[Lee]

Whoa....

I have always believed that koi hobbists are just like a warm, fuzzy and close knit family.

Don't you agree, Troy?

Well, at least those whom I have known...have always been to me.

Thus, I wonder why would anyone in our hobby keep a koi show so private and secret (and close to their vest) that most of us in the hobby ~ never knew it was going to be held?

And, then to go a step further by even choosing to discourage others than those from Minnesota and their own surrounding area - doesn't evidence the true comaraderie of the world wide view of most koi hobbyists - does it?

Actually, I am thrilled and warmed by anyone/everyone who put effort into increasing the awareness and fun of our hobby, however, it also makes me a little sad...that it would seem humourous to those who put on the show to have excluded others than themselves.

Gosh, to me that isn't what our hobby is about. Or has it come to that - for some?

Oh Troy....as for long-tall, Mr. Mike P- he wrote to me that he was off to KC for the week-end. And, when I heard about the above koi show being held in the mid-west - I assumed, knowing how much Mike loves 'koi' that he must be taking a side trip?

Don't you wonder if he did attend? If he did, I hope he had a grand time, don't you?

Yes, the Minnesotoa did look like a really lovely koi show and I am quite certain it was...However, I don't understand why they wouldn't also want to encourage others than their own selves to attend and to participate?

Do you? What could be any excuse for wanting to exclude anyone...from having the same fun?

Troy, don't you agree that segregationist attitute is polar-opposite of the terrific show which you guys in Louisville always put on in May; or the coming Mid America Show, or even the Nagaoya Show in Japan last October...or, the Arcen Show in Holland or BKKS in Newark, Notts; where those who put on those shows always had been keen to include anyone and everyone to attend and to participate.

....and, where those coming the furthest are most warmly also welcomed!

Oh, well...I guess you can't make excuses for everyone, can you?

With hugs,

Lee Aronfeld
Grand Cayman