Practicing what I preach

[Skiprat]

I just listed some site stats on another post and thought that I had better tell my story. I don't want to bore anyone, so this is the 'short' edition

On 19 Oct 06 I joined IAP. Some of you may remember that I was full of piss and vinegar ( now just full of crap )
It didn't take long till I spotted one of Eagle's Cross pens. I was hooked!!! I tried to figure out just how on earth he managed that and kept it so neat. I decided that he probably drilled a hole at an angle to create the ellipse and then shaped a segment to fit. Of course that was far too crude for the Big Bird and when I suggested that was how he did it to him, this little rat had to run for cover!!!
Well, not to be outdone by some Yankie from across the big pond, I decided to post about my pantogragh prototype. However, Eagle wasn't quite finished with this new whipper snapper yet!!!! We had a bit of a ding-dong on the site but after first blood was drawn, we took it off air. We had two heated e-mails each and then we were laughing and joking about it all. He was a big man in more ways than one!!!!
We shared countless emails since then, some only a word or two long and some pages and pages.
In Feb I was going to do a training course in USA and emmediately set about logistics to visit some of my e-buddies. I wanted to visit everyone but especially Eagle. He said I was more than welcome to stay at his home, but pointed out the vast distance I would have to travel to do the trip from Pittsburgh to SC and back. Thanks to Dawn ( PR Princess ) she suggested and set it up so that Eagle and I would meet at Lou's home in DC. So, not really knowing what to expect, I made my way to DC.
I honestly did not expect the warm welcome I got from both of them. It was like we had known each other for years and years.
We ( mostly Eagle ) talked and talked in Lou's lounge till the very early hours till poor old Lou had to crash out. Now, all three of us smoke like chimneys and you could hardly see across the room for the haze, but the chats were fantastic and good freindships were being forged.
 Lou took us around the sites in DC ( Boy!!!! Does he know the history of that town or what!!! ) Fasinating for both Eagle and me.

I travel a lot in my work, but this weekend was by far the best time I've ever spent away from home. I hope I never forget it.

Thanks Dawn for setting it up
Thanks Lou for hosting a great time
Thanks Lynn for letting him loose for the weekend

But most of all, Thank you Eagle, wherever you are soaring.

Steven

[BRobbins]

Skippy - I for one was very glad you made the effort for that trip as it also enabled me to spend some time with the bird on his way to Lou's house.  Turns out my place was on the way and just in time for an evening meal, a shop tour and one of Eagle's infamous lectures mostly about pens, a little biography and a whole lot of whatever else he had on his mind.  It was the second and last time I saw him in person but definitely an evening to remember.  He mentioned he was a little late - had to buy Lynn some flowers for letting him make the trip.  That along with several calls to her during the evening was just another demonstration of his character and love of family.

Next time you cross the pond, keep us in mind, particularly if you make it to DC.  Richmond is only 100 miles (and 200 years) away.

[DCBluesman]

It was a great visit.  Anyone who has reason to come this way is welcome to crash here.  It generally results in good conversation and an acceptable meal.  Just drop me a line.