I want to thank everyone for patting me on the back for making the decision. It was inevitable that it happen. I am happy and I think I made the right decision. I can't wait to get started.

I got to visit with James for quite a spell last night. He is happy, too. Kind of like, I'll put together a $25,000 approval package and send it over.

Then, I have to thank good friend, Mitch Heller, for his generous offer. It is appreciated. Thank you!!! Then there have been a bunch of other offers for buying large amounts and thank you!!!

Point is, right or wrong, that is not how I collect. I like the "thrill of the hunt", putting a collection together one by one and LEARNING along the way. I know in the end I will pay more but I get the satisfaction of slowly building what I hope to be a collection that will equal our ashtray collection. That collection is not the biggest & best, but it is worthy of note.

So, as I embark on this new venture, it should be fun. My Pink Snapper that James gave me as a joke will always be the "cornerstone" (LOL) of my up and coming collection. As it should be.

A large part of my decision was based on knowing James and forming a great and valuable friendship with him. He is an incredible person and knowlegeable beyond his years. We are so fortunate to have him. Lynn and I just felt honored to be able to sit at his table at the Banquet with Him & Tammy, His Parents, and Steve and spike1208 and his wife. I must also mention Allan Myers...I was pretty honored when he showed me as a contributor in the Chip Rack. Made me feel special!!

Then, all the other chippers that have given so much info and input to the Ashtray Site. You are very special people and I thank you. I hope the site eventually evolves into all we have planned for it.

BUT, DAMMIT, Mitch Heller, you are the one that gave me encouragement early on and didn't quit when I was ready to. You always kept me plugging away. You introduced me to James. You have done so much and I just can't thank you enough!! For those that don't know Mitch (there are probably 2 or 3), make his acquaintance, he is one of the very best!!!

Enough said...Thanks, too everyone...

So much for "Hoarding Responsibly."

Mark