Winter First Quarter Journal 2011 January-March President Obama 3rd Year

 

Journal of Ben Williams 2011

JANUARY

1 Jan 2011 Saturday

Dear Diary, As Brandon Burt pointed out to me on Facebook, today is 1-1-11. So here I am a 59 ½ year old Gay man living at 1633 Fernleaf Street Salt Lake City Utah.

Two weeks ago I put to sleep Priscilla and Smokey, two long time animal companions so now I have just two Schnauzers, Buddy and Daisy who I hoped have adjusted to not having the others around. There’s still Coco, Mike Romero’s pup who comes over almost every day to play. 

I have as a housemate Kyle Foote, a 31 year old Gay man who moved into my house last October. He’s been a handyman around the house and I am giving him free room and board in exchange for some work around the place. 

Last night went to bed at midnight to usher in the New Year. Kyle was at a party with his boyfriend David Castillo over at Debbie Rosenberg. I was invited but too tired to leave the house. Besides it was really cold out and even today the high didn’t get past 16 degrees. 

I spent much of this morning reading the 1st half of my journal from 2010 and catching up on Facebook. I had a cup of coffee and an apple fritter for breakfast. 

Buddy was getting antsy for a ride at noon so went over to see Mike and Coco with Buddy and Daisy and we went driving around a bit. Coming back to the house Kyle was home so I asked him if he wanted to go to lunch with us and he did. We went to Applebee’s in Bountiful. It was a beautiful clear crisp and cold first day of the year.

After our late lunch Mike went home and Kyle was playing with his new Kindle electronic book reader. So it was kind of a quiet day and a quiet beginning of a new year.

Note- Judge Denise P Lindberg was assigned to Kyle’s case un beknown to me at the time)

 

2 January 2011 Sunday

Well it’s the last day of a long Christmas vacation break. I Lost two of my furry friends in December, bought new furniture, got new glasses and survived the holidays.

It was a very low keyed day. Kyle Foote played on his Kindle downstairs most of the day so didn’t see him much and then he took off in the evening.

I did take Buddy and Daisy over to see Coco for a little bit. It was a very chilly day, only about 20 degrees.

I made a pot of Taco Soup but ate too much ice cream even if sugar free.

I called mom and she said she’s slowly getting to be able to do for herself again. She said my nephew James’ wife Rachel has been a great help for her.

 I also called Chuck Whyte. I guess he won $200 out in Wendover.  But other than that not much else is happening. So going to bed early tonight about 9.

Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle saying “I really want to do a fundraiser/contest at Jam called Calendar Boys. Can you help me organize a few "hot' calendar boy contestants and coordinate with Brian if we can do such an event?”

 

3 January 2011 Monday

I was so tired back at work that I nearly fell asleep in the afternoon while showing a movie on the 13 Colonies. I didn’t sleep well last night and was up and down peeing and I woke up a little after 5:00 and didn’t want to fall back to sleep. 

So I did my morning routine of making coffee, fixing some hot cereal, giving myself my injection, taking pills and waiting for Coco to show up at 6:30. 

I went into work a little early to get my bearings after being gone a week. I Told a few colleagues  about having to put down Priscilla and Smokey over the holidays.

It was cold in the building all day. I think the heat had been off the entire vacation.

 At home Mike Romero came over at 4:30 to pick up Coco and I am going to try and feed her here because she eats better in the company of Daisy and Buddy. I fed Mike the Taco Soup I made yesterday and he liked it. 

Kyle Foote mentioned how he wants to show Avatar on the big screen and Mike offered to hook up the old projector and sound system for Friday movie nights. I Sent the date nut bread home with him and he gave me some pillows that he was just storing. 

He called me later and said that Smokey and Priscilla are ready to be picked up so I told him I would get them after work tomorrow.  It was a Cold day again only 20 degrees.

Eric Ethington contacted me to say “Great Job. Loved your last post in the Q. Well done!”

 

4 January 2010 Tuesday

I don’t feel well. Not sure what it is.

 My heart is weepy again. I went to pick up Priscilla and Smokey’s remains after work and I cried all the way home. When I got home I curled up with Daisy, Buddy, and Coco and had a good cry. I must be feeling very melancholy because I am so listless.

