Celebrities, Storms and Blackjack, lots of Blackjack 04/29 -05/04

When: 04/29/-05/04

Where: Main Street Station

Who, ME BJL (57) and my husband Paul (60)

Pre Trip:

After 2 bad vacations, in 2016 – Carnival Cruise and 2017 – St Thomas/Puerto Rico (thanks Hurricane Irma) we decided to go back to Vegas this year. While in St Thomas my sister and her husband had expressed an interest in going so in Jan. I contacted them about possible dates. Sis said the 1st week of May would be good as that is their anniversary and they already had that week off. Cool that works for us, so I start looking up air fare and hotel rates. I found Southwest was on sale Aus to LAS for 112.00 each way and on the last day of the sale I booked our flights. Texted Sis to let her know we were set and she tells me they can’t go. They bought a new house in December and the old one hasn’t sold yet. Oh well looks like we’re on our own. Two weeks after the sale I was checking on flights for a friend of mine and noticed that our flights were now 88.00 each way. Call SW and get a credit for each of us. Nice start to the vacation. Booked our stay at MSS at a decent rate then found out they offer a 10% Veteran’s Discount. Okay, call, rebook at the lower rate, verify that I will have a Smoking, Low King Bed, Roll in shower and ask about a safe in the room, and I was told all rooms have safes.
Next I started booking our shows:

Cher was #1 on the list. I have wanted to see her since I was 12. Bought tickets to her concert in Austin in 2015 but it got cancelled due to her illness. Figured at her age it was now or never.

Raiding the Rock Vault was a decent price on Travel Zoo ($38.00 each) so even though we’ve seen them a couple of times before we knew we’d enjoy them again.

Menopause the Musical was on eBay for cheap and it had pretty good review so figured why not; got a pair of tickets for 13.99 with shipping.

I used My Vegas points to get tickets to Secret Garden @ Mirage, BoGo Breakfast/Lunch Buffet at Mirage and 50.00 off Steak House at Excalibur.

I lived vicariously through VMB for the next month or so until it was time for our trip. Thanks for all the trip reports and encouragement when the waiting was too much.

All reservations made, bags are packed, itinerary planned, we have our Bank roll and we are ready to go. Went to bed at 10:30 pm as we are getting up at 4am for our 6:50 Flight!

Sunday April 29th

Nope make that wake up at 1:45 am, but let the hubby sleep. Ok everything is loaded and we are off to the airport at 5 am as planned. We are pre checked through security but 4 ice cubes have melted in my water bottle and must be dumped out. Hubby offers to drink it but nope it must be dumped out! He is escorted outside to dump the liquid (it’s less than 3.25 oz but no matter) however they didn’t tell him he had to go through the line again and raised a stink when he walked back over to join me. Finally we get to the gate and get the scooter tagged for gate check, get our pre board passes and get in line just as they start calling to board the plane. Well about 6 people get on and they stop boarding. Uh oh this is not good. Sure enough they announce that there will be a delay in the flight as there is a mechanical issue that has to be fixed before we board. About 20 minutes later they announce that the issue, an engine fire warning light is not functioning correctly and they will keep us informed. Another 10 minutes and “Sorry Folks – this plane is dead” The people who had already boarded were now coming off the plane. It didn’t take long and they announced that there was a plane on the tarmac that was being pulled up and we would not have to wait long. Total delay was about 45 minutes. About 2.15 hrs later we are in Vegas!

Go to baggage to get our bags and they have 3 flights unloading on the same carousel so we head out for a smoke and bathroom break. Finally see our bags on the carousel but no walker. We wait and wait, still nothing, so after about 15 minutes we ask an employee and are told it would be with oversize baggage. It would have been nice if someone had let us know that is where it would be beforehand. Over to Alamo Car Rental, there is a line but a nice attendant signals for me to avoid the ropes and escorts me to a different register. The new lady takes my paperwork and says that I can go straight to my car as we are already checked in. Cool! We get to the lot and there are no Camry’s available. Ok now it’s find the best fit time. I can’t even get in the first 2 cars we tried and then I remember that our last trip we had a Nissan Altima so I spot a pretty red one , give it a try and Bingo ! we are headed to MSS. It’s a tradition to drive up the strip and so hubby heads to Las Vegas Blvd. Hardly any traffic and we both notice lots of changes on the Strip. Some good, some not so good.

