First off, though, we have to show off the triumphant east coast appearance of Chewie, the purse wookie:
I've been jokingly referred to as the "community organizer" for the northeast gun bloggers, a sobriquet I relish. A few times a year we get together, drawn together by a common interest, our tribe gathers at least three times a year (we need a fall get-together so we're meeting roughly once a quarter, guys!), with a shooting event over the summer (this year will be our fifth annual blogshoot!), a dinner after New Year's, and at least one additional dinner-type event in the spring.
The shooting event is pretty easy to organize, as we at least know where we'll be shooting (thanks Doubletrouble!). Dinners are a little harder, as we try to pick a venue that's convenient to the greatest number of folks, but in a place that's of a good size to handle a rowdy group of gunbloggers - and also has decent food. One of the big attractions to Jillians is that they also have a decent area for playing pool - while not everyone is a pool shark, it allows folks to mingle with significant greater ease than sitting at a long dinner table.
When we have a large group, especially when we gather in someone's honor, be it Ambulance Driver, Tamara, Chris, or Paul, the tendency can be to get a bit silly:
That's my obligatory "ZOMG I'M TAKING A PICTURE WITH TAM!!!1111" shot. And Tam is making a ponytail mustache - she fit right in with our zany group!
Sometimes we do things like have everyone toss their carry knife on the table for an impromptu picture; sometimes we'll drive into the middle of New Hampshire in the middle of a blizzard; sometimes we go shooting afterwards; but every time there's one unifying theme: We're all part of the same tribe. I'm friends with folks that I wouldn't know if not for the common bond of being people of the gun - folks who are nearly 20 years younger than me, some 20 years older, from all walks of life and trades and training. Every single time we've gotten together has been a great, fun time - and no one has gotten hurt except for maybe Zercool stepping on a nail...
And, lastly, you get to see great things like this:
That's Tam's "Color of Money" action shot - and you'll be happy to know she sunk the shot right where she intended...
That is all.
10 comments:
That knife shot HAS to be at one of the dinners I attended... I see the working tools of the Belly Mason there - my Case Masonic Hobo Trapper. I don't know how many of the others were mine, but looking at the photo I own at least 5 of the models of knives displayed.
I hear ya Jay! The very fact that the Mrs and I regularly drive 200 miles each way, through enemy territory, sometimes in a blizzard (up hill, both ways!), shows how much we enjoy and value the friendship and company of you guys and gals.
I tell ya ... bring Jay's grail gun, a shoulder-cannon that threatens to loosen retinas, ammo cans of light .38 loads, and what do you get remembered for?
Stepping on a f(&^ing nail!
At least it got me to update my tetanus vaccine.
Don't worry, Zercool. We'll find something Positive to remember you by at the next Blogshoot.
Speaking of the next Blogshoot, hurry up with a Date already! My Wife is booking Weekends this summer to play with her Family all over the Place, and I need some Time Off away from too!
Way cool knife shot.
Very nice, and good folks too! :-)
In that pic of Tamara shooting pool, do I see something "printing" over the right hip area?
DJ,
Yeah. It was legal. I was carrying a G19 OWB at 3 o'clock.
The pullover was a formality; I didn't much care if anyone noticed.
It's NH. Open carry is perfectly legal. Manch-vegas, being the largest city in NH, has typical "big city" squeamishness about OC - KC asked about it on the way in, and while it's perfectly legal, they also have the right to refuse entry. In fact, when we walked in, the bouncer at the door thanked him for leaving it in the car - and then proceeded to ask what he was carrying.
The cover garment is more of a fig leaf than actual cover - I know that my M&P kept poking its butt out under my polo shirt (leading to Zeeke joking that he got to play his favorite game: "Spot where and how people carry!").
This is why we prefer to hold events in NH rather than MA...
G19? Good to see you back on "the dark side", Tam, even if it's only for a visit every now and then.
Glad NH is reasonable about such things. Nearby states that allow a occasional taste of freedom help keep these liberties front and center for those who are regularly denied them.
Looks like a good time was had by all.
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