I have not been a regular on the Cat in the last few years. It's harder, because I don't want a computer at home. My current employer used to allow access to the Cat, but it cut that off a few years ago.

When I think of the Cat, I also think of Spaw. I miss that I never got to meet him. I tried to encourage him to attend a FSGW Getaway a few times, with no luck.

Spaw was one of the early Catters. My impression of him was of a man with a big heart who was sometimes hesitant to show it.

Spaw once asked if his sense of humor was too "over the top" for the Cat. Of course it wasn't. I told him that to squeeze the last humor from a topic, it meant you have clearly offended someone. I felt the offense was the fault of the listener, not the humorist.

I remember that Spaw had multiple serious medical problems and I think he benefited from the kindness of the Cat, both in word and deed.

I've met some older people who complained about living so long; all their friends has passed on. I doubt of Spaw felt that way. It is at times like this that I feel that feeling myself, but I still keep pushing for more time on earth. I've learned I can keep on making new friends until I run out of people.

I will raise a toast to Spaw. I expect we will talk about him at the next Getaway.

May we all do as well in our interactions with others as Spaw did with us.

Roger in Baltimore