Tossin’ and Turnin’!

Just another sleepless night around these parts. I did fall asleep around 8 last night but was wide awake again by midnight. I stayed in the dark for a while hoping that sleep would return, but after an hour of that frustration, I turned on the lights and read until 4 am when I had to take my first drugs of the day. 

Scrambled up an egg and a slice of toast, followed it up with juice and a coffee Although I couldn’t eat it all, I felt better for the bit in my stomach.

Got a message from the Locosguys last evening asking that I give them some ideas for their upcoming long weekend trip to New Orleans. They want me to come by the restaurant today, and if I feel up to it I will take them up on their offer. I'd love the chance to see everyone and be out among the living for a change.

So, the dark, pre-dawn hours were spent collecting links to websites for restaurants that I know and love. I don’t know the guys' taste in foods, but I hope they are at least adventurous enough to try some very different dishes, or known dishes served up in unconventional ways.  Anyway, that’s up to them. I’m just preparing the list and will chat with them at length sometime today - I hope.

They’ve already made hotel reservations, using travel points, as they said, so I am not responsible for that part of the trip. I know little about the grand hotel they’ve booked, other than that it’s known locally as a hot, expensive tourist and conventioneer’s place.  Not something I would choose, but they ain’t me.  This is their first trip to the city, so they’ll have fun, I am sure.

All this has given me something to do to pass time otherwise spent reading. I’ve re-read all the Pern books I’d read years ago, plus I downloaded a few of the newer additions to the saga.  They’ve been a nice diversion and very quick reads. Sometimes too quick, if you get my drift. There are a few still that I haven’t read, so if this insomnia keeps hanging around, I might download one or two to remain occupied and pass the boring time.

I haven’t been on FB in over a month for obvious reasons, and I find that I don’t miss it. Turns out that it’s not what I thought it would be anymore - a far cry from anything remotely “social” at least to my mind. In any case, I doubt I’ll return after all this time. 

It's an absolutely glorious day here and since it's also Mother's Day, I hope I can find a parking spot near the restaurant.  If not, well...  It is what it is.

And so it goes.

*

Abandonment - Rejection

I have intimate knowledge of both subjects, from the beginning of my life. 

My mother abandoned me when I was three days old. Rejected me completely and never nursed me, held me, or otherwise showed interest in me. I was raised by my mother’s mother & father for most of the first 16 years of my life. No more details than that right now.

Throughout my life there’ve been many rejections and more than my share of abandonments; the most recent and last (until now) was the deceitful ending of my 30 year relationship, losing any share of what  we had built together over those 3 decades.

So after 8 years of peace, surrounded by trustworthy folks I suppose I was due for another slap in the face. This from the person who saw me through the breakup, gave me strength and emotional support, accepted the role of executor of my will, emergency contact and medical power of attorney JIC.

Those roles were important to me coming out of a dark period of serious illness when the curtain finally fell on the previous life. I felt safe and comfortable; first knowing that this person had been a nurse, and second that clergy was also part of their list of accomplishments. 

That sense of comfort and serenity was shattered last August when I found myself facing the current illness and close to death.  When the hospital staff called this person at my request this person denied knowing anyone by my last name (which I am sure the staff bungled anyway, they always do), but still, how many people could this person know with the same first name had as emergency contact in such small town, and with a recent history of serious illness? Not many, I’ll wager.

I confronted the person on this and was told the hospital got it all wrong and had no idea who I was by the description. OK.  But, No.  That doesn’t cut it.

It has been 7 months since I’ve heard any word from this person.  No call. No email. No visit. No nothing. So, I composed a short, straightforward note asking if our friendship was over and if so, to please have the courtesy to let me know - and posted it to their FaceBook page.  And Man!  Did I get a response!!!

I have no idea why you posted that hateful note on my FB page - especially since I have sent you two get well cards, sent you a Christmas card, and left at least a few phone messages for you. I even stopped one day at your apartment and knocked on the door. No answer. I simply thought, since I didn't let you know I was coming and did so just on impulse, that you were out and I had missed you. I was happy thinking that at least you weren't confined to your house. Then, I thought perhaps I had said or done - or not done - something to upset you. I thought perhaps you were depressed and did not want to see anyone right now.  I thought you would contact me when you were ready. I had no idea it would be like this. Even so, you have been in my personal prayers. I have removed your angry post from my wall. If you need to contact me, please do so privately. There is no need to spew your anger all over FB. It only makes you look bad. You also have my phone number - cell and home, I believe. If not, here they are again: ---------- (cell) ---------- (home). Let me know if and when you'd like me to be in contact.

