Thank you so much for those kind words, gentlemen, they are sincerely appreciated.
The truth is, of course, I'm really not deserving of such praise, for I was merely following K2K's extraordinary example. Here is a fellow who, after a few brief conversations at the start of this thread, mailed a total stranger a rare billiard ball which had been sought and coveted for the best part of twenty years... with absolutely nothing asked in return.
I can honestly testify that this selfless act changed my view of online forums, vowing from that day forth to 'pay it forward' as you say in America. As K2K mentioned, we have since become good friends and chat regularly about our shared passion for pool ball collecting... rather a strange obsession for middle-aged men to embark upon, perhaps, but it's a harmless endeavour and appeals to my sense of eccentricity. Oh, and I genuinely find some of the ball sets beautiful, almost miniature works of art.
You can rest assured, dear reader, that the transatlantic gift of those Guinness Balls, above, pales into insignificance compared to the generosity of spirit shown to me by their recipient over the last few months, the gentleman truly is an exceptional individual. I can offer no higher compliment than to promise my entire hoard of treasured billiard balls will be bequeathed to Texas one day to be part of what is probably the world's greatest collection. I wouldn't entrust their safekeeping to anywhere else. In the meantime, I'll try my utmost to build it up to something worthy of inclusion.
Cuebuddy: you, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar and it is I who should be thanking folks like your good self for your warm welcome to AZB.
Here's to our continued camaraderie in 2017.
Best wishes,
RC.