Well, it's been an interesting week (or two).

First, despite the 5 a.m. wake-up call, I made it to our employee balloon ride and had a good time. Because of the unpredictable winds in Albuquerque, flights often get canceled, but we lucked out and went up
on a beautiful day. With the sun barely up, it was awfully cold out there to start, but it eventually warmed up. We started by meeting at a pre-determined site, and then climbed into a van for transport to the ideal launch site.

After a short drive, we arrived at the launch spot and looked on as the crew unpacked the basket and then the balloons from the trailors. Within minutes, the balloons were unfolded and being filled with air. Not long after, 10 of us climbed into the basket and away we went, about 1,000 feet over Albuquerque and the mountains. Because of my poor navigational skills on the ground, we flew over many of the streets and
places I've been lost during the last four months, which definitely was an interesting perspective.

We were in the air for about an hour and a half. We saw kids walking to school and ABQ traffic from above, we were barked at by hundreds of dogs, waved at by many friendly people below and finally, I learned
that when I own a house, I will keep my yard neat and tidy because you never know who's going to be flying by.

All in all, it was a unique experience, including a one-of-a-kind, 21 mph horizontal landing. But that just gave us an exciting twist to the story of our first ballon rides. And each time we tell it, we will have flown even higher, traveled even farther and had a water landing in the Rio Grande. Anyway, thanks to the Rainbow Ryders for the opportunity, and I encourage everyone to try this at least once just to say you did it.

Earlier this week, I took two days and went to Arlington to check things out. I saw the building we will be relocating to, which is flanked by Six Flags, Wet 'N Wild, the Texas Rangers ballpark and the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. Oh, and a Wal Mart Super Center. Everything you could ever want or need in a one-mile radius. And before embarking on my tour of Arlington and the start of my house hunt, I also had the
chance to meet the folks at BPAA and tour their building. It was nice to put some faces to the names.

It was hard to be away from the tournament, though, but I was kept up to date by cell phone and e-mail. Actually, this two-day trip equaled the amount of days I have not been at the stadium since Feb. 1., but my team handled things very well in my absence, which included a 299 game by Wendy Macpherson and new Classified Doubles leaders.

Overall, the trip was good, the area was nice and the weather was suitable. I know it will be a difficult move for USBC and there are still a lot of questions about who will be doing what, but this definitely is an exciting time.

Now back to reality, we've got a lot going on at the Open Championships. Yesterday, we welcomed Joseph Pursel Jr., who made his 50th tournament appearance. He was joined by his father, Joseph Sr., who made his 55th appearance as the two became the third father and son duo in the 50-year club. Pursel's son Brian also was on hand competing in his 24th tournament.Tonight, we have Donald Granberry, who will reach 50 years, and Judd Hall, who will compete for the 60th consecutive year. Then tomorrow, we have active participation leader, Les Berry, who will be her for the 65th time and is a few good games away from the 100,000-pin club. Kind of makes me wonder about what I'll be doing in 40 or 50 years, especially since it's pretty hard to even plan 40 or 50 minutes ahead.

Finally, while we welcome so many great bowlers, we also have to say good-bye to some. Just two weeks prior to making his 60th tournament appearance on May 1, Wallace Weiss died. From talking to him last year
in Reno, I know how much he was looking forward to being here. Rest in peace, sir.

We also have a departure of a different sort, as my #1 associate at the tournament this year, John Weisgerber, has accepted a position with the American Cancer Society and will be leaving us soon. I do have to say, it has been a pleasure teaching him about bowling and the Open Championships and really see him take pride in being here. Good luck, John.

A week from tomorrow, I will hit the lanes for my 10th tournament appearance. I've done some practicing and plan to do some more. I also recently bowled in a no-tap tournament at Tenpins and More in Rio
Rancho (run by Steve Mackie and Dana Miller-Mackie and her brother Mike Miller). It was a good time, and after a rough start, I left in the lead and will find out tomorrow where I finished. Either way, no-tap or
not, I thought I threw the ball well (after the first game), and a win would be a good confidence builder. Plus, getting the chance to take off my tie and get out there and compete was much appreciated.

Actually, knowing that squads are still going on, I feel a little bit like Mike Rose Jr. (or as close as I'll get to waiting for the "call") because I am sitting here wondering if I'm still the leader. I know when the event ends, and I know when the congratulatory phone call should be coming, so now it's a waiting game. I know, no real comparison, but I'm counting it.

Now hopefully I can have a respectable year at the Open Championships.