I've not actually done my post
SELEM thank you post and impressions but, I too have a lot of thank you's. First and foremost to Adam... for basically everything. I'm not entirely sure how this relative newbie to lasers just four years ago, got to the point of "acceptance" into the club and became viewed as such an important component of
SELEM but, I know you have had a major part in that growth. Truth be told, it's always a bit humbling since so many of you know SO much more about lasers, electronics, and science stuff than I'll ever be able to retain.
Second is a major thank you to DZ who has always, for whatever reason, unselfishly given his time and talents to fix and diagnose things and put up with my sheepish approach with some broken piece of electronic gizmo. Of course also for his "vision" and the partnering with ekeefe on some amazing products. As long as I keep getting a shot at serial number 0001, I'm a happy guy.
There is a danger in listing names as there is always the potential for someone to be forgotten but, ImageLight for introducing me into this band of amazing people and everything he's done behind the scenes. Including something as simple as texting me late Monday afternoon and offering to come over and help unload the van when I got home.
Adam Raugh and X-Laser for the food and, for putting up with me as well.

I WILL own an X-Laser product as well one of these days.
I'll echo the thanks to Newlin for the cookies. (I'll be in touch about the Kvant soon.)
Bill Benner for even knowing I exist. I'm still always in awe that someone that important to the laser business is that laid back and willing to take the time that he does to give such personal attention to people. I drink the Kool-Aid.
One person that just came to mind that is rarely mentioned in this thread and is such an important part of
SELEM is witcher88. The man goes out of his way to do every thankless job in such a quiet an unassuming way it's easy to overlook but, his presence would be sorely missed if he wasn't there. From taping up the windows in ClubSELEM to daily emptying of trash and happily offering to lug lots of gear and help pack and unpack vehicles, he deserves a lot of credit for this event happening as well. Thank you Bill... you rock!
Steve Roberts for again, knowing I actually exist. Rick for letting me study his RGB Mobolaser and for the gear he brought. You've given me more than you know in seeing how you've designed a system and utilized your bounce mirrors. (I'll be in touch about the Melles.) David Kumpula for kind words and designing a schedule that helped keep us on point. Aaron... for being Aaron. Len for "solving LEM problems" and expecially for corralling kids at the public show in Newton. Your interaction with them brought a smile to a number of our faces that you probably didn't even know. Doc John for the goodies - I can't wait to explore the Poly20. Chris for nametags, waivers and dropping whatever he was doing to check people in. (uh...particularly that hot mom!) Randy for doing what it took to make it there in the first place. Dude... don't ever make us sweat like that again.

Frank... like Aaron, for just being... Frank.

Glad you know how to run those Mobos as a pair. They were huge for the Newton show. And Jeff, for all the infrastructure.
Four days was perfect but it's interesting to see just how many more comments people are making about suffering from exhaustion. I'm not certain we could do five since none of us are getting younger. It was also interesting for me to see a noticable divide between the "old guard" and several of the "young upstarts". At one point one evening, I slipped into the back of ClubSELEM and watched as AnthonyGarcia, totally alone... stood dancing at the controls of a line array of lasers, tapping and twisting at an APC40, making magic along with whatever he was listening to, and totally immersed in what he was doing. It was fun to watch and, I think the future is in good hands.
I appreciate all the personal thank you's dotted throughout the thread and will likely continue to drag way more stuff than I should 500 miles south, to help make these events as great as they can be.
