LOL... I don't know how we work the logistics for that grow-out, but I'm game. Sounds like fun ... although a faster finishing 4-year old would have the advantage over 3-year olds that take 6 years to come together?
...still sounds like fun.
I do get excited about the possibilities of these tosai. Admission: I enjoy watching tosai progress, so I usually have one or two at home (inexpensive Japanese imports mostly)although I know I'll be searching out a new home for them in a year. I do not encourage folks who are serious about koi to do likewise. It's fun and educational, but a temporary thing. I think these 555 tosai are a different thing. I've never seen tosai of their quality imported from Japan. If I didn't think they truly have serious potential, I'd not be interested. I've seen enough impressive nisai come out of the NJ mud to be convinced. I don't get the fun of seeing them progress daily or weekly. I'll not see them in person until the October harvest. This is entirely different than playing with some tosai over the summer.
There is very much a gambling aspect, but with less risk in my mind than betting on last week's Derby.
My gamble is that while NKF has my money, I'll end up with (A)a credit toward a koi I want because my tosai selection crapped out; (B) a nisai I like too much to turn back in, albeit not any more valuable in my eyes than what I paid; (C) a nisai I think is more desirable than what I paid; or (D) a credit toward a koi that so knocks me over that I turn in a nisai I like because I do not have the room/wallet for both. For some folks outcome (A) is unacceptable. If so, they should stay within the boundaries of what gives them pleasure. I do not worry about the risk of failure resulting in having to pick a koi I did not initially choose. I'm not going to choose one I do not really want. There are more than a few at the farm that I'd love to have. I've described it elsewhere as my 'koi savings'. Other than a heron attack or some such, I do not think there is much risk the nisai harvested in October will be worth less than the price today... some risk is present, of course.
My partners hear me say it whenever a business opportunity decision has to be made, and I truly believe: We are not measured by our failures. We are measured by our successes. I want result (C). ...Actually, I want a koi I so like that I'll never pass her on. Too much to hope for? Well, what's the fun in succeeding at aiming low?
Warning, Michael. Come to the October harvest and you'll get hooked. It is an addiction.