Friday, May 1, 2009
Tunica MS
Fond memories of travelling to Tunica in '07 guided us back North on 61 into the Casino strip in Tunica. This time we went to the pod of casinos including Sams, Resorts and Hollywood Casino.
Our first stop was Sams and while I had a moderate win, Mel took a beating losing almost his stake. Fortunately I was able to buy lunch so we could eat. Facing our five hour drive to St Louis we pondered leaving after lunch but Mel the optimist said he did not want to leave Tunica a loser. So we ventured off to Resorts. Hollywood Casino was avoided because they had a breakfast special on Thursday morning which we has missed and I sensed they would be vengeful.
Resorts is connected to Resorts in AC but they were unable to find any player card information. Either that or the casino just wanted to sign up new players. That proved unsuccessful in my case because the pit boss was unable to use the zip code on my driver's license because it was returned as invalid, sigh. I sat at one table and Mel at another. After a short time Mel returned and I was anxious that maybe his luck had continued but sure enough he showed me the bounty of a few minutes work. He had won back all his losings from the earlier sessions in a once in a long time hand combining a series of “3's which kept being split and doubled until there were four hands all maxed out followed by a dealer busting. Tada'. Having recently experienced his losing session and recognizing the luck for what it was he cashed in and came to my table. I was ahead too so I cashed and we packed up for St Louis.
Our first stop was Sams and while I had a moderate win, Mel took a beating losing almost his stake. Fortunately I was able to buy lunch so we could eat. Facing our five hour drive to St Louis we pondered leaving after lunch but Mel the optimist said he did not want to leave Tunica a loser. So we ventured off to Resorts. Hollywood Casino was avoided because they had a breakfast special on Thursday morning which we has missed and I sensed they would be vengeful.
Resorts is connected to Resorts in AC but they were unable to find any player card information. Either that or the casino just wanted to sign up new players. That proved unsuccessful in my case because the pit boss was unable to use the zip code on my driver's license because it was returned as invalid, sigh. I sat at one table and Mel at another. After a short time Mel returned and I was anxious that maybe his luck had continued but sure enough he showed me the bounty of a few minutes work. He had won back all his losings from the earlier sessions in a once in a long time hand combining a series of “3's which kept being split and doubled until there were four hands all maxed out followed by a dealer busting. Tada'. Having recently experienced his losing session and recognizing the luck for what it was he cashed in and came to my table. I was ahead too so I cashed and we packed up for St Louis.
Clarksdale MS
No trip up US 61 aka the Delta Blues Highwaycan be complete without a stop at the Crossroads. Hwy 49 and 61 crosss in Clarksdale and legend has it that is where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil to be able to play guitar. The Delta Blues Museum was our destination on Thursday morning and we located it without trouble. The museum was provided biographies of well known blues artists, a collection of instruments and memorabilia from blues artists and some comments from well known rock musicians, Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, and Led Zeppelin acknowledging their contribution to rock and roll. We spent a while looking over the exhibits, listening to some blues in the background and bought a couple of souvenirs. While in the gift shop we met three other blues fans who came to the museum all the way from Sheffield England. Small world.
Natchez and Vicksburg
Natchez is only a short jaunt up 61 from Baton Rouge and has “river boat” gambling as well. We drove to the boat and parked. It turned out to be an Isle of Capri run casino and had ample open black jack seating. Mel and I played at separate tables and I left with a tie. Actually I had been down much of the session and when I climbed back to even decided this was just a bad day and colored in. Mel won a little and began to recover for the team. We left, got back in the car and drove north to Vicksburg.
Our fourth and final stop for the day was the Amistar casino in Vicksburg. A stylized river boat set up similar to the Quad cities casinos. Although tiring from the frantic drive, stop, play, scenario for the day we decided to give it a try. We had also decided to tour the battlefield at Vicksburg on Wednesday so playing out the final session was easier than leaving it for the morning.
Once again the casino failed to provide any support for our trip. Mel and I winning less than the cost of gas to get there. We did find a better priced Super 8 for the night. It was a pleasant ride through the bayou country of Louisiana and Mississippi though.
Our fourth and final stop for the day was the Amistar casino in Vicksburg. A stylized river boat set up similar to the Quad cities casinos. Although tiring from the frantic drive, stop, play, scenario for the day we decided to give it a try. We had also decided to tour the battlefield at Vicksburg on Wednesday so playing out the final session was easier than leaving it for the morning.
