Where the Hell Did Summer Go?

Here it is 9-11, and I'm asking myself where summer went.  Each year passing seems to fly by in an instant but this summer in particular.  We took no big trips anywhere, preferring to spend our days avoiding housework and yard-work with a vengeance.  So, here we sit at the end of summer with no travel memories and a yard that still needs lots of work.  Was it wasted?  Heck to the no on that one.  Despite the warnings of our favorite fables, sometimes the grasshopper needs to rest and hibernate instead of preparing for the long cold winter.  Plus quite frankly, this is California, how long and cold can the winter be?

Despite the low stress days, we did manage to enjoy a few diversions.  So gentle readers, enjoy a glass of red and peruse a few random photos and sardonic comment as I recap the summer's end...

Donna and Diane came for a visit to see the sights and catch up.  What an enjoyable few days of conversation, roaming SF and a bit of Dore Alley Debauchery (our local leather community street fair).  

We made a brief stop on one of the crystal clear days in San Francisco at Twin Peaks for a panoramic view of downtown SF.  Could one ask for a more beautiful moment.  

As a Birthday treat, Lance and Monique joined us at the Lake Chalet for appetizers and drinks.  Truly, another Oakland magical day, warm weather, with a slight breeze and a beautiful view of the hills.  Good conversation and happy hour prices.  Good times.  

By the by, just a shout out to Lance and Yosiell, two of my friends, both bass players and both similar in temperament and artistry, check out the Muppets honoring the under appreciated bass player: 

 Sondre Lerche also played this tune on the new Muppets cover tune album...perhaps a more appropriate version but no video available to embed.

While camping, this photo proves you can take the boy out of the trailer but...

Yes, this snack is perhaps the most toxic worst nutritional nightmare for skinny trainers and calorie counters but, gentle reader, you can't tell me it ain't just flat out delicious!  

Campsite, sweet campsite in Guerneville!  Nice weekend.  Next time we will post signs warning, "Don't Feed the Bears", as they may follow you home.    

One of my favorite kids, John, went to Circus Arts camp.  The kids developed a circus performance and performed for the low low price of $5.  The circus arts place is called Kinetic Arts in Oakland, and the gym hosts many different classes.  For those so inclined, I recommend checking it out.  The kids were actually amazingly fearless and performed incredible feats.  Great performance John!  

Dominic hosted a wonderful Hawaiian Luau for friends and family, complete with dancers and wonderfully delicious eats.  

Our host and one of the guest's of honor.  

My contribution!  Yes, friends, wig heads are back and modern materials are providing much more durable appetizer displays.  Oscar and Dominic created the Spam Kabobs, so truly a community effort to create this amazing sculpture.  Unfortunately, she fell over fairly early in the party...I'll consult my engineer minded partner for the next one!  

Spaniard's in the house!

Truly an international smorgasborg.  Geraldine is certainly the creamy filling in that Castillian Cookie sandwich.  

Nick back from the national tour.  A little road weary but none the less for wear!  Welcome home!

The dancers providing a show stopping performance.  Very nice evening of which i mostly remember.  Sangria is a deliciously evil elixir that will sneak up on a mild mannered educator and knock him on his ass!  My apologies to Geraldine, who tried to keep up, and for my purported indiscriminate actions...  

This next photo may incriminate me in a trespassing and littering crime, if not for my solid alibi, provided by request only and then to the proper authorities.  

Others that may choose to provide information regarding this crime, may find a random gnoming at their own house.  Just sayin'.  

And that brings us up to date, except for "The Best Buck in the Bay" gay rodeo and festival.  Wha...what?  Yesterday (9/10) was spent in the sweltering sun watching the excitement of the rodeo.  Our friend, Johnny, is in for the rodeo so we trudged 60 miles south of San Fran to La Honda for the San Fran gay rodeo and to cheer Johnny on in his events (although by the time we got there we missed both events, sorry Johnny).  The gay rodeo circuit seems to be winding down for the year so it was great to see this one in such a beautiful spot.  

And with the ubiquitous rainbow flag, we are off to the rodeo.  

Yosiell and me at the rodeo...talk about fishes out of the tank, but enjoying the festivities regardless.      

One of the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" lending support and their financial contributions.  Is there anyplace in the Bay Area that their generous clutches don't reach?  Excellent humanitarians!

Johnny, "branded" with his competitors number.  

White straw hats seem to be the fashion du jour!  

Junior bull riding.  Serious injuries during the junior bull riding and the full bull riding.  Lots of men clutching their valuables after this event (most searching for jewels that have actually been kicked into the bleachers...the women fended no less with the injuries, by the by).  

I don't care who you are...now, that's exciting!

Wooly Bull showing his stuff.  

This event is only part of the gay rodeo circuit and involves a drag queen, a lesbian and a cowboy.  (Although Rusty was highly disappointed in the drag, definitely not up to the Mordecai standards).  

Cowboy Up!

Quite a fitting tribute to this 9-11 weekend.  Just a reminder that patriotism in its many forms is not reserved for straight white people exclusively.  

So gentle reader, here is a toast to the official end of summer.  The lazy days are being replaced by work filled hours, projects around the house, and writing University papers.  I'm sure we will find some time to fit in a martini or two, especially with a December visit from our Aussie prodigal daughter.  Keep posted!