Hello, my name is Lyle Walden, and...........I'm a wood junkie. I first started collecting small specimens of exotic woods 22 years ago. At first, I thought I could control my habit. A little piece of tiger maple here, a small block of rosewood there..... and then the thrill started to wear off, so I went for the harder stuff- yep, you got it. Burls. I've tried the two-step plan (Texas-style), the three step plan, and even the seven step plan. With the help of my loving wife and understanding family, I was able to get this addiction under control in 2002. With periodic help from my sponsor, I was able to make it through some tuff spots.....until the fall of 2005. Then a new, evil influence intruded on my life...... penturning. Suddenly, I felt I had the justification for my urges- instead of secretly hoarding stashes of illicit burl and spalted woods, I could flaunt them as works of art!! Oh glorious day!! My wife and family even encouraged my entry back into the world of wood addiction. At first. However, moderation has never been my forte..... and as my stash of pen blanks continued to grow, I began to encounter resistance from my wife. After 6 months, she started meeting me at the door every time I came home, in order to try and ascertain if I was trying to smuggle in new additions. Now, I've set up a seperate checking account in order to conceal my illicit purchases (Dario, you'd better not try and back out on our deal for the desert ironwood)from my wife. Clearly I need help- where is Angela when you need her? At any rate, now you all know my name, as well as my dirty little secret............ and I voted "yes" on the poll.