My note wasn’t hateful or angry, just to the point. I guess it’s all in the perspective of the reader. Here’s the most hurtful - the lying part:

* They’ve never been to my apartment.

* My car is always directly in front of the building and easily recognizable by the Dos Locos bumper sticker. In my condition walking is out of the question.

* It’s fairly impossible that three greeting cards to the same person from the same person would get lost while all other cards and mail arrived in good order.

* There is a telephone in the kitchen and next to the bed.  Even on my worst days I am grateful for a phone call from anyone interested in my well-being.

* The best part and biggest lie: No messages could have been left because I have neither voice mail nor an answering device on my phone line. It’s a flat rate, basic local calling service - and no bells and whistles.

Oh, and there is always the matter of this blog. It’s been on their blogroll for years, but clearly never bothered to read or check it out.  Truly bad form and such pitiful lies.

The reason for my initial note was ignored completely, instead of answering my questions the ball is tossed back into my court and I am told to call if I want to make contact. Only do it privately, not on FB.  Like that’s going to happen.

I already made initial contact, and it was rebuffed. If I make another one it will be on FaceBook, as well, and I know they don’t like that idea.  Too public.

I will take that as the real message here and move on. No more anger, shock or disappointment. Now only sadness that I miscalculated once again. I’d sure like to be right once in a while.  That’s all. 

And so it goes.

*

I Have The Blue Meanies

That's self-diagnosis…I'm Not Dead Yet!

Been keeping myself quiet and resting, or trying to, to hold the nausea at bay.  So far, so good. Not eating much, of course.  I took a duck leg out of the freezer, hoping that would spark me up and give me an appetite.  (Like I really feel like cooking!) We'll see.

I could use some cheering up from old friends, but they're all gone now. I'm reminded of that Sondheim song "Hey. Old Friend!" and wish I was rolling merrily along with those old friends. One hell of a lot better life than this.

Haven't been on FaceBook for a week and don't miss it. From social media it's become a commercial site for "friends" hawking their new book, or offering a new retirement plan - - to their "friends." Those friends were purged.

In my present condition I have nothing to add the conversation and I doubt if anyone has missed my personal posts.  

Old friends know your life and history. They know just about everything there is to know about you - as you know them.  We shared apartment keys and looked out for one another. The bonds were strong, non-judgemental, and unspoken. We may not always liked the criticism, but we knew where it was coming from and trusted the source. We just knew. Those comforts and connections are gone now.

"Blue Meanies" were popularized as villains in the animated film, "Yellow Submarine" but it was a phrase used by my friends way before the Beatles. It meant a funk, depression, or feeling trapped by circumstances.

I'm having an attack of the Blue Meanies and there's no one to call. Like Sondheim says: 

Most friends fade 

Or they don't make the grade 

New ones are quickly made 

And in a pinch, sure they'll do 

But us, old friend 

What's to discuss, old friend? 

Here's to us.   

Who's like us? 

Damn few!

Indeed.

And so it goes.

*

A Shot, Another Shot, And Then Some.

Mask off, sitting in front of me.  Hate it!

Awoke feeling sluggish and somehow a bit off-center yesterday.  Dizzy and light-headed (so what's new?) with no appetite. Struggling to snap out of it, I downed 2 cups of strong java to no avail. I knew I had to get moving, but it just wasn't happening.  Somehow I needed have the prescription filled or the pain would become unbearable.

I called the Center, described the symptoms and was asked to come in to be checked out. Could I drive?  Yes.  As long as traffic was light and no need to be ultra-alert, I thought I'd be OK.  There was no one to call, in any case, so there it was.  

Without knowing what the Center had in mind - or what the diagnosis would be - I chanced a stop to drop off the scrip before the appointment. I needed those painkillers and since narcotics must be signed for, there was no choice.

