2. 4X4ing to California
CALIFORNIA, Day 1
The Kodis were leaving the end of the strip and were heading 8 miles North. After Tom made the last coffee in the Keurig in the room, and they munched on some ham croissants (Tom slurping on a large hot chocolate that he picked up at Hazel's Coffee shop downstairs when Kodi was showering) they checked all the drawers and corners carefully before heading downstairs.
Tom stood with the luggage as Kodi spoke to the gal behind the desk. Smiling, the clerk said "I hope you enjoyed your stay. We'll be charging $3.45 to your credit card on file." Kodi's brain sort of did a cartwheel ( like her stomach was STILL doing, in spite of the Pepto Bismal tablets she was taking each day.) She had, she thought, made sure that she'd be leaving with small resort credit of about $8 left on her room. When asked, the clerk told her the $3.45 was for the tip left at Hazel that morning. Now, we're not saying, exactly ( YES we are!) that Tom pays no attention to anything his wife says or does, but she had mentioned at every single meal they had eaten, how she was leaving the tip in cash, rather than charge it to the room because the resort credit did not cover tips. He had charged their small breakfast to the room, and yes...had left a tip for the girls...which Kodi would probably not have even done at Hazel, sigh. Oops, he forgot. Thus they still had a credit for food on the room, but a charge put on the credit card. She grinned at the gal and suggested that such a small amount could probably be forgiven and cleared from her account, but it seemed like she was awfully wrong.
They each grabbed a water from the fridge in the Gold Check in area as they left to find an Uber or Lyft.
Since Vegas is the only place Kodi uses these apps, she always seems to struggle the first time she tries to do it. She was using a roaming service offered by her phone carrier back home. For $13 each day, she could text or phone locally, and then use the small bit of data that she had on her plan. This tended to make her rush as she tried to do her 'business' and get the mobile data turned off as quickly as possible. Although they were standing in the designated pick up area, her app kept asking for her current location, rather than automatically showing it. Eventually, they got it sorted and were on their way in a clean, comfortable car , with a great Lyft driver. She found with all of the drivers she called during their trip, she was treated respectfully as she struggled to get in and out of the vehicles, often taking a few moments to wait until a back spasm passed while she was mid-way up or down. Kudos to them all.
They were able to get checked into their West Tower room without issue but Kodi got herself turned around. She proudly led the way to the elevators next to the lucky Buddha, but realized as the doors began to close, their floor number was not on the panel. They went for a little ride while they tried to remember where they had to go. The last time they had stayed at the California, the long escalators were being moved and replaced. It took 'a minute' but they realized that they had to head for the Market Cafe, and would then be in the right area. They headed for Room 1932...not as close to the elevators as Kodi wanted, but getting the room early instead of waiting over two hours for it overshadowed that.
Everything was fine, and they unpacked a bit, and filled the safe with passports, daily envelopes and the ipad, then Kodi rested for a little while before they headed downstairs. She had some business at the Boyd desk.
When checking her online account, Kodi had seen, in different areas, 4 free nights, $100 free play and $100 free food, for April. Two nights here were in April, and two in May She asked to have her card loaded however necessary, but the gal said she only had some free play, no food. She took what she could get. They then headed to the Market Street Cafe for NO free food, lol.
They have always enjoyed the Prime rib special, which came with soup or salad, a prime rib dinner, and a wonderful cherries jubilee dessert. It was $9.99 the first time they had tried it, with friends. Then it jumped to $11.99, $14.99 and now cost $17.99. But, for old time's sake....
This meal was available after 4 p.m. and they both ordered it at 4:02 . Corn chowder was on tap. Yes please! Oops, that's changed to a spicy portuguese sausage soup, but Kodi enjoyed that, and Tom had a nice salad with blue cheese dressing. The prime rib was a nice medium rare cut, with baked potato or mashed potatoes and 3 pounds of broccoli. What's up with that? Does the Mayor of Las Vegas, in partnership with the Governor of Nevada own a huge broccoli farm? This seems to be the only vegetable served for dinner in most of the restaurants.
