Steve, probably all of your reasons are why it is difficult to get together, but the distance is the big one. Just the four of us in this thread are spread out all over hell's half acre.
Anywho, I am willing to drive to SD, LA or Riverside. Terry, how far south are you willing to drive?
Agreed Steve, hanging out with other pen turners would be fun. I need to spend some time with people who know more than I do (which is just about everyone). I really want to go completely kitless and would benefit from learning from others.
Chris