It's been an awful summer for me - my Mom (Edna Goria) passed away from complications of a stroke on June 29th, and had been coming to terms with our family loss. My Dad has taken the brunt of this tragedy, and I feel helpless. This reminds us how life is very fragile and our time short. Still, I'm looking forward to my first 'Mephit Fur Meet' on Sat. September 1st near Memphis, TN (Olive Branch, MS - in the Memphis metro area). I've heard good things about this convention, which started 20 years ago as a furry 'pizza party' that mushroomed into a furry con that prides itself as "A Furry Gathering" with its homey feel and its motto "Welcome Home." I'm looking forward to being there, rooming with  tonythebear and  fenris5856 - hanging with  goody2toad and  mavwolf while meeting new southern furry friends. This will be my first trip since losing Mom, and I really need this vacation. If yer attending MFM, please say "HI". Bear Hugs!!! Joe G. Bear