Sorry for the late post on the 2010 ICRBE but I've been under the weather & somewhat away with cold/flu & tooth extrations since I got back from NC.

I've been to other rod building shows/gatherings but this was my first ICRBE. It was FANTASTIC!

Thanks to Tom, the Show Place, Vendors, & Attendees.

I came from the west coast on a shoestring budget and unfortunately, wasn't able to shop hardly at all but I still was able to pick up a few small goodies and contribute to a few Vendor's bottom line.

Most of all, meeting everyone during & after the show days in the eve. was a big thrill. I finally got to shake hands with Bill & Lance from Swampland, Silvia & Joe from Bullard International, Bill & Martha from Cason Custom Rod Finishes, J.P Timberlake, Keven Knox (Angler's Envy) & many others from the list on the left that I've been working & corrisponding with for a long time.

I made a lot of new friends & finally got to toss a couple down with many old friends long missed especially Mike Barkley, David Gilberg, & Jay Hunt, & Sam Fox & his wife.

I can't stress highly enough how great it is to have rod building shows/gatherings to attend. Every one of them I've been to has been a great pleasure and learning experience for me especially the BIG ONE the 2010 ICRBE.
THANK YOU !

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

It was great to meet you there Ray. (We spoke outside at the end of the day Sunday...you were headed bacck to CA, and Karen and I were spending another night before returning to FL.
LOVE your thread work on glassware!

Raymond,

The pleasure was truly all ours. I would like to point out once again what a hit your aperitif glasses were with the Ol’ Snag logo. If they were picked up and studied once, they were a thousand times. No one could believe the job you did with the DIAMOND II, finishing your weave—really fantastic.

Because I have mentioned my mother in posts and emails, so many of you have taken her into your hearts as you did Gene. During the ICRBE weekend many of you asked about her and relayed good wishes for her. I can’t tell you how special that was to me. I would like to share an email from my mother after hearing what Raymond Adams had so kindly done for us.

“ Silvia, I am so impressed with this work of art I just can’t imagine that anyone would do this intricate work to give to you – just as a gift - with no expectation of any gain for himself as you say this was done. I think – and really I know – that you were actually humbled to know that this was done as a tribute to Uncle Gene’s pride and joy – his business – whether intended as a tribute, I don’t know. But as Gene’s sister and one who always wanted to build him up to the ‘sky,’ I look at it as a tribute – and wouldn’t Gene be pleased! Gene once told me in his later years that he could always depend on me for support in whatever endeavor; and that was true – I knew he deserved my support.

I hope you will express my appreciation and admiration for what must have been a tiring and endless task that he chose as a gift. I don’t know what business he is in, but this guy surely must have a future in some type of artistic expression! Love, Mom “

This says it all! Yes, we were humbled, and Raymond thank you again.

Silvia Davis

Ray, I know you were busy and I didn't get to spend a lot of time with you but after corresponding with you for a lot of years it was a real pleasure to meet you in person. I'll tell Steve Cox that you said hey.

Sam & Gary,

Hope to see you guys again. It really was a pleasure.


Silvia,

I'm speechless. Thank you for sharing your Mom's kind words. After reading this earlier today I've been trying all afternoon to find the right
words but I'm still at a loss.

Thank You,

Of course it would take a book to mention everyone but I failed earlier to say what a privilege it was to meet Billy V. & the NERBS, Andy Renzetti, Ken Preston & his wife (I nominate her as QUEEN NERB!), and especially Gary Loomis, Jon Bial & the rest of the North Fork crew!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2010 08:09PM by Raymond Adams.

Raymond is what we call a "mensch" in my area. It is a Jewish term used to denote someone who gives freely with no expectation of personal gain (among other things). Basically a "good guy" if you will. Somehow it has become unfashionable to be such a person. It is almost as if it is looked upon as allowing people to take advantage of you. That is a shame and not as God intended us to be (IMHO).

Maybe nice guys do finish last but I choose to believe we will get the last laugh in the hereafter.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I will be back again next year...no question about that. Even if there were no great deals, just hanging with all the great folks who work in this trade/hobby/art would be worth the 11 hour drive...