I picked up a rental car out of my local airport yesterday that still has Delta and America suspending flights until further notice. It's a real bummer not being able to fly out of there. I booked this car with Avis using a discount code from work that got me a mid – sized SUV for $60/base and $80 all in. They actually assigned me a Ford Ranger Pick Up Truck with 22,000 miles on it in pretty good condition. I gave the truck a quick look and was on my way to run last minute errands before the trip.

This morning I left the house around 4:30am. The ride to Newark was uneventful as it should be at this time of morning. I stopped to gas up the car at the rip off gas station outside of Newark Airport.

Dropping off the car was smooth and I saw the same ass clown employee from last month that thinks his mask is a chin guard.

Once I got the car returned I hopped on the monorail to the C terminals where United flies from.

I bought this ticket back in April for the unbelievable fare of $97 round trip. Yes that says ninety-seven. I have never gotten as flight this cheap before. It's that stupid basic economy fare but I couldn't resist especially because when I booked it United wasn't selling middle seats. Since my purchase they changed their minds. I have the United credit card so I don't have to deal with the luggage fees.

During this COVID-19 crisis they are assigning a seat to you 48-72 hours before the flight. They gave me 30D which is actually an aisle seat. I prefer the window but I'll take the aisle any day over the middle seat.

Checking in was the usual bullshit. Even after all of these years people just don't get it.

The next stop was security. Things here were surprisingly good. I'd say people are finally getting it but I know better and also know I got lucky.

I grabbed a snack in the food court to hold me over through the flight at the absurd prices they charge.

I found my gate and much like back in July, this airport is dead and very creepy it's so slow.

When the boarding process started they boarded from the back to the front so I was in the first group called.

This is flight 859 non stop to Las Vegas scheduled for 5 hours and 21 minutes. An announcement was made saying it was only going to take 4 hours and 47 minutes.

It was a typical long flight to Vegas and I spent some of it sleeping and some of it playing on my phone and watching TV.

We landed at 10:21am and took a long taxi to the gate. I finally got off the plane and went to baggage claim with the usual stop on the way. My suitcase came was out when I got to the carousel and it was on to the rental car shuttle. I timed that just right too as the shuttle came around the corner as soon as I got there.

Today's rental is with Budget. This is only a 3 day rental for the weekend. I booked a mid – sized car with a base rate of $61 using a discount code and a $25 off coupon that I earned for renting twice for at least 2 days. All in it still came to $99. They didn't have my name up on the scoreboard. A quick stop at the Fast Break booth showed I was in space F14.

I was assigned a Toyota Corolla with just under 18,000 miles on it. I gave the car a good look checking for damages and I was on my way to the gate. In just a few minutes I was on my way.

Stop number one was to Jack In The Box for lunch. Two tacos and a vanilla shake did the trick. I paid cash for this because I couldn't locate my gift card (later it was found between the pages of my ACG). So as much as I'd like to thank Yahtzee Mike for lunch, I can't. Sorry pal!

The first hotel of the trip is Tuscany. I booked this with a mailed offer of 3 nights, $100 free play, $75 food and a free pool cabana. It was still a little early but I tried checking in. My room was ready and I was given room 302 in H building.

The rooms here are quite large with a living room area, dining room/kitchenette area and bedroom area. The living room has a couch (sleeper), coffee table and work desk. The dining area has a table and chairs and small counter with sink, cabinets, coffee maker and a fridge. The bedroom area has a king bed with night stands, dresser, TV and closet. There is a view of another building and the pool.

The bathroom is room with a shower stall, separate tub, toilet and vanity area. Nothing fancy but certainly better than many others out there.

Once I got my things to the room I made a quick run to 99¢ Only to grab a few items to get me through the next few days and then a stop at CVS. From there I came back to Tuscany.

I got back to the room and needed a short nap. I didn't get much sleep last night and only a few minutes on the plane. I was beat.

I got up from my nap and watched the first period of the Vegas Golden Knights against the Chicago Blackhawks.

For dinner I went to Tuscany Gardens. Of all of the times I've been to Tuscany over the years, I've never tried this place. That changes tonight. I had the Caesar salad and chicken Marsala. Other than it being a bit on the salty side it was one of the best I've had. The bill was only $36 and I used a coupon out of the fun book they gave me at check in for 20% off.

After dinner I hit the casino for a little while. I didn't have any plans to play here today but took a walk to the casino to check things out. I played a few penny games for some fun. Nothing major until I hit a Wheel of Fortune bonus for $76. I also caught the end of the hockey game in the casino to see the Golden Knights go up in the series 3-0.

It wasn't very late but it was a long day for me at this point so I came back to the room and went to bed. I think I was out for the count in a matter of seconds.

Total coin in for the day $0
Total win/loss for the day + $66
Total Comps for the day $121