When the local FM morning comedy show lost one of it's hosts, I started listening to another local station for the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show. The show ha it's origins here in Michigan, though now their studios reside in Chicago. Soon after the discovery, Bob Kevoian retired, but the show kept the name and kept going. News anchor Kristy Lee Ritz left, then returned to the show. Tim Wilson, responsible for such novelty songs as Church League Softball Fist Fight, and such skits as Uncle BS passed away. A few years ago the comedian responsible for regular "callers" Donny Baker, Kenny Tarmac, Floyd The Trucker, and Rick passed away. So all the connected skits were gone. Tom Griswold's son Willie was brought on, who's a standup comedian. Ace Cosby, program engineer, was brought on to do The Joke of The Day.

To fill in the gaps and create content, comedians Josh Arnold and Jeff Oskay were bought on as regulars. Josh sometimes mentions that he was Foghorn Leghorn during a stint at a Six Flags amusement park and collaborates with commentator Chick McGee on skits . Jeff does a feature called Things We Failed To Mention. I then realized that it had been a long time since we heard from "callers" like Da Pope, Jumbo The Elephant, Mister Obvious, or when The Electric Amish were featured. That was the work of longtime show producer, Dean Metcalf, who retired. Singer/comedian Pat Godwin was brought on a few years beforehand.

I would set my alarm clock radio to the station carrying the show to start my work day. Now retired myself, I tuned in recently to find the show still plugging along with mostly commentaries and topical discussions. I'm not certain they'll sell many compilation CDs based on that content.

I planned to be on the road by 0830 Friday morning and met that mark. With a full fuel tank and a Big Gulp, I roll South down I-75. There was a traffic snarl North of Flint due to construction, then another construction zone South of Flint but no one heeds the 60-mph speed limit. My "60" doesn't match their "60". I mistakenly turn onto I-96 but get back on track thanks to the NAV, arriving at the convention center before 1100. Finding the now gated, paved lot full, I am directed to a sod overflow lot, almost a quarter mile away, to park for the princely sum of just $15. I hike in, get my badge, and reconnoiter the place and take photos. Opening ceremonies run a bit late but got to see GOH "KP" and Fooma, albeit at some distance. I return to the vehicle to dine on sardines and crackers.

Attired as Rocket in CCV coveralls, I attend the Meet The GOH panel to the delight of the hosts. KP gave an amazing account of his experiences in the fandom--including an interview with some rascally radio personalities. Following the presentation, we gathered outside of the auditorium for an informal chat and photos. Ezra was "nomming" on my prop rocket as it balanced on Rocket's muzzle! It would be the only personal encounter I'd have with KP and Fooma this weekend unfortunately. Later, Uncle Kage was the recipient of some wine-related items. No tinfoil bottle caps for you sir!

The half-mile round trip each time to change costumes or grab puppets was rather taxing. The weather was also an issue as random rain showers resulted in no outdoor component for the fursuit parade. I should have brought my Swiss military rain cape, but the roll-up French army rain parka was good enough. The parka wasn't Gore-Tex, so it could get sticky if worn too long. Made a circuit of Dealer's Den, Artist's Alley, and the Game Room but found nothing I couldn't live without or create at home. Sponsor's Lounge has been a non-starter since several varieties of adult beverages were added, which ramped up the price of admission. So, I just get something at the luncheon in the lobby. Had a supper of Nachos and a pop with an oatmeal cookie this time. Time passes differently at the con, and I had to remind myself what day it was. As daylight waned, I departed for my hotel a few miles away.

