Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Begin Year 11.
Well that was Year 10. Some good times and some bad times.
Me and Buddy.
Wonder what this coming year will bring?
Friday, July 26, 2013
I almost missed the airplane, I was late getting to the airport. Luckily, I had checked in the day before so they let me on. We took off at 5:40 AM on Wednesday.
6D.
We climbed up above the clouds and I tried to remember when was the last time I was on a plane- probably last April when I went to TN and NC.
Sun rising above the clouds.
Wednesday and Thursday were spent at the National Archives in Riverside, conducting research for work. It was surprisingly exhausting and nerve-wracking. One archivist decided she didn't like me and yelled at me three times. The third time I shouted back, "I have no clue what you are talking about!" She was made because of the way I was turning over documents. It was insane. She stared at me angrily for the next few hours. Her replacement was a nice nerdy guy and we talked archaeology.
I finished early on Wednesday, exhausted and hungry (I worked through lunch). I had an unfortunately enormous salad and enormous onion rings at a place an archivist recommended. Then I started back to LAX. Traffic became ridiculous.
Hollywood?
My plane didn't leave until 9:45 PM so I decided to go to Hollywood for supper. I found a nice parking spot a block away from the Star Walk and mingled with the tourists.
These are the Days of our Lives.
The only good meal I had was at an Indian fast food place there along the Walk. Cauliflower and potato- I think Aloo Gobi[?].
Hollywood sign.
I drove to the rental car place, checked it in, got on the bus, discovered my cell phone was still in the car, rode back and retrieved it.
Airplane.
I killed time at the airport. A handsome man was nearby and I wondered why he trimmed all of his arm and leg hair off.
Man.
Back home at midnight, was tired most of the day. Did genealogy research for a woman tonight. Buddy is hanging out with me. It is the first cool night in a couple of months, thanks to the monsoon rains.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Outside the office window, the hawk lands on the fence and looks for someone to eat.
When they get in fights they squeak loudly.
Hawk.
When it isn't around, the little ground squirrels scamper around. I'll be working away, thinking about broken dishes and bottles and trying to figure out what they mean, and the sudden movement catches my eye.
Baby ground squirrel.
Sometimes there will be two of them, fighting over the mesquite pods that have been shed from the trees.
This one is a female.
Nom, nom, nom.
I'm hoping the hawk doesn't eat the little ones playing outside my window. There are certainly enough of them that get hit by cars (they run out into the road very stupidly) that the hawk could eat instead.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
My buddies.
They are always waiting for me when I come home from work. If I am sad Joey comes up and head butts me until I forget whatever troubles I may have. Today's trouble, the fridge is dead and I get to go Sears and spend $500 on a new one. Yeah!
They are always waiting for me when I come home from work. If I am sad Joey comes up and head butts me until I forget whatever troubles I may have. Today's trouble, the fridge is dead and I get to go Sears and spend $500 on a new one. Yeah!
Joey.
Snowball.
Puff.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
So yeah I'm still around. Life is strange how you can think one thing and be so completely wrong.
Buddy comes in every night and spends 2 or 3 hours hanging out with me. On July 4th he was terrified of the fireworks and sat on top of me for a while, which he never does. He likes his wading pool and gets in and walks around to drink some water and cool off.
Today I am at home with a broken fridge. Debating on whether to get a new one or attempt to repair this one, which dates to 1999. I wish I had my grandmother's fridge from 1947. That would totally fit my kitchen.
Buddy comes in every night and spends 2 or 3 hours hanging out with me. On July 4th he was terrified of the fireworks and sat on top of me for a while, which he never does. He likes his wading pool and gets in and walks around to drink some water and cool off.
Buddy.
I was sent out to the water plant to dig pits, which I did very well. It was very, very hot.
And muddy.
The day it was 110 I had to come home an hour early because the tomato soup I had for lunch kept making repeat visits.
Too fucking hot.
I rescued a lizard from a wheelbarrow. It let me rub its little scaly head before running away.
Lizard.
This portion of the site probably dates to the San Pedro phase of the Early Agricultural period, from about 1200 BC to 800 BC. The pit structures were oddly shaped (in the next phase they tend to be round, whereas these houses were oval). Their weren't many artifacts. I was sent to uncover a bone found during the cutting of a pit and discovered it was an awl, used to poke holes through leather or help in basket weaving.
Deer bone awl, about eight inches long.
We hired Eric, who was one of my field school students. Here he is on the first day of work as a paid archaeologist.
Eric.
It was good to be outside and away from my desk, even in the heat.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Sometimes the best of times can become the worst of times with only a few words.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
We won.
I wish I could have watched Brian Brown and Maggie Gallagher's faces when it was announced.
Moments after the DOMA ruling was released by the Supremes.
I wish I could have watched Brian Brown and Maggie Gallagher's faces when it was announced.
Monday, June 24, 2013
I ran out of dish soap so that is a convenient reason to not wash those dirty dishes, right?
Last week I saw the Google Streetview car drive past me on the way to work. This is the second or third time I have seen it in the last couple of years. I happened to look up my house on Googlemaps and when I looked at the street view, there was Mummy sitting on the porch. The picture was taken in April 2012, right before she went back to Michigan.
