Howdy, Folks!! I wanted to let you know how much I’m feeling so grateful this November, being involved with two very special events that I truly care about. On November 4th, I flew up from John Wayne Airport (Orange County, CA) to San Jose Mineta Int’l Airport for Pacific Anthropormorphics Weekend, or “PAWcon” for a most memorable weekend. The theme was “Pawston Paradise,” futuristic theme of a Californian society that promoted peaceful coexistence of diversity humming alongside advanced technology. This was Joe Bear’s second P.A.W. and wished I had flown in a day earlier, as the con was pure fun!! I roomed with my awesome friend and Blue Wolf “Truce” - he’s such a great roommate and his selection of alcoholic beverages kept this Bear ‘tipsy’ most of the weekend. Friends like Truce are truly special and I’m very grateful to know him as a close friend. PAWcon is considered a small con, as compared to other West Coast cons like “Further Confusion” and “Biggest Little Fur Con,” but smaller cons don’t necessarily mean less fun. Though “PAWcon” had nightly dances, and they were fun to attend, this con is well known for its “Patio Parties” located on the 2nd floor of Doubletree Hotel San Jose. As this was my second P.A.W., I had already experienced many of the parties from last year, so I focused on ‘private’ parties that I was invited to this year. It was nice to enjoy a relaxing time with many of my furry friends taking in good drink, and socializing late into the night. Unlike a bigger con, where you run from room to room, this was way more relaxing and to spend quality time with those you haven’t been able to at BLFC. This con was a lot like Mephit Fur Meet “MFM” near Memphis, TN that is a small con but very popular to those who attend as it’s ‘A Furry Family Reunion.’ To me, “PAWcon” is a lot like “MFM” - A small con with a big heart!! It’s very gratifying to know that if I can’t attend “MFM” one year, I have “PAWcon” as a good alternative as “Californian Furry Family Reunion.” Most of the Intrastate Furries I know (NorCal, San Joaquin Valley and SoCal) attended, and man it was so much FUN!! Thanks to Spectrum Fox and The PAL Board of Directors for a GREAT weekend. Truce and “Yours Truly” were able to get donations from attendees for The ALS Association Orange County “Walk To End ALS” the following weekend. I flew back late Sunday night, November 6th after closing ceremonies, where the con chairs of BOTH “PAWcon” and BLFC on stage announced their dates for hosting back-to-back furry conventions in late October and early November, 2023. I like the idea of seeing a major con hosting during the week, like the plan BLFC is following through from Mon- Thurs October 30th-November 2nd and then PAWcon on the next day right after BLFC on the weekend of November 3rd-6th. Many of the younger kids were not happy, but for myself I thought “Wow - I can take one week off as vacation and do TWO cons!!” So, I’m in support of this format. I asked Tyco if he might see attendance drop, he said “as long as we can host the best con possible, that is the plan.” After coming home on Sunday night, the following Saturday, November 12th - Joe Bear was proud to be part of one of my personal favorite furry events of 2022. As many of you folks know, I’m deeply involved with The ALS Association of Orange County, and the “Walk To End ALS” charity event. I was so proud of this year’s event, a return to a full walk after three years. Though I was involved with the Virtual and Drive-Thru “Walk & Roll” events in 2020 and 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it is not the same. I like being involved in a charity walk attended by thousands of people, including those that I walked with this year. It was nice to work with Trip E Collie, Whiskey Foxtrot, Zarafa Giraffe and Cosmo Shepherd among other Furries who knew Tony Barrett “Dogbomb.” The walk was a great success as TEAM TONY exceeded its fundraising goals of $15,535.00 for ALSOCC. Trip and I both agreed that events like this bring greater importance than attending a social event or furry convention. We are doing something for the Greater Good, and I will be continuing to do more charity events in the future, especially The American Cancer Society “Relay For Life” to honor my furry friend and fellow Greymuzzle who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer, “Luico” (Patrick Dan Davis), so watch out!! I will be attending my first Midwest Furfest next weekend, and will come to Chicago with an open mind and low expectations. If yer attending “MFF” - please catch me and say HI!! Happy Thanksgiving - I do have LOTS to be “Thankful” for!! Bear Hugs - Joe G. Bear