What happens in Vegas...gets blogged?!!!

So, Corinna and I went to Las Vegas for a Christmas vacation. Being a huge autograph fan...I did some investigating before leaving Canada to see if any celebs were going to be signing during the time that we'd be in Sin City.

After some looking around online, I found out that Pete Rose signs autographs (basically) everyday in Vegas! He has a deal with the superstore "Field of Dreams", in the shops of Caesar's Palace. After talking with Corinna, about visiting the store, we decided that it could be an interesting autograph to obtain.

What happens in Vegas...gets blogged?!!!

For those of you who don't know who Pete Rose is...I'm just to say this; He is the ultimate baseball hero to some, and the ultimate baseball villain to others. He is controversial, to say the least. He's a 3 time World Series champ, 17 time All-Star selection, 1963 NL Rookie of the Year, 1975 World Series MVP, 2 time Gold Glove winner, and a Silver Slugger award winner.














His greatest achievement is arguably the greatest record in all of baseball...

Pete Rose has 4256 career hits! 2nd place belongs to (who I feel is the greatest ball player of all time) Ty Cobb, with 4191 hits.

Rose actually owns 2 more MLB records. 3,562 career games played and 14,053 career at-bats.

He's arguably one of the greatest of all time.















Now...the villain part.

In August 1989, three years after he retired as an active player, Rose agreed to permanent ineligibility from baseball amidst accusations that he gambled on baseball games while playing for and managing the Reds, including claims that he bet on his own team. In 2004, after years of public denial, he admitted to betting on baseball and on, but not against, the Reds.

After Rose's ban was instated, the Baseball Hall of Fame formally voted to ban those on the "permanently ineligible" list from induction. Previously, those who were banned had been excluded by informal agreement among voters. The issue of Rose's possible reinstatement and election to the Hall of Fame remains a contentious one throughout baseball.

So, I decided that I wouldn't get Rose on my HOF autograph baseball, and just get him on a normal MLB baseball...hopefully on the sweetspot, with an inscription.

After flying out of Detroit, transferring in Dallas, we arrived in Las Vegas. 2 days later...we visited Caesar's Palace, and Field of Dreams!


















Here's my encounter with "Charlie Hustle"!



Pretty cool, eh?!

I asked him to inscribe "I enjoyed Montreal baseball", but he seemed hesitant to put that. I told him that I was Canadian, and then he mentioned that he got his 4000th hit as an Montreal Expo, on opening day. I instantly said sure, as I wanted a little bit of "Canadiana" as an inscription!














I'm incredibly pleased with my newest autographed baseball!

Thanks for your time!
C

PS; After leaving Caesar's Palace, we went back to New York, New York...our hotel in Las Vegas. Corinna and I, went to the Sports Bar to watch Monday Night Football and have dinner...in hopes of watching the Falcons win, so I could win my little parlay! While there, I spotted NHL All-Star Sheldon Souray! As he was leaving, I asked him for a quick photo...which he was happy to do!


















Star spotting...not bad, eh?!

By the way...the Falcons lost.

From Management...

Have a wonderful Christmas, Happy New year, and a very safe holiday season...from your favourite blogger!

;)

Take care...stay tuned!

Chris!

Autograph Questions With...Gary Roberts

Welcome back.

Believe it or not, I've been trying to finish a new blog entry...without much success. Not sure if it'll be completed...issues with the uploading process of a video. Hopefully it'll happen.

On to the present day.

I just got home from a cool autograph signing.

My friend Ernie and I, had the privilege of meeting former NHL great Gary Roberts.











Abit about Mr. Roberts...

Gary Roberts is a retired hockey player who played 21 seasons in the NHL. He was the first round pick of the Calgary Flames, 12th overall in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Roberts played the first ten seasons of his NHL career with the Flames, winning the Stanley Cup in 1989.

A serious neck injury forced Roberts to miss most of the 1994–95 season as well as the first half of the 1995–96 season. He returned to the Flames late that year, and after scoring 42 points in 35 games, won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey. His neck did not get better, and he was forced to miss the entire 1996–97 season.

One year later, Roberts made a comeback with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he played three seasons before finishing his career with stints playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Roberts played over 1,200 NHL games in his career, recording 438 goals and 910 points.


















