Bill Vest

As a Christian man and a Rep collector, I posted this out of respect for the man and what he and his family are currently going through. God hears the prayers of many, and I just figured that the man and his family could use all the help and support they can get. I am very well aware of what RBJ's status is on the boards, as I have had my own personal dealings with the man. However, I put things aside long ago. And, despite what the past holds, I do not wish ill will upon anyone. If I offended anyone, that was not my intention; my intentions were entirely honorable. All I was trying to do was bring to light, despite what was in the past, what was happening to a man who was once a part of our community, and to those who may have known him.

I am asking for prayer and good thoughts and wishes for one of the Rep Community's most esteemed members, rbj69. For those who do not know, rbj69 is Red Big Joe, or just Joe. Prior to his sabbatical awhile back, Joe was the premier watch mod person of the boards and Rep world. His work was/is nothing short of spectacular, and his knowledge of watches is second to none. I am sad to report that Joe was recently diagnosed with cancer of the throat. Joe had cancer of the lymph nodes about 20 years ago, and I know that it was a matter of pride for him that he was a survivor. I know that he derived strength and motivation from it, when he suffered other health problems. He always said that if cancer couldn't get him, whatever bad he was going through wasn't either. And knowing Joe like I do, this won't get him down either. I am asking everyone to keep Joe in your thoughts and prayers, now and in the future, as he goes through this time in is life. Please also keep his wife and two young children in your hearts as well. If you think about it, drop him a line and let him know that we're all thinking about him, wishing him all the best, and praying for his speedy recovery. __________________

The next Houston GTG will be this Saturday, 17 October, at The Black Labrador, 4100 Montrose Blvd, from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. It is the Churchill Room, which is to the left as you enter the restaurant. The parking lot is usually full, so there is parking behind the restaurant in the garage. If anyone knows of anywhere else or wants another venue, and can reserve the room, please do let me know. Otherwise, this one is reserved. Can't wait to see everyone there.

Another Houston, TX GTG is in the books! If you weren't there, we really missed you! And you missed a great time of food, fellowship and - the reason why we were there - watches! We had another great turnout from members across the three major boards! My apologies for not posting yesterday, but I was overtaken by other obligations. The GTG was held yesterday afternoon at the Guadalajara Hacienda, on the Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas. Our gracious host, Nigel, again provided a wonderful venue for us to meet today. If you ever find yourself in the Memorial City area of Houston, stop on by and have a meal or a drink. With as many Mexican restaurants as we have here in Houston, this one is indeed a well kept secret! For the second time Miss Jessica, our server, took very, very good care of us again. Your drink was never empty and your food was at your table within minutes of ordering! Thank you again, Miss Jessica, for a great afternoon and your wonderful service! And now on to some of the photos! A discussion involving the current state of the world economy and how best to take over the world. A display of the wares... Mr. Savage's ubiquitous display of straps! Doctor Ron, selling the store... Viewing the wares! Bless us, oh Lord, Lenin and Stalin, for these gifts which we are about to receive... Alligoat in a discussion...and sporting an awesome FG rep! Indyberetta and Miss Jo, perusing the fare. Indy sported an awesome FG Daytona (oh yes, folks, it's really REAL GOLD!). 239rep and his newest fighter, the Pride of Chicago, Houston, RWI and Moscow, DoctorRon! BigOffshoreDaddy (BillVest) enjoying a cold one...Stay thirsty my friends! BigOffshoreDaddy (BillVest) and his life partner, brtelec, sharing a tender moment. Honestly folks, brtelec is one of my most trusted and best friends on the planet, and I am proud to call him my brother. The next Houston, TX GTG will be announced very soon. In the meantime, thanks to all that attended! For those of you that could not make it, you were truly missed and we hope to see you at the next one! In any event, were it not for each and every one of you, we could not do this. Thanks for making this all possible!

TODAY IS THE DAY!!! Three hours and counting!!! The next Houston GTG is almost here!!! It is this TODAY, 9 May 2009 from 11:45 am to 4 pm at Guadalajara Hacienda, 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX. If you haven't made your plans, we extend a warm invitation for you to come join us for an afternoon of good food, great fellowship and, most importantly, awesome watches! This is looking like this is going to be the best one yet! Won't you join us? SEE YOU THERE!!!

Here are the members from across the boards that have confirmed for the next Houston GTG. It is this Saturday, 9 May 2009 from 11:45 am to 4 pm at Guadalajara Hacienda, 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX. So far we have: Mr. and Mrs. brtelec Mr. and Mrs. BobM Mr. and Mrs. Cyfer (SugarMamma) 239rep and 2 friends BlondePolishGirl indyberetta and Miss Jo Tridus Savage alligoat Porter SoCal Transplant Cobra umngmc DoctorRon BOD Miguel The Watch Repairman If I have left anyone out, please send me an e-mail to big_offshore_daddy@yahoo.com. We would love to see you there!

