My latest Las Vegas adventure began on Friday October 1. We decided to leave from JFK this time, because even after we paid for a car to take us to the airport, it was still cheaper than flying from Allentown. We were supposed to have a car pick us up, so imagine my surprise when there was a limo that took up our whole driveway waiting to whisk us away. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] I climbed into the limo while the driver loaded all of the suitcases into the trunk. (Come to think of it, maybe the company knew how much luggage I had and that's why they sent the limo.) [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img] I settled in and actually slept for most of the 2 & 1/2 hour drive. Arrived at the airport in plenty of time and we were able to upgrade to first class. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] The flight was uneventful and it was nice to fly nonstop for once.

We arrived in Las Vegas at about 3PM and hopped the waiting National rental bus to pick up our car. There was one intermediate car left on the lot, but the driver said he knew that there was a Bonneville left that we could have if we wanted it. After checking to make sure it wasn't white, <vbg> we happily agreed to the upgrade. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Arrived at the Mirage and there was no one in line ahead of us, so we just walked right up to the counter. When we gave our name to the woman, she found our reservation, but told us that we had cancelled it. I told her no, we had not cancelled it. I was beginning to have a deja vu feeling like I was back at the Taj again. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img] Luckily they don't believe in throwing people out on the street at the Mirage and in less than 30 seconds, she had our reservation reinstated. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

We left the bags in the car and walked across the street to the Venetian to say hello to Andy and Peter and pick up a large package I had sent ahead to Las Vegas. I paid extra to have UPS express deliver the package only to have to spend the night before we arrived on the telephone with UPS trying to get them to locate the package. Next time I'll use Fed Ex. <vbg>

We went back to the Mirage and played until it was time to meet Patti and Jeff, Veronica and Walt and John for dinner at the Redwood Grill at the California. Michael and I both had the Porterhouse special and it was great. Thanks Patti and Jeff for inviting us, we really enjoyed ourselves. Patti thanks for making sure that my glasses will be clean. <vbg>

After dinner we all went to the Garden Bar at the Flamingo to try to find Lee, Sue and Sandy, but they weren't there. So we went back to the Mirage and cranked the video poker machines until the early morning hours. <vbg> I managed to get the four deuces, so I was happy.

The rest of the gang made a trip to Primm to ride the roller coaster, but it was a little too early for me, so we stayed in Las Vegas. <vbg> We went to the Rio to say hello to Ed and decided to play there. Neither one of us could do much there this time, so we left after a short time. We stopped at the Desert Inn, where we finally signed up for their slot card. Michael didn't get to play his favorite machine because the normally empty bar was filled this time and his machine was being played. Neither one of us could do much so we left. We headed to Tommy Rocker's for the big TV meet. As usual we had a great time visiting with friends. I tried the ribs there for the first time and I really liked them. Walt was jealous because the last time we were in Las Vegas no one tied balloons to him, so we made sure that he wasn't slighted this time. <vbg> We gave John and Veronica a ride back to Caesars, while Walt just floated above. <vbg> After we left the Caesars gang, we headed up to the Summerlin area to see Ed's new house. As we were driving there we saw a bright oval white light in the sky. Traffic was slowed on 95 to about 35-40 miles per hour as everyone was looking at the strange sight in the sky. I kept asking Michael how close we were to area 51. <vbg> The next day we found out that it was supposed to be 2 rockets that collided, so I guess we didn't see any UFO's. We enjoyed our visit with Ed and Bridgette and then we headed back to the Mirage to crank those machines some more. (Are you starting to see a pattern here?) I got the deuces and four aces with a kicker so gambling was good to me that night.