Supposed to be super hot this weekend, 112 fucking hot degrees. What a nightmare. When it gets above 105, the fired adobe bricks of my house heat up and retain heat. Luckily, this only lasts for a while.
Tonight Buddy posed on the front steps. He is such a cute, happy, dumb old dog. I just wish he wasn't so vicious towards the cats. He scared the mail person so I have to have a sign next to the gate, "Beware of Dog."
Buddy.
Awaiting the Supremes, who are such divas they are dragging out announcing whether us gays are equal to folks like Limbaugh. The thing that pops into my head is how they manage to keep their super secret rulings super secret. They are better mannered than I would be. I am not much of a fan of secrets and I think the frantic posturing of the government over Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden indicates there are a lot more nasty secrets the government types want to keep the rest of us from knowing. How long before whistle blowing gets you a prison sentence?
Last week I saw the Google Streetview car drive past me on the way to work. This is the second or third time I have seen it in the last couple of years. I happened to look up my house on Googlemaps and when I looked at the street view, there was Mummy sitting on the porch. The picture was taken in April 2012, right before she went back to Michigan.
Click picture to see closer, they blur people's faces.
Tonight Buddy posed on the front steps. He is such a cute, happy, dumb old dog. I just wish he wasn't so vicious towards the cats. He scared the mail person so I have to have a sign next to the gate, "Beware of Dog."
Awaiting the Supremes, who are such divas they are dragging out announcing whether us gays are equal to folks like Limbaugh. The thing that pops into my head is how they manage to keep their super secret rulings super secret. They are better mannered than I would be. I am not much of a fan of secrets and I think the frantic posturing of the government over Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden indicates there are a lot more nasty secrets the government types want to keep the rest of us from knowing. How long before whistle blowing gets you a prison sentence?
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Two apologies. Alan Chamber of Exodus International sort of apologizes for all of the people who went through his ex-gay program. A lot of those people ended up killing themselves. The media picked up the story and made a small deal out of it. Many people praised him for his apology. Many others felt that it was not adequate.
Paula Dean apologized for using the "N" word and making other racially insensitive comments. She apologized how many times? And people are just ripping her to shreds. She loses her contract with the Food Network.
On JoeMyGod's blog the outpouring of hate towards Paula Deen was remarkable. I guess I stirred up trouble by daring to wonder why this was the case and to point out that there were twice as many comments about Deen than for Chambers.
I should know better. I was told I was racist, a jackass, clueless, etc. How dare I suggest people read her deposition rather than take other people's claims about her as fact.
I can't help but wonder if there is something more than racism involved here. I suspect that the fact that she is a successful business woman comes into play, similar to the hatred Martha Stewart endures. I suspect the underlying hatred towards Southern accents, her blindingly white teeth, and her homey personality also comes into play. Some people note the fact that she covered up her diabetes for years and is a shill for a drug company. I note that after she disclosed her diabetes she has moved toward more healthier food, lost weight, and openly discusses the problems of diabetes.
I don't know what is really going on in other people's minds or lives. It always amazes me that other people can be so quick to tear down people who have been propped up on a pedastal. Or tear down complete strangers because they develop ideas based on a sentence or two.
Paula Dean apologized for using the "N" word and making other racially insensitive comments. She apologized how many times? And people are just ripping her to shreds. She loses her contract with the Food Network.
On JoeMyGod's blog the outpouring of hate towards Paula Deen was remarkable. I guess I stirred up trouble by daring to wonder why this was the case and to point out that there were twice as many comments about Deen than for Chambers.
I should know better. I was told I was racist, a jackass, clueless, etc. How dare I suggest people read her deposition rather than take other people's claims about her as fact.
I can't help but wonder if there is something more than racism involved here. I suspect that the fact that she is a successful business woman comes into play, similar to the hatred Martha Stewart endures. I suspect the underlying hatred towards Southern accents, her blindingly white teeth, and her homey personality also comes into play. Some people note the fact that she covered up her diabetes for years and is a shill for a drug company. I note that after she disclosed her diabetes she has moved toward more healthier food, lost weight, and openly discusses the problems of diabetes.
I don't know what is really going on in other people's minds or lives. It always amazes me that other people can be so quick to tear down people who have been propped up on a pedastal. Or tear down complete strangers because they develop ideas based on a sentence or two.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
I headed north to attend a conference. I discussed life in Phoenix in the 1920s-1940s period. The audience enjoyed my talk. I ran into various people I have known for over 20 years, but rarely see. Afterward I went to the State Archive and photographed records.
I then headed over to Craig and Jesse's abode. They were wonderful hosts and with their friend Christopher we headed off to an Ethiopian restaurant and I ate too much.
Craig!
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Statue.
IPA.
We sat on a bench and a young man sat next to us. I started talking with him and he turned out to be a navy machinist on his way to San Diego. Who accidentally went to Pride, not knowing what it was. Evan and I laughed and later I went up to some young women and asked them to come say hi to him. He appreciated that.
Craig!
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Jesse!
The next day I returned to the archives and photographed 3,000 pages. My shoulder was killing me afterward. I have shoulder carpal syndrome!