While he was in Toronto, Roberts became an instant fan favourite for his tenacity and 'nose for the net'. #7, scored 157 points in 237 games with the blue and white. He played with Mats Sundin, most of the time, and the duo led the Leafs to the playoffs...each of the four seasons, that Roberts was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was in the post-season, with the Leafs, where Roberts made his mark with most Leafs' fans. He scored 40 points in 50 TML playoff games.


















In 130 total career playoff games, Roberts scored an incredible 93 points. He also added 332 post-season penalty minutes. His tremendous playoff efforts, paid off in 1989, as he won the Stanley Cup with Calgary.











Yesterday, I found out that a bank had a new branch opening in Mississauga, and mentioned it to my friend Ernie about the signing. Instantly, he was excited about going. And after a few minutes of talking about it, we had plans to go and meet Gary Roberts. After meeting in the morning, E-Train and I, made our way to Mississauga. We stopped at Wal-mart to print a couple photos of Roberts to get signed. E-Train also had a puck to get signed, and I had a Upper Deck 04/05 Sp Authentic hockey card. I'm actually trying to get all the cards signed, that are in that set. Insanity, at it's finest! I also had my neighbour's jersey to signed by Roberts. 2 for Ernie, and 3 for myself.

After arriving at the bank, we got in line. My best friend Chris, whom I missed at the signing, BBM'ed me saying that Gary was signing everything for everybody! Chris mentioned that one guy got 2 jerseys, 5 cards, and a book signed! Incredible! Sadly, I didn't get to see Chris this time. After a few minutes in the line, E & I were up. Ernie went up first, and got his two items signed.














I also took a picture of the big Leaf fan with the former Leaf great! After giving Ernie my camera...it was my turn.














I greeted Gary Roberts, and gave him my three items. I told him the jersey was for my neighbour, who was a huge fan...he said thanks! As he finished signing it, I asked him if I could ask him a few questions about autographing for my blog. As Gary signed my photo and card, we talked about autographs.

Let's roll.

Autograph Questions With...Gary Roberts
















Whom was the first person you ever asked for an autograph?
GR; "Hmm...I didn't really have the chance to ask for autographs all that much, when I was younger. But I believe it was Lanny McDonald."











Whom was the most recent person you asked, for an autograph?
GR; (Smiling) "My son. He got his first hockey card, and I asked him to sign it for me!"


















When you played in the NHL, what city did you find had the most autograph seekers?
GR; (After much thought) "Montreal"












What's the 'coolest' thing, you've ever autographed?
GR; "I'm not sure about it being cool...but I did sign a cast once!"














Well, there we have it! Roberts was incredibly approachable, and seemed to enjoy the questions! He posed for a picture with me afterwards.














And after about 15 minutes, Ernie and I left the bank...with all things signed, and a cool interview!


















Notice the answer about what NHL city has the most autograph collectors?! Seems to be a trend happening here!

Thanks for your time! I hope you enjoyed AQW... with the biggest name yet!

Check back soon!
C

Star Struck!!

If you've been waiting for a normal, full length autograph blog entry, differing from the "updates", "Autograph Questions With...",or "Can't Miss Prospects"...then, here we go.

Star Struck!!


















So, the 17th of September was my birthday. And after a slow start to September, on the autograph front, I decided that I would treat myself to an autograph signing.

During the week, leading up to the weekend, I found out that Jim Kelly and (his wife) Jill Kelly were scheduled to do a signing in Orchard Park, New York...on Saturday.

Jill has recently released a book, about her family's experiences concerning their son Hunter. The Kelly's only son, Hunter, was diagnosed with Krabbe disease shortly after his birth on February 14, 1997. Hunter died as a result of this disease on August 5, 2005 at the age of eight. The Kelly's also have two (older) daughters.

To honor his son, Kelly established a non-profit organization in 1997 (Hunter's Hope). Kelly's advocacy on behalf of Krabbes' patients has increased national awareness of the disease. Kelly and his wife, Jill, founded the annual Hunter's Day of Hope, which is held on February 14, the birthdays of both Jim and Hunter Kelly.

