Most of you will have seen an episode or two of "America's Funniest Home Videos". Well, unfortunately not every funny happening gets video taped. However, since I was there I can tell you exactly what happened this one early summer day.

While I was working at the company in San Diego county one of our special events salespeople was getting married. Both she and her husband-to-be were "country" types who liked country music, line dancing and the like. It was decided to have a country-style wedding and reception at a rustic lodge in the local north county mountains.

Knowing of my extensive stuffed-animal collection which included some "cowboy" and "cowgirl" dressed bears, I was asked to lend them for the reception table as theme decor. This I was happy to do. In addition to that bear "donation", I was also asked to come as "Moomie", my cow character to the reception. After all it WAS a country wedding!

The reception was fairly large with many families with kids attending. I mixed and mingled with both adults and the kids, posed for pictures, played with the kids and just had a ball! Moomie even danced a little on the dance floor as well. I sure wish I had a video of that!

But the topper, the "video" moment was definitely when Moomie...yes Moomie...caught the garter! We were all in a line. I was the only cow. The usual comments were made before the throw. I mooed a couple of times in appropriate places. The garter was thrown. I reached forward with my hooves into the direction of the flying garter. Of course, I couldn't really see all that well with my cow head and all. But fate was with me and the next thing I know is I hear a very loud shout, "The cow caught the garter!"

Then the laughter began. And it grew and rolled like a ocean wave. Everybody, including myself, was completely startled and simply amazed at my heroic feat. I jumped up and down and mooed over and over again!

But in the end I must confess that I'm somewhat disappointed as I'm still, sadly, a single bovine. It didn't take. The tradition holds that as it is for the bride's bouquet toss, so it is the same for the garter toss. That is, the one who catches it, bouquet or garter, is the next to be married. I sure don't remember any exclusions regards cows....

Semper Furry! --Me Furry

(This is the first of several posts to enlighten you as to what I do.)

It was the weekend immediately after 9/11. I, like almost everyone, was still in total shock and horror at the dastardly deed. The last thing on my mind was my usual weekend character shows. But as the old show biz adage goes: "the show must go on". So, of course, that would have to be true for me as well. The little kids I entertain are looking forward to the character coming. They do not really know of what just happened, or if they do, they cannot fully comprehend.

So I had three shows that day. The first one in Rancho Palos Verdes. As is my normal routine, I get their about an half-hour early in order to assure me starting out on time. At the appropriate time I arrive to the party as Scooby Doo. I was on time, but as sometimes happens, people and guests arrive late. So I started out with only the birthday boy and a couple of other kids.

We were playing a game with my parachute when another child arrived. This must have been a best friend or something, because the birthday boy dropped the parachute and went running over to him. As he did he shouted--"Scooby Doo came to my party, Scooby Doo came to my party, the REAL Scooby Doo came to my party!"

I tell you I "melted" inside the fur! That is the BEST compliment you can ever pay me regards to my work. It is what I strive for. To be "real". So many that do this kind of work do it only as a job and for the money. True, I too accept the money, as the landlord only accepts the coin of the realm. But I can assure you it is MUCH more than that to me. When the "transformation" is complete, no matter what the character, I take a back seat and let the character take over. I am not there, only the character is!

I left that party on a natural high that lasted for the whole day and into the next. It was that warm and fuzzy feeling that always feels so good! I even, after thinking about it, decided to call the boy's parents the next day to tell them of the unexpected "blessing" their son gave me! I sort of felt I had to.

I've always loved the story of "The Velveteen Rabbit". He knew about being "real". I grant you that this story doesn't amount to much in the overall scheme of things, particularly in light of 9/11. But I tell it to you to show you how the little things, sometimes life's throwaway moments, can be so much more important that what they first appear to be. This little boy gave me a memory I will carry with me for all the days of my life.

