Well I don't normally keep track of such things, but 2000 seems like a milestone, it seems like more because of the time I've spent on here. You can tell I don't post on every thread I read as I've put in over 500 hours reading on here and participating in the community. I was so glad to see some Pipesmagazine merchandise come up today. I've been out lots of places and seen other guys with shirts on from other forums and I thought to myself, we need a shirt, because we have the best forum on the net. I'm sure there are some other good ones out there, but none that I have seen are so well run, professional looking, and with a community like this place. I have made some true friends on this site, some I've met others I hope to meet. I joined July 13, 2011 and in that time I've seen lots of people come and go. Some people are like a log on the fire, it burns a long time and adds warmth to all around it, others are like leaves which blaze up for a brief time and then go out, there is lots of light and noise, then nothing. I have met both on here, but most of the fellows I have interacted with would make their mommas proud and I'm blessed to know them. I have learned so much from one and all. I have learned how to restore pipes, and make them, back in the day it was from UncleArthur and Ed James, but there have been many others. I've learned more about tobacco than I thought possible. I've gone from the B&M Rum and Maple to Cut Virginia Plug, Full Virginia Flake, and Escudo as regular staples. Probably the biggest contribution to my tobacco palate was a trade I did with Harris. He sent me a big selection of Virginia samples that changed my smoking life. Others have blessed me with gorgeous pipes and not just pipes but sentiments that I will treasure for life, especially Bradley. So here is a big thanks to Kevin for creating not just a forum, but a place that expresses the full reality of what pipe smoking is all about, community, relaxation, jesting, sharing, generosity, and friendship. And thanks to my brothers for all of your help, generosity, well wishes, and very sweet smokes. I appreciate you all so very much. Here is to the next bowl with a friend, the next encouraging word to a new smoker, and the next 2000 posts!
