February 21, 2016: A trip down memory lane with you!

Last week, I almost convinced Akemi that we should adopt a senior pug.  More to the point – I did convince her that we should adopt THIS 10 year, 9 lb bundle of joy –

It seemed such a sure thing that Akemi was entertaining a possible name change to Konatsu (a type of Japanese orange) while I was considering how to break the news to our sometime travel companion (and blog regular) Jeff who could be charged with escorting the newest addition to our family on our next Toronto trip. Sadly, however, things did not work out.  Apparently the old gal has a bit of a temper and doesn’t play well with others – specifically, other dogs.  And, even more specifically, other dogs who tend to roam too closer to her food bowl (which Bubba has been known to do on occasion).

So, no Konatsu for us.  I am truly bummed.

Hey, speaking of Jeff – he’s been a long-time blog regular and, the last time he was in town, I decided to find out how long.  As it turned out, over six years.  His first post was on January 27th, 2010 and started: “I’ve only recently started reading your blog, so I’ll apologize in advance if I’m covering old ground, or if I’m out of step with the current backstory.” before going on to discuss Black and White sausage, haggis, and, of course, Stargate.

Intrigued, I decided to check out a few other regulars.

dasNdanger – who hasn’t been coming around as regularly because she wants to avoid spoilers – started posting back January 22nd of 2008 (Over eight years ago!) with a comment that began: “Hiya, Joe…  Cute pup.  I’m new to the fandom…” And, tellingly: “… despite my husband watching SGA from the beginning, I was only sucked in by Common Ground – excellent episode – and now watch mostly because of Todd. Love the character, and his shaky alliance with the SG team.”  The beginning of a looooong love affair.

gforce – feels like he’s been around forever but, in truth, Gary has been around since November 27th, 2009 when he dropped a quick message to  let me know how much he was enjoying my Tokyo gastronomic travelogue.  He came for the Japanese food, but stayed for the Stargate.

ponytail – One of this blog’s most prolific posters started weighing in back on August 13th, 2008, with a comment on Stargate: Atlantis and then, a week later, expressing her outrage at the show’s cancellation.

Tam Dixon – August 7th, 2009.  Let me know how impressed she was with my diet dedication – and how perfectly okay it is to make a couple of bites of chocolate part of your daily regimen.

PBMom – January 8th, 2009, Hilda introduced herself as a blogger for Fox 26’s “Your Family Matters” news segment – and, over the years, we’ve gotten to know her, her husband and, of course, her son Patrick who, despite his challenges, has come such a long way in such a seemingly short time.

Sparrow_hawk – and fellow avid reader started posting here on December 14th, 2008, with a post about anime, CG, and, of course, books (Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls, and Beowulf!).

Going AAAAALLL the way back to my earliest of early days, I see a few familiar names, among them…

Carolina – Left a comment on my very first post, aptly titled “The Beginning” back November 21st, 2006.  Although she’s now an infrequent poster, we still keep in touch via email.  In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, I sent a few recommendations her way in advance of her planned trip to Tokyo.

And just looking back over the past day’s comments, here are a few posters, newbies and veterans alike, and their respective “start dates”:

KathyC – September 28, 20013: Gave The Ladies #1 Detective Agency the thumbs up.

DebraDownsth – August 17, 2007: Inquired about an ascended Daniel.

Ganymede – June 20, 2008: Invited me to Polaris22

Maggie L80 – August 27, 2015: Just started watching Dark Matter!

Duptiang – December 7, 2010: Weighed in on my Narita travel experience.

And so many more.

Do you remember your first comment to this blog?