My Name is Rusty and I've been turning as a hobby on and off for about 10 years. My favorite thing to turn is pens because they are quick and really show off the woodgrain.
Welcome from Mississippi. There are several members here from Idaho. Don't know how close they are to you. There is a "Member's Map" at the top of the page that shows where some of the members are.
Welcome aboard... Only 1 post since July?
The key here is to participate! Ask questions when you have'm, answer questions when you can, and make friends!