Summer 3rd Quarter Journal 2010 July-September

 

JULY

1 July 2010 Thursday

My blood sugar was 156 this morning. So begins July the month I was conceived in…so my DNA is now 60 years old. It’s really beginning to warm up.  

 

2 July 2010 Friday

I must be feeling better because I am horny again. I looked on a site called Craig’s List for someone to give me a message in the nude. I went to over to this guy named Ryan Kelly at his studio where he gave me a much needed hour long massage and a happy ending for $40. He said I was just knotted up and I imagine I am from all the stress I’ve been carrying for over a year. I think I needed the touch of a man’s hands on my body as much as anything even more than being penetrated.  

 

3 July 2010 Saturday

I mowed the lawn today because it was very pleasant out. The grass is still really green and tall from all the rain we have had this year. Michael Romero went to Cheyenne for the holiday weekend.

 

4 July 2010 Sunday

I didn’t even leave the house at all today as I was working on my Gay archival chronicles. Yesterday I decided to organize all the files I have on my computer and put them all in Chronological order by years. It will help me come up with ideas to write about in my Lambda Lore column.  Because the 4th is on a Sunday, Mormons will not celebrate our National Holiday with fireworks in the park. Don’t tell me that Utah isn’t a Theocracy.

 

5 July 2010 Monday

Today was Utah’s version of the Independent Day Holiday so everything was closed down except for the federal stuff like the mail. Priscilla hates the fireworks and gets so scared and now it’s even worse for her. The rest down like them but she just gets so terrified that I have to hold her all night.

 

6 July 2010 Tuesday

Mike Romero and I went to the gym tonight and we walked a mile on the walking track and then worked out on the tread mill. Mike said it was too hot and sticky in the gym so we didn’t stay to do the weights.

            Val Holley, my author friend I met through John Reeves back in the 1980’s commented on something I wrote on Face Book. He wrote "They used to say when Louella Parsons leaned across a table, you knew a story was brewing ... and when Ben Williams digs through archives looking for "female impersonator," you know what's coming up in QSaltLake.  First John Davidson, now some small-time Ogden operator. Good find, Ben!"

 

7 July 2010 Wednesday

I cleaned the basement really good in anticipation of the plumber coming over and thinking he might have to shut the water value off downstairs today but he really was just upstairs. He said my kitchen faucet was shot from mineral deposit build up so I had him put in a new Moen faucet. That was $385 but it needed to be done. I probably paid too much but that’s what happens when you are not a handyman.

            I just continued working on my chronicles today. I get so sidetracked by having one interesting thing lead to another. I learned so much about the world of the famous female impersonators like Julian Eltinge, Bert Savoy, Karyl Norman, and others.

            The Q Salt Lake came out today and I read my article on HIV, that Nova Starr asked me to write, on line.

            In the evening Mike Romero and I went to the gym again but we only walked the track for a mile and then called it quits. We were tired. But later I went home and got the hounds and then picked Mike up and we went for a ride around the city. It was such a pleasant summer evening; only about 75 degrees out.

 

8 July 2010 Thursday

It’s the same morning routine, read my emails, read Face Book posts, read the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper and then write in the my archival Chronicles.  I wrote information from my 1991 journal from June, into the record.  Much of what history was going on back then made it into my journals as I was so involved in the community when I was 40 years old.

            In the afternoon I felt like I needed an erotic massage so I called my guy Raul up in West Valley and went over there about 3. For sixty dollars I get an hour of a really good massage and then a happy ending. It’s cheaper then wasting time cruising, picking someone up, and then paying for a motel, or risk getting arrested.

            I do not see how society is at risk by people paying sex workers in a business like setting. Who could be offended but the prurient?

            Anyway after wards, I called Mike Romero to see if he wanted to go out for dinner at the Latino Mall on Redwood Road. He did, so I met him down there and it was very authentic. We ordered the tacos dinner and we had real Mexican coca cola in a bottle. It’s made with sugar and tastes like the real thing when I was a kid. 

 

            After coming home and feeding the dogs, I took them over to Mike’s and we toured around downtown. It was crazy at Pioneer Park with the start of the Twilight Concert Series. I’ve never seen so many people streaming to the same event. The news estimated 40,000 people and people were jumping the fence to get in…never seen so many people there. They were walking from blocks away and Utah blocks are huge! It looks like the move to Pioneer Park will be a success! I love crazy Salt Lake City.

            Deb Rosenberg wrote regarding the crowds at Pioneer Park, “I was supposed to volunteer with the SLC Bike Collective for the free Valet Bike Parking... couldn't get close to the entrance gate with my own bicycle... hung outside and listened to the music a bit, then rode home. Great night for a ride around.”

Jimmy Hamamoto said, “Living at Del Mar Court at the time, I witnessed the slow change of Pioneer Park from "Murder Park" to Welcoming Park able to host a Farmer's Market.” I replied, “If I would have stayed at my apartment at Le France, I could have sat on the balcony and listened to the music for free and boy watched.”

            I read in the City Weekly that the editor, Jerre Wroble’s quoted me in a post to the ‘Salt Blog’ regarding a voice mail she received from an angry Salt Lake City Weekly reader. It was in response to an article “I Am Not That Filth,” from June 23. “The self-proclaimed “respectable gay male” complained that a recent cover story featuring queer Latinos (see “Kings of Queens,” June 17, City Weekly) was “filth” and the people featured should “go back to their country.” Our commentators were not pleased.

            “This mentality of ‘let me in, but no one else’ is exactly what has limited the previous human rights movements,” wrote Will. “... [I]t is not our assimilation that gives us our worth, but our uniqueness!”

            Paul said the message was “insensitive, racist, and deeply homophobic.”

            Ben Williams recalled that gender-benders were crucial to New York City’s Stonewall Riots of 1969, which started the gay-rights movement worldwide. “If not for the cross dressers and drag queens at Stonewall 41 years ago this month,” wrote Ben Williams, “he would not have the luxury of publicly criticizing members of his community that are finding another way to express themselves.”

            Hayduke wrote he would defend the transsexual women featured in the story, but “I’m quite sure these ladies know how to take care of themselves by now. It takes thick skin to walk that line in life, bless their garters and heels.”

            I had a message from my old Cypress College Mormon friend Kent Larson about stopping in Salt Lake to see me. He wrote “I am having a reunion with all three sisters in early October somewhere in Southern Idaho. Obviously passing through Salt Lake.”

            In the news a Massachusetts Judge declared the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional because it forces Massachusetts to discriminate against its own residents in order to receive federal funds. It's going to be really interesting to see whether the Obama administration appeals this decision. If they do them we will know how Obama truly stands on the issue of our civil rights.

 

9 July 2010 Friday

The Mestizo Street and Arts Fair on North Temple Street was held at 6th West just before the torn down Viaduct overpass. While there I saw John Bennett staffing the Human Rights Coalition booth. I said hi to John who was looking as dapper as ever and he had me send post cards off to Senators Bennett and Hatch to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. John is Senator Robert Bennett’s nephew.

            The Pride Center and HRC both have a booth at the fair. I hope the Fair gets support and grows here on the west side.

 

10 July 2010 Saturday

I went with Mike Romero to Carla Gourdin and Debbie Rosenberg’s 18th Anniversary Pot Luck Party at their place at 829 West 700 South. Carla and Deb barbequed sausages and brats, and some veggie options.

            I really only knew Greg Hardin aka Lulene Lovebird there but lots of good energy people were there like Jerry Urlacher, and Steve, Margaret, and of course Kyle Foote who is a roommate of Greg’s. Mike made a friend with a guy named Dean Moore there too so that was cool. It was a Beautiful evening, with good food and good company on a warm July night. What a great time I had at Debbie and Carla's Anniversary party.

            Greg Hardin later wrote me saying “Ben, it was fun running into you at "anniversary" party! The other night I had a dream sorta like, "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" but it was more like...what REALLY happened to Lulene Lovebird. I think it has the potential to become a little showette, what do you think??”

            Norma Chaffin wrote to Mike and I about the little schnauzer she is trying to find a home for. “Ok, here's the skinny. She was turned over to us by her owners because they lost their house and everything - the dogs were the last to go. She is very tiny and has cropped ears, not crate trained but uses puppy pads and wants to sleep with her people. The people that are fostering her right now are toying with the idea of keeping her, but Tracy thinks that once that "new puppy" euphoria wears off, they'll probably put her up for adoption so they can foster another dog.

            We will know for sure, one way or another, by next Saturday. Tracy says they are pretty naive about what it takes to train a little one like that and they'll most probably let her be adopted.

            So, I will let you know by next weekend for sure and set up a meet and greet if she's up for adoption. Tracy says she's totally adorable and really small and cute!” Later she wrote more saying, “One more cute picture for you and some great news! Little Della is up for adoption! She is getting spayed on Friday, so any time after that, you can meet her. I'll set it up.”

 

11 July 2010 Sunday

 I slept in until nearly 10 in the morning after staying up so late at Debbie Rosenberg’s party. I haven’t been out socializing in ages. These two older guys named Jerry and Steve recognized me as a columnist from the Q and were so excited that I was at the party. I felt like a celebrity. 

            Mike Romero met this nice kid named Dean Moore and they seemed to hit it  off. I had an infatuation with Greg Hardin’s roommate Kyle Foote but am not stupid enough to think it could be reciprocal but he’s intelligent and fun to talk with. 

            Michael Aaron was hosting a naked poker party on his deck and I almost went but then had second notion about showing off this body in public. So I worked on my archives all day.   My cousin Stephanie Williams is going to the Lilith Fair in California. The tour for Utah was canceled.

 

12 July 2010 Monday

 I didn’t leave the house today except to take the dogs for a ride. Speaking of dogs Norma Chaffin has shown us on her Face Book a picture of a little chocolate Schnauzer that needs adopting. I just have been telling her to keep us updated if she can’t find her a home. I spent another day working on the Gay archives.

 

13 July 2010 Tuesday.

Our old neighbor on Daleridge sent me information on a little brown schnauzer that needs a home. Norma Chaffin wrote, “Her adoption fee is $150. Community Animal Welfare Society CAWS usually requires a refundable $100 training fee as well (this is to ensure that adopters take their dog somewhere so both of them can get 'trained') but since I know you so well and I know you would make sure she gets 'manners', they are willing to waive that fee for you if you decide that she is 'your' girl.

            Not a bad deal, considering that she will come to you spayed, with all of her shots and micro chipped.  She will be at PetSmart this weekend. If you decide you want to meet her, I'll have them put a hold on her so no one else can have her until you decide if she's the girl for you!

            I am getting the info for when and where to meet so you can fill out her adoption paperwork, etc. I've let them know that you don't want her to go to PetSmart, so stay tuned for when you can pick her up.

             I just had a feeling about this little one and the two of you, which is why I sent you her picture. She looks so sweet! And I've don't think I've ever seen a chocolate Schnauzer before - she is an original!”

            Chris Johnson, my uncle JW’s grandson sent me a picture of Grandma Johnson when she was a 10 year old girl. I had never seen that picture before. I really miss both my grandmas.

            Bruce M. Barton wrote me “I love family heritage ! ! ! My youngest grandma was born to an apostate family in Payson the year Brigham Young died in 1877. What a gal.” I responded, “You're parents must have been younger children of older parents to have that span of generations.” Bruce M. Barton replied “They really were spread out---my dad's father died in the 1930's in his 80's. This past April Mom would have been 101.

 

14 July 2010 Wednesday

Same old same old just cooped up like a hermit chained to the computer.

 

15 July 2010 Thursday

Wahoo! I am finally working on November's Utah Gay Chronologies. I have spent 6 weeks working more than 8 hours a day getting them all in a searchable format. I should be getting paid for this but then it might stop being fun. Tomorrow I will be done with December!

