Fun Night

Yesterday was very nice. Made my soup, which turned out great. Entered most of my music learning tracks on the computer; finished the rest on Sunday. Went outside to get some sun and pull weeds out of the front lawn. Left for Dr. Michael's around 1715, stopping at the ATM to get some money. Good thing I did, only had $5 in my wallet. Got to his house 15 minutes early, and he was in the shower. I didn't mind since I was early anyway. He let me in, and I hung out on the back patio while he finished getting ready. We went to Mario's, an Italian restaurant over in the Las Palmas shopping center in Rancho. We got there just in time as we were able to secure the last outdoor table. Beautiful weather yesterday, BTW. It got crowded shortly thereafter. I got the eggplant parmigiana which was very good; the spaghetti that came with was not the greatest. Had a very nice Chianti with dinner. We left for the movie in plenty of time. Went to Cinema Palm D'Or, and the movie was playing in cinema one. There were not many people in attendance; which is kind of a bummer since the movie was pretty good. One wishes the gay community would show a little more support. Afterwards, we went back to Michael's place, where much fun and merriment commenced. If nothing else, he is a great kisser. Mr Happy had no complaints, and we had a nice sleepover. I wish there had been more cuddling, but I understand that sometimes one needs a little space in bed. He made me breakfast, and then it was time for us to get on with our individual days. All in all, a very nice date.

Catchin' up with the O

Not much to report this week. Working out at the gym, rehearsal on Tuesday followed by drinking and karaoke. Over did it a bit, was dragging the next day at work. Going to see "Shelter" this Saturday with Dr. Michael. Some Italian beforehand, and then some French/Welsh afterwards. A sleepover is planned.
Details to follow.

Beautiful day

Yesterday, Sunday, was really nice. Although I did laundry in the morning, I got a call from Dr. Michael that he was back in town. I, of course, was in the shower when he called but we eventually talked and set up a plan for the day. I went over to his place mid-afternoon, and we had a couple of beers. Headed to his bedroom for some horizontal time. I had stopped at Q-Trading on Saturday, on the way to the gym, to get another one of those rubber rings that help you keep a rock hard erection. Mine actually melted! Not from hot sex, mind you, but from keeping it in the sock drawer in the bedroom. Must have been one of the really hot days we had over the summer. Well, I got another one, and then forgot to bring it with me for my tryst. No problem, things seemed to work fine without it. That means I'm getting more comfortable with him. It was a very nice time, indeed.
We then ordered a couple of pizzas, he had to have some meat on his. I don't mind at all. After we were done, I had another beer while we talked a little in his living room. But I think his long day (he was up at 4 AM to catch a flight out of Portland to come back to the desert) really took it out of him and it was time for me to leave.
I got a message from him today on A4A; he wants to get together on Saturday. He said he would like me stay over some night, it just may well be this weekend. Stay tuned...

Jumping on the Bandwagon

Well, all the cool kids are doing it! Didn't the Dixie Chicks get into trouble for something like this? Hee Hee.
OK, nothing much to report this week except more of the same. Had chorus rehearsal Tuesday, went to Streetbar afterwards to drink and sing karaoke. I actually did a lot of songs I never did before, including "Locomotive Breath" by Jethro Tull. I heard a comment by Lindsay that it would probably sound like Frank Sinatra, but I have heard it on the radio so many times in my 20's that I think I nailed the sound fairly well. I also did "Fire and Ice" by Pat Benatar, and that was fun.
Thursday I had a bass sectional rehearsal, and afterwards I went to check out Karaoke at Spurline. It was OK, and there was not as much as a selection as the other two places I have gone. I just had a Bud Lite draught and split after it was gone.
My workouts at the gym just consist of doing 20 minutes on the old elliptical machines. Today, Saturday, I was really straining to do the workout. But I got through it, and feel pretty good now. I really need to do some strength training...
I chatted with Dr. Michael earlier on A4A. He is in Portland, OR, right now interviewing for jobs up there and to visit with his family. He was offered two positions, so things are moving right along for him. He wants to get together tomorrow after his plane gets in and he is able to bring his dog home from the kennel. We will probably mess around at his place late afternoon and then get something to eat. I'm thinking it will have to be something ethnic as it is Easter Sunday. I really like spending time with him, and we seem to have good chemistry together.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

I had a lot of fun Sunday. Went over to Dr. Michael's house; we were supposed to do the "Bump & Grind" hike. But due to the weather, we decided to go out for lunch instead. Well, we still did the bump and grind, but there wasn't any hiking involved. We did go out for Thai food later, but one could hardly call it lunch at that point. I do have to say he is a great kisser.

Hikus Interuptus

Well, today I was supposed to do the "Bump & Grind" with Dr. Michael, but seeing how it's not even going to hit 60 degrees today, we are going to have lunch instead. I'm going to meet him at his place, which will be nice. Things are progressing very nicely.

I took pictures of the afghan, one in particular shows the whole pattern off well.