Get to the hotel, and although we can check in, our room is not ready which is not unexpected this early in the day. We leave the bags with the bell desk and head over to eat. The MSS Champagne Brunch is okay - $30.29 for 2. Mimosas are too bitter to drink and most of the food is cold. Waffles and pancakes won’t melt the chilled butter; even pouring the warm syrup over them doesn’t help. But the omelet is good and we have a decent breakfast.

Check back at the desk, room still not ready so we head over to the Cal to check out the remodel. Looks nice! We want to kill some time so it’s over to the D so I can check out the vintage machines on the second floor. I thought there were some of the old coin drop machines but if they have any I can’t find them. Oh well lets head out, Wait! There’s a $1.00 wild cherry slot, 2 coin max bet, no it’s not coin in but I’ll play any way (I HATE TITO machines) $40.00 in and a few spins later $200.00 OUT! Cash out and head back down Fremont St. Stop and buy some souvenirs as requested. Son’s GF wants an over sized coffee cup, I find a flask on sale and I need a lighter. Cool, Shopping is DONE! Paul is happy as he hates shopping !

We walk back to MSS and checking at the desk, the room is ready even though they didn’t call like they said they would. We are in #1124, NON Smoking, bed comes up to my hips so guess it’s a good thing I packed my travel stool at the last minute or I wouldn’t be able to even get into the bed, and there is no Safe. What? Calling the front desk we are told the “accessible rooms’ don’t have built in closets for safety reasons(??? I’m confused) and there are no safes in the tiny wardrobes. This room is not what I reserved or expected and is a major bummer but after speaking with the desk, there is nowhere else they can move us. I’m told to speak to the Hotel Manager but he’s not in. I’m not wasting my time in Vegas waiting on a manager that no one knows when will be on property. So we head back to the room, get unpacked, have to get someone to adjust the shower stool, and get more hangers , the wardrobe is tiny but we get everything taken care of. We’re off to Sam’s Town so I can play my favorite slot machine $1.00 Triple Play, which is harder and harder to find.


We get there and someone is on the machine. We go check out the Mystic Falls Park,





then head back to the machine. Still occupied so we play some BJ. We both buy in for $50.00 and about an hour later I cash out with $80.00 and 1 BJ which was a push and Paul cashes out with $35.00. Check on my machine and still occupied. Damn! Wait, he’s leaving so I pull up and put my $$ in. I have $150.00 reserved for this machine. And the machine kept ALL of it. No decent wins at all.
Time to go. We head over to Wal-Mart to get a battery for my watch which died in the airport this morning, DP and water for the room. Well I got the battery but they only have 1 liter bottles of DP and 1 liter cases of water. Stop at Walgreens, no luck so pull into a 7-11. Yea! Water and DP! Back to MSS.

It’s dinner time and we had planned to eat at Tony Roma’s for the prime rib special but we missed it by about 15 minutes and don’t want to wait another couple of hours for the Surf and Turf Special so we decide to eat at 777. Paul had the Philly Cheese Steak and I had the grilled Chicken sandwich. Food was good. Even though we’re both getting tired having been up since the wee hours of morning, neither one of us is ready to call it a night yet. Blackjack it is. Buy in for 100.00 each, cash out about 2 hours later me: $143.00, 8 BJ’s, Paul $74.00 (down $26.00) with 7 BJ’s

Daily Totals
BJL Paul
+10 Slots no play
+73.00 BJ -71.00 BJ
8 Black Jacks 10 Black Jacks

Monday, April 30th

I wake up WAAAAY too early but the bed is hard as a rock and my back is screaming no so I get up and read for a while, then crawl back in the bed and try to catch a bit more sleep. Nope not happening, so I start my day, by the time I’m out of the shower, Paul is up and moving about. Head over to Magnolia’s for breakfast as I have a bogo coupon. Breakfast is great as usual but the coupon is a bust. It’s only good for the “Queen” breakfast. I had the Court and Paul had the King breakfast. $33.82 plus tip.





We walk down Fremont to check out the Container Park and Elco.

The upgrades to Elco look wonderful. Doesn’t look anything like it did when I first saw it in 2015. Oh and what do my wondering eyes find? My favorite machine that actually uses coin! MUST PLAY!!!

I put $60.00 in and cash out for $100.00. I’m a giddy as a kid at Christmas.