Semper Furry! --Me Furry

IN MY HEART I KNOW I'M FURRY

Does anyone know why one is furry? It it "born" in you or is it something that develops from something and grow?. No one, to my knowledge can say for sure and, of course, I can't say for others (though I'd really like to know). But I think for me I "know" that it was right from the start. I feel if you are furry, you must have been born one. You simply have to rediscover what is inside you that is usually not obvious at first glance. Or is it? From childhood love of animals both real and animated. As well as the ongoing interest, fascination and love with animation, I suppose that it was always there. I have always felt that I'm missing my tail. Why isn't it there? It SHOULD be there! And I'm not a happy furry that it isn't there either!

From my very earliest memories of any kind that I have, fur has always had a powerful effect on me and that is no exaggeration. I am attracted to it. Plain and simple and being totally honest about it. Both on real live animals, of course, and in any form of clothing or decor you can find or think of. I guarantee you it will be the first thing I "see" if it's used as a collar or trim on any kind of coat or clothing at all. I'll notice a fur pillow, spread or rug or wall hanging in a home instantly. Then, after the fur's been seen, I'll finally see whatever else is there.

Now for the life of me, I cannot explain the how or why of this to you. I can't figure it out for myself, honest. All I do know and that I can testify to you, is that I simply love it! The look of it, the touch and the feel. I will add though, that "print" furs are even more attractive to me then just plain old solid color ones. Needless to say, I have no idea if that means something as well or not, but hooray for zebra stripes, tiger stripes, leopard spots and cheetah spots. Oh yes! Or as well, contrasting fur colors as like a skunk tail or a raccoon tail give increased pleasure as well. Those stripes, spots or body or tail makings, shall we say, only increases the visual enjoyment I get.

There's always a fake fur bedspread on my bed year round. To heck with summer, fur wins! I have several different ones to be able to change looks throughout the year. On top of the bedspread are fake fur toss pillows of many different kinds and species. I usually have to take about half off just to get into bed. I have several Alpaca rugs that have different designs that are used as wall hangings. Two on a living room wall, one on the wall of the short hall leading to the bathroom and two on two walls of my bedroom.

Many years ago now I bought some medium-sized fake fur rugs that were cut into a pelt-hide shape in leopard, tiger and zebra. I made chair-back slip covers for the four dining room chairs by partially sewing them up a little bit. One hide folded over and sewn up a little bit on the sides to make them fit and stay in place nicely. Then, I cut up several more of those fake fur skins I had bought to also make matching place mats and small coasters for both cups and medium-sized ones for bowls. I can change from one species of the three to another whenever I feel the want to change. So, even my dining room table has been furred. Beginning to see a pattern here...ha! I've often joked to close friends that I'm 99% certain in that if you could turn me inside-out, I'd be furry inside! A mistake at the factory during assembly, I was made inside-out I think.

For many years now I wear almost exclusively "Ugg" style sheepskin boots. They are truly as comfortable as they say they are in their advertising selling points. With me, however, there is an ulterior motive. They're furry! Currently I have one pair, a golden brown outside with a cream color sheepskin. My first furry request, I guess, was at about seven years of age. I asked my mom to buy me a particular jacket. The reason, unspoken though, was it's dark blue sheepskin collar. How I looked forward to wearing it each time. The jacket itself was no big deal. In fact, if it hadn't had the fur collar I wouldn't have even wanted it. Later jackets in later years would also be furry as well.

I have always had a closeness to animals that comes from deep inside me. No, they have not and do not talk to me. At least, they haven't as of yet! But their inner "spirits" most certainly do. I, the human being, gladly "step aside" in the presence of our furry animal friends when I see them in a nature documentary or live in person like at the zoo, and let my furry "soul" be free and relate. I simply enjoy their company. I admire their beauty. I envy them their beautiful fur coats. My human skin is so plain and cheap in comparison. As I mentioned earlier, I so envy them their tails! While many furry folk have a particular species that they "are", I almost cannot pin it down to only one. I'm a hodgepodge of three rolled into one.

There's a part of me that relates to the moose. The massive member of the deer family is me in the physical form. The moose is the largest deer. Frankly, a little homely looking too in comparison to his sleek and slender relations. Both he and I are deer in mind, heart and in spirit, but the physical form is large and dumpy.

