Bob's pretty sure that this isn't legal but it does make for an unusual opening picture.
Where's the ball?
Ooops, there it goes. Looks like somebody was hiding it underwater!
This would have been a heck-of-a-lot easier if we played in the shallow end.
All right Water Polo is officially over for 2006 -- let's swim!
Pass out those beers -- it's Friday night on a 3-day New Year's weekend and we're ready to start partying! Who cares if our annual Water Polo Game is just 12 hours away?
I've got a beer. You got a beer? Yeah, I've got a beer. We've ALL got beers... Party On!
OK, no beers here -- but we are supposed to be athletes, (some more than others!)
Lynn and Eileen come up with a pair of winning smiles!
Chris is quite impressed at how many quarters Nancy has collected for another worthy cause.
Neither Bob nor Mike can remember exactly how long they've been swimming together at the "Y" but they're pretty sure it started some time in the early 1980's. It's for sure that there is no one around to challenge that estimation!
It's only about 12 hours till the Annual Water Polo contest, (scheduled for 6AM Saturday Morning), and already Sal is trying to get the best of Paul. Little does Sal know that Paul plans on being out and running by 4:30AM BEFORE he starts Water Polo!
Thanks to all who made the trek to Farmingdale on such a miserable day weatherwise -- just kidding, it was in the fifties and not a cloud in the sky, feeling more like late September than December -- and the warmth showed through as you can tell from the happy group pictured above (or was it the endless Bloody Mary's?).
To those of you who were not able to attend this year, we hope to see you at next year's party (if not before!). Special thanks to Bob Miller for setting up this year's Christmas Party.
Do we have a volunteer for 2007?
Although Winter is still officially a bit more than two weeks away, the wind-wipped chop of Cold Spring Harbor and the dark water told the real tale -- this is not an average Open Water Swim, this is man against the elements. And this December 2nd, the "elements" were VERY chilly!
Rob was VERY happy to get out of the water and on his way to an already heating auto! The time was around 8:35am on this December 2nd Saturday morning and, without a cloud in the sky, the outside temperature hovered around 43 degrees. Don't even ask about the wind chill!
Chris and Tim were there to cheer Rob on. And if you want to ask about the wind chill, talk to Tim or take a look at the picture below. One picture IS worth a 1,000 words!
Do I hear the word "three-pete"? If so, we'll see you again in December 2007!
OK, OK, I'll admit that in these two pictures (above and below), it is a little difficult to actually see Harry but he assures me that he is indeed somewher in both of these photos.
Can you find Harry?
There he is -- along with the proof that he finished the race smiling and in 10:27:56.
Congratulations Harry!
That's right, it's Simon all the way on the right and he's broken out his kilt. Some things just never change. At least this time he is wearing his kilt in warm weather... the last time we saw Simon dressed like this was at one of our annual December Holiday parties. I guarantee it wasn't "Hawaii" warm!
Nancy told me that there was going to be a "fun" run before the Ironman and now, I believe her!
Thanks again to Nancy for sending me some real, (natural and intimate), pictures from Kona -- pictures that I didn't have to "fake" from the web!
Tammie, Liz and Orlando were there and, of course, our own Bob Miller -- Swim Coach, Lifeguard and Winner of the 2006 David Hasselhof Look-Alike Contest.
We'll get a little run in before the swim!
Let's hope that they come back for Summer 2007 (or Spring 2007 for those who are hardy enough!).
And, with 1,700 pro and age-group Tri's competing, it's not exactly a small, local event! Check out the 2. 4 Mile Swim start above and below.
The crowding eased up considerably as the 112 Mile Bike leg "rolled" on!
The 26.2 Mile Run followed... which leads us to our "local" Huntington results in which we still include Simon even though he now lives a few thousand miles away.
Simon Butterworth was 7th in his age group with an overall time of 11:37:46. (Swim Time: 1:21:58, Bike Leg: 5:57:50 and Run Time: 4:06:28).
Nancy Lipira was 5th in her age group with an overall time of 11:52:41. (Swim Time: 1:13:30, Bike Leg: 5:53:35 and Run Time: 4:35:53).
Mary Ellen Stajk was 10th in her age group with an overall time of 12:12:13. (Swim Time: 1:31:47, Bike Leg: 6:05:00 and Run Time: 4:25:47).
Congratulations to:
Mary Ellen, Nancy and Simon!
Needless to say, we will all be thinking of Nancy (and Simon) on Saturday, October 21, 2006. We wish them both the best of luck! 
Our old friend Simon Butterworth is already in Hawaii but emailed a personal message to Nancy, (which she is reading above), for the Kona Kick Off Party. Simon is our first "West Coast" (more or less) Huntington Master's Swim & Tri Team member and is waiting in Kona to greet Nancy.
FYI, Simon's Ironman Bib Number is 307.
Here's some great Ironman advice. If you see a big fish... swim faster!
Paval was there and was gracious enough to offer his services as Nancy's Personal Physician if airfare and a 5-star hotel was included. Michele offered her services as a private nurse and was willing to settle for a 4-star hotel. Anybody willing to settle for a 3-star?
Sorry Greg. Sorry Sal. My "stupid" camera decided that the best object to focus on was in the background. Operating automatic digital cameras and drinking at Meehan's just don't mix!
Ooops, Bob's not exactly Rockin' but he is drinking! (Now you know why I prefer taking the pictures instead of being in them! -- Mike)
Lynn FINALLY arrives with a big smile and a hug from Nancy!
Paul FINALLY arrives and gives Nancy, (with the "where you been?" hand gesture), a big Lynn-Like smile.
Honest, Sal wasn't watching the Mets Game the whole night! It only seems that way in this picture.