Now it’s over to play some BJ. Buy in for $100.00 each. Play for about 1.5 hrs and cash out. Me $145.00 and Paul at$209.00 Nice come back from last night! I can’t resist playing my slots again so in goes another 20.00 and I have a nice little run, cashing out each win and scooping half of it into a cup until all the coins in the tray are gone. Cash in for $80.00.


Walk back down to Plaza and like the new carpet. Don’t like that they have more of the alternate blackjack tables and fewer regular games but there is a low boy table that is open so we sit for a bit. After about an hour it is obvious that the cards are going sour so we cash out. Me $140.00 3 BJ’s and Paul $102 with 1 BJ.

Tonight we have vouchers for Raiding the Rock Vault that have to be exchanged at the box office for tickets. We decide to do the exchange and then go eat dinner so that we don’t have to sit around and wait for the show. We get in line and there are 2 people in front of me. We wait and wait and wait. Don’t know what the issue was at the window but it took forever. However waiting paid off. As we were standing in line, Paul pointed out 2 guys in the distance that he thought were Kid Rock Impersonators. Nope, it’s Kid Rock and Brett Michaels for real. They had walked out of sight while we were talking about this and then they are back. Paul asked if they would take photos and sure enough they would. My 1st Celebrity Vegas Photos!




By this time they have opened a 2nd window at the box office and it’s my turn. No issues with the exchange and we head out to Batista’s for dinner. I don’t know why it gets put down so much as we have always found the food and service good. We weren’t disappointed this time either $73.00 including tip . Back to Hard Rock and Raiding the Rock Vault.


. Show has been revamped to fit the smaller space and is not as campy as it was a few years ago but it still ROCKS! These guys rock their butts off and we enjoy the music.




Head back to MSS and realize that we have time to play some more BJ before heading up to bed. Buy in $100.00 each play for about an hour and decide that it’s time to leave as the cards have turned brutal. Cash out Me $40.00 w/ 3 BJ, Paul $6.00 with 8BJ.
Today’s Total: BJL Paul
Slots +100.00 No play
Blackjack +25.00 + 17.00
Blackjacks 19 19

Tuesday May 1

Woke up early again today and this time to overcast skies. So much for heading to the pool. Our plans today are to visit the Mirage, use our BOGO My Vegas Buffet and explore the Secret Garden. Self parking sucks and it is now raining. By the time we find a parking spot the rain has stopped and we find our way inside. First stop is the MLife desk to get Paul a player’s card.

We took this one just to prove it rained in Vegas.




As he is a Veteran we brought a copy of his DD214 and get him upgraded to Pearl status for the free self parking, then they link my card to his so that either card will work. We weren’t too thrilled with the Buffet, it was only a bit after 10:00 but what was left out for the breakfast food was dry and cold.


Going back for another plate as I didn’t enjoy anything on the 1st one all of the breakfast food was gone. Okay Prime rib for breakfast it is.
This was a bit better but I’m glad we had the Bogo ($25.97 total for 2) , or it would have been overpriced for what we ate. We didn’t leave a tip because no one served us except to show us which table to sit at. All of the beverages are now self serve.

Head outside to the Secret Garden because I had My Vegas tickets for 2. It was cute and I guess it would be something to waste about an hour if you had bored kids but I wouldn’t pay to see it.


Paul almost got hit by a ball that a dolphin was playing with but mostly they just swim from pool to pool.










There weren’t many of the big cats out and all, but 1 of them, were asleep. Took a few photos and headed insideLooked for a .50 triple wild cherry slot that I had won on previously but it was nowhere to be found. Found a .25 Wild cherry and slid $20.00 in but it wasn’t paying much so cash out my ticket and found the $1.00 Wild Cherry. Should have stuck to the .25 machine as this one sucked my money down faster than the .25 one. Next we went to Bellagio to check out the conservatory and take some pictures. Very pretty as usual.







Again Self parking sucks but at least with Pearl it’s free.

