HAIL and FAREWELL but NEVER GOODBYE!!

Well, doggone it, everyone is so fond of the old canard, "The only constant in life is change." but that doesn't mean we have to like it.

And we don't!

After a marvelous time of a bit more than five years, our good and dear friend and treasure, Bob Lore has decided it's 'GrandKids' time.Bob and Missus Barbara are heading up toward Charlotte way in order to make the trips hither and yon in whatever direction all the grandchildren are a bit more equitable and even.

Their gain is our distinct loss. We will miss him enormously.

As has just about always been my good fortune, Bob came to us out of left field, a delightful and unexpected gift.

His daughter Terry asked me one evening at a kids' school event if her Daddy could come and visit with me. He had just retired and had some background in the kind of work we did. He was growing a little restless and antsy and she wondered if maybe I could help him find something or point him in a direction that would help smooth his way a bit. I said, "Sure, Why not, Get him to call me."

And he did. And we set a time for him to visit.

He was (and Is) just great!  Affable, smart, funny, energetic, thoughtful, diligent, he was a charmer. A long-time senior claims adjuster with a couple of stellar, nationally recognized liability outfits, a man with an accomplished career, he was completely tuned in to what we were doing plus he was a sports nut, knew about as many lawyers in North Carolina as I did, was a dead wringer for the fine actor Keenan Wynn and was a fine listener and intuitive thinker.

Indeed, I pointed him in a direction where he could find a littlke something to do. I connned him into working with us. Thank Goodness he took the bait.

We've had a fine time of it and his help has been always generous, thoughful, on the mark and engaging.

And too, I would be remiss if I didn't note a few of our combined office follies such as, Catch Bob With His Mitts Stuffed In The Candy Bowl, Watch Bob's Head Heal After The Deer Stand Won, Watch Bob Stare At The Computer and Marvel At Bob While He Listens To Yet Another Doozy Of A Tale From A Nut, just to name a few ;)

He has interviewed, tracked down, analysed, sought out, taken notes, prepared memos, run errands, made copies, taken pictures, brainstormed, listened, listened, listened and I do not believe we've ever had a sour note. If so, it was of such minimal consequence that it evaporated in about three seconds. His help has not only been helpful, it has been, well dammit, Fun.

So, we'll miss you Robert Lore, Case Analyst Without Compare.

May you and Barbara and all your brood have a ball and continue to leave 'em laughing.

We bow in your specific direction.

On behalf of all of us, I send Many, many, many Heartfelt Thanks!!!!

God Bless and Godspeed Always.