Booked a room at Day's Inn for one night--a two star hotel--so I wasn't expecting much. My room was on the second floor and a bit of a hike to reach my lodgings. After dropping off my attache bag, a side entrance was located nearby and my vehicle was relocated there. Two large cottontails were feeding nearby and non-plussed by my arrival. In three trips, my stuff was moved up to the room for the night. Wi-Fi was spotty, so I showered and settled in for an 0700 wakeup. At about 0300, I was awakened by a loud guest perhaps returning from the bar. Breakfast was okay--grabbed a cinnamon roll, a banana, and some OJ after moving a few things out to the car. The noisier item--my fursuit box would be last to go out. Bear in mind now that there were no elevators, but at least the stairways were shallow-inclined. Pulled on my fursuiting base layer before checking out.

Returning to the convention center just before 1100, I parked in the same spot as before then dragged my fursuit box to the headless lounge. Made a circuit of the ground floor to see what everyone was doing. Started setting up the coyote's cooling system and started to suit up. Instant cold packs, four in total, were activated in a mesh vest which could hold eight. Given the delays, I should've gone with a full load. The fursuit parade was delayed as thet couldn't find Keet Collie who was usually our leader dog. After the group photo was organized, we made a circuit of the ground floor, returned to Main Events, then disbursed. My contact told me that some of MI CAP wing staff would be present for the parade, but he said that last year too. I returned to the headless lounge to cool off and hydrate, then had a late lunch. Attended the Fursuiting for Charity panel and shared one of my life hacks. Puttered around the con some more and grabbed a juice and chilled outdoors to enjoy a impromptu flute session, resisting the urge to request the solo from Hocus Pocus by Focus.

Wandered around some more, hoping to run into some familiar furries until the plushie, inflatables, and puppets panel before heading out for Taco Bell and homeward bound. One disappointment, but not a surprise, is that no one regarded the con theme in that there were no cosplays of any characters from Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy--unless you count the attempts at Pan Galactic Gargle-Blasters.

Just learn that I was named CAP Public Affairs Officer of The Year for the region! Next level is national with a trip to Phoenix to accept the award at the conference. They may want to meet Rocket too. We'll see.

Rocket made his second appearance at this popular event this weekend. Parking was a challenge, but we still managed to get as close to the building as when visiting on a weekday. A tour of the venue was carried out before lunchtime and suiting up. As Rocket the fursuit is less than 60% made by me, there would be a disqualification. However, a fellow greymuzzle had an excellent chance of winning some distinction. This is a fur-friendly event, and the attendees are quite well-behaved.
After lunch out in the parking lot, it was time for Rocket to make an entrance. Mounting the rigid tail was a struggle as it is heavy and must be positioned to curl away from the body. Plus locating the tail opening in the suit takes effort, but the end results are worth it. Moments upon entering the mall, I was being asked to pose for photos. It comes with the territory. I try to take a knee so the photographer need not back up to frame and compose the shot, all with people milling about. They appreciate the effort.
Besides supporting the local furries at the event, Rocket's resoled foot-paws needed to be tested. Several circuits of the mall were carried out without any issues. The anti-fatigue mat material and glue joints held up quite nicely.

It was recently posted that this old howler was named Public Affairs Officer of The Year 2024 for Michigan Wing Civil Air Patrol. It was a busy year for me. It's likely that posting video contributions to a certain Kissimmee, Florida-based puppet show (FPS) pushed the nomination over the top. The award will be presented at the upcoming wing conference next month.

Tried coconut soda for the first time last week. It was certainly different, and not something I would normally drink. Poured it into a glass with an ice cube. Tastes like a cream soda. Paid a dime for it, plus deposit, from the salvage food store here. Next time, I'll make a coconut float. It'll be epic!

My retired brother and I were at the assisted living facility yesterday afternoon for about an hour to visit with Mom. She had fallen a couple of times during the week and was now limited to using a walker or a wheelchair. Both of us were there on Wednesday to swap out her bed for a hospital bed which could be adjusted. She only got one night's use out of it.
Mom refused a pacemaker, her heartbeat was irregular, which resulted in her visit to the emergency room a few weeks ago. Fr. Jose from the parish came and offered Anointing of The Sick. After that, she was returned to the home and hospice protocols were followed. She actually went bowling a few days afterward. Last night the end came after staff got her into bed. She died with a smile on her face.