On the way back downtown we stopped by ReLeaf at Sahara and Paradise because they have coupons and purchased a disposable Vape pen. The young man who waited on us was very patient as I made up my mind what to purchase. I decided to get the vape as I didn’t want to take any risk smoking in the room. I opened the pen in the car and took a couple of small drags just to see how it affected me. Nothing, hope I haven’t just wasted my money (I didn’t but that comes later)
Get back to MSS, valet the car and head over to Plaza for some BJ. Well that was one of the worst sessions ever. Buy in for 100.00 each and 2 shoes later we cash out, well I cashed out for $15.00 and Paul was at 0 and neither one of us got any BJ’s. Our plan is to eat at Mickey Finn’s for dinner but it’s too early to eat. I had seen a drink online called a Horny Monkey and just had to try it. I don’t usually pay $16.00 for a drink but they have special 2 / 1 burgers on Tuesdays so it should work out. Because it is too early to eat and it’s cold out and raining off and on we check out the Golden Gate – again another upgrade that looks super nice and then head over to the Fremont for some BJ. We bought in for $100 each, played for about 1.5 hrs then cashed out , me $113.00 3 BJ’s and Paul @ 75.00 with 0 BJ’s. We are starting to get hungry so on down to Hennesey’s/Micky Finns . The burgers were good. I had ordered mine medium and the 1st one they brought out was charred so I asked for a replacement and it was perfect. The Horny Monkey was better than expected and I got to keep the glass. It’s served in coconut carved to look like a monkey face.



$43.97 with tip for 2 burgers with a BOGO, fries, 1 Guinness and 1 Horny Monkey sounds a bit high to me but it’s Vegas so what are you going to do. Heading back to Plaza it’s cold so we stop at the discount place in Binions so I can pick up a cheap hoodie. Yea, they have one in my size! so for 15.00 plus tax, I get warmer.

At the Plaza we again buy in for $100.00 each and this time we both lost the 1st 8 hands. On the 9th hand we both won and hands were up and down for a bit but just couldn’t really pull ahead. After about an hour or so we cashed out , Me $147 1 BJ, Paul $36.00 1 BJ



Headed back to Main Street, found a table that had 2 open seats and we each bought in for 100.00 The cards were horrible. If one of us go 19-20 the dealer would pull 3-4 cards for 21. The dealers were quite as were the other players at the table. There was just no energy at the table. Paul cashed out a few hands before I did with $35.00. I was down to $70.00 when I noticed a spot had opened up at the next table. It was full of energy and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I had Paul help me change tables and bought in with my $70.00 was greeted warmly from the table. There was a guy in 1st chair named AJ and a very sweet lady in 2nd who left a few shoes after after I joined the table. I’m holding my own at the table and starting to win a little when last chair opens up. Paul decides he’s going to join in, buys in for $100 plus the 35 he left the 1st table with. AJ makes a comment to him about being the table anchor. Paul responds that he’s going to do his best but he isn’t sure how that will work out with the luck he’s been having this trip and lets them know that he is “Murphy’s Bitch (as in Murphy’s law).

And this is where the fun begins. There is lots of verbal byplay between all of the players. Everyone was rooting for everyone else at the table. We all cheered for good hands and wins and groaned on beats. The Dealer (S)was joining right in. When she left for break there was over $500.00 in tips stacked up. Our new dealer (M) was right there with us too. AJ was drinking double shots of Whisky and was winning A LOT. Paul says in 40 years of playing he’s never actually seen someone have a winning streak like AJ was having. While M was dealing, AJ would ask her how much to tip and how much to bet. (he was having a bit of an alcohol induced problem keeping his chips stacked, knocking them over nearly every time he went to make a bet). AJ knocked some black chips onto the floor and they could only find one of them. He said that he was sure there were two on the floor but whoever found the other one could have it. We never saw him loose a double down or spit and he was getting lots of those kinds of hands. He was betting between $25.00 and $50.00 on dealer tips and would double those as well. Made my $1.00 dealer tips seem puny at best. Several times during the game he would add a green chip to my bet telling me that if It won, the win was mine to keep, just return his original green chip and if it lost not to worry about it. He did this often enough that I looked over at Paul and commented that I thought I had just found a Sugar Daddy. At one point he asked M what to bet and she said $125.00 so he put out $125.00 as her tip. She meant he was to play 125.00 on his hand but he played 3 or 4 hundred on that hand, had to double and WON AGAIN! This is the kind of table we live for. The lights went out 3 or 4 times while we were sitting at the table due to the storms that night but once the ambient lighting returned the game resumed. It was strange watching all of the slot machines rebooting at once. M’s time at the table was soon over and they had to bring her a rack to count the tips. She had over $1100.00 (mostly from AJ). S came back to deal and the 1st 3 hands AJ put a dealer bet out for her he lost so he let her know he would not be betting for her any more(he would still tip her after he won just wouldn’t bet for her) We played for a good while and slowly my stack is increasing as is Paul’s but it’s getting late and I’ve had too many early mornings so we cash out. Me @285.00 with 7 BJ’s and Paul @ 170.00 with 6 BJ’s. As I was backing my scooter out, there under the table was the elusive Black Chip. I pointed it out to Paul and he picked it up and we returned it to AJ and thanked him for an awesome night.
Today’s Total: BJL Paul
Slots -20.00 No Play
Blackjack +160.00 -219.00
Blackjacks 11.00 9