Once again the casino failed to provide any support for our trip. Mel and I winning less than the cost of gas to get there. We did find a better priced Super 8 for the night. It was a pleasant ride through the bayou country of Louisiana and Mississippi though.
Biloxi on Another Day
Our second day of working turned out to be our busiest. After checking our of the Super 8 we jumped on the causeway back to Biloxi to hit a casino recommended by the motel staff, called Boomtown. But Boomtown proved to be a misnomer and quickly erased any hope for a hat trick of wins. We left Biloxi and headed northwest to Baton Rouge and our rendezvous with US 61 our main route for the trip.
We stopped at a Baton Rouge casino, Hollywood Casino, which appeared to be an actual sternwheeler converted to a casino, as opposed to casinos made to look like river boats. Unfortunately my luck from the morning did not wear off and the score was now even with two wins and two losses. Mel did eke out a minor victory. The real payoff came though when the pit boss awarded us buffet lunches presumably because we were “new players” (as opposed to nomadic black jack players who happened to stop by) another reason could be that they took about half an hour making up player cards for us. In any case we did get to eat on Tuesday something not really guaranteed at that point based on our play. After lunch we hopped back into Hyundai 61 and headed north on 61 to the state of Mississippi.
We stopped at a Baton Rouge casino, Hollywood Casino, which appeared to be an actual sternwheeler converted to a casino, as opposed to casinos made to look like river boats. Unfortunately my luck from the morning did not wear off and the score was now even with two wins and two losses. Mel did eke out a minor victory. The real payoff came though when the pit boss awarded us buffet lunches presumably because we were “new players” (as opposed to nomadic black jack players who happened to stop by) another reason could be that they took about half an hour making up player cards for us. In any case we did get to eat on Tuesday something not really guaranteed at that point based on our play. After lunch we hopped back into Hyundai 61 and headed north on 61 to the state of Mississippi.
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go
We arrived at our first casino destination Biloxi after a six hour drive from Tucker, GA. The drive was uneventful. We were entering Biloxi with the intent on starting our work sessions at the Beau Rivage casino. Never having been to Biloxi and using a catalogue from an earlier road trip meant the brand new Imperial Palace casino was not on our to do list.
The BR parking provided an unexpected hurdle. My right foot developed a sore big toe while in Georgia and the six hour ride did not help it. I did manage to find the furthest parking space from the casino's elevator and struggled to hobble back to the casino floor.
The casino's gaming tables are not directly attached to the parking either. To get there you have to walk through a mall like string o f small shops, similar to the Bilagio set up. Upon entering the table game area we immediately found some empty low limit tables and began to play. It was a long time for me since I have played black jack so some practice rounds were good. Mel and I both managed to win our first round of play and celebrated at the casino's buffet. Saving money by making it in 20 minutes before the dinner rate took affect. The buffet advertised itself as the “next level” and was very good by our standards.
We left the BR casino found a room at an overpriced Super 8 just off the causeway to Biloxi and returned for another evening session at the Imperial Palace. We learned to park closer to the elevator, enjoyed a winning round at their plush casino and left winners for our first two work sessions.
The BR parking provided an unexpected hurdle. My right foot developed a sore big toe while in Georgia and the six hour ride did not help it. I did manage to find the furthest parking space from the casino's elevator and struggled to hobble back to the casino floor.
The casino's gaming tables are not directly attached to the parking either. To get there you have to walk through a mall like string o f small shops, similar to the Bilagio set up. Upon entering the table game area we immediately found some empty low limit tables and began to play. It was a long time for me since I have played black jack so some practice rounds were good. Mel and I both managed to win our first round of play and celebrated at the casino's buffet. Saving money by making it in 20 minutes before the dinner rate took affect. The buffet advertised itself as the “next level” and was very good by our standards.
We left the BR casino found a room at an overpriced Super 8 just off the causeway to Biloxi and returned for another evening session at the Imperial Palace. We learned to park closer to the elevator, enjoyed a winning round at their plush casino and left winners for our first two work sessions.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Vicksburg
Wednesday April 29, 2009 -
We went to the National Battlefield Park at Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was free because I had my one time purchase senior pass for National Parks. Our arrival coincided with the start of the film at the visitors center. At the conclusion of the film we walked through a small museum and gift shop, then toured the grounds.
It is a 16 mile car ride about the battlefield. There are many, many monuments to both individuals and units. They are placed where the unit was positioned during the campaign. I believe every state, N&S, who had units there, also had a major state monument. Illinois had the grandest, in my opinion. Pennsylvania's was impressive with four bronze faces on the granite. There was a separate pedestal with the bust of the governor atop. Mississippi's was one of the last erected and the posted sign spoke of the difficulty in the state legislature in passing the approval for its construction.