            I’d like to remind my friends that when Gov. Herbert was a Utah County Commissioner he voted against an AIDS memorial garden and plaque. "Gary Herbert said there are about 100 AIDS cases and people infected with HIV in Utah County's history. He suggested there are far more victims of other circumstances, such as traffic accidents, cancer and venereal diseases.'" 2 Oct 1996.

            Our old Daleridge neighbor, Norma Chaffin, wrote to Mike and I about a little schnauzer that needs a new home that we said we would take. She said “Ok, here's the scoop. You will have to meet at PetSmart to pay for Della and fill out all the adoption paperwork, but Tracy has assured me that Della absolutely will not be put in a cage. Plan to meet at PetSmart at 11:00 am this Saturday the 17th. (It's the one in SLC, by Home Depot and Costco, on about 2100 South) If you have any questions: Della's foster mom is Nicol Zambos. You can also contact Tracy Nichols. I'm not sure if I will be able to be there on Saturday morning. I should be bringing in some of my foster kids for an adoption showing, but I'm being a wussy butt about it.”

 

16 July 2010 Friday

                I am half way through reading a book called ‘Dangerous Games’ by Robert L Bentley. It's about a 1961 sex murder by a drag queen in Texas and his teenage prostitute girlfriend. The Drag Queen received a last minute reprieve and goes on to get a sex change where she became active in ACT UP and Texas Dem Party. It’s a True Story.

            I would have finished it but I went to the Sugar House Farmer's Market because heard Kyle Foote would be there.

I was lazily reading my book when Chuck Whyte called and asked whether I was still  going to the Farmer’s Market.  He said he was with his friend Tom Folk, so he really didn’t need me to take him. So I said I wasn’t going to go but then later while at the market, he called back. He said that the kid I met last week, Kyle Foote, is the director of the farmer’s market and was upset that I wasn’t coming.  So since I said I would visit the market. The Farmer's Market was fun and is one sponsor is the QSalt Lake. 

Afterwards in the evening I went to Ruby Ridge’s Cyber Sluts Bingo at the First Baptists. Donald Steward writes a column for the Q as Ruby Ridge a name he lifted from the 1992 FBI siege in Idaho that I doubt whether anyone gets the joke.  It was so hot in their recreation hall. Courtney Moser later wrote me, “It was fun to see you at Bingo. I can't remember sweating that much. Who knew Drag was so HOT?” I responded, “So much for wilted taffeta. It was the hottest day of the year and how many layers were you wearing? Ah how the artist suffers for his art.”

Mike Romero and I have decided to adopt an the 8 month old Chocolate Schnauzer named ‘Della’ but will change her name to “Coco Chanel”.

 

            My cousin Beverly Danforth Gollatz wrote, “I love Schnauzers. I have had 5. My Maggie lived to be 14 yrs old.”

I replied, “There are dogs and then there are Schnauzers... There’s something about the sassy back talking social little fur balls I just love. Actually Mike is adopting her but she will spend her days socializing with Daisy and Buddy, having access to a doggy door and a full yard at my house until Mike gets off work and can pick her up for their time at his townhouse. My house will be Schnauzer Central. Besides she is still a puppy and if she has any chewing to do, better at my house since Daisy has already chewed up the carpet and wall boards here when she was a pup. I need to replace the carpet anyway.”

I read in the paper that Jeff Fox was busted for pot! Old timers know him as head of the Crossroad Urban Center, co-founder of Earth Day with Steve Holbrook in 1970,  and father of Ivy Fox who fought to have the Gay-Straight Alliance  at East High.  

                                 

17 July 2010 Saturday

My old boy schnauzers are sleeping butt to butt. They look so sweet until Smokey wakes up and wants to growl and boss Buddy around. Buddy don't care. He just loves his Smokey. I wonder if naming my girl schnauzer Daisy may have turned her into such a hillbilly? I hope the new little girl doesn't pick up any bad habits from the lazy shiftless crew sacked out on the bed.

            A former neighbor lady that use to live across the street sent me an email last week saying that there was a little schnauzer up for adoption and asked if I knew anyone who might want her. Well what could I do? I told Mike about her and showed her some pictures and of course he wanted her.

            So we went to PetSmart at 11 this morning where they adopt out dogs who had lost their homes. Well, we picked up sweet, adorable ‘Della’ now Coco Chanel today from the CAWS adoption. She’s a tiny chocolate schnauzer female and fully grown she can’t weigh 7 lbs. She’s just 8 months old and as cute as can be.  Mike and I, well actually he, adopted her.

The previous owner lived in Provo and had lost their house and job and had to give her up. We named her Coco Chanel because she is a chocolate Schnauzer which is rare and can’t be shown in dog shows but who cares. Brown nose, green, brown eyes, and a little pink tongue that just sticks out.

 

            Mike will keep her at his place in the evening and overnight, then brings her here in the mornings so she can have the run of the house and socialize with the other dogs.

            Anyway Mike has a new little girl to fuss over.

Afterwards Mike and I went out to South Jordan to see Kimberlee and Randy Gile. They ordered a Pizza and we had a nice visit even though they received sad news that Kimberlee’s uncle Jack had died this evening in California. He had been sick with cancer for a long time.

            I finished reading Dangerous Game about the 1962 murder in Texas committed by a drag queen and a teenage whore.

            Norma Chaffin wrote regarding adopting Coco: “The lazy, shiftless crew better watch out - that puppy is gonna want to play and chew on ears, tails and butts!! Are brown Schnauzers like Della very common? I don't think I've seen many chocolate colored Schnauzers.

I replied, “They are rare, recessive genes, and are not recognized for showing. White Schnauzers and Chocolate Schnauzers are not Show Dog Quality but then neither am I. The people there all seem to love you Norma and couldn't stop telling us how wonderful you are and we said we knew because you were our neighbors for 13 years. Michael is with her at his place taking a nap with her and letting her get use to his place and smells. We got her puppy kibbles and she had a good appetite. She tiny though smaller than Saffy was.”

               

Norma Chaffin said, “pfffttt...... who wants a show dog? She is the cutest thing and I love her coloring!!”

                Ron Holmgren wrote, “Love your post. I have a little grey-white Schnauzer named Annie Whisper. (because she was so small.) Wonderful dog, and a great companion.”

 

18 July 2010 Sunday

Mike Romero, his new boyfriend Dean Moore, and Dean’s friend Joe came by to see if I wanted to go with them to Park City this morning. I didn’t want to go because I had some running around to do. Instead I went to Costco and bought some chicken treats and something to make for the pot luck. I made a salmon casserole.

            Mike Romero and I in the evening went to a Unitarian’s “Interweave” Pot Luck and saw Peter and Kevin who I haven't seen in ages. Mike took Coco with him and she was perfectly behaved. What is wrong with my Schnauzers? They are like Bonnie and Clyde. Gangsters! Me, me, me, me, it's all about me! Sniff my butt.

            Several Face Book friends responded to my complaints. Norma Chaffin wrote, “What can I say........? Rescued dogs are grateful for all their blessings!” Amy Crawley, who Mike works with, said, “She is right my best behaved dogs were rescued dogs.” I wrote back, “Okay that settles it Daisy and Buddy and Smokey better pack their little suitcases and get ready to be adopted!”

 

19 July 2010 Monday

I had Coco over all day until Michael got off work.  She seems to have settled in.

I had to start my prep for my colonoscopy today and drink a gallon of this ex-lax solution and not eat anything. I had such a headache from not eating today. My blood sugar show was 166 even after not eating anything for a day. 

            I have not eaten since 6 yesterday evening, drinking this horse pisses for my little excursion for a checkup tomorrow. I am dying to just chew something. Being diabetic and hypoglycemic isn't helping any. Food please! just a cracker! an olive. Ugh!

            Courtney Moser wrote me “Ben, just follow the example of your dogs and chew on one of your shoes. That should give you some satisfaction.” I laughed and replied, “If I could get my foot up to my mouth these days I think I would but I can't lick my balls either LOL.” Chuck Whyte wrote, “Ben-- Just go downstairs and sleep in the basement like some OLD hibernating BEAR , Best of luck with your test” and Jimmy Hamamoto added, “The fasting regimen is far worse than the check-up itself. Hope for the best on the testing.”

            I read that Ina Mae Murri and her partner Stella Lopez-Armijo were killed in a car crash in Preston Idaho. Ina Mae led Affirmation in 1986 and I met her once back then.

 

20 July 2010 Tuesday

I went in for my colonoscopy at 1 this afternoon. Michael Romero took me and picked me up. The procedure went smooth and evidently my colon is fine. I had two small polyps that Dr. Craig said was nothing and that I wouldn’t need another one in five years.

 

            Afterwards Mike took me to Iceberg Drive-In and I had a strawberry shake and onion rings. It felt so good to be chewing the onion rings. I was kind of out of it slightly because of the anesthesia they gave me to probe my butt.

            Little Coco was upset that she was left with just the hounds instead going with Mike or me. She’s a Sweet thing.

            In the evening I watched ‘Whip It’ a movie about a girl who wanted to be a roller derby girl. Drew Barrymore was in it and she was good.

            I guess there was a candlelight vigil for a boy who committed suicide over the weekend. Eric Ethington is putting it all together.

            Mom called this evening to visit. I guess my sister Charline and husband Dennis went out to California over the weekend to see my nephew James and his wife Rachel and the kids.  

 

21 July 2010 Wednesday

Michael Romero dropped Coco off this morning before going to work. She cried a little missing her daddy but since I was up, I held her to comfort her.  She is such a sweet little thing. She’s learned to go in and out the doggy door and has learned to get on the bed by jumping on the steps so she a smart little thing.

            Mike brought Chinese food over for lunch so he could spend some time with Coco.  We had a summer thunder storm this afternoon and we got a little rain out of it.

             Smokey and Buddy have been growly all day and are driving me crazy. I don’t know whether it’s that Buddy is starting to be assertive or whether Smokey just isn’t feeling well.

            Mike picked Coco up about 4:30 in the afternoon and we let her play in the yard some before taking her home.

            In the evening I went to Sutherlands Hardware and bought some pruning shears and worked in the front yard cutting down a lot of the over growth. The neighborhood cleanup is next week.

            I spent much of the evening putting David Sharpton’s data into my archives. Tomorrow is the 18th anniversary of his death from AIDS.

 

22 July 2010 Thursday

            I wrote a letter to Mike Romero’s parents today. “Dear Bill and Faye, Hope all is well with you and are enjoying the summer. I got over my Bell’s Palsy about mid-June I don’t think I have suffer any side effects.  

            Mike and I, well actually he, adopted a Chocolate female Schnauzer last Saturday.  A neighbor lady that use to live across the street sent me an email saying that there was a little schnauzer up for adoption and asked if I knew anyone who might want her. Well what could I do? I told Mike about her and showed her some pictures and of course he wanted her.

            So Saturday we went to PetSmart where they adopt out dogs who had lost their homes. The previous owner lived in Provo and had lost their house and job and had to give her up. She’s just 8 months old and as cute as can be.  We named her Coco Chanel because she is a chocolate Schnauzer which is rare and can’t be shown in dog shows but who cares.

            If she weighs 7 lbs., I’d be surprised and she’s fully grown.  Brown nose, green, brown eyes, and a little pink tongue that just sticks out.  Mike keeps her at his place in the evening and overnight then brings her here so she can have the run of the house and socialize with the other dogs.  She a smart little thing and Daisy is about 8 times bigger than she. Even old Priss, as crippled up as she is getting, comes out to lick her and be a momma too.  

            Priss is really fading and staring to get dementia. Anyway Mike has a new little girl to fuss over.

            I had a colonoscopy done the other day and Mike took me and he drove me home as I had to have someone drive me home. Nothing really wrong and said I didn’t have to come back for 5 years.