 

Wednesday May 2

Another early morning wake up – damn why can’t I sleep. These late nights and early mornings are getting to me. Get ready for the day and down to the MSS Buffet. Good food but wish they would put melted butter by the pancakes, French toast and waffles. Trying to spread ice cold hard butter on lukewarm food just doesn’t work. We have an open schedule most of the day so we take our time and head back over to Elco for some more blackjack. It’s a bit chilly this morning so no pool again today. I’m wearing my Pin Up Girl dress that was a gift from my daughters and I’m glad I have my jacket today. Stop at Walgreens to see if they have any leggings and they have none in my size.
On the way down Fremont, I spot a kiosk that has a Blackjack felt. Since we play at home Paul has wanted one for a few years now so I have him check it out. They guys says 25.00 so we say we’ll think about it. The he drops the price to $ 20.00 cash and no tax. Snag! Under the scooter seat it goes.
Arrive at Elco and another couple is on my machine. Ok we’ll play some BJ. BJL buy in for 100.00 Paul buys in for 200.00. We play for about 2 hrs then my butt needs a break, so cash out time. Me $80.00 with 5 Bj’s , Paul @ $71.00 and 3 Bj’s. BJ is being brutal to Paul this trip, hand after hand of 15 or 16., get a small hand and draw to 15 or 16 stand and get beat or draw and bust. We head over to “my machine” and dang it that same couple is still on it. Wander around some more and find the 1949 Cadillac in the lobby. We goof off and take some “pin up” pictures.





Wander around a bit more spot a .05 Triple Wild Cherry, I’ll play so in goes a 10.00. I play for about half an hour and cash out with 20.05.

Head back to my machine and it’s still occupied. Paul decides to give VP a try. It’s a Multi game machine and he picks deuces wild. He thought he was playing .25 a hand but he was at 1.00 a hand on a .01 machine.. 4th hand in he hits 2 deuces and I tell he no, hold those, they are wild. He then gets 2 aces and another deuce! Tried to cash out and the machine quit working. Called and attendant over, she opens it up and prints out the ticket for $ 98.00 but the machine says $93.33 which I didn’t even notice till I posted this



Finally my machine is open. In for 50.00, nothing but a few 4 and 8 coin wins, ok so another 40.00 Nada! Paul realizes it’s after 3 and we have dinner reservations at Excalibur at 5:30 so we walk back to MSS. On the way back I stop at the leggings kiosk but no one is there. Sign says they have plus sizes and the girl at the next kiosk signals to me that the attendant will be right back, she’s taking a bathroom break. Well I wait about 10 minutes or so and she’s still not back and I’m getting colder. Head on to MSS, up to the room as I remember that I have a pair of leggings and I’ll just wear those. Then we grab the car and off to Excal. Traffic is a little heavier than we figured it would be and we realize we’re going to be a bit late. I call MLIFE and ask that they push our reservation back to 5:45 as we are just pulling up to the front door and I still have to go to the MLife desk and redeem my reward. Paul drops me off at the front, then he goes to self park. We meet up at the Camelot Steak house and have a wonderful dinner. We both got the Filet and made it a feast. Food was wonderful, service was great until it was time to leave. Took nearly 15 minutes to get our check. After the $ 50.00 credit, bill was 125.92


After dinner it’s over to the PARK for Cher. As we are headed to the car, my battery on the scooter goes from yellow to dead in an instant. The other battery is on charge back in the room. Crap!!! Paul pushes the scooter to the car and we get parked at THE PARK. Get inside and borrow a wheel chair from the bell desk as that will be easier for Paul to push to the concert than trying to push my scooter. Find our seats, and the usher was a bit rude and put out that I can’t sit in the chair provided. Sorry you have to move the chair , but that is why I reserved accessible seating. We’re finally here! Cher has been my idol since I was 12 years old and I did a lip synch to Dark Lady for my 8th grade drama production. I was so short that they had me on top of the grand piano to perform. Concert didn’t disappoint! I wish there was more songs and less costume changes/breaks but I still enjoyed myself! When she sang my 3 favorite songs, Dark Lady, Half-breed and Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves there were a couple of tears.

