I know this is a cat blog, but the felines will not be featured in today’s Thankful Thursday post. I do know, however, if they understood what was happening, they would be standing on their hind legs giving their dad a big round of APAWS. I hope my readers will forgive me for going in a different direction today.

Tom Blue (L) receives “Frier” Award from USA Volleyball
Last night, Kitties Blue Dad, Tom, was recognized for more than a quarter century of devoted service to USA Volleyball and FIVB (Federation of International Volleyball) when he received the prestigious Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, the top organizational award given by USAV, at the 69th Annual Dorothy C. Boyce Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
In accepting the award, Kitties Blue Dad said, “I am overwhelmed – USA Volleyball’s been a big part of my life. I am sorry Janet wasn’t here tonight. She supported me through 25 years of gallivanting around the world for USA Volleyball and FIVB. She was significant in her work for USA Volleyball.”
Needless to say, I am super proud of him. I did know he was receiving the award, and I had been given the opportunity to fly to Phoenix to surprise him. However, I never would have been able to keep the secret if I had been “missing” for the day I was traveling. Kitties Blue Dad would have been worried out of his mind if he couldn’t reach me. And it seems I made the right decision as I am still suffering terribly from the scorpion sting I received at BlogPaws.
I will always be sad that I missed this big event, but no less thrilled for Tom. I hope my readers will join the kitties and me in congratulating him.
If you have any interest in reading the entire story about the award and presentation, you can do so by clicking this link: USA Volleyball Honors Tom Blue.
Congrats 🙂
ConCats to the Kitties Blue Dad!!
We hope your Mom feels better soon!
The Florida Furkids with extra smoochies to Mau from Allie
Wow! Super big congratulations to Kitties Blue Dad! We know they are all proud of him.
BIG congrats to the Kitties Blue Dad!!!
What a wonderful honor.
We’re so sorry to hear you are still suffering from that nasty scorpion sting!
Sending many purrs your way.
xoxoxo
Congratulations to Dad Tom! What wonderful recognition of all you have done for the sport of volleyball. We’re very proud of you!
A HUGE round of appaws from all of us at the Lounge!
Mommy has been worried about the scorpion sting–she was stung once but it was less than a bee sting, she says.
Concatulations on the award x
Wowee! Concatulations to you dad brofur and sisfurs! That’s pawesome! What an honour and it sounds very well deserved! I hope the nasty sting pain goes away very soon for your mum. Bisous from your brofur
Wow! Concats to Kitty Dad Tom for a job done very well over many years! It’s a shame you couldn’t have been there too, and we are still purring for you and your ankle. You are justly very proud!
BIG HUGS AND A BIG CONCATULATIONS TO DADDY BLUE! We are so excited for him and your family. What a terrific honor. Thanks for sharing this big news with us 🙂
However, we are sorry to hear that you are still suffering from that scorpion sting! That must have been a monster of a scorpion! We are purring and praying for you and hoping for a speedier recovery.
Sampson sends lots of kitty-kisses to Astrid. He is still on cloud-nine from their date, and he is happy to know that Astrid enjoyed herself as well. He gives her paw pats and nuzzles for standing up for herself and chasing Calista Jo! Way to go, Astrid!! He also says that Astrid is the most amazing and beautiful kitty in the whole world.
Hugs and love to all from the rest of us!
P.S. We just read the article about Daddy Blue. So many great accomplishments! Very cool. Concatulations again!
Now that is an awesome award and a wonderful achievement 🙂 sport…music..art these are the things that save many a child from becoming lost to really bad life choices..hey can never be underestimated in the good they do! So congratulations To your dad kitties and so lovely to see dedication rewarded…sorry mum had to miss out and I do hope her poor ouchie is better soon! again congrats and hugs Fozziemum and the whole gang xxx
OMC Meez is so faw behind tuday. But, a meowsy big ConCatulations tu Daddy Blue!!!! Dat’s weally pawsum!! 🙂
Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses ♥♥♥
Dezi
Congratulations to your dad for receiving such a prestigious award! Too bad your mom couldn’t be there, but that meant she got to stay home with you.
