Thanks Sherry --- I knew you were out taking lots of pics, so I wasn't worried about getting some myself. We had SUCH a good time at the games with you, Tom and Barbara (Indiana), and the quick visit with Paula and Michelle. At least this year OUR tent stayed pretty dry, although the 4 next to us blew down in a storm on Friday night - we didn't have any loss or damage. It was really cloudy and cool on Saturday, but we kept things hopping at the tent and that kept us warm. And this year, we remembered to bring a dolly to help get stuff from the car to/from the tent - man, did THAT make life easier!
The opening ceremonies had some really large bands - unfortunately, I only got video of two of them. I know, but I seemed to always be doing something when 'the perfect Kodak moment' would pop up and I'd miss it. Thank God Sherry was there to get them!
For those of you who were within driving distance of the games and opted out - you missed another really great games. The grounds at Maryville College are perfect for the athletics, clans, vendors and even the parking was pretty handy. The games people went out of their way to be helpful, even placing little wagons down by the clan area so those who needed something to haul their tent stuff could use them if needed. Lots of great vendors, some wonderful barbecue and I sneaked in half of a funnel cake with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Heaven
Don't turn it down again next year. The clans are right along the edges of the field with a wide lane and then the vendors, so there are 3 sides with clan tents ....wide lane....vendors and then at one end are the bleachers and the athletics. The working dogs performed numerous times during the day and the sheep grazed contentedly through much of the afternoon with the dogs just keeping them away from the athletes until their part of the field was needed. No, there was no problem with sheep 'pellets' - they aren't cows!
I think the crowd was down a bit this year, but the weathermen kept threatening bad weather and I think they discouraged some who would have come if the forecast had been bright and sunny. Sunday WAS bright and sunny and everyone we saw was having a wonderful time. The athletics and the relay (!) were fun and frustrating (for the contestants) as always. It's so nice to have the tent around the field where you can watch instead of being isolated in another area.
Anyway - you should'a been there!!