Next, is the wolf, for his cunning, resourcefulness and survival skills. He is at peace with himself. He takes care of himself and his family. He knows that most fear him and avoid any contact and that's just the way it is. But the wolf has that inner peace of "knowing" you and what you are. It's the knowledge mankind has been searching for since time began. Wolf ain't tellin' though. When you look into the eyes of a wolf, don't you feel him looking right back at you, in effect through you. And with that look, he reaches in and pokes your soul. I get chills by just writing this down!

My third animal is the lion. This is mainly due to Kimba, the cartoon white lion I grew up with. Kimba is the true and the original "Lion King". He taught me how to be a kind and gentle king. That with the royal "crown" comes responsibility! That the brave heart and noble heart can, and should, be a tender heart as well. Power, is used most effectively, when it is used sparingly. Sometimes, no matter how badly we want to avoid it, we HAVE to fight for what's right and for what we believe in! After much thought I have decided that as an honor to Kimba and the major part he has played in my life, I wish to spend the hereafter (at least my body) in my adult Kimba fursuit. I've told my friends of this "last" request.

But, absolutely, positively, I am a lion first and foremost. That I am sure of as having the sun rise in the east every morning! And yes, a white lion at that!

I started collecting stuffed animals at age 12. It all started with one that I bought with my allowance! And it continues to this day with hundreds and hundreds (close to a thousand in total) in my personal collection. And, just to let you know, I show no signs of stopping any time soon! The animals I buy though, have to relate to me. I could go down a store aisle with hundreds of stuffies displayed and most would "do" absolutely nothing for me. That even includes those of my faves as well. But, when that special one in that furry pile "calls" to me, I'm a gonner.

I shouldn't, I don't really need. I could spend the money on groceries for example. Where in the heck am I going to put you in the first place? Well, there's always room for one more--somewhere in the furry "lair". Big ones stand or sit on the floor, medium and small ones sit on their "brother's" and "sister's" backs. They're even on the wall! I have many "Humane Trophies", which are animal heads and their matching "other ends". Plus, all of the bookcases and curio cabinets in both bedroom and living room, that are filled to overflowing.

When I started my collecting at age 12 my parents we're in the process of finalizing their divorce. I lived with my mother, my dad moved out. He borderline hated my collecting the stuffies. "A man doesn't do that!" I would hear that line more than a few times over all the years. But my mother, on the other hand,was actually supportive of my collection. She even had her own favorites of my furry family. She worked nights as a registered nurse, so I would often put one of her "favorites" out on the dining room table to welcome her back home in the morning. She always loved this. She never called me strange or odd, she just let me be me. Of which I owe her all my love, thanks and praise!

The other outward sign of my furriness was was my love and passion for cartoon characters. Again, the same old refrain came from my Dad about a man doesn't do that kind of thing. Well, I never grew out of it or ever changed. So, "sorry" dad.

Kimba, the White Lion is my top, number one 'toon and friend. I met him in 1966 when he first came on American TV. He aired on late Sunday afternoons in Los Angeles where I lived. I must also admit to the fact that I "drove" my poor mom more than a little "crazy" by always insisting that wherever we were, whatever we might be doing on a Sunday afternoon, that I'd be saying--"Mom, we have to get home for Kimba!" I could write a twenty-page post on Kimba alone! But that's not for right now.

I will tell you this much though. From the very start and through all these many years, Kimba became, and is, my "best friend", hero and father figure! Everything I believe in, have respect for, have admiration of, comes from that almost life-long relationship with my white lion friend! Again, my mom wasn't bothered by this and seemed to take it all in stride. Again, she had her favorites in cartoon characters. She loved "Chip & Dale" and also "Tweety Bird".

Mom died in 1981, long before the fursuits and the character performing. My collecting would be all she'd know. I do, however, believe she would be both amused by it and supportive of it at the same time. That she would love it, and me, as much as she ever did! My Dad died in 1995, so he knew of the performing. I began in late 1986. His first reaction was quite predictable and totally expected. Heck, I was in the "doghouse" with him back from before I ever became a teenager, because I never got and took a paper route. But, once, when I came up from San Diego to visit him, I brought along one of my suits and showed it to him. I even got into it to show him how it was and also a little bit of what I did. He could see and appreciate the discomfort and work that was truly involved in doing my performing. The fact that is was my job too and I was getting paid for it, didn't hurt either. I'm 99.9% sure he was never truly happy or fully accepting of it. But, I do believe he came to "terms" with it.

