POTTY AWARD

[Les Smith]

Greetings, All!

When I first turned on my computer today, my intention was to start
off the New Year by writing a note of thanks to the list for giving me
the opportunity to participate in the discussions and to interact
with all of you on a daily basis. Given the way my continuing health
problems have impacted my ability to function as either a tech or a
pianist, it is certainly the best therapy I could possibly have.

I started out today by reading my e-mail. When I came to Jim's post
concerning the POTTY award and started reading it, the question in
my mind was: "I wonder who got it--Del, or Steven?" Although I knew 
I had been nominated, I never expected to win. After reading through 
Jim's post a couple of times, my surprise was such that I just walk-
ed away from the computer for a while, unsure about how I should reply
to the news.

My immediate response surprised even me, I did something I haven't
been able to do in going on two years now. I made my way over to my
favorite piano-- a restored, 1885, Knabe, rosewood, nine-foot grand--  
and spent almost an hour fumbling my way through some simple Chopin
and thinking about you guys. The "playing" was poor, but the thoughts
were good! :)

Now I'm back at the computer keyboard--temporarily :) I would sincerely
like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to participate in
this forum, for the unexpected award, and especially for giving me the
impetus that moved me back to the piano after all this time. That great,
old Knabe helped to remind me of why I became a technician in the first
place. In fact--despite the fact that many years ago when we were first
married, my wife (whom I met while tuning her piano!) said there wasn't
any--it even lead me to think that there might be hope for me yet! 

Summing up: Thank You, Pianotech and Best Wishes for the New Year!

Les Smith

PS I'm putting the final touches on a post that's probably going to have
to be preceeded by one of my "GET READY" warnings. It's concerns a some-
what UNIQUE approach to evaluating the quality of a piano. I'm mention-
ing this ahead of time in order that you can...well...er...you know...
have time to...er...get ready! :)

LS