2008-05-15 
 

lilac day

Took Mom to the Arnold Arboretum yesterday to see the lilacs. Wonderful time all around!

Labels: 1000 words, dose of mikey, linkage, local getaway

* posted by me at 7:16 PM

(0) comments



2008-05-04 
 

the dirty gay play

A good friend of mine is directing a play in New York called F*ck Me, B*eat Me, L*ve Me, but given the difficulty of pronouncing an asterisk in normal conversation, he also refers to it as the dirty gay play. G and I had a chance to see it this weekend and enjoyed ourselves. Great acting and interesting structure. (and, of course, superb direction!)

While I'd love to recommend it to everyone, the play isn't for the faint of heart. It's about a couple searching for something deeper in their relationship and focuses heavily on the sexual side of things with full on nudity and simulated sex. I'm happy to report that the actors are both very nice to look at AND very good at actually acting, an often hard combo to come by. As for the sex, other than one particular scene which I ultimately decided was sweet, it ends up being either comic or slightly sad versus sensationalistic. That said, there's a S/M slant throughout the play that could prove challenging, even to those who have no issues with the gay part. (If it weren't for certain friends who've been wiling to share that side of their lives with me openly and honestly, I would have had a much harder time understanding the L*ve Me side of the play. As it was, it was only in a conversation with B after the play that I realized I'd allowed two bits of the text to color my interpretation of the action throughout and ended up experiencing a much less hopeful ending than was intended.) If one of my tens of readers can make it, please do so and let me know. I'd love to chat with you about it after the fact and hear your reactions to it. Hopeful or not, the acting and text make it a worthwhile way to spend the evening.

In other news, I want to say hooray for meeting up in NYC! We got to see, not only a group of my college friends who all went to dinner and then the play, but also V, P and little D. D has grown up so much in the short time we've been gone and it was very nice to see her turning into her own person. (I think that ages 2 through 5 are some of my favorite ages to watch. So much potential and so many possibilities!)

Labels: local getaway, random review, shout out

* posted by me at 3:06 PM

(0) comments



2008-04-22 
 

tux for two

Had a nice weekend down in NJ with M and middle sized E. Experienced Whale of a Sale for the first time and got a few cool pieces of clothing including a tux for each of us...you know, for all those formal dinners we are asked to attend. Hey, it was 20 bucks for the pair, if we decide to let 'em go on E-Bay, we'll make money on the deal. Oh, I also picked up several books...because the to-be-read pile at the side of my bed wasn't quite high enough.

Yes, all in all a rather fruitful weekend.

Labels: dose of mikey, local getaway

* posted by me at 8:20 PM

(0) comments



2008-04-12 
 

go fly a kite

Reports of nasty weather were only half accurate. The early afternoon was actually quite nice so G and I drove into Marshfield for the North River Arts Society SNAP show and finally saw Dude and Dudettes pieces. Quite nice. Dudette really has a good eye for composition of a piece.

Ended up at Web park wandering along the beach, skipping stones and combing the sand for treasures washed up on the shore. No treasure, but we did find a kite amongst the detritus which we untangled and got aloft for a good 20 minutes. At that point, the fog rolled in, the temperature dropped about 15 degrees within ten minutes, and my hands were suddenly in need of gloves again.

I'd forgotten how spring jumps from one extreme to another here in New England. It may seem odd, but it's afternoons like this one that make me really glad to be back.

Labels: dose of mikey, g, linkage, local getaway, shout out

* posted by me at 8:59 PM

(0) comments



2006-04-17 
 

damp

Back from camping. Weekend bookended with rain, but Saturday gave us a few hours to be outside the tent and indulge our pyromaniac tendencies in the firepit.

A bit damp, but fun nonetheless.

Labels: dose of mikey, local getaway

* posted by me at 2:50 PM

(0) comments



2006-02-18 
 

hidden away

The geography of San Francisco allows for many hidden parks and neighborhoods that, even after more than a decade, I have yet to discover.

Found one of them last weekend while it was still spring.


i'm not sure what the real name is but
i'm calling it secret canyon park


every once in a while the camera decides to get creative


a little friend we met along the way


last stop:Church Street in Noe Valley
to pick up some German dinner

Yum!

Labels: 1000 words, local getaway, san francisco

* posted by me at 3:33 PM

(2) comments



2005-07-17 
 

from windy city to hot red woods

Spent most of the week in Chicago for work. Came home and left the following morning to go camping down Big Basin.

That's where I've been in a nutshell. If you care about some random particulars, read on.

I guess I could whine about the Chicago trip and how I had to share my unrequested center seat with the arm of the large man to the left of me and the odor of the man to my right....but then, that's a tired tale that too many have told before me. Suffice it to say that United is no substitute for Jet Blue.

Did have some great food in Chicago at Vermilion. Also had great margarittas and mexican food at a restaurant who's name escapes me because I had too many margaritas. We had a nice time, but regretted the next morning when we had to wake up at 5...again. Sometimes I really do miss being 25.

