Jono the CLASS ACT!!! (long)

[Moon]

On man! I am VERY jealous!!

I've know Jono for many years through the Compuserve forum devoted
to the software that we both use. One of my prized possessions is
the infamous "Doolittle & Slack" mugs that I received one year. I
also relentlessly pond on him should he fail to send me one of his
beautiful Christmas cards.

BUT... I have NEVER, EVER met him in person!!!!

I haven't even met his chicker or horse!!!

I think I'm going to sulk for weeks.

Tom

It WAS truly an honor to meet him, Tom. Although I do not know him as well as others on this forum, he still treated me (us) like we were friends. I had a lot of respect for him as one of the best of this forum's members, now I respect him even more!

 

[Moon]

What a wonderful day it must have been. Thanks for sharing the
Slacks with us smile . You put a lot of the countryside, church,
house, etc.--in perspective for me. I remember shots of that lane,
the graveyard, church, etc.--but you showed us the 'real' lane and
the rest of it LOL--Jono just shares snippets smile . I
thoroughly enjoyed your gallery.

Thanks Diane! There is soooo much to see there that I could not have possibly given it all away. It is a very beautiful place. For some reason it put me in a 'landscape' mood. Any photographer would give an important sexual organ to live there.

BTW - Jono makes VERY good coffee!

 

[Moon]

Moon I think he was buttering you up because he was going to buy
the D1x he talked me out of hehe!

You haven't done it yet? There comes a time when a man must hitch up his pants and step forward. It is your time man!

 

[Moon]

What a great story.You guys talked on the forum and actually had
the chance to meet and spend the day together.And being 5000 miles
away makes even a better one.The pics are great it looks like it
was beautiful over there.Jono had posted the pic of michael and the
chicken (brenda as jono called her) I guess it was the day you guys
were there.Thanks for sharing you wonderful experience.Looks like
you had alot of fun and from the pic of Jono's aga or I should say
Emma's aga you all eat well.

Thanks Ian

Thanks Ian! It's amazing how the Internet has shrunk the planet! This forum is one of the very few on the Internet where you can begin to feel like you actually know someone. I have made some good friends here. Meeting them is the icing on the cake. Fortunately, my job has me travelling from time to time.

BTW - Emma's food was outstanding. I ate until I could not physically fit any more mass in my body, then just a little more.

 

[Moon]

Thanks for sharing your day with Jono with us. We did get a
preview of a picture of the little moon (Michael) holding the hen.
Sounds like you had a great time. Hope rest of the trip was
equally enjoyable. I hoep you said hi to Paris for me. (Jono said
you were going there shortly after visiting him.)

I went back and dug that thread up. It was great! We had a wonderful time.

BTW - France told me to tell you that you left one of your socks at one of their hotels ;-)

 

[Moon]

Beth wrote:

Ha Moon! Not long enough. Thanks for sharing. I feel like we've ALL
had a visit.

It felt long when I was writing it. I wish you all could visit. I think Emma would get tired of cooking, though.

Thanks Beth!

 

[Moon]

Great shots, Moon--I love the chickens in the garden!!!
It's also very interesting to see the same place shot from
different perspectives. From either perspective, it's a lovely
place --

Jeanne

--
http://www.BowserHome.com

Thanks Jeanne! I did my best to capture it. I am not nearly as talented as Jono, but the surroundings lend themselves to being captured.

 

[Moon]

Thanks Bob! It was a long and sometimes arduous journey. We really packed a lot into 8 days! This was certainly the highlight of the trip.

I must say that Jono is quite deserving of the respect and admiration he has earned on this forum. He really is very intelligent and gifted (and a really cool guy to boot)! But somehow I believe Emm is the true brains behind that outfit.

Welcome home Mike. First off, let me say that I'm glad you, and your
family had a safe trip. Second, thank you for showing this wonderful
collection of photo's. Yes, I agree 100% Jono is a class act.
Absolutely
beautiful country side he has over there. Thanks for posting them, and
I'm also a little jealous, you getting to meet the man who's made such
a difference in this forum.

--
Bob Graham

 

[Moon]

Funny! You know it's cold when even the horse has to wear a coat! [g]

Sounds like a great day for everyone! In that last photo . . . is
that Jono, or one of his sons?? (hahaha - maybe I'll get on
Jono's good side after all!)

I'm very envious that you got to meet the Slack clan, not to
mention eating Emma's cooking. Thanks for the description and the
photos - as close as I can come to being there, at least for a year
or two!