Hard to believe she's 72!

After the concert we went back to the bell desk and exchanged the wheelchair for my scooter. As we were heading to the elevator to the garage, I asked if Paul could just pull the car into the Uber/Lyft lane and the attendant was extremely helpful. Paul left me there, got the car, and the attendant asked what he was driving, watched for him to get back, showed him where to park and then pushed me over to the car. He left before Paul could tip him. Very helpful and saved a lot of strain on Paul!. We get back to MSS, Paul gets me in the doors, runs up to the room and grabs the charged battery so I can drive the scooter rather than him pushing it.

We are thinking about playing some BJ since it’s only 11:30 so we have some time but I want to go to the room and ditch the extra baggage; jacket, camera, papers etc. As we are discussing this I decide to hit the vape. Three good drags and we’ll see. Get to the room, and we are just about ready to head down when the high hits me. I look up and ask if he would be disappointed if we just skipped the tables tonight. He shrugs and says not really. I smile and say good, we’re staying in tonight. Yeah that happened !

Today’s Total:
ME Paul
Slots -99.95 VP + 78.00
BJ -20.00 BJ -129.00
Bj’s 5 Bj’s 3

Thurs. May 3rd

OMG the best night of sleep I’ve had since we’ve been here. I actually slept till after 8:30 am. I wake up feeling relaxed (imagine that) and refreshed. We get ready for the day and head down to eat breakfast. Oops missed the buffet by 5 minutes, okay let’s eat at 777, nope they are closed till 11 – I’m hungry now so I go to the desk and explain the situation and ask if there are any places at the CAL that serve breakfast . She calls the buffet and yep they are closed and will open at 11 as will 777. Uhm, did you not listen?, that is exactly what I told you, I’m trying to find out if there is any place at the CAL that serves breakfast. Oh well you can try the coffee shop. Thanks that’s all I needed to know. Food was okay, they didn’t cook both sides of my hash browns as I requested and it was a bit greasy but it was breakfast. We head over to Plaza to play some more BJ. I find a table just opening up. The dealer is still opening the cards and lets me know it will be a few minutes. That’s okay, we’re in no hurry. Paul bought in for 100.00 and I bought in for 150.00 Cards were pretty awesome this morning. At one time we were both up over 100.00, cash that out and put the black in our pocket, playing our “winnings” Wearing my VMB bracelet finally paid off. JoeJoe Jackson (Max Bet King) spotted us and stopped by to say hello. Was nice to meet another VMB Member. Blackjacks were hitting like hot cakes today but then the cards started to turn and we both lost those winnings. After 4.5 hours of play Paul cashed out with 101.00 and 26 BJ’s while I was out with $147.00 and 21BJS. The dealer Annette was fantastic , it had been a fun table and we were both pretty happy. It’s really too close to when we have to leave to go anywhere else but we still have some time to kill so yep more blackjack. I bought in for 150.00 Paul for 100. We both left down . It’s time to head to Harrahs for Menopause the Musical. We want to get there a little early since we’re getting the Veterans CET players card. This one is a little better than MLife as there are discounts in nearly all of the shops as well as the free parking. We decided that since this was an early show and we had eaten breakfast so late that we would just get something afterward, but after getting our tickets we both wanted a snack. We find the pizza place and each get a slice. Not very good pizza and each slice was ¼ a large pizza. We should have gotten 1 slice and split it. $30.00 for 2 slices of pizza & 2 root beers after the discount. The voucher I had purchased had us in the VIP area and the reservations were supposed to be accessible but when we finally found the theater and showed our tickets, the ushers decided my scooter wouldn’t make it through the aisle, patrons who had pulled chairs back, people still trying to find seats etc. and so just sat us at a back table on the side. Not the best seat for viewing the show but it was cheap so I didn’t complain. The show is actually funny and the songs are great. The 4 ladies do a great job and we enjoyed the show. After the show we stopped by the gift shop to get something that said “Harrahs” on it, didn’t find anything I liked and instead Paul picked up some little desk signs for some of the girls back home.

