Truman listens as I explain the importance of not digging his claws into the new couch. He’s been mostly good about it, though he has given me a look of bemused disagreement when I give him a stern “no”. He then says, “just dispense the treats”.
Truth.
I was recently asked about my “coming out story”. The person posing the question was taken aback when I replied, “I’ve always known. Since I was in elementary school. It was never, ever a question for me. Being gay was the least of my worries. I was most concerned with fitting in with others. I think differently than most. It’s OK, I’m just different”.
I lucked out. My parents were awesome. My sister is awesome. I will always be the protective big brother and I love her to pieces. My relatives on both sides of the family never made me feel bad for being myself. My cousins just got me. My husband is forever. He is my biggest cheerleader and I hope everyone can find their forever love like that which I’ve found in Earl.
My life has been completely and thoroughly charmed. I’m living my life honestly, completely, and more enjoyably than I ever imagined. It’s all honesty and luck. What you see is what you get.
Life is awesome altogether.
Video: The Wilderness of Rocks Trail.
Here’s my latest hiking video, this time along The Wilderness of Rocks Trail in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson.
I had a couple of “firsts” on this hike, including trying out new hiking boots (which are wonderful) and a man stopped me on the trail and told me I looked familiar. When we talked for a moment, he mentioned he thought he’d seen me on a video about hiking Mount Lemmon. That was awesome.
I think this link works for the boots on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BFMNHW
Holiday Start.
I went for a hike early this morning, because I am really enjoying hiking these days. I hiked along the “Wilderness of Rocks” trail near Mount Lemmon. The video is forthcoming, but it was a great day for a hike.
Stormy Vibes.
I am a big fan of the YouTube (and PBS) series “Outside Beyond The Lens”. I recently watched their episodes about storm chasing, and it perfectly captures and shares the vibe and sentiment I feel when out on the Great Plains chasing storms. I hope you enjoy this beautiful piece of video art as much as I did.
Free Yourself.
I’m not a fan of most current music. However, as a former club and radio DJ from back in the day, once in a while something grabs my ear and musical sensibilities.
I recently discovered “Free Yourself” by Jessie Ware. Be still my middle aged gay heart.
Sigh.
Judging by the number of filtered out posts marked with “SCOTUS” on my Mastodon feed, I can only assume the Supreme Court laid out some stupid, partisan, greased palm rulings again today.
As a kid I remember being in awe of the Supreme Court of the United States. They seemed like wise people who knew the law and were to be respected. Fast forward to 2024 and I realize two things: 1. They weren’t really that supreme to begin with and 2. The court now is just a bunch of paid off hacks that are doing whatever they can for monetary gain. They’re a bunch of idiots in robes. Honestly, if their stupidity and paid off rulings didn’t impact the populace I wouldn’t give them nine of them a second thought.
It’s kind of disheartening to realize that even in my mid 50s I’ll probably outlive the United States as we know it today. It’s really a shame the Democrats are too weak to do anything about it and the Republicans are gleefully taking us back to days reminiscent of the Third Reich.
I’m still voting for a large meteor. The 50 states will be nothing more than Spirit of Halloween states come November.
Hiking Mount Lemmon: Marshall Peak.
Our friend Stephen joined me on this week’s hike. We started out at Marshall Gulch on the south end of Summerhaven and did the Aspen and Marshall Gulch Trails, passing over Marshall Peak along the way. It was a great day for a hike.
