We are back from New York. It has been a long weekend, lots of shopping and eating out. All three of the teams did really well. The Prenovice Senior and Junior placed first and the Juveniles placed 2nd. I thought I would quickly get that out of the way, if you want to know all the details, read below.
We drove down mid-day Friday. It was windy and very wet, pouring most of the trip. After we arrived, Detta and I went to WalMart and Target (my first trip). Detta found lots of 'Twilight' stuff and we bought some clothes and groceries. Then at Target I found two fleecy 'Star Wars' blankets for the boys, Detta found a THREE disc dvd of ‘Twilight’. After we got back to the hotel, lots of other people had arrived and a load of the kids went swimming. The swimming area was really nice and pool was a great size. We had Mexican at the hotel but it left a lot to be desired!!! We had an early night as we had to be up by 7am.
The next day we got up early to find the skating rink for an eight thirty practice. It was freezing outside, gale force winds and snow! We eventually found our way to the Rochester Institute of Technology where the skating competition was being held. The rink was huge. The girls practiced for half an hour and then we headed back to the hotel. We had a continental breakfast at the hotel which left a lot to be desired and then Detta and I went to Walmart, I had to return the TWO disc dvd of ‘Twilight’. We got back to the hotel and started to get ready for the competition. Putting Detta’s hair in a bun is a real struggle. The gel didn’t go clear and stayed white!! Even with a hairnet little pieces of hair would pop out. Then we headed for the group room and she had her makeup put on.
We arrived at the rink but along with the skating competition there was a lacrosse tournament on so the parking was in short supply. We had to park what seemed like miles from the rink and my face ended up getting wind burnt – a right sight! Finally the older teams went on for their turn, in this competition there is only one skate where as in the Canadian competitions there are two. The time was also shorter so the juvenile practically had a new routine which they learned in a week! Finally Detta’s team came on, they did very well though they hit the boards for the first time ever. They looked very good compared to the other teams.
Finally it was over and all the teams came back on the ice for the presentations. It was very exciting as they announced from the last to first. So after the announcement of second place for the two older teams we were all cheering as our teams got first. When the announcement finally came for second place for Detta’s team we were all holding our breaths, were we getting first or second. The parents were all so happy they got second and all the teams were very happy.
Some people went straight home to Canada while some of us stayed. After a great dinner at the Olive Garden, all the kids went swimming after dinner. Detta had a friend up to our room to watch Twilight.
We headed home on Sunday. It was a long drive home and we stopped at one of those discount outlets. It was nice to see Hugh and the boys. The boys loved their Star Wars blankets and Hugh is enjoying his wasabi almonds.
No knitting this weekend, I ended up not liking the pattern I took so I stopped.
Donovan had his first skating class. He was so excited though he was not at all keen on wearing snow pants. Detta is a program assistant (volunteer) during the canskate session. Donovan fell down so many times, I thought he would not want to go back.
The Ajax Figure Skating Club had a guest visitor, Josee Chouinard. Josee has represented Canada at the World Championships and the Olympics. Josee now coaches at the Granite 
Club in Toronto. She came to our club to give the girls a training session. Detta was asked to demonstrate a move.
All the girls were very excited and as you can see everyone clustered around her at every opportunity. Everyone enjoyed themselves and hopefully learned something.
We are back from New York. It has been a long weekend, lots of shopping and eating out. All three of the teams did really well. The Prenovice Senior and Junior placed first and the Juveniles placed 2nd. I thought I would quickly get that out of the way, if you want to know all the details, read below.
I have finally finished the Stone Circle Hat. I ripped back the top and redid it. I still managed to drop a stitch which I recovered 4 rows later. At least it wasn't part of the decreasing. I actually not quite done. I still have a lot of ends to sew in. I still have to do them on the carousel hat also.
