Monday, July 02, 2012
My zinnias, which I started from seed, are blooming in the backyard. I don't expect them to survive the wretched heat much longer.
I don't have to worry about hot showers because my water heater died. Eight-years-old. I guess I got a lot of use out of it.
Orange zinnia.
I'm refinancing my house- interest rate drops down to four percent. When I bought the house back in 1999, it was at 7.75. I will be paying extra each month in an attempt to have it all paid off in seven or eight years.
The trip to Flagstaff was easy. It is was also hot and dry there. Evan's garden is going crazy but I forgot to photo it. We drove to town to do errands.
We made a pineapple mango chutney upsidedown cake.
My banjo skills are improving and I am figuring out how to read sheet music. It is pretty crazy.
Pink zinnia.
I'm refinancing my house- interest rate drops down to four percent. When I bought the house back in 1999, it was at 7.75. I will be paying extra each month in an attempt to have it all paid off in seven or eight years.
The trip to Flagstaff was easy. It is was also hot and dry there. Evan's garden is going crazy but I forgot to photo it. We drove to town to do errands.
Driving.
We went to a Mexican restaurant and had good food. The Mexican restaurant that everyone talks about there is awful.
Of course I can't remember its name.
It was yummy.
My attempts to make vanilla ice cream to go with it were unsuccessful.
Evan cranking.
We ended up having vanilla milk shakes instead.
My banjo skills are improving and I am figuring out how to read sheet music. It is pretty crazy.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
So a gay Libertarian says to me First the mustache SO not in fashion anymore...Secondly I respect what gay activists have done in the past...but it morphed in to something that is killing us now...Believe it or not, some of us gays have FAMILIES that we need to take care of...SO I will vote my pocket book...you can vote on queer causes that mean NOTHING if we don't have economic freedom...but some of you gays can't think beyond your penis!
The self-hatred of gay Republicans/Libertarians always surprises me. I remember when I was co-chair of the LGBT group up at Arizona State University, there was this one guy who would come to meetings and try to bring everyone else down by telling us that if he had that magic pill, he would take it and instantly be straight.
There will always be "house faggots," as Dan Savage has eloquently said. Gay men who care only about money, appearance, and social standing. They complain about the activists, while enjoying the ability to live their lives because of what the activists did. So glad I escaped that way of life.
Christopher's portrait of me.
The self-hatred of gay Republicans/Libertarians always surprises me. I remember when I was co-chair of the LGBT group up at Arizona State University, there was this one guy who would come to meetings and try to bring everyone else down by telling us that if he had that magic pill, he would take it and instantly be straight.
There will always be "house faggots," as Dan Savage has eloquently said. Gay men who care only about money, appearance, and social standing. They complain about the activists, while enjoying the ability to live their lives because of what the activists did. So glad I escaped that way of life.
Christopher's portrait of me.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Summer has arrived and it is hot as hell. Patrick invited me over to play in his cattle tank. But first I made cake- white cake from Better Homes & Garden cookbook, basically it tastes like a sugar cookie (has the same ingredients) with vanilla whipped cream and fresh raspberries on top.
Delicious cake.
I admired the yellow water lily in Patrick's goldfish tank.
Homer and Patrick.
And we had some more beers.
Beers!
I was a bit tipsy and had to wait around for a long time afterward to sober up. It was a lovely afternoon. Maybe someday I'll have a house with a pool and I could have nice pool parties.
Splash!
I admired the yellow water lily in Patrick's goldfish tank.
Water lily.
And then Patrick filled up the cattle tank and we climbed in. Oh the wonderful cool water. We had some beers and talked and talked about many different things.
And we had some more beers.
I was a bit tipsy and had to wait around for a long time afterward to sober up. It was a lovely afternoon. Maybe someday I'll have a house with a pool and I could have nice pool parties.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
I trimmed my beard so I did not look like a caveman at Flagstaff Pride.
But first we did errands.
On the way to town.
Evan bought me a tuner for my banjo and we went to the garden center and I admired the fish.
The coy were not koi.
