Subject: Worth the Drive
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 22:54:59 -0500
From: Hans

Ikey - my compliments to you for making the best out of a difficult
situation for everyone. The tragedy in NYC and DC have hit our  nation
hard, and affected each of us with cancelled airline flights and other
real problems.  When I heard that Albert was driving 20 hrs from Orlando
to get to the Odyssey, I figured that 13 hours wasnt too bad.
Fortunately for me, driving was an option to flying.   In fact the drive
out gave me a chance to see Brian at ND for a few minutes.  He is doing
great and anxious for his first ND home game. Hopefully Davie can
deliver a W. (but thats another issue...)

An overnight stay in Erie, PA made the drive out tolerable.  That, and a
couple of calls from Andy.  very appreciated.

The Ponderosa is a beautiful home, and Cooperstown is everything I
thought it would be.  Leatherstocking is a great course - plenty of
variety which made it a treat to play.  Albert, nice playing both days,
but the ACE was particularly spectacular.  now you can pay for the
engraving on the nameplates.

It was great to get to know Allison and Benjamin.  Please give my best
to both of them.

Reading your review of the weekend, Fox must have won two Scat games on
Saturday after I left.  He did truely 'Sobo' everyone, didnt he.  The
red wine was outstanding at Thursday's dinner, as was the entire meal.
One image that will be with me for a long time is Andy and Fox dancing
ballroom style at the Hotel Friday night.  Cant wait to get the pictures
from my $4.99 special Sunoco throwaway camera.  Once we see these
pictures, I may dump my digital camera.  Or maybe not.

For anyone who has not visited the Hall of Fame - make it a part of your
nearterm plans.  Many outstanding exhibits, displays, films, and "Who's
on First" - is a classic that will never die.

Being with my friends for a couple of short days helped me deal with the
tragedy and what is ahead.  Mags, Fox, Andy, Al - I'm glad you were also
able to drive.  It is understandable that everyone else wanted to be
there, but couldnt due to this situation out of their control.  I pray
for an end to the terrorists - and a return to 'normal' life - which
will never again be normal.  more importantly, I pray for the vicitims,
their families, and rescuers - real heros.

The drive home was only a little over 12 hours.  When I got home, Sheila
informed me that my dad's cancer had spread and he was heading to the
Mayo Clinic for their help.  Thankfully, she kept that information,
learned three days earlier, to when I returned - allowing me to enjoy
the trip and eveyone's company.   So Sunday I spent time with my dad,
and Monday I got Ikey's input on his condition.  At this point, we are
just awaiting more news.  I will keep everyone posted.

Fox, when the pictures arrive, I will send them to you for posting at
the web site.  Ikey - well done!    now, where are we going in 2002?

Hans