I’ve been very tired at work in the afternoon, like I can hardly keep my eyes open.  Michael Romero was disappointed because they screw up how he wanted Smokey’s urn to be. That also made me so very sad.

I wrote on Face Book “I am a melancholic tonight. Daisy and Buddy are snuggling up to me because they know I am feeling sorrowful. Oscar, Saffy, Smokey and Priscilla are home and together again. They were very good companions to me.”

 

5 January 2010 Wednesday

I went to bed by 9 last night because I was feeling out of sorts. Before leaving the house this morning I read a poem my cousin’s son Chris sent me about the dogs. It made me bawl. Chris Johnson wrote- I don't think anyone loves their dogs more than you - I'm sure you gave them a great life. I came across this and thought about how a dog might say goodbye if they could really speak to us.”

“May I Go? May I go now? ......Do you think the time is right? May I say goodbye to painful days, and endless lonely nights? I've lived my life and done my best an example, I tried to be. Can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free? I did not want to go at first; I fought with all my might. Something seems to draw me now, to a warm and loving light. I want to go now, I really do. It's really difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can, to live just one more day. To give you time to care for me, and share your love and fears. I know you're sad and hurt, because I see your tears. I'll not be far, I promise you that, and I hope you'll always know, my spirit will be close to you.  No matter where you may go. Thank you, thank you. You know I love you too, that’s why it's hard to say goodbye, and end this life I had with you. So hold me now, just one more time, and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, you’ll let me go today.”

This morning I had to leave the house earlier for a 7:45 Faculty meeting where our principal Liz Beck  just talked about the transitioning of the state core to a common core.

When I referred to as the “national core”, Liz Sullinger said the state legislature said we can’t refer to it as a national core but only a “common” core. I joked can we then call it the confederate core? But no one got the joke.

I bought a Papa Murphy Pizza after work and had Canadian bacon, pineapple and green peppers put on it. I Shared it with Mike Romero and Kyle Foote who I found out besides onions doesn’t like green peppers on Pizza. I said he was weird and he posted on FB that “Every time somebody puts green peppers on a Hawaiian pizza, the terrorists win.” 

Mike is letting us use his projector in the movie room so Kyle worked most of the evening setting up speakers etc. 

Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle,  “Are you still willing to help me with the "Calendar Boy" advent. I would love your help cuz you know all the "hotties" that would be willing to parade in their speedo's. HEHE! Also, we need to plan everything so that we can advertise it in the "Q" Hugs! Gregers.”

 

6 January 2010 Thursday

It was Very foggy this morning which developed into a smoggy day, causing it to be very cold.  This inversion is nasty stuff. C'mon winter winds blow this crap out of the valley.  About the time kids left, the power went out in the building. So after waiting about 5 minutes to see if it was going to come back on I went on home.

Mike Romero came over to pick up Coco. I fixed Meatloaf for dinner with mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, and green beans, topped off with apple pie. Now that's good eating on a cold January day. I sent leftovers home with Mike Romero.

Kyle Foote was up in Park City getting a pedicure so he wasn’t home for supper but when he came home he ate some meatloaf and hung the projector up in the movie room. Then I watched another episode of Ghost Adventures. I think it’s kind of interesting but Kyle doesn’t like spooky things.

 

7 January 2011 Friday

I was married to Frances Fuchs on this day in 1977. It was also a Friday. We chose the 7th instead of the 17th because Gary Gilmore was being executed on that day.

It was a very smoggy inversion day today. Really awful. After school I came home and asked Michael Romero if he wanted to get some supper at LaFrontera’s. I had the small combination and he had 3 tostados and I treated.

After feeding Coco, Buddy, and Daisy, Mike took off and I watched Ghost Adventures. My guilty pleasure is watching Ghost Adventures on Netflix. Kyle Foote won't watch it with me. He'd rather watch Pawn Stars. We are both such geeks. He only watched Ghost Adventures at first because he thought Zak was hot but the ghosts scared him away. Zak is way hotter than anyone on Pawn Stars.

 

8 January 2011 Saturday

I spent much of the day cleaning house and watching Ghost Adventures. I took Kyle Foote grocery shopping and got what he likes to eat and we made a big crock pot of cheddar broccoli and Potato soup. Kyle spent much of this week working in the movie room mounting Mike’s projector on the wall and