Unexpected Encounter

*This photo is from imdb.com

Mon., Dec. 31, 2007

We headed up to Buffalo via Southwest Airlines for the Winter Classic. A few hours after we arrived in town we met up for dinner at one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants -- The Italian Village. We were busy talking away when much to our surprise, in walked William Fichtner, aka FBI Special Agent Alexander Mahone on 'Prison Break.' He was with a party of 25 friends and family members. They headed into a private room. It wasn't unusual for Bill to be in the Buffalo area considering he has family living in Cheektowaga and he's a known Sabres fan. My little brother, an avid 'Prison Break' devotee, really wanted to get Bill's autograph but my father sternly told him that dinner wasn't an appropriate time to approach the actor. Out of respect, my brother left him alone. His appearance was a fun addition to our dining experience.

Hot Meal

Tues., Dec. 18, 2007

In the spirit of the holiday season, my boss (at her own expense!) took our department out for an interactive lunch at Otani's, a Japanese steak house in our area. The food including sushi, terriyaki chicken, hibachi steak, shrimp and fried rice was delicious; the chef was entertaining and we had fun gabbing away with each other. It was a really nice opportunity for us to get together before our holiday break. We all walked away with full bellies and sore jaws from laughing so much.

Wishing everyone great health and much happiness in 2008!!!

Sabres Defeat the Caps Once Again!!!

Fri., Dec. 14, 2007

Back at the Verizon Center in D.C. with my dad for another 7 p.m. Sabres / Caps game. This time our seats were in section 401, row G. There was a large crowd, many of which were Sabres fans all decked out in their various Sabres gear! They weren't shy about being vocal.

At one point during a "break" they put the camera on a soldier in the Walter Reed section (Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Caps, has a special section designated for military men/women.) The crowd went nuts clapping for the guy -- they spontaneously all began to stand up and shouted USA, USA!!! The soldier started to tear up ... it was a very powerful/moving moment.

Overall it was a really well played game by both teams. Miller (#30) made MANY great saves. There were no real fights between the players to report. The final score was Sabres 5, Caps 3. Next stop, a mini road trip to Buffalo for the Winter Classic game. Go Sabres!!!