Political Photoshop Fun. A REAL Horror Movie

The Inhabitants of my Mom's backyard.

Hurricane Irene

From a pic I took in Paris....

While the Red Sox were beating the Phillies…

Sophie takes a nap.

Finally, Some Catching Up. Book Sales, Driving in the Rain and Avoid The Winking Lizard.

This time last week, David Stein (on the left, above), Alex Ironrod, artist John Randle and I had already finished our kinky creativity forum in Ohio for Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend. I was very happy with the forum, as we had about 25 attendees early in the event (Friday at 1:30), and those in attendance asked plenty of questions. The three authors in the crew each read from a slection of their work, while John described how he makes decisions regarding his kinky painting. (His triptych on display was beautiful.)

David arrived in Philly from NYC via Bolt Bus Weds for an overnight stay, displacing poor Sophie Cat from her usual room. On Thursday, we headed for Pittsburgh with a stop in Carlisle for what David called "the best crab cakes outside of Maryland." The Sunnyside Restaurant did not disappoint! Too bad it wasn't open for Sunday Business or we would have stopped on the return drive. We spent the night with my good friend Russ in Pittsburgh.

Friday we drove - for a second day - in the rain. David had registered too late for the main hotel, so I dropped him off and headed for the host location to set up. Alex and his crew had already set up, so my table and books were up and on display with ease. Sales were solid, and I was pleased by that. I also got in a serious session with an Irishman from DC, who left me some souvenirs.

That gentleman, his boy, a friend of theirs and I went to a restaurant called "Winking Lizard" for a meal and service so bad that we complained to the manager (spilled drinks, cole slaw literally dropped in one person's lap, etc). Usually, the manager will say something like, I'm sorry, and I'll comp you the drinks, or something similar, but not this one. He actually began to argue with us. We were so angry that we left, went to a different bar and wound up doing some hard drinking.

Which is unusual for me. The last time I was impaired was in Amsterdam over two years ago. But I now like Belgian Blue Moon Wheat Beer. Really like it. A lot. Made the fireworks at the end of the Cleveland Indians game (a full half-hour of them) a real kick to watch.

Sunday, by one PM, David and I were back on the road and in the rain, again, this time headed back to Philly. Monday was a day to chauffeur David around the city a bit, taking him to Giovanni's Room (Philadelphia's Gay Book Store, and one of the few left in the country), and then to The Trollycar Diner for lunch and a comfort food lunch with author Thom Magistar (that's him on the right).

Ultimately, I got David back to 30th Street Station and back on the Bolt Bus for NYC. I've been busy this week catching up and kitty-sitting, and still on the search for work.

Tonight's "Super Moon" - taken about 11:30 PM Saturday

A tough shot to pull off. The camera was at maximum zoom and I used a tree to steady my hand.

Casting Call

 

Holiday Shadows

Took these tonight. Our neighbors spotlight a decorative fence and the light casts an unusual shadow on our house. Click the pictures for more shots.

Volcanic Lightning

This awesome photograph was taking above Iceland, where the volcanic eruptions have sent enough debris into the ait to cause lightning to flare.

Sophie Cat Peeks Out.

  

Happy Easter!

(Or Passover if you're in the midsts of that holiday.)

My Partner Goes Back In Time

Joel was part of a service that did the presentation as a group of hippies from the 60's. He looked like this:

Far out,

Maaaaaannnnn!

Photo: The Sad Spud

Spotted today at the local acme; and no, I did not set this up.

Tim 3. Snow 1

So far this winter, we've had 4 days of significant storming. Yesterday was blizzard conditions and made for harrowing driving. Philadelphia broke the record for a seasonal snowfall with the additional 18 inches in this storm to a 70+ inches. That's with 4 more weeks of Winter to go.

For the first three of those, I was able to get my car out and make it to TLA for work. Yesterday conditions got so bad that TLA sent me home at 1, which was a good thing. By 2, three of the main interstate arteries were ordered closed (which included I-476, the "Blue Route," which is necessary for me to get home). Today, Mother Nature finally won. There was too much snow in the driveway and a good 2 foot high pile of plow push at the end of the driveway. There was no way I would be able to clear this much in a timely manner, so I called out. Here's a few shots from around lunch time.
    

I finally got the area cleaned out by about 2. Then I tried to get to a post office, turns out they were all closed! So Joel and I decided to stay in and do Netflix. Today's selections were "Inglorious Basterds" (violent and talky; typical Tarantino) and the cult Korean Suspense film "Old-boy" (better than I suspected). And then tonight in the 5 day forecast? More snow on Monday.

Fresh Whiteness

A pair of pics from the ongoing Blizzardpalooza.

11 Years Ago Today

 I lost my Rubber Bear Peter Tolos. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him.



John Rand took this picture of us, and it's always been my favorite.

I Learned The Truth at 17

Found this while rooting through some old boxes. It's my senior class portrait, wearing a tan leather suit and obvious 70's shirt. My guess is the pic was taken the Summer of 77.

Would This make you want a computer?

 An early computer marketing advert

computer world!

Holiday Picture Time