Hello Vegas

With going to the Angels game on Friday nite, instead of Saturday, I got to Vegas a day earlier than initially called for in the trip itinerary.  This allowed me to meet up with 2 more OBCers I had not previously met in person.

  Rich Niessen, myself and Lynn Miller.  After lunch/early bird dinner, graciously picked up by Lynn, we went back to Rich's (walking distance from the restaurant) and he showed me his collection.  You can tell his previous service background, as his collection is the most organized I have ever seen.  Every card is in an album (well over 350 albums), organized alphabetically by card issuer.  I was most impressed with his pair of 1947 Bond Bread Premium cards which I only recall seeing in guides before, never in person.  Rich also handed me a 1974 Topps Stamp booklet of the Rangers.  My 2nd in the set.  Between dinner and looking at Rich' collection we spent about 4 1/2 hours getting to know each other.

On the way into town I stopped off at the Gold Strike Casino to stretch my legs. 

  It was so hot outside (about 110 degrees), I now know what a turkey in the oven feels like.

  This was a dumpy casino that was not busy at all.  They did have a display area of movie cars.  The Batmobile was my favorite.

  Back to the Future with the Fluxcapacitor.

After leaving Lynn and Rich I went to my aunt and uncle's house who are currently in Detroit staying with my parents.  My cousin Bonnie was there and we chatted and caught up for a couple of hours.  More than questions about the trip, folks want to know about Abby.

Today there is a card show in Vegas, so we know how I'll spend much of the day.  Tomorrow is the Grand Canyon, as I will not stay more than 2 nites in any one place, the rest of the trip, except Washington DC.

Still looking for someone to join me for Mets or Yankees August 11 and 12, and hopefully give me a place to stay on the 11th.  I may also have to tweak my itinerary slightly as I was due to stop in Baton Rouge for dinner on July 26.  I just heard there were more police shootings there.  May need to by-pass Baton Rouge.  Bad enough I am going to Houston and Arlington, TX before then.