Well, it seems that even with the already high dosages of B-12 I must take, the lack thereof was part of the problem. I needed a shot, was given the injection, told to relax and enjoy a coffee and chocolate muffin.  I did.  Both "tasted" great.  Yes, I could actually taste both.  Very strange after so long without working tastebuds, and very welcome indeed.

An hour later, feeling much more like myself, vitals were taken and I was sent on my way.  The only item on the gay agenda was the painkiller scrip and a few grocery items to hold me over the holiday.  Done in no time, I was about to start the car when a text came in from the Locosguys asking if I could come by for a visit. I thought I would beg off, but thought it might be medicinal.  

My peeps. Servers, Cooks, Bartender.  The Best!

As I was about to reply, he sent another text reminding me that there were holiday cards awaiting me and a few customers having lunch were hoping to see me. I replied that I was "on the way"  It took 20 minutes (holiday shopping traffic made for slow-going) to get back into town, less than 2 miles away. 

The afternoon was the most enjoyable and festive I've had in a long time. It was a happy time spent with staff and the customers (those already here for the long holiday week) as we sat in the bar area making up for lost time, playing catch-up on my life and theirs. Out of nowhere, the Locosguy appeared with a tray full of shot glasses.  These were to "taste" a new cocktail concoction he just created called "chocolate covered pretzel" - many were skeptical.  Not I.  No sir. I was ready for something salty, tasty, and strong (how I like my men!) and the shots were passed around.

The obligatory toast was made in my honor and down they went.  OMG!  So smooth, so chocolaty, and salty. Exactly like a chocolate covered pretzel.  Honestly. My newly revived tastebuds thanked me profusely for the pleasure, as the fun continued. 

Somewhere along the way I mentioned (while discussing mixology in general) that I loved B & B and had not tasted it in many years. Well, before you could say "Holy Shit, Mary - It's a Girl!"  3 glasses of the powerful elixir appeared before me. Holiday and Get Well cards stacked in front of me, which I was told to open on Christmas morning and think of the senders.

Four hours later - with 2 Chocolate Covered Pretzel shots and 4 B & B drinks making a home in my belly - feeling warm and grateful, I headed home. Reluctantly checked the mailbox and was delighted to find nothing offensive from any Gub-mint agency waiting to ruin the perfectly glorious afternoon.

Went to bed with the warm glow of friendship both inside and surrounding my body. Slept like a baby (of course the painkiller helped) and woke to partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures.  May rise into the 70s today.  I'll take it. 

A text arrived a while ago reminding me that Sunday is the birthday of one of the Locosguys and there'll be surprises and cake. And a "please come if you can" at the end. Well, if the state of physical and mental well-being continues for another day, you can be sure I'll be there. 

Happy group sans medical mask. Good time.

(Sorry about the photo quality. They were shot with the Locosguy's iPhone 5, which I've been told takes far better pictures when the photographer hasn't been imbibing.)

And so it goes.

*

Dia de los Muertos - Award Winning Student Video

The Day of the Dead - All Souls Day:

The Day of the Dead celebrations can be traced back to the various indigenous groups, such as the Aztecs and other pre-Hispanic civilizations, from as far back as 3000 years ago. Skulls were collected and used during rituals to symbolize death and rebirth.The skull, which symbolizes death and/or rebirth, is used for All Souls’ Day. With regard to the Day of the Dead, elaborately decorated skulls, including those made of candy, are made for the day. The Marigold is a traditional flower that is associated with the dead. Some say that the flower represents the rays of the sun, which is linked with life, so the deceased have not lost their place in the universe. The raven and the crow have both been linked with death, although some say that the crow tends to be confused with the raven, which they claim is the true symbol associated with death.

Found this amazing video early this morning (and I do mean early) and was struck by the beauty of not only the animation but of the story/message.  No religious imagery whatsoever, and that's as it should be.  It's also a great video to teach kids not to fear the dead, or death. In a colorful, high spirited, joyful  kind of way.

I will probably ruffle a few feathers with the "no religious imagery" comment, but the holiday WAS co-opted by the Roman Church in the Dale Carnegie kind of way, with all the guilt, fear, and angst that invokes. To my mind, seeing the holiday portrayed like this is refreshing.