Recreated battlefields are always too peaceful. Birds chirp, the lawns are well manicured, all is bright and shinny with crisp signs indicating where troops were at the particular time, who attacked who, who won, who lost, and the casualty rate. There are no scared hands, no bits of bodies, no smell of death and wounds, no screams of fear or pain, no clouds of powder or roar of guns. The battlefield is now a place of peace, a place for picnics, a place where kids play soldier and shot with their thumb and forefinger at an unseen enemy.
I was glad we took the tour. I thought of Mel.
Our decision was to drive straight through to Memphis, catching Crossroads and Tunica on Thursday. Tonight, Wednesday, we would visit AutoZone field and see the minor league Red Birds. We arrived in Memphis with an hour to spare for the 7:05 start But it appears the Red Birds is for Thursday, not tonight.
There was some sort of festival on Beale street. Two blocks were only open to pedestrians. We were enticed by a hostess into Pigs on Beale. It turned out to be an outstanding choice.. We followed her suggestion, selecting a full rack with two sides, onion rings and beans. Since Den was driving he had the 12 oz and I the 32 oz beer. Our waitress took our picture we returned to the Knights Inn (the low end of Super 8). But that is a later story.
We went to the National Battlefield Park at Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was free because I had my one time purchase senior pass for National Parks. Our arrival coincided with the start of the film at the visitors center. At the conclusion of the film we walked through a small museum and gift shop, then toured the grounds.
It is a 16 mile car ride about the battlefield. There are many, many monuments to both individuals and units. They are placed where the unit was positioned during the campaign. I believe every state, N&S, who had units there, also had a major state monument. Illinois had the grandest, in my opinion. Pennsylvania's was impressive with four bronze faces on the granite. There was a separate pedestal with the bust of the governor atop. Mississippi's was one of the last erected and the posted sign spoke of the difficulty in the state legislature in passing the approval for its construction.
Recreated battlefields are always too peaceful. Birds chirp, the lawns are well manicured, all is bright and shinny with crisp signs indicating where troops were at the particular time, who attacked who, who won, who lost, and the casualty rate. There are no scared hands, no bits of bodies, no smell of death and wounds, no screams of fear or pain, no clouds of powder or roar of guns. The battlefield is now a place of peace, a place for picnics, a place where kids play soldier and shot with their thumb and forefinger at an unseen enemy.
I was glad we took the tour. I thought of Mel.
Our decision was to drive straight through to Memphis, catching Crossroads and Tunica on Thursday. Tonight, Wednesday, we would visit AutoZone field and see the minor league Red Birds. We arrived in Memphis with an hour to spare for the 7:05 start But it appears the Red Birds is for Thursday, not tonight.
There was some sort of festival on Beale street. Two blocks were only open to pedestrians. We were enticed by a hostess into Pigs on Beale. It turned out to be an outstanding choice.. We followed her suggestion, selecting a full rack with two sides, onion rings and beans. Since Den was driving he had the 12 oz and I the 32 oz beer. Our waitress took our picture we returned to the Knights Inn (the low end of Super 8). But that is a later story.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Purple Haze
Our arrival at the Hunter's in Tucker did not go without preparation by Bernice and her crew. After unloading the car we were accompanied to our guest quarters. I was to stay in Jason's former bedroom and as I entered the room the glow of purple began to emanate from the room's decor. Sure enough the room had been entirely transformed into a purple palate. Bedspread, drapes, pillow case, balloons, streamers, lamp shades and even guest room purple chocolate candy was the new decor. This of course was designed to help me feel at home where my wife Lori likes to decorate the house in purple color schemes. So our two day stay was bathed in purple so much like Manassas I almost forgot I was on a road trip.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Ride to Atlanta - April 26, 2009
Sunday April 26, 2009
Bernice was up and about when I woke up. I showered, shaved and dressed. You know, since I've retired it takes me about 25 / 30 minutes to do all these things. When I was employed it took 11 minutes on a slow day.
I charged my batteries as Bernice prepared eggs over easy, bacon, English muffins, and coffee. A good start to the day.
Jessica was off to meet Fred and Tiffany for their Sunday morning touring and the three of us, Den, Bernice, and myself to CNN and the Cyclorama in Grant Park. We recommend both.The CNN tour guide, Jardon, mentioned that the current president of CNN had started as an intern page at CNN in 1981. Hey I guess there is hope for Kenneth Purcell.
