Williamsburg, Virginia
August 7 – 10, 2003
We got home about 8:00 PM, very thankful that we decided to fly instead of drive this time. Once again, GG was an incredible enjoyable event… and to think that we didn’t even know if we would be attending at this time 1 week ago.
After each event it is very difficult to leave. Again we met new gamers that quickly became friends and renewed friendships with others. Although we only see each other a couple of times a year, I consider the friends I’ve made at Gulf Games to be some of the most important relationships in my life, and I’m very thankful for all of you.
After each event I find myself caring less about the games I played and caring more about the people I spent time with. Greg says each year that it’s the games that brought us together but the friendship that brings us back. This becomes more real to me each time and I feel it is a great blessing to be a part of it.
Gaming highlights:
I do have a few… in no particular order.
Piratenbilliards.
Great fun! I’ll be ordering this as soon as I’m able. Thanks to Craig for bringing it (and to Kim for suggesting he bring it).
Crokinole.
I played several games of Crokinole over the weekend. Dave Bernazanni and I managed to play several matches, both as partners and opponents. We both had a great time and I look forward to continuing our rivalry the next time we get together.
Another highlight was playing with Alan in the Crokinole tournament… well, at least until the final match. It appears the odds makers in Vegas had us as huge favorites to win the whole thing. Perhaps it was our most recent appearance on the cover of Crokinole Illustrated that jinxed us. In any case, Sheldon and Michael outplayed us (well, outplayed me. Alan was very strong) and beat us in the finals. Congratulations to them on a terrific match!
Time’s Up.
This has been one of Elaine’s favorite games for several years. I was fortunate to be paired with Peter McCarthy in the tournament and thanks to some poor luck for Elaine and Ted,Peter and I pulled out a very slim victory. I really have to see that video, Greg! Please send me the raw footage so I can edit out my portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee before the final version is released to video stores. I fear that if that ever got released, it would damage any future political aspirations I may have.
Cosmic Exxtra (aka Plem Plem Exxtra aka EvvolutionExxtra)
Greg, Craig, Dave VA, Ted, Al,Patrick … you all know what I mean here. My sides still hurt from laughing so hard. Gail and Merle, thanks for tolerating our silliness.
In closing, I really hate to single out particular individuals,but I’m going to do it anyway.
It was truly a pleasure to meet Patrick and Fleur Brennan. I fear we will likely not have the chance to meet again, and I regret that. You are both incredibly nice people and I hope you can make it back over here again soon.
Magnus and Sus… I’m so thankful you were able to join us again. It honors me to think that you would be willing to go to such great expense to spend time with us.Thanks for joining us again!
That’s it for now. We will hopefully see you all in February if not before (Toledo in November!!!!)