And so it goes.
*

Peggy Lee Has Left the Building***

Yesterday marked the 18th day without spiking a high fever.  Aside from a minor 99.2 once last week, it's all been good. Seems the right cocktail of meds did the trick on that score. The energy level remains low and the full-body weakness creeps in now and then, but I am aware when that happens and take steps to slow myself down. The doctors suggested taking Gingko Biloba and Iron supplements daily to address those issues Ordered Friday,  should arrive today.

Not that I'm doing much to tire myself, but there it is.  Aside from reading, watching BBC documentaries on YouTube, listening to music, and eating there isn't much else in my daily routine. 

A brief update: I did drive to the restaurant Sunday afternoon to hear some Jazz and schmooze with regulars, thank them for their well wishes, and be grateful I was out among the living again.  Even with the face mask no one seemed to mind.  The boss even took a photo with his iPhone and posted it to the DL FaceBook pages. He told me there were over 20 comments within a short time. That image (not the best quality, but then neither am I) is posted above. Mask on, menu in hand…you can't see the big smile on my face, but you can imagine how it felt being there again.  The locos guys seemed as happy to have me back as everyone else. A grand feeling, that. And a boost to the old self-esteem.

Enjoyed the time seating a few tables and then sitting and chatting with them about music, life, and only addressing the health situation when asked.  Then being as vague as possible.  Most didn't pry. Everyone enjoyed the weather, the music and our time together. Many were shocked that I could join their tables if only for a brief time before moving on. (I felt like Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke! Only the honky-tonk piano and feather boa were missing.) I made the rounds from the bar seats to high-tops, to tables. Helped out in the kitchen for a short time and terrorized my lovable wait staff, who pampered me no end. 

The joint was jumpin' but not crowded when I arrived, 2 hours later Jazz buffs began to pour through the doors in large groups; that was my cue to head home. I was tiring anyway and didn't want to overplay the good hand dealt to me. It was a gift not to be abused.

Calls to the Oncologist offices have not yet been returned. Maybe they're miffed at my behavior toward the abusive doctor during my last visit. We shall see. They will have to contact me sooner or later. They are the only game in town to perform the necessary tests that need to be done.

Autumn weather has arrived - gray skies, cooler temps and brisk winds off the ocean - so it's time for some cold-weather kitchen activities.  A brief trip to the market for supplies is the only outing on my gay agenda today.  The plan for today is bread baking and a thick, hearty soup. Wish me luck.


***If you didn't get the reference, you're forgiven...this time!   Watch This.

And so it goes.
*

Tentative Travel Plan

Traveling has become so convoluted since 9/11 that it's hard to make travel plans that are clear and concise.  There are so many asterisks, double bars, other bizarre symbols on each listing that it's hard to keep it all together in my head.  I'm at the stage where I must be careful lest the overloaded noggin explode. Messy, that.

There is no way I can swing an Alaska Cruise alone.  Everything is based on "double occupancy.  Besides, it wouldn't be much fun having no one to share the experience and memories with me.

I've been focused on a mid-September getaway to New Orleans to visit the sister and see a few childhood friends.  I believe I will let American Express Travel handle the trip, but there are still many things to sort out and little information at the individual airline/hotel sites.  I know I want a non-stop flight; 2 whole days spent traveling and changing planes, and waiting doesn't spark my interest. Waste of time and exhausting, to be sure.

I'll need a rental car, and a hotel located in the vicinity of the sister and a few friends who live in Metairie.  At the Amex site I've clicked on a number of options, and the results were staggering. It could take weeks to sort them out.

I have to mention here that there is a vast divide in respect to reviews of various hotels, car rentals and airlines between Trip Advisor and American Express Travel websites. Way too many hotel ratings on Trip Advisor give 2 or 3 stars for most hotels - even some that I know to be nothing like the review.  The same hotels at the Amex site are more generous and productive. The recently renovated Roosevelt Hotel is NOT a flophouse or bedbug ridden place. Different travelers have different expectations and experiences.  I would trust Amex over Trip Advisor any day, so I think I'll be in good hands once decisions are made and travel dates are confirmed.

