GOLDPLATED SKIP and wife passed through New Mexico last Thursday on their marathon, 6-week chip run.

Skip and his wife Mary Ann visited the 2 casinos west of Albuquerque and the new Isleta casino located south of town. Skip made the management of Dancing Eagle casino cry when he walked out with $1,000 of their money after a short session of 3-card Poker!

Leah and I met up with them at Sandia casino later that afternoon and had a great time talking and getting to know them, in spite of a lack-luster Sandia Buffet. Skip gave Leah and I a mini-lesson on 3-card Poker. Unfortunately, a seat never opened up at the 3-card Poker table so we were not able to see how well we comprehended.

That's Skip and me at Sandia below in the photo on the right. Silver-tongued Skip smooth talked the Sandia cage girl into selling him some of their obsolete chips! You might also notice Skip's multi-pocketed, military style cargo pants. The guy was shuffling as he walked and I just assumed that he was tired from the drive. No, he was just weighted down with chips and ashtrays. I'm not sure how many ashtrays he finally left with... I lost count at 6.

We then went north and visited Santa Ana casino. Skip scored again when he talked the attendant into selling him some of their old, 5th Anniversary chips!

I was able to fill in some missing New Mexico slots cards that Skip needed and we parted company.

Skip and Mary Ann were last seen heading towards Texas in their big white BMW and a cloud of dust! >

Skip and Mary Ann - We completely enjoyed our visit with you!! Have a safe journey and we'll see you both the next time we are in Las Vegas.

Best,

Steve and Leah in Albuquerque