I've gone to a Jim Kelly signing once before. Believe it or not, it was less than 3 months after Jim lost his son. Jim seemed in good spirits that day, in Buffalo's Walden Galleria, when he signed a Bills helmet for me. It was one of the very few times, that I was 'star struck'! I barely got out that I drove down from Toronto to meet him, when one of the handlers...hijacked the conversion! He started saying 'Oh you're from Canada?! Go Leafs Go! Hahaha!!'. Jim Kelly didn't like that very much...as he is a Sabres fan! He gave the guy a dirty look, and then...thankfully...shook my hand, then I was escorted off.

I really wanted to say..."Jim, you're my football hero! Thanks for the years of excitement! Thanks for the 4 AFC Championships! You're the reason I began to watch football, and the reason I love the Bills!" But none of that came out. I got star sruck, then moved along.













Often at work, my friends and I started razzin' eachother about our football teams. Dallas this, Patriots that, or "How about the fish?!". I usually get the standard razzes..."Oh a Bills fan eh?!, how about the 4 Super Bowl losses?!". I quickly respond with..."Hey, at least 4 of the players from those teams are in the Hall of Fame! ...And coach Levy too!" And if I continue to get some slack for being a Bills super-fan...I quickly mention one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, who led the Bills for 10 years, Jim Kelly...and I usually end the conversion on that point!

Everyone usually respects Kelly. Let me tell you why.















1st round pick. 4 Pro Bowl selections. 35,467 passing yards. 237 touchdowns. Member of the Bills wall of fame. 2874 completions. Number 12 retired by the Bills. Creator of the K-gun offence. And finally, a member of the Football Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Hall, on August 3rd, 2002.













So, on September 18th, my wife Corinna and I decided to return to Buffalo. Armed with nothing to get signed...only a camera to capture it all, we hopped in the Highlander and headed for the border. As former Buffalo Bills season ticket holders, we know the greater Buffalo area fairly well...and decided to visit a flea market in the Walden Galleria area, to try and find something cool to get signed by my favourite quarterback of all time!

Prior to leaving, I called the bookstore, to make sure that I could get an additional item signed, besides the book. I was told that if I purchase a book, he'll sign it, or any item of your choice. I was quite happy with that news!

After crossing the border, we arrived at the flea market. I was looking for a jersey, or something different to get signed. After we wondered around for about 30 minutes...we couldn't find a jersey. However, we did find a vendor that was selling souvenir white Bills footballs. I checked it out, and thought the football (that lists the history of the team) would look great signed in blue Sharpie! So, after haggling out a price...we left the flea market, with the football.














We arrived at Barnes & Noble, in Orchard Park about 15 minutes later. Ralph Wilson Stadium, the home of the Bills, is about 6 or 7 minutes away from the bookstore. We walked in, and quickly purchased our copy of Jill Kelly's book. We were told that the signing was being done by numbered ticket, and that we had to go to the back of the store where the tickets and signing area where located. We went up to the lady who was handling the tickets, and after we showed our proof of purchase we were given our numbered ticket.











Apparently, everyone was to line up by number, once the signing began. I always preferred this style of signing...this was I can leave and return, knowing I haven't lost my spot. However, we had a high number...and decided to go shopping. When we left the bookstore, I knew that the signing started at 1pm, and we didn't have to hurry up. We had number 116.


















After alot of window shopping, and a enjoyable lunch, we returned to the bookstore. Seeing that the signing had began, we were hoping that our number was close. Negative. They were only in the 70's, at this point. So I decided to take a few pictures.













Jim and his wife, Jill, were joined by their two daughters...Camryn and Erin, who were signing their mother's book also! Cool! People were getting the entire family's signatures on their book!












Jim was also signing other items. Somebody actually gave Jim an authentic NFL football to sign, which he did, and Jim had him "go long" and threw him the autographed football! Can you imagine a Hall of Fame quarterback throwing you a signed a football?!!

Anyways, Corinna and I decided to look around the bookstore. I found the sports section, and quickly enjoyed all the books about the Buffalo Bills! After killing 15 minutes around the store, we got into the long line. Corinna and I chatted about things we saw that people had to get signed...footballs, mini-helmets, photos, and of course...the book. Strangely though, we didn't notice any jerseys.














After only a few minutes, we found ourselves at the front of the line. When it was our turn up next, the handlers took our book and football. We took a corner, and were instantly in front of the Kelly's!

