big al
46 posts
Jul 16, 2005
7:14 PM
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Hey my friends...
I'm not going to bore you with my sensitivities regarding our hobby but I just wanted to share something.
When I flew rollers back in the eighties, I basically got all my stock from my buddy Bob scott (Los Angeles) and another rollerman Harry Smith out of Orange County. I didn't visit many lofts or socialize with other roller guys much because of time restraints and satisfaction with the birds I was getting. I've been back in the hobby since the later part of 2002 and find myself sometimes disappointed in the folks I run into from time to time. When I meet guys who maliciously criticize other fanciers, spread rumors about one another, or spend unreal amounts of time boasting of their own birds while putting others down. It really takes a lot away from our wonderful hobby.
I've been fortunate to have good friends Rod Fomby, Richard Apodaca, and other fine gentlemen I've met in the hobby like Homer Corderre, Eddie Verdugo, Ken Easley (Via e-mail)
who remind me there are probably more good guys than not.
We all have birds and every man should have the right to enjoy what he does in his own yard. Constructive criticism is good coming from someone you admire in the sport and/or trust. Once in a while we may have to remind ourselves or someone we hear doing this that the best thing for our hobby is to help one another by what we say and do.
It's been a pleasure for me to be on this site sharing ideas and learning with everyone. I hope to meet some of you when time permits. It appears we have a great group of guys here. This post was not directed at anyone on this site but just from observations when I'm out and about in our roller world. Again we have what appears to be a great group of guys here.
See you in the roll!!
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Big Al
"High Plains Spinner Loft"
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rollerpigeon
Site Moderator
322 posts
Jul 16, 2005
9:55 PM
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Hey Big Al, a nice post. I think we have a great group of breeders posting and contributing their knowledge and experience. I have learned to focus on the postitive aspects of the hobby and appreciate the fun and enjoyment that rollers bring to my life experience.
I believe that the good people outnumber the bad ones and I have become acquainted with far more good ones than the other.
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
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Planet_Rock_Lofts
3 posts
Jul 18, 2005
9:02 PM
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Hey Big Al,
I appreciate what you said and I will watch what I say and post on here in the future. I think I am guilty of some of the things you said and I apologize to the site and the visitors. I love my birds; from the best all the way down to the worst, and I know I would not appreciate someone talking negative words about my birds.
Thanks Big Al
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Vibey
5 posts
Feb 03, 2006
8:43 PM
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Hi Al and fellow site members. You kinda hit a nerve with this posting , as i also up here in canada have come across some breeders that talk trash and put down other breeders stock and or the breeder themselves. I don't believe in it at all , and just want to remind all of you that we have the choice of whom we want to associate with , and i for one don't have time for people who cannot respect other people and what they strive to do . We always have the choice of who we want to befriend. Here's hoping you only meet true hearted breeders who care more about the birds and the fellow breeders than what they can get out of someone and or take away from someone.
Vibey
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J_Star
223 posts
Feb 04, 2006
6:43 AM
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It is a human nature in a group of people in this world to put others down so they can look good. Watch out of those kind and avoid them as much as possible. But sometimes it is in your own siblings and you just cannot avoid it and you learn how to live with it to harness the peace.
So, each has his own, and you just have to be better than that and be considerate. Thanks.
Jay
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Fr.mike
60 posts
Feb 04, 2006
1:22 PM
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Hey Al-I am a new guy-- My son and and I flew raceing birds about 10 years ago until he found out about the fairer sex and that was the end of that--but what I wanted to say was that the raceing scene was adog eat dog world everyone was suspisous of everyone else.on friday--shipping night--knowone would even speak to me or my son --he was about 12 years old--Itold some of the old salts that this tone would eventully bite thm in the butt --but they wouldnt hear of it.The main reason for me getting back into birds(rollers)was the general good will that I saw in many of the men I met I hope It stays that way. Only time will tell I believe Its up to us to continue this wonderful sport with a sence of--let us say---A gentilmans attuitude.
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Tony Chavarria
Site Publisher
451 posts
Feb 04, 2006
3:55 PM
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Hey Michael, I meet some of the nicest people in pigeons through this website, such as yourself. You and I have discussed religious topics among other things including your Ruby Rollers over the phone.
I have seen that through the controversies that pop up from time to time, that the members of this forum are understanding, intelligent, informed and good sports.
