Greetings GG's,		

Fulfilling one of many New Year's resolutions.  Quit lurking anonomously -
now just lurk, learn, and enjoy.  I suppose I should actually begin with,
"Hi, my name is Jim, I am a toolaholic.  I haven't purchased a tool in 4
days."

I live in San Antonio, Texas, married 25+ years, was a computer geek (1962)
before being one was cool, still love computers, and my major claims to
fame are (happily) being the older brother of Galoot Chuck Myers of
Pittsburgh whose talents never cease to surprise and please me and having
met Paddy at Andy's Old Tools enterprise in Santa Monica several years ago.

I love to fish the bays on the Gulf of Mexico (we call it "the coast"), in
my heart of hearts would probably be an astronomer if I could afford it,
and like many aging adolescent males am fascinated by a number of very
expensive hobbies that I do not have time (nor money) for. 

Earliest recollections of tools (somewhere around 4 years old) are using my
Grandfather's brace and bit, making holes in something I probably should
not have touched.  This probably explains why I have eight braces but
vehemently deny being a collector (of course, I have no bits for these
braces ...)  I have a great love of most things mechanical - post
drills put me into emotional overload, but then so do a number of other
things.   

Rust hunting in my area is frustrating.  My experience is that significant
finds here in Texas are rare and usually expensive which is another reason
I enjoy visits to my brother.   Like many of the group, I really want a
post drill - two or three would be better.  I am also looking for a nice
Stanley 55, a corner brace, maybe some bits for my braces and breast
drills, and anything else that looks like it will be fun to have,
learn about and use;  now just as soon as I win the blasted lottery ...  (I
think you have to buy a ticket?)

I must confess that I have a number of tools with tails.  Will I ever
convert completely to hand tools - very slim chance but the balance is
leaning toward hand tools as I write this.  Certainly the amount of
satisfaction one derives seems to be greater with the human powered variety
of tools.  Fortunately, I've got a great SWMBO that understands this
(slowly) maturing male's need to have tools and other "stuff."

With that, I conclude.  I have enjoyed lurking and in the future I will try
to remember the words my Grandfather imparted - "It's mighty hard to learn
much with your mouth open."  I have already learned from this group and
look forward each day to coming home, turning on my computer, and "keeping
my mouth shut."   Maybe someday I will have learned enough to contribute.

Regards to each of you on the porch and may this be the best year of your
life.

Jim Myers