Hi from Holmen

Hi all,

Many of you probably all know this but over Easter, Rob and I went to Las Vegas - or should I say "lost wages." :) Yes, no luck for lucky Sue. Rob (WE) did have a "BINGO!" for $500 but had to split w/ another person:( We had good travels and lots of fun despite the loses. More than ever, we had enjoyed many comps; 2 nights free at Fitzgeralds downtown, $25 free slot play, 2 free comedy show tickets at our hotel, $20 in the hotel restaraunt, and then about $25 more dollars to spend comped from our "stellar" blackjack playing skills:) We missed Claire, who was w/ Cindy (daycare) and Gpa/ma Mathison, but had a great getaway.

On a sader note, yesterday we had Sami put down. Almost 2 years ago she started shaking in her hind legs. She had slowed down since that time but was still herself. Then,this past Sun., she did not eat or drink and began vomitting. From there, she was lethargic, moved very little, and had lost control of her bowels. She couldn't/didn't want to move Sun. and Mon. I (we) knew it was time. So, we took her to the vet together and I was with her when they gave her the injection. I'm sad but happy it went as fast as it did and that she is no longer in pain. I didn't realize this but she had lost ten pounds since she had her regular checkup in Mar! She was slightly dehydrated, had muscle atrophy, and her shaking had progressed past her hind legs to her whole body. The vet said her abdomen was tender and that many older dogs her size develop masses. Since her quality of life quickly had slipped away, we decided no tests; it was time. She was 13.5 years old and my first "true love" (other than you all of course). :) Samantha Claire Weber-Mathison (AKA: "Pookie") will be missed but never forgoten.

Well, that's about all for now.

Love,

Sue, Rob, and Claire