it's all about the people--some amazing and talented and friendly people here. Even the "others" provide additional entertainment value and challenge the system. As someone who didn't particularly care for people (more into wildlife), this was a great way to break down the barriers and misconceptions and meet some truly amazing people. Of course the first FTer I met was Rudi and his lovely wife Gisela so that went a long way to dispelling any myths about the crazies on the internet. Such a gracious and travelled couple.

Then there was the original PiP (who could forget that) and Asheville, Dusseldorf, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Tucson and individual meetings in Ottawa, London, Paris, Chicago, Hong Kong, Beijing, New York, San Francisco etc etc. Then there were unforgettable adventures to Wengen, St. Gallen and Zurich with Rudi and Gisela and the quiet dinners and Opus One with Catman in New York and great local fare with Old Gold and Cathy in Tucson!

Last week was my first Freddies and on it goes!

Who can believe 10 years can blow by so quickly. Looking forward to the next couple of decades to see where FT and its members are.^