            The summer is going fast here. About another 4 weeks before school will start back up again. I have 6 more years before I can retire with benefits.

            Mike bought himself an electric lawnmower and has to mow his own grass now. A couple a weeks ago we bought some big flower vases and I planted some flowers for his back porch.

            I had to have a new kitchen faucet put in my place and I really need to take up my carpet but as long as Priss is peeing on it, and sometimes the others, I don’t want to do anything about that.

            The weather has been nice here except for the past few days it’s been up in the 100’s but actually it’s been a very pleasant summer here.  This week though I really need to get out and do some summer pruning and stuff.  I bought Michael and me a fitness center pass for his birthday and we have been pretty good about walking and do weights and treadmill but I can tell it’s really not Michael’s thing.  Now that he has Coco he says he will just get his exercise walking her.

            Smokey doesn‘t seem to care about Mike as much since he has Buddy to growl at and aggravate. As long as he gets his nightly rides he’s okay.

            Our old next door neighbors the Giles finally moved back the end of June from Florida. They are glad to be here and it’s nice to have people you can rely on in a pinch.   Love Ben

 

23 July 2010 Friday

I have been babysitting Coco all this week and she's learned to use the doggie door, climb the steps to get on to the bed, and do her business out in the yard. She is such a lover and lap dog. She is learning to socialize from the other hounds. The only time I got out today was to get to the Sugar House Farmer's Market, others wise I was Schnauzer babysitting.

Mike took Coco with me to the Farmers Market, where I saw Kyle Foote again. I guess he was hired to run the market. Chuck Whyte and Tom Folk was at the market too, being the same fuss budgets. Everyone at the Market  fussed over Coco of course.

            Mike Romero bought a ton of accessories for Coco today including a back pack doggie carrier.

Dean Moore has become Michael’s ‘new friend’ and I know Dean thinks he’s his boyfriend. Dean is a sweet kid not really a kid. He’s 39 years old, a geologist but has a kind of disability that keeps him from working full time. Mike went to meet Dean’s mother this evening.

            It seems to be a rash of suicides in Utah by young Gay men lately. It's the invisible killer because no one puts in the obituaries that their Gay son killed himself because he couldn't handle society’s pressure to be straight.

            Kyle Foote posted an ad on Craig’s List before midnight. “Fuck on Cam for my BF to watch? - 28 (Your Place or Mine) Hey guys, I'm looking to fuck on cam so my boyfriend can watch us from across the country. If you are around my age or younger, hit me up and let's do this tonight.  I'm 5 feet 10, 140 pounds and toned with a nice 7 inch cock. Hit me up if you are for real, send me your age, your stats and a pic or I’ll just assume you're a spammer and ignore you. Let's do this now!  • Location: Your Place or Mine”

 

24 July 2010 Saturday

I didn’t even leave the house at all today. Instead I trimmed all my over grown shrubs and bushes in the front yard to get ready for the neighborhood cleanup on Monday. I still have to do some more but now it's time to waste away in ‘Margaritaville’ and look for that lost shaker of Salt some people say there's a boy to blame but I know it's my own damn fault.

            It's Pioneer Day, a National Holiday for the Sovereign State of Deseret. The Mormoniest thing I've done in Utah was to have ‘made out’ with a guy in Brigham Young's graveyard one hot summer night years ago. It was about 20 yrs ago before they now lock the gates at night. I used lived on A Street at the Buckingham Apartments just below it. The cemetery was cooler than my apartment at night but we heated the place up pretty fast. I hope Brigham Young was rolling in his grave. ha!

 

25 July 2010 Sunday

My old Sacred Faerie friend Storm got me to quoting from Harold and Maude on a post he wrote on Face Book. I wrote "Vice, virtue, it’s best not to be too moral - you cheat yourself out of too much life. Aim above morality."      

Farmer Ben here. I got up early and dug and hoed and pulled weeds and transplanted some Russian Sage, trying to make my corner of the world more beautiful. I love working in a garden on Sunday mornings. God's favorite places are his gardens. God makes gardens men make temples. I will stick to my garden and someday I hope I'll help make another garden grow.

            Norma Chaffin wrote, “I miss having a garden. Hopefully, our yard will get going next week (keep your fingers crossed). Can't wait to get rid of all the weeds and grasshoppers once those big machines start leveling our yard and getting rid of the rocks!!”

I responded, “ If you need starter day lilies or irises come get some.”

Kimberlee Gile then asked, “Can I plant some of those in pots on my porch?” and I said, “If they are big pots but they won't bloom again until next May and June.”

 

26 July 2010 Monday

Mike Romero dropped Coco off today and she was wound up and happy to see the gang again. I cleaned the house up today, the bathroom and front room, before I ran out of time.

            Kyle Foote called and said he and Greg were looking for a 11:45 morning show at the Century 16 on 33rd South. We were going to see ‘Salt’ but they had the show times wrong so we ended up seeing ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’. It was fun being with Kyle and Greg but the Nicholas Cage movie was just average. Nicholas Cage acted like he was just sleep walking through most of it.

            After the movie we went to Crown Burger across the street on State Street and had lunch. I bought lunch for everyone as it was fun just visiting and laughing. Greg said he has a mini feud going on with Chuck Whyte over some Royal Court Antics. Ha!       I invited Kyle and Greg over this Thursday to see a movie at the house.  I really like Kyle and more so, I need Gay friends again.  It’s been a lonesome year in many ways.

            Mike Romero came and picked up Coco about 4:00 and a small summer rainstorm rumbled through in the afternoon.  In the evening Mike and I went up to Centerville to buy some dog food and other stuff.

                Greg Hardin wrote me, “Ben, Thank you so much for the nice lunch this afternoon. It was nice chatting with you and Kyle seems very impressed with our friendship. We can't wait for Thursday Night Movie of the Week" Would you like me to bring anything???”

            I replied, “Just a smile...I got Dr. Pepper for Kyle but what do you drink? I have libations but you don't partake anymore do you? I have diet coke, soda water, ginger ale, and Fresca? I thought I'd get a pizza. You are a dog person so you will know how to handle the pushy schnauzers. I'm really impressed with Kyle too. Intelligence is always impressive. I miss talking to intelligent Gay people like you two. I love Chuck but sometimes he's an effort and I would like to talk about something besides the court. Plus Kyle is easy on the eyes.”

            Greg Hardin Diet responded, “Coke sounds good...yes Kyle is a good listener. I really don't know if he is a good talker...he seems to always be listening to all my intelligent advice. You seem to be a good listener yourself Ben...what were you saying about Chuck, who is that?” I laughed and wrote in jest, “what did you say?

 

27 July 2010 Tuesday

            I cleaned out the garage today; really good. Michael Romero took some of his things home with him that were still in the garage after he had moved out last year.

            Mike said that Mark Anderson called him yesterday and they spoke for about 45 minutes while Mike was at work and apologized for hurting him. I told Mike that it was good that Mark recognized that, but Mike said he doesn’t think he cares anymore and I wonder if it’s just Mark’s way of trying to get back stuff he left  with Mike.

            I had offered Mark last week to take him out to dinner for his birthday but haven’t heard a thing from him since.

            I think Dean Moore is filling a spot with Mike; for people companionship, but then of course Coco is filling his heart. Coca is so much fun. That was a blessing that Norma thought of us.

             I guess my niece is finally home from Mississippi where she had been since April helping with the oil spill cleanup.

I just barely missed my Tuesday deadline for my QSalt Lake column by 12 minutes but it's done. Wahoo! However it's long; 1200 words even though I tried and tried to reduce and cut ...but drag queens just take up so much space!  I worked from 9 at night to 12:15 in the morning on it; so I do put in some hours. 

 

28 July 2010 Wednesday

The Neighborhood Clean-up people finally came today and took all the crap away for another year.  I mowed the lawn and blew the driveway off into the street to get things looking spiffy.

            Coco sure was rambunctious today. I guess she feels at home now. She runs circles around Daisy as fast as she can and then chews on Daisy beard and when Daisy growls and says enough is enough Coco just flops over and kicks Daisy in the face with her hind legs. Daisy's too fat and comfortable to get up and move, however. Kids!

            I made a green Jello salad today for tomorrow and cleaned up much of the house. I am going to fix enchiladas for dinner. 

            Mike Romero brought over a connector so I can play my DVD player out of a boom box rather than just the projector for tomorrow.

            Greg Hardin wrote me on Face Book, “ “Ben Williams...you are my "Person of the Week." I wrote him back saying “Is there a prize with that?”  and he said “Yes...his name is Kyle.” I said “Wahoo!”

I read this today that I kind of agree with, “Homosexual is a straight concept of us as sexual. Therefore, we are in a sexual category and become a sexual minority. . . . rather than an ethnic group, or a people!  But the word Gay has come to mean (by street usage) a life style in which we are not just sex machines. . . .  We are whole entities. . . .  Gay is a life-style" (Miller 365-70)

 

29 July 2010 Thursday

I watched four episodes of ‘Big Brother’ on Hula TV today. It’s my guilty pleasure.  Then I worked on the house and got the enchiladas ready for the movie night.

            Mike Romero came over about 4 this afternoon to pick up Coco. He is going to Cheyenne, Wyoming with Dean Moore and is taking Coco with them.

            Kyle Foote and Greg Hardin showed up about 6 and we ate dinner before watching Boys In the Band.  I we ate the enchiladas and green jello for supper.

 

30 July 2010 Friday

I was really tired for much of the day after staying up to late last night with Greg Hardin and Kyle Foote.

Chevy Bolinder and Chuck White didn’t show up until 5:00 this afternoon to groom the pups, when they had said they’d be here 3:00 so I was kind of pissed, but Chevy really did a great job grooming Daisy, Buddy, and Smokey.

Buddy was struggling with getting his ear hair pulled and his paws groomed.  I paid Chevy $100 for all three and felt it was really worth it for Chevy to come to the house. I felt bad when I saw how much hair Chev pulled out of Daisy and Buddy's ears. Daisy was a good girl but the boys were bad. Smokey even bit me as I held him for Chev. He felt sorry later.

            Chuck watched ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Latter Days’ while we struggled with the hounds. Afterwards I took us all out to La Frontera for dinner to compensate. Yum!

            Kyle Foote called and asked if he could borrow my truck for the weekend and I said sure.

 

31 July 2010 Saturday

                It’s the Last day of the month and for some reason I am feeling really lonesome. I guess perhaps because I know that nothing is going to come of Kyle Foote and me. He’s way too young anyway, but still I guess I was infatuated with the idea of having a boyfriend. He was supposed to come over to day to borrow the truck. At about 2:30, after I stayed home waiting on him, he called and said he didn’t need it after all because he just had whatever he needed it for just delivered instead.  That kind of was telling. What was I thinking?

            And Mark Andersen came over about noon to get his fishing pole and he had his girlfriend Jessica with him and her kids in his truck.  I shook her hand but it really felt awkward and I know for certain that that our  relationship is history but I really did love Mark and am going to miss him.

            It rained this evening and Kimberlee Gile and the girls were in the neighborhood and she dropped by for a few seconds. Strange how all these people from my past dropped by just making me feel even more alone.

Greg Hardin wrote me, “Sounds like you had a nice visit with your friends Friday night. I have always admired Chuck and Chevy for their devotion to their friends and the "community". Thank you for letting Kyle borrow your little truck. I am not sure if I like my new washer machine...it's not hooked up yet.”

 

AUGUST

1 August 2010 Sunday.

 

I was so lonesome and bored yesterday that I decided I needed to go to church. So I drove across town to the First Baptist Church on 13th East for a ten o’clock service. I saw Gordon Remington, the genealogist, and Adrian Ruiz from the Men’s Choir there but that was all.  I need the fellowship and I think I will start going.