There are going to be heated exchanges from time to time and alot is said, rather than be in denial of the issues, I think it is healthier for the forum when members themselves begin calling for calm and goodwill. To me it is a sign of a healthy forum.
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
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Fr.mike
61 posts
Feb 04, 2006
4:30 PM
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Tony--Iagree wholeheartedly-the guys/gals that are on this site for the most part are just great!They even answer my newbee questions.This i believe is the key to the future.--New guys asking what seems to many as dumb questions yet the more experinced guys being patient and answering those questions --thou they have been answered many times before.I call this Investing forward.The more the old salts invest in us newbees the more the return. The return may not be realised in there lifetime but will outlive them ie.Pensom.Thankyou all for your investing forward!
Fr.mike
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Shan
1 post
Feb 04, 2006
7:06 PM
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Big Al -- that post flushed me out from my lurker status at this forum. Thanks for stirring some of us into action.
Fr. Mike -- I am returning to pigeons after five or so years due to Pigeon Breedre's Lung and an allergy to the urates in pigeon droppings. For over 30 years I was a racing fancier, but decided that keeping and flying rollers from small lean-in lofts and kit boxes would allow me to return to the pigeons I love.
All -- I have read your posts for several weeks now. I see that this forum fosters growth in the roller hobby by helping with advice when able. My 3-ring binders are full of your advice. Thanks. This old pigeon man will now go back to lurking and reading and learning.
Shannon Hiatt
Texas
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upcd
138 posts
Feb 05, 2006
1:00 AM
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I met some wonderful pigeon people at the Nationals in San Bernandino. And all the people who have come to my house seem to be nice and really like pigeons. There are some on another site whom I won't mention. That I don't want to meet. They are questionable at best.
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Velo99
203 posts
Feb 05, 2006
5:44 AM
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Hey Shannon,
Where are you at bro? I am a Texan as well. Email me with more details if you wish.
redneckhippie15@yahoo.com
yits
V99
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smk
1 post
Feb 05, 2006
7:04 AM
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Hey Shannon and V99 I'm in houston how about ya'll
scott
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Fr.mike
62 posts
Feb 05, 2006
12:09 PM
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Hey Shan, I am glad to here of your return.just stay well ventlated. I have met a few old timers that unfortunately are on oxegen.I keep my loft well ventlated--Louvers at the bottom near the floor,wind driven turbine on top,and a thermostatly controlled power fan ,I also use a mask when I clean the loft. I use wood pellet bedding(from Agway) on the floor.If I can find any other thing that will help I will use it!Let me know how things go.welcome!
Fr.mike
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Shan
2 posts
Feb 05, 2006
5:35 PM
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I'm in far West Texas, El Paso area, where this desert rat stays warm in the winter and HOT in the summer.
My large stock loft has expanded metal floors; my individual coops run from 4'x4'x6' reach in compartments to smaller 32" and 24" wide individuals. When cleaning I require a respirator or a mask for light duty quick perch scraping (all V-perches). But . . . I will enjoy my pigeons.
My kit boxes are standard looking kit boxes but only about 34 inches deep. Wire floor, of course and V-perches. Simple.
I have stock pairs together and will fill the double kit box for some Fall flys. Looks like the New Mexicans are closer to us (Frank Hernandez a transplanted California roller man is also here) than the Texans, so we might do our Fall flys with them. Working that issue now. Just need to get a cou-ple kits in the air. Frank has his young holdover kit working now.
Shan
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Richard A.
79 posts
Feb 06, 2006
8:52 AM
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Al, wherever there is competition, you can find ugliness in certain individuals. As you know well, Al, I only see the positives and ignore the negatives as much as possible. Raising Rollers can be therapudic, so relaxing at the end of a stressfull work day. We should not let others ruin that for us.
People that talk bad about others are those that need our prayers.
I would like to mention to all, that Al has progressed so much in the last (3) years as a Roller Breeder.
I feel that soon he will be able to hold his own with just about anyone.
You would do well to go and see what he is producing at his house. Personally I love going there, and whenever a week passes that my wife and I can't be there, we feel like something is missing.
He is a wonderfull man and has an absolutely wonderfull family!!! And what a percentage in Great roller production!!
Does it sound like Al and I are friends, You bet, and for the rest of my life. God Bless you my friend!!
