Author Topic: 4th Annual Gathering Report (Read 5025 times)

ThongPrincess · « **on:** July 22, 2006, 01:59:53 PM »

I promised to start this tonight, so here goes!

I just got back from dinner. I passed on the poker/pool/darts/social. It has been several long, exciting days and I decided to go back to the hotel and chill.

First I'd like to say SrKegler, Mrs Keler and BigWillyStyle, you were missed very much. We all hope you are fine and safe!

I have to admit whenever I come to NC, I feel like a celebrety. I walk into Creekside Lanes and am greeted with "Hey Thong Princess glad to see you back here." I am introduced to all witha "She came all the way from California, just to be here." What a great start.

Glenn28, Linda (his better half), and I had set up a lesson with Ron for Thursday afternoon. A BR lurker, ThinkYoung, and his wife Louise showed up and bowled next door to us. Strider made an appearance and joined them. The lesson went great! I got great news, a drill to work on, and found out I can release the ball with a whole lot more tape in it than I thought was possible.

Everytime I dropped a ball, Ron would say "Put another piece of tape in." I would give him a hard time about wanting to get a picture of TP spralled out on the lane with the ball still attached to the thumb

, but put the tape in and there is no picture, I actually could release the ball, and better

Ron graciously worked with us, video taping and coaching for quite some time. We all ended the lesson tired, but feeling like we had really learned something. Several others arrived, I can't remember which arrived on Thursday. Strider, Mrs Strider, Ron, Toma, Nollster, Steve (from Bowl4Fun chat), and I went to dinner at Hong Kong King (I think that was the name). We literally closed the place down. They very nicely gave us hints to leave. We finally did

Friday, we met at about 11AM. We went into the meeting room for introductions. The room was full. Julius (I can't remember the screen name) and his wife (Sharon if I remember correctly), Crazyyankee, Frank the Tank, a_ak57, jjweb, kev3inp and his wife Diane, mmike 1053 and his wife, WillynHook, and those of us from Thursday were told sort of what to expect and tentative plans for the tourney, scotch doubles, lineage costs, and so on. Then it was off to the lanes for bowling and socializing. As the day progressed others arrived including Re-evolution and Erica, Joe "the energizer bunny" Falco, Lucky Lefty, Rick Wunder, BoyToy and Heather. I apologize for anyone I forgot to mention.

A large group went to dinner at Omega House. Scotch Doubles was on tap after dinner. Several of us "wimmins got us two mens"

We had a blast! Poor Toma who got me as a partner, I put him to work trying to pick up the variety of splits I left him

Rick Wunder was the other privliged to get me for a partner, but I didn't leave him quite as much garbage.

Saturday started at 10AM with additional arrivals JPRLane1 and LexLefty. There was a brief meeting to get specifics on practive before the tourney, format, and handicap. Richie from Lane#1 came with balls to donate, and talked with the group.

The tourney was great, 3 games across 6 lanes with a different pattern on each pair. One was a 40ft flat pattern, the other two I can't recall. I expected to score the lowest on the flat pattern, but didn't. JPR was the winner of the coveted shirt and his choice of donated Lane#1 bowling ball. Frank won the most average score and also received one of the bowling balls. I forgot who won the ball for lowest score

No it wasn't me

This is way too long so I'll stop after saying it has been great renewing old friendships and making new one! What a great group of people!

A major thank you to Ron, for his patience, sharing his knowledge, and hosting this fantastic event! Ron, you are the best!

I apologize for not recognizing Karen, Mrs Ron, and Little Ron, but they weren't able to join us until Saturday afternoon. Class acts for sure!

Also a big thank you to the awesome staff at Creekside who went above and beyond to make us all feel like family!

To those who had wanted to attend, but couldn't you missed another great gathering and I sure hope to see you next year!
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"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean

Edited on 7/25/2006 4:33 PM

JohnP · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2006, 10:37:09 PM »

TP -- Thanks for the report. Wish I could have been there. -- JohnP

ThongPrincess · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2006, 09:17:03 AM »

quote:
Wish I could have been there. -- JohnP

There's always next year for the Fifth Annual, that is if Ron & Karen will have us back again.