I encourage you to make it over whenever possible. You won't regret it! Jono's boys get there good looks from his lovely, young wife! ;-)

 

[Moon]

Hello Moon,
Thanks for sharing your photos and the nice way you have of story
telling.
Isn't photography a wonderful way to bond everyone around our
little world. Thankyou Mike, Carrie, and Michael. Not forgetting
the "Man" Jono.

'The "Man"' indeed! Thanks for looking. The pictures did not do the visit justice, I'm afraid. My son had his little Canon Powershot going the entire time as well. I should sort through those and find some more gems. Maybe I will cheat a littleand post a few here.

 

[Moon]

Thanks Joe! Jono land was awesome! You would love it. Idid pass your message to him along while I was there. Funny, he went right out and bought a D1x. Hmmmm?

BTW - I have 1 or 2 trips to NYC in the next month (before I go back to England in late May). Perhaps we could hook up this time. I know we were both pretty damned busy last year. Winter is usually my busy season as well.

Thanks for sharing your trip Mike.

I'm glad you arrived home safely. The land of Jono does look
stunning - like a photographer's heaven compared to my neck of the
woods.

I'm very envious that you were able to meet the man himself.

Take care - I'll talk to you soon.
--
Regards,
Joe H.

---------------------------------------
http://www.biggerboatstudios.com

 

[Moon]

Hello Mike. You'll have to forgive my poor description. I guess I should have said North-East compared to London (where I was staying). I would really love to see your area of England as well! Perhaps when I return this summer I will make it up that way.

Thanks

Hi

I had a quick look at the pics, thought I recognised the Church and
fished around. If Jono's from Norfolk, you weren't in the North
East of England. I live there and I'm about 180 miles north of Diss.

You should try the North East sometime; parts of Yorkshire, Co
Durham, Cleveland and Northumberland are simply stunning!
Northumberland has more Castles than any other county in the UK. Co
Durham has the longest waterfall (Cauldron Snout) and the highest
single drop waterfall too (High Force). Cleveland's got great
coastline, Moors and lovely fishing villages (Staithes, Runswisk
Bay etc). As for Yorkshire; where does one start? Coastline,
Villages, Dales, Moors, historic cities (York, Ripon). Maybe I
should post some pics sometime.

Take care

Mike

 

[Jono Slack]

Hi Moon

What a great post - and great pictures too - for some reason I missed it last night.

I've been through all the posts here, lots of winners - I must go through them later and slap everyone down!

As for the D1X, yes, I guess you got me thinking again - then I contacted Joe, and you know what a good propaganda job he does !

It was really a pleasure having you - I'm really glad you had a good time as well. And that little Michael of yours - what a gas. Not only is he sparky and witty, he's also good looking and intelligent AND well behaved! You've done a wonderful job of making the best of a gem there.

here's my shot of Michael and Brenda again (for anyone who hasn't seen). He isn't exactly difficult to take photos of!



Your shots look great - definitely a different perspective - what did Beth say 'jono only shows us snippets'!

I'm off to have a proper look at your pbase gallery

Please give our best love to Carrie and Michael - I might even get Emma to post on this one!
kind regards
jono
p.s. did you HAVE to take a picture of me with my mouth open!

(See the whole gallery at http://www.pbase.com/moonface/e10_jonos
the larger ones look better)

We (the Moons; Mike, Carrie and little Michael) had the honor,
pleasure and priviledge of spending a day and evening in beautiful,
North-Eastern England with the Slack Family. Of our 8 days in the
UK, we can honestly say this was our best! No kidding!

First, Emma fed us like royalty. Incredible Greek cuisine, straight
from the Aga...



After lunch and a bit more chit-chat, we went about the 'garden'.
Michael got to hold Emma's chicken...



And their horse plotted to kill me ;-)...



After a warm up, we went on a stunning walk in the countryside
(right outside the door!)...



Jono was kind enough to take us to the local, 12th century church...



and graveyard...



We made our way back as my wife and son were turning blue from the
cold. After warming up again, Jono and Emma took us to a little pub
in town where we had a fantastic dinner (I had the salmon rolls).
Then, at about 10 that evening, they put us on a train back to
London. I can't express my gratitude enough for their hospitality.
We also got to meet Saul and Simeon (unfortunately Silas was off at
school). Wonderful boys! Great dogs and bird too! I think Michael
was annoying Saul a bit, but he was fascinated with him. They all
tolerated his (Michael's) high energy and unstopable talking very
well.