            After church I came home and bought some medicine at Smith’s and got out $40 for a massage. Yesterday on Craig’s List I saw an ad for a massage for $40. So I called the number today and went over for a massage about 1:30.

            The kid’s name was Marshall White and was a cutie from Las Vegas.  I will go back to him. Then later in the afternoon I went over to Michael Aaron’s for a Nudist hot tub party.  So I was pretty active today and it felt good. It’s better than sitting home feeling sorry myself.

            I had to smack Smokey today and threw him in the bathroom because he was fighting with Buddy. I really hate smacking him but I can’t have him biting Bud.

            Today is Lammas, the 1st Harvest, and it was a good way to celebrate by being out and about.

 

2 August 2010 Monday

Coco is back this morning and is happy to see the hounds again. Mike Romero said she was a great traveler. I fixed us hamburgers for dinner. This afternoon I ran Chuck Whyte all over to different Tax Commissions because he said he needed some help.  Then I found out later it was just for the Royal Court. I was tiffed. I asked why it was his responsibility when he’s not even an officer of the court anymore.

 

3 August 2010 Tuesday

I baked some sugar free oatmeal cookies today and made Spaghetti for supper tonight. Now that Michael Romero is picking up Coco after work we eat supper together again.

             I had plans to go into work today but didn’t. Kyle Foote came over at 2 this afternoon and we talked about painting the front room and kitchen. He said he’d do it for $200 so I offered him $300 because he’s also going to take down the fan over the stairwell and dining room also.  I guess we will start tomorrow getting the paint and moving furniture.

            I did a little research for Equality Utah also for a History Calendar they planned on doing. Tika Beard contacted me about the project.

 

4 August 2010 Wednesday

I went down to Lowes on 45th South and met up with Kyle Foote who agreed to paint my house for $300. We picked out some paint and then we went over to Larry Miller’s Toyota so Kyle could sign some papers for his new Hyundai Santa Fe. He bought me lunch at Panda Express. So it was nearly 3:30 before we were back at the house.

            I spent all morning moving furniture out of the front room and stripping the walls of nails and hooks. That was a chore in of itself.  Kyle quit prepping about 6 this evening because he wanted to go to the rally up on Capitol Hill. A rally was planned by Eric Ethington to celebrate that in the news California’s Proposition 8 was overturned today as unconstitutional.

            I drove up to the Capitol with the schnauzer-mobile and drove around and waved at the ralliers! But at my age that's about the best I can do anymore. I've been to more rallies, vigils, and marches then most people have teeth. It’s time to turn it over to a new generation.

            Val Holley wrote me: “Are you saying you've reached the Grand Marshal stage?” and I replied: “Emeritus stage- Old activists do not die they just fade away.” Val then said, “Our friend John Reeves sez ‘Queens trump Twinks When It Comes To Effective Activism’.” I responded, “I spent a lifetime fighting for Twinks to have the right to be twinks! ha!.”       

            An old acquaintance Ken Carlson then asked, “How does an honorary doctorate sound for ya? In light of all that you've done for our community over the years, you deserve it!” I replied: I'll take it!”

 

5 August 2010 Thursday

Yesterday Kyle Foote took down the fans from over the stairwell and in the dining room. They were nothing but dirt catchers and the big white one over the entry stairs was extremely hard to dust.

              So I went back down to Lowe’s but to the one on 13th and bought more light fixtures to put up in the kitchen, the hall, as well as the dining room, and stairwell. I want them all to be uniformed.

             Kyle came over about 1:30 in the afternoon and painted the ceiling white until about 4:00 when he needed to leave for a meeting. I have never had a white ceiling before but he said it will make the room look brighter and larger. Because he works at the Sugar House farmer’s market tomorrow, it will be Sunday before he can get back over here to paint the walls the buttery yellow I picked out.

            So I have no lights in the south half of the house and my kitchen is draped with sheets in prep for painting it.   When Mike Romero came over to pick up Coco, we went out to eat at Betos on North temple for Mexican food and then watched a BBC comedy called “Clatterford”.   Later I called Marshall White for a massage but he wasn’t available.

 

6 August 2010 Friday

I called Marshall White to see if I could get a massage today but no luck so I contacted this new guy named Alex Andover who lives on Downington Avenue and who has a LMC, so I went to him.  He was excellent and really dug deep into my shoulders. I could tell he was into holistic new age faerie stuff so we visited some and got to know each better.

            At 5 in the afternoon I went over to Mike Romero’s where Chevy aka Stephen Bolinder was there to groom Coco. I brought over a pizza and pasta salad.  Coco was really good except she really didn’t like her paws groomed. When she cried I thought Michael was being traumatized. He’s attached himself heart and soul to little Coco.  

            In the news Elena Kagan was sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice and Governor Schwarzenegger wants Gay Marriage to resume immediately in California.

 

7 August 2010 Saturday

Mike Romero and I went out to breakfast at CJ’s on 39th because he likes the Scones there. Afterwards we went up to Bountiful to look at flooring for the house at the Lowe’s there and then to Home Depot in Centerville, but actually we went back to Lowe’s on 45th South to get the Antique knotted Pine laminate flooring.  

            In the afternoon I had planned on going to the Bear Party but a huge summer storm blew in about 3:00 and dumped about half an inch of rain. One of the branches on my poplar tree broke off from the wind and I will have to deal with that at some point.

              Kyle Foote came over at 6 and finished painting a second coat on the kitchen ceiling and installed a kitchen light fixture and also a hall light. Before taking off about 8:30, he said he’d be back tomorrow to put more paint on the wall.  

            Jon Hsu, a Chinese boy, I had dated about 5 years ago contacted me on Silver Daddies saying “Nice pic. You are a good looking guy. I think we may have met up before. This is Jon. Remember me?” Of course I did.

 

8 August 2010 Sunday

Kyle Foote was over almost all day painting. It’s amazing what you can get done when motivated by a 30 year old man. I pulled up the front room carpet that the dogs have been used as a diaper pad for 14 years and Smokey sat on the rug and wouldn't  budge. He didn't want to see it go poor baby.  We pulled up the carpet and while Kyle painted, I pulled out all the stapled in the carpet pad. What a mess.

            Kyle got the kitchen and front room ceilings painted white. There were two dead mice under the refrig. Gross. Kyle made me get rid of them the wuss. Kyle got the vaulted ceilings painted so today, so now it's putting color on the walls. I am pooped and an old poop.

            A Storm blew through yesterday and broke a limb off my poplar tree and it's dangling like a broken arm held by a tangle of grape vines. I will have to figure how to get it down.  

 

9 August 2010 Monday

We are mostly done with the painting and then the flooring. I swear I will never do home improvements again. I'd rather pull it all down and set fire to it but know I will be proud as a pumpkin when it’s all done...and Kyle Foote is a blessing in my life. He knows how to pick up a screw driver and voila' as by faerie magick something gets fixed or painted. Today is 8- 9- 10, 8th month, 9th day and 10th year in the century.

            Greg Hardin wrote me: “WOW...Kyle is amazing what he can do. Now he can add "mouse catcher" to his resume! Hope you are doing well. I am feeling much better today. Yesterday I had a "small" seizure at church! I "blacked out" and well...it was embarrassing!”

            However Greg wrote to Kyle, “I am rather hurt that you take no responsibility in helping me get the Library CD from Studio 27. You could have easily turned around when I discovered that I left the CD at the club but no...you had to hurry home get on the computer and "line" up your tricks for the week.

            Now I am screwed and have to come up with $ 35.00 to replace the CD in which I don't have and/or go without my meds for the month. I have also noticed that your integrity (or lack of) has diminished now that you no longer need to use my car. Not even a "thanks" for using my car. You really know how to "work" it Kyle and take advantage of people.”

 

10 August 2010 Tuesday

 I love the colors Kyle Foote painted, but I am covered with 14 years of dust, sand, and grit that filtered through the rug pads I've been pulling up.

            I've been regaling Kyle with tales of yesteryear and he's been kind enough not to tell me to shut up. But he likes my collection of Cole Porter songs and having 1940’s and 1950's music to work to. It's fun to paint to Ella Fitzgerald crooning a Cole Porter tune.

            Kyle Foote wrote Greg Hardin, “spoke with Timmy about your CD and he is not sure where it is. He looked for it on Saturday night after you spoke with him and could not find it. He has left a voice mail with the DJ who was working that night to find out if he accidentally took it home with him. He had not heard back from the DJ yet. I asked him to please call you when he did hear back from him. Timmy assured me he has your number. That is the latest on my end. Your friend, Kyle.”  

 

11 August 2010 Wednesday

‎I am tired. I got my article done for the Q SL but now I need to face my kitchen. It was easier taking everything down than putting it all back up. Maybe I’ll go back to bed and cuddle with Coco.

            45 years ago the Watts Race Riots in Los Angeles broke out and my sister Donna and I were returning to California from Texas when the train took us through downtown Watts. I remember standing on a platform between two coaches with my sister and a black porter, to see the fires better.  At a train crossing, some white people got out of their car and was yelling “nigger” and cussing at the Porter. We had no idea we were in the middle of Watts. I was only 14 years old.  

 

12 August 2010 Thursday

Kyle Foote said he was fired from his job after telling his boss he didn’t appreciate his comment that all Gay people were perverts. Kyle wanted to listen to Brazilian and Calypso music to paint by, so I got a musical education and also discovered the talents of Terry Fator the ventriloquist! Who knew? But I also turned him onto Andrew Marvell's poem To My Coy Mistress... a must read for all young people.

            Later Greg Hardin said he heard the real reason Kyle was fired was for selling a compressor on KSL that belonged to the retirement home.  

 

13 August 2010 Friday

Kyle Foote let his car go back to the dealer because of the loss of his maintenance job so I’m letting him use the truck.

            I found Judy Husky while search on the internet and decided to write her after not having seen her in probably 40 years. I wrote: “Don't drop dead but this is your old friend ‘Junior’. I am so glad I found you again after all these years.  You and your family will always have a place in my heart. You have a handsome son but then you and Johnny were lookers.  I tried finding Buddy last year to send him a Christmas card but it got sent back to me.

            I am still living in Utah and have for over 25 years. No I am not a Mormon ha! I attend the 1st Baptist Church here in Salt Lake City. I teach 5th grade but hope to retire in 6 years.

            Donna is married and living in California and has two sons and two grandchildren.

            I divorced in 1988 and never remarried and don't have children but have taught plenty over the years.

            I didn't know if you knew I was a professional genealogist for a while but now it's just a hobby but I researched your mom and dad’s family trees back a ways just to kind of keep me connected to your family.

             I hope you have had a good life. Read in Lubbock papers that Buddy was with the water commission at one point. I hope he's well and happy and the same with Pam.  I guess over time we all went our own ways, which is natural but just wanted to say how much I loved your mom and dad especially your dad. He was a very good man.

             Grandma Johnson passed away in 1992 at Littlefield. She was 93 years old. Grandpa Johnson passed away in 1996, 95 years old. They are buried in Littlefield.

            I see that your mom and dad passed in 2000 and 1991. You were lucky to have such neat folks.  My dad passed in 2003 but my mom is still with us. She is 81 this year.       When you hear from Buddy and Pam tell them hi for me and give them my email address if they want it. Seems like that is the easier way to stay in contact.

            Your old California Friend Junior  aka Ben Edgar Jr. So take care and drop a line once in a while now you know .”  

 

14 August 2010 Saturday

Mike Romero and I went to CJ’s for breakfast where we met Kyle Foote there. I bought him his breakfast too.

            Well yay, the painting is done...bless you Kyle. You have no lesser station in heaven than a Saint! Tomorrow we will start on the floor!

            We did take a break to go with Mike to take Coco down to have her picture taken for the QSaltLake Pet Issue. Oh Happy Day!

