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The McCarty and Friends annual VBV trip saw only two attendees this year, Bob and Larry, as others chose to remain home due to personal health and concerns of how Vegas would be impacted by recent shutdowns. While Vegas reopened in June after two months of shut down, the impact of social distancing guidelines has caused Vegas to lose some of its charm and allure.

The first thing one will notice in Vegas is the increased security inside and out of the casinos, making sure the strict mask mandate is being followed. Once inside the casinos, no one is allowed to stand by the table to cheer someone on or watch a game. You must stand 6 feet away from the table and if you stand there for too long, you will be told you can’t stand there any longer and must move.

Harrah’s, Paris, Bellagio, and others have plexiglass partitions separating players from each other and the dealer. Muffled by masks and situated behind a plastic shield, it becomes almost impossible to hear the dealer or have a conversation. Flamingo, Cromwell, and others reduced seating capacity to three to a table with no plexiglass, so you were able to speak more freely with the dealer and others seated at the table, but it was often unintelligible due to the mask.

While big money was won and I did win, mandated mask wearing and casino guidelines diminished those big wins. Hitting for a Full House in Flamingo, I went to High 5 the dealer who did not move, only to say; “I’m sorry, we are not allowed to High 5 or Fist Bump”. After the payout, I asked if they would take my picture to send to my brothers, “I’m sorry, we are not allowed to touch your phone.” As I snapped a picture of my winnings, the pit boss said, “Please put your phone away. Phones are not allowed at the table.”

Back on the strip, many of the Poker rooms were shut down. I was surprised I couldn’t find a lot of Blackjack tables and when I did find a rare Blackjack table, it had a $15 or $25 minimum. One dealer told me they were required to reduce casino capacity, so they limited the number of table games and cutting back on Blackjack helped them to achieve those goals. In fact, the outdoor Blackjack games outside of Harrah’s were closed, as well as no activity at all in O’Shea’s or Margaritaville. Plus, many of the restaurants were closed with some opening only on the weekend and fast food restaurants closing early.

Heading down to old Vegas, Fremont Street was pretty sparse in attendance as we stopped by the new Circa Casino which opened this past October and was the first new property downtown since 1980. To enter the casino, you had to have your ID scanned. Once inside, temperature checks were required to enter the casino floor. Inside the Circa was very nice, featuring the iconic neon cowgirl and an eye-catching huge Sportsbook area. Many of the casinos in old Vegas required temperature scans to enter with very few table games open.

While this may sound dismal, Vegas is still Vegas and there is nothing to replace the excitement of Vegas and hitting it big. VBV has always been a highlight of the year and I look forward to when everyone will be able to return, stand around without masks on, High 5 those big wins, and share the camaraderie.

Vegas was still Vegas, but was definitely not as busy as usual because of the pandemic and restrictions involving the casinos.

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Ok... Ok... Vegas still has some of that allure that I enjoy

DATELINE: COVID HITS THE METRO HQ

themccartys on Tik Tok has grown it's following over 900,000 people. In our last issue, they had 1.8 million followers. Currently, they are now over 2.7 million. Congratulations to Kevin, Stephanie, Audri and Braxton on this accomplishment. If you haven't seen their posts yet, download the Tik Tok app and search for themccartys and follow them. They also have an on-line store with some McCarty swag. The link is below.

Dear Editor: Wow! What a pleasant surprise!! Thank you for putting in the announcement and pictures regarding Lacey's arrival. We are very excited and happy here in Tennessee! Hope you and Margaret get to meet her one day. Love and miss you both. Come see us when you can. -Gina 

ED NOTE: The Metro prides itself on timeliness. Thank you to Anna for keeping our deadline in the back of her mind during the childbirth. Congrats to Anna, Terry and Knox.  Lacey is truly a beautiful baby.

Dear Editor: I just want to tell you that I enjoy reading about all the McCarty's. You do such a great job. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas and praying and hoping next year will be awesome. What a WONDERFUL FAMILY you have! Love hugs and prayers to all! - Kitty

ED NOTE: Thank you Kitty. I really appreciate your kind words. Hoping 2021 will be a fantastic year for you and your family.

Dear Editor: If someone offers to let you take a chocolate from a heart-shaped box on Valentine’s Day, does that mean you are engaged to be married? Also, is it permissible to sample chocolate candies until you find one without nougat? –Fear of Nougat in West Michigan

ED NOTE: No, that an old wives tale (told to you by an old wife). As far as sampling... some may say chocolate is bad for you, but I have these 3 rules... 1. Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want. 2. Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger. Therefore, you should eat more chocolate. And 3, a nice box of Valentine chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Now, isn't that handy??? Happy Valentine's Day! By the way... When's the wedding???

Dear Editor: Have you have tested positive for COVID-19? If so, how are you, and are you quarantining under the basement steps? –Wishing You the Best

ED NOTE: Yes I tested positive, and now I have completed my quarantine under the steps. I figured it was just a matter of time before it got to me as by this point, most of the world has been exposed to COVID-19. But just remember... Over a year ago, the people in Wuhan got it right off the bat. Get it??? Right off the bat!!! Anyway, thanks for the well-wishes, and try the veal, and don't forget to tip your waitresses!

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For those that do not speak the language, Le' Food is French for "The Food"! Readers, email me at mccartymetro@gmail.com to submit your
favorite recipe for inclusion in an upcoming issue. This month we have a great summertime griddle dish and a delicious dessert. Bon Appétit!

CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP
Submitted by Gina

A note from Gina: Everybody loves a good bowl of hot soup this time year.
Here's a recipe to make the Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Olive Garden.  It's guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser!

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Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup celery (diced) 2 garlic cloves (minced) 1 cup onion (diced) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups half-and-half 1 can 14 ounce chicken broth (for a thinner soup use 2 cans) 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 1 cup shredded carrots 1 cup fresh spinach leaves chopped 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast (you can also use rotisserie) 1 package 16 ounce potato gnocchi salt and pepper to taste Directions In a stockpot or Dutch oven, warm butter and olive oil over medium heat. Increase the temperature to medium high and sauté celery, garlic, and onion until soft. Add the flour and stir for about one minute to form a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and half-and-half and mix until the soup starts to thicken. Add carrots, thyme, spinach, chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken and gnocchi are cooked. Each brand of gnocchi varies in cook time. You’ll know they’re ready once they float. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve in large bowls. Because believe me, a small bowl won’t be enough.

THE NUTCRACKER

Alexa ballet dances outdoors
to The Nutcracker

INCOHEARENT FAMILY

The McCartys play a new game
on game night.