have any new Strikes in their machine.  The line at the Heart Attack Grill was too long. We settled for Denny’s.

Monday was going home day, and everything was fine until our stop in Dallas. Again.  Upon arrival, we proceeded to gate B-34, where thought our plane was parked. leaving. We should have been at gate D-34. We missed our flight.  Our excuse: Both of us were brain dead. We just kept sitting at the B-34 terminal, never questioning.

Overnighting in Dallas, we were on a flight home on Tuesday morning, which probably was better for my sister because she did have to drive late at night.

Even though we both lost, I always consider myself a winner — if I don't spend all the money I take.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net