It has been a long dry spell but the pack is finally back. The dogs came from all over today to reclaim the alley. There was a record 16 tables lined up in the middle of the alley. At first, we thought there were too many dogs but the cats managed to squeeze in without us even noticing. We had tables over by the dumpsters for the first time ever. The kittens gathered there to watch gladly climbed the fire escape for a less congested view. The alley was buzzing with anticipation. There was something in the air. We could all feel it. The Big Dog was there on the loading dock, The super-spy and the double agent were there suitably blending in. The swashbuckler was ready and the dealer suitably bribed (by both sides). As the pairings were being announced for the first round, the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Each match-up brought cheers and jeers from the crowd. This would be a match to remember. Suddenly, the lights in my room went out and the alley was plunged into darkness. I could see the activity in the alley, but couldn't make out who was doing what. It must be something here in my room. It took a few minutes but when I got it sorted out and could once again see the alley, the combatants were still there. The scores started being announced. "Dogs win" was the first to come in. The Big Dog and the Huge Cat were leading the pack. The dogs led at the end of the first by a score of 10-6. Typically, the cats thundered back in the second and took the lead for a while. The dogs, determined not to let the cats sneak past, poured it on for a 19-13 lead at the end of 2. The final round was wild and could have gone either way until the dogs got it together and started pulling away. The woofs and hollers echoed through the alley as they found themselves in a position to shut out the cats. The alley erupted into howls when the dogs finally were able to tear down the cat banner and raise their own. Final score Dogs 37, Cats 27.

As the last boxes were dragged from the middle of the alley, a lone voice was heard to say "Cute little puppy my butt!"

Its time to think about the annual Max Award. This special award will go to the person who most exemplifies the ideals followed by our friend Opensesamenow. The recipient should be a good bridge player who is helpful and friendly while in the community. The recipient should promote courtesy and fairness and be recognized as a leader in our community.

I will be asking for some help to serve on this years selection committee, review nominations and select a winner.

If you see any of these people, please talk to them and see I you can get them back to the alley. We really miss them. Also, please give me some feedback if you find someone is upset with something or there are other reasons for them not being here. Let me know any others I may have left off the list.

Seen on the fire escape: Julie, Hbear, Brrrrisk, Aussie_ca, Missgolf4bridge, Puppyvw, Emma2Lou, Sunshine

Welcome newcomers: Jrss1nz; Kennielong; Wilma; Scantilypawed (who came to us from Canada and looks a lot like our friend Lori); Scanty_claws (who had to leave to be a DJ); Roholte; n8mare; Teetime; Oh_dewey; Greenmeannie; Dianeeez

Welcome back old friends: RedRover and Novelty - some people we miss - some we miss a lot. Today we had a whole lot to be grateful for.

Supersubs were: Puppyvw, Hbear, Novelty, and JamesGreyWolf (who helped a fellow dog on the last hand).

Slams were bid and made by: Katastrofix/Scorpiokirsten - 6D; Francylou/Jin - 6H; Redrover/Smilodonkiwi - 6H; Dixiedeez/CE_Dean - 6H; Jean/Arzcxy1 - 6S; Flaunce/Softfire - 6S

A Grand Slam Trophy goes to:

The trophy for purrrrfect 3-0 tournament goes to:

The Cats were: Producer/Redwitch; Katastrofix/Scorpiokirsten; Jcrayk/Jrss1nz; Francylou/Jin; Roo/Redbird; Rueful Rabbit/Kareyn_au; AlanMitchell/Lynh; Harlequin_smiles/Betty_Boop; Errikos/Dittny; Nuageman/Nonny; Kennielong/Wilma; Silver_wind/Little Ladybug; Scantilypawed/Scanty_claws; Redrover/Smilodonkiwi; Paula_am/Jimkat; Dastarly/Rzzjohn

The Dogs were: Suegloss/Glossit; Dixiedeez/CE_Dean; Kenny_ha2/Cathugo; Rebos2day/Barbara; Pob/Orla; Jamesgreywolf/Woo7NT; Lorainew/John_Kennith; Roholte/Xbrorsen; Deltagayl/n8mare; Jean/Arzcxy1; Catherine/Joelf; Kalinka/Kalinka'skoyote; Teetime/Oh_dewey; Greenmeannie/Dianeeez; Linda/Seaweed; Flaunce/Softfire