After a good nights sleep I am just about ready to go back to the bowl for the last day

Some have already headed home, a few of us die hards are making it one more day.

Glenn28, with Ron's approval and Joe having no clue it was being done, ran a pool for how many games Joe"TEB"Falco could bowl Saturday, from when he got there until we broke for dinner. Most of us were guessing high, but he went on a pair with too many bowlers

He only got 4 games in, very low for our Joe. I believe it was Louise who won the pot.

Saturday the pool was run again. Joe gave the first dollar and allowed Glenn to come up with a number so it would be fair. Three of us flipped coins and odd man out gave the number, it was 11. When dinnertime came, Glenn had totaled 11 games. We were all laughing, but honest Joe admitted he had shot 13 games, he had been on both sides of the lane for 2 games. Steve was the lucky winner of the pot

The people who come out for this have to be the greatest people around. I think a_ka57 was the most surprising. He was rather quiet and reserved. A very nice guy.

It was a treat to watch Nollster bowl. He has this high backswing, you think he is going to just crank the heck out of it, but lays the ball down so soft and smooth. A thing of beauty.

After the tournament, it was interesting to see where the different bowlers went. The more serious types went off to their own lanes to focus and really work on their game. Then there were the ones, like me, who went to the lanes with a group to bowl and have fun. Yes we were working on our game, but there HAD to be the teasing and joking. The best was when it was Karen and I on one side and Kev3inp and Julius on the other. Of course I said it was men vs women and we would get 200 pins hdcp

The guys whined and Karen upped it to 250 a game hdcp

I am already looking forward to next year!
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"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean

Edited on 7/25/2006 4:34 PM

crazyyankee · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2006, 11:32:20 AM »

i enjoyed metting,talking and bowling with everyone.tried to keep up with joe but gave up after 9 games.i really enjoyed talking with mr. buzzsaw i really learned alot about how to drill lane 1 balls.also thanks to ron c. for trying to help me with my game.all the people at creekside were great and great chocolate chip cookies.i came in second in the braging rights tournament to jpr looking forward to next year to try to win it.that was the first time i ever bowled on patterns like that.they were alot of fun to bowl on.maybe next year my wifes knee will not bother her and she will come.me and frank the tank will be there nwxt year.also thanks to dyno-thane for donating the high energy i won in the drawing that was the first time i ever won anything like that.for those who did not attend you missed a great time.
--------------------
Allen Greenberg

proud member of the FOS
enriched uranium and cobalt bomb
great one two punch.

JPRLane1 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2006, 11:46:36 AM »

It was a blast as always. Everyone was great. Next year cannot come soon enough.
--------------------

There is only one Lane#1. Know it, Live it, Throw it or Get Beat by IT!

Leader & Founder of Fellowship of the Saws! 03/04/05 Respect us or get left in our Saw Dust!

If your not throwing Lane#1 your not mastering the lanes, Pick up a buzzsaw and start believing the hype!

Bryant · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2006, 12:01:29 PM »

quote:
I forgot who won the ball for lowest score No it wasn't me

You get a ball for lowest score!!! You guys are lucky I'm not there! Me and my 100 average...on THS.

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http://www.bowlingkingdom.com
http://www.absolutebowling.com

JOE FALCO · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2006, 07:17:25 PM »

Just about everything has been covered .. I'll just add my THANK YOU to Ron for being the best HOST there is ..

I'd like to send a BIG THANK YOU to RICH from LANE 1. The guy was FANTASTIC to take time to visit with us .. gave a GREAT talk then managed to spend time with just about everyone while they were bowling. He commented on everyone's bowling ball and recommended changes just by looking at the ball and the way bowlers were delivering.

Then to top all of this he donated 4 ball to the group.

