Last Day Of November

-Thirty days has November … hey it’s the last day of the month … wow, the year is quickly passing us by.

-Good morning guys, and welcome! It’s nice to have you stopping by to read us – on this Sunday – we are glad you took the time to keep up with our lives.

-Let’s take a look out in the back yard this morning … where it is mostly cloudy and 19 degrees above zero.

-Our forecast for the northland of Minnesota and our back yard is:

Mostly cloudy. Scattered flurries. Highs 23 to 28. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

We had some snow yesterday when we were in the big city … but by the time we got home, there was hardly anything on the ground out at our house.

-Yesterday morning … was just kind of a lazy laid back morning – we didn’t really rush to get out of the house and head into the big city.

It wasn’t until about 10:50 a.m. before we got going – Steve was taking his time checking out some stuff on the internet – I on the other hand had been up early, did the blog, ate breakfast, showered, dressed and was ready to head out by 10:00 a.m.

But that’s ok, we didn’t really have any special errands or tasks that we had to get done – so we just took our sweet old time.

After all – we didn’t have to get back to let the dog (Buddy) out – he’s gone now … died on Thanksgiving – so, it’s a new routine for us.

We drove over to the Miller Hill Mall – and stopped at J. C. Penny’s where I bought a Christmas gift.  From there Steve and I walked down the corridors of the mall to the Younker’s Store – where I purchased another Christmas gift – so by the time we were done in mall – I had gotten at least two gifts for this year.

Steve and I walked around the mall and stopped at various “boy” stores – Holister, etc., and he showed me things he would like for Christmas – but the only problem was – he was with me.  I passed up some great bargains – but like I told Steve – hey, who the heck wants to get a Christmas present that they already know what the item is?

So, I told Steve that one day this week – maybe Tuesday or Thursday – I’ll have to come down to the Miller Hill Mall area stores and shop for him – when he isn’t with me – so I can buy him something he’ll be surprised about at Christmas.

On Friday of the week, I have been invited to a Christmas lunch put on by a “professional group” that I used to belong to in the region.  It’s going to be at Grandma’s in Canal Park – and I had to bring along a small gift to exchange … so Steve and I stopped at Barnes and Noble to pick up a nice little book entitled “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff”.

Considering the lilne of work I was in before, I thought it might make a nice gift for some other guy in the group.  Like I told Steve, nine chances out of ten – I’ll buy a half way decent gift for some guy in that group and end up with a piece of “crap” for gift.  It seems that is usually the way things so, when you go to these type of gatherings.

Oh well, at least I tried – and I’ll hope for the best this coming Friday.

After leaving the Miller Hill Mall – Steve and I drove over to the Target Store where we picked up a couple more things – Steve got a few more Christmas presents and by about 2:45 p.m. or so, we were ready to leave Target.

Our plans were to head on up to the Marcus Lakes 10 Theater up in Hermantown and watch the movie – Four Christmases.  But guess what – when we got there the next showing was at 4:35 p.m. – so if we had hung around we would have had to wait a while.  All the time, Steve thought the movie started at 3:15 p.m. but in fact it was a lot later.

We left the Marcus Lakes 10 Theater thinking we could get downtown to the Marcus Duluth 10 Theater by 3:15 p.m. – but guess what?  There was no way we could make it – with the snow falling and the roadways slippery.

So instead, Steve and I headed over to Superior and the Super Walmart Store to buy what we thought was only going to be a few dollars worth of stuff.

Long story short – I spent nearly $75.00 and Steve spent almost $115.00 – way more than what I had planned to spend.  Yikes!

After spending all of our money at the mall and WalMart – we headed to the Marcus Duluth 10 Theater at Canal Park to see the movie – “Four Christmases”.

When upscale, happily unmarried San Francisco couple Kate and Brad find themselves socked in by fog on Christmas morning, their exotic vacation plans morph into the family-centric holiday they had, until now, gleefully avoided. Out of obligation–and unable to escape–they trudge to not one, not two, but four relative-choked festivities, increasingly mortified to find childhood fears raised, adolescent wounds reopened… and their very future together uncertain. As Brad counts the hours to when he can get away from their parents, step-parents, siblings and an assortment of nieces and nephews, Kate is starting to hear the ticking of a different kind of clock. And by the end of the day, she is beginning to wonder if their crazy families’ choices are not so crazy after all.

