I really like watches. I can't call myself a collector, though--more like an enthusiast/nerd. At a glance I could tell that Brian was wearing a quality mechanical watch, maybe even (judging by the band) a Rolex. So I asked him what kind of watch he was wearing . . . Thus began a lengthy conversation between two self-professed watch nerds. We talked about his present watch, an Archimede, and the watch he wants to get, a NOMOS (Brian's knowledge of, and taste in, watches are impressive). I told him how much I like my Sinn (which, like the aforementioned brands, is German). Brian also turns out to be into restoring vintage bikes. In fact, he commutes to work on a bicycle. Also, as you can see, Brian is the world's best dad!
Gavin was doing a wonderful painting of old shops on that street. He said that he had repainted one building several times, trying to get the yellow just how he wanted it. I said, "That's just like a photographer would do in Lightroom!" Gavin insisted he's an amateur, but he's had gallery exhibitions and also sold works. Trust me, he's a marvelous painter!
Jim and I met outside the Church of the Holy Transfiguration, in Woodstock. It's a tiny wooden church in the woods, and it's beautiful. . . . It's very quiet around there, so when our paths crossed we struck up a conversation. Because I like watches, I asked Jim about his watch. It turns out that he won it in some sort of raffle when he was a kid. And it was broken when he won it! But his grandad had it fixed, and Jim has worn it ever since! That kind of story is very touching to a watch geek like myself. . . . And Jim, it turns out, studied photography at school (though now he mostly does video). He said that he owns a 1950s Leica, but he's not sure about its condition. . . . Take care, Jim! Nice to meet you!