Congratulations what an accomplishment!!
Concatulations “Dad Tom” on your pawsome award. I’m sure all the Kitties Blue are very proud of your achievement. I hope Mom Janet starts feeling better soon. Sending healing warm purrs to you Mom Janet.
CS Charles
Congratulations to him! It is wonderful to be recognized for your hard work and devotion. Yay!
Hope you feel better too.
Winter
Concatulations to your dad Tom on his award! That’s a wonderful honor! We’re sorry your mom couldn’t make it but we’re glad she’s with all of you so you can help her heal up from that nasty scorpion bite. Give her our purrs!
We sure are glad that Tom was rewarded for all of his dedication and hard work. A huge congratulations!! That is pawsome. So sorry that you are still dealing with the effects of the scorpion bite. I hope you are better.
Oh my goodness, that is super duper wonderful! Congrats Mr. Tom, we are all very proud of you!
Yay Tom! Great job and I bet there are a lot of people who he has helped in the VB community who agree!
Purrs on that ankle! Wow those stings are nasty
Wow, concatulations to your dad Tom !! Purrs
A HUGE congratulations to Kitties Blue Dad Tom…….what a wonderful thing to be recognized and it’s just even BETTER that it’s for something he loves. Hopefully you’ll begin to get better from that sting – didn’t really know much about the effects of that sort of injury until it happened to you but obviously it’s a significant thing……and I’m so glad you’re alright!
Hugs, Pam (and Sam)
That is SO cool! Congrats to the the Kitties Blue Dad!!
Congratulations to the Dad!
So sorry about the scorpion bite. That was *not* on the BlogPaws agenda. Hope you feel better soon.
–Purrs (and wags) from Life with Dogs and Cats
A HUGE congratulations to you male human! That is so awesome!
concat to Tom!!!
Congratulations to your hubby Janet!!!
This makes that trip worthwhile…Tom’s; not yours so much…lol…
Love you, Sherri-Ellen & Nylablue xoxoxo
You are right to be proud! What an achievement! Well done to Dad Blue 🙂 Me and mum really hope you feel better soon from the sting xox
Congratulations to Kitties Blue Dad, that is wonderful! Sorry that you weren’t there with him but we know that you are very proud. Hope that you are feeling better.
Congrats Congrats to Daddy Blue!! That s a wonderful honor! Kudos to YOU as well for your patience and support. I am so sorry you weren’t well enough to attend your husband receiving such a great honor. I am sure he will love this post! Hoping you are feeling better soon!
What a wonderful award. We are very happy to congratulate Kitties Blue’s Dad for his award. So many years of helping others… That’s something to be congratulated for….. Wonderful.
hugs, Bugsy and Knuckles
Concats to the Dad Blue. TW used to love volleyball in high school cos it was one of the sports she was real good at. She loved sports but was pretty mediocre at most; however her arm would get tried serving volleyball. Too bad Mom Blue couldn’t be there. Did he fly Jet Blue? Sorry, couldn’t resist that.
Well done to The Dad and congratulation and bravo. We are doing a happy dance over here. Nice one. Have a tremendous Thursday.
Best wishes Molly
A big round of appawse for Kitty Blues Daddy!
The REAL Maple Syrup Mob xxxxx
guys….way awesum that yur dad bee honored thiz way….thiz iz like mega kewl…we noe yur mom
N all de kitties blue …….bee veree veree veree happee for him !!! YAY !!!!!! high paws & headbonks two ewe mizter Blue…rock on dood 🙂
Con-cat-ulations on the award! We all do a few other things aside from providing devoted service our cats. Somehow I missed the scorpion bite, though! Hope it heals soon!
Well, that is a fun award! Congratulations to “The Dad”!