There were stucco and drywall people here all day. The new windows are now installed in both bathrooms, and they fit perfectly in the existing frames. They will be back on Monday to finish up the drywall.

I made a split pea soup, which is quite delicious. Unfortunately, I overlooked a small pebble that was in the bag of peas which I bit into while eating it today. It caused no damage, but jeez....

My Butt Hurts

OK, but in a good way! Yesterday, I was able to work out on one of the old ellipticals at the gym. Today, my butt and leg muscles were aching. That is actually a good thing! Was a long day, so glad that it was my turn to leave early. I was actually starting to dread going out later, but forced myself. The GPS rocked in telling me exactly where the restaurant was. "Arrived at destinaton." Such beautiful words. When I got to El Mirasol, Dr. Michael was waiting for me. He already had a beer and was seated outside. We chatted for awhile, and I got a Modelo Especial. Yum. They have a special vegetarian section, and I got the spinach enchiladas. They were very good. Michael sprang for the bill, which was great since I was planning on paying for the movie. We left at 1845 to make the 1900 showing just up the street a couple of blocks. I got to introduce Michael to Dan, who brought his coworker Carl. That was so nice, I was glad they both could come. I really appreciated it. We got a couple of Bud lites, on tap, but the bartender must have just recently applied cologne/after shave because that's all I could taste on my glass. If your tongue becomes numb licking cologne off a hot guy's jawbone, that's one thing. Eww...
I wish that the movie was better attended, being a fundraiser and all. Michael and I made our way down to the chairs to watch the movie. It was kind of campy and a little second rate. But it had that gay theme going, which we need to support. I enjoyed it for what it was. After the movie was over, they played the DVD from our last summer concert, "By Popular Request." Michael enjoyed listening to the chorus. We sat back down and I put my arm around him. He responded by holding my hand and eventually interlacing his fingers with mine. Just before the second showing, we left for our separate homes. We hugged three times in the parking lot, and he told me he wanted to kiss me but was sure he was coming down with a cold. He said he would like to go on a third date, perhaps on Sunday. I really like this moving slow and getting to know him gradually. This isn't the "slap and tickle" I was expecting, but I'm getting into it. I tell myself every 5 minutes that he is leaving, probably for good, by the end of June. I sent him a message on A4A when I got home, and a few minutes later he responded. He signed on just to tell me he had a nice time also. Then he was gone.
I think I'm going to have some explaining to do at Chorus next Tuesday. :)

Grinning like a fool...

Today was a good day, as far as that goes. I had to stay a little later at work, which was no big deal. Then I went to the gym, and went on one of the old elliptical machines. I don't know how accurate it is, but I burned 350 calories on it. And my knees don't hurt! Best part, though, was watching this gorgeous guy run on the treadmill near the emergency exit by the wall of windows. He was probably in his mid 20's - 30's, and had the most nicely toned body. And a bit of a butt on him. I was really hoping he would show up in the showers while I was in there, but no such luck. Sigh....

I got home and had dinner, then went on A4A to see if Dr. Michael had sent me a message. He was on, and we chatted back and forth. He asked if I was flirting with him, and I told him everything was cool with me. I don't want to get married, but I wouldn't mind skipping to the honeymoon. He asked me to go to the movies with him, and I told him about the fundraisers the chorus was having at Oasis. He was very interested in going, and we made plans to have dinner at El Mirasol and then go to the 7 Pm showing of the movie. He is very happy with what is going on, and I'm going into this to have fun with someone who is nice to be around. I guess it will be like when Brook comes into town. We can hang out, and if it gets physical, it will be fun with no expectations. I really do want to find an LTR, but in the meantime I do have needs....

It's done!

I finished the afghan yesterday! I was so surprised how quickly I was able to garter stitch the border around it. It is so soft and so warm. I will take some pictures of it Saturday. I'm planning on getting out the tripod and doing a photo study. Need to learn how to set the automatic shutter (self timer?) on the camera. Also, I need to reset the date, since it is way wrong. I'm no Tom Bianchi, but we'll see what happens. I have an offer to pose as a model for someone, but we'll see how that goes. I think Michael is tempting me with an offer on being F W B. I've been pretty "lonely" lately, so I am seriously considering it.

One door closes, one opens?

Today I slept in way late. Got up about 0730, John had left for traffic school an hour before. Didn't even hear him. I putzed around, then started making my lentil soup around 1030. I finally got all the pieces of the afghan all crotched together, now I just need to knit the border around the whole thing. I hope I can get it all on one circular needle. It is long!
I watched some episodes of "Reno 911" that I downloaded awhile ago. Saw the one with the corporate sponser where they had the pink and white uniforms. Funny stuff.
My A4A contact, Michael, told me today that he is moving back to Portland and will be leaving the desert by the end of June. He was really nice, and didn't want to lead me on. He recognized that I don't do the NSA thing since I am a bit sensitive. I just don't have it in me. I like a little romance with my nookie. So I think that just leaves us as cyber buddies. I knew it wasn't going in the right direction, or at least the way I wanted it to. Better to know now than later. I gotta give him props there...

