Got a spot to sub with Visionary's team from St. Louis. One of their guys was injuried and I filled in. Prior to this tournament I had never met any of these guys. Basically the whole Wonders clan.(John, Jeff, Jason, James, Josh, John Sr., and Jenny) Dad and friends on one team and 5 brothers on the other team.
While I was there members on our team recieved their 25 year plaque and 27 and 47 year patch(John Sr., Ray and Mel). I only hope to make it to that many Nationals in my career. (Way back I bet they were the team to mess with.)
We took team photos and I joked with them that I looked out of place. But they assured me that I was okay. They told me stories of how they used to bowl Nationals on Mothers' Day but with the boys having children they wanted to move weekends.
The Wonders family, Ray, and Mel are great people, enjoying their time together and just having fun. By the end of Doubles and Singles I felt that they were my new friends. I hope to see them in the future. (Bowl expo, even another Nat'ls) I'm glad they allowed me to bowl with them. Thanks to the Wonders family, Ray Blondin, and Mel Bennet. It was a memorable experience.
...look out for the next Ogre Pearl. I saw one, in fact, all of them had one. Sky blue and Cream/White Pearl. Beautiful ball.