It was an absolute pleasure! Hell, he only lives 5000 miles away
from me...no big deal ;-). I hope to get out to see them again in
the early summer (if they will have me, of course).

One more (Sorry Jono, but I really like this one)...

--Jono Slack http://www.slack.co.uk

 

[Joe Hoddinott]

Thanks Joe! Jono land was awesome! You would love it. Idid pass
your message to him along while I was there. Funny, he went right
out and bought a D1x. Hmmmm?

BTW - I have 1 or 2 trips to NYC in the next month (before I go
back to England in late May). Perhaps we could hook up this time.
I know we were both pretty damned busy last year. Winter is usually
my busy season as well.

Sounds like a plan Mike! I've been looking forward to getting to NY... it's been awhile since I've been there.--Regards,Joe H.---------------------------------------www.biggerboatstudios.com

 

[Mike Knifton]

Hi Moon

No need to apologise; a good part of the UK population doesn't "know" where the North East is either...! I'll sort some images out sometime and post them or whatever. Mail me if you're ever planning a trip and I'd be happy to let you know where places of interest are.

Take care

Mike

 

[Moon]

Hi Moon

What a great post - and great pictures too - for some reason I
missed it last night.

I've been through all the posts here, lots of winners - I must go
through them later and slap everyone down!

As for the D1X, yes, I guess you got me thinking again - then I
contacted Joe, and you know what a good propaganda job he does !

It was really a pleasure having you - I'm really glad you had a
good time as well. And that little Michael of yours - what a gas.
Not only is he sparky and witty, he's also good looking and
intelligent AND well behaved! You've done a wonderful job of
making the best of a gem there.

here's my shot of Michael and Brenda again (for anyone who hasn't
seen). He isn't exactly difficult to take photos of!



Your shots look great - definitely a different perspective - what
did Beth say 'jono only shows us snippets'!

I'm off to have a proper look at your pbase gallery

Please give our best love to Carrie and Michael - I might even get
Emma to post on this one!
kind regards
jono
p.s. did you HAVE to take a picture of me with my mouth open!

:-0

It was an exhausting trip, but we made it. It will take me a few weeks to recover. Unfortunately, I just found out that, between now and the time I return in late May, I will have to make 4 one-week trips to NYC. No rest for the weary I suppose. By the time June rolls around I will be completely used up. At least we had one, wonderful, relaxing day out of it all!

I have yet to go through all of Michael's pictures. I bet there are a few good ones there as well. I will probably create another gallery with those. I LOVE your shot of him with Brenda. Your secret is safe with me ;-) Oops, did I type that out loud?

Please do have Emma respond! Send her and the boys our love and let the bird bite your finger once for me.

 

[Moon]

Thanks Joe! Jono land was awesome! You would love it. Idid pass
your message to him along while I was there. Funny, he went right
out and bought a D1x. Hmmmm?

BTW - I have 1 or 2 trips to NYC in the next month (before I go
back to England in late May). Perhaps we could hook up this time.
I know we were both pretty damned busy last year. Winter is usually
my busy season as well.

Sounds like a plan Mike! I've been looking forward to getting to
NY... it's been awhile since I've been there.
--

Cool! Fortunately/unfortunately I will be there for almost the entire month of April. I will hook up with you on chat and sort it out.

 

[Jason Stoller]

No, Moon I have not done it! I went the traitor way! I went with the D60! Brian Macky kindly pointed out that I could buy two D60's and lenses for the same money as the D1x so its his fault! The fact that I can get a 28-135 image stablized lense where I can use the full zoom range and that I can add the 100-400(IS) lense where I can use the full zoom range and faster write times was appealing to me. I still love the Exx series so I still have my E-100rs. But virutally all my E-10/20 stuff including my Tcon 300s and B12 Lipo Grip sold overnight on Ebay. I figure if I am not happy I can always go back. So for me looking at all issues and knowing I could have almost three lenses and a body for the D60 vs just having the D1x Body sort of did it for me. I ordered my first lens and flash yesterday and B&H announced the full D60 Kit at $1999 so I think prices will drop. I am getting out my Amex Blue card to price match it all in few weeks.

Jason

Moon I think he was buttering you up because he was going to buy
the D1x he talked me out of hehe!

You haven't done it yet? There comes a time when a man must hitch
up his pants and step forward. It is your time man!