Oh the other way around. At Flagstaff Pride there were many people. I wish so many hadn't brought their dogs along, but apparently that is common up north. The Humane Society had some cute puppies up for adoption.
Cutey.
I saw a well known female impersonator hold that puppy. Later, she donated her tips to the ASPCA.
Raven from RuPaul's Drag Race.
On the way back from the disgusting porta-johns (I was surprised that people had brought their chairs and were hanging out amidst them), I saw these people who agreed to pose:
Fierce realness.
I complimented them and a few other people who had attended Pride in elaborate costumes or 1980s hair. Speaking of the 1980s, Martha Wash of the Weather Girls sang at the end and Evan got "to see me make a slight fool of myself because she sang "It's Raining Men" and I was about 20 feet away. She is fucking awesome.
Martha Wash.
This morning I made pancakes and caramel banana sauce and we went to look at a site with unusual pottery and some very visible architecture, although it is busy eroding into a wash. A nearby dead tree was very interesting.
There is a hawk watching me.
Evan bought me a tuner for my banjo and we went to the garden center and I admired the fish.
The coy were not koi.
Oh the other way around. At Flagstaff Pride there were many people. I wish so many hadn't brought their dogs along, but apparently that is common up north. The Humane Society had some cute puppies up for adoption.
I saw a well known female impersonator hold that puppy. Later, she donated her tips to the ASPCA.
Raven from RuPaul's Drag Race.
On the way back from the disgusting porta-johns (I was surprised that people had brought their chairs and were hanging out amidst them), I saw these people who agreed to pose:
I complimented them and a few other people who had attended Pride in elaborate costumes or 1980s hair. Speaking of the 1980s, Martha Wash of the Weather Girls sang at the end and Evan got "to see me make a slight fool of myself because she sang "It's Raining Men" and I was about 20 feet away. She is fucking awesome.
This morning I made pancakes and caramel banana sauce and we went to look at a site with unusual pottery and some very visible architecture, although it is busy eroding into a wash. A nearby dead tree was very interesting.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Rob is in Arizona visiting peoples and he came down to Tucson and we drove to Cobban and Ray's casa. The pool was 86 degrees.
Me, Rob, Cobban, and Ray.
We lounged in the pool drinking drinks, although less strong than the previous time I visited the casa (when I had the horriblest hangover the next day). While we were in the pool, Hal wandered around trying to eat things.
Hal is awfully cute.
It was nice to escape from Tucson and especially nice to spend time with good friends.
The sunsets are pretty at Stolen Horseshoe.
We lounged in the pool drinking drinks, although less strong than the previous time I visited the casa (when I had the horriblest hangover the next day). While we were in the pool, Hal wandered around trying to eat things.
It was nice to escape from Tucson and especially nice to spend time with good friends.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I was one of the first 25 jurors picked for a trial today. It was a drug case and we went through a whole set of questions. Do you know someone convicted of a drug charge? Do you know a law officer? Quite a few people were dismissed. The last question asked was, do you think drugs should be legal?
I raised my hand, the only one of the 25 people then seated. The prosecutor asked me, "Do you think marijuana should be legalized?" I said yes. He then asked, "Do you think cocaine should be legalized?" I paused, and then said yes again. I knew I wouldn't be picked. I also knew that many of the people sitting around me probably had the same opinion, at least for marijuana, but were keeping quiet.
I am of the opinion that what you do to your body, as long as you don't hurt someone else or become a burden on society, is your own business. I think drug laws are pointless and have no validity. Want to solve all of the problems and wasted money on the War on Drugs? Stop the fucking stupid war on drugs. Spend the money on helping people with addiction problems. Make drugs legal and boring and they will lose their allure and criminals won't make any money on them.
I guess my only regret is not getting on the jury and making people super uncomfortable about my opinions on drugs.
I raised my hand, the only one of the 25 people then seated. The prosecutor asked me, "Do you think marijuana should be legalized?" I said yes. He then asked, "Do you think cocaine should be legalized?" I paused, and then said yes again. I knew I wouldn't be picked. I also knew that many of the people sitting around me probably had the same opinion, at least for marijuana, but were keeping quiet.
