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I arrived early (as planned), and everything was ready (even a chair that would comfortable take my weight-TY). David and I made our way down to the basement, and got to enjoy some good conversation. The others started arriving and the atmosphere was upbeat. Carl Maziarz arrived with a great story- David had told him the 3rd house on the right (he meant left) and Carl wet into the basement of the house across the street (while carrying his watermelon salsa). Fortunately, the neighbor knew David, and sent Carl to us (and we appreciate her doing so). In case anybody was wondering, Carl is the big guy standing at the back in the group photo.
Max Sell and his wife arrived next, he had driven from Huntington IN, and knocked me out of longest trip, but I really enjoyed meeting them. Kolenda had a slot machine in his basement, and Max's wife put it to use. Others began arriving in quick order. Pam Holmgren arrived (always a pleasure), Mike S and his wife (who knocked Max out of the running-he actually won with over 200 miles), Bill Lange Fred DeKeyser and his wife, and finally Rick with the Chicagoland Chippers Charity Chip. Man they looked good, but more on that later.
I have gotten out of order, but my friend Susan arrived with her friend (and brand new CCGTCC member) Dawn Kush. Dawn had her traders in a plastic bag, I carried mine to my first convention in a plastic bag and was given advise about how to handle them from several wonderful folks (especially Ross Poppel), and I passed on this advice to Dawn. I had dealt with Sue on lie for a couple of years, she picked up chips for me, I did the same for her, and now we got to meet. That was a highlight for me. I also enjoyed meetig Dawn.
Christine arrived with ol whatisname, and Al. Ol whatsisname (aften referred to as Sheldon), brought all kinds of surprises (chip carriers, old Black's AC books, a copy of Borlands book and other surprises-some to give away and some to show off). It was at this point that everything really seemed to go. Pam, Sheldon and I worked out how to do the shipping of the personals, and several folks in the group bought more when they saw how nice they looked. They really did come out nice. We did discuss what to charge for them at the covention, there was no consensus, so that decision has been put off, but with the flurry at the gathering, the number available is less tha 40.
The trading began, I made deals with several folks, and sold a few chips as well. Several folks had chips to share as well, so I came home with more than a dozen freebies. WOW. The newbies were probably a bit overwhelmed with advice, the socializing (a hallmark of the gatherings) was woderful, and Denise spread out a wonderful table of food. Those of you who couldn't make sure missed out.
About 4 the crowd began to shuffle out, but Rick, Carl, David and I chatted till the bitter end. I really enjoyed seeig so many friends. It was a great day, and can't wait to do it again. Also whetted by appetite for the convention.
Thank you David and Denise, Sheldon and Christine, Rick, Pam, Carl, Mike, Fred, Max, Bill, Sue, Dawn, and Al. I really hope that next time we can get everybody together, and have one big blowout. Maybe add a poker game (that room was designed for a poker game).
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