Got back to MSS, and walked to Plaza for more BJ. Since this was our last night and we both still had 4 days of unopened bank envelopes we each busted one open and bought in for 200.00, In 3 shoes I only won one hand. Again the 15/16’s were killers. And dealer drawing 5 or 6 cards, 2 or3 of them As to get 21 on more than one occasion. Yep, I’m done here going to take my money before the house sucks me dry and run. So back to MSS where we both buy in for $150 and this night doesn’t get much better. It’s no fun to lose hand after hand so we call it a night before we lose everything. Left the camera in the room today so no more pictures (Sorry)

Total
ME Paul
Slots – No Play No Play
BJ - $175.00 -$183.00
BJ’s 31 34

Friday May 4th

This is our last day. We have a late check out for 1 pm, our flight out is at 9:10 pm. Plan was to sleep late, get ready, eat breakfast and return to the room and pack. However we both woke up about 7:30 am and the sun is shining in between the slats on the shutters so there will be no going back to sleep. We kept things pretty tidy so there’s not much to pack, call the bell desk to come get the bags and we’re done. Check with the pit and we can have a comp at the buffet for breakfast. Finally make contact with someone about all of the issues with the room and they comp one night of room charges and a free dinner buffet. Eat breakfast and head over to the Plaza to see if we can catch another good run like yesterday morning. Nope not this time. I’m out with 0! Okay, maybe a little luck on the slots? Play 20.00 on .25 diamond, - nothing. $20.00 on Top dollar – slurp. Elco? Sure we’ll give it a try.

Oh goodie my machine is empty, yeah well there was a good reason for that – 90.00 in and only of couple of 4 & 8 dollar wins not even enough to play the cash out , keep half game. Walk away with nothing. Paul tries another VP machine and loses $20.00 BJ will kill some time so we find a table. This is better, played for about 2.5 hours and we’re up and down, have some fun and leave a bit up. Not the spectacular finale I wanted but we had a good trip. Head back down to the MSS Seafood buffet to have dinner before heading to the airport. Crab legs were thin and overcooked, catfish was dry and had no flavor, and the only other seafood I saw was crawfish that I won’t eat. Paul doesn’t like seafood so he tried the Mexican station and said he'd rather have Taco Bell. Deserts were fairly good but definitely wouldn’t pay $30.00+ a head for this buffet.
We’re finished and time to load up and head out. I let the Bell desk know to meet us in Valet. Car is loaded and we’re off. Good thing we left early as traffic is stop and go. Paul heads over to Industrial to find a gas station, and as we’re turning back to LVB at Flamingo we spot a Texaco. Get gassed up, get back on LVB and make it to the rental car return with time to spare. Get on the shuttle bus and we can’t find my Riviera jacket. Last place I had it was at dinner. Hopefully it is in the car and will be returned. Get to the airport and while checking in I notice my cane is missing. The gentleman checking us in goes in back and gets us a number to call, as this type of thing happens all the time. Yep cane is there and they will send it to us on the next bus. As we go out to meet the bus, my phone goes off. Flight is delayed about 1/2 an hour. Well at least now we have some breathing room. Notify our ride back home of the delay, get cane and go to security. No line to speak of but they decide they want me to walk through the x-ray. No, I can’t use your cane as it is about 10” taller than mine. They retrieve my cane and have me walk in the machine, nope my feet won’t spread that far and no my arms can’t go up any higher. They ask about a metal detector but my cane has a long metal screw in it so that’s not an option either. They finally decide that I’ll have to have a pat down and this is the most thorough pat down I’ve ever experienced. Hair, head, neck, shoulders, chest, back, stomach, groin, buttocks, thighs, calves and ankles all get patted down. Jeeze can I have a cigarette now?
They announce that there are 65 of us on the flight and the plane has 144 seats so everybody can spread out. I have SW coupons so order us Jack and Cokes. The attendants says these are on her. SCORE! They are so stiff I have to get a coke to dilute mine down to drinkable. Paul orders another one and we pay by coupon for that one. 3 stiff drinks for $2.50 (the price I paid for the coupons).
We arrive back in Austin at about 2:15 AM. Ride is waiting and we hit our pillows right at 3.

Final Totals for the week
ME Paul
Slots -$139.95 VP +58.00
BJ -$7.00 -540.00
Net - 146.95 -482.00
BJ’s 93 86

I wore my VMB bracelet everyday and I looked for others but didn’t spot any. I know there were some other VMB members around when we went but we just didn’t see each other. I did call MSS and filled out a lost item report with Alamo but the Riviera 50th anniversary jacket never showed up. It was one of my favorite jackets and I always got comments on it when I wore it. I am very upset that it disappeared and I hope Karma bites whoever picked it up and kept it! Other than losing the jacket, over all we had pretty good trip. Can’t wait till we can plan our next trip!