I am of the opinion that what you do to your body, as long as you don't hurt someone else or become a burden on society, is your own business. I think drug laws are pointless and have no validity. Want to solve all of the problems and wasted money on the War on Drugs? Stop the fucking stupid war on drugs. Spend the money on helping people with addiction problems. Make drugs legal and boring and they will lose their allure and criminals won't make any money on them.
I guess my only regret is not getting on the jury and making people super uncomfortable about my opinions on drugs.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Outside my window at work, movement catches my eye. I glance out and see the animals who make the neighborhood their home.
Ground squirrel.
A vermillion flycatcher has taken up residence, which is fairly unusual, since they tend to stay close to water sources.
Male vermillion flycatcher.
Another bird has been keeping it company, a female of the same species. I guess that is why he has been sticking around.
Flycatchers.
I'm digging at the moment, a short project of a sensitive nature. Then I will be inside the rest of the summer writing and finishing reports, which is a good thing considering you absolutely loopy I was Friday afternoon from the horrible heat. I could not concentrate and felt at times very peculiar. On Thursday a hawk flew down and tried to catch my friendly ground squirrel. It got away this time.
Cooper's hawk.
I imagine the hawk has been busy eating the cottontail rabbits that run around outside.
Cottontail.
A vermillion flycatcher has taken up residence, which is fairly unusual, since they tend to stay close to water sources.
Another bird has been keeping it company, a female of the same species. I guess that is why he has been sticking around.
I'm digging at the moment, a short project of a sensitive nature. Then I will be inside the rest of the summer writing and finishing reports, which is a good thing considering you absolutely loopy I was Friday afternoon from the horrible heat. I could not concentrate and felt at times very peculiar. On Thursday a hawk flew down and tried to catch my friendly ground squirrel. It got away this time.
I imagine the hawk has been busy eating the cottontail rabbits that run around outside.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Thirty years later.
Same sweater.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
30 years ago today I graduated from Sault Area High School. My father didn't want to go to my graduation ceremony. My grandmother came up from Traverse City to attend. I remember being excited, and yet crying afterward because I was starting a new chapter.
I still have the sweater.
That night I went to a graduation party and got drunk for the first time (rum and pepsi, I still can't drink that) and even smoked some pot. Young and innocent. I remember one stick-in-the-mud girl being quite angry with me about that. The next time I saw her, a year later, she had turned very religious and seemed disturbed.
The three years I went to Sault High were pretty amazing. People treated me nice, I wasn't bullied, I had a mad crush on a couple of guys but was smart enough to not say anything to them. I went off to University of Michigan in the fall, unprepared in many ways.
That night I went to a graduation party and got drunk for the first time (rum and pepsi, I still can't drink that) and even smoked some pot. Young and innocent. I remember one stick-in-the-mud girl being quite angry with me about that. The next time I saw her, a year later, she had turned very religious and seemed disturbed.
The three years I went to Sault High were pretty amazing. People treated me nice, I wasn't bullied, I had a mad crush on a couple of guys but was smart enough to not say anything to them. I went off to University of Michigan in the fall, unprepared in many ways.
Sunday, June 03, 2012
It is hot here in Tucson.
I have to water the potted plants twice a day. The sunflowers and zinnias are just starting to bloom. I picked my red onions and used some in a big pot of chili.
I spent the weekend doing chores, baking brownies, eating brownies, and doing genealogy stuff. And also some naps. Despite the heat, the kitties want to get as close as possible to me.
Zinnia.
I spent the weekend doing chores, baking brownies, eating brownies, and doing genealogy stuff. And also some naps. Despite the heat, the kitties want to get as close as possible to me.
Snuggles with Joey.
I have one of those jury summons and I'll find out tomorrow whether I have to go in. I wonder if they'll choose me since I am looking like a crazy redneck with the bushy beard and buzzed head.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
I spent the weekend in Flagstaff.
On the drive north.
