of those who were really disappointed that they didn't make this year's convention. The reality is... THE SHOW WAS GREAT!!! Another yearly affirmation of why this hobby is soooooooo great...the people!! I was fortunate enough to get knocked out of the poker tournament early. FORTUNATE??? Yes, because that allowed me to play in the $100 buy-in game with Andy Hughes, Doug "Cigarman" Smith, Brian Watts, Steve P, Tommy "Where's My Sake" Leggio, Greg Susong, "Hawk" Bennett among others...what a kick. Got to meet many of those that I set out to meet -- Debra Meister, Rick Miner, Todd Barrett, Mitch Heller, Terry Shaeffer to name a few along with some of those at the poker table. As an added bonus, I met just a ton more people that I can now put faces to names with -- Joe Shaw (had a great time with him & Todd B), Dick Bartley, Douglas Boyd, Harold White, Mike Christensen, and the list goes on & on (a secondary benefit for working a couple of the club tables). Plus seeing so many people that I've met over the past several years...Jay, Barry, Tyrus, Katie, Greg, James, Tammy, Mark F, Norm, Walt....every year it just gets so much better.

If you missed it this year...my sincerest sympathies. It was wonderful & I just can't wait for next year!! Steve B