I know that many of you have met Allan C. as he and Bill Sables are our most travelled 'Catters. We all remember the Great Mudcat Adventure quite well. Allan has also been a regular Getaway attendee as well.

In the 5 years I have known Allan on the 'Cat and from what everyone else has often said of him, I felt I knew him pretty well.....and I was right. A kind and wonderful gentle soul and a true gentleman. Intelligent, articulate, humorous, thoughtful.......all the things I assumed he would be, he was when he stopped by my home for an all too brief visit last week. There is always the feeling of friends unmet when I have met other 'Catters and it was the same with Allan. Although I was unable to make contact during Allan and Bill's Adventure, it remains one of my high points on the 'Cat as I rode along vicariously. That feeling has been refreshed as I have now met both Allan and Bill in 3D and also Allan was thoughtful enough to bring along the infamous "Mudcat Guitar" that was signed by so many during their trip. Happily my name is now on it as well.

I figured Allan to arrive around noon but he was early and I hadn't even had time for a shower....actually I had time, but I'm just lazy. So if my initial hug was a little tentative, I figured who the hell would want to get close to someone who looked and smelled like I did!!! Anyway, he was a blg hit with Michael and Tristan and also a huge hit with Sissy and Jaeger, both dogs greeting him for a long time with their worst manners, generally reserved for folks they really like. I was so happy it was a time when Karen was home and awake (working nights means a weird schedule at times) and also that Wayne was able to come down for the day as well. Wayne and Connie hosted Bill, Sam, and Ian for us as I had to go into the hospital the next day for surgery, so Wayne too has gotten to meet both Bill and Allan. Connie had to stay home and hold their eldest son's nose to the grindstone to finish his end of year schoolwork. In any case, Wayne came away with the same great feelings as Karen and I.

Allan my friend, you are a gem and a treasure and we all thank you!!! Sissy sends additional tongue lappings and leaps and bounces as well. It was great having you here!

Spaw