A few happy items to counter the depressing news about Cookie:

1. Anna turns six this Friday, and couldn't be more excited. Her party is Sunday. I can't believe how quickly she's growing up. Kindergarten has been terrific for her.
2. We got a new outdoor play set last week, and I assembled it Friday and Saturday (I should note the significant assistance I got from Ami's Mom, Vicki, on Friday and from Ami's cousin, John, on Saturday.). The old one was wooden and pretty quickly deteriorating. The new one is metal and plastic, fits our yard better, and is much better made.

Swing by sometime and see for yourself.