[Leica] How it began-- "THE FAMILY OF 6!"

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (tedgrant at shaw.ca)]

A SPECIAL LUG FAMILY: "WHAT CAN EVOLVE!"



Once upon a time long long a go on the LUG lived three members, separated by 
a body of Pacific water between Big Vancouver Island and mainland Canada.



One member on the island, two in the great city of Vancouver, a mere 90 
minute ferry ride away.



Quite often with LUG Leica subject posts back and forth .. "Some day we'll 
meet and greet and do Leica photography face to face was always part of the 
chit-chat."



After a few years a Leica demo day at a Vancouver camera shop looked like a 
face to face meet and greet would be possible, as the Island shooter was the 
Leica key-note celebrity for the event. However, things went a foul due to 
the stupidity of the shop owner and his small minded complex against one of 
the three members. :-(



Eventually another opportunity presented a visit to the mainland and a quiet 
afternoon of sharing Leica conversation, the LUG, an excellent presentation 
of fine food fare provided by Tom and his wife Tuulikki celebrated with 
"Fine single malt scotch." And the family of 6 was born.



However the sealing of it's birth was topped off with an excellent Japanese 
dinner which has become the "dinner of celebration" at each of the families 
following gatherings. Not very many of late.



As it turned out it was the beginning of the "Family of 6!" The 6 newly 
found Leica using friends. Three husbands and wives. It  created a bonding 
that began on the internet, but became "The Family!" Face to face as very 
warm hearted friends. We eventually became closer in sharing our lives as 
photographers, technical and manufacturing, editing. Family up's and downs 
through thick and thin and in illness when it occurred.



So where is this going?



Well after a very long absence of gathering opportunities? A nice story of 
how our friendship evolved through the internet created a bonding between 
real life face to face humans in such a completely supportive manner.



Last evening celebrating the survival of my wife's recent situation. We had 
one of the most enjoyable , yep Japanese dinner, sake and tea. Then 
completed the evening at home gabbing and enjoying our many years of 
friendship. Of course closing the evening with a wee dram of single malt and 
short bread cookies. J



A classic gathering of friendship. However! I must add! Damn love them all 
so much! And I'm so happy my wife was still here to celebrate the family of 
6! It just wouldn't be right if only 5! :-(



Our thanks to our Saloon Keeper Brian Reid for the creation of the LUG. 
Because without it we may never have met.



Thanks from, Tom Abrahamson, Henning Wulff, Ted Grant and our wives.



Cheers and thanks Brian old buddy for the LUG!!