My furriness, was always somewhat obvious there on these two levels. But I surmise that one could fairly easily "overlook" them in what they truly meant to me. That furriness of mine was to be truly set free, to take firm root and blossom, in a two-step process over several years time. I did not truly know at the time that it was really happening, but indeed it was!

After My mom died, in many ways I was "lost". Again, I'm a only child and with an AWOL dad, I was drawn and brought closer to my mom even more. I got it in my mind to do something, if I could, that would be more than just a job or work. Something that I enjoyed in and of itself. With much effort, determination and a never give up--"I will succeed" attitude, I opened up my retail stuffed animal gift store--"Bucky's Barn". A modest effort I grant you. But I was very proud of what I built up from nothing.

It was a 900 square foot store in a "strip" outside shopping center. I had so much fun! It looked like a barn. I built little mini-stalls, a loft around three sides of the store, indoor/outdoor "grass" carpeting and four real hay bales! Oh, the aroma from those hay bales! I brushed and fluffed every animal when it came in. The sales tags were taped to the wood shelves where the stuffies sat patiently, waiting to be "adopted" to their new homes. Those tags were like the old fashioned tags with the hole in them at a triangular end that for the larger animals could be tied around a paw. Each tag had the animal's price and their name! I carried the usual kinds of plush, but became known as the place to go for the unusual or uncommon species! I sold more than a few vultures and even a couple of plush snails. I still have my "Sanford" snail in my personal collection.

At Christmas time I hung colored Christmas lights along the loft's edge from one side of the store to the other. I left them on after closing each night and it looked so "Christmasy". On each post was a plush red Christmas stocking hanging down, with a little stuffie of some kind nestled in it's furry white cuff.

I signed an initial two-year lease and was renewed for another two years by the landlord. But instead of getting a third renewal for another two years, I along with five other businesses next to me, got the proverbial "boot" to allow the Von's supermarket that was our center's anchor store to expand into our collective area. Needless to say, I was devastated. All my work and effort, in essense, all for nothing. The previous year had finally shown profit and substantial growth from the earlier three. I couldn't get a loan or move. It just wasn't possible with my size and finances.

So, when the career path took this unexpected, sudden and hard turn back in 1986, the John Lennon quote comes to mind. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making plans." Another quotation that I think applies correctly here, that I found out about several years ago, is by James Baldwin: "All roles are dangerous. The world tends to trap you in the role you play and it is always extremely hard to maintain a watchful, mocking distance between oneself, as one appears to be and oneself, as one actually is."

So in the month of November of 1986 I began my career as a costumed character. I knew,of course, of the characters at Disneyland and at other theme parks. And not to forget as well, those of companies and all those sports team mascots too. I even met when I was a young child--Yogi and Boo-Boo at a local mall (Topanga Plaza, a mall in the San Fernando Valley of LA). I can tell you that was one of the biggest highlights of my young life. They were real to me! However, I never knew, thought of, or ever dreamed that I could ever be one myself.

It began simply enough as a temporary seasonal job to make some money. That was my original reason, plain and simple. I took a job at a local mall and was one of two people hired to "help" Santa for the season. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I never suspected that this single action was to be the most pivotal event of the rest of this earthly life. In addition to my "Santa" duties I got into "Rudolph" and would walk around the mall meeting and greeting all. That was it! I was "hooked", I was "overwhelmed", I was "excited", I was simply "so happy beyond belief", I was, so to speak, "in love"...take your pick, any and all apply!

After the season ended I was told of a company up in the "North County" of San Diego that did kid's birthday parties and special events. I went there and was hired and studied to learn everything about costuming and fursuits from the ground up. So here today, some 23 years later, I'm still "partying" and "furrier" than ever! Excuse the accidental pun--but what a fit! Never had this been offered as any job or employment option in any high school career counseling. Plus, of course, I finally get to have my tail!

