April the 28th is getting here fast. I hope everyone is planning on attending the meeting at John Costa's. Check out the Georgia Guild news letter for directions. (See Jamey's Thread) Please let John know if you are planning on attending so he will have an idea of how many to plan on for lunch. You can respond to this thread or contact John directly.

Don't forget to bring something for The Iron in the Hat drawing. It's how we pay for lunch, so be generous when buying tickets. Also don't forget to bring a chair and knives you have made (or are working on) for display.

One last thing, if you expected to see someone at the last meeting and they weren't there, call them and remind them about this meeting.

Hey Folks
Harry is requesting you let John know for a good reason. These members that take on hosting a meeting also take on a lot of work preparing for you guys to have a comfortable and enjoyable time. I say again...this is a lot of work.

Please be considerate and let John know in advance so he can be prepared. When you are talking a possible 35-40 mouths, he needs enough lead time to go stick a second hog. This is night work, as he has a full day (+1) job already.

Harry also made a good point about those members MIA. Call them and tell them you missed them last time.

See everyone there.
Hammertime, hammertime, ham, ham, hammertime! Hammertiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime!

This should be quite a big meeting as I have invited alot of local people. Ya'll may get some sales if your so inclined. The local newspaper will also have a reporter there. Although we have plenty of shelter, Pray for good weather !
jc

John,

I will definately be there Sat. but I'm not sure yet about Fri.

Thanks in advance for your hospitality.

Carey

I can't wait. I have my directions from the lake house and am all set. I'm not sure if Avery will make it with me (Little League games) but I will be and if possible, Avery. Carl, he has handle material for the little knife you two forged. He brought it back off the Iron-in-the-Hat table from the NCCKG meeting the other weekend. I have also invited a couple of friends. Not sure if they will make it but I will let you know by Thursday.

I have been looking forward to attending since John's invite on one of my knife posts. Is it appropriate to have my 5yr old son in tow? He is well behaved and versed on shop safety. What kind of stuff should I bring for the Iron in the hat? Is a box of used farrier rasp or a chunk of walnut or teak appropriate? I look forward to more learning!
Thanks,
Chuck

Hi guys,

Just talked with John and he is working hard getting everything ready for this weekend. From the way it sounds, if he can spit on it, it is getting polished up and ready:D

I just sent an e-mail to our membership (that I have e-mail address on) with some contact info---I always need this in case I get lost. If you don't get this info, e-mail me at mrsjoan@bellsouth.net and I will get it out to you.

See all of you guys there.

Joan - So he will answer his cell this late. Usually Brother John is kicking the ZZZZZZ's by this time of day. Glad the number worked and doubly glad I'm out of spitting distance.

Chuck - After giving this some serious thought, I feel that it might be best that you not bring your five year old. Please do not be offended. This will be a very large group of people, mostly men, as you know we are not the most attentive folks when we gather and get started talking. As in most knife shops, the combination of equipment, materials, finished knives, etc. present too many opportunities for injury for the curious mind and hands of any young child. I have grandkids and know first hand how fast they can move innocently and unaware into dangerous situations. In a situation where there is a smaller group and things can be better monitored, I would be more at ease. Please understand that I love kids and am always amazed at their insites and thoughts. I have spent many hours teaching them to forge their first blades. In each case however, I was able to give them all of my attention. I'm sure you understand how hard this is in a large group where every action and every conversation is a distraction.
I do look forward to the opportunity to meet your son someday.

Any of the items you mentioned would be welcome in the "Hat". JC might try to spirit away any farrier's rasp to his private inventory. He's gone through quite a few. I've been known to modify a few myself.
Looking forward to meeting you. Be sure to bring some samples of your latest work for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks Carl,
Chuck, I know how it is with kids. Although I am a grandfather, I still have 8 yr old twins, Harry and Abigail. They will be our official welcomeing committe. Although Harry has been in the shop with me since he could walk, I still shoe him out quit often. He wil be entertaining himself this weekend. :cursin
jc