Day Five /6/7 still at the D, and 4QUEENS
One thing that Kodi loves is meeting other Vegas Nuts that she has come to know by way of chatting online in Forums or when groups had get-togethers when a number of them were in Vegas at the same time. They found out that some friends from overseas were also visiting and they were all making their way to the Plaza Saturday morning, as it fit into both schedules for an hour or so. Breakfast would be accompanied by Seniors’ coffee at McDonald’s that cost $1.00. They hadn’t known that it was even available until, Pluto from Scotland had mentioned it.
They had a wonderful visit with Pluto and her husband Jim, who were also in town for 3 weeks, and were being joined shortly by their son and his husband. They weren’t sure if they’d get to see them again, as they were staying in different areas of the city, and the Scots had a busy schedule planned. They encouraged Kodi and Tom to get a Seniors’ bus passes because they would be up on the Strip needing to use the Deuce in a few days, and a ride was $1 with the pass which is free and good for 5 years. Kodi wasn’t up to walking as far as the Bonneville Transit Center which was where they’d have to go, but she definitely wanted to get them.
They picked a table so they could see their friends arriving…who knew what they looked like now?
The spent the rest of the day at the D, playing various games and staying even for the most part. They’d considered trying the Plaza casino, but Kodi’s usual practice is to play where she stays, and just in case she got back to Vegas, hoped to get a free room night or two in the future.
Later in the afternoon, they headed over to the 4 Queens and ate their second meal of the day . Once again, the line was very long, but they weren’t in a rush, and Tom did a little line-holding, while his other half played some penny machines nearby. She joined him as he reached the bottom of the stairs. Today, Tom had a BLT and a cup of soup, and Kodi had a double burger plate. No photos were taken….and the two beef patties that were on the burger were very thin, and dry. The extra cost cheese made it edible, but it was the only thing that Kodi didn’t enjoy at Magnolias Verandah during the trip.
They played a bit in the casino, as they were moving back the next day, and Kodi was hoping to earn a few more points that she could use towards food. They had been hearing about a dust storm approaching, and decided to head back to the D, to organize suitcases, and because Kodi was determined to get a decent poker hand before she left there. ( Only one of those happened.)
Looking out the window in all directions, there didn’t seem to be any disturbance in the weather, but the wind warning persisted. Kodi’s balance was a bit bad, so they decided not to venture out onto Fremont on the busy Saturday night.
The evening went like the others…no wins worth mentioning, and lots of noise and little space to move around. They spent a couple of hours in the room before bed, and had a decent nights sleep, because the room was in an area that had very little noise from the band on Fremont Street, fortunately.
Early the next morning, it was still quite windy as they crept over next door to enjoy orange juice and Bagels with cream cheese at Magnolias, and play for a bit in the casino , where Kodi ordered coffee with Baileys and whipping cream, to start the day Vegas style. while it was quiet. They were hoping that they would be able to get into the room shortly after noon again, but they knew the guests occupying their next
room were probably sleeping 💤 after a big Saturday night on the town.
They checked out of the D at 11, and Tom hung around the casino in the lobby area, while Kodi checked the gift shop to see what the big comp point balance would get them. Not quite ‘nada’ but only a couple of chocolate bars and a bag of sun chips. 🙄 They figure that unless it’s a fluke, they won’t be seeing any future room offers. Then again, who can work out exactly how the crazy Marketing departments work?
They took the shortcut at the back of the hotels over to the lobby of the 4 Queens again, and moving the suitcases was more difficult for Kodi , since there were a few places where the wheels grabbed in sand that was on the road and curbs, even though most had been swept up.
The lobby was a bit of a madhouse as double line filled most of the floor space. People both checking in and out. Feeling the effort would be futile Kodi got in line anyway and 20 minutes later was told she’d probably not get into the room until well after 4 p.m. as they had been full the night before, and were again that night, meaning many rooms needed to be turned over.
Once again, Kodi wondered to herself if the effort and time spent moving from hotel to hotel for short periods was worth it. Knowing however, that it was the only way they could manage longer trips with their budget, she sighed, and signalled Tom to bring the suitcases over to the Bell Desk. Of course he was looking in every direction but hers by now, so she had to make her way through the crowd and actually touch him on the shoulder. He wasn’t thrilled by the news. He had the task of carrying the shoulder bag around , with a bunch of heavy crap that they didn’t want to leave with the bellmen...passports, I-pad, airline stuff, extra cash, paperwork for the future hotels, medications…+++..
He suggested heading out into the sunshine for a bit. The wind wasn’t bad now. It wasn’t too crowded, and he wanted to move a little. They decided to go to the ABC store and pick up a bottle of orange juice to keep on ice in the room, so he could enjoy that in the mornings while Kodi sipped her coffee.
Kodi was really happy to be back at the 4 Queens for another reason besides the coffee maker. ‘Too much info’ follows, so you can skip if you are young and agile.
Because of her balance issues, she had a very difficult time at the D in the washroom. The toilet was too low and she’d had great difficulty using it until her brilliant husband came up with a solution to try. She had packed a ‘just in case’ folding cane in her suitcase. A few trips ago, she’d injured her back and upon finding out that you cannot get an anti-spasmodic ( muscle relaxer) in the U.S. without a prescription, had suffered for days. If she left the cane closed to the lowest position, it worked as a great brace for sitting and getting back into an upright stance.
They wandered along Fremont Street, down towards Slotzilla and then back again, stopping at ABC as planned. They checked out snack items and some travel toothpaste prices, since Kodi hadn’t packed Tom’s shaving kit, and his had been only umm, half full. They’d had these discussions in the past, with his travel Tylenol bottles, and she’d given up. The orange juice selections were small medium and large and he decided that two small ones would suffice, and he’d finish it before they moved again.