First in line was Jill Kelly, she took our book and signed it nicely adding a bible verse. Her inscription was "Deut 31:8". Corinna said hello, and was speaking with Mrs. Kelly, when I noticed that Jim was signing a football.

But it wasn't mine. He was quickly signing one for an employee, who snuck it in!


















Here I was, again finally, in front of my favourite QB! I wanted to say thanks for everything! Thanks for the memories! Thanks for putting Buffalo football, back on the map! But I didn't. I froze up. Jill Kelly spoke to me, saying thanks for coming out. I snapped out of my frozen state, and said; "Our pleasure, we came down from Toronto to support your book!". Jill Kelly looked shocked! "Stop it! For real?!" She spoke out. I looked quickly at Jim, he was signing my football! And thankfully, in blue Sharpie! I said, "Honestly, we're from Canada...we wanted to help Hunter's Hope!".

Jill Kelly was very grateful, shaking Corinna's hand again, and then shaking mine...and then got Jim's attention. She said; "These nice people came all the way down from Canada, Jim! Sign the book for them too!" She then looked at my hat, which is a white Bills cap, and asked me "Do you want your hat signed too?!" Here I was, finally in a conversation with Kelly...just not the QB, it was his wife!


















I said "No, that's ok...I don't want to be greedy, and slow down the line!". Mrs. Kelly then thanked us again, for coming down to Buffalo and for supporting the book and charity. While she said this, Jim signed our book! Awesome, I got two autographs from him! Jim looked up at me, finally, and offered his hand and spoke to me.

"Thanks for coming out, we appreciate it. Have a safe drive home!". I remember shaking his hand...but if I said something back, you'd have to ask Corinna! I noticed that Corinna was shaking his hand afterwards, meaning I was finally coming out of this "star struck" moment! Haha! Jim then slid the book to his two daughters, who quickly signed our book and thanked us for our support. We both said thanks, in return, as I reached back along the table for my football. Can't forget that!

As we walked away, I looked at Corinna...and she began to laugh at me! "A little star struck, there buddy?!" She joked. "I guess so...so much for interviewing him for my blog! But, look at my football...it's awesome!". She agreed that he signed it perfectly, and then commented on Jim Kelly's hands..."His mitts are huge!" That's true, Jim Kelly is a huge man! If you ever meet him...shake his hand, you'll see!


















After the signing, we drove over to the outlets...and I treated my wife to a new Coach purse. When we arrived back in Canada...we were both happy with our new treasures!














Thanks for read, and Go Bills!
C

PS; To learn more about Hunter's Hope, visit the website; 'www.huntershope.org'. It has lots of great information about Krabbe's disease, and the Kelly's story.

PS deux; Curious about Mrs. Kelly's bible inscription? She wrote "Deut 31:8", which in the King James Bible reads; "And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."

PS trois; Finally, I turned 36 recently...matching the number of blog entries I've posted! ;)

Recent Additions II

Yes, I'm alive. In case you've been wondering.

Welcome back.

I could go on and on, why I haven't blogged much this summer...crazy overtime, busy weekends, working around the house...but I won't bore you with all that!

Let me apologize to those, who check in on this site from time to time, for not having any updates.

Yes, it's been a busy summer for me...but I've managed to score a few autographs during this wonderful summer of 2010.

Instead of blogging a story, or stories have you, I'll just show highlights of the past few months...with a brief story.

I've done this style of blog once before, as you may remember. I kinda liked it, so I'm going to try it out again.

Let's roll.

Recent Additions II

Projects; Part One- Canadian Women's 2010 Olympic Gold Medal Winning Hockey Team 8x10 Photo














Sometimes I really wonder why I start difficult projects. I've got a few on the go right now. 2 different card sets. The (in)famous Hall of Fame 16x20 photo. A Hall of Fame baseball. A 8x10 of the 1993 World Series winning Toronto Blue Jays...just to name a few.

However, as you probably know, I started a 8x10 of the Women's 2010 Olympic Hockey Team. The team that capitivated the country, as they won Gold, on home soil.

The project began with captain Hayley Wickeheiser's autograph, as I mentioned before. It's grown over the summer.