For some reason many times I see movie previews and I think now this is going to be really funny. Well, this movie was pretty good – but not quite as funny as I or Steve thought it would be.

I would probably rate the movie at about a C+. I expected better from the stars that made up the cast, because there were a lot of talented actors involved in the movie but maybe they didn’t choose to use that talent in this particular film. By the time the couple made it to their 3rd Christmas, I was tempted to almost give it a thumbs down.

But as I thought about it here this morning – as I said, C+ is about the best I can rate that movie.

Here are some Christmas shopping tips….

According to a recent study around 60 per cent of people dislike Christmas shopping, just 20 per cent plan their shopping expeditions, and the majority of us (nearly 75 per cent) often come home without a single purchase for our efforts. Stress reduction strategies for successful Christmas shopping include:

• Make a list of all the gifts you wish to buy before you go shopping. If you wait for inspiration to strike, you could be wandering aimlessly around the shopping centre for hours.
• Buy a few extras, such as chocolates, just in case you forget somebody or you have unexpected guests bearing gifts.
• If possible, do your Christmas shopping early – in the first week of December or even in November. Some well-organised people do their Christmas shopping gradually over the course of the year, starting with the post-Christmas sales.
• Buy your gifts by mail catalogue or over the Internet. Some companies will also gift-wrap and post your presents for a small additional fee.

-This coming Wednesday, I have to go with my cousin “Jo” for a 12 noon appointment at the Duluth Clinic.  She is going to see the doctor and find out about the extent of her potential pancreatic cancer – and also when they are going to schedule her surgery.

Jo called me on Friday and asked that I go with her to see the doctor.  She really doesn’t have any other family member she can put her faith and trust in – so I’ve been asked to go along.

I tried to assure her the other day – that even though the tests show two small centi-metered masses – they may not in fact be cancerous.  I guess it is human nature to always think the worst – to hope for the best – and resolve in our mind the final analysis of what happens.

I have tried to be a positive thinking guy for her – and hard as that can be sometimes, it’s about the only thing you can do.  In actuality – I’m a realist – but I don’t want her to think that the worst may happen.

Just living life from day to day can be hard – but if someone, like a doctor were to tell a person that they’ve got pancreatic cancer – I’m not sure what the normal response would be – besides shock!

-It’s NFL Sunday around our house again – Steve and I try to pick the winning teams in all the NFL games today – then add our choices to a pool made up of his relatives – mom, dad, sisters, brother in laws, etc.  Steve is still on top – but I’m down there around third place I think, and tied at that.

Oh well what the heck it’s just a game!

-Yesterday as Steve and I were walking through the J. C. Penny Store in the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth – Steve eyes’ these three guys at the jewelry counter.  One guy is “HOT” in Steve’s eyes – so much so he is like a circling vulture going round and round the area to check this dude out.  The guys head is short haired, his beard/goatee is nice trimmed – and grey – he’s just what Steve thinks is “HOT”.

It was funny to see him in action … well not funny, I’m a jealous kind of guy and get a bit miffed when he does that – but then, once in a while looking is not a bad thing – as long as a guy who is partnered never wants to touch.

We were going up the escalator … and Steve was peering over the lights looking down at this guy in the jewelry counter – probably thinking … “Hmmm, I’d like to …..” 

I’ll have to slap his ass if he gets out of hand. 

-Things we’ve read…

* In 1980, a Las Vegas hospital suspended workers for betting on when patients would die!
* The inventor of the Waffle Iron did not like waffles.
* Ancient Egyptians slept on pillows made of stone.
* The banana tree cannot reproduce itself. It can be propagated only by the hand of man.
* Your heart rate can rise as much as 30% during a yawn.

-Hey have you bought a package of Oreo cookies – either regular or double stuffed lately?  Holy cow have they ever become expensive.