My faithful feline companion of twenty years passed on last night. Stormy was born in a monument shop on the edge of town, and the pick of the litter. Strictly an indoor cat, her attempts at mousing consisted of nuzzling them into submission--with at least five to her credit. She loved canned cat food, chili, cooked fish, and meat scraps when not basking in the sun, catnapping, or bossing me around. Her preferred bed was a cardboard box containing a floppy plush unicorn bought at a yard sale in Freeland, MI. There were a number of napping spots--some with milsurp wool blankets. She preferred to drink from a recycled "dream whip" bowl before considering the stainless steel bowl. Stormy will be missed.

I try to attend one Southern Michigan Furbowl each year as one convention (MCFC) is not enough. It's about one hundred miles one-way to the event--some of it through congested areas and construction zones. Then add the fuel costs, but hey--it's a fun event. This month's bowling meet was special on account of The Holidays. I have the location on my car navigation but the system's been wonky--maps are not available or blocked. Actually, I have two different bowling alleys on file, so picked the one listed as 92 miles distant. Gave myself about two hours to get there. Wrote down directions, but couldn't read them in the dark.

NAV was working okay it seemed, at least for the main roads. But when the indicated route was taking me South of Farmington Hills on M-3, I realized the wrong destination was selected. Even when the proper one was chosen, it only got me within a mile of the bowling alley. When 9-Mile was located manually, vocal prompts "Arriving at destination" was realized. The parking lot was packed, but there were some spots in back and it was a short walk to the side entrance. As noted, the place was packed as there were other gatherings aside from the furries.

Every lane seemed to be in use and it was a friendly crowd throughout. Exchanged greeting with many people and officially checked in. Bought a Pepsi at the snack counter and used one of the party straws kept in a special caddy. Had to be careful to not get brain freeze as that drink was ice cold! It was a source of amusement for the host to observe the process. Chatted up several fursuiters recognized from meets throughout the year. Participated in the Secret Santa Gift Exchange and went home with a set of ear buds and a puzzle as my name was drawn twice. My gift for the exchange was a gas station $20 gift card btw--wrapped in an origami box of scrapbook paper. I'll probably regift the puzzle though.

Hit the road for home moments before midnight. The NAV took me up M-24 for about 40 miles to I-75. Were it not for the 35-45 MPH speed limits and traffic lights, this would've been a simpler route to the bowling alley. It was rather scenic though, passing by a few lakes which were like glass under the cloudy sky with reflections of Christmas lights. Rolled into the home driveway at 0145. Noted some frozen snow pellets on the patio.

For tonight's Thanksgiving theme show, RTC Productions has gone all out! Four presentations have been submitted to the Funday Pawpet Show--the longest running show on the internet. These usually appear in the final hour of the program. Always fun to catch the reactions of the hosts and guests as these run live.

FPS runs 6 to 10 PM EST on Twitch by the way.

In case you wonder what do with my video clips...

[yt]https://www.youtube.com/live/xHeM_p.....p;t=11281[/yt]

My Mom, who's pushing ninety, was placed into an assisted living facility six weeks ago. Memory and mobility issues led the family to make the decision to move her out of the house. She even agreed to be put in assisted living and the house to be sold. We spent an entire weekend clearing out the place. The home was on the market for two weeks when an offer was made--it sold for $105K. Upon learning this, she was amazed at the amount. Now she has become upset at everything we've done so far.

This evening I've had several hangup calls that I'm aware of as she hates answering machines. My "big" brother--who is handling Mom's affairs- has had over 40 calls. The rollercoaster ride continues.

I attended my first event at the Ypsilanti Eagle Crest Marriott in 1999. It was a state-level Civil Air Patrol conference. The general assembly was held in the same room as the MCFC Sponsor's Lounge. Had French Onion Soup for lunch, as it was the cheapest item on the menu. I was told that I was nominated for an award which was never presented btw.

