I kinda jumped into these forums w/ both feet, but I never really did a welcome thread of my own. I've had a chance to talk to so many of you since I've started, but I wanted to say an official "hello". If I keep up my posting spree, I won't be a newbie for long, so I figured I better do this now. My name is Becki LaPorte, and I'm originally from S of Pittsburgh, PA. Graduated from Penn State and ended up in Houston, TX a few years ago when the economy here was booming. I've always found lighthouses interesting, but I started becoming really passionate about them in the past few years. I was able to travel to New England for work last year and that totally sealed the deal for me. In all my travels, the most beautiful places I have ever seen have been standing at the base of a lighthouse. I've started getting serious about photography, so I plan on posting some pictures here to share. I've really enjoyed meeting so many new people since I've started posting here, and I look forward to meeting more and sharing my love of HL and Lighthouses.

---------Becki

Hi Becki, welcome to the forums. I've seen your posts. If you like photography you'll really enjoy our new photgraphy forum. Gary Martin is doing a great job with it, as do all the cruise directors. I won't be posting any more untill first of the week as we're going to SW Mi.to meet Gary and shoot some lights this weekend. Again, welcome.
Bud

Welcome, again, Becki. You have jumped in with both feet, but that's the Wacko way! You will enjoy your visits here, and you certainly can learn a whole buch just reading everyone's posts!

Dave

Thanks for the welcome! I really like Gary Martin's work and I need to become more active in the photography forum. I'm having a great time and I'm here for the long haul.

-------Becki

Hi Becki,

Welcome officially to the Forums. I see that there is a new Harbour Lights club. And you are one of the charter members. Way to go!

I will second Bud's endorsement of the photography forum by Gary Martin. I have learned a lot and hope to try some of his suggestions soon. You definatley have to post some pictures. Mine aren't good enough yet to post. I had a couple of lucky shots on the Lighthouse Photo contest. But am going back to my old Ricoh instead of a point and shoot that I have used until now.

I am sure by now you have discovered how wonderful the people here are. Especially the Saints. John, Dave, Sue, Sean, Paul, Bob and the rest do a fantastic job with these forums. You must try to make it to some of the Harbour Light events. I am planning on going to Rosemont this summer. Can't wait to shake the hands of so many friends I haven't met yet. Hope to see you at an event sometime. Until then, keep jumping in with both feet. We value your opinions, ideas, wisdom, experiences etc..

God bless,

Dale

[This message has been edited by DALE LAWRENCE (edited 03-07-2002).]

howdy mam, welcome aboard!

Once again, welcome aboard, Becki! You're already up to 37+ posts so you're doing just fine. Keep those posts coming!

Bob

Hi Becki and welcome to the forums! Thanks for telling us about yourself. The group here in the collectors forum is fantastic. Glad to have you aboard!

-Todd

Welcome aboard Becki from the great State of Florida. It's good to have another ex-Pennsylvanian on the Forums. I'm originally from Girard, PA(12 miles west of Erie) but have lived in Florida for a total of 25 years now and don't miss the snow at all.

Rich

Hi Becki, how is irfanview working for you?

terry

Thanks for all the warm wishes. I have found everyone to be so friendly, and I'm glad to join the "family" here. I would love to attend some of the events. Right now, funds are a little low, but probably within in the next year, I will be able to join all of you and see all these great people I have met.

I have posted a few pictures in the Map Room and more will be on the way at some point. I recently purchased a nice Nikon and have retired my trusty point and shoot Canon for now. I've done well with it, but I wanted something that would give me a few more options.

I'm w/ ya Rich. I don't miss the snow either. I haven't seen it since I moved a few years ago, and it's almost become a foreign concept to me (which is the way I like it).

I haven't posted any pictures using the irfanview website yet, Terry. I've been trying to get the hang of the AOL FTP space first. I have the site bookmarked though and will be using it soon. I will keep you posted.

I'm really excited about the Houston club and look forward to helping it grow. A few more posts and I'll officially be WACKO. Yay!

-------Becki

Welcome Beckie-

Some move for Pa. to Texas. Glad to have you on the Lighthouse Forum. Lots of great ideas passed around.
Happy Lighthousing!!!

Harry

Thanks Harry!

It's much warmer here, but incredibly flat. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to that. I don't miss the snow though.

---------Becki

Welcome Becki, I'm a Penn Stater too.

Hi Laurie!

Do you get to make it back to State College? I go once a year.

---------Becki