One other thing is to find out what luggage restrictions are and what the extra charges would be.  I tend to travel light - one medium bag and a carry-on containing the camera, passport and meds. Since I am bald, toiletries are minimal, so no worries there.  Oh, it's been so long since I've had to figure out all this stuff it will be a whole new learning experience. Anything deemed inappropriate for the flight will be just one thing less to carry back  home.

Or, I figure I can do what most American travelers do; pretend to be ignorant of all the silly rules and regulations and wait to see what hottie will be patting me down before loading. Yes, I know, they hire the dumbest, ugliest, and humorless people for these positions, so I lose all round.

And so it goes.
*

Summer Staff: Always a Surprise

If you've visited here before, you know that I work with a veritable United Nations at the restaurant.  Every year new students arrive from just about any country that allows them to visit the US. This year is no different, though the level of proficient English speakers is a bit lower than past years.  Still, these young'uns are ready to work hard and get to know more English, and in the process get to know their co-workers.  In fact, it's been a whirlwind of 20 questions this week as many began their work schedules and training.

It's always a joy for me to meet these new folks and get to know them.  They are amazed that I attempt to learn to pronounce their names properly, just as in their own countries. It's something very important to me. They're in a strange country (in more ways than one) and many employers "Americanize" their names.  I won't do that, though the locosguys sometimes start out doing that, they eventually follow my lead and attempt to wrap their American tongues around the original version.

Example:  Miruslav is a newbie from Ukraine and has been working with us for 2 weeks. The Americanization of his name became "Marcel"  and don't ask, I have no idea why.  On his first day I asked what he was called at home (since many from these countries have at least 2 nicknames) and he smiled and said, "Miru" so I've called him Miru (Mee-Roo) from the get-go.  This weekend, the locosguys finally got the memo and are now calling him Miru, as well.  He noticed the change and gave me a wink and big smile when he first heard his proper name for the first time.

All Russian & Ukrainian staff past and present call me Waynechik.  It's a name of endearment and I treasure its use.  I am still in touch with some of them via Face Book and they always use that name when writing to me.

Now this weekend two new servers arrived.  One from Mexico, the other from Guatemala.   They are Carlos and Jorge-Solomon (he prefers Solomon so that's what he's called) and as usual, I was peppered with questions about everything - both job-related and personal - which was quite challenging. Why?  They asked if I had a wife and kids, grand-kids  etc.  Calmly and quietly I said no, and that I was a gay man.  Without missing a beat, they asked if I had a "partner" or "lover" ... now this threw me off for a few seconds until I realized these kids "got-it"  and they only wanted to know if I was happy.  

When I answered that I had been in a relationship for 30 years, they looked sad and said they were sorry (assuming that my partner had passed away) and that threw me, too.  When I corrected their assumption and explained the break-up, they became wide-eyed and almost angry. At least that's the impression they left with me. It took the better part of an hour after our shift to explain what all that meant.  They are now very protective of me.

Perhaps they think of me as a sort of father or grandfather figure. It's hard to tell since I don't know their cultures and customs regarding older people.  I call them kids here, never to their face.  They are all over 21 and good students or they wouldn't be allowed to come here for the summer.

If you're wondering why there are so few American students on our schedule it's because most American young'uns have no work ethic and in the past 5 years I've worked at the restaurant, almost every American hired was a disaster. If it was a good beach day, they almost always called in "well" and left the rest of the staff (and me) in the lurch. I think word has gotten out; this year not one American student applied for work.  

I am hungry and in need of an adult beverage, so bye!

And so it goes.

*

Caturday Facebook Stalker

No truer words were ever spoken.

And so it goes.
*

Facebook Caturday

Oh, don't I wish it was so. Sigh!

More later.
*

Social Network Caturday

It could be worse.

More later.
*

Equal Rights Are Not Yours to Give

Found on Face Book.

Camera Drowns but Images Live

 Great story.  I guess digital has advantages over film after all.

Camera Lost at Sea Returned with the Help of Social Networking

Just how tough is your average DSLR memory card? Apparently tough enough to survive a year at the bottom of the ocean. Naturalist and aspiring photographer Markus Thompson was scuba diving in Deep Bay near Vancouver, British Columbia, when he found a Canon EOS 1000D. Curious, he brought it to the surface and took ut the SD card, and was actually able to recover about 50 photos.