Sunday morning we got up and headed to California Pizza Kitchen for brunch. It was good as usual. After eating we headed over to Caesars to check in with the gang and play a little. We left and headed to the Bellagio art gallery. You can read my impressions of the display in the entertainment forum. After that we headed over to see Paris. I thought the place was pretty inside, but the machines are placed so close together that people keep bumping into you as they walk by. I don't think I will be playing there. Maybe I'll try it again after the crowds thin out. This will happen after the next 10 minute wonder opens. <vbg> I wanted to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but we decided to save it for the next trip. I couldn't win there, but Michael was dealt a royal flush on triple play. Now, before you get too happy for him, I'll tell you that he was only playing 3 coins, so the win wasn't as great as it could have been. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img] We headed over to Bally's so I could play 5 deck frenzy, and I did quite well. After that we went back to Caesars to pick up Daisy and head to the Thai Room for dinner. We each had a dinner special. I enjoyed my beef and peppers entree. Thanks to my friend Andy for the restaurant suggestion. After dinner, we met the gang at New York New York to see the dueling pianos. By the way, there is now a cover charge of $5 per person to see the dueling pianos. This was our first visit to see the dueling pianos and I really enjoyed it until I heard my named being called by Van, one of the piano players. It seems that one of our group, (who shall remain nameless) <vbg> had tipped him to call me up while they played "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" for me. As you may know, the Righteous Brothers are my favorite, but I could have enjoyed the song from my seat. <vbg> I was escorted to the piano by one of the workers there. I sat down next to Van and I figured that I would just sit there while he sang to me. Imagine my surprise when they made me sit on TOP of the piano, while Van announced that I had "lost that loving feeling" and I needed some hunky guys to help me get it back. <vbg> A few brave guys came up and Christina announced that I needed more men, so another few, including my husband finally joined the crew. Van then told them that they were to act out the scene from Top Gun where Tom Cruise and his friends sing to Kelly McGillis. The guys began to sing to me, and since I decided I might as well just go along with it. <vbg> They even got down on their knees for me. <vbg> At the end I jumped down off the piano and kissed the best looking guy in the room. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img] Veronica now decided that we should go on the New York New York roller coaster and I don't know if it was being relieved to be out of the spotlight, or the wine I drank, but I decided to go too. <vbg> I kept my eyes closed the whole time and luckily I didn't throw up. Veronica stayed far away from me, just in case I did. <vbg> After the ride, we gave Daisy a ride back to Caesars and headed back to the Mirage to crank those machines. When we got back to the room I realized that I was missing one of my earrings. Luckily I found it on the floor, but my earring back was missing. I think it fell off during the roller coaster ride. Luckily the earring stayed in my ear.

To be continued....

On Monday we moved to Caesars to check in. The man at the counter told us he could give us an upgrade. I asked if that was to the Palace Tower and he said yes. I asked if we could have a petite suite and he said sure. Yahoo!!! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] Finally a bathroom that you can turn around in. <vbg> The room was beautiful. We said hi to the gang who were holding down the fort at the Talk Vegas area of Caesars, <vbg> and then we headed over to the Hard Rock. They are changing their comp cards in January, so any points you have will expire then. You can read my post concerning this in the gambling forum. We got a comp to Mr. Lucky's and I had a pastrami sandwich that had probably the leanest pastrami I have ever had. We played a little but after neither one of us could really do much and since they took out the Five Deck machines, we decided to take our merchandise comps and leave. We went to the Reserve, where I was able to play Five Deck. Since it was a bonus points day, we both finally had enough points to get some cash back, which we did before we left. After we left there we headed to Caesars to change for our dinner at Nero's. It was excellent. I had the pepper tenderloin and it was delicious. The service was outstanding also and I would definately want to eat there again. Our package included a $50 dining credit, so the dinner was very reasonable. After dinner we changed and then we met the gang and we all played video poker. The rest of the gang played craps, but only for a short time before they joined me again.

On Tuesday morning we went to Cafe Roma for brunch. It was ok, not great, typical coffee shop fare. It was overpriced, but we were at the hotel, so we ate there. I wouldn't make a special trip to eat there. After we ate we made our first visit to Ethel M's. We did the factory tour, and then walked through the cactus garden. Michael took some nice pictures there, so I hope they turned out ok. I really enjoyed walking through there. I am sure we will visit again on a future trip. After we left there we went to Arizona Charlie's so I could play Five Deck Frenzy. It was a big mistake. Couldn't do a thing. We left in time to meet Andy, and Peter and Renu his wife, along with their three beautiful sons. We met at the Resort at Summerlin. We signed up for the slot club before going up to the buffet, since they award slot club points for purchases in shops and restaurants. There was no line, so we were escorted to a nice table in front of the window. The room is just beautiful, and the view was spectacular, especially at sunset. I really enjoyed the food and left there feeling quite full. The resort is beautiful, it has a "country club" feeling of understated elegance to it. I would want to stay there except it is so far away. After dinner Peter and Renu left with the boys, and Andy, Michael and I decided it was time to gamble. <vbg> We weren't going to play at Summerlin, but there was one Deuces machine there that was calling to me, so I decided to play. I didn't win anything, but I played quite a long time for my $20. We headed back to Caesars and Andy joined us for a video poker session. I didn't do too well, but it was great to spend some time with Andy. Andy had to leave because he had to work the next day and Michael and I decided to continue playing. My luck started to change and I did much better. There is one person in our group who now believes in the power of the "lucky bow", but I will let that person tell the story. <vbg> We did well enough to crank those machines until 6AM and we racked up a few slot points along the way. <vbg>

