Saturday, July 20, 2024, Sheraton Hotel, Madison, WI
I made sure I set my alarm to 5 a.m., not 5 p.m. like last month. I only hit snooze once. It was slow goin' this morning. I'm just not a morning person.
I was on the road to Madison my 6:20 a.m. Much more traffic than usual. I stopped at a Thorton's for gas near Beloit and paid $3.59 a gallon. All the gas stations near my house in the far north suburbs of Chicago are over $4 a gallon.
I also purchased a cup of coffee and a doughnut. I know, I know. I should not eat doughnuts. I took some insulin before I left home so I thought I was okay to have a doughnut. Turns out the doughnut was stale. Ugh. No ill effects though.
I arrived at the Sheraton around 8:15 a.m. and was able to set up in peace this month. Yay! As soon as I completed set up, customers were at my tables. I had a nice stream of customers through noon. I have a nice group of regulars at this show. I almost missed this month's show because I booked the new show in Countryside, Illinois, not knowing the date of the July Madison show. I really hate to cancel a show once I book it but Madison has become one of my best shows and I just can't miss it! I hope to set up at one of Nick's shows soon!!
There were four rooms and 200 tables this month in Madison. I think this was Beau's largest show to date. Unfortunately, I can't leave my tables and walk around. I would like to see the rest of the show one of these days!
I had a real nice time chatting with my regulars. Also in attendance at this show were good buddies Tim, Andy, Mike, Bronko, Jeff T., and many others. I had a real pleasant day. However, like clockwork, the crowds at my tables disappeared by noon. I just sat around in the afternoon staring off into space.
I did take some time to look at Mark's cards, across from me. He has 10 or 12 display cases and always has one with amazing power vintage. Drool!
On the buying front, once again there was nothing. Weird! Nothing was offered last week in Rockford and nothing today in Madison. It is so disappointing to leave a show without any purchases! I'm hopeful that I can buy some cards tomorrow in Orland -- I usually do. At least four or five people inquired as to where I obtain my cards. As you know, I purchase most of them at shows.
Anyway, I had a real nice day. I appreciate everyone who purchased cards from me today. Quite a few vintage set builders, as usual at this show. A couple of new customers as well, which is always appreciated.
Next Madison show is on August 24, 2024. I will be there! I hope to have a few binders reloaded by then! Nobody looked at my newly reloaded 1958 Topps football. Everyone seems to want the 1970's. I'll eventually get those binders reloaded!
So this is a double-bill weekend with Orland on Sunday. I have a crazy day planned with the show early then we are celebrating my son Kolby's 19th birthday. His actual birthday is July 25 but I'll be in Cleveland. I feel terrible that I am missing his birthday but there just is not a whole lot I can do other than celebrate before I hit the road. We're going to Ron of Japan in Downtown Chicago. I love that place!
My wife Lisa and I celebrated our 27th Anniversary on Friday night at Ruth Chris in Northbrook, IL. Man, that place is sooo good!
Anyway, Dave and I leave for Cleveland on Monday. Come see us in booth number 1144. Next Oak Creek show is August 3. I am overbooked as usual. Ugh!
Busy, busy, busy!
Pictured below are some of the amazing cards at big Mark's table in Madison. Mark and I are set up at all of the Madison shows. Come see us next month!!
I made sure I set my alarm to 5 a.m., not 5 p.m. like last month. I only hit snooze once. It was slow goin' this morning. I'm just not a morning person.
I was on the road to Madison my 6:20 a.m. Much more traffic than usual. I stopped at a Thorton's for gas near Beloit and paid $3.59 a gallon. All the gas stations near my house in the far north suburbs of Chicago are over $4 a gallon.
I also purchased a cup of coffee and a doughnut. I know, I know. I should not eat doughnuts. I took some insulin before I left home so I thought I was okay to have a doughnut. Turns out the doughnut was stale. Ugh. No ill effects though.
I arrived at the Sheraton around 8:15 a.m. and was able to set up in peace this month. Yay! As soon as I completed set up, customers were at my tables. I had a nice stream of customers through noon. I have a nice group of regulars at this show. I almost missed this month's show because I booked the new show in Countryside, Illinois, not knowing the date of the July Madison show. I really hate to cancel a show once I book it but Madison has become one of my best shows and I just can't miss it! I hope to set up at one of Nick's shows soon!!
There were four rooms and 200 tables this month in Madison. I think this was Beau's largest show to date. Unfortunately, I can't leave my tables and walk around. I would like to see the rest of the show one of these days!
I had a real nice time chatting with my regulars. Also in attendance at this show were good buddies Tim, Andy, Mike, Bronko, Jeff T., and many others. I had a real pleasant day. However, like clockwork, the crowds at my tables disappeared by noon. I just sat around in the afternoon staring off into space.
I did take some time to look at Mark's cards, across from me. He has 10 or 12 display cases and always has one with amazing power vintage. Drool!
On the buying front, once again there was nothing. Weird! Nothing was offered last week in Rockford and nothing today in Madison. It is so disappointing to leave a show without any purchases! I'm hopeful that I can buy some cards tomorrow in Orland -- I usually do. At least four or five people inquired as to where I obtain my cards. As you know, I purchase most of them at shows.
Anyway, I had a real nice day. I appreciate everyone who purchased cards from me today. Quite a few vintage set builders, as usual at this show. A couple of new customers as well, which is always appreciated.
Next Madison show is on August 24, 2024. I will be there! I hope to have a few binders reloaded by then! Nobody looked at my newly reloaded 1958 Topps football. Everyone seems to want the 1970's. I'll eventually get those binders reloaded!
So this is a double-bill weekend with Orland on Sunday. I have a crazy day planned with the show early then we are celebrating my son Kolby's 19th birthday. His actual birthday is July 25 but I'll be in Cleveland. I feel terrible that I am missing his birthday but there just is not a whole lot I can do other than celebrate before I hit the road. We're going to Ron of Japan in Downtown Chicago. I love that place!
My wife Lisa and I celebrated our 27th Anniversary on Friday night at Ruth Chris in Northbrook, IL. Man, that place is sooo good!
Anyway, Dave and I leave for Cleveland on Monday. Come see us in booth number 1144. Next Oak Creek show is August 3. I am overbooked as usual. Ugh!
Busy, busy, busy!
Pictured below are some of the amazing cards at big Mark's table in Madison. Mark and I are set up at all of the Madison shows. Come see us next month!!
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