 

So fun for you! I, too, was not happy with all the cold food at the MSS breakfast buffet! I tried 2 different egg dishes, and both were cold. Didn't bother with pancakes. And the desserts on Tuesday way surpassed the ones at the champagne brunch!

 

Great report!
Love MSS!
I have to play more Blackjack!
Sorry about your jacket!
Other than that, seemed like
A really good trip!
You guys did a lot!
[emoji106]
Bob in Cleveland

 

What a wonderful report and photos! Bret Michaels is playing at Hard Rock on May 19th. So fun that you saw Bret Michaels and Kid Rock; I really like Kid Rock; Bret Michaels has incredible blue eyes!

Sux losing your jacket

Thanks for sharing your Vegas adventures BJL!!

 

I'm sorry you lost your jacket, but apart from that it seems like you had a great trip.

Thanks for writing.

 

Great trip report - thanks for taking the time to be so detailed! Cher looks amazing for her age and glad you enjoyed the concert so much. How do you keep track of the number of BJ's each of you gets per session? Just curious.

 

I really hate to burst your bubble, but those two were definitely not Brett Michaels and Kid Rock. The Kid Rock guy is a pretty good look alike, but Kid Rock was at a celebrity golf charity event in Branson, MO, during the same time as this picture. My brother played in the event and Kid Rock has ditched the goatee in favor of a big 70s mustache.

The Brett Michaels guy is also a decent lookalike, but definitely not him. It would have fooled me too if I didn’t already know where Kid Rock was and had seen recent pictures.

Still sounds like a great trip other than the jacket. Thanks for the report. Vegas is such a fun place!

 

I'm not going to debate whether those are impersonators or not, as I can't tell by the photos, however, this article was dated 4/24/2018 and says he was in a Bass Pro Legends Event in Missouri during the weekend of 4/21. Blackjacklady's trip was nearly a week after that:

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/golf/2018/04/24/watch-kid-rock-drains-foot-putt-nicklaus-watches/34222965/

His twitter shows him beardless on a photo he posted May 1st, which appears to be from that 4/21 event, but the growth he shows above is possible within a few days.

I'm not entirely convinced that's Kid Rock in the photo above, so, again, I'm not disputing that he's not an impersonator, but I think the golf event evidence you provided may have its dates wrong.

 

Kid Rock is a pretty good look-alike, but Bret Michaels is quite different in the face.

Regardless, loved reading the recap!

 

Since we play 5.00 tables, every BJ pays 7.50. we count the halves and write it down every night, If there is a push, even $ or a bj on a 10.00 bet we track those and when there are two, we trade a1,00 chip for 2 halves for the count.

 

Now I'm not sure if it was really them or no a staff member was the one who mentioned it was the real thing, they had a guy escorting them and they were on the phone a lot, Brett said "we're here, they are getting things arranged" and it was more business like than chit chat.

 

Oh man, this is a tough one. Great TR btw, sorry if we're side-tracking it.

Kid Rock has a facebook photo posted 4/27 saying "Cheers to the Weekend" in which he's pretty light on chin fur. Then he has one from yesterday in which he's got it pretty thick.

This is like a Sherlock Holmes mystery.

 

I really enjoyed reading your report and all the great photos, @BlackJackLady .
Thanks so much for taking us along and good on you for the celebrity sightings and photo op!

 

I’m actually shocked you found $5 blackjack that paid 3:2..however I do know MSS has it sometimes

 

A quick search of google images and Brett Michaels doesn't have that tattoo on his right forearm.

 

Okay we were duped, seems that the "celebrity" photos were with impersonators. Sorry didn't mean to mislead anyone. I was going on what we were told.
As for the $5.00 3:2 BJ - we found it at Elco, MSS, Fremont,(all 2 deck games) & Plaza 6 deck shoe. This is why we play downtown. We have a low budget and play for fun. Any time we come home with more than half of our bank roll we feel like we've won.

 

Totally understand.

I once went to a costume party where I was told that some famous actors would be, signing autographs, and generally treating me like a bigshot.

I'm on the left.

 

Enjoyed your report and photos. Loved the Cher show photos. Thanks for posting.

 

Great report and I love your pinup dress, you look stunning! Any idea where your daughters purchased it? I would love to copy your style =)