It’s often done the other way round,but I’D like to announce that this is my 1000 post (shock,horror!)! 
And for a change,I’D like to thank everyone else on these boards for getting me there.I first became aware of C.&F. when I was considering becoming active in some sort of music after being merely a spectator for far,far too long.
I’d previously played alto sax. as my main instrument (also flute and bass clarinet-noEric Dolphy!).I’d also had a little experience of Generation whistles.
I checked out various Sax sites,but wasn’t particularly drawn to the ‘mechanistic’ nature of the sax anymore.I wanted something ‘simpler’,more ‘organic’,something where you could feel the vibrations under your fingers…
I typed in 'Tinwhistle’on a search engine,remembering my own toying with the instrument,and listening to Irish musicians over a decade ago.
Pretty soon I was hooked again! At first WHOA was self limiting to a full set of Gens.,a Susato or two (Mmm!)and various cheapo’s-surely anyone paying those prices for ‘high end whistles’ was patently MAD!
However,as I read postings from others who were farther down the compulsive line than myself,I was sucked farther and farther into this mad sub-culture,until these days I find myself having gravitated from ‘mere’ whistles, to Flutes to the H.P. Lovecraftian HORROR of the Uilleann Pipes!!! 
So much for keeping things simple(come back Sax.-all is forgiven!)
SO… I’d just like to say,THANKS to you all for being such a great,inspiring crowd
I think that I’ve learnt more about REAL music making in the last couple of years,than I ever did before,thanks to you lovely people-like any family we may have our odd ‘spats’,but we always pull together.
I’m pleased to say that I’ve met some FANTASTIC people on these boards,who I see as true friends,people who have given me of their time and some very good advice.
Here’s to the next thousand,.. long may C. and F. prosper! 
HIP,
Hip,
HOORAY!!!
My goodness. What a nice tidy thread.
Please let us know if they give you a smoking jacket. Several of us are still waiting for ours.
Best wishes,
Jerry
P.S., Could you bring those antique whistles with you when you drop in at the Frequent Poster’s Lounge? I’d love to have a look at them.
Will do Jerry!
Kevin really does play music as well as talk about it. His charming style can be experienced on whistle and flute at the Clips site.
Tony
Charming? !
Tony,You should (or maybe SHOULDN’T) hear me grappling with my new Uilleann Pipes practice set- I think the operative word there would be SQUALLING!!
It’s in the mails.
I don’t know, but yours may have fallen into irrepair when some concrete dried in it, as Bloomfield was attempting to understand what you were saying in your “W. T. T.” thread.
Congratulations, Kevin.
Make sure that UK Customs use the most up-to-date exchange rate for the limp dollar against virile Sterling to establish the value of your smoking jacket for the purpose of calculating the import duty.
Hey Kevin, did you get a window seat or an aisle seat on DF1? 
Congratulations! 
-Paul
Both seats. He has to sit by the aisle if he’s on the right, window if on the left. Safe room for the drones, y’know.
That is a righthanded set you’ve got, Kevin?
Yup,right handed practice set,so no drones yet,Nano.Curiously enough (or not!),I’m actually left handed,but couldn’t play any wind instrument with the right hand at the top-it just doesn’t feel right-maybe I’m not strongly sinisteral(‘Strongly Sinisteral’ sounds like a character a la ‘Slim Shady’!) 
Hopefully,whoever does the baggage security on DF-1 can actually recognise a set of Pipes for what they are and not some fiendish terrorist device-though that’s what they sound like at present!!
Good show, Kevin!
Charming? !
Tony,You should (or maybe SHOULDN’T) hear me grappling with my new Uilleann Pipes practice set- I think the operative word there would be SQUALLING!!
Yes, well, if I’m anything, I’m indiscriminating.
(hmm, I’m not sure that came out right.)
Tony
Many happy returns, Kevin!
If only I can remember to be so eloquent and soft spoken when I reach that Mille post.
Congratulations
MarkB
Congratulations Kevin,
Let me know what goodies you get as I’m approaching the same benchmark. Though I can’t believe I’ve had that much to say about anything let alone how you …