Yesterday I had a gleeful time at a Mallards Pre-Game party sponsored by the Onion to celebrate the Mallards' 100th game as an organization. There was free food and beer in abundance, plus a band.

When I say free food and beer, I'm not talking a few potato chips and some Miller Light, either. There was beer from the Great Dane, among others--5 varieties--and full servings. I had a Crop Circle Wheat and an Old Glory Pale Ale. Both were delicious and refreshing. There were grilled brats from Bull's BBQ, chips and an assortment of salsas and dips from Qdoba (I tried the pico de gallo and the very rich guacamole) and also chips and veggies from Old Chicago with yummy cream cheese and artichoke dip. I must confess I stuffed myself silly.

While enjoying the edbile largesse, I listened to the cover band...whose name escapes me...and watched people ascend the climbing wall and then rappelle down. I would have liked to have taken a turn myself, but I was wearing a sundress and slides, so it didn't seem terribly practical.

After about 3 hours of soaking up the sun, and with two hourse still to go before the game started, I found myself hit by waves of sleepiness. It was time to find a cool place to nap and digest. Consequently, I missed the game itself (they won!) though I did get to see the post game fireworks from my window.

I'll catch a game soon, though. What with the Duck Pond mere blacks from my house.