On our way to the Windy City for Hockey...

Look out Chicago, we are on our way. This weekend my older son and I will be in Chicago for the Bauer Invitational Hockey Tournament. This is the third year he and his hockey team will be playing in the tournament (just to clarify...this is the first year that he is here with his Bantam team; the last two years he was with his PeeWee team). Since he had a 1/2 day of school, I have decided that I would let him miss today so that we could leave early, getting us into the Windy City early to check the team into the tournament, check into the hotel and get a bit to eat...this also lets him acclimate to the 2 hour difference between here and there.

However, the opening night and the "check-in" for this tournament are are staged at the "main" rink (fyi...we play at 3 different rinks through out the weekend) and it is WILD. On the top floor of this rink, is where I have to go and check in the team. Last year they had a huge food buffet, a cash bar, music and several hockey oriented vendors marketing their products. In addition, in the lobby they are displaying all of the famous NHL trophies which you can get your picture taken with, there usually are several retired NHL players on hand to sign autographs and so on. It makes for a fun beginning to the weekend.

In addition, I looked through my list of the Friendship Samper RR members to see if there was anyone who lived in Illinois...and there was: April. She and I have emailed back and forth making plans to meet eachother. It looks like we were able to plan something for Saturday (I am not planning to bring my "big" camera, but will have my camera phone with me, so I will try hard to remember to get photos!). And speaking of stitching...yes, I know I haven't really shown anything or had a posting dedicated to stitching in a long time...I took some time to kit up 2 Christmas ornament patterns for the ornament exchanges I have signed up for. I look forward to stitching them, just as soon as I finish my last model for Cindy (I am so close!!).

Which reminds me, the Needle Show "Retail" opens today at 2pm EST...so, I guess I will have to wait until later tonight or tomorrow (between hockey games) to go through all the designers who have signed up to be apart of the first "retail" show. I already spent my birthday money on a new purse and wallet (since my favorite bag was stolen last week)...but maybe I can find a little extra $$$ just incase I find something I "need".

Anyway...I have ramble on enough for today. I hope Thursday finds everyone well. Oh, yah, one more thing and then I will conclude this posting. My 1st blog-o-versary is coming up and I am in the process of putting together a giveaway...so stay tuned.

Remember...Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch Often! Lisa