Hi! I’m Dennis from San Diego. I’m a banker by profession and have had an “on again, off again” fascination with fountain pens for about 15 years. Until recently, I had collected about a dozen modern pens with “stock” fine nibs: several Waterman Expert II’s, Montblanc 146, Pelikan M800, Namiki Sterling Grance, Schaffer Prelude, and a couple of others. Last Christmas, my wife and two sons re-ignited my passion by giving me a beautiful display case and a couple of Lamy Studio pens. I decided that I should get “organized” and I started searching the web to learn more about pens.

Now, I’ve gone crazy accumulating a variety of pens with custom nibs (Namiki Falcons, Pilot Vanishing Points, and Pelikans) from Richard Binder and John Mottishaw along with a Waterman Exception and a couple of Sailor 1911s. I’ve also gone equally crazy trying to mix inks. (I’m constantly ordering from Pendemonium and Pear Tree Pens.)

I’ve been trying to absorb as much as possible from the Fountain Pen Network. I decided that I needed to come out of the closet, join this forum and start posting my views. (This is the first time I’ve written anything on the internet.) Thanks to everyone for providing so much great information on all facets of pens and inks. I’d do my best to be a good contributor. My first attempt at my first ink recipe is going to be posted right now! (At least, I'm going to try! Wish me luck!)

DennisU

Welcome to this obsession... er... I mean, hobby.

Hi Dennis, wecome to FPN. I'm also fromo San Diego, I live in Carmel Valley and work in La Jolla.

Most of my pens are at my office in LJ. If you are ever in that area and want to stop by and see them (about 150 of them) you would be most welcome. I've had about 6 FPN visitors to my little collection already.

What are your collecting or using interests? I'm still an eclectic accumulator, just acquiring pens that interest me for one reason or another.

I'm going up to the LA Pen show next weekend, if you can make the trip it is an absolute hoot for any Fountain Pen afficianado.

All good wishes,

Andy

Nice to "meet" you Andy! I live and work in Carmel Valley. I would very much like to find a time to get together sometime.

I have registered my wife and I to attend the L.A. Pen Show. It will be the first for both of us.

Dennis, nice to have you here. Sounds like you have a nice little collection!

And you're right...it's never good enough to have just the regular nibs...and that's when the virus hits...

Welcome to FPN. There are some mighty friendly folks here as you can see by the reception you've received from some of your SoCal neighbors.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!

Andy: Unfortunately, we can only go to the show on Saturday. Just a day trip. Wish we could go longer. But we'll definitely look for you. Thanks!

Welcome, Dennis!

I live in Clairemont and work in the Golden Triangle area, on the outskirts of UCSD. As it turns out, I don't think I'll be able to come to the show. Hope to meet you in person sometime, however!

Don

Thank you Don! Nice to "meet" you via FPN. I too hope we can meet in person before too long.

Welcome to FPN, Dennis! I'm originally from sunny CA as well, so happy to greet another Californian! And yes, custom nibs are an addiction onto their own, and so are inks! Looking forward to seeing some of your posts on ink recipes. Enjoy your time on FPN!

I haven't figured out the multiple quotes thing either, and I've been here since November. I have to do two posts. Not very good.
Welcome and I'm sure you'll love it here, or hate what it does to you!

Thanks anniemac, so far it's fantastic! I never would have imagined that my first ever posts on the internet would be related to fountain pens... but I'm completely hooked now.

I've actually sent an inquiry to the Admins about quotes. If I ever figure it out, I'll let you know!

anniemac: I heard back from the Admin folks. This must be done using multiple windows. I will e-mail detailed instructions to you. Success!

Welcome! You have some great pens there!

DennisU, Welcome. I'm glad to see another Sandiegan in the board.

Welcome to the forums Dennis. I too am from San Diego, although I currently reside a few hours north. Glad to have another to share the obsession with!