At WalMart we can pay $2.50 per package, but at our friendly Super One grocery store here in Duluth – the price was $3.33, compared to the WalMart price of $2.50 – that was until I went to the store on Friday – and saw that the Super One grocery store had increaed their price from $3.33 to $3.99 per package.  Holy cow, what  a price hike.

It turns out, that the quest for cheap food has helped transform palm oil from an inexpensive cooking oil used mostly in developing nations to an all-but-invisible staple of the western diet. But with an ever larger portion of our food now coming from the farthest corners of the globe, the price we pay at the grocery store is more and more tied to events beyond our control.

Turns out the price of cooking oils is going through the ceiling.  Gosh what next … ?

-It always bothers me to see a “fellow blogger” end his blog or go on a break from blogging.  I guess it happens to everyone … you get writer’s block or something – I’m not sure of what it is.

Maybe just a lack of interest – after all it takes some degree of dedication to put a blog together every day – whether it’s good, bad or indifferent.

So it is with “Voenix Rising” … he’s suspended his writing for the present time.  He says in his last post:

I need time to regroup.  I may still throw up an occasional hottie, or comment on something particularly relevant, but I’m going to take a much needed break and see if my literary muses return.  I never thought I’d reach the point where I didn’t have anything meaningful to say, but that day has arrived.

-We hope you return to us soon – after all – you are inspiring!

-The paper boy or paper guy – I’m not sure which, because I’ve never looked out the front door to see what he is … just dropped the newspaper off – so I might just venture out the front door in my striped sleeping shorts and t-shirt and get the newspaper. Most Sunday’s when Steve gets up – he usually gets it … but today I might just beat him.

On that note guys, I am out of here. Steve is still sleeping away in the bedroom – getting his much needed sleep, which is good for a growing boy or young man .

We will see you back here again tomorrow – Monday, the beginning of the work week. Until then, be kind and most of all be good.

-Until next time…

Holiday Season Is Upon Us

-Saturday … the last Saturday of the month of November, 2008. Hello everyone and welcome to our blog.

-I am Warren (62) and my partner of ten years is Steve (35) and we’d like to welcome you to our blog if you are a first time reader.

We are from northern Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes. Minnesota is located in the north central area of the United States of America.

We are two gay Christian guys…who live together as life partners and are also both professional guys.

Warren is retired and was a market analyst and Steve works in human resource development.

Steve is 35, 6-0, 165, blond, blue.

Warren 62, 5-11, 219, gray, blue.

Our interests include various professional sports, computers (Apple iMac), various kinds of music, traveling, going to live concerts, collectibles, and living the good life together in love.

We are in love and we are traveling on a journey we call life and enjoying every day together.

We’ve been together since June 12th, 1999.

-First off this morning out in our back yard it is partly cloudy and 9 ( cold ) degrees above zero. The temperature is certainly a lot colder than it was yesterday morning at this time.

Color weather radar show just three very small areas of precipitation in Minnesota at this hour.

Today’s northland weather forecast for our back yard is:

Increasing clouds. Highs 27 to 32. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

The long range forecast doesn’t look like any snow until maybe Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week.

-At least someone is gaining more “rights”, even if it may not be Americans …

The Australian senate has passed legislation giving same-sex couples the same rights as straight heterosexual couples. The legislation which redefines the definition of a ‘de facto’ relationship to include gay and lesbian couples, extends equal rights in nearly 100 areas including tax, social security, health, aged care, employment and superannuation entitlements, thereby giving same-sex couples the exact same rights as opposite-sex couples living together in common-law relationships.

The Netherlands, Canada, Spain, Norway and most recently Nepal has legalized same-sex marriage.  South Africa is also moving towards the legalization of gay marriage.

We applaud these countries .. as they seek equality for all gay men.

-Let me just say this…

Just a word to all the guys who posted comments or sent me an email … It goes without saying, that at a time such as this it is good to have good friends – people who support you, people who encourage you.

I can say in all honesty that it was your encouragement that kept me going the past two days, and I want to thank you for sharing your wisdom, encouragement and love with me. I know you have touched my life more than you will ever know.

Thank you for your positive inspiration these past two days … Buddy – my dog is gone, but He will never be forgetten and neither will the love of gay men like all of you – who took the time to share with me.