Did you know in Atlanta City bus drivers will abandon their bus in the traffic lane and go about their business? True. As we egresses Grant Park and walked along Cherokee back to the car a city bus was stopped at a light (green). The driver exited the bus, with his lady friend, I saw only one passenger on the bus, and walked across the street. As we reached the end of the bus, the car behind the bus, which had been waiting since we were in front of the bus, was still waiting. I called out to the passenger in the car to let them know the drive was not in there. They decided to go around as did the cars beginning to back up behind the bus.
We returned to Castlehill for lunch and discuss the afternoon activities. Bernice's was to attend a meet and greet session but it was cancelled and Den and I were a bit worn out from the morning so we decided the Carter library could wait until another visit.
Bernice is the moderator for the local Freecycle group and had found a replacement rack for her dishwasher. I needed a free ATM and Den shoelaces. Bernice became the tour guide driving us thought the Vidal section of Atlanta. It was a very nice older section with neat lawns and attractive homes. Alas no racks were found at the appropriate home. We were close to Emory University, where Jason is a computer tech (go figure) and Jessica volunteers in the children's area of the University hospital. Like any good NYC taxi driver we took the long way through. We did make the quick stop at Target for the other items.
The next stop was at Jason's apartment. After negotiating past the tight security system we parked. Jason has a first floor bachelor pad with a very excellent very large flat screen TV which he hooks up to his PC and watches Netflix movies, way cool. (Note to Grandmother and Aunts - the apartment was neat and orderly, you should visit). Before we left we checked in with Jessica to meet up for dinner.
The Ted's Montana Grill was our choice. There were three 15 dollar meal deals and four burgers. Olivia, our waitress, attended to us. Apparently an onion ring had fallen off on of the dishes on the way to the table and two other waitresses brought a replacement. I'll bet they really did toss the fallen one out!
Next time - We go to work
Bernice was up and about when I woke up. I showered, shaved and dressed. You know, since I've retired it takes me about 25 / 30 minutes to do all these things. When I was employed it took 11 minutes on a slow day.
I charged my batteries as Bernice prepared eggs over easy, bacon, English muffins, and coffee. A good start to the day.
Jessica was off to meet Fred and Tiffany for their Sunday morning touring and the three of us, Den, Bernice, and myself to CNN and the Cyclorama in Grant Park. We recommend both.The CNN tour guide, Jardon, mentioned that the current president of CNN had started as an intern page at CNN in 1981. Hey I guess there is hope for Kenneth Purcell.
Did you know in Atlanta City bus drivers will abandon their bus in the traffic lane and go about their business? True. As we egresses Grant Park and walked along Cherokee back to the car a city bus was stopped at a light (green). The driver exited the bus, with his lady friend, I saw only one passenger on the bus, and walked across the street. As we reached the end of the bus, the car behind the bus, which had been waiting since we were in front of the bus, was still waiting. I called out to the passenger in the car to let them know the drive was not in there. They decided to go around as did the cars beginning to back up behind the bus.
We returned to Castlehill for lunch and discuss the afternoon activities. Bernice's was to attend a meet and greet session but it was cancelled and Den and I were a bit worn out from the morning so we decided the Carter library could wait until another visit.
Bernice is the moderator for the local Freecycle group and had found a replacement rack for her dishwasher. I needed a free ATM and Den shoelaces. Bernice became the tour guide driving us thought the Vidal section of Atlanta. It was a very nice older section with neat lawns and attractive homes. Alas no racks were found at the appropriate home. We were close to Emory University, where Jason is a computer tech (go figure) and Jessica volunteers in the children's area of the University hospital. Like any good NYC taxi driver we took the long way through. We did make the quick stop at Target for the other items.
The next stop was at Jason's apartment. After negotiating past the tight security system we parked. Jason has a first floor bachelor pad with a very excellent very large flat screen TV which he hooks up to his PC and watches Netflix movies, way cool. (Note to Grandmother and Aunts - the apartment was neat and orderly, you should visit). Before we left we checked in with Jessica to meet up for dinner.
The Ted's Montana Grill was our choice. There were three 15 dollar meal deals and four burgers. Olivia, our waitress, attended to us. Apparently an onion ring had fallen off on of the dishes on the way to the table and two other waitresses brought a replacement. I'll bet they really did toss the fallen one out!
Next time - We go to work
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday & Saturday 4/24, 25
And so we begin another Adventure:
Den and I drove from my mothers to Warminster so I might pay my respects to a friend from Prudential, Jack Callaghan, who was being laid to rest today, Friday April 24, 2009. Thanks Jack, you were a nice guy and you brought me back to visit with a few Pru friends.
