Recently, I've had the opportunity to converse off the board with a couple of members. One was helping me with some advice with turkey hunting and the other I was helping with a transportation issue. Both of them reminded me of what is great about this community....something that is sometimes easy to forget when we all get bickering.
Out of the blue from each of them arrived a package in the mail. Each package contained the best kind of gift....one made by hand by the sender.
From my friend Gil Stacy in Georgia came three traditional rivercane yelpers, hand made by Gil. Not the kind of turkey call that would be easy to obtain up here in Canada. Been practicing for the last three weeks every time I sit at my desk and get on line. My calls are getting passable. Still not a sexy turkey but I'm working on it.
Today, from Ken Reed of Northern California (WagonWillie), a hand turned walnut bowl arrived. Absolutely gorgeous!! The walnut is stunning, made all the more special as it is made from a 40 year old piece of walnut Ken got from his father.
To both Ken and Gil. Thank you so much. These are items I will use and value and hopefully will be with me a long time. And every time I use them I'll remember the friendships I've made here and the goodwill that exists between us.
Several years ago Gunsaholic was kind enough to send me a hand carved decoy he and his father had made. It has pride of place in my living room. I have managed to meet Brian (Gunsaholic) and it was a real pleasure.
I missed my chance to come face to face with Doug Woodin. A great friend I never met! Life's too short to let that happen many more times. I look forward to meeting Gil, Ken and a few others, in person before too much time has passed.
People are great!