The house is quiet … it’s different here … not quite the same, but I know my Buddy is in a much better place where there is no suffering and there is no pain – for that I’m thankful.  I miss you Mr. Buds…

Thanks guys …

-Steve got home about 5:30 p.m. last evening … after a nice get away for the Thanksgiving holiday – when he went home to be with his mom/dad/sisters and family to celebrate.

Steve was among the early risers, yesterday morning who got up about 3:45 a.m. or so, and drove to a couple nearby communities and joined other folks who were out early shopping for Christmas.

It was evident as he came into the house not only with his suitcase but also his purchases … a game, a childs toy for a relative of ours, CD’s, DVD’s and even a small portable DVD player – plus a few other things.

He was a busy shopper … who braved the early morning hours to get out and get some real bargains.

I on the other hand, got up yesterday morning and put some of the dog food (that I had just purchased a week ago for Buddy, plus the syringes that we still sealed in plastic containers together – and when my cousin Jo drove over to my house – we drove out and stopped at the vet so I could return the items.

My cousin Jo called me about 9:30 a.m. and said she would like to get out of the house and travel into the city of Duluth – just to get out and get away.  She had minor knee surgery on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and was almost immediately able to walk on her leg right after the surgery.

But, having been home and kind of being laid up for a couple days as the knee heals – she was just restless and wanted to get out of the house.

So she called me and asked if I would go with her.

I told here “Oh yes, I’d love to get out of my house also.”

We had a fun few hours, just going to a couple of stores at the Miller Hill Mall and also then stopping at the Harley Store – where she purchased a couple of clothing items.  She and her boy friend Jeff – are big “Harley” fans.

-Their victory may have been sweet … The victory is the third in five games for the Minnesota Timberwolves and avenged an earlier loss to Oklahoma City.  Final score Wolves 105, Thunder 103.

But the Wolves were not as sweet – in my eyes as the Boston Celtics.  The Celtics dominated the 76ers in every facet of the game Friday night as Steve and I lay in bed watching every shot, as they came up defeating Philadelphia. Ray Allen led the Celtics with 23 points.

If the Philadelphia 76ers are truly the biggest challenge to the Celtics in the Atlantic, then the division may already be won.

While an under-the-weather Gabe Pruitt was probably in bed last night, Sam Cassell (previously one of our Minnesota Timberwolves) was finally back in a Celtics uniform.

Celtics star Ray Allen was on point all night vs. the Warriors. Allen scored a team-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers as the Celtics rallied to win.

I told Steve several times last night … “He’s hot”  “He’s hot”  .. as Rajon Rondo grabbed an inbounds pass early in the third quarter and slammed the ball to the court with enough strength that it bounced several feet over his head. He had just allowed his man to score, and he’d had enough.

It was Kevin “K. G.” Garnett who – at least in my eyes polished off the 76′ers … with a couple of great individual slam dunks to send the 76′ers back home with a loss.  Final score Celtics 102 76′ers 78.

A great game!

-Needless to say – having Steve by my side last night with some hugs, some kiss and some “sex” was really nice … after being home and having the house filled with sadness and emptiness – I was so glad to have Steve back home.

We talked, we laughed, we shared, I cried, we hugged and we enjoyed the love and sexual fulfillment as only two gay men could do … I’m so glad your back home by my side – thanks Steve for understanding my loss and loving me the very special way that you do.

-Though the shopping list might be shorter and the gifts more practical, Black Friday shoppers proved that the show will go on, even in a tanking economy.

When my cousin Jo and I were at the Miller Hill Mall yesterday in Duluth – we went into the Younkers Store – and just let me tell you .. it was wall to wall women, and women and women – holy cow it was unreal.

The aisles were so crowded – you could hardly walk around, let alone even turn around.  Once in a while I’d see a younger guy or a middle aged guy – trying to do some shopping – but for the most part – there were just tons of women.

As I looked at the shelves and racks … oh my gosh were they a mess.  I think Younkers opened at like 5:00 a.m. or something like that yesterday morning – but the place really looked like a tornado went through it.