Den, Julie and I went to my favorite Mexican restaurant in Manassas, Guapo's. We enjoyed, well at least I did.
Saturday 4/25/09 - At 705 we hit the road in search of a CVS with a free ATM. The CVS does not open until 0800 so we decided to push on to Atlanta.GPS estimates arrival about 4:30 PM.
US29 is a very pleasant ride almost likean I route. As we approached E on the fuel guage we decided to ask the GPS for information. It took us to Walton Mt (a TV series a while back) and museum. 7.5 miles in, 2 miles parallel, fuel, 7.5 miles back to US29. Within a mile on US29 we passed a fuel (same off brand as what we had purchased) station.
Lunch became an adventure too. We decided to GPS food and found BeeBop Inn listed. We think we found it in a small shopping center parking lot as a pad site. The building had been a restaurant of some kind but was no longer in business. Another option was O'Henry Bar B Q which, we found but there were no, none, zero cars in the parking lot. Back to US29 south.
Earlier in the ride we had done a search on the GPS for a fast food franchised restaurant called "Buiscuitville." No luck even when we tried "bis" and similar searches. We were currently transitioning from US29 to I85 and decided to stop after we reached I85 and stop at anything for lunch. As we approached the next exit there were eight food offerings, one of which was Biscuitville, God had directed us.
I, Mel, took over driving after lunch. As we came close to the end of NC, where gas is expensive and entered SC, where gas is cheap, I passed a series of $1.78 signs at 2 or 3 exits. I made a decision , the next exit is it! It turned out to be the first one with a Sunoco, my credit card,but also the one where the four gas stations posted $1.88. Oh well. We filled up at the expensive rate and pushed on. The next three exits, count them three, all boasted $1.78 regular unleaded.
We arrived at the Hunters about 6:30 without any problems. Jessica's friend from college, Tiffany and her husband, Fred O'Hara joined us for dinner.An extremely tasty chicken dinner called Bourbon Chicken (no booze) served over seasoned rice abd broccalli was enjoyed by all.
We chatted until 10:45, or so, and retired.
Den and I drove from my mothers to Warminster so I might pay my respects to a friend from Prudential, Jack Callaghan, who was being laid to rest today, Friday April 24, 2009. Thanks Jack, you were a nice guy and you brought me back to visit with a few Pru friends.
Den, Julie and I went to my favorite Mexican restaurant in Manassas, Guapo's. We enjoyed, well at least I did.
Saturday 4/25/09 - At 705 we hit the road in search of a CVS with a free ATM. The CVS does not open until 0800 so we decided to push on to Atlanta.GPS estimates arrival about 4:30 PM.
US29 is a very pleasant ride almost likean I route. As we approached E on the fuel guage we decided to ask the GPS for information. It took us to Walton Mt (a TV series a while back) and museum. 7.5 miles in, 2 miles parallel, fuel, 7.5 miles back to US29. Within a mile on US29 we passed a fuel (same off brand as what we had purchased) station.
Lunch became an adventure too. We decided to GPS food and found BeeBop Inn listed. We think we found it in a small shopping center parking lot as a pad site. The building had been a restaurant of some kind but was no longer in business. Another option was O'Henry Bar B Q which, we found but there were no, none, zero cars in the parking lot. Back to US29 south.
Earlier in the ride we had done a search on the GPS for a fast food franchised restaurant called "Buiscuitville." No luck even when we tried "bis" and similar searches. We were currently transitioning from US29 to I85 and decided to stop after we reached I85 and stop at anything for lunch. As we approached the next exit there were eight food offerings, one of which was Biscuitville, God had directed us.
I, Mel, took over driving after lunch. As we came close to the end of NC, where gas is expensive and entered SC, where gas is cheap, I passed a series of $1.78 signs at 2 or 3 exits. I made a decision , the next exit is it! It turned out to be the first one with a Sunoco, my credit card,but also the one where the four gas stations posted $1.88. Oh well. We filled up at the expensive rate and pushed on. The next three exits, count them three, all boasted $1.78 regular unleaded.
We arrived at the Hunters about 6:30 without any problems. Jessica's friend from college, Tiffany and her husband, Fred O'Hara joined us for dinner.An extremely tasty chicken dinner called Bourbon Chicken (no booze) served over seasoned rice abd broccalli was enjoyed by all.
We chatted until 10:45, or so, and retired.
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