MCFC recently posted they're accepting registrations now. This has been my main/only furry convention for the past decade and I try to get the most out of it. While registration fees remain unchanged, something new has been added--a daily parking fee of $15! That is not a typo friends. It's not known if this fee also applies to guests staying at the Marriott which is hosting the event.

Normally, I would book a room at a nearby hotel and spend the whole weekend in Ypsilanti, but I'll be darned to spend an extra $45 to do it. Nor do I wish to walk a quarter-mile in costume to reach the event, but that's what so many attendees will likely be doing. A truncated visit/day trip on Saturday may be the ticket. It's about a two-hour drive to get there. Still waiting on announcements for GOH and con charity. There you have it.

A 30-year Army veteran, retired Colonel and aviator. I think he goes by Pup Ravage...

[yt]https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxPE-PAg.....gXE1DF7cV[/yt]

I was hoping to get my cellar entrance water damage addressed this Summer. The contractor who was commissioned for $3000 to tackle the project retired due to health issues. No money changed hands though. A local contractor working in concrete posted on FB that he was looking for small weekend concrete jobs on a local complaint page. It looks like the post was removed by a moderator. I'll be checking the job board on the next visit to Menard's.

Last week, one of my best friends had open heart surgery--a quadruple bypass in fact. It was successful, and he's out of ICU and now in therapy. He's experiencing pain but still manages to post on social media. In fact, he's asked me to bird dog a used single-shot 20 gauge shotgun for his grand daughter on the high school trap team. Already located a couple H&R Toppers and an NEF.

This weekend we began moving Mom's things into her apartment at the assisted living facility. This has been in the planning for about 18 months. She's objecting to the move, though she's also said that she needs to go. She'll be 89 this weekend and it's my turn to take her to Mass. We'll be celebrating her birthday upon returning. I found a box of Godiva chocolates at the salvage food store, but we're used to second-quality Godivas.

On a lighter note: Camp Feral just concluded, also IFC, but the former bears some significance due to the Jonny Quest cartoon recently run on Me TV Toons. Season 1, Episode 16--"Werewolf of The Timberlands" Which is set in Ontario and involves fursuiting. Hmm.

Completed another trip around the Sun last Saturday. Spent it with local fursuiters at the Mid Michigan Enchanted Forest. A great time was had by all.

The strange part of that weekend was that aside from immediate family, the only other birthday greetings came from Ye Old Rocketry Forum (which I haven't used in ages) and from my retirement plan person. My godson sent me a card with an Applebee's gift card. I've never been to one and would need to cross two townships to get there. Darn.

Looks like the crew is still recovering from Anthrocon, possibly con crud. So no Funday Pawpet Show tonight. I submitted several videos btw, and you'll have to hold out another week to see them.

It seems to get so quiet on the furry media this time of year! At a recent local furmeet, someone asked me if I was going to Anthrocon. I laid out the conditions for compliance--one of which was winning the state lottery. I'd mention the other, but it might jinx the opportunity. AC always looks to be a great time and I've met Uncle Kage a few times during his visits to MCFC. However, my desire for the event will have to be satisfied by any images or video to be posted soon.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and trouble-free experience. By coincidence, there's a CAP Summer Encampment graduation ceremony and parade this Saturday, but "Colonel Coyote" is not invited. So I'll watch the AC fursuit parade instead!

Pouring over the qualifications for the PPP (Pretty Piece of Paper) offered for milestones in public affairs required an MBA to decipher. Metrics? Branding? Embedded metadata? Marketing? Headquarters will just have to be content that there's a unit outperforming others in public appearances, social media, and has PSAs airing. We're volunteers with limited resources after all. Read the Form 120 past Section 5 next time!

Just a brief expression of thanks for all the friends and "relatives" I never realized were out there until becoming active in the Fandom. I wish I could meet all of you in person someday. That is all. Thank you!