It is less than 48 hours away...are you coming??? OK folks, the next Houston, TX GTG is this Saturday, 9 May 2009 from 11:45 am to 4 pm at Guadalajara Hacienda, 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX. This is has the potential to be the best one yet! We have about 20 people confirmed, not including spouses, SO's and friends. If you haven't made your plans yet, we invite you to come for an afternoon of good food, great fellowship and awesome watches! I do hate to mention this, but there isn't much choice... Seeing as that it is looking like we'll have more than 20 people, the restaurant's rules require 1 server for every 20 people...so we will have 2 servers. What that means is that the management respectfully requests we take care of our servers. The server must get a minimum of 18% per ticket or $70.00, which ever is greater. Here is what I propose... I am asking that everyone bring $10 - $20 to put in the kitty for the servers, plus tipping 18% minimum. That is not much to ask for those who are sacrificing waiting on multiple tables with a very good potential, to spend an afternoon with us. They took very, very good care of us the last time, and it is the least we can do. Please, do it for the children. I thank you all for your time and attention to this, and I know that they will appreciate your generosity. If you haven't RSVP'd yet, please do so to big_offshore_daddy@yahoo.com. I can't wait to see all of you on Saturday!!!

OK folks, the next Houston, TX GTG is just a few days away. Remember, it's this Saturday, 9 May 2009 from 11:45 am to 4 pm at Guadalajara Hacienda, 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX. At the present time we have 15 people who have said they will attend. And I have been told that some will be bringing friends as well. I have told the restaurant to expect 25 to 30. If you have not contacted me, please do it soon so that I may give the restaurant folks a final number Friday, and ensure that we have enough place settings. If you want a pre-printed name tag instead of a "Hello, my name is..." sticker and a Sharpie, and you know you haven't contacted me, I need to hear from you as well. Please contact me at big_offshore_daddy@yahoo.com. Let's make this one the best GTG yet! Bring your friends, significant others and spouses! Bring your cameras! Bring your cash and checkbooks! We want to see everyone there!

With almost 5 days to Saturday, the next Houston GTG is almost upon us! Remember, it's this Saturday, 9 May 2009 from 11:45 am to 4 pm at Guadalajara Hacienda, 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX. If you haven't done so already, please take 90 seconds and shoot me an e-mail letting me know that you're coming. I already have a list who have said they're attending, and I have a list that I am pretty sure that will attend, but I'd like to have this for two reasons. 1 - For the establishment, so we'll have plenty of settings for everyone. 2 - So I can have enough nametags for everyone. Here's what I would like to see: 1. An hour to an hour and a half of Meet and Greet, chit chat, eating, etc. 2. Formal discussions of our hobby...whatever you want to bring up. 3. More chit chat. We will also have a special guest. My watch repair guy wanted to attend and see what our hobby is all about. Miguel is a Rolex expert in his own right and would be an asset to our community if I can talk him into joining. This is just a rough outline. If you would like to see something else added, feel free to mention it. Folks, if you have never been to a GTG, especially a Houston GTG, I encourage you to attend! We have an awesome time of food, fun, fellowship and, most importantly, watches! We always have a great turnout, with some coming 3 hours just to be there. Won't you come too? We'd love to see you there!

OK folks...let me give you an update. My apologies for being scarce. A health issue and work has kept me busy. If you are planning to attend the GTG for May 9th, I ask that you RSVP to big_offshore_daddy@yahoo.com with the following information: Forum Name First Name Forum(s) You Belong To (This is a multi-board event) I will post tomorrow with the agenda details.

Only 4 more weeks folks! Bring your new watches and your friends...I am very much looking forward to this one! Thanks to everyone for spreading the word...more to come soon!

The next Houston Texas GTG is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2009 at Guadalajara Hacienda, 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX, from 11:45 am to 4 pm. I just got off of the phone with Nigel, the manager, and Miss Jessica will be serving us again! The last GTG was the best one yet with an awesome turnout from all the boards! I cannot wait to see how the next one will be! It does not matter where you are - Dallas, San Antonio, Tomball or Timbuktu - we extend a warm invitation for you to come and be with your fellow watch enthusiasts! It will be an afternoon of friendship, fellowship, food and, most importantly, watches! With the tentative date being almost 6 weeks or so away, there is more than enough time for plans to be made to attend. If you have never been to a Houston GTG, you don't know what you're missing! I urge everyone to please consider attending. I envision this GTG to be a bit different than the rest... I would like to see an agenda somewhat. I will try and come up with something in the next few days or so and present this to you the members for approval. Stay tuned. So, there it is! Sound off, spread the word, make your plans! I can't wait...I know you can't either!

Thanks for everyone that participated! We had a great time...and I'll try and get some pics here ASAP!

My apologies for not posting sooner...I have had some things I have been dealing with. Many thanks to Bob for securing the Churchill Room at the Black Lab. We'll be there from 11:30 am until 3:00 pm or so. We can't wait to see you there.

Well, we've waited long enough..... Saturday, 22 November 2008, at The Black Labrador, 12pm - until. More to come later, but spread the word!