His talk on how the company got started was fasinating! Have to give the guy a lot of credit .. I'll be the first to say .. LANE 1 FOS MEMBERS YOU HAVE A GREAT LEADER!

Thanks RICH .. it was a pleasure meeting you .. I appreciate your comments!
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Hit them light and watch them fight
J O E - F A L C O

JessN16 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2006, 10:00:21 PM »

I just got back, too. It was great to meet everyone and thanks to Ron for some coaching tips. I bowled badly but had a great time. I didn't have such a great time driving to and from North Carolina, though -- air conditioner conked out an hour into the trip on the way over; I got a couple of my car club guys to help me take a look at it before I left but it stayed non-functioning. Gotta love the South in the summer!

I'm just glad I stayed within a few games of JOE FALCO.

See y'all next year,
Jess

Strider · « **Reply #8 on:** July 24, 2006, 12:18:55 AM »

Here's a group picture. Sorry it isn't very good. Gave the camera to someone else to use. The batteries were getting weak. This shot the flash didn't work and the second came out very blurry.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTI3OTU5MjZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg
--------------------
Penn State Proud

Ron Clifton's Bowling Tip Archive

lexlefty · « **Reply #9 on:** July 24, 2006, 06:45:04 PM »

This was my second year making the commute. I've got to agree with everyone else, I had a great time and even more fun than last year.

Hoping to meet more of you next year . . . only 363 more days!

--------------------

--Bruce
- - - - - - - - - -
I'm still lookin' for my concentration, consistency, and confidence. Let me know if you find them.

Nollster · « **Reply #10 on:** July 24, 2006, 09:32:48 PM »

My turn!! Biggest thanks to Ron, L'il Ron, Mrs. Ron and everyone at Creekside for their gracious hospitality!! We're like a tornado coming through and they welcome us with open arms. Another fantastic gathering!!

Thanks so much for the kind words TP!! I've come a long way, but there's so much more to do after bowling on those patterns!! Can't tell you how many 6-10 pocket shots I made!!

I'm glad to see you making so much progress after the troubles you were having earlier in the year -- you really kicked in the tourney!!

The Scotch Doubles was so much fun -- I'd never done that before. Glenn - Thanks for sharing Linda!! What happened to you guys on Saturday night?!?! Missed being able to say G'bye!! Didn't really get to move around this year as much as I would have liked -- just way too sore after all the golf and bowling....

Strider - Thanks to you and the Mrs. for opening your home to us for the poker and pool!! We all had a blast and I can honestly say that I have NO billiards ability whatsoever!! Mike, on the other hand, has some serious stick!!

Toma was a great roommate and, for only a year's worth of playing, is quite the golfer!! I can't imagine what he'll be like by next year! Thanks for putting up with me for the 12+ hours in the car!! Oh, by the way, I got lost right after dropping you off -- I was down by GMU before I realized I'd gone the wrong way on Braddock - DUH!!

Everyone - If you ever get down to Winston-Salem, I highly recommend the Championship course at Tanglewood. It's in great condition, a fantastic layout and, with 124 bunkers, quite a challenge. I'm thinking we start a day earlier next year and all go golfing!!

I know I didn't get everything or everyone, but I think you get the picture -- this is a fantastic event and a great opportunity to meet the people you talk to here on BallReviews. I've made some great friends and look forward to many more BallReviews Gatherings!!

On a final note: Sr. Kegler, Mrs. Kegler and BigWillyStyle - we missed you all greatly and hope to hear from you soon!!

--------------------

Nollster

Summer league
Winter League

ThongPrincess · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2006, 11:57:10 PM »

Thanks Nollster. I have put a lot of time, money (coaching & practice), sweat and tears into my game. I feel like I am ready to break through and start shooting scores to match my form.

Toma, we may have stunk up the place in Scotch Doubles, but didn't we have fun

Kevin, I hope you and Diane have recouperated.
Glenn, are the knees and back back to normal yet?
Linda, how's the thumb?
Joe, next year you are not allowed to bowl on a pair where there is coaching going on or where there are more than 3 bowlers with you. You got short changed this year.