They sat in the sun on a bench outside the lobby when they returned to the hotel, and then Kodidog went in and stood in line. It was now 4:30. She was sent away again, and dreaded telling Tom. He was past ready to get to upstairs, and wanted something to eat. Kodi had put a stop sign 🛑 on that, since she wanted to check in and get the Fun Book coupons to use for Prime Rib , first.
They went into the casino, and Kodi sat at a machine where she could see the elevator doors to the South Tower. Luckily, it gave her some bonus rounds and she had quickly doubled her $20. She was still up a bit, when she noticed a few people with luggage getting into the elevators. Tom stayed where they were and Kodi stood in line once again for about 10 minutes and was finally successful, signing the waivers once again , and getting her keys. She turned and then as the next person stepped up in her place she turned back. “Excuse Me. Can I please get a Fun Book?” And then hurried away clutching her prizes.
She headed for Tom, and they both gave big sighs as they headed up to room 1442, just a couple of floors above their last room and a little farther down the hall.
Kodi was beat and wanted to rest a bit, but Tom wanted to put the feedbag on, so they organized things a bit. Kodi noticed a nearly full bottle of distilled water on the desk near the coffee maker. When they were leaving the room, she spotted a housekeeping cart down the hall. She went down and called out to the girl working in the room and asked about it, asking if it was for them and was it safe to drink. Was it for the coffee maker?
“ Yes, yes. “ the girl replied. Still not sure , as the girl did not speak English well, and when Kodi had said they were there a few days ago and hadn’t had any water then, the girl shrugged, smiled and said “ Just start this week, don’t know..”. As she walked back to Tom, two security officers approached from the elevator area and asked if there was a problem. When Kodi repeated her questions and concern, they told her that the water was usually in the rooms but the hotel had run out. It was now back in stock and yes, safe to drink and for use in the coffee maker.
So down they went, and waited in the Magnolias line for 40 minutes, to get another fantastic 2/1 Prime Rib dinner. Then they got down to gambling, and had enough small wins to stay even for the night.
The next morning they headed over to Binions to play a bit and then have brunch.
Kodi played a frustrating session of a Buffalo train game , trying each machine in the circle. Tom wandered around and noticed the area at the front of the casino, where there was a new Fish Spa. He sat down to play keno nearby.
Kodi knew relatives who had used the little fishies in the past in Thailand , and she had considered getting one of the foot sloughing treatments herself , but then had read of people who had gotten serious infections afterwards, and decided not to risk it. Her circulation was poor, and that might put her at more risk. She was still curious about what it would feel like though.
Tom came over and suggested they go to the cafe then and off-handedly mentioned that he had finally had a Video Keno win… 6/6 for $400! They both quietly ‘hoorayed’ under their breath all the way to the restaurant line. More money for the sad-faced Take Home Envelope!
The same flower adorned, welcoming hostess sat them as soon as a table in the cafe opened up. This time they were against a wall, which Kodi preferred. She has always been a booth, or corner person, and doesn’t like being in the middle of a room…but of course when a restaurant is busy, she can’t always be accommodated. She hadn’t asked here, as it was jam packed, but just lucked out. Lucky strike #2 for today!
Kodi chose the basic breakfast plate, and coffee …planning on giving her potatoes to Tom, and he ordered biscuits and gravy, and juice….and at his wife’s suggestion asked for the add-on extra of “shaved ham” because she wanted him to have some protein in the meal. They had no idea what that would end up looking like, as they were used to truly ‘shaved’ paper thin ham at their delis in Canada. Service was once again quick and cheerful. When the meals arrived they were both surprised to see the 3 substantial slices of fried ham on a plate next to the biscuits and gravy plate. Kodi begged a slice of it. Tom smilingly passed her one. It was delicious.
As they ate, Tom quietly asked her if there was someone just across the room and slightly behind her that they knew. The couple had their heads down, eating pancakes. She glanced over, but at that distance she could not be sure, since this was one of those days that her vision was blurred and she’d had to really stop, focus and concentrate on things that were close to her. Clothes that people wear are often a clue, but not this time.
They ate a bit of the delicious food, and she glanced a couple of times before actually turning her body and just staring at the woman, waiting. The lady happened to look up at her companion who had his back to them, and then looked straight at Kodi, smiled and then waved. Yep, after not seeing #Pluto and Jim for 4 years, this was their second encounter in a week.
The couple had multiple points for food at 4Queens and Binions, thanks to a now defunct gaming app, and even though they were sleeping at Excalibur then were taking the bus to Downtown, and eating free meals. They all chatted for a few minutes as Kodi and Tom were leaving . Pluto said they were both excited and nervous about their son arriving that night, because the high winds in Vegas were canceling and diverting a lot of flights.
Kodi suggested playing a bit longer at Binions before they left, as she’d heard that any points there could be used as comps for food at 4QUEENS as well. When they left the restaurant they were , as they had been on their previous visit, impressed by how the cashier was so patient and pleasant with all of the people he was dealing with, who were bewildered, confused, or just downright rude while he processed their payments and used various coupons ,player’s cards and comp slips to balance the bill. It meant a bit of a wait to pay for the meal, but they got treated to that show as they stood in line.
The remainder of the day was uneventful. Kodi’s vision and balance were a bit “off” so she just wanted to get back to her home casino and rest in the room for a while. It was so frustrating that she could not wander everywhere she wanted to this trip, but she knew better than to defy her body or she’d end up with a Sjogrens flare. She suggested that Tom go for a walk, and try to enjoy himself, and he did, but didn’t end up going for long because, as even under the canopy, the cold wind made it unpleasant to stay outside.
Kodi went upstairs and took the $400 with her. 😉
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