I know of no one else in the hobby that begins the countdown to the next national before the final curtain drops on the one currently being held. But that is what Wes and Clarice Gordon, of San Diego, California have done for years. Each piece of correspondence from Clarice usually ends with the number of days remaining to the upcoming national show. That is how dedicated they have been to the insulator hobby for many years. Thousands of miles traveled by truck/camper and train to attend shows coast to coast. When Clarice began writing articles for Crown Jewels of the Wire many years ago, she chose the nom de plume H.G. "Bea" Hyve under which she wrote. She will conclude eleven years as "Bea Lines" editor this December. And there have been numerous other articles written, including the series recognized by the N.R. Woodward Literary award this year. Of course, at one time she had one of the most extensive CD 145 H.G.Co. Petticoat beehives collections which she shared at many shows with the able assistance of Wes (Mr. Hyve) who would help set up the displays. I'll always remember one show at which Clarice donned a yellow and black stripped bee outfit and proceeded to buzz around the show hoping that a little honey would lessen the sting on her pocketbook as she purchased new insulators for her specialty. Congratulations, friends, on your distinguished involvement in the insulator hobby and the 1996 N.I.A. Lifetime Membership Award!