Pleasantly full of meat and potato, they eagerly waited for a favourite part of the meal. The waiter arrived with two bowls of vanilla ice cream. "There must be a mistake. We got the special which comes with the Cherries Jubilee. "
"Sorry, we don't have that any more."
"What? Why? It's still on the menu."
"I don't know. They never told us. It's something about the cherries not being available any more."
So sad...this was the first and only place they'd ever had Cherries Jubilee. They watched as the table across from them, also got served a bowl of ice cream, with a similar reaction, and explanation.
They played a few slots, some together and some alone. Tom tried his formerly loved video Keno but there were few dingings, and 5/6 was the best he could get. Kodi found a couple of new slots ( to her) that kept her entertained for two hours, returning much of her money...until it didn't, lol.
Tom got tired before she did, so went up to the room while she stopped to try a Rich Little Piggies machine. There was a tiny, bent Asian gentleman with a walker sitting at the one next to her the whole time she was there. They both did well, getting lots of bonuses, watching each other's machines when they activated, to give their tired shoulders a rest, lol. Kodi eventually found her eyes closing, and head nodding, so cashed out a $50 ticket and shuffled up to the room. Tom was asleep, so didn't hear her curse when she was putting her room key back into her bag, and realized she'd left her players card and lanyard in the machine. Not too many years ago, she would have hustled back downstairs to retrieve it, since it was on a favourite silver ribbon, but now slowly moving around the room to get ready for bed took all of her remaining energy. She thought of the older gentleman next to her at those machines and just gave thanks she was able to stand upright at least.
CALIFORNIA , DAY 2
After a painful, restless night, Kodi showered and took extra pain pills. Tom, once again was on Coffee duty. What? you say.... There are no coffee makers at the California.
Kodi has always been intrigued by people taking their own small coffee makers to Vegas. After reading about Royal Flusher's ''Little Giant'' in his blog, she decided she wanted to try that some day. After planning this trip, and knowing they'd be taking a large suitcase, she ordered a Starfrit single serve with it's own insulated cup. Today would mark the trial run. She had though, been surprised and disappointed at how large it actually was, since it would never fit into her carry on case.
Today was going to be either an adventure or an ordeal. They had to head over to the D, on Fremont, since Kodi had some free play and some food credit for April. The city has done a lot of roadwork and reconstruction in that area the past few years, but Kodi couldn't figure out just HOW they had managed to stretch all the sidewalks, (since the walk was incredibly far, unlike previous years.) Quite an engineering feat...
It was at times like this that Kodi felt totally discouraged about her future. Tom let her lean on his arm, and she used the cane, but at times each step was agony. She stood still a number of times to gather herself before moving forward, and Tom, while sympathetic, seemed a little impatient.
They got to the D, and plan was to go to Bacon Nation to have 'brunch'. Instead of just going in the first doors, they walked farther along, to the outside escalator, since the restaurant was on the second floor and they always liked to overlook the street and all of its sights before entering the building. Next to the bottom of the escalator was a wooden sawhorse and a sign saying escalator closed. The escalator was running. There was no barrier in front of it. Should they take a chance? Of course if they got to the top and couldn't get in the door up there, there was absolutely no way back down. Not worth the risk. They turned and Kodi dragged her protesting body back to the main doors. She had a $70 food credit, so during the 30 minute wait for a table, they perused the menu. At one point, a man already at a table , walked out of the restaurant, saying he could not wait any longer for his meal. It wasn't a place to be if you were in a hurry. They handed pagers out, so people could get on the list and then continue to gamble. Kodi and Tom took a couple of the seats near the hostess stand.
Once they were called, they were seated at a very small table about 10 feet in front of a young man, rocking in his own world, eyes shut, headphones on, blasting sound directly at them. Great...they have a live D.J. on weekends. And the music was Derek Stevens' favourite volume...high as it can be!
