LA show is just around the corner, so...

January 9, 2008

This is my yearly open invitation to Pentrace folks. If you are going to the LA Pen show, then you are invited to my annual wine tasting party to be held on Saturday night. More info will be given later, but I need to start planning and have a general head count so I can provide enough wine for everyone. I do need some local folks to provide plastic cups, napkins and some munchies.

There is no charge for this event, just something I enjoy doing for the pen community. I have met many great folks this way, and this has become a ritual of sort. No sales pitch from me, so you don't even have to like urushi or maki-e pens to attend.

Over the past years we have drank wines of Grand Cru Bordeaux, Premium California Cabs, fabulous Pinot from Oregon, exotic offering from Chili, Argentina and Israel to name a few.... Last year we even have Champange from Dom Perignon (and if you missed it, that means you were late).

We talked about pens, weather, sports, kids, watches, religion, pens, cigars, cars, more pens... and given this will be after CA Presidential Primary, I am sure we will get a fair dose of politics. Thank God, so far I have not needed a bouncer. LOL. My brother Tom, whom is a West Point grad will act as a bouncer (and as paramedic). My youngest brother and his wife will be joining us this year.

Ruels you agree to abide to: Be nice and get along with folks. Drink responsibly, and have a designated driver if needed. I am not responsible for your bizzare post intoxication behaviors, ie. bad singing, silly giggles, went home with someone else, etc. NO VOMITS in my room allowed. You aimed, you fired, you missed... then you clean it up. OK, ok, things are usually not this bad, but you get my drift.

So, please let me know if you will be coming either via email or post here whichever you prefer.... and see you all soon!!!

Best,

Kevin

January 10, 2008

Hi Kevin,

for those of us on the other side of the country, will you be making a trip to any of the East Coast shows this year?

Enjoy the wine-tasting, lets hope for another year where bouncer service or 'vomit patrol' service isn't necessary.

French

January 10, 2008

Thank you Kevin.

By way of endorsing your invitation to the FPN community (not just the Pentrace community)....

I've been Kevin's guest the last two years and enjoyed myself thoroughly. It is the highlight of the LA Pen Show for me and Kevin has been a wonderful host even though the most expensive item I bought from him was a $35 pen! Just seeing his fancy pens is well worth the visit let alone the wine, sake, and neat snacks.

If you attend, I suggest you arrive early as seating is limited even though lots of us get comfy on the edge of the bed, all over the floor, in the hot tub (unless the wine is chilling there) and even out into the hallway. Bring some of your pens and a little paper as there is always someone who wants to see your pens, try them out, and tell you how nice they are!

Spouses are welcome too. Kevin has been wonderful at making my wife feel part of the FP family (even though she thinks it gets a "bit much" at times.)

I'm not sure I'll be able to attend the show this year as I've been monitoring expenses carefully (haven't bought a pen since April), but enjoying Kevin's company is a prime motivator to attend.

So tell Kevin you are going, admire his pens, drink his wine, and have a darn good time!

It's a great pen show, too!

Andy

January 11, 2008

Hi Kevin,

for those of us on the other side of the country, will you be making a trip to any of the East Coast shows this year?

Enjoy the wine-tasting, lets hope for another year where bouncer service or 'vomit patrol' service isn't necessary.

French

Hi French,

I had to cancel my DC show last year due to an ill co-worker whom is sitll out recuperating. I am planning on going to 2008 DC show and will host one for the East Coast folks. We did have one in 2006. It was great fun.

Kevin

January 11, 2008

Thank you Kevin.

By way of endorsing your invitation to the FPN community (not just the Pentrace community)....

I've been Kevin's guest the last two years and enjoyed myself thoroughly. It is the highlight of the LA Pen Show for me and Kevin has been a wonderful host even though the most expensive item I bought from him was a $35 pen! Just seeing his fancy pens is well worth the visit let alone the wine, sake, and neat snacks.

If you attend, I suggest you arrive early as seating is limited even though lots of us get comfy on the edge of the bed, all over the floor, in the hot tub (unless the wine is chilling there) and even out into the hallway. Bring some of your pens and a little paper as there is always someone who wants to see your pens, try them out, and tell you how nice they are!

Spouses are welcome too. Kevin has been wonderful at making my wife feel part of the FP family (even though she thinks it gets a "bit much" at times.)

I'm not sure I'll be able to attend the show this year as I've been monitoring expenses carefully (haven't bought a pen since April), but enjoying Kevin's company is a prime motivator to attend.

So tell Kevin you are going, admire his pens, drink his wine, and have a darn good time!

It's a great pen show, too!

Andy

Hi Andy,

I sure hope both of you can make it this year. Like I said, no pen purchase necessary, and you won't get better wines to drink just because you buy one from me either. :ltcapd: Responses have been very good with many additional folks from FPN. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Kevin