Tektite Party April, '04
By Michael Blood

(All photos for this article can be seen by clicking HERE
then click on each to enlarge)

On April 3rd, Jim Tobin and Paul Harris of
Meteorite Exchange held their periodic Tektite
Party, hosted by Paul and Janice at their beautiful
home in Torrance, CA.

Since purchasing the famous Darryl Futrell
Tektite Collection many years ago, Jim and Paul
have been holding these parties and offering some
of the very best material to a select few friends in
the LA area. I have been most fortunate to be included
in this group, many of whom trace their relationships
back to a number of meteorite and tektite collectors
belonging to a local astronomy club.

This particular party was dominated by several
competing forces which included fabulous cooking by
both Janice and Paul (Paul's smoked salmon was TO DIE
FOR!) , some really spectacular tektites, including the last
of the whole Austrolite Buttons from the collection (which
were greedily snatched up by Bill and another party goer
before I even arrived!) and last, but not least,
the presentation of a photo of the secret wedding of Calvin
and his long time paramour, Laura Croft.

While this party was marked by the lack of presence
of several "regulars," including wives, a very good time,
none the less, was had by all. Nothing, however, could
ever match the "Ooooos" and "Ahhhhs" uttered by all
when Paul presented Calvin with his wedding photo, making
Cal the envy of every male in attendance and sending Calvin
Shipbaugh into a reverie of wistfulness unsurpassed. Pass out t
he cigars!