Although I didn’t buy anything … there were some really good sales … with some items have 25% to as high as 40% off retail prices.  It was a nightmare to say the least.

So…were any of you guys out there yesterday morning at the crack of dawn – doing your early Christmas shopping?

According to our own Duluth News Tribune – this morning – not all people think that a decline in holiday spending would be a bad development.

A handful of demonstrators marched around the Burning Tree Plaza parking lot today toting signs that urged consumers to reject retailers’ overtures to buy. Jon Merritt, a 28-year-old from Duluth, said he and his colleagues decided to mount their own grassroots demonstration in support of a national campaign to turn the day after Thanksgiving into “Buy Nothing Day.”

What can I say … only in America!

-The holidays are officially here now, and it’s that time of year when each of us has to use a little common sense when eating – I being one of those kinds of guys.

There are a lot of excuses for not eating properly. The most frequent: “I’m never home.” You have guests to entertain. And there’s never anything healthy to eat at these places.

I know for a fact that unhealthy food tempts you outside your kitchen. Here’s what to do:

• Always warm up. Depending on the prospects at the restaurant you’re going to, eat a small snack, such as a tuna sandwich, oatmeal, or a protein shake, or even a large meal a couple of hours prior. You’ll keep your blood sugar from dipping, remain relaxed, and eat moderately instead of pouncing on the bread basket.
• Decode the menu. Ask how dishes are made. Chicken’s great, right? But chicken Parmesan is breaded and fried before it’s baked. Sauces can contain more sodium than you should eat in a week. Order the sauce on the side so you can control the amount you take in.
• When in doubt, order a salad. Look for salads with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, and vegetables. Limit the cheese, croutons, and bacon bits. Also avoid sliced meats–most are highly processed–unless there’s fresh- baked turkey breast sliced off the bone. Again, have dressing on the side, and dip your fork into it every few bites.
• Fear not the dessert tray. Don’t spoil the party–indulge with the rest of your table. Order sherbet and a cup of coffee. Let them have their double chocolate fudge cake.

I know it’s going to be hard not to eat all those upcoming Christmas goodies when you go out – but use common sense – I sure hope that we can.

-Today – we are going into the big city and doing just a little bit of shopping for ourselves or perhpas for Christmas, and probably stop for lite sandwich somewhere. We thought we would do a little bit of shopping each weekend up until Christmas and that way we don’t have to fight the crowds for long hours.

Lots and lots of people – young, old, men, women – you name it they will be out in force again today buying things they didn’t need with money they probably don’t have. Yesterday, in just the few stops my cousin and I made – I saw more plastic than there is in a toy factory – honest to goodness.

We as American’s over spend when it comes to Christmas – and I kind of wonder, what is wrong with just giving one or two presents – in love, rather than going way into debt and giving more than anyone needs?

-Well I guess I’ll get moving here – Steve is going to sleep in yet for a while and I think I’ll find something for breakfast.

Enjoy your Saturday guys … remember to be good and to be kind.  And to my partner Steve – it’s great to have you home again.  I love you pal.

-Until next time…

Friday After Thanksgiving

-Good morning everyone and welcome to our blog.  I’m Warren and my partner is Steve and we would like to welcome you – on this Friday after Thanksgiving, 2008.

-Our weather this morning out in the back yard is partly cloudy and 28 degrees … certainly a warm up from some of the temperatures we have had in the past week or so.

Color weather radar at 5:15 a.m. shlows that conditions over Minnesota are clear this morning and there is no preciptation – which is a good thing if you are one of those early shoppers who are out there battling the elements to get those special gift items at a reduced sale price.

Today’s north land weather forecast for our back yard and surrounding area is:

Partly cloudy. Highs 28 to 33. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

All in all…it looks like a half way decent day.

-It goes without saying that good friends are certainly hard to come by – and I have to say, I’m very blessed to have not only good friends but friends who are good – I can’t begin to “thank you” for the emails and comments posted on the blog about the loss of my dog – Buddy.

I’m not going to dwell on him, but only to say he was a “good companion” and I’ll miss him dearly.