Gillian Apps















I met Gillian Apps, at AJ's Sportsworld, when she had a public signing.














After she signed my 8x10, she was kind enough to pose for a photo with me...and let me hold her 2010 gold medal!


















Jennifer Botterill

I met 'Botts' at a University of Guelph golf tourney, where she was very happy to sign for me! Incredibly nice!














Rebecca Johnston

Probably the nicest hockey player, that I've met. Long story short...she heard that my friends and I were waiting for her, and that we missed her...she came off her team bus, walked across an entire parking to sign autographs, on her own accord!














Just a great person to her fans! After she signed my photo, she was great enough to pose for a picture!


















She's still young, so Canada gets to watch her play for a long time to come!

Marie-Philip Poulin

At the same facility, where I met Rebecca Johnston, I got to meet the 'Sidney Crosby of women's hockey'! Marie was very nice, and signed the 8x10!


















Afterwards, she posed for a picture...and thanked me! For those of you who don't know she is...in Canada's 2-0 Gold medal win over the USA, she scored both Canadian goals! She's fantastic!















Cherie Piper

I wish I had a cool little story....but I don't. My great friend, Bill, was kind enough to land her autograph for me! Thanks Cherie...and many thanks to Bill!














Projects; Part Two- Hockey Hall Of Fame 16x20 Photo














The king of my projects. I think I do more travelling over this badboy, then any other autograph in general!

Gilbert Perreault














The life long member of the Sabres, and part of the famous 'French Connection' line, was recently at Frozen Pond, where he signed my 16x20 photo.














He added his HOF 90 incription, before posing with me for picture.














Luc Robitaille


















The superstar 2009 inductee, was also at Frozen Pond recently.














After talking to him about his cool Delissio commercial (thanks Bill!) with Martin Brodeur, he signed my project and took a photo with me!














Borje Salming














The legendary Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, was back in Canada for a short amount of time from his home Sweden. He made an appearance at Frozen Pond, where he signed a 8x10 of him and Allan Bester, and the HOF 16x20.














We posed for a picture together afterwards.














Projects; Part Three- Captains of the Blue & White 16x20 Photo














I picked up a 16x20 recently, at AJ's Sportsworld. I really like the look of it, and decided to work on it. It's a 16x20 of 5 Captains of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wendel Clark

Wendel recently appeared at Mohawk raceway, promoting the Maple Leaf Trot. The same horserace that Darryl Sittler promoted the year previously...in which I blogged about!














My entire family went to the signing, along with friends Sheldon, Chris, Ernie, and Michelle! After getting up to Wendel, we got the 16x20 signed beautifully, a free 16x20, and a puck.


















My son, Josh, got to take a picture with the famous Leaf!














Sheldon got a puck, Chris got some cards done, and Ernie & Michelle got a jersey, puck, photo, and a card signed! Afterwards, I was interviewed by 'The Score', asking about my favourite Wendel memory! It was quite the great day!


















Rick Vaive

I returned, once again, to Frozen Pond this summer. This time, former Leafs Captain, Rick Vaive was making an autograph appearance. I brought along the cool Leafs Captains 16x20, and had him sign it.


















Afterwards, the 50 goal scorer and I posed for a picture together.


















All righty, onto some individual (non-project) autograph signers!

Allan Bester














I finished that 8x10 I mentioned earlier, with Borje Salming, at the Toronto Card Show...when Allan Bester, former Toronto Maple Leafs goalie, made an appearance.














He signed the pic, and added a "Go Leafs Go!" inscription! Thanks to Ryan for sharing the photo with me.














Steven Adler

Well, where to begin?! Guns 'N Roses is one my all time favourite bands (We saw them this past February in Toronto!), so when former drummer Steven Adler made an appearance at a Chapters for a book signing...I had to get his autograph! However, it was a work night for me. My wife, Corinna, who is also a fan of GNR...decided to make the trip to Toronto for me!


















Adler greeted Corinna with a hug, and planted a kiss on her!


















He signed his autobiography and my Appetite For Destruction album cover for her! He also posed for a picture with her!














He was incredibly nice, and was appriecative of everyone who came out to meet him! I'm glad she got to meet the drummer of Sweet Child O' Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, and Paradise City...to name a few legendary tunes! Thanks Corinna!


