Richard Apodaca
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Ballrollers
261 posts
Feb 06, 2006
9:14 AM
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Al, Guys, Good posts. It is interesting....after the fiasco surrounding the potential wager between, Scott and I, I went through a period of gut-checking myself, my reasons for participating on the lists and its impact on myself and the family of rollers that I breed. I even wrote and article for the NBRC journal called "Gutcheck", but haven't decided whether to publish it or not. Scott and I just recently talked on the phone about our birds, about the Germans coming into the World Cup, etc. and we both marvelled at how sad it is, that it is so easy for us to let things get away from us on the lists, when the friendships and comraderie is such a major part of the enjoyment of the sport for most of us. Even with Scott and I, when we have spent time together at meetings, or talked on the phone it has been nothing but friendship and mutual respect. We have to learn a way to transfer that to the lists in our communication, as well. YITS Cliff
Last Edited by Ballrollers on Feb 06, 2006 9:22 AM
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nicksiders
421 posts
Feb 06, 2006
10:36 AM
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Something About Big Al-
He may not want me to share this with everyone, but I am going to anyway.
Big Al lost his best friend......his father past away not too long ago.
Al - if I over stepped my boundries I apologize, but there are many people on this site who have a great deal of respect for you and I thought they ought to know.
Respectfully,
Nick
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big al
215 posts
Feb 06, 2006
12:02 PM
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Well, You guys have certainly brightened my day. I haven't posted on this site for some time for various reasons but I am very moved by your caring. I won't forget it. It's ironic that you guys are actually reading a post from last year. I guess the impact is being made now.
That's alright!
Richard - The feelings are mutual and I value your friendship. We've spent many hours together at my home and yours. Our wives LAUGHING cackling like chickens while we talk about birds and life and eat dinner they prepare for us. LOL!!
Thank you for the great compliment on my birds! You were a huge help in getting me where I am by opening my eyes to new things and sharing some nice birds. Who would have thought I could have success with creating my own family from Apodaca, Corderre, Scott, Fomby, Reed and Gordair crosses!! :-)
It's been fun but I still have a long way to go. I wanted to learn this way and I'm so glad I did. I have an insight that would have eluded me had I not come back into the hobby this way.
I'll be in W.C. if all goes well. We'll see. Haven't flown much since dad passed in November so the birds aren't looking too good. Remember I'm flying youngsters so they're still trying to develop. Whew! Wish me luck!
God Bless brother.
Cliff - Thanks man. I just sent someone a Private e-mail this morning and I mentioned your name in a positive light. The irony is that it was similar to what you posted. I said you have a lot to offer the sport because of your determination and passion. You just have to go down the right path to do it. I think you will!
I'll support a Cliff that goes that route. :-)
All the best to you man.
Nick Siders - We've spoken a lot over the last few days via e-mail and I'm sure I've made a new friend in the sport and in life. In Fact I e-mailed you this morning! :-)
No my friend you did not over-step by mentioning my dad.
That was a very, very thoughtful gesture and I appreciate you telling the list how close I was to him. He was truly my best friend. I saw him at least 3 times a week we went to lunch, movies, on cruises, and talked almost everyday like father and son and like friends do. He leaves behind my wonderful mom and 45 years of marriage never apart,4 boys me being the eldest, and one girl. 15 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren and lots of wonderful memories.
This loss devastated me. Richard A. met him at my home about a year ago for a Christmas dinner. We had a great time.
Nick thanks for your correspondence with me over the last few days, it means a lot man!
Man you're almost as cool as me!! LOL!!
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See you in the roll!
Big Al
"High Plains Spinner Loft"
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J_Star
227 posts
Feb 06, 2006
1:39 PM
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Al,
I am sorry about the loss of your father. May God bless him and rest his sole. A prayer from you to him everyday will go a long way and will comfort both of you.
Jay
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Ballrollers
264 posts
Feb 07, 2006
2:57 PM
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Al,
I lost my own dad two years ago, and mom a year later. It's like cutting the umbilical cord all over again, except this time you are conscious. My brother and I sit and marvel, at times, at how completely different our lives are now. I don't think you ever get over it. You just come to grips with it. In many ways, the NBRC, the birds, the guys in the sport locally, have all become our extended family in a way; and that has been a very cool part of our healing. I'll say a prayer that you will find peace, likewise, if you have not already.
Yours In The Sport,
Cliff
Last Edited by Ballrollers on Feb 07, 2006 2:58 PM
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