Besides being so loud that they couldn't hear the server, the music was not going to be conducive to good digestion! They apologized and asked if they could be moved. It took a few minutes but they were given another table about 30 feet further back...which helped only a little with the sound level. So, bacon is the theme here of course...but they went in another direction. They both ordered chicken parm, and it came out quickly...hot and tasty. Nearly every table around them, and especially the booths we're ordering mimosas or bloody mary's, but they just enjoyed water, which their server replenished as needed, and then a coffee and hot tea. Kodi decided to order a piece of their apple bacon coffee cake to go..it would serve as breakfast the next day.
By the time they were finishing their meal, the D.J. was taking a break....and they could hear the excited chatter of people around them as they all suddenly realized they didn't need to try to lip read what their companions were saying.
Kodi found a machine on the second floor to use her $45 free play in....because Derick Stevens likes his music downstairs super loud, as well. She was getting lots of fun bonuses and cashed out $60 before they left, an hour later.
While Kodi played, Tom decided to walk over to Walgreens to purchase a bottle of orange juice for the next few mornings, and Kodi asked him to get her a bottle of Starbucks iced coffee, which she would use as a 'coffee creamer' in the room. It ended up working well except Tom had to keep thawing out some orange juice for himself, because the fridge froze it, no matter where he placed it, lol. Kodi's glass container was okay...just super cold.
By the time they were heading back home, it was hot out, and they were in the sun mostly. They had obviously stretched the sidewalks out another quarter mile, as well.
Tom took the cake and drinks up to the room, and Kodi made it as far as a chair at an evil Buffalo machine where she sat waiting until a server came along with a couple of bottles of water. Of course, it's impolite to sit at a machine without playing so the damn Buffalo trampled all over the money she'd carried from the D while she thirstily slow-played. When will she learn. The Buffalo HATE her!
Tom found her afterwards laying covered in muck and buffalo excrement clutching her remaining daily stake, and gently led her to a Pretty Kitty machine where she could recover her dignity if not her money. The rest of the day was spent drinking Baileys coffees and playing 5cent video poker.
It was another early night...Saturday night in Vegas, playing Candy Crush Soda...with the TV in the background. Hmmm, a lot like Saturday night at home...
CALIFORNIA, Day 3..Sunday May 1st
When Kodi woke up, she heard water running in the bathroom. "Do you want a glass of orange juice?" Tom called, as he ran hot tap water over the large plastic bottle of juice. "A little." she answered.
She got her coffee supplies out of the drawer, and as Tom brewed her a cup, she chewed some juice. It was a lot like a slushy. The iced coffee made her cup of java perfect for drinking, since she's sensitive to anything too hot now.
They split the apple bacon coffee cake, and it was pretty tasty. Apparently , they serve it warm in the restaurant, so that and a coffee would make a nice dessert. The plan that day was to head back over to the D, since it was now May, and Kodi had the same offer of $45 free play, and $70 free food. She could use the food offer anywhere the ONE card was accepted, but had to use the free play at the D only.
They headed downstairs to give Boyd some play for a couple of hours first.
Kodi felt wiped out by that short journey the previous day, but didn't want to be any more of a drag than she had been, so it took a while before she had the courage to ask Tom if he cared whether they went back to Fremont Street. She was all about taking advantage of deals. She had a Magnolia's coupon and a Binion's one, both 2/1 meals. They had talked about trying Tony Roma's early bird $9.99 prime rib dinner as well. Both her Balance and her vision were not good that day, so she decided to give up her free play at the D, since Tom didn't want to go by himself, and use her card to access it.