            Judy Husky Wrote Me: “ Hey, Junior.  I am so glad to hear from you. I think of you and Donna often.  Wondering what happened to you. How in the world did you find my son?  A school teacher, huh. I retired after 25 yrs. and now live at the ranch.  I have 4 mini-horses, a mini-donkey, a quarter horse, some cows, 3 dogs, chickens and one turkey. Oh, yes, I gave my 2 granddaughters 2 ducks this summer and I have them.

            Buddy and Pamela do not talk to me anymore. Haven't for 11 yrs.  Long story, but I took care of mother for 4 yrs. after her stroke. I promised my dad I wouldn't put her in a nursing home, and Buddy and Pamela tried to go against his wishes. They took me to court twice and took mother once. I won out.

            Before mother died, she had me to promise not to sell her place.  Well, they wanted to sell, so I had to fight to keep it.  I have kept both of my promises.

            I thought you turned Mormon when you married.  Now you are Baptist?  What happened to the Church of Christ?  I sure miss grandma and grandpa Johnson.  We all had such a good time at the lake. Good memories.

            Please tell Donna hello and I would like to hear from her also. We have to keep in touch.  We were all family and I don't want to lose you again. My son, Curtis, probably told you that I am divorced. It looks like we divorced the same year. I have been for 23 yrs..........have 3 sons...Curtis, Christopher, and Jacob.  Jacob has a stepdaughter, Samantha, and his own daughter, Christine ( I call her Angel).

            Junior, I love you and your sister.  Wish you could come and see me. I would love to see what you found out on the genealogy.  My daddy's aunt, his mother's twin sister, lived on a reservation in OK and we can't find the records. We were told there was a fire many, many years. ago, and that's probably where they went.  Cherokee Reservation. You can tell I'm still a talker. Your Texas friend and adopted sister, Judy Husky Schroeder----

            I wrote Judy back, “Saying Hi I am so sorry that you and Buddy and Pam had the riff. I am sure it was heart breaking.  I found your son Curtis Schroeder because I remember when he was born and that he was named after your dad and he looks like Johnny some.  Strange how life turns out with so many high expectations.

            You remember I was at your wedding in 1968. Donna and I are not really estranged but we really grew apart. She married this man who is very controlling and demeaning and he wouldn't let Donna see her family without giving her so much grief. Donna also had a small family tiff with my folks and it just seemed to escalate as time went.  

            I moved off to Utah became a Mormon and married which kind estranged me from the family mostly because of distance.  Donna had two boys Kenneth Jones (34years) and Kevin Jones (30 years). Ken is married with two children a boy and girl and his wife has tried to include the kids back in outside of the family and Donna has mellowed some in her old age too!

            She can't stand her husband but can't get a divorce because of community property laws and her husband doesn't work so she afraid he's get half of everything or worse she would have to pay him support. It's a sad situation for sure so she's just waiting for old cuss to die.

            I got tired of the Mormon Church in 1986 and my wife and I divorced on good terms because she wanted to stay Mormon and I didn't. There's another reason but I will tell you that later.

            Anyhow I have six more years before I can retire with a pension so I am hanging in there.  I bought a house in Salt Lake City and have three Schnauzers and babysit a fourth.  I remember how you all loved your animals. I wish I could retire from teaching but I started late at age 37.

             I attend all types of churches but I joined the First Baptist because they are a pretty accepting church nonjudgmental and then of course I know a lot of the songs because they are the same as the Church of Christ. I go for the fellowship and music more than for any reason. I keep my personal beliefs to myself.  I also am kind of a Quaker by persuasion believing that there are many paths to Heaven.

            I live alone except for the hounds but have a pretty good support network of friends and I am close to my sister Charline's kids in Arizona.

            You certainly have your work cut out for you feeding the livestock I will never complain about feeding the hounds again. My address is 1633 Fernleaf Street Salt Lake City Utah 84116 .

            We certainly had some good times down at the lake didn't we?  I  miss Grandma and Grandpa Johnson but they had pretty good long lives. Grandma, however, did go to a convalescent home in Littlefield after she had a stroke in 1986. Grandpa went every day to see her even though she slept almost the whole time until he came.  My aunt and Uncle JW also checked on her every day to make sure she was being care for properly.

               The farm is all gone. It was put into a soil bank for a while and then mom and JW eventually sold it. I think they only got $35,000 for the place so there's nothing there to even know they lived there for 40 years.

            All in all I've had a pretty good life, just gotten older, balder and fatter ha! Well I better go now but I will keep in touch and send you what I found about your family soon. Love Ben aka Junior.

            Judy responded “Yes, I remember you were at the wedding. What surprises me is that you remember when Curtis was born. I am so sorry to hear about Donna. I hate she is staying with someone like that. You know, I had forgotten about Charlene. What kind of family does she have?  I had even forgotten about JW. How is his family doing? I am just so glad we are together again. Thank you so much for finding me. 1400 Groveland Rd. Jacksboro, TX 76456 Love ya, Judy (63 yrs. Can you believe! ?)  

 

15 August 2010 Sunday

Michael Romero came over to help on the flooring today and wrangle the hounds out of the way.

            I wrote to Judy Husky my old friend who I knew as a teenager when we used to stay down at Lake Stamford back in the 1960’s. I wrote “Saying Hi. Actually out of all the bunch of us, Charline had the best marriage. She had my oldest nephew out of wedlock and then married this other man who she's been married to for 40 years now. She had two other kids, Denise who is an airplane mechanic and had been working in the gulf keeping the planes flying for the oil spill cleanup. She lives in AZ near my mom and does all the "handyman" chores for her folks.

            My other nephew Michael Wachs lives in Wichita KS with his wife and family and he's an airplane electrician for Cessna.

            Charline's oldest boy James is moving to AZ this month with his wife and two kids to be near his mom and my mom.  So I love them all but at a distance.

            JW had a daughter Kay Johnson who I don't know if you ever met but I know Buddy and Pam did because she and I were always together when I was in Texas after Donna stop going.

            I am painting my house and laying down laminate flooring because rugs and old dogs just don't do well together and they live here more than I do!  They have a doggy door but in the winter snow they sometimes don't use it like they should.

            I hope someday ya'll can get together again and put hurtful things aside. I know that can sometimes be impossible with family because hurt runs deep but I love you all and always will.  

            I will never forget the summer you were married and I tagged along with Buddy and his friend Boyd. I kept a small journal that year so that is why my memories are still pretty good.  And I think it was Pam who wrote me when Curtis was born.

             In the early 70's we corresponded a lot when I was in college. She called me Fred and I called her Winifred! I copied in to my journal a letter your dad wrote to me that meant a lot to me.

            Grandma Johnson always told me that when you get older your childhood friends become dearer and that's probably true. Glad you have handsome sons to support you in your "old age" ha!

Funny grandma and grandpa were about 63 when I first met you and your family at the lake. Take care Junior Williams [You can always call me Junior]”

            Judy wrote back, “Thanks for writing me. I just still can't believe you have been found. I tried to find you after you married, but no one seemed to know where you were. Please, don't get lost again. I put laminate flooring in my house, because carpet holds so many germs and makes allergies worse. Love it. Best thing I did, especially where there is sand. When my Little dog, Tinkerbelle, has an accident, she doesn't get yelled at. I can just get a paper towel and clean up. When does your school start? Texas starts on the 23rd. of this month. I have started dating old men. Are you still open to talking and giving me your opinion? I have to call you Junior. That's the only name I know. Lol”

            I wrote back, “I have never stopped being opinionated ha! But I am a little more sensitive to people I care about. My school starts on the 23rd for the kids but I have to be there on the 18th and my flooring isn't still all the way in and probably won't be by then. I have a kid (a 30 year old kid ha!) working on it as he can, but I’m happy to have it done. I couldn't do it myself for sure.  I can pick colors and design but unlike your dad and Buddy I was never good with a hammer.  Remember I use to like to paint pictures. I don't anymore. I just write a column on history for a small Utah alternative paper and do genealogy for fun.  Take care.”

            Judy said, “You are so good at painting. Why in the world did you stop liking it?  You could sell them and make extra money. Now that I have given you my sisterly opinion, how is your school room coming?  That part I don't miss, or the meetings.  I taught 5th for 16 year of my 25.  If I knew then what I know now, I would have taught in Middle school.  No recess, no going down the hall in a line, no baby stuff from the kids, etc. Thanks for telling Donna we are found. She emailed me.  We have got to get together. Judy”

 

 

16 August 2010 Monday

Kyle Foote came over and we finished the dining room and the bay window and were able to get the power miter saw back to home depot on time. For the two days it cost me $84 to rent the machine but if it helped Kyle then it is worth it.

            I paid Kyle $300 today even though he’s not done with the floor because I figure he could use the money since he lost his job last Thursday.

 

17 August 2010 Tuesday

I went into the classroom for about an half day, then came home so Kyle Foote could work some more on the flooring. He got it under the refrig in the kitchen. At this point it is slow going.  It was very warm today.

 

18 August 2010 Wednesday

Well I went back to work at Washington today. It’s my official first day back. Three months ago I was certain I would be unemployed because of my run in with the law 20 years ago.

            I went in at 8:00 this morning and we had a faculty breakfast at Paradise Bakery in Bountiful. We have a new 6th grade teacher, a new 4th grade teacher, a new 3rd grade teacher and a new 2nd grade teacher this year.

            I worked in my warm class room for most of the day when I wasn’t lesson planning with Jeny Petersen.

            I dropped my car off at Lodder’s Auto Repair this morning because my engine light came on and $88 later they couldn’t find anything wrong so maybe that is a good thing.

            I was going to have Kyle Foote pick me up but I didn’t need him after all. Well it’s back to the grind but grateful to have a job.

 

 

19 August 2010 Thursday

I went into work at Washington until noon and then Kyle Foote came over to work on the flooring in the kitchen. We only got it half done before he left.

 

20 August 2010 Friday

I went into school today and worked until 6:00 this evening, trying to get my classroom ready for the new year. After posting my two August QSalt Lake articles, the following friends Ron Holmgren and Andy Dalrymple wrote me. Ron Holmgren said, “Are you going to have these articles published in a book? I have read your column in QSalt Lake since the beginning of time. Seriously they need to be saved.” Andy Dalrymple added, “Ben is the only historian of Utah gay history that I know of. We all have pieces of the story, Ben is the book.”

 

21 August 2010 Saturday

Mike Romero and I met Kyle Foote at CJ’s for Breakfast and then came back to the house where Kyle finished up the kitchen’s floor and but in the transition pieces between the front room and dining room.

            He also had to make a pie throwing stand for the Royal Court’s Carnival so he constructed it and I painted it and decorated it.  It turned out pretty good for a one day event and then we hauled it down to the Trapp.

            There I saw John Wilkes, who gushed all over me, which made me feel special in front of Kyle.  Well Kyle left after that because he wanted to go get cleaned up for Carnival but I said I just wanted to stay home and relax after a busy day.

            Kyle and I made a good team even though neither one of us are members of the Royal Court. I am nearly 60 years old and am still doing my Gay Civic Duty. When do I reach emeritus status?

            Mike Romero is so proud of his pop up trailer he bought; now he and Coco can camp in style.

 

 

 

22 August 2010 Sunday

Kyle Foote came over early about 9 this morning and after eating breakfast at McDonalds in Bountiful we went to Lowes to buy the treads to build the stairs. I bought unfinished knotted pine boards that need to be stained and also two blue area rugs which the dogs loved!

            Kyle left about 11 because he wanted to go to the Simply Socials’ Gay day at Raging Waters.  So I just kind of started cleaning up when Darren Solomon stopped by. I only visited with him a short while because I really wanted to get the saw dust blown out of the garage.

            A huge wind storm blew in about that time, whipping small branches and twigs off of trees. If I had been in Texas I think I would have headed to a storm cellar.

