Sadly, this is the beginning of the end for me.  After nearly 20 years of buying, breeding, raising, flying and winning with pigeons, the clock has struck midnight for me. 

Three trips to Europe with Bert Oostlander, twice sitting in the home of and with Louis Janssen, the world's first and only live streaming video auction of 40 Koopman pigeons, PigeonTV.com, Perfect Pigeon Products, 1st in BFC, 64th Grand Avg Champ in SAMDPR, 7 on the drop to sweep our local club futurity, 1st in our Ohio Classic Race (2nd 2X) - I have seen and done almost all of it.

I would not have stayed in the sport as long as I have without the support of SO many friends along the way.  First and foremost, my wife Michelle, who has supported me every step of the way.  I love you, sweetheart.  My son, JC was my inspiration for getting "back" into the birds almost 20 years ago. 

Tim Kirschner, Frank McLaughlin, Fred Smeltzer, Kenny Rhodes, Bert Oostlander, Silvio Mattacchione, Terry Finnerty, and so many more too numerous to mention.  Thank you to everyone who has touched my life through these remarkable birds.  

You will see, in this first week of many, that I am not holding anything back.  It is gut wrenching to post some of these birds, as they have given me so much joy over the years.  But, it gives me new found joy knowing that they will be moving on to new homes, new lofts, new mates and new young winners for their new owners.

Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey with and for me.  I will treasure these memories forever.