As we all deal with the loss of Rick Harrison, I find great solace in reading some of his past diaries. You can find the full list of them here. One of the qualities I loved most about Rick was that he was not dogmatic and had willingness, actually an eagerness to learn new things and have his own ideas challenged. It's my thought, perhaps a little vainly, that this is why he came and stayed here. That perhaps he found a community of like-minded people just trying to figure life (and politics) out.

My personal favorite will always be Friday Cat Slagging. Rick loved dogs, and loved teasing me and Tina about our love of cats and cute pictures of cats. Out of that good natured ribbing came Friday Cat Slagging, a collection of cat pictures designed to show cats in the worst possible light. Rick did it well and with panache. I'm not sure if we'll continue Cat Slagging in his memory or not, but I know this: Friday's around here won't be the same without him.

Rick's taste in music was wonderful. He seemed to love all kinds of music, adhering to the old adage that there are only two types of music: good and bad. His Saturday Night Jukebox posts will be missed as well. So will his recommendations. When I hear the Martin Sexton songs on my iPod now I feel a real tinge of loss and have a better understanding of Rick. If you ask me, he and Don were real soul mates when it came to music.

Rick loved his family and wrote about them often. This post on Dem nomination night, for his daughter, is especially poignant in light of his early passing. And this post was an Agonista favorite as well. One many of us could relate to, and one, once again, showing how much family meant to Rick.

But my personal favorite is this one. Humor, profanity and family all mixed together for the holidays. Rick, Godspeed my friend, we will miss you.