We left Boston Friday around 2 p.m on TWA. Flight to St. Louis was on time. Connection to L.V. was delayed due to mechanical problem. We were told it would be about and hour and it was.

Arrived in our favorite city about an hour late, picked up the rental a Avis and headed over to Vacation Village for our free hot dog, beer and free spin. To late, free spin closed. Have to come back tomorrow.

Drove up to the Barbary Coast to check in for thre nights. Clerk advised us of a $2.80 per night energy charge. We had made reservations through Travelscape and even had already paid for the room. There had been no mention of surcharge. Eventually B.C. removed the charge.

Room at B.C was just as nice as always with a view of fountian at Bellagio. Played a little B.J. at Flamingo while Alice unpacked and then turned in. We were both quite tired.

Sat a.m. we had a nice breakfast in the Victoria room using a 2 for 1 coupon and then drove to V.V. for the free spin we had missed the night before. I won $1 but Alice won 2 free nights in a room at V.V. I suspect we will never use it but we'll see.

BTW, the weather is Las Vegas was extremely hot, anywhere between 110 and 120 during the day. Sat evening we drove to Santa Fe Station for the fireworks and drawings for cash and Trucks. Since we were early, we drove up to Mt. Charleston. What a treat this was. The weather up there was absolutely beautiful, cool and dry. We thought we were back in New England on a early fall day. Played a little B.J. at Santa Fe but not much luck. Stopped Downtown on the way back, parked at MSS. I love Downtown. Played some Carribean Stud poker at Golden Gate but no luck. Passing through MSS on the way out I put a $.50 coin in a deuces wild machine. Hit for 4 deuces! Kicked my behind for not having 5 coins in.

Sunday a.m. we attended Mass (8 am)at the Church of the Holy Redeemer near Tropicana. I only mention this because the church had the most beautiful choir I have ever heard in a church. Can't wait to hear them at Christmas.

Sunday p.m we went to the Venetian Restaurant on West Sahara for Italian food. It was outstanding, the prices were very resonable and I reccommend it. That night we went to the Rio to see Scintas. Alice and I both enjoyed the show very much. Lots of energy here and many laughs.

Monday we moved to the Sahara. Why the Sahara? Good question. We wanted to stay on the north end of the strip and the price was right.

Its not the Venetian, not even remotely close but it was clean.The room was very acceptable with nice view of the strip and very convenient to the parking garage and casino. More to follow