With a bounty of pictures and a desire to find the camera's owner, Thompson took to social networking for help. He posted his find to Google+, including pictures of the camera itself as well as the photos he was able to recover from the SD card. "Approximately 50 pictures on the card from a family vacation. If you know a fire fighter from British Columbia whose team won the Pacific Regional Firefit competition, has a lovely wife and (now) 2 year old daughter - let me know. I would love to get them their vacation photos," he posted.

The social network's hive mind then went to work. Details on just who the camera belonged to were slim at first, but after social network sleuths began scouring the photos, more information began to surface. The camera contained images that were shot at a region firefighting competition, and appeared to suggest that the camera's owner was on the winning team. After comparing faces to those on various websites that covered the event, the possibilities were narrowed down. 

Read the rest HERE.  It's a fun story.

And so it goes.

*

A Facebook Friend

Sent an invitation...

Don't know if I can make it.  I am sure the restaurant will be filled with  happy revelers, drunken partygoers, relieved neighbors, those of us left behind. Sigh.

And so it goes.
*

From a Good Monday to a Magical Tuesday

A good day at work as I spent a third day training the new host/server and had fun with customers in-between proof-reading the new menu for the other restaurant which is due out next week. Not a busy day, just busy enough to keep the servers busy and the trainee occupied and asking questions.

Arrived home to find 3 blank messages on the voice-mail and have no idea what that means.

After living in yet another box since last spring, I finally installed the webcam awhile back (I may have written about it) and downloaded Skype as well.  Too bad there is no one to call and test it.  I am such a dweeb when it comes to this sort of thing, it's very sad. I haven't even been able to search for contacts; I can't figure it out.

The webcam works well, but, oh never mind.

While supper was cooking I decided to purge my "friends" list on Facebook. Those who never post, or reply to posts, have connections to my previous life, and those who make a hobby of collecting "friends" only to see how many they can add to their trophy list, were the ones unfriended.  One person had 13, 000 "friends" so I will hardly be missed.

I feel better now.

Tomorrow is a day off and I have magic to do.  It ought to be interesting and fun.

And so it goes.
*

Pizza for Protesting Workers

It's been a long weekend at work and I don't have any sort of TV service, but I just found, and love this:

Ian’s Pizza in Madison: 30 states/5 countries buy pizza for workers!
Posted on February 20th, 2011
Incredible story from Ian’s Pizza, on State St. in Madison!

They are only serving the workers rallying in Madison and have shut down normal operations; you can call and buy a pizza too:

608.257.9248 - Ask for Protester Pricing!

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150...

This is astounding! As of right now, Ian’s Pizza on State’s normal in-store and delivery operations are on hold — due to the high volume of calls, we are only processing orders donated to the protesters. By our (rather harried) count, we’ve heard from 30 states and 5 countries (including Korea, and our northern friends, Canada). Wow.
Thank you!
To our regular customers: We really apologize, but… wow.

 And now this from Politico ...irony is not dead:

In an act of intercontinental solidarity, an Egyptian has ordered a pizza for Wisconsin protesters, reports Politico. The call from Africa is just one of many streaming into the Madison, Wisc., pizza parlor Ian's from all over the world. So far, people from 12 countries and 38 states have rung up looking to help get free pizza to the Wisconsin protesters clustered in the Capitol. On Saturday, Ian's distributed more than 1,000 free slices and sent 300 pizzas to the Capitol. The trend continued on Sunday, as staff member fielded calls from as far away as Turkey, Korea, Finland, China, and Australia. The trend began when a mother of a University of Wisconsin student called in offering to donate $200 to feed the people occupying the Capitol. The pizza chain's postings on Twitter and Facebook soon led to so many donations that they had to shut down on Saturday night.
Read more: http://slatest.slate.com/id/2285906 /

It's nice to see American people waking from a long slumber taking to the streets - and being supported around the country and the world. Even Egypt.

And so it goes.
*

SNOW! E'nuf Said.

It remains cloudy and windy this morning, making it difficult to tell if it's still snowing. Just as I was about to get dressed for work the boss called to say they're not opening for lunch due to a 'limited' State of Emergency in the county, so I'm out of luck today. At least I got the call before heading out the door - it was 9:15.  I began this post a few minutes later.