Eating also had to be addressed. She was willing to go to Circa, which was about half the number of steps, she figured. Tom wasn't in the mood for chinese, which she suggested, but his ears perked up when she mentioned the deli...where neither had been yet. They slowly walked to the entrance of Circa, across from the Plaza, showed ID as is required, no matter your age, and were admitted. They played for a while on the main floor, but the nearby bill breaker was out of order, so Kodi put a $60 ticket into her bag, telling Tom to remind her to cash it before they left the Casino. Saginaws was upstairs and while Kodi made her way to the restroom, Tom looked over the menu. Their system is very efficient. You move along in a line to order from the big board behind the counter, pay and get a number to take to your table. Your food and beverages are delivered and the serving 'team' is friendly, and helpful. They are like a well-oiled machine, and it appears that they are all capable and willing to do each and every job, front of the house. The Diner style decor is fun and the easy listening music playing confirmed that Derek Stevens has no control of the playlist.
While waiting for the meal, they looked at the family photos on the wall, and read the story of the growth of the business. It was very touching.
Kodi got the Royal Flush Reuben, and a cranberry juice, and Tom, Zach's Corned Beef and a coke. The crew happily subbed a big bun for Tom's rye bread since he doesn't eat that. The home style potato chips they serve are delicious. They were stuffed when finished, but Kodi realized there was still credit on her card, so they ordered a piece of classic cheesecake to go, which used up her entire $70 balance. It was an expensive but satisfying experience. Highly recommended.
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Playing slots here once they finished lunch was quick and merciless, but Kodi figured she'd better "show up" on the system again with a couple of 20s after getting that comped meal. They headed downstairs.
They found doors that led out the back of Circa, and by crossing the parking lot we're able to slip in the door of their hotel much more quickly.
Tom took the cheesecake upstairs to the room, and when Kodi reached in her bag to get her Boyd players card, the $60 Circa ticket jumped out and yelled BOO! She broke the bad news to him a couple of hours later, when their paths crossed again..and he was not thrilled about having to return there to cash it, but Kodi sweetened the deal, telling him she only wanted $50 when he came back, lol.
They were able to stretch their stakes all afternoon, into early evening by slow playing. Kodi also got another quad on video poker, which kept her at her machine for a couple of hours with other small wins. Tom found her and said he wanted something to eat...not a full meal, but just something to tide him over til morning. They waited in line for 40 minutes at the busy Market Street Cafe, where Tom got beef veggie soup, and Kodi ordered a Patty Melt, giving Tom most of the fries. They both played for another hour or so, before heading up to the room with a bit of money to start the next day, the last at this Hotel.
CALIFORNIA, Day 4
The next morning they showered, Kodi had her crunchy oj, her coffee with iced coffee and they shared the classic cheesecake, which was dense and a bit dry without a sauce or fruit. They played all morning with varied results, but Kodi held her own on video poker for quite a while, but getting no quads and staying at the same machine until the lady on the end of the row sat down and on her first hand was dealt Aces with a kicker. There was no wall to bang her head against, so Kodi just sighed and wandered around looking for a few interactive , silly games...where she didn't have to concentrate so much, or even think if she wanted to let her mind wander. Tom came by and suggested lunch, but she wasn't hungry, so sent him off to the cafe , telling him to charge it to the room, including tip. He told her he was going to get a burger and coke....saying he might still need something later. Kodi was finished walking anywhere outside the casino, so the coupons she had for meals on Fremont would go to waste, sadly. She slow played until she felt a little hungry. Luckily they both were able to stretch their daily stake downtown, unlike on the Strip, previously. She headed to the Cafe and had the prime rib dinner, and they let her substitute peach pie for the missing Cherries Jubilee. Tom found her afterwards and suggested going over to Main Street Station to play for a while. They did that ( the place was half empty, and there was only one person playing video poker at the Boars Head Bar unlike other visits when it was hard to get a seat there.) Tom fancied an ice cream, while they played penny machines upstairs, so got a cone for each of them...Kodi had Cherry! They headed to the room shortly afterwards, to prepack for the next day's move. .
Tom saw , when he was getting the ice cream, that he could get pastries and hot chocolate at Aloha Specialties, so decided he'd go there in the morning before they checked out.
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