            Anyway about 6 this evening Kyle called and asked if he could come over and hang out until meeting some guys this evening. I said sure and I made supper of cucumbers and tomatoes that he likes.  We took the hounds for a ride and watched “True Blood” before he left about 9 and I went to bed about then for a big day tomorrow.

            Chuck Whyte me “Thank- you Ben for the use of your truck so the shopping for supplies for The PWA Christmas Fund Kick Off Weekend could be done very quickly and easily.........And for decorating the Pie in the Face stand. $210.00 was raised at that booth, Thanks again for being a Total Community Supporter.” I wrote back: Kyle and I want a certificate called “The Ben and Kyle Community Service Non Member of the Month Award” and we want the award to be named after us!”

 

23 August 2010 Monday

My school year for 2010-2011 started today with 20 students in my class including Kyle Foote’s nephew Morgan Fultz. I was up at 5:30 this morning because I wanted to leave the house by 7 to go in and just do a double check that I am ready.

            With only 20 kids I am learning the names pretty fast. It was also an early out so I had some time after school to get ready for “Utah Writes” a new program for 5th graders and to run off some work sheets for the week.  

            Coming home, I found the front room carpet covered with chewed up twigs and dried leaves. Ugh! Well it was the dogs’ first day home alone.

            When Mike Romero came over to pick up Coco he got my router going again so I can watch Netflix’s again.  We went out to dinner and we felt like Mexican food. We first went to the Latino Mall but they were so busy that we decided to try another place on Redwood Road that served Oaxaca Mexican food. It was good but not fantastic and also because of the storm yesterday their debit card phone line was down so I had to wait for Mike to go get some cash out of my ATM machine to pay the bill.

            In fact mom called while paying the bill, because she heard on the news that SLC was almost a disaster zone. We laughed and said some areas got flooded and some trees and power lines blew over but that was all.   

            After Mike went home, I cleaned the kitchen while listening to “How To Marry A Millionaire” on Netflix.

Kyle Foote called to visit about his day and to tell me about the English test he took for school and also that he has three tests in so many days ha!

            I watched Big Brother on CBS before going to bed.  

 

24 August 2010 Tuesday

Kyle Foote was at the house when I got home from school and when Mike Romero came to pick up Coco. I fixed them all dinner of Salmon Patties, corn on the cob and English pea salad.

            My old principal from Orchard, Pam Park, dropped into today at Washington during Spelling time  and watched me give a lesson and then stayed and talked to me when the kids went out  to recess. We hugged and she said she was glad to see me. I told her that I had six more years before I could retire. 

            I stayed up too late working on a column for Q Salt Lake on the history of Utah AIDS Foundation

 

25 August 2010 Wednesday.

It was another warm day at school. In the news it’s reported that Gov. Gary Herbert’s son, Nathan, has been stalking the younger sister of a woman he was previously charged with stalking five years ago; a slap on-the-wrist injunction is later signed against him.

            Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle Foote- “hey Dude what is your schedule like these two days...I wanna take the Corvair to Wayne's to an over-nighter??? call me!”

            Kyle wrote back to Greg-“Today is the first day of school, so it's book shopping and running around. Plus I have a couple job interviews today. I can run you over at 3 pm though. I have a break between 3 and 4.”  

 

26 August 2010 Thursday

It was a very warm day; nearly 100 degrees. The School was okay just a little warm in the classroom.

             After work I had to stop by Smith’s and pick up my prescriptions. I bought a Papa Murphy pizza for dinner and then came home to feed the dogs.

            When I came home I found both Kyle Foote and Mike Romero at the house already. We visited about Kyle’s first day back to school at the South Campus of the SLCC and Mike was over to pick up Coco. Kyle said he’d take Mike to the airport next Wednesday when he goes to Seattle.

            Kyle has a date with a new friend named Kevin tonight.

 

27 August 2010 Friday

Fridays didn't mean anything over Summer Vacation, but now that school has started back up again, they are celebrated and savored! Thank goodness that for most of the week it hasn't been unbearably hot, since the classroom has no air conditioning. Try talking over four fans going all day and you are really excited for Fridays!  

 

28 August 2010 Saturday

I slept with the window open and it's August! It’s amazing weather for SLC. The rooster next door woke me up at 6:30 this morning and has been crowing about every 15 minutes since.

 

            I wonder if the Mexican family next door knows that you can have chickens but not roosters in the city? I don't mind. It makes me feel I'm out in the country but they better not get two!  

            Kyle Foote was sick today so we didn’t work on the floor.

 

29 August 2010 Sunday

Kyle Foote came over about 1 in the afternoon to spend the day resting from his cold and bronchitis. I fixed him some chicken soup.  It was nice day today only 75 degrees. That seems really cool for August.

            I watched a really good movie “Amie and Jaguar” this morning about a true story about a Lesbian relationship between a German Aryan and a Jew during World War II.

            Because I was taking care of a sick friend for much of the day, I missed the Radio City Reunion darn it, but I was playing Florence Nightingale today.

            My niece-in-law Jehill, Ken Jones’ wife wanted my Chicken Soup Recipe. I wrote her back: Boil a couple of chicken breasts. In a crock pot pour in a box of chicken stock add frozen carrot and peas, and about a teaspoon to tablespoon of paprika, celery flakes, parsley flakes,... cumin, thyme, and white pepper. Take chicken breasts out of boiled water to cool add some chicken bouillon and ‘wide no yolk noodles’… boil to tender and remove skin and bone from the chicken breast and chop it into pieces. Add noodles and chicken to crock pot. Just let it simmer on low and eat at any time. The noodles won't break down because they are big. If the kids like little noodles, that is okay.”

 

30 August 2010 Monday

I woke up to the sounds of it thundering and pouring rain. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. It was very cool for most of the day.  Wow it's August 30th and the temps at school was only 66 degrees!

            Salt Lake City, my home sweet home. I bet we get an early fall this year! Colors should be pretty with all the rain we have had.

            Kyle Foote came over this evening and we watched TV. I fixed Chicken Tacos for dinner but Kyle had already eaten so just Mike and I only had the Tacos.

            23 years ago Mike Anderson, Jeff Partain, Brent Fotherham, and I were attacked by a Gay Basher on Broadway and Main near midnight while the police drove around and did nothing.

            In the news the Deseret News is laying off 43 percent of its staff and is moving to the Triad Center to partner with KSL TV station.

 

31 August 2010 Tuesday

It was a very pleasant 74 degrees today. I heard that Bruce Barton is back in the hospital. I am sure he’s not long for this world with his heart problems.

            I fixed some Greek Spaghetti for dinner and Mike ate supper with me.

            Today President Obama stated that our combat mission in Iraq is finished.  So when are Bush, Cheney and Gang going to be tried as War Criminals for duping America into a War in Iraq because Bush Inc. was pissed with Hussein double dealing? Weapons of Mass Destruction anyone? Where's our next pre-emptive strike?

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER

1 September 2010 Wednesday

Kyle Foote came over for most of the day to hang out and study. He also took Mike Romero to the Airport for his trip to Seattle.

            I came home about 4 in the afternoon  just to feed the dogs and Kyle and I visited before I had to head back to school for ‘Back to School Night’ which started at 6.  I didn’t get home until 8 this evening. By that time, Kyle had left to go to Simply Social, a Gay social group .

            I met his sister Jaime Fultz tonight but we didn’t really get to visit much. However with only 20 students I was able to start putting faces on people more.

            Tonight is Coco’s first night without Mike.  Kyle said that at 5, after I left, she looked out the window like she was expecting Mike at any time. But since she has Daisy and the rest to hang with she will be okay.

            Kyle wrote to Greg Hardin- “Papa Murphy's Pizza. I bought one downtown for us, I'll bring it home with me.”

 

2 September 2010 Thursday

The computers at school were given us fits yesterday and today but I think they got the problem fixed in the district finally. It was a much warmer day today but all in all the rooms aren’t hot like they have been in the past.

            Kyle Foote came over today and I fixed us hamburgers for dinner.  He said his test in economics went well and we talked about school and such until he left about 8:30 to go home.

 

3 September 2010 Friday

Finally, the first two weeks of the New Year are over! And this weekend is a 3 day holiday.  I gave the kids a math test on place values and exponents today, over the things we covered for the last two weeks, and they bombed it for the most part.

            Even though my principal Liz Beck said we could take off early, Jeny Petersen and I stayed to teach the 4th grade teachers how to log onto ‘Utah Writes’ program. Afterwards, a parent came up with questions about the math test I gave so we sat and visited to explain what we covered.

            At home I watched some more episodes of ‘True Blood’ just to unwind from a long day.  I posted on face book: “This is my Lambda Lore Column for September 2 for my out of state friend. It's about the friction between the AIDS Project Utah, Salt Lake AIDS Foundation, and the Horizon House in the early years of the crisis. I called it ‘AIDS, Activism and Angst’”

            These are some of the responses I got back. Charles Lynn Frost [Dottie Dixon] wrote, “Your research, knowledge, and memory of events past (as they compare to the present) is ever so valuable to our entire community Ben! Thank you for being a superb journalist, historical writer, and of course always a gentleman~~something a rising generation needs to observe and emulate.” I responded back, “High Praise from a man I truly admire for trying to bridge a divided people. This young generation will learn from its mistakes as we did but hopefully we can still voice an opinion and not be attacked. I am encouraged by the amount of activism and renewal of social groups. If we can't hide in cyberspace we will have to be more civil.”

            James Dabakis added, “ Hey Charles Lynn Frost, move over.” I am Ben's biggest fan. He has done for the community over the years what no one else has done. Keep our history. Without glory or fanfare. Future generations will remember Ben because of the great treasure he is leaving. (Another illuminating piece, good work, Ben).”

            Kevin Clair Hillman said  “Ben Thanks for the time line I have been trying to come up with some of these dates for a while now. Also thank you for keeping our history. I am very aware of the many hours you have spent in going through many news reports and papers to find many of these items. Thanks”. I responded back to Kevin, “Hell we are in this together. I am lucky to have been a part of a great family of friends. If there weren't great people doing great things I wouldn't have had anything to record! Love you all some literally oh la la”

 

4 September 2010 Saturday

Kyle Foote came over about noon and we worked on finishing the hallway floor. It took about 5 hours just to do a few pieces because they had to be cut just right to fit under door frames.  I gave him another $100 for the work he’s done so he can pay his tuition at school. Then we went to the Royal Court’s Car Wash. I met his friend Jesse Henniger who is the reigning Empress of the Royal Court right now. Chevy aka Stephen Bolinder was also there. The car wash was at Club Jam’s parking lot.

Afterwards we went to La Frontera’s for dinner and back home to  watch some Netflix’s. It was a warm day today but we got a lot accomplished.

 

5 September 2010 Sunday

I got up this morning to go to church at the First Baptist on 13th East where I met up with Kyle Foote and ‘Lulene’ aka Greg Hardin.  It was their new Pastor, Curtis Price’s first Sunday. I learned that Kyle’s sister Jamie Fultz was friends with him in high school.

             Lulene was on a toot complaining about Donald Stewart’s camp Pinecliff retreat and I just said if he feels slighted by him take it up with the People With AIDS Coalition  and Toni Johnson.

            The Baptists had a luncheon afterwards and we ate Sunday Dinner there before I left to go home and work on some stuff for Tika Beard of Equality Utah. She is wanting a timeline for a calendar they want to make.

            Later Kyle came over to the house after going to the show with Greg, to kind of get away from his drama, and relax  here.  I fixed cheese hamburgers for our dinner. Kyle doesn’t like onions, American cheese, and pie. Haha. I told him he was weird.

            We watched all the Netflix discs I had on True Blood this evening while he played on the old lap top I gave him.