Listening to local news on radio it seems there is much confusion about what's going on weather-wise.  Schools are closed, most other businesses are also closed, and the huge Outlet Centers are also closed.  Something they never do, so it was be pretty bad out there.

Looking out the door it appears we've got about 12 to 14 inches and no plow has touched the street.  Doesn't look like many cars have tried getting through, either.  I am armed with only a broom and ice scraper, but if it is very cold chances are good that it's powder and easily removed from the car.  Which, btw, is not visible from the porch, having to park it farther away than usual Christmas Eve.  So, time to finish my tea, get layered up, and go for it.

11 am.  Well, that was an exercise in futility for the most part. The good news: Sweeping off the stairs was as easy as originally thought.  Snow on the ground is deeper than it looked from indoors.  The snow is like powder, just so much more of it. It seems to have stopped snowing and the winds are just blowing it into drifts everywhere. The stairs and porch are clear, at least for now.

The bad news: As I began sweeping the stairs 2 snow plow trucks barreled down the street plowing in all the cars curb-side. Not a soul was outdoors making even the smallest attempt to dig out. I made my way across the street in snow above the knees to find the car plowed in up to the windows on the driver's side.

Cleaned off the windows, windshield and back window but didn't have the energy or strength to get into the car and start it up.  The back was already hurting, the thumbs as well, and the stinging in the fingers was a warning to get indoors quickly because the Raynaud's disease was acting up again.

I don't have a snow shovel.  It was foolishly left behind at the old apartment believing my landlady would need it more than I.  Oh, so wrong. To be fair to myself, everyone called the freakish storms of last February a once-in-a-hundred-year event and we all believed them.  Duh!  I guess I'm not going anywhere by car until I find someone to dig me out. And walking to work in deep snow and high winds isn't going to be a walk in the park, either. Oh well, it is what it is.

On the bright side, I am better off here than in that other apartment. I don't even want to think about what that place looks like right now.

12:45 pm. The image above was taken by the boss and posted on Face Book a little while ago.  Click the image to embiggen.

The sun has made a very welcome appearance just this very minute, and male and female cardinals have landed on the snowy roof outside my window.  It IS beautiful and so are they. So bright (and noisy) against the white. Let's leave with that image in mind, shall we?

More later.
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Young at Heart & Young at Any Cost

Slept well last night with the windows open as the cool night breeze rustling the bamboo sent beautiful dreams my way. I woke refreshed, cool and ready for anything the day would have in store.

Today has been another gem weather-wise and that created a relaxed environment at work. Cool breezes off the ocean  soothed luncheon diners coming off the beach and the specially priced Pitchers of Margaritas and Sangria helped enhance the mood.

Contrary to popular sentiment, we were very busy today. Plenty of families, extended families, and kids were in the mix as were many gay men and lesbians (some with their kids) in town for the weekend. All the kids - of various ages - were well behaved and quiet.  Works for me.  Even someone from my previous life walked in and was happy to see me doing well and spent some time catching up after my shift.  We hope to get together when the season ends and the kids are back in school. We'll see how that turns out.

I was confronted by the boss with a potential dilemma today.  In essence, how do you tell someone that their work attire is inappropriate for their age?  No, not my attire.  Puleeze! I cringe when I see men my age wearing Hollister tee shirts and their underwear showing above their drooping pants. What is so wrong with aging?  Gracefully? I am grateful to have lived to this age. Most of my friends did not.

In any event, this is about a woman close to my age, who doesn't want to be "that age" and shows up for work in short shorts, halter tops or frilly-lace see-through mini dresses that if they were any shorter, she'd have 2 more cheeks to powder and more hair to comb.  If you get my drift. Every time I bear witness to her thighs I think it's a reminder to put cottage cheese on my shopping list. My Bad?

Of course I am not the boss, so as a co-worker (and a gay man)  I could say, "whoa, you looked in the mirror and STILL chose to wear THAT?" Honesty of this sort could land the boss in court.

Any serious thoughts and ideas are welcome.

My shift ran late this evening so I am about to enjoy a festive cocktail as dinner broils and the salad is prepped.

