Got to Reno Sunday about 1600 and found the Fitzgerald parking structure an apparent victim of an F-16 airstike… but wait, no, just City of Reno dumb bombs as they continue to try to bury the the train that runs through their town. Sigh. Finally find the entrance and ask a valet about self-parking. Being a native Elbonian, he tells me in his quaint accent, “Three to five.” or Free to five.” or “Free the pies.” Okay I sez and gun it up the ramp, lock my chips in the trunk, grab a bag and head to the street just in time for the …train. Luckily, Fitzgerald’s has an overpass they’ve fashioned out of an old time betting palor that used to be there so I present myself to the front desk without any real problem. Town’s full of bowlers and rodeo-ers so the room price reflects that but a good value anyway.

Down on the casino floor my plan is to get some O’Lucky Bucks on my players card to use toward a room for Jim Munding’s Sept. Reno show. Found these new chips when I set about cleaning out the dealer’s rack! The whole joint is 100% single-deck Blackjack with not-so-great rules (double 10/11 only, no DAS) but a 2:3 natural payoff and decent penetration. The count never got real good but I couldn’t lose nonetheless, paid for my room and a couple of nights at the Riv too!

The next morning, I find one of the Fitz dealers that I’m in love with dealing at 0530…this is Big Sandy as opposed to Tiny Sandi who I am in love with too. Cheri is pretty great too but she likes guys with tatoos and Harleys and umm, since that restraining order thing, well… Anyway Sandy gave me some money too and then I went home and I’ve been working ever since and I haven’t even had a chance to unpack yet and I’ve got to get up and go to work about 0200 again. Should be some neat chips in my bags somewhere and when I find them it ought to be fun!