Memorial Day weekend

A few quick, random thoughts:

Thanks to all for your latest Feast contributions. We're not competing against every family on the planet. From what it appears, they herd families into groups of 100, so there are numerous first-place winners each time. Despite that, it's no easy feat to remain a top 10 team every time they roll out a new Feast every 3 weeks or so. You all amaze me. Thank you again.

To that end, I never expect people to spend money to participate in Yahtzee. Do what works for you. If you're active in any way, that's awesome. That's what I value more than the prize package we win for any one Feast.

I had an inquiry about one of our absent players. Someone who has been active in the past, but isn't at the moment. I have removed "deadbeats" who fill a slot and never contribute in any way, but I try not to be militant. For those who have been active but aren't this week, I am not in a hurry to take away their spot. I don't keep attendance records, or any other stats, so I have to rely upon my memory regarding who is and isn't active. It's not a perfect system.

While addressing the inquiry, I realized something I had never noticed before. We lost Jetguy, who was from Texas, I seem to recall, and was one of our early contributors. He was very kind in his praise of me, and was rather active, I thought. I don't recall him mentioning he was leaving...perhaps he dropped the app altogether. Either way, people will come and go, and he left rather quietly it seems. No big deal, but I'm always disappointed to see a friendly, helpful contributor move on, whatever the reason. I won't get a chance to say thanks one last time, but I appreciate his contributions early on.

Finally, best wishes to all. Safe travels if you're hitting the road this weekend, as I will be. I'll be out of touch for most of the holiday weekend, starting Saturday morning. I'm going camping. This annual spring trip hasn't always been a Memorial Day weekend event, but this marks the 30th year. There's a colorful history to it, and I really need to share some of those tales via my podcast. Maybe I'll do that next week. There are a few great stories that need to be recorded, and probably a lot of great moments that have been forgotten.

Fun facts*:

• I am the only person to have participated in all 30 editions of this camping trip, counting this year. 
• Of the previous 29 trips, 26 of them have been at the same site. We have used alternative sites three times. 
• I could not legally drink beer during the first two camping trips. 
• Of the original group that assembled back in 1990, three of those guys have participated in this annual trip with their children.

--Mike

*Facts are not fun