Al called me today and we spoke for a long time about life, challenges and things that are important. Like most everyone I have had to deal with some personal and business challenges. The important thing is that I'm on the right side of the grass!

There might be some new guys (and gals) that may wonder who the hell I am and what this is about. Instead of answering this let me tell you about the men and women here.

From CS to CA there have been and are a group of men and women who have called me there friend. They are responsible for everything I know about the leaf and more importantly for enriching my life with there love and unselfish giving and support. You know who you are and I love you.

CA is not about cigars, its about the people. They give freely of themselves and ask nothing in return. They may bust your chops, but don't ever mess with there friends. Respect and trust are tenuous gifts and I am the richest man on earth. They tolerated my passion and supported my efforts in spite of me.

I never did know much about cigars except I knew what I liked. I have smoked rare, collectable and expensive cigars because I was gifted these opportunities. It was like giving a fine wine to a drunk who simply guzzled it down… :-) But they did it anyway because they enjoyed giving of themselves. They taught me unselfishness.

I am so very thankful to see the troop support efforts continuing in there rich tradition, but I knew they would. Hugh is a good man.

I'm now an official leach****. I applied for my social security last week. I tried to wait until I was 70, but...life happens.

So a big hug to all of you bastiges!

Fred

(FYI, I don't own a cigar and I had to stop smoking them some time ago. I mention this because I won't be able to bomb your azz like the old days.)
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Hi Fred
Dave here a new fish to CA but not to forums or troops support. It is my pleasure Sir!

Dave
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It's truly wonderful to see you here, Fred.
I, for one, have missed you.
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Great post and good to see you back.
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Count me among the hundreds who have missed you, Fred. I am glad to hear you are doing alright, and sure hope our paths cross again in this crazy thing called life.
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Good To Hear From You, Fred!:-) May God Bless You & Your Family, Brother!:-)
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All the best my friend!
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Welcome back buddy! :-)
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There is almost nothing that could happen today that would make me happier than I am right now after reading your post, Fred. So so happy to hear from you, my friend.
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:tpd
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Glad to see you back Fred...we missed you brother!! :-)
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Fred, I'm so very happy you came back to visit, you were missed by many. I'm glad you're doing alright. Keep the good spirits, brother!
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Right back at ya Fred!! Great to hear from you!
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New here to Fred so I don't know you but I look forward to catching up. The one line on your post that rings louder than most "CA is not about cigars, its about the People."

I know, thru the Asylum, I have met some great Brothers and look forward to their life long friendship. :-)
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Great hearing from ya, Fred, glad you're on the right side of the grass!
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Hi Fred! Nice to see you post, sir.
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Glad to see you're still around! Stop by more often!
Wishing you all the best Fred!!
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Salutes, Fred. Great to see you posting again.
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My kind of people! :-)
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Thanks for the update dear friend! Don't be a stranger!
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