Camping was, as usual, a nice break from the world though a bit hotter than we usually deal with. Upside is that sitting still reading kept the heat bearable, so I had a chance to finish up a few books in order to prepare myself for HP and the HBP. Picked it up today on the way back from camping. I should see you all again after the back cover closes.

Labels: dose of mikey, linkage, local getaway, random review, reading, sharketing

* posted by me at 11:41 PM

(0) comments



2005-01-09 
 

giving thanks

After all my worries about meeting new people yesterday, it ended up being a very nice time.

Snapshot: We're all getting in line to grab food and the truck driver tells us that we'll say grace first. So we're all in a tight circle holding hands in an appropriately suburban kitchen and I'm expecting...I don't know what. G's family isn't very religious, but this is a friend of the family. I guess I'm hoping that the guy doesn't say anything that's going to cause hurt and make me have to speak up on behalf of the little people.

Where's my trust in the universe gone? He proceeded to say one of the nicest graces I've ever heard. Spoken from the heart by a man who believes in the same Jesus I've known since childhood. The Jesus who loves the little children and tells us that love surpasses all other things. The Jesus who accepts all people regardless of background or life situation because it isn't about what makes us different, but instead what makes us the same.

Insert the word God or Goddess in there if the name Jesus makes you too uncomfortable. He doesn't mind.

It was nice to spend some time with him again.

Truck Driver and the Beary Nice Lady are Unitarians. I'm thinking of having M take me to a service next week when I'm visiting her and little E. I'm intrigued.

Labels: dose of mikey, g, local getaway, spirit

* posted by me at 1:24 PM

(1) comments



2004-10-03 
 

further adventures of the fantastic four

Not a lot of time to blog as we're about to head out the door to experience the Castro Street Fair, but wanted to post a few more pictures for y'all.


wine country


this picture would makes more sense if you could see the
nifty sculpture that they're dancing next to, but
the artist came out and asked that we not use the
photos in any public arena...so I'm respecting that..


dude and the bridge


hottie photographer


love in the clouds


dude in the clouds


peaceful garden at the MYSTERY SPOT


mikey at the MYSTERY SPOT


chicken wings and mystery spots

Labels: 1000 words, g, local getaway

* posted by me at 4:13 PM

(0) comments



2004-08-16 
 

Sack o' Tomato

Spent the weekend out in Sacramento with G's parent's. (Roseville really, but that probably won't mean much to anyone outside of Northern California.)

It was a fun visit, and the weather was a nice change. (It's actually summer there.) But the overall trip was a bit tiring. I looked forward to coming home and just acting like broccoli for a few hours.

Point being, we came home to find Six Feet Under, Little Britain and various other fun shows on TiVo waiting for us, and it made me so happy to know that I never need suffer through bad t.v. again in the pursuit of a vegetative state. Love that!

Also love the sack o' bell peppers, corn and other super fresh (and super inexpensive) organics we picked up in Dixon on the way home.

Labels: g, local getaway, random review

* posted by me at 1:09 AM

(0) comments



2004-01-10 
 

Bramble

We've taken a little mini vacation and are housesitting for Hugs. Photo essay to follow later.

Labels: dose of mikey, local getaway

* posted by me at 2:45 PM

(0) comments



2003-10-14 
 

waiting

Had a pleasant weekend in Sacremento with G's parents. Ended up taking the train there since Zip (my car) overheated on Friday and needed to go to car hospital. Amtrack may not be as glam as it was back in the day, but it's still a rather nice way to travel.

Tomorrow I have a doc appointment first thing in the morning and then have to rush into work for a 10 am meeting to see whether or not I have a job still in our reorganized company....either one of these events might alter my life, but it's all going to be ok. I've got G as a wonderful constant. Love you Honk!

Labels: dose of mikey, g, local getaway, medical mystery, sharketing

* posted by me at 1:15 AM

(0) comments



2003-07-20 
 

over the hills

Spent the weekend over in Roseville with G's parents. A nice visit bookended with forays into fast food land. A little sad to see Long John Silver's is just another restaurant with plastic seats and a primary color scheme. The food wasn't bad for that sort of place, but I have childhood memories of Mom and Aunt Ruth G. taking Mark and I there for a pretty nice evening. I remember wood panelling, lots of green plants and a server who'd bring the food over to your non plastic table. Might be the years colored my memory of the place, but I think perhaps they did what they had to in order to stay alive during the cut throat 80's. Corporate homogenization. I blame McDonalds. Evil place. Read Fast Food Nation and never eat there again.

As for the Central Valley in general...two words: TOO HOT. It was 102 degrees when we arrived...and his Mom said it had cooled down a bit! It was pleasant to sit outside at midnight in a pleasantly warm 85 with a nice breeze, but I think it solidified my desire to stay within 20 miles of the coast for actual living. I need to know there's a cool ocean somewhere close by to jump into when the temperature gets up that high.

