We finally had a day off from the ski races. It was much needed as the boys have been in ski boots since February 6th. We caught a train into Turin and watched the USA play Russia in hockey at the Palasport Olympic Venue. Russia won, 5-4; it was a great game and high-level hockey. Each player on both teams plays in the NHL.

Afterwards we went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant of all things. It was awesome. Nothing like a little Chinese in Italy!

The women's slalom will take play this afternoon. Julia isn't racing in this one, but it's Kristin Koznick's last time around. This is her fourth Olympics. The Americans really are in need of some medals. We'll have our flags waving.

We ran into former Palisades Tahoe groomer, Chris Perkins, and we had lunch in the center of Sestriere where there are small street chalets that sell everything from food to clothes. It's a great place for people watching. We came upon an old man stirring a huge caldron the size of a hot tub. It turned out to be polenta. Another fellow was stirring an even bigger caldron full of sauce.

We have gotten to know the US racers and feel their pain over not producing much in the way of medals. Nevertheless, they have more races coming up on the World Cup and they continue to have great attitudes and smiles. Daron has already left to get ready for future, World Cup speed events.   --By Banfields, Holbrook, and Rouses

CIAO.
Susan and Jeff
Dick and Ann
Johnnie

Editor's Note: Robert Frohlich, a veteran Olympic journalist, is coordinating these reports.