Harrah's Casino

    So, you wish to go to San Diego without driving -- and for free. Hold on to your pants while I set the scene, and you might bring grandma to listen-in today.
    A few days ago, like I told you, I did my wash. My oldest daughter just hates the smell of dirt so I complied. My legs did a jig since they had to live with dirty tattered underwear too long. To my left several tenants waited outside for a bus. Since as of late I have been inquisitive, I opened the door and asked a lady standing by the door.  I thought a bus would pick them up for shopping or a ride to the hospital.  
    "We are catching the bus to Harrah's. The ride is free and we get a five dollar chip when the bus arrives in Escondido." 
     Hilda mentioned the word "free" that got my attention. You see I have been trying to find a way to get to San Diego without driving. Now I found the way. I can take the Sprint train to Oceanside and then the Breeze bus or Coaster or, or the rapid bus to downtown San Diego. What a lift it would be to be free of gas emissions for a day.  
     Well this morning, I saw the same group waiting for the bus. I had a long chat with Harriet.  She sat on a bench in front of the apartment doors.
     "Waiting for the bus, eh? Going to the Casino's ant ye."
      "Sure am. Got a Royal Flush on the video slots a few days ago.  Won myself $2,500. They even gave me a comp room upstairs. Barney and I had a lovely time at the entertainment spot.  We listened to the player piano and a few Indians doing a war dance. You know a Indian Tribe owns the place don't you."
       "What time does the bus return you here to our apartments?"
        "We don't live here. We drive here from Santa Ana just for the free ride. The twenty mile trip is worth it. The driver gives each one five dollars and also members get a monthly calendar. Every month the provide a free gift.
     I found out another bus takes passengers to the Valley Casino. It picks them up on the other side of Florida Street. Another young lass walked toward us, and with her pug nose resembled my ex-gal Gloria. And of course I told her so. She quipped. 
    First time going by myself. My husband died six years ago today. In no way do I wish to get married again - once is enough. I just love the video slot machines and dinning at this entertainment spot. are you coming with us George?
    Seven ladies boarded the large fifty seat bus. Two couples of Vietnamese descent also boarded. Of course I knew at once these gals were displacing their love-ones with one arm bandits and then- some. 
   
The next day I met Edwin outside at seven forty five. He too waited for Harrah* Entertainment bus. Would you believe that Edwin, yes Edwin divulged his life to me in the fifteen minutes it took his transportation to arrive. So as not to bore you, I will play back his words. 
   "Came from Oregon. Been married for 62 years and my kids wanted me to be closer to me. I might get in trouble. Met the love of my life Elsa a couple weeks after World War 2 was over. I was in Code Breaking so never got into the war. Quite good in math and worked as an accountant for 33 years."
   "A band needed a tuba player for a band one evening. The leader told me to just follow the trombone player for the temp and I did. Met a swell looking gal afterwards who needed a ride home to Bedford Oregon. Well, I met the family and the afterwards enjoyed every bit of our 62 year ride together." 
   "Well Edwin, how long have you been riding this bus to Harrah's? Why do you like to gamble so much?" 
    "I just love to play poker and am a little ahead after six years. In fact, I swipe my club card to get a free dinner to boot." 
   The bus came and Edwin was helped aboard by others. Above the bumper was written, operated by the Rinkcon Indians, part of the Lucino Tribe.