Once I arrived, I noted that Flagstaff was much cooler than Tucson. I had to put a hat on!
On Saturday we wandered through the woods. I did not see any of the mythical elk.
Evan and Homer.
My buzzed head reflected the light.
In the woods.
Prairie Dog!
We shopped at a nice produce store and I purchased rhubarb and strawberries. That night I made a pie. Evan had never had rhubarb before.
On Sunday, we went on a long drive. I saw an outcropping of rocks and suspected that there might be a site there. Sure enough, we saw a pit structure depression and several rock-lined rooms. Scattered about were many sherds.
Pretty sherds.
Prickly pear cactus flower.
It always amazes me how many archaeological sites are scattered about near Flagstaff.
Evan at the site.
We traveled to Flagstaff. I saw a lovely piece of art.
Photo mural.
Many sheep were scattered around the Native American boy.
Close-up.
That afternoon, I made a quiche, which Evan liked.
Quiche.
He helped me make a cake.
Yellow cake with chocolate fudge frosting.
I returned to hot-as-heck Tucson and found that the cats had puked everywhere. Yuck.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
On Tuesday, Patrick, Jeffrey, and I attended a potluck supper. I hadn't seen Jeffrey in a while, and it was nice to catch up.
Elliott, Will, and Jeffrey.
I brought Tom Goss a jar of the mulberry jam that I made. I intended to take him some watermelon rind pickles, but discovered that they were all eaten up.
Tom singing.
It was a lovely night, although the plastic chair I sat on started to break and I was a tad scared.
Homer and Tom.
Tom was charming, as usual. We made some finds on my recent archaeological project, so I will have some additional work in the near future. Working beneath a street next week, if I can get the necessary permits. This afternoon I stopped off at the Farmer's Market. I purchased apricots (delicious!), carrots, beets, onions, a yellow squash, and eggs.
Produce.
This morning I gave myself a summer's haircut. People at work were shocked. It is nice to not have to worry about combing my hair.
Hairs cut!
I brought Tom Goss a jar of the mulberry jam that I made. I intended to take him some watermelon rind pickles, but discovered that they were all eaten up.
It was a lovely night, although the plastic chair I sat on started to break and I was a tad scared.
Tom was charming, as usual. We made some finds on my recent archaeological project, so I will have some additional work in the near future. Working beneath a street next week, if I can get the necessary permits. This afternoon I stopped off at the Farmer's Market. I purchased apricots (delicious!), carrots, beets, onions, a yellow squash, and eggs.
This morning I gave myself a summer's haircut. People at work were shocked. It is nice to not have to worry about combing my hair.
Monday, May 21, 2012
I journeyed north to Flagstaff via motor car. The wind was frightful, blowing my horseless carriage to and fro. A large object in the road struck the underside of my vehicle and later a tire sensor came on, making me believe that the end was nigh. It wasn't.
The next day, I spotted the delightful prairie dogs.
Barbed wire.
It is spring time in Flagstaff and many delightful wildflowers were blooming.
The eclipse in progress.
The last eclipse I remember seeing was back in 1993. That was a lifetime ago.
Very early this morning I boarded the trusty Ford Fiesta and returned to Tucson, arriving despite the ominous tire sensor fault. Later I balanced my checkbook and wished there was a checkbook sensor fault as well.
Barbed wire.
It is spring time in Flagstaff and many delightful wildflowers were blooming.
Wildflowers.
The following day was the Annular Eclipse. Flagstaff was delightfully situated to be within the zone of the "Ring of Fire." Evan and I drove north of the town so that we might get the best view.
Evan the astronomer.
It was warm and I took my shirt off.
Me and Evan.
It was quiet and we waited impatiently for the eclipse to start.
North of Wupatki.
We watched the astronomical event using a pair of purple tinted glasses and a piece of black and white film negative. It was effective.
Evan watching.
We attempted to take photos, most of which were not successful.
The last eclipse I remember seeing was back in 1993. That was a lifetime ago.
The eclipse ending.
We drove home through Wupatki National Monument. I was impressed with a lava flow.
Creepy sunset.