So when are we going back? July 2007? Maybe I need to give Ron, Karen, and the Creekside staff some time to recover

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"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean

kev3inp · « **Reply #12 on:** July 25, 2006, 02:31:11 PM »

Hi all! We got back a little while ago and after I fired up the pc I knew I had to chime in. I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to Ron and Karen and the whole staff at Creekside, too. This was our first time to NC and a Gathering and I'm sure it won't be the last. Everyone made us feel right at home from the moment we got there, and took the trouble to introduce us to the bowlers that were there Thurs. afternoon so we could jump right in.
We've never bowled so much in so short a time, but the time flew so fast! I'm so glad my knees lasted the whole time, but I have to say my legs are still sore! Di's in much better shape; it still hurts to get up from or down into a chair! I had so much fun I really can't describe it.
It was really cool to finally meet all the attendees and put faces to the screen names. To finally meet the famous Thong Princess and the inimitable Joe Falco was truly a treat. There aren't two nicer or more outgoing people anywhere; I can say the same thing about Glenn and Linda. Great people, smart, and great senses of humor. We had a great time too at the scotch doubles with ThinkYoung and Louise and Boytoy and Heather, not to mention Joe! I don't know where he gets his energy, but I hope I have half of it if I live that long! Andy (a_ak57) was so much quieter than I expected, and Strider was so much lighter haired! I'm sorry I didn't get to meet SrKegler or BigWillyStyle. Dr. Joe (Willynhook) showed everyone he wasn't squeezing the ball when it came off on the backswing! Everyone, even the ones I don't mention by name, was great, and my life is richer by making your acquaintance. Thank you.
I'd also like to give a separate big THANK YOU to Ron for taking the time to work with me and for the encouragement when I almost did it right! ;-) I was honored, sir, and I'll keep my autographed copy of BTM in a place of reverence. I can't wait to show it off at my home lanes!
Speaking of which, Creekside was probably the nicest place we've been to. It is truly a bowler's house. Clean, with a great staff, fine food, cold beer, and well kept equipment. It puts our home house to shame and I'm going to tell them so.
In conclusion, before this turns into a novel, I'd like to say it was a pleasure meeting everyone, and I'm truly looking forward to doing it again. Thanks for making the experience great!
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the 3 is silent

Ragnar · « **Reply #13 on:** July 25, 2006, 02:42:37 PM »

Strider (or anyone), for those of us who weren't there, would it be possible to post a chart of who is who in the picture? I'd really like to put names to faces.
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"I do desire that we may be better strangers." Willie the Shake, As You Like it(III,ii)
"aroyskrikn zoln dir di oygn fun kop"

Strider · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2006, 03:09:21 PM »

I'm bad with names, so feel free to correct any errors.

Bottom row left to right:

JessN16, Frank the Tank, Lucky Lefty, Joe Falco, Toma, Re-Evolution's girlfriend Erica and Re-Evolution, Nollster

Middle row, left to right:

Richie from Lane#1, A_AK57, WillynHook (in blue), Lexlefty (in white), Crazyyankee, Steve (from Ron's chat room), Rick Wunder (in green), Ron Clifton (in white)

Top row, left to right:

jjweb, Strider, Kev3inp's wife and Kev3inp, Bowl1, Glen28, Bowl1's wife, Thong Princess
--------------------
Penn State Proud

Ron Clifton's Bowling Tip Archive

Edited on 7/25/2006 4:51 PM

Author Topic: 4th Annual Gathering Report (Read 5025 times)

ThongPrincess

4th Annual Gathering Report

JohnP

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ThongPrincess

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crazyyankee

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JPRLane1

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Bryant

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JOE FALCO

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JessN16

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Strider

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lexlefty

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Nollster

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ThongPrincess

Re: 4th Annual Gathering Report

kev3inp

Re: 4th Annual Gathering Report

Ragnar

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Strider

Re: 4th Annual Gathering Report