Everyone knows by now that my cat Molly is ill and I probably should’ve done something sooner, like before I left town. I feel really bad too. She didn’t have any symptoms, she just looked obese. We figured that Molly would be back to normal once everybody in Chez Maggi had returned to our standard routine with work.
So this has also affected my traditional play-by-play on hanging out in Las Vegas, an old precedent laid out from our wedding in 2003 and refined during the dude trip of 2005. I think the process has been more amusing for myself due to the frequent silence from others. I probably should chalk it up as disinterest because others have differing opinions on what a vacation should be. For example, a French person “enlightened” me about how “Vegas isn’t real.” I really wanted to answer with, “No shit Sherlock!” However, the city has a special place in my heart, I have never had a bad time here, I actually get to relax here and Europe is terribly expensive (airfare, accommodations, etc.) plus my wife has even less time than me.
Therefore, I’m just going to post the key things happening and maybe some pictures.
Firstly we were not here when LV received its annual rainfall in an afternoon resulting in flash floods. That happened the day before. We did see the after effects: odd puddles, sediment in the streets (especially on corners) and the resort’s lazy river was closed for two days to be cleaned.
The weather has been spectacular! It’s hot without being blistering awful. This means it’s great for the pool but not unpleasant when walking about. Staying in the shade remains the wisest tactic if you must walk.
Gambling wise, my luck has been mixed. Roulette and video poker have been a bust. Sports a push (Packers won/beat the spread; Cowboys were humiliated; NHL lockout is under way). Craps…wicked! I’m up $69 after two sessions. Summaries will be below, I can’t stop doing that.
The annual owners meeting was alright. Our resort company changed its partnership for exchanges, something I don’t care to deal with. Admittedly the new exchange company made it easier through a point system, we just didn’t want to pony up the cost of another deed to join. I wouldn’t have called a complete swindle, another week here every other year was tempting along with the flexibility to stay at Wyndham hotels or properties. Paying off the car and then buying a second vehicle are the pressing priorities for the Maggi Republic in Fiscal year ’13. It was the plan last time until we got the deal which was too good to pass up. This pad may have cost us $18K plus interest (off the cuff I estimate another $3K) yet we came out ahead; new contracts run at least $30K. We did receive Cirque du Soleil (Beatles: Love) tickets for our time, a story down the line.
What is the new thing we’ve learned from trip number eight? Our timeshare has a laundromat (where I am now while writing!). This means I will pack fewer clothes to free up the suitcase space. More presents to bring back for you readers!
Somara and I have hit most of our usual faves: Pinball Hall of Fame (twice), the LV Gun Store and Palace Station (twice). It was great to see Mike at the concierge desk, what can I say, I’m a fan of continuity. We did check out Caesars Palace’s new buffet the Bacchanal which will give the Bellagio’s some real competition. I thought M’s could, Somara didn’t like it as much as I did. Paris for breakfast remains tentative. We discovered a good comfort food joint in CP too, Munch Bar. The chili and cheese-covered tater tots were excellent as they feed two!
The laundry is about wrapped up. Sadly, nobody’s numbers have won. There may be a couple more to cover. Oh, Jose is the only winner. He went in with me on the Packers’ game. We were communicating via SMS during the game too.
Gambling Report:
- Video Poker: Somara 4, Steve 2 ($64.25, $26.25)
- Somara: Not sure, she usually does well against me and she’s still tallying things up.
- Steve: Sports +$4.10; Roulette -$15; Craps +$69; VidPoker: -$53.75