And so it goes.
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Alaskan King Crab, Bills, Winsome Kitchen, and Angels.

How's that for a title?

Sorry for the long delay, but it's been a hectic week (do I say that too much?) and aside from work, there have been many lists of things that are needed and wanted for the apartment. And since I have only one day to get all that done, the planning has been extensive.

Anyway, here's the latest in a nutshell:

Found a large box delivered by Fed-Ex on the porch last weekend. It contained a small kitchen set (see the image above and click to embiggen) and though the instructions for assembly called for 2 people, I managed to assemble it myself, though it took two days. Fits in the available space, compact, and looks great. This gift-giver's generosity is beyond anything I've experienced in my life.

Enjoyed dining on Alaskan King Crab legs with Elizabeth on Friday afternoon as we sipped a "grande" margarita and caught up on the latest news regarding her move to the beach.

Following that cheery experience I arrived to find the first electric bill in the mailbox, which included a demand for an extra $180.00 deposit because I have not been a customer for 4 years. Pissed me off for a few minutes, then filed it for future communication with the company.  Nothing was going to ruin my evening.

The weather Friday, Saturday and Sunday was magnificent for beach goers although TWC and local weather forecasts called for rain - every single day.  Never happened.

I watched Angels In America - Part 1 Friday night, and part 2 on Saturday night. It had been a while and I felt the need to immerse myself in the film again.  It was cathartic, to say the least.

Two friends from the previous life paid a visit to the restaurant Sunday after church.  We shared hugs and a quick update on life, and I felt happy by their visit.  We may get together for a meal after the summer madness is over.

Being in the third week of living in town has been an eye-opening experience into what I've missed all these years and it's all good.

Enjoyed a "tropical Cosmo" with a Russian co-worker following our shifts today and learned that he and his wife have decided that I need a "companion" or "boyfriend".  (He is a friend on Face Book)  I explained that I am far too old for a boyfriend, but wouldn't mind an occasional companion to share dinners out, a cruise, and cocktails at Happy Hours around town. These two are in their 20s, btw, with one beautiful child and another on the way. He's always trying to buy me a cocktail after work, but today decided that he and I ought to share a meal at another local restaurant whose owners were customers at his previous work place and have followed him to this new place. 

The restaurant is called MIXX boasting an eclectic menu and a special burger & martini night offering 8 different burgers (the bison burger is my choice) and God knows how many martinis (I'll stick to the original, thank you) at half price. So, whenever our days off agree, he wants to treat me to the evening. I guess I'll have to give in so as not to insult him and his family.

Aside from a martini, a dinner of broiled chicken and a spinach salad there is nothing on the gay agenda tonight.

And so it goes.
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A New Monday in Gayberry, USA.

Having received an email notice of a special end-of-season sale on all outerwear at Izod, Bass, and Van Heusen I stopped by before heading into work this morning to see what I could find. I found a triple-fused jacket at 75% off. The outer shell is water resistant, middle layer holds body temperature, and the inner layer is soft fabric. Nice feel and comfortable, to boot. Usually these combos are stiff and difficult to wear while driving a vehicle, but this one is soft to the touch and pleasant to wear. Original price = $100.00 Final price = $25.00! And it wasn't made in China. A real win for me.

We weren't very busy for lunch at the restaurant today, but the facebook adverts appear to be taking hold. The first 2 diners were lesbians who are fans of the restaurant. That's promising, at least. Now I have to work with the boss on more interesting ideas for the weekday specials.

The temperatures rose into the 40s again today and as I made my way back to the apartment a light rain began to fall which will (hopefully) melt more of the snow still on the ground and in mounds everywhere you look. Hung around for an after-shift cocktail this evening, but when "Bad Romance" by Ga Ga came on the XM feed, I hit the ground running and got to the car before having to bear the first "ga ga ou la-la"...

Arrived at the apartment, shed the work drag, made a martini and prepped a light stir fry with rice noodles for supper.

I have the next 2 days off and tomorrow plan to do as little as I can get away with and not feel guilty. And Wednesday will be an activity day. Laundry, grocery shopping, and cooking up a big chicken/sausage Etouffe, 'cause I have a craving, that's why.

And so it goes.
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