We're Back!

 It's been more than 2 years, but we're back in Las Vegas for the winter.

We actually arrived about 3 weeks ago, but I haven't taken the time to share our adventures. but I plan to update this blog at least 2 or 3 times a week. So I hope you'll check it out. 

The trip out was smooth and safe. First night we spent in Springfield Illinois, then drove to Oklahoma City, and spent our final road night in Grants New Mexico. 2,200 miles in 3.5 days, roughly 8 hrs a day. Only real highlight on the road was the wide variation in gas prices. They ranged from $2.65 a gallon down to $1.45 in Texas. Here in Vegas, gas is costly, about $2.50 a gallon and up. 

Our move-in went smoothly, the guys got us settled in and the cable guy arrived on time to hook us up. 

With the COVID situation, things have certainly changed in LV. No shows, no buffets, many eateries and businesses closed with others operating on tight restrictions. The casinos are open and are VERY strict on checking the temps of everyone who enters, masks are mandatory and social distancing stressed by security. 

At the tables, only 3 players in blackjack and 7 or 8 in poker. At the poker tables there are plexiglass dividers between all players and the dealers. It's like being in a little backless cubicle. When a player leaves the game, staff is there to spray and wipe down the playing area, including table, chair and plexiglass. So far there has been no recorded transmission of the virus at a poker game. 

Despite the restrictions, one of the top reasons we're here is the great sunny weather and it hasn't disappointed. Pretty much 60-ish and SUNNY every day. I'm running around in shorts and t-shirts, while locals are bundled up in winter coats and wool hats. They must think I'm wacky!

Helen has been to a couple of routine doctor visits here. She has a family doctor here and also a urologist that she sees monthly. I'd give the health care here a C grade at best. For example, at the urology clinic, we go into a big medical center that has many private suites. At the entrance to the center, there was no security checking temps, no one enforcing masks, nothing. Casinos do a MUCH better job on COVID defense than this medical center, located at a major hospital. They did scan and check at the urology suite, but the common area was wide open and that's where staff had me wait while Helen was treated.

In fact, while she was in there, a lanky, rumpled homeless guy in a dingy brown coat shuffled into the common area. No mask and a plastic bag full of stuff. I was reading a book {Thanks, Charlie} when he approached.

"Any spare change, I need a bus pass."

"Nope, sorry"

"Want to buy this?" pulling a well-used set of electric clippers out of his plastic bag.

"No thanks," not looking up from the book about Detroit. 

"How about this? showing a short extension cord. This guy is a walking electrical supply shop?

"No"

He took the hint and walked down a hallway, stopping to hawk his wares to other non-responsive folks. Finally he put down the bag and wandered outside the building. I watched as he approached patients and staff outside, wondering all the time where security was. Finally a guard saw is discarded bag inside the common area and I explained why it was there and how I turned down a sweet deal on a pair of clippers. The guard took the bag and headed out to find its owner. 

Helen's been doing well. She doesn't get out much, but enjoys keeping in touch with family and friends via phone and texts. We're doing exercises to help her stand up from the chair. It's important to keep her leg muscles working and we try our best. MS is a day by day situation, some better than others. 

I visit two local casinos, The Rampart an upscaled local joint which is connected with a Marriot hotel and Red Rock, a really nice place that has the only poker room near us. Sometimes I hit both in the same day, typically Rampart in morning, then home for lunch with Helen, and poker at RR in the afternoon. I'm usually home between 4 and 5 to get dinner ready. 

I track my wins and losses and so far am up, mostly due to great runs in blackjack. Poker has been up and down and sports betting has been a loser so far. 

For the sports fan, here's some interesting info just released yesterday. Rampart has set win totals for the upcoming NBA season. Here are some highlights:

Bucks         50

Lakers         47.5

Clippers       47

Celtics         46.5

Nets             46

At the opposite end are the Thunder and Knicks at 22.5 and the Pistons at 23.

I'll do some grocery shopping today and maybe a little BJ action. As always, our adventure continues!