PENDULUM SWINGS

Vee Quiva Casino

Smack in the middle of the stone and dust desert in Laveen, AZ, just south of Phoenix a VERY prosperous, 99% slot machine, and a few black jack/poker tables, is winning a new and monetarily rewarding way of life for the Gila River Reservation, home to the Akimel O'Odham and Pee Posh peoples. The pendulum has swung and now the white man rushes to play the Indian's game, leaving mounds of wampum behind. I have a friend that tells me, "Instead of going to the casino, just send them a check, at least you'll be saving gas money.

Jackie and I fared well.  We were given an introductory $10 each to play at the slots, and then went on to parlay those winnings into a total of $45 at the black jack table.  The tribe was also nicely accommodating with a free nights lodging in their 10 acre parking lot.  During our expansion years, "Manifest Destiny," I don't think my race was ever that gracious to the Native Americans.

The place was packed.  I didn't know a casino could attract so many people without "full-gaming," craps, roulette and the other table gambling.  Believe me, we were the exception, being able to leave with winnings.

If it hadn't been for the cigarette smoke clinging to, and woven-into our clothes, it would have been a completely enjoyable evening.

Enjoying a taste of fry bread.  What is this bird's name?  I've seen it in Michigan, I think, but darn if I can remember it's name.

Update--

(((THANKS, WHOEVER LEFT THE ANONYMOUS COMMENT.))))

It's a Starling!