My fursona grew to a total of of 38! Which I had up two a couple of years ago. But, with the economy being what it is, I've been forced to sell some for badly needed money to pay bills with. I hope when times get good again, to be able to perhaps get new versions of the ones I had to sell. I do miss them, they were and are "my kids", ya' know?

When I first started doing this the drive, desire and passion began immediately and just grew and grew from there. My fursona collection itself, grows by a little more, each and every year. I must also credit some of my success at this to my vocal abilities. Although I'm not to the level of the great Mel Blanc, my abilities were above the norm to start with. And have only grown with all the years of experience behind me.

Every fursona of mine is it's very own--with a demeanor and personality that is theirs alone. I cannot tell you the pure joy I get playing them! Yes, it's very hot inside the fur, of course. But, at least for a little while, I'm an animal, not human! That's something I've longed to be for oh, so long. I think, both in humorous and serious thought on it, that my decision I must have made in the spirit realm to decide to come down to Earth as a human was simply a bad idea that must have seemed like a good one at the time. And again, don't forget, when I'm fursuiting, I finally "get" my tail! Hooray!

I found my purpose, or should I say my furpose? No lie, 'tis the truth I'm telling you. I'm a living, breathing, eating, sleeping, walking, talking, working, playing, resting, 24 hour a day, seven day a week--FURRY! As simple and as trite as it may sound, there is true peace when you FINALLY discover and know who you are. I'm so happy 'cause me furry...

(Changing the Marines motto just a little) Semper Furry!

Current location: In lair but thinking of that great day!
Current mood: envious
Current music: "Born Free"

Saturday the 15th of August was a very good day for them and for me. I do sincerely hope that such a day may yet happen to this middle-aged white lion. "Are ya' listenin' Higher Pow'a?"


On Thursday I drove over to Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley to pick up our furiend Tora. I bought him over to my apartment where he stayed the night. We got up at 5:30am Friday morning and got ourselves woken up enough to be functional and hit the road at 6am. The freeway was pretty clear as “rush hour” was shortly to start but not yet in full chaos. We did pass a truck accident on the 57 freeway just north of where it joins the 60 freeway. That slowed us down to around 20mph for a few minutes till we passed it. After that we had good full speed. WE were able to use carpool lane as we were two. That was a blessing when we got on the 5 freeway in Santa Ana. All other lanes were at a near total standstill. We went onto the 55 freeway and did have to endure some slow traffic there. As we were getting off so shortly after going on it, we couldn’t take advantage of carpool lane. We got off and headed southwest on Mac Arthur Blvd. and took it until it ended at Pacific Coast Highway. We made a left turn south on to PCH and went about a couple of miles till we got to the park, “Crystal Cove State Beach”. We got there at 7:15am. We had been told to expect to pay a $10 fee but the kiosk booth was still closed up tight and not open so didn’t have to pay. Even though their sign said open at 6am there was no one there. That saved money ended up getting me a better dinner that night.

We parked in parking lot four where we had been instructed to do by a note from Renee’. We got out and walked a bit but weren’t sure it was right after all. We couldn’t seem to “find” the spot we were looking for. Via a phone call it was determined that it was really parking lot three so we dove the very short distance to that one instead. It was a long walk but not too hard. It could have been done in fursuit. I have “suffered” worse walking situations in all my years of performing. The advice had been not to do fursuiting because of the steep path. This was all right, but you know me, I really would have liked to, but we all had some fur on.

As we drove into the park the sky was a battleship gray overcast of clouds. It was about 68 degrees and although it did not feel oppressive it was a bit humid. The natural brush that is the park and preserve gave of a strong musk-like odor that filled the air. The path we walked along from the parking lot was paved but was covered by a spotted carpet of sand and fine dirt. Before the path really dropped down to the beach itself there was a small dirt path that went perhaps a hundred feet to a small overlook area. That was our spot. Natural scrub lined both sides of the path. The end was a circular dirt and sandy area that was at the end of the cliff side. Dark, weather-worn wood posts connected by a good metal chain made it secure and relaxing. There would be no way anyone could accidentally fall over. I would say it was a couple hundred feet above the ocean and beach below. The waves were of the soft rolling kind, one right after the other. The sound of the waves crashing was audible but soft and gentle. An excellent backdrop if ever you wanted one.