Then I headed north to Flagstaff, where Evan and I went to Burrito Fiesta for supper.
The next day was the DAY OF PRIDE. Evan and I went over and hung out with Geoffrey. It is always nice to see him.
Geoffrey, moi, and Evan.
Nearby was a young man who reminded me of one of the statues on the Parthenon pediment.
Young man.
We returned to Evan's house and I took a nap. We returned to Pride and I saw Glamour.
Glamor!
We had many adult beverages.
We sat on a bench and a young man sat next to us. I started talking with him and he turned out to be a navy machinist on his way to San Diego. Who accidentally went to Pride, not knowing what it was. Evan and I laughed and later I went up to some young women and asked them to come say hi to him. He appreciated that.
Machinist Christoper.
Pandora Boxx came out and performed a couple of times. He was amusing.
Pandora.
Afterward we went to Thai food and I had cashew tofu and Evan ate something that was WAY TO HOT and the next morning his insides burned.
Not burny.
It was a lovely time.
Monday, June 03, 2013
Summer has arrived. It was 107 yesterday. Poor Buddy was not looking very happy. I asked Doug to pick up a wading pool at Ace and it was awaiting me when I got home. I put water it in and then picked up Buddy and put him in. He walked around for a while and then sat down. He seemed quite happy about it.
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Buddy.
He's taken to barking at things and he scared the mail person. I'm going to lock the cats up and invite him for a visit. He'll chew enthusiastically on his chew toy and then fall asleep for a couple of hours.
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He's taken to barking at things and he scared the mail person. I'm going to lock the cats up and invite him for a visit. He'll chew enthusiastically on his chew toy and then fall asleep for a couple of hours.
Monday, May 27, 2013
It was a weekend of memories. I collected Whit and we drove north to Flagstaff. The moon was rising along the highway.
Moon rise.
Evan, Whit, and I went our for a drink and then hung out talking for a while.
The next morning we went to Picture Rock Canyon.
Turkey vultures.
It is spring time in Flagstaff, but there aren't many flowers yet. It hasn't rained enough for it to get very green.
Whit wanted to see the petroglyphs and I dragged him all over the place so he could examine them.
Whit.
In one spot the yucca were blooming.
Deer, scroll, and Whit.
Whit and Evan get along really well.
Evan and Whit.
We also visited a pithouse site, ate at Himalayan Grill, and I had a nap.
On Sunday morning Bradley arrived from Sedona to join us.
Sherds.
A pair of golden eagles were being harassed by some ravens.
Golden eagle.
Nearby was another small pueblo roomblock. You can see the walls very clearly.
Antelope.
Bradley returned to Sedona, and the three of us then went to a nearby canyon to admire pit structures built inside caves.
Walking down the cinder-covered wash.
The walls are well preserved.
Evan examines the walls.
One of the structures has red-painted plaster intact.
Plaster.
Another has the only surviving 1000-year-old roof.
I hope this lasts for another 1000 years.
At times the steep walls of the canyon made me nervous.
San Francisco Canyon.
A nest of fledgling ravens were nervous as we walked by.
Ravens and poop.
Whit and I went to see the new Star Trek movie, in 3D, which I enjoyed. This morning Evan and I went to C. & L. Ranch and I bought a huge sack of bird seed.
Whit wanted to see Sedona so we took the long way home.
Red Rocks near Sedona.
Evan, Whit, and I went our for a drink and then hung out talking for a while.
The next morning we went to Picture Rock Canyon.
It is spring time in Flagstaff, but there aren't many flowers yet. It hasn't rained enough for it to get very green.
Whit wanted to see the petroglyphs and I dragged him all over the place so he could examine them.
In one spot the yucca were blooming.
Yucca.
I climbed high up in the canyon. Below me the water was running.
Evan.
At the top along the vertical cliff faces are even more rock art.
Whit and Evan get along really well.
We also visited a pithouse site, ate at Himalayan Grill, and I had a nap.
On Sunday morning Bradley arrived from Sedona to join us.
Homer and Bradley.
We went out to several more ruins. I admired the black on white pottery sherds, photographed them, and then put them back on the ground.
A pair of golden eagles were being harassed by some ravens.
Nearby was another small pueblo roomblock. You can see the walls very clearly.
1000-year-old walls.
We visited a fortress-like site and wondered what had happened there.
There are rooms on top.
I managed to get sun-burnt.
Windy.
I admired the nature.
Tree.
As we drove back to the parking spot for lunch, a female antelope paused.
Bradley returned to Sedona, and the three of us then went to a nearby canyon to admire pit structures built inside caves.
The walls are well preserved.
Evan examines the walls.
One of the structures has red-painted plaster intact.
Another has the only surviving 1000-year-old roof.
At times the steep walls of the canyon made me nervous.
A nest of fledgling ravens were nervous as we walked by.
Whit and I went to see the new Star Trek movie, in 3D, which I enjoyed. This morning Evan and I went to C. & L. Ranch and I bought a huge sack of bird seed.
Whit wanted to see Sedona so we took the long way home.
Weekend is over and I have a nasty headache.
