Realized last night that the post odometer was about to roll over to 2000. Since I used my 1000th post to brag that I was one of the very first wave registered for the Reunion (we had #'s 15-16-17), I thought I would try to make this 2000th post a special one too.

When folks ask about the Forums and what do you do there, or why should they visit, it is sometimes hard to explain. In the easiest answer, it is because this place is special. This group of Connected Collectors is the largest extended family you could ever imagine, and it is a high quality group of folks who hang out here. I have made so many friends here that I feel blessed. Some I have never met in person, but I have come to know them very well through our interaction here in the Forums.

Want to learn about Harbour Lights? You found the place. Interested in anything about lighthouses? This is certainly the place to learn. Have some exciting news to share? This is the place to share. Having a difficult time and want people to offer some prayers for you? You came to the right place. Talk about one stop does it all!

Throughout your participation, you will find lots of folks that you share common bonds with. I enjoy my interaction with Sean, Torch and Rich because of our common military backgrounds. I have been able to share lighthousing adventures with many, including Derith, the Kaisers, the Toths, the Thompsons, the Bradys, John, Shirin, Dennis and others because of, you guessed it, the Forums.

A special thanks to John for providing us this wonderful place to hang out, interact and learn. It allows us to fund raise for lighthouse preservation, to promote our clubs, to plan get-togethers among ourselves. Be sure to order your Wacko Name Badge and your Wacko Pin, and then stand and say with me

"I'm a Wacko and proud of it!"

Dave
[This message has been edited by Dave H (edited 03-03-2002).]

Congrats on post #2000 Dave!

I think you hit the nail on the head with poast #2000 as well. The forums are a great place and great freinds can be found here.

-Todd

Hey Bubba!

Congratulations on post 2000! You are 100% correct on how people on the forums are very special and considered extended family!

Patty & Mike

I couldn't agree with you more Dave. Not only can the forums be used to build an online network of lighthouse buddies, but an in person network as well. I too have met several of the other Wackos on trips or at events. Hopefully I will meet many more at future events.
I've ordered both my Wacko Badge and Pin so I should be pretty easy to spot now. And both shall be worn quite proudly. Because I too am a wacko!

Congrats on post #2000. I look forward to reading many more from ya.

shirin

It's only 2,000 Dave? Seems like it has been a LOT more than that!

Thanks for all your help here on the Forums and for supporting the chats and doing the badge work, etc, etc. We'd be lost without you, buddy!

Congratulations, friend! This WACKO agrees with your comments....can't imagine not being able to enjoy all the Forum Family. Keep those posts coming!
Derith

Congratulations! Dave

You are one of the reasons that these Forums are such a special place.

Keep it up!

Dennis

Congrats, Dave! Keep those posts coming!

Bob

Congrats Dave on the big # 2000 !!!!!

Thanks for all your help here on the forums with badges , event updates etc.

Your work and posts are appreciated.

Lonnie, Colleen & Brittany

[This message has been edited by Lonnie Davidson (edited 03-03-2002).]

What a milestone Dave...WAY TO GO GUY!

Ruthie

Wow, that's a lot of posts Dave. Ok, now how many words would that be, or keystrokes?

Couldn't agree more with everyones comments!! I know that Becky and me look so forward to every get-together to renew and make new friends. Just wish we could get together more often!!!

Congratulations Big Dave! You are definitely an asset to the big picture here! Keep up the great work with the badges!

I do mean a big asset!!!

What Dave has expressed holds true for many of us whether we have 2000 or 20 posts. The forums are a special place because of those who have contributed on any level. Having the opportunity to meet each other is the icing on the cake. Contributors like Dave and many others have gone the extra mile for the rest of us in the many projects they perform.

Thanks Dave and congratulations on 2000!

I don't know Senior Chief. This sounds like a mental illness, but in the spirit of kindness that exudes from former WO's, congratulations on #2000 anyway.

Rich

------------------

Congrats Dave! Looking forward to finally meeting you at Rosemont. As many others have said, you are one of the big reasons these forums are so great. Thanks for your work on the badges and lining up things for Rosemont. If the rest of you are Like the two Forumites I have met, Rosemont will be a wonderful experience. Any contest for when you reach 5000 Dave?

Dale

Good idea Dale. Maybe we can get Dave to offer up that Mini Hooper as a prize.

That's a lot of hot air through the old blow hole, (Coastie my mistake, sorry)(new respect) Sailor! Especially since the Reunion registration! Luckily every group must have one, so I guess we're proud of you "cause you mean well!" So now you try to "butter us up with this 'soap box' speech". What are you looking for a 'gold watch' 'a chicken dinner testimonial'? If so, here's your opening roast! TIC
- Red Buttons

ps I hope you take this in your usual manner but wait for Jakers, Mombo, Sean, John and all to finish their testimonials first.

pps Seriously, I think I can list you as a good friend (duck!)? And you're always there when we need you.
Happy 2000,
Bob
See you in April!

yes, I left you an opening with the edit.
So "seize the moment"!

[This message has been edited by rscroope (edited 03-05-2002).]

[This message has been edited by rscroope (edited 03-06-2002).]

Bob, Bob, Bob....

Such cheap shots and inuendos in this humble thread. I can take the insults in fun (you are just funning me, right?), but to call me a Coastie - now you have gone way too far! I can understand that you made an assumption (remember the break out of that word?) because the fine folks I mentioned earlier all served as members of the Coast Guard. However, I earned my Chief's Anchors as a member of the Navy (not, the sea going Navy, but the Navy in any case - remember I am a retired spook).

Dale, look at the posts next to Mombo's or Bob's names. Mombo is way over the hill on posts (and other things) and Bob is closing in on 3000 very quickly. To guess when my #5000 will happen would take us way into the future. However, the mini Hooper will probably re-appear sometime in the future in another opportunity drawing to benefit lighthouse preservation (unless I get a really good offer before then...).

And, Rich, you know in your heart that a WO is one who just couldn't stand up to the responsibilities of being a Chief and took the easy way out. You know we love ya in spite of your mental illness, but I'm glad to see that you are coming to grips with it and willing to admit to the illness in public. Guess the meds are helping after all.

I guess these later posts just show how much of an extended family everyone really is. After all, who other than family would take shots this cheap at each other???

Dave
[This message has been edited by Dave H (edited 03-06-2002).]

Congratulations you ol' squid you! Let's face it, you, me, and some others have the gift of gab. Some speak very little and say a lot, others speak a lot and say very little. I'm not even going to say which category you fill. All joking aside, thanks for being a friend Dave. I appreciate all you do here in the forums. Gads, I'm going to hate myself in the morning for this.

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...

To our loyal readers and followers:

The participants in the cheap shot melee that has developed here recently want you all to know that we are making these digs and such in a good natured way. We are all friends, and will hopefully continue to be friends (except Bob, who called me a Coastie).

End of Public Service Announcement. We return you now to the previously scheduled roast and slow burn still in progress........

The Roastee
[This message has been edited by Dave H (edited 03-06-2002).]

Here's my open email to the Dave in case anyone did not realize we're funnin'

Dear Wronged,
I hope you took my barbs as a compliment as it was meant, and you should know I wouldn't have wasted my time w/o the love. Hey, I didn't know (you were) Navy vs Coastie? Learn sumpin' new everyday.
Now talk about you(r) low shots - "(Edited to protect the wronged)"?
Now as far as everyone else joining in as a roast... That's what you do at
a roast!
I also learned what a sincere, sensitive person you are under that "armadillo" facade.

-Dean Martin

Bob(tic)

Amen




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