Eight years ago today, I posted my first comment on the official IWC Collectors' Forum. I can say without reservation that it was one of the best actions I ever took. Here I've discovered a community that has taught me, mentored me, celebrated with me and I've bonded with many in friendship.
The Divine Ms. D continued her dream this year and returned to school to finish the education that first brought her from Kenya. This meant that our usual travel to visit collectors/friends across the pond did not happen. It also meant spending the entire summer in the oven that is Texas from June through September!
However, there was a notable IWC event. Bill and Mary Barker braved the heat and visited us in beautiful downtown Taylor! Now, I will be the first to acknowledge that our small GTG did not have the numbers and panache of the famous Amsterdam BB GTG held earlier in the summer...but there were strolls along city waterways...the San Antonio Riverwalk...and visits to historic buildings...the Governor's Mansion and the Alamo.
[
](s596.photobucket.com/user/ahaujim/media/35FE5649-65F0-40ED-AA50-9B8F9FB12547_zpsifukucac.jpg.html)
[
](s596.photobucket.com/user/ahaujim/media/3FDBC8C0-7AE5-47DD-B6E8-CAB207877C60_zpszcfxtzfj.jpg.html)
[
](s596.photobucket.com/user/ahaujim/media/285DDFA4-5731-4F04-88B5-7EB4AFD13B83_zps3yxtmswd.jpg.html)
Of course any trip to Texas would not be consummated without a sample of Texas Bar-B-Que!
[
](s596.photobucket.com/user/ahaujim/media/68A3BBDD-6605-4489-A633-C515ADDD4672_zpspqqskamo.jpg.html)
...and watches...IWC watches!
[
](s596.photobucket.com/user/ahaujim/media/44A8CFC3-4CB2-4027-AE3C-26C922A3F33C_zpsdmjypzxw.jpg.html)
It was great having Bill and Mary visit and props to them for braving the worst summer had to offer. It truly made our year, to be able to host them.
Thank all of you for your participation in this forum. This is an extraordinary community and I continue to be proud to be a member!
Best wishes for a great 2017!