Friday??

Wow, I guess this week is just about over. I don't have much to show for it, except that I'm pretty well rested and my afghan is getting so much closer to completed. I crocheted together the strips into columns, and attached two of them together. I will crochet those, and then crochet those together resulting in a 6 by 4 tiled afghan. Then I just need to knit the border, simple garter stitch, and it will be done. May just be done in time for summer. Ha!
Looked at some granite/marble/synthetic stone for the bathroom vanity countertop yesterday. It will be very expensive, perhaps more than I want to spend. Also, the tile store got in the two replacement boxes of tile for the other bathroom, but it is the wrong sequence number. So they will send them back and reorder the correct ones. Good thing there isn't a tile guy standing around needing them right now.
I only went to the gym one day this week, but I really will make an effort to go today. That, and I need to fill up my tank at the pumps. I tried to go Tuesday, but the card readers were down at two of the gas stations on Date Palm. I will try again today. Hopefully....

Relaxin'

Just taking it easy this week. Yesterday was my birthday, but I didn't have any big plans. Went to Big Lots because I heard they sell an adapter that would work with my GPS so I can charge it with the house current. It seems to work fine, but the plug is a little sensitive and can pop out it the unit is bumped even a little. Stopped by the tile store, but the two extra boxes of tile for the bathroom still haven't come in yet. The remodel is on hold now; the contract is in default and is now going to a new contractor, more than likely. The guy who did the plumbing is interested in finishing the job, but he is harboring resentment because he never got paid from the main contractor for work that he performed. Since that other guy was paid, he should get it from him. It's a mess. Hopefully, something will work out.
I finished all the blocks for my afghan, now I just need to piece them all together. I'm thinking of crocheting them together. Then a border needs to be knitted around the entire project. I have large circular needles, but I don't know if it will long enough to work. If I have too, I can crochet around it. Then it could be as long as can be and still work.

Well, that was nice...

This morning was nice, got to sleep in just a little. Callie has this funny thing where she doesn't like me to sleep too late, but she will let me once I acknowledge her effort to serve as my feline "alarm clock." I really wanted to make my soup, so I showered after my coffee and cereal, and hit the supermarket around 10 AMish. I got back home and commenced on making my split pea soup while listening to Avenue Q on my Zune. It sounds like a very funny show, I would like to see it if it ever comes out here. Sort of like a Sesame Street for adults, if you will. I worked a little bit on my knitting; I just need to complete a couple more squares until I piece it together. Then knit a unifying border around it. My soup was ready around 1230, and it was quite good.
I left the house around 1345 for Koffi, and met Michael there for the first time. I met him on A4A, and he seemed nice to chat with. He is a doctor, and not bad on the eyes. Pretty blue eyes. Anyway, we had a nice time over a cup of java, and then walked around the art festival across the street. After an hour or so, we walked to the back parking lot, where we were parked right next to each other! He took off, but not before saying he would like to have dinner together some time. I agreed, and asked him to message me or call me on my cell. I then got in my car, plugged in the GPS so it could charge. Drove all the way down Palm Canyon so I could shop at Trader Joe's. I also needed to pee and thought Target would be a good spot. When I finally got there, my bladder was hurting. I walked into the store like I was on a mission. I heard somebody call my name, but I wasn't sure. I kept walking to the men's room and then I heard it again. I turned this time, and there was Michael right behind me. Seems that he had bought a scale at the store last week, and now it was on sale and wanted the discount applied to his card. We ended up going into the men's room together (no, Don, we didn't!) and ended up walking out to the parking lot together. Again we said that we would like to get together.
I went to TJ's, and it was a little different. I couldn't find the Indian food, turns out it was on the other side of the aisle on a bottom shelf. The Warres Port that I bought and like last time was no longer there (nor was the Zifandel one). They had a $42 bottle, but there is just no way I would pay that much for it. I ended up getting some strange brand; I just hope it's good. I played "let's confuse the GPS" on the way home. That's a fun game. "Recalculating route....turn around....recalculating route...."
Good times!

Friday finally got here...

I was tired, this week really took it out of me. Have been going back to the gym, but only walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes with varying degrees of incline. 4.5 mph max speed, 15% max incline. Knees have been holding up very well, but I don't want to push it by running on them again. I'm able to stretch better now, although my full flexibility is not there yet.
I got my gps navigator from Woot. An early birthday present to myself. I used when driving to the gym and then back home. It kept recalculating the route, as it kept wanting me to go a different way. It was very good though, and fast at keeping up with me. I need to learn how to use it better, though. Just read the .pdf file on the disc that came with it, although I'm not sure how much I retained. It talks to me in UK English, which is cool.

I need to go to the grocery store this morning (Saturday) and get some stuff to make my soup for the week. I'm on vacation, so I don't have any real constraints this week. I'll be able to close Streetbar this Tuesday, although I usually run out of there before then.