 

 

6 September 2010 Monday Labor Day

I did some house straightening but nothing special. Kyle Foote came over in the evening to watch TV with me. I fixed us Mexican Style Tacos and we watched the ‘Incredible Mr. Limpet’ featuring Don Knotts.

            It was a nice cool day and the unofficial end of summer.  I read on Mark Anderson’s face book status where he said he’s happy with his new girlfriend Jessica and their blended family. So I am happy for him. I got be his ‘mama bear’ for a little while and now Kyle Foote has come into my life and while it’s completely nonsexual the companionship is nice.

 

7 September 2010 Tuesday

I finished writing my article for the Salt Lake. I am as bad as my students waiting to the last minute. Well it least I made it 2 1/2 hrs. before the deadline.

            Kyle Foote wanted me to write something on mental illness. I wonder what he was implying, hmm? Michael Aaron is going to hate how long this one is but I did narrow it down from 12 pages to 1200 words.

            I am sad because Coco went home with Mike Romero, who’s back from Seattle.  I picked him up from the airport at 6:30 this evening and actually Coco was kind of confused rather than all excited. She’s been shuffled around a lot this year for sure.

            In the news the Deseret News let go nearly half its staff and is relying heavily on Associated Press stories and press releases from the Mormon Church. I wrote on Face Book, “They are going back to their roots of being a lying propaganda rag for LDS theology and establishment..”

                Val Holley wrote regarding the shake up at the Deseret News, “I find this highly ironic, coming from ‘iron-rod’ Mormon Doug Gibson. Before he became managing editor (or whatever he is) of the Standard-Examiner, his pro-LDS op-ed pieces were making that paper read like a ward newsletter or a Glenn Beck screed, precisely the trade pub Gibson is now claiming the D-News has become. Then again, for Gibson to suggest that the D-News, before its self-mutilation last week, was not already a trade pub, is absurd. The D-News (or "Granny," as the Trib called it in the 19th century) was never going to take any un-LDS editorial stances or positions.”

 

            Greg Hardin commented, “so should I cancel my subscription to the Deseret News???”

            Brandon Burt added, “I'm thinking of subscribing, actually -- should be hilarious. Since getting rid of all those "unnecessary" folks in the newsroom, they've already misspelled their own name and forgot to disclose that a source was actually one of their publishers ...”

 

8 September 2010 Wednesday

            I just spoke to John Cunningham's brother James and finally found out how he died. 2007 was a rough year. Three people I cared about and loved died from suicide. I write so much about John in my history columns that I am sure a few people feel like they knew him. I am truly grateful that I was able to learn John's fate after all these years. I've carried him close to my heart for 41 years.”

            Jimmy Hamamoto wrote, “Sorry to hear about John Cunningham. I'm hope this news brings about some bit of closure.” I wrote back, “Thanks Jimmy it kind of does.

Strange how fate takes us places. If John would have said he loved me, I would never have come to Utah and never would have accomplished the things I did here.

 

9 September 2010 Thursday

I was kind of disappointed to come home from work and not see Kyle Foote here. I guess I have kind of gotten attached to him. I wrote a cryptic message on Face Book “ I am not happy with a certain person at the Q. Just like Rodney Dangerfield, ‘I don't get no respect’.  I was talking about Brad Di lorio the ass but I didn’t mention him. Doug Balli wrote me saying, “Not good. You deserve HUGE respect. In my opinion - always the most interesting piece in the paper!” I wrote back, “Thanks..btw it’s not Michael Aaron but someone on his staff.”

            In the news the Utah State Fair pulled a series of very odd TV ads starring a ’70s retro-dressed black actor singing about the sexy virtues of funnel cakes and pigs, citing that the Jared Hess created commercials were “offensive” and, even worse, “reached the wrong demographics.”

            The audio portion of the ads remained on radio, however, since there you couldn’t see the actor’s “demographic.”  Such racism.

 

10 September 2010 Friday

It’s been so pleasant at school with the lower temperatures. My un-air conditioned room is not an oven this year.

            I am kind of ticked off at the Q right now. It’s been over 24 hours since I emailed Brad Di lorio about free event tickets and he doesn’t’ have the courtesy to respond one way or another. I forwarded my email to Michael Aaron and he hasn’t responded either.

I’ve written for Michael for 7 years without asking for a dime. I think I am done if this is how I am treated.

 

11 September 2010 Saturday

I cleaned house this morning and called Mike Romero to bring Coco over because Daisy was waiting for her and moping around.  When Kyle Foote came over in the afternoon we measured and cut all the planks for the steps. Now comes the tedious part, sanding staining and shellacking them.

            I took Coco home about 4:30 in the afternoon and Randy and Kimberlee Gile were up visiting Mike. We talked about poor Miss Priss and how we might have to put her down before winter gets here. Kim said she wants to say good bye to her before we do. I just stayed a few minutes because Kyle was still at the house. Monday is Kimberlee’s birthday.

            Kyle wanted to watch ‘True Blood’s’ finale so we did that and we also watched ‘8 The Mormon Proposition”.  Bruce Barton was in it and he told of his experience with shock treatment while at BYU.  Kathy Worthington’s daughter was also in it.  It was pretty powerful stuff but nothing new to those of who had been following the Mormon’s Church’s trail of lies and deceit.

            Later we watched John Wayne in ‘Stagecoach’ because Kyle had never seen that 1939 classic John Ford western.  Kyle left about 11 at night to go see his friend Jesse Henninger’s show at the one of the bars.

 

12 September 2010 Sunday

I made a cream cheese dip this morning to take to the 1st Baptist Church picnic. I met Kyle Foote up at the 1st Baptist and I took communion for the first time in years. It was an open communion.

            The sermon by Curtis Price was called ‘Homecoming’.  After church Kyle and I went to Fairmont Park where the picnic was being held. You couldn’t ask for a better day. It was really pleasant out.

            Kyle and I visited with others until about 2 in the afternoon when he said he was going with some friends to the Oktoberfest. After I came home, Kyle called and said plans were changed and he was going to the State Fair with his friends so he came over to the house and we watched TV until about 4 until his leaving.  While here, he helped me sand down some of the stairwell treads.

Mike Romero and I then went to Bountiful to go shopping. He bought Coco a little sweat shirt as the weather gets cooler. I went to bed about 9 really tired. I fell asleep watching “The Universe” a  program on Netflix.

 

13 September 2010 Monday

I’m back to work and the day went pretty well except before school when two parents wanted to talk to me about nothing really, which prevented me from getting ready for the day.

            I fixed noodles and Italian sausages for dinner and Mike Romero ate with me when he came over to pick up Coco.  After he left, I blew the sawdust out of the garage and stained the stair treads. I will need to shellac them this week so Kyle Foote can put them in.

            Speaking of Kyle he wrote this to me: “Worst Room Mate Offer Ever! So I have decided that it will be best if I move out of Greg's the end of this month as I originally told him. BUT since I am not working formally at a job and to make matters worse I decided to go to school I can't afford to get my own place yet.  So... I decided to see if you’re not too subtle offers, for taking the room/bathroom in your basement, is still available?

            I can't afford to pay rent for the time being and to make matters worse I'll probably cost you money as I do projects around the house and eat food now and then. I'll begin working for SLCC [Salt Lake Community College] on the 24th, but who knows when that first pay check will come and for how much.

            My contract with the Sugar House Farmers Market ends on the 15th of October. I'm $500 behind on my $250 a month probation payment and I have a monthly cell phone bill of $70, not to mention another 2 payments of $300 each in October and November for school. I'll need to work hard to catch up, get ahead and make ends meet! I feel like school and volunteering and working as I can is the best thing I can do with my life right now.

            Otherwise I’d just quit school and seek a full time job to make things easier on myself. I know this is the worst roommate offer ever, but I appreciate the help you have been so far and figured I'd put this down in writing so you can think it over and get back to me in your own way.  Thank You Ben! ~Kyle”

            I wrote him back, “Don't worry about rent. I have been there. There's plenty of little projects you can do when you have time. I know you are a good person and you care for my pack of hounds. Put all your money towards school and your probation. One more mouth to feed in this house will not break me and you are good company. Just don't be offended if I go to bed or hang out in my room to work on stuff. Things will work out and you will get back on your feet. Just takes time but you are young, intelligent, and have great social skills. The down stairs is just empty space. Come fill it.”

            Kyle responded, “Thank You! The weekend of October 2nd will probably be when I make the official move. Not that I have a lot to move, less than a small truck load.”

            I said, “Well ya got a small truck to use to move stuff. Get some of your cute young friends to help you pack!”

            Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle saying, “Save a date Kyle, can we schedule a morning/day where we can install the fence on the side of the house???” Kyle answered “Sure, is there a particular Saturday that Lisa is available to help?”  Lisa is Greg Hardin’s sister.

 

14 September 2010  Tuesday

Too tired to write.

 

15 September 2010 Wednesday

After work, I came home and fed the dogs, and then Kyle Foote and I went to the Chili Cook off at the Pride Center and later to Club jam for the Will Carlson’s fundraiser. He’s raising money to run for Salt Lake School Board.

            The center event was fun and I had Kyle met Toni Johnson, Donald Stewart, Doug Wortham and other community leaders to promote his new group “Connections” which deals with mental health. It was fun getting out.

            At the center I sat with Donald Stewart, Mark Swonson, his young friend Ian, Kyle, and Honey who is columnist for the Q.  Kyle tried picking up tickets for Hamlet at the Q office today but they were closed.  Brad Di Lorio had finally gotten back to me the jerk.

            At the Jam, there weren’t all that many people there, perhaps 50 at the most.  I sat with Doug Wortham and his lover Nick Nero, and some other ‘A-List’ Gay types like Eric Ethington and Michelle Turpin who I think are full of themselves from my first impression.    I mainly talked with Doug about history and said he should donate his collection of material to the Marriott Library.

            Back at the house Kyle and I watched the first episode of ‘True Blood’ from the first season since he never saw that season.

            Mark Anderson called me about 9:30 tonight and said that he wrecked his car today and asked if he could borrow the truck. I said that Kyle was using the truck or I would otherwise. He said Audrey was in another accident with her mother and is in the hospital with a broken clavicle. It’s always something with that guy.

 

16 September 2010 Thursday

The internet is down. It’s strange how you get so dependent on it. Kyle Foote and I watched True Blood in Netflix DVDs instead.

            Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle saying, “what happened???I can't write on your wall anymore, did I do something wrong???.” Kyle replied, “I disabled the wall on my face book page. It wasn't anything you did. I just modified my privacy settings for all. Anyone can message me though still.”

 

17 September 2010 Friday

People need to start slowing down and watching out for motorcyclists. I just saw a guy get hit on my way home. Someone was in a hurry, ran through an intersection at 2300 West and 21st North  because I-215 is all backed up. The motorcycle guy flew off his bike but had on a helmet and he was sitting upright, and several cars stopped to help him. I'd have caused another accident, leaving my left turn lane to help,  because people are crazy. The car smashed the motorcycle broadside.

            Mike Romero and I were going to go see Hamlet at Pioneer Memorial theater because I had free tickets but we were really too tired so just went to Ambers for supper and then called it a day. In the evening I created a Utah Stonewall Historical Society site on Face book.

18 September 2010 Saturday

I got the stair treads all lacquered up ready to install. Kyle Foote came over after the NAMI & AIDS 'walkie' thing and visiting with people at the 9th & 9th Street Fair. Michael Romero brought Coco over to run off some energy and Daisy didn't want to get down from Kyle's lap.

            We watched ‘Stonewall’ this evening because Kyle hadn't seen it and then we had a discussion about it. 

            It was a beautiful day in Zion though 90 degrees. Life, like Peaches, is ripe and juicy.

            Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle asking,  “Are you going to the Baptist church tomorrow (Sunday)...if so, can I get a ride with you?” Kyle replied, “I will be going to church. I have a date after so I wasn't going to stay for the social. Church is at 11. I'll probably leave at 10:40 a.m. so if you want to go along just be home around then.”

 

19 September 2010 Sunday

Today is Grandpa Johnson’s birthday. He was born in 1901.  I fixed a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and eggs, before heading to church this morning. The First Baptist is on 13th East and 8th South so it’s brutal taking surface streets to get there from across town. I hit every light between here and there! That’s over 13 lights so it added an extra 15 minutes to my commute. Kyle Foote and Greg Hardin were running late too so I got there before them.       Curtis Price’s sermon on ‘Grace’ was good.

I then came home afterwards and waited for Kyle to show up. We went off to Jordan Park for the ‘People’s Market’ and also while there I showed Kyle the International Peace Garden. At the park I did see John Bennett who was with his mother Bonnie. I guess he said he’s not with the Human Rights Campaign any more. We were there until about 3:00 in the afternoon and then came back to the house.

      Kyle left to go to a BBQ provided by the People with AIDS Coalition in the late afternoon and I spent of much of the rest of the day doing chores.

      It’s been a hot wind for much of the day and I guess the Herriman area in the south west part of the valley is on fire.

 

 

 

20 September 2010 Monday

After school I went to my Credit Union and borrowed $3500 against my truck to pay off the bills for the home improvements that Kyle Foote and I have done this summer. I also paid Kyle $750 so he can stay current with his restitution. After the Lord let me keep my job last June, when I was so sure I would be unemployed, I said I would try to use my finances to help people. Kyle is working so hard as an activist in the community I think the money is a good investment.

      

21 September 2010 Tuesday

It’s the Last day of summer. Kyle Foote wanted me to pull everything from out under the stairs so he can work on them tomorrow. I fixed Spaghetti and Meatballs for dinner and Mike Romero ate dinner with me.    We watched ‘Shaun the Sheep’ some on Netflix’s.

            In the news, the Senate refused to repeal the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy mostly because the Republicans blocked it.

             I wrote my QSalt Lake article on the conversion group Evergreen which is celebrating their 20th anniversary this month.

 

22 September 2010 Wednesday

It’s the first day of Fall and we have a full Harvest Moon tonight.  I carelessly left the front yard sprinkler run all night because I forgot to turn them off. Whoops.

            It rained a little in the late afternoon when I got off work. I came home about 4 and Kyle Foote had just finished pulling all the treads off the stairwell. They had been glued on as well as nailed, so he said it took him almost all day to pry them off. I helped him get the bottom step treads in place but we ran out of time and steam about 6:00 in the afternoon because Kyle wanted to go to Simply Social tonight and I had a date with Bill Ziegler from Albuquerque.  He’s President of the Sandia Bears from New Mexico that I met on Bear 411. He is visiting Salt Lake for a few days.  He was a nice guy about 52 and a top so he appreciated me being a bottom.  I have a dinner date this Friday with Jim Dabakis.

Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle Foote asking for 2 favors. “I will be at Pinecliff Friday & Saturday nights, can you watch the dogs or should I ask Rae?  Second I need to borrow Brenda's karaoke machine and she lives in Magna...can I get ride out there?”

            Kyle replied, “I can definitely watch the dogs. I'm not sure when I can drive you out to Magna though before Friday. Maybe tomorrow afternoon, not sure though. Any chance she or her husband will be somewhere closer than Magna so I can meet them?”

Greg wrote, “Sam and Sally thank you, as well as I. I'm going to arrange with Brenda to get the Karaoke machine. Thanks!  PS...Have you had a chance to check on auto insurance, maybe Farmers or Allstate?”

 

 

23 September 2010 Thursday

Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle Foote about using a digital camera. “Kyle, Will you help me figure out how to use my camera so I can take it to Pinecliff tomorrow (Friday) afternoon???  Please?” Kyle replied, “I should get home tonight at 10pm. I'd be happy to try to help you figure it out then.”

 

24 September 2010 Friday

Jim Dabakis took me out to dinner tonight just to visit about the community. We gossiped about what we knew.

 

25 September 2010 Saturday

Same old same old. Cleaned house.

 

 

 

26 September 2010 Sunday

I think I am coming down with something

 

27 September 2010 Monday

I am not feeling well but Kyle Foote wanted to go to Lowe’s. He had a list of projects he wanted to do downstairs before moving in so we went and picked out a new rug and light fixtures, window blinds and other stuff. That was another $500 but he’s putting in the labor.

            I gave my three tickets to the Equality Utah dinner to some young people who wanted to go but couldn't afford the $100 ticket. I am still under the weather so glad to let a future generation of Gays go to the event.

            Kyle wrote to Eric Ethington who gave the tickets away as a promotion for his blog Utah Pride: “So an FYI on the tickets, since you'll be there and I won't. The single ticket is at the Q's table. The double tickets are at an unknown table. All 3 are under Ben William's name and neither he nor I will be attending. However one of us could swing by if needed to get the tickets out of will call. Good luck with the contest, hopefully it draws a million hits to your blog!”

            Eric responded, “You won't be there? SAD!” and Kyle wrote, “I know, right. I will be running my support group that night. It is Tuesday after all... I'll be there in spirit however.”

            Then Kyle wrote to Eric Ethington, regarding the Utah Stonewall Historical Society. He said, “So I thought you might be interested to know that Ben Williams started a face book group a few weeks ago, I've linked it below. As you know, Ben is considered "The" Utah gay historian. What's really cool is he has been posting a handful of interesting "today in history" things every day since he started the group. As of today, he has about 50 fans. Perhaps you can help him get the word out so his audience can grow? If you look it over, the stuff he's writing about is fascinating and relevant. Ben would also make a fascinating guest on your blog at some point. Anyway, this is the end of my shameless plug.”

            When I mentioned that I gave my tickets away Doug Balli wrote later, “Love your sense of community! You missed a great event, but so generous of you to let others enjoy it!”

 

28 September 2010 Tuesday

I heard that over 1500 people are attending Equality Utah tonight but I stayed home and watched Glee. That’s kind of Gay.

            Kyle Foote went out on a date with this kid he knew named Kevin. I gave him $10 more so he wouldn’t have to worry about being short on cash. I guess they went to the Pie at the U of U.

Billy Bikowski an old flame turned 49 today. Happy Birthday where ever you are.

Jim Dabakis wrote about giving away the tickets also saying, “Ben...so like you to give it away. We missed you.” I replied back, “I felt guilty after giving the tickets away and then reading that you needed 2 tickets. Sorry I couldn't be of help but glad some young people got an opportunity to see Dustin Black. They will be shaping the future like we shaped the past and you are still shaping the present!. Just passing the torch. Love ya.”

 

29 September 2010 Wednesday

I am still in the middle of my cold and am starting to cough now. At school I learned that my Title One tutor Kathy Jasperson’s son had died of an heart attack and she will be gone for the rest of the week.

            I came home and Kyle Foote had rewired the bathroom downstairs with new vanity lights and an overhead light. After he went to Simply Society I checked my email and I had this nasty message from Brad Di lorio complaining that Michael Langston didn't show up at Equality Unity dinner yesterday.

            He wrote, “Michael [Aaron] and I reviewed Q Salt Lake’s list beforehand and didn’t know who Michael Langston was and had to call Equality Utah on their busiest day to find out if they had put a wrong name on our list. Ben, it would be appreciated in the future that if you didn’t use your tickets or seat at events, that you would call us at our offices so that other staff could go, as we always turn down staff, who don’t check their email as fast as other staff members do. As the Allies Dinner was sold out there were many community members that couldn’t get into the dinner and we would of liked to offer them the opportunity to pay for the available seat in support of Equality Utah.

            Please respect that fact that Q Salt Lake is offering staff opportunities to events and ticket giveaways.  If you have any questions, please give me a call.  Thank you,  Brad Di Iorio.”

 

            I wrote scathingly back: “Dear Brad, as a columnist for the QSL for 7 years, a community activist for 25 years, and have created more organizations than you could ever join, and as a Kristen Ries Community Service Award Recipient I DAMN WELL EARNED THAT TICKET TO DO WHAT I WANT WITH IT! PERIOD!  I don't know who the hell you think you are talking to but I really don't appreciate it!  I could not attend because of illness.

            I gave my ticket to give a young person to attend in my place.    I more than paid for that ticket and any other God Damn thing that QSL wants to give me as an UNPAID Columnist! 

            Sorry if you think this young man was NOT part of this community!  Equality Utah also gave me two tickets for my work for them and I gave them away too!   I gave $300 worth of tickets to young people who would not have had this opportunity without me .  So sincerely go FUCK YOURSELF and the piss elegant horse you rode in on.”

            Then I forwarded my response to Michael Aaron  saying, “I need an apology from Brad before I post his tirade at me on Face book.”

            I spent the rest of the time relieving my frustration by pulling up the rest of the rug in the basement. I am not going to let insignificant people diminish my happiness in doing some good in this old world. I am like the Ever Ready Bunny- I keep going and going long after others come and go. I know I am going to leave a legacy of a full and productive life in service of the community I love.

 

30 September 2010 Thursday

At school we exploded our Volcanoes. I think the kids had fun making them and setting them off with red colored baking soda and vinegar.

            I wrote Eric Ethington saying “Brad di Lorio is an Ass. I got some blow back at the Q over giving away my ticket to the Equality Utah's soiree. I am waiting for an apology and if I don't get one then I will send you the email I received and my response. Background- I received two tickets from Tika Beard for helping them with information for a history calendar that EU is putting together. Brad sent out a message to Q people that if anyone wanted a ticket to EU to contact him which I did. Once he said that I reserved a ticket, I assumed it was my ticket to do what I wanted.

            I had every intention of going and sitting with the Q folks and I was going to give the EU tickets to Kyle Foote for working on my house. Anyway I became ill with a head cold and by Monday I knew I wasn't up to being in a big crowd so I told Kyle I wasn't going to go and to find someone from his Simply Social crowd to go. I wanted some young person who wouldn't have the opportunity to go to get the ticket.

            I had gone out to dinner earlier that Friday with Jim Dabakis and we talked about ways we could support this young activist community.

            Then Kyle said he didn't want to go if I wasn't going and so I had him contact you to see if you knew any young people. So that was my intentions with letting you have the tickets. I felt that I had earned these three tickets and wanted them to go to good use.

            Any way the day after the fundraiser I get this email from Brad Di lorio saying : Michael Langston didn't show up at EU dinner and criticized me for having wasted the ticket. 

            I was furious. First of all I felt very insulted and belittled. Secondly it made me angry that he thought that Michael Langston was not by his standard a "community member". So I sent him an email that I had damned well-earned the ticket to do anything I liked with it and for him to go fuck himself.

            I am nearly 60 years old and if this how Brad treats the seniors of this community then he really has a problem. The ticket was given to me but he makes it sound like it was only loaned to me.

            Funny that you were able to contact EU on their busiest day and make arrangements for the tickets to be put in these young people’s names.

            It is not yours or my fault that Michael Langston was a no show, nor mine that I became ill. I have written for the Q this year 19 articles alone without any financial payment. I think a $100 ticket to EU would not even begin to pay the hours I put in writing as you well know from your own blog.

            But if this how the Q wants to treat me with so little respect maybe it’s time to stop writing for them and concentrate on a book that Jim Dabakis wants me to write.  Thanks for letting me vent.”

            Eric Ethington replied, “Hahaha.. I have my own history with Brad Di lorio. Definitely agree with you.”

            Tony Curtis died today! My favorite films with him in it were Some Like It Hot and The Great Race both featured the brilliant Jack Lemmon also! In Spartacus he was the cute young slave boy that Lawrence Olivier wanted as a boy toy using the line “Some like Oysters”.