Gene and all,

I was finally able to talk my wife into going to a chip/memorabilia show. She'd always ask, "You want me to drive all the way to Arcadia to see what?" She thinks those things are for gambling. This time I used an overnight stay at one of LV's finest and a liberal gambling budget as incentive.

She was quite impressed with the variety of items available and the genuine friendliness of the vendors. Initially I was able to work her away from buying a $400 thermometer from a long departed cafe. I liked it as well but $400 can buy good chips. Then she spotted the Ivories with the crowns, flower, and fleur-de-lis designs...she does silk flower arrangements and weddings as an income producing hobby...then the Jetons...I was lucky there too. I finally dazzled her with a room key and a "B" roulette chip from the Bellagio, she loves their ambiance - especially the flowers. I know I won't be able to pull that off ever again.

Don't let me mislead you with my version of what happened. Jan's strength is stealth. She is really the boss and is very adept at setting me up for her getting what she really wants. I think it is this "on going competition" that has kept us these past 32 years. As our anniversary is in June...maybe the is where we celebrate next. I'm nibbling now with the prospect of vastly more memorabilia, ivories, and jetons, and we'll both finally be retired. Of course she'll see through that but maybe...

Anyway, thanks to everyone for a great time. I think I have a convert!