Sure do appreciate all the kind remarks. The truth is it is just a crooked stick which made the scabbard a real challenge. Levi, my neighbor boy, has been very physically handicapped his entire life and has had more physical pain than one person should ever have to endure. Nothing wrong with his mind as he is going to graduate high school this spring. His mother helps him hunt with a specially designed rifle that requires both of them to shoot. He has killed deer, antelope, a bear, and a turkey. I have tremendous respect for his tenacious attitude and ability to accept his lot in life. We made a trade of a tooled western belt for a diamond willow branch. The too few trips I have made to the Classic has made a positive effect on my life and attitude. Those of you who are long time members of Pappy's Classic family know what I mean. The "Sacred Place" has a special meaning for me and all the effort of several members to make it special is a show of the quality of craftsmen that decorated the walls. I hope Scott (Stringman) Will get the chance to smoke the pipe at this year's Classic. If so, I hope Derik and others will help him with the ceremony. Makes me cry inside that I will not be there. Indian Joe
