I just wanted to mention that last weekend was my birthday, and thanks to my fellow vac collector friends here in St. Louis it was honestly one of the best birthdays I have ever had! We started the day last Sunday by meeting at John Pease's house and having snacks and visiting. I then opened my gifts that everyone brought me.. John got me a very nice set of towels for my bathroom, Rick Asquith gave me a gift certificate for Best Buy, and Tom Gasko gave me an AWESOME Hoover Jr (model 1348) and a Hoover slimline. Patrick Dawson got me the new Dyson handvac (I don't have it yet but will get it as soon as it comes in). After all of that was over, we went and had a great dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse and then back to Johns for birthday cake. Again guys, thanks so much for everything.. I had a blast and was really glad I got to spend the day with you. It wasn't really a birthday gift, but Tom knew I was enamored with his Viking 507 upright, and gave that to me a couple days later. I love it Tom, :) been vacuuming everyday with it. I included a picture of these new additions to my collection.

Derreck:
I had a blast at your birthday party. John Pease made that frozen drink he served us with an entire fifth of Rum. After my third glass I don't remember much. I do remember Outback SteakHouse and what a fun time we had, until Dave called Rick a real 'bi*ch' and all hell broke loose. They did make up in the end, and I had a blast. Glad you like your presents. You are such and open and receptive person, you make me enjoy giving you things for your collection. You always make sure to say 'thanks' and that's very important to me. It might not be 'the best part' but it IS in the top two (as Burt said to Dolly).