Right there at the edge of the cliff you now could smell the salty air of the ocean along with the aroma of the brush. As noted, Tora and I were first to arrive. Maurice and Chris and Renee’s dear friend Ann Marie arrived next in his car. This would have been around 8:15am. When they arrived we went down to the lookout site. I brought along my good-sized cheetah and husky plush to make a little display. I also had my boom box to play the song they wanted, “Ever After” from “Enchanted”. Ann Marie “swept” up the area with a little twig from the natural brush that was just lying there on the ground where we were. When Renee’, Grandma Shirley and Matt arrived Renee’ put out two pictures.

Two blankets were put out on top of two cement benches that were there. Renee’ had the small native basket that contained the ring pillow with Matt’s ring to Chris in its little pocket. Under the pillow was a folded up piece of paper that had Matt’s vows and short message to Chris. As I was “Maid of Honor” I was given the basket. Grandma Shirley was Chris’s “Best Man”. I had a little bouquet of fake purple flowers between the cheetah and husky. It’s from the wedding I attended several years ago where I was “Best Cow”. Shirley paced a bouquet of yellow and white flowers on the chain and post that was just behind where Renee’ stood to perform the ceremony. About ten minutes or so before we would begin the ceremony the sun broke though and we now had full daylight but with still cloudy, hazy skies with some patches of blue sky starting to show. I do love the symbolism of the ocean and its waves. We pass though this life in all too short a time. But the sea is “eternal”. It makes me so humble and thankful at the same time that the Higher Power gave me this gift of life to enjoy for what time I am “allowed”.

Henry/Bengaley was our only other participant in the event. He arrived a bit after Maurice and company had arrived, probably about 8:40am or so. He manned the camera on the tripod for the entire ceremony. He made us all laugh as he was wearing a casual crème-colored suit but with no tie. He made the rest of us look “underdressed” in our own casual attire although that is what we were supposed to wear.

I had put on my lion head, “Larry” when I heard that Matt and Renee and Grandma Shirley had arrived in the parking lot. So Matt sees Larry as he first walks up. I’m wearing my black t-shirt with the lion head on it and my black sheepskin fur Ugg boots. This is the first I’ve seen him in several days so we share a tight hug. I was going to leave Larry on but Matt said I shouldn’t, that he wanted to see my face so I took off Larry and put on my lion hat instead. Both Matt and Chris were wearing their tails. Matt had on his leopard and tiger casual shirt with his black pants. Chris had on a similar style casual shirt but with cheetahs on it and he wore shorts instead of pants.

We all had gathered there in the overlook area the first thing. Then after getting all things ready, Maurice and Matt walked back down to the foot of the path and I was instructed to play the song on CD. I started the song and after the vocal began on it they walked up the path again back to the rest of us at the top. As they are walking up, I am to the left side, the plush are lying together on the bench just behind me and a tad below of where I am standing. Grandma Shirley and Chris are just to the right of Renee and they are almost right at the railing, no more than a single step away from it Grandma is acting as Best Man.

Ann Marie is to the right of them from this point of view. She’s standing next to them but is off just a slight bit to be a little more back of them and is not directly alongside. Tora is next, sitting there on the bench on the right side along with a small Stitch there. Bengaley is standing with the camera and tripod right where the bench ends. Renee’ is there right in the middle and center of our group just about a foot in from the wood and chain railing.

As Matt and Maurice walk up to the center I step a little to my left side to allow them my place so to speak. I now stand about a step closer to the bench where the cheetah and husky plush are. Renee’ asks who gives the bride away. Maurice answers I do and steps back to stand just behind Matt by a couple steps. I am Maid of Honor so I now take his place along the left side of Matt. Renee’ asks who takes the bride and both Chris and Grandma Shirley take the couple steps needed to be next to Matt and me. Reading from a book she brought, Renee’ welcomes us all and proceeds to detail the responsibilities of marriage and then begins to perform the ceremony.