Wednesday was our last day in Las Vegas. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img]
We headed over to Paris to pick up a few souvenirs and we grabbed something to eat at La Boulangerie. TRES EXPENSIVE. <vbg> We had arranged to meet Walt and Veronica at Madame Tussaud's, so we could see the display together. Thanks to my friend Andy for the free passes. We had a great time, but then how can you have a bad time when you are with Veronica and Walt. <vbg> I thought some of the figures were very lifelike, while others weren't too good. Michael took some great pictures in there, although some of them may not be able to be put on the Talk Vegas photo gallery. <vbg> After Madame Tussaud's we dropped our luggage off at Harrah's and then went back to Caesars to pick up Walt and Veronica for the final TV meet of the trip. We met Gail and Daisy at Main Street Station Brew Pub for something to eat and a few last moments together before we had to leave. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img] Walt came back to Caesars with Michael and me, so we could play some more before it was time for us to leave for the airport. I didn't do too well, but Michael managed to hold his own. A little later Daisy and Veronica showed up and it was time for us to say our final goodbyes. We went to the room and finished packing our things before heading out to the airport. Michael dragged me kicking and screaming to the car and we were so late, that we didn't even have time to gas up the rental car before returning it. At the airport, my bag was picked for inspection, as it usually is, and I asked the lady if she could please hurry in checking it because we were late for the plane. She didn't really like my request and I think she took even longer than usual. We made it to the gate, just as they were boarding. Luckily we were again able to upgrade to first class and I really enjoyed the champagne that the flight attendant brought me after all of that rushing. Flight was again uneventful and we arrived at JFK a little early. This time the company sent a Chevy Caprice instead of a limo to pick us up. I was disappointed, but I was more disappointed by the freezing weather as I stood waiting for the car to pick us up. Guess it's time to think about moving to Las Vegas. <vbg>

All in all it was another great trip. I look forward to the next trip. Andy said he is sure it will be before February because I won't last any longer than that without a Las Vegas trip. <vbg>

THE END

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

LeeAnn, thank you for a great trip, and I got to re-live it during your report. You put on a great show at NYNY, and I wasn't even a teeny weenie tad jealous when you were surrounded by all those hunks<VBG>.

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Daisy-Beyond Vegas Moderator
daisy@talkvegas.com

P.S. Your CE credits from the pharmacy meet should be in the mail shortly!




[This message has been edited by DaisyDeuces (edited October 09, 1999).]

Lee Ann: Excellent report and thanks for writing and posting it so quickly. I'm waaaaay behind and haven't even started one yet.

Apparently 5-Deck Frenzy is available at only a few casinos? It sounds like just a handful of casinos have it, is that right?

Glad to read you enjoyed Nero's so much; it's one of my favorites, and the partial comp helps to make it a bargain.

Ethyl M's is an excellent diversion from the gambling, and I really enjoyed it when I visited there too. The production line wasn't working that day, so we didn't get to see that side of it, but the cactus garden is well worth the trip alone, IMO.

Thanks for all the rides and going to Madame Tussaud's with us!

Hi Lee Ann, I Enjoyed reading you trip report, felt as if I was following you and Michael around town. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] It was a pleasure to meet you and Michael for the first time Sat. at T/R. I too was shocked after arriving at JFK Wed. Evening (with a tee shirt on) and standing out in the cold waiting for the parking lot shuttle. Well I guess I better get used to it for a couple of more years, and then Anthem Sun City, here we come.
John


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John B.
jblersch@optonline.net

Leann,

Excellent report! I am exhausted from reading it because you do so much! Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your TR! Hopefully, I will be more with it during my next trip and I'll have the chance to meet you!

Trina

Daisy,
Thanks for the best pharmacy seminar I have ever attended. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img] As you said, the speaker didn't go on and on. <vbg> I really learned a lot. <vbg> How many credits did we earn?