They've finally posted award criteria for the public affairs awards for the all-volunteer, military-style, aviation-related, search-and-rescue organization of which I have been a member lo these many years. It looks like five categories are offered, and each has at least a half-dozen hurdles to clear just to qualify for entry. Plus they must be cleared at the state level. Is there a cash prize involved? Nope. Is there an all-expense-paid trip to the national conference--in San Antone--this year? Nope. Will recipient of said award receive any recognition at the state level? Not sure, last year the local unit commander earned one, but you wouldn't know it from all the (lack of) hoopla.

Nothing I like better that writing soliloquies to explain stuff that happened last year, for honors I stand a snowball's chance on Mercury of earning. The cards are against me, but I'll try anyway. My motivation--to make my detractors eat a crap sandwich. I've already earned the award four consecutive times! One more and I'm an ACE.

A bit of a travel ordeal in reaching the site of MCFC this weekend. Made it to Ypsilanti in time for opening ceremonies despite a traffic detour. Fursuited RTC in partial using the jumpsuit, following my model rocketry panel and got help from con staff to set it up. Had a modest turnout for the panel. We couldn't get the sound working, so I had to narrate the video clips.
Exiting the con for the night, I discovered that my vehicle navigation was not working and I would not be able to find my hotel with much certainty. So I bumbled into the hotel of the same chain, a short distance from the con, to seek guidance. Got to within a click of my lodgings when I took a wrong turn. Following a jaunt of a few miles, it was decided to reverse course. I checked in with a half-hour of my stated time. Checked in, unloaded, and headed to the nearest McD's for a late supper.
They must've been shorthanded as there was at least a ten minute wait. The driver ahead of me became impatient and bolted.

Two weeks to go until the Motor City Furry Convention in Ypsilanti, MI and I'm a presenter! They're offering double work hours for presenters this year. Hopefully I'll be able to access the Sponsor's Lounge for lunch and dinner. Taking Friday off as a travel day and looking forward to seeing a lot of fursuits and cosplayers--especially the MI RenFest group. I'll be running my panel Friday afternoon and it doesn't look like I'm up against any heavy hitters. So maybe attendance will be up.

Took a spill during the parade here last week and fell flat on my back on the pavement, just a dozen yards shy of the reviewing stand. A bit sore and got the wind knocked out of me, but recovered with no lasting effects. My ride was having tire noise issues, or so I thought. I had purchased a new set of tires last month and got a free rotation with a recent oil change, but the noise issue remained. Thought an alignment was needed, though there was no steering issues. A bit of research and considered a likely wheel bearing problem. Stopped at several service garages, but none could take me in right then. Went to a dealership where it was serviced a few times, but had to make an appointment. So it was serviced mid-week at another garage I had used in the past.
They swapped the bad bearing out in 45 minutes though it set me back $440 as I opted for the premium replacement product.

It was a jolt to learn that the webcomic forums of Ralph Hayes, Jr. have been out of service for almost two weeks now. A number of the original forumites have moved on, but there have been a few trolls. Perhaps the site was recently hacked.

Mom's having memory issues and we took her car keys away after her most recent fall. The doctor says she shouldn't drive. Four attempts have been made to move her into assisted living--the latest was to be early March. My brother--who has power of attorney--had made the arrangements and asked the rest of the family to take a few days off to help with the move. This week at work, I had to take someone out to my assigned sample sites so they could take over in my absence. I may be doing it again next week, but that may be scuttled upon this new wrinkle.

I had planned to attend a nearby comicon which is furry-friendly. It was the same weekend as the move for Mom. Though Mom's staying put for now, that's off. However, one of my dear cousins had checked into hospice and within a week had passed away. Her funeral Mass will be next Saturday with lunch to follow. Mom isn't going as she hates funerals. Weather-permitting, I'll fursuit at the Midland Mall on the following Sunday. It'll be my first fursuit appearance of the year. Unless...