It didn’t take all that long really, but it was very moving to me. Their rings to each other have wolves on them as that is the symbol of the family clan. They looked very nice. And although larger than what one usually thinks of wedding rings, they were not that big to be cumbersome or out of proportion. I’m not a jewelry lion as such but those looked so nice I must say.

Renee’ and company had brought those little mini bubble bottles made for weddings and such so when the ceremony ended we all blew our bubbles around. It was surprising how far they did travel before popping. I guess it was the very soft breeze we had that was responsible for that happening. We really filled the immediate area around us for a while there. There were a few joggers and walkers who went by during our time there. They were on the main path itself and did not actually come up to or near us. But I do wonder what they thought at what they saw. We were obviously “different”. Well what the heck, furries are people too…ya’ know!

After the wedding and our bubble blowing were done we all walked back to the parking lot and we all drove back in our respective cars to the Residence Inn by Marriot hotel on Harbor Blvd right at the corner of Chapman Avenue where Grandma Shirley was staying for a couple of days for a very low-key and informal reception. It’s not that far down from Disneyland by the way, just to let you know.

They put out some potato chips, cut fruit, veggies and cheeses as our snacks. We all had some Andre strawberry champagne to toast Matt and Chris. It was delicious and I would have liked much more but I only had the one glass knowing I must be driving later on. So I switched to a spiced sparkling apple cider instead and had several glasses of that. When that finished up I continued with some Pepsi that was also there and available. There was a nice and very rich chocolate cake as well, which as by tradition, Matt and Chris cut together. No face smearing of cake allowed as we were in hotel room. All of our talk was casual.

Matt, Chris, Tora and Bengaley left to run over to Bengaley’s place which was close by, then over to the cheapy motel where Matt and Chris were going to stay for two nights. They could officially check in and save having to do that later. It is a cheesy kind of motel that although clean, would have to go up a couple of notches to even be a Motel Six. That should give you an idea. Its sole redeeming value was it having large Jacuzzi-type bath tubs in some rooms. That’s what they reserved for themselves. While they were all gone I stayed there at Shirley’s room with the remaining others. We made small talk pretty much to pass the time.

I asked if Renee was thinking of doing the jade sale at FC in January again but she doubts it what with the hassle it was last year. It was profitable but also bothersome at the same time. I know we three, I, Matt and Chris will be going to FC come heck or high water. I know for me it is my one ultimate pleasure I give myself for the whole year. I don’t think I now could not go without feeling so rotten and so down in spirit with myself for missing it. It’s become that important to me. For a week I am really me. The furry I am and always will be.

When the guys got back we hung around there in Grandma Shirley’s hotel room for a little while more then we all walked out of the hotel to go across the street to the “Outback” steak house restaurant. I have eaten at Outback a couple of times over some many years of time. They offer great food but at the same time they are pretty expensive. So, at least for me, they are a very occasional treat and can’t be an everyday type of restaurant. I must admit I did splurge a little on myself and I got the 16 ounce Prime Rib, cooked medium rare as I like it. I’ll be having lots of macaroni and cheese and spaghetti dinners at home to “pay” for it but it was so well worth it.

I ate all of my meal but most everybody else took back leftovers. Well, you know my ”appy-tite” already, right? I didn’t get a dessert for myself but did share in a sort of communal dessert that we got for free as the waitress accidentally spilled Maurice’s glass of water when refilling it and it spilled partly onto him, the bench he was sitting on and also partly onto Grandma Shirley. It was a true accident and at least it was only water. Hey, shit happens, doesn’t it!?!

We all made the short walk back to the hotel and relaxed for a little while longer. Henry/Bengaley did finally have to leave as he had work to go to but he assisted in dropping off Matt and Chris to their motel room back in Cypress. Tora rode with me in the PT. With his and my stuff in the car we had no more room to take anyone else. Once we all got to their motel room we all crashed there for the rest of the night. It had been a long but a very satisfying day. By the way, we all did have a chance to enjoy that Jacuzzi tub and it was most enjoyable. I sure wouldn’t mind having one of my own in my home or apartment.

'Twas a very good day indeed, I'd say! Furry hugs to one and all! Semper Furry!

--Me, the middle-aged white lion who's a big softy of a furball at heart.