Labels: dose of mikey, linkage, local getaway, memory lane

* posted by me at 11:48 PM

(0) comments



2003-04-23 
 

drip drip drip

G and I just got back from camping in Big Basin. Squelch. We managed to have a pretty good time in spite of - well, to be honest, partially because of - the rain. Would've been nice to wake up to dry boots, but there's something rather cozy about sitting around a campfire underneath a hastily thrown together tarp and listening to our windup radio play the oldies. Of course I'm not going to pretend that I'd turn down a hotel room if someone had offered it to us for the actual sleeping part of the trip...the rain made it extra cold and a bit spooky since it was coming down heavy enough to sound like footsteps now and again. (Odd, the potential sound of human footsteps around my tent freaked me out, but not the thought of coyotees.)

Nonetheless, still a very good trip. It's nice to get away with G every once in a while and renew the love. Not that it was flagging, but I'm on a bit of a high right now and it feels goooooood! Going now to sit in front of the DVD player and snuggle up in front of a different sort of fire than last nights. (Tamer, but just as cozy.)

Labels: dose of mikey, g, local getaway

* posted by me at 1:22 AM

(0) comments



2002-04-15 
 

au jus

Took Dad over the Golden Gate today and up into the Marin Headlands. Beautiful views. Also checked out Point Bonita Lighthouse. My first time actually getting to go all the way out. Past times I've had to turn back due to weather. (and after walking across that narrow suspension bridge in yesterday's winds, I'm pretty greatful that they don't just let you in every day) Totally worthwhile checking it out if your ever there.

Realization of the day: I don't like asking for extras when I'm in a busy restaurant since I have this old recording that tells me to be happy with what's set in front of me, but G's a bit more pragmatic than that. (we are paying for it after all) Last night he knew I wanted more au jus with my prime rib and just asked for it. If he ever leaves me, I'll have to do it on my own again, but it's nice to have somebody to help me record over the old tapes.

Labels: dose of mikey, g, local getaway

* posted by me at 1:13 AM

(0) comments



2002-04-09 
 

road food

We had a nice weekend visiting G's parents who live in a retirement town outside of Sacramento. Hot shower! (Did I mention that we haven't had hot water in the apartment since last Thursday?) One of the things I like most about going up to visit them is the fact that all normal rules of nutrition are suspended while you're on the road so fast food becomes not only legal, but highly desirable. No McDevil's for us though. We stick to the best. It becomes a type of car game to spot signs for In-N-Out Burger. They stick to the classics. Burger, shakes and fries. And everything's fresh. You can watch them push a potatoe through the slicer, that's how fresh the fries are. So incredibly yummy.

This has been deep thoughts, by Jack Handy.

Labels: dose of mikey, g, linkage, local getaway

* posted by me at 2:22 AM

(0) comments



2002-03-28 
 

garlic bliss

Wonderful day today. Slept in a bit, took it easy. Went over to the Marin Headlands and hiked around...and layed in the sun. Ended up taking a rather circuitous route to get to the Pelican Inn, but it was totally worth while. Prime Rib was delicious. Kudos to G for suggesting we swap out the red bliss for garlic mashed. Red Bliss are just BORING compared to garlic mashed....even if they do have a fun name.

Labels: dose of mikey, g, linkage, local getaway

* posted by me at 12:42 AM

(0) comments



2002-03-19 
 

the weekend that was

Didn't do the blogging all weekend. Spent Saturday driving to Jackson to meet up with G's parents. Also got a chance to meet his brother and his family. It's interesting seeing G interact with them - gives me a better idea of where he's coming from.

On Sunday we hung out with Hugs. Went for lunch at Plutos...yum! And wandered about the Inner Sunset. Purchased three records for three dollars at Green Apple's going away sale. One of which is Herb Alpert's third album - very fun. Hmmm, before yesterday, I don't think I've actually purchased a record for over 15 years. Somehow it seemed appropriate to get Herb on vinyl. Especially an album that features renditions of Girl From Ipanema, All My Loving and...Hello Dolly. Herb was postmodern before his time. Continued our celebration of St. Patrick's Day with some Irish coffees at a local bar and then headed on over to the Phoenix Club on Valencia. Cool vibe, even if we never did get our fish and chips. The crowd was much more our style than over in the Sunset...and they had some Irish music playing there...unlike the Irish bar we were in earlier which had everything from reggae to 80's metal. The first bar did have some amusing clientele though. There were four "straight" guys drinking beer at the bar, two of whom got up in the middle of drinking to run to the hardware store across the street and came back proudly carrying a "slender drill bit" which they showed off to the two who had remained behind. Apparently they were trying to prove a point. Sublimation anyone?

Labels: dose of mikey, linkage, local getaway

* posted by me at 1:00 AM

(0) comments