The house this morning, as it did yesterday morning – has an unusual calm and quietness about it – the fact is Buddy’s very presence is gone and believe me I can really notice it.

Again – thanks guys for contacting me or posting a comment on our blog – I truly appreciate each and every one of you and the words you shared with me.

Finally … concerning Buddy – special thanks to my partner Steve who called me several times yesterday after he found out about Buddy’s passing – to console me, listen to me cry and talk about Buddy – thanks pal for being there for me.

Steve said, I should be comforted to know that Buddy passed away in familiar surrounding – our bedroom and with the person Buddy knew at his very side – and for that, yes I am thankful.

Thanks pal, I love you and I miss you so very much.

-The photo above is of the dog … normally a week of so after Thanksgiving we would put up the Christmas tree (which we will do this year) but of course the dog (Buddy) won’t be here to help as he usually did – as seen in the photo above.

-So did you guys survive the big Thanksgiving dinner day?  I sure did … even with the passing of my dog – I did prepare a turkey, and some of the trimmings.

I hate to say it, but by the time it was all prepared and I was ready to eat – my appetite was just about completely gone.  I did eat a small amount of turkey – about three finger size pieces, some potatoes and other items – but my appetite just wasn’t there.

I was really tired, as I had not slept since two nights before last – so all day long I was just dragging my butt.

I actually went to sleep last night about 9:30 p.m., after Steve called from his sister’s home – where he was staying.

I was so tired and just dead on my feet – that I knew it was time to hit the hay – so to speak.

I woke up at 4:55 a.m. and actually I’m doing pretty good this a.m.

When I came out into the kitchen, of course the dog – Buddy wasn’t there – so it took me a few seconds to realize what was happening – again.

But now, I’m sitting here doing the blog and the reality of life has hit me and I’m alright.

-Glancing at some news … MillerCoors has joined Judy Shepard in support of the Matthew Shepard Foundation (MSF) and its continued commitment to ensure that addressing hate is a top priority in our schools and workplaces. MillerCoors, a national sponsor of MSF, announced it will match 100% of the first $10,000 in donations through the Campaign to Erase Hate website, www.MatthewShepard.org.

“Through our ongoing commitment to the Matthew Shepard Foundation, we hope we can be part of the solution for erasing hate in our society,” Doug Sanborn, MillerCoors brand manager, LGBT, said. “Through this matching funds campaign, we hope to raise awareness and raise crucial funding needed to equip individuals with the necessary tools to discuss and address hate issues,” he added.

Judy Shepard is the mother of Matthew Shepard.  Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered in Laramie Wyoming over 10 years ago because he was gay.

Photo Duluth News Tribune Sports

-The Gobble Gallop 5K run was held yesterday morning here in Duluth – as part of Thanksgiving Day.  As you can see we got some snow yesterday and the streets here in the Duluth area are ice covered and slippery.

But you have to hand it to those guys who braved the elements and got out there run – way to go guys.

-Things we’ve read…

• More people are killed by donkeys annually than are killed in plane crashes.
• Diet Pepsi was originally called Patio Diet Cola.
• The word ’set’ has more definitions than any other word in the English language.
• Pluto is NOT a planet.
• Maine is closer to Bermuda than Florida!

-I’m not sure whether or not Steve will be coming home today or tomorrow.  He did hint in a text message to me  last night that he’d probably be coming home today – but I was not 100% clear on that – so I’m kind of up in the air on that one.

Steve, as you know went home this Thanksgiving to be wiith his mom/dad/sisters and family in west south central Minnesota – which is about a four hour drive from here, where we live.

-As for me on this Friday after Thanksgiving – well to be honest I’m not exactly sure of what I am going to do.  I know after I finish the blog here, I’ll have some breakfast – then shower and get dressed for the day.

But the remainder of my day is open – I really don’t have a thing planned – so I guess I’ll just have to “wing it” as they say.

I might drive into the city, but I really hate facing big crowds at the stores and mall – so that probably isn’t going to happen.

So on this Friday – enjoy your day guys – I know I sure plan on it and also your holiday weekend. Remember to be good and also to be kind today.

Again thanks for your emails and positive comments – I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

-Until next time…