--Jason Stoller [email protected] that special moment with a great camera

 

[emma slack]

Hi! 5000 miles, that is amazing, I'm really glad you came so far and it explains why you seemed not to be phased by 2 hours from London on Angla railways. We all truly enjoyed meeting you and Carrie and thank you for being so complimentary. I honestly am not a kid person, but Michael definately hit the spot, we all thought so, even the ever irritable Saul. My Mother said,"Oh Yes, I met him, A very nice boy". It was lovely to meet you, Carrie and Mike. Come again any time. It is quite warm here in the summer! xxExx

PS Jono showed me how to do this message stuff just now and I saw a wicked bit of advise to see Equus. Don't, they did it on the radio here some years ago and even the music was terrifying. Horses are fine , you love them, feed them, clean them and ride them happily for years and then one day they buck you off and you spend hours finding excuses and reasons why it was a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
PPS. How was France?

(See the whole gallery at http://www.pbase.com/moonface/e10_jonos
the larger ones look better)

We (the Moons; Mike, Carrie and little Michael) had the honor,
pleasure and priviledge of spending a day and evening in beautiful,
North-Eastern England with the Slack Family. Of our 8 days in the
UK, we can honestly say this was our best! No kidding!

First, Emma fed us like royalty. Incredible Greek cuisine, straight
from the Aga...



After lunch and a bit more chit-chat, we went about the 'garden'.
Michael got to hold Emma's chicken...



And their horse plotted to kill me ;-)...



After a warm up, we went on a stunning walk in the countryside
(right outside the door!)...



Jono was kind enough to take us to the local, 12th century church...



and graveyard...



We made our way back as my wife and son were turning blue from the
cold. After warming up again, Jono and Emma took us to a little pub
in town where we had a fantastic dinner (I had the salmon rolls).
Then, at about 10 that evening, they put us on a train back to
London. I can't express my gratitude enough for their hospitality.
We also got to meet Saul and Simeon (unfortunately Silas was off at
school). Wonderful boys! Great dogs and bird too! I think Michael
was annoying Saul a bit, but he was fascinated with him. They all
tolerated his (Michael's) high energy and unstopable talking very
well.

It was an absolute pleasure! Hell, he only lives 5000 miles away
from me...no big deal ;-). I hope to get out to see them again in
the early summer (if they will have me, of course).

One more (Sorry Jono, but I really like this one)...

 

[emma slack]

You haven't met his wife either! This is fun, I havn't been here before...toe in gently, Emma! You are top of our Christmas card list, the biggest stamp! When are you coming to visit? We also still have the mug, but I will not let it out on coffee duty unless all others are dirty. What is "pond"? or is it too obvious? xxExx

I've know Jono for many years through the Compuserve forum devoted
to the software that we both use. One of my prized possessions is
the infamous "Doolittle & Slack" mugs that I received one year. I
also relentlessly pond on him should he fail to send me one of his
beautiful Christmas cards.

BUT... I have NEVER, EVER met him in person!!!!

I haven't even met his chicker or horse!!!

I think I'm going to sulk for weeks.

Tom

(See the whole gallery at http://www.pbase.com/moonface/e10_jonos
the larger ones look better)

We (the Moons; Mike, Carrie and little Michael) had the honor,
pleasure and priviledge of spending a day and evening in beautiful,
North-Eastern England with the Slack Family. Of our 8 days in the
UK, we can honestly say this was our best! No kidding!

First, Emma fed us like royalty. Incredible Greek cuisine, straight
from the Aga...



After lunch and a bit more chit-chat, we went about the 'garden'.
Michael got to hold Emma's chicken...



And their horse plotted to kill me ;-)...



After a warm up, we went on a stunning walk in the countryside
(right outside the door!)...



Jono was kind enough to take us to the local, 12th century church...



and graveyard...



We made our way back as my wife and son were turning blue from the
cold. After warming up again, Jono and Emma took us to a little pub
in town where we had a fantastic dinner (I had the salmon rolls).
Then, at about 10 that evening, they put us on a train back to
London. I can't express my gratitude enough for their hospitality.
We also got to meet Saul and Simeon (unfortunately Silas was off at
school). Wonderful boys! Great dogs and bird too! I think Michael
was annoying Saul a bit, but he was fascinated with him. They all
tolerated his (Michael's) high energy and unstopable talking very
well.

It was an absolute pleasure! Hell, he only lives 5000 miles away
from me...no big deal ;-). I hope to get out to see them again in
the early summer (if they will have me, of course).

One more (Sorry Jono, but I really like this one)...