Johnny Bower

For the 2nd time this year, I got to meet the legendary goaltender...Johnny Bower. After picking up his book, sadly in the discount bin for 5 bucks, I got it signed at the Toronto Card Show.














He was very gracious, and seemed touched that someone brought his book!


















Dustin Brown

Recently, the Guelph Storm OHL team had a reunion game...that I've mentioned here before. One of the former players, Dustin Brown, returned to Guelph. Brown is now the captain of the Los Angeles Kings, and was a member of the Silver Medal winning, USA Olympic Hockey Team. After waiting briefly in line, Brown signed an 8x10 for me.














Drew Doughty

The 2010 Gold Medallist, also returned to Guelph for the alumni game.















Before the game, I caught up with the star defenseman, outside of the Sleeman Centre, where he was kind enough to sign 2 items.



























A 16x20 of the Men's Olympic Hockey Team, and a 8x10 in a Canadian uniform!














He signed a puck for me later on in the day also!

















Ferguson Jenkins

My family and I, recently went to St. Mary's for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductions. I brought along a 8x10 of the Cooperstown Hall, and had the Canadian Legend sign it for me.














After Fergie, nicely signed the pic, he posed for a photo with Josh and I.















Paul Henderson

Corinna made the trip to AJ's Sportsworld for me recently, and got a great 8x10 signed for me.


















The famous 1972 Summit Series game winning goal scorer, Paul Henderson, appeared for a signing, and Corinna got the famous image signed for me! Thanks baby!


















Vladislav Tretiak

Also, at the same signing, was one of the greatest goaltenders of all time. Tretiak, who Henderson scored the famous goal on, also appeared.















Corinna got him to sign the same 8x10, and my HOF 16x20 project...as he's a member of the Hall of Fame (1989).

















Strangely enough, Henderson is not.

Katie Morgan

Former adult star, and current Hollywood actress (Zack & Miri...) was at a Kevin Smith appearance in Brantford recently. She was there last year, and I didn't have anything for her to sign...this year however...I came prepared with an 'interesting' 8x10. She was very nice, and personalized the autograph to me.


















Thomas McCollum

The former Detroit Red Wings first round selection, returned to Guelph for the alumni game this summer. During the pre-game signing, he was good enough to sign an 8x10 of him playing for the USA, in the World Junior Championship.














After the game, we posed for a picture...with his Detroit goalie gear!














Jeff O'Neill

Former Leaf & Hurricane, Jeff O'Neill returned to Guelph for the almumni game also. O'Neill still holds many scoring records with the Storm.














He signed a cool 8x10 during the pre-game signing, but trying to talk to him or getting a picture with him...was a bit more challenging.














Roberto Alomar


















This should acutally be an entire blog entry on it's own. Why? Because Robbie is my wife's favourite! Yup. Whenever he's in town making an appearance...we're there! Truth is, I like him too...but Gretz, is my fave! Anyways, Robbie was getting inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, and we made the trip to St. Mary's just to see him! (And for me to land some other autographs!) When Robbie arrived, with his family, he started signing.


















During this time, he stopped and posed for a picture with his number one fan...Corinna!














We managed to get SEVEN autographs from him that evening!














He was incredibly gracious to my family, and my friend Ernie, signing everything we had. During an charity softball game, he signed for over an hour for his fans!


















I was stunned! Corinna and I now have over a dozen Roberto Alomar in-person autographs...and something tells me, we'll get more!


















Brian Willsie

The former linemate of Joe Sakic, Willsie, returned to Guelph for the Alumni game.


















During the pre-game signing, Brian signed an 8x10 for me. I also interviewed him for a possible future AQW... blog entry.


















PK Subban

While waiting for Johnston & Poulin, of the Women's Olympic Team, PK Subban and some other NHL'ers showed up at the same arena for a charity ball hockey game.

















Subban, the young Habs star defenseman, signed a Team Canada puck for me after the game.














The 2 time World Junior Gold Medal winner posed for a picture with me, after he signed the puck.



















Well, there we go...finally a new entry. Hopefully, it won't be this long next time. And as always, thanks to those who help me out with autographs and picture taking...you know who you are!

Finally, thanks for visiting the site.

See you soon,
C