Seriously, it was great to see you again. Maybe we can plan a NILV trip for next year.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Veronica,
We really had a great time this trip. Thanks for letting us tag along with you. <vbg>

Yes, Five Deck Frenzy is only in a few casinos. Every time we go to Las Vegas, it seems like fewer casinos have it. I usually check the IGT website before we go so I know where it is available, but I didn't have time this trip. You can play at Bally's, the Reserve and Arizona Charlies. The Hard Rock removed it since we were there in July. The Rio used to have it also, but it is gone now too. We played it at the Stardust in July, but we didn't get there this trip.

We really enjoyed seeing you and Walt again. Let me know when our next excursion to AC will be. <vbg>

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

John,
It was so nice to finally meet you and Joanne at Tommy Rocker's. Hope you and your family enjoyed the rest of you trip.

Yes, the weather was sure cold. We wore shorts and T-shirts all day, and when it was time to take our red-eye flight home, Michael didn't want to change. I told him he should change into slacks and a jacket. When we arrived at JFK, he said he was glad he decided to change. This just goes to prove that he should always listen to me. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Hi Trina,
Thanks for reading my trip report. Yes, I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet in January, but hopefully we will catch up with you sometime soon. I'm ready for another trip already, and I just got home! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

LeeAnn - It was good to meet you and Michael at the meet. Sure did enjoy reading your trip report.

I was so glad to hear that your Pharmacy Convention went so well. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Thanks again for the great report.


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Doye/KY

LeeAnn,

Great report as usual. The wat you two were making tracks in LV it sounds like you were trying to compete with that other couple from PA. It sounds like you visited every place except Sam's Town. Have you ever been there? It is becoming our favorite place to gamble and stay. Glad to hear that you were such a big hit at NYNY. Since we first saw the dueling pianos we haven't missed them on any of our trips. See you in AC soon.

Lee Ann,
Thanks for the great report! You really got around on this trip.
Thanks again for the B-day gifts, you really shouldn't have...I mean you really shouldn't HAVE! I worried about the bottle breaking the whole way home! We haven't cracked the seal yet, but we will! I think the "gang" didn't do enough to you at the dueling piano's either. I'll have to come up with a plan for the next meeting! <VBG> I have a few ideas, but they need to be refined (read made so I don't end up in jail) LOL
So.....when is your next trip to Vegas? Michael seemed like he'd like to try November. Any chance of that happening?



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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee Ann,
Thanks for the great report. What a way to start the trip, a limo ride!

It was really nice seeing you and Michael again. Too bad we couldn't get together any more.

You'll have to try Mesquite some time. They've got the five deck frenzy as well as triple play, five play and ten play VP machines. I sat down at the 10 play machine, put in a $5 bill for 100 credits (a nickel machine), hit the max bet button and watched 50 credits disapear!

jm

Lee,
No big win this trip, therefore we can't afford a trip as soon as Nov. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img]

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

Doye,
Thanks for reading my trip report. We had some wins, but didn't do as well as you did on this trip. <vbg>

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Fred,
We really had a great time in Las Vegas. Too bad you and Beth couldn't make it this time. We really missed you.
We have been to Sam's Town several times and I did like it there. We just always seem to run out of time to get back to all of the places that we want to. Either I have to give up sleeping while I'm in Las Vegas, (like I sleep so much while I'm there), or I have to talk Michael into longer trips. <vbg>
Looking forward to our Talk Vegas East meet soon.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Lee,
Now you are scaring me. LOL I was embarrassed enough the way it was. Let's just say my face was the same color as the red shorts I was wearing that night. <vbg> I think John has the pictures to prove this.


Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Senator,
If Mesquite has Five Deck Frenzy, I'm there. <vbg> It seems that every time we got to Las Vegas, less casinos offer it.
It was great to see you and Patti again. Thanks for inviting us to join you for dinner. We really enjoyed the food and especially the company.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Lee Ann, wonderful report. And you are right, I DO HAVE THE PICTURES<G>
Glad you had such a good time. I hear that Caesars didn't do much for you when you left. I think you will find that you get some good offers in the near future. It took me 2 visits before they really sent the great ones.
It was fun seeing you and Michael again. We have to meet in the future so I can try your good luck charm again. Thanks for trying to convince my machine to give up the royal. I guess the charm worked for some "unnamed" person<G>
I'll bet you find a reason for a trip sooner than you think. You'll never make it until next year<G>

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com