On the Go With Donna out west, triggered some memories of a similar trip my wife and I made. While Donna relates the beginning of her tour, the following is how ours ended.

Six years ago, Her Ladyship and I, signed up for a two week, six canyon, (Grand Canyon included) tour for seniors, that terminated in Phoenix, AZ. a bit over 200 miles from the Temples of Sin, in Las Vegas.

As a believer that the good and virtuous will be rewarded, an invitation from Bob Stupak’s Vegas World, Hotel/Casino, arrived in ample time to give it some thought.

He offered a free 3 day/night stay and $1000 in gambling chits. The only stipulation was to make a credit card reservation for $199 each. The $398, would be returned, in cash, upon arrival. It all sounded too good to be true, and a call to the Las Vegas BBB, affirmed Mr. Stupak’s integrity.

At tour’s end we rented a car and off to our three day R&R, (that’s Rollin’ and Rifflin’ to the uninitiated). Arriving at the hotel garage, we were shown our parking space, and escorted to the front desk where a handsome young lad, checked our papers, counted out $398 in cash, and $1,000in house Play Money. Manna from the Heavens. Inquiring whether we wanted a room up high or down low, I said, "Make believe I’m your father, what would you suggest?" Smilingly, he took a plastic key card to the 22nd floor to a suite, overlooking the city, with hot & cold running water, refrigerator and stove. Talk about luxury.

I could shave and Her Ladyship could apply her makeup without getting up, as they had mirrors on the ceiling, over the bed.

Did we win? After three days of sightseeing and three nights of gambling with the big boys, sipping free Drambuie, the $1,000 was siphoned right back "from whence it came."

The total cost of our Las Vegas excursion was $70 with a tour of Hoover Dam thrown in. Did we lose?

Hit me again.

John Palmer, Formerly

Babylon Recreation Shop