Not That There's Anything Wrong With That

The rumors of me being gay are greatly exaggerated. If you thought I might be, you aren't the only one.  If you haven't considered it, maybe you should.  Let's take a look.

The case for:

• From Seinfeld - over 30, single, thin and neat.  I certainly meet those criteria.  It doesn't help my case that my house was decorated with help from a woman. (straight guys - this means things like furniture, curtains and paint match)
• I know how to choose cut flowers and arrange them.
• I have knowledge and appreciation of jewelry.  I helped Tofu girl pick out a ring from Tiffany.
• I have an opinion on what looks good on a woman and can help choose an outfit. (not just lingerie)  Yes ladies, even shoes.
• Cat lover - both of my Bandersnatches are boys.
• I don't like hoppy beers.  I'll even drink my Blue Moon with an orange slice.
• I'm a Judas Priest fan. (for those who don't know, the lead singer came out many years ago)
• I love champagne and keep quite a few bottles on hand.
• I don't wear tighty-whities.
• I'm able to maintain non sexual female friendships.
• I still like Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
• I've had my hair permed on a regular basis. (when I had more of it)
• Got my back waxed without losing a bet. (won't be doing that again)
• I use Clinique skin care for men.
• I don't feel weird using the urinal gap. (ladies - men generally leave a one or more urinal gap as bathroom etiquette, some guys will go into a stall rather than stand between two guys)
• I enjoy fine dining.
• I've gone to yoga classes for over a year
• Don't forget I sewed my own toga.

See what I'm saying?  It's a pretty telling tale leading to one to think about me laying my head on some dudes chest.  I'm sure I missed something and if you're a good friend be sure to point it out.

The case against:

• I have been married. (to a woman)
• Never dated a man.
• I own and know how to use a chainsaw.
• I own 6 pairs of shoes.
• Crush on Jessica Alba.
• I don't like musicals.
• I enjoy SciFi. (not sure this is big in the gay community)
• I'm not afraid of spiders. (unless they are wolf spiders or bigger)
• Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
• The Bandersnatches are named for the guitarist from KISS and the artificial life form from the Alien movie. (Yutani would be a great name for a little girl kitty)
• I don't go clubbing and I'm only an adequate dancer. (after many drinks)
• I enjoy going to the firing range.
• Obviously I enjoy Hard Rock and Heavymetal.
• I don't wear pink.

Not an extremely compelling list against. Nothing about camping, hunting or four wheeling.  And for the more cultured - golfing.  Perhaps the rumors aren't wrong?  Hang on, I did forget one important point against.  I don't form romantic relationships with men.  Still, I could be in denial.  Sorry I'm so difficult.  I'll try to make it easier to be labeled in the future.  NOT!

Freeze Frame

I've realized that for a geek I haven't been posting much technology.  So I figured I'd show you the camera I've been talking about.  I take it to most of the concerts I attend and you'll see the results all over this blog.

Say hello to the Panasonic Lumix ZS7.  Now stop talking to inanimate objects.  Unless you're talking to the TV, they can actually hear you.  Yes, I did get it in blue.

You can look up the details yourself so I won't bore you with that.  Bottom line for me was the great photos and all the features.  I've always touted Canon but Panasonic has impressed me.  It works as a great point and shoot yet most of the settings can be tweaked for more artsy shots.  The concert shots proved to be a challenge for the auto settings but there's a special scene mode for high intensity situations like that.  While the camera performs great, I still need practice with taking the shots.  A 16GB memory card means I can keep shooting until I get it right.  Unless she sees me outside the window but that's a whole other issue.

Somebody Save Me

Many years ago, I went to see David Lee Roth on his solo tour.  He had Philly's own Cinderella as an opening act.  They put on such a great show that it left an impression on the Greek Geek and myself.  It has stuck with me to this day.

Of course I had to get tickets when I saw Cinderella was playing locally.  What would they be like 20 years later?

I can say they still rock.  No fancy stage show or lots of talk.  Song after song and of course a long drum solo.

Handy girl went with me even though her knee was still recovering from an operation.  Someone was kind enough to give up their chair for her and it made the Night Songs better.

I need a shot of gasoline

I'm hittin' one sixteen

I get so hot I see steam

Forget the day cuz we're gonna scream!

Rum Tasting

My friend, Soly, and I were to go to a rum tasting on the river.  We were looking forward to it until the riverboat company closed its doors.  While this was disappointing, I felt bad for those who had party plans, family gatherings and weddings scheduled with this company.

As you can see above, I have a good collection of rums.  That is my kitchen table.  It made sense to host my own rum tasting on my deck.  Soly came over with some cigars and we had a very enjoyable afternoon sipping rum, smoking stogies and chatting.  Life is good, good friends make it even better.

I know you're all wondering the outcome, sitting on the edge of your seat.  Our top three - Ron Zacapa Centenario, Matusalen Gran Reserva, and Pyrat XO.  Now you know what to get me for Christmas.

Proverbial Monkies

You may remember I had a tree die last year.  I vowed to honor that tree because it was my favorite on the property.  After much thought, I decided an old proverb would be suitable for the 110+ year old oak.  In spirit of my decision, I kept the outcome a secret from the neighbors.  I even told the carver not to say anything to them if they ask.  It was quite the talk of the street.

In the Chinese Zodiac, I'm the sign of the Monkey.  It's in my nature to be a little mischievous.

I left about 12 feet of tree left for carving.  Much of it had to be removed to create the sculpture.  You start to see the figures take shape.

Say hello to my monkey trio - Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru.  You'll notice there's a crack forming.  My thought was it should be on the other side and it would fit in better.  Nature doesn't always do what we want.  Monkey crack - there I said it!

I made the call to go ahead with the finishing and staining.  We'll revisit and see about fixing the crack once the tree has fully dried.  By the way, the dark coloring on the base came from nails in the trunk.

I'm loving it and so are the neighbors.  People stop on the road to look and take pictures.  The kids on the school bus get very excited when driving by.  I think I made the right choice.  The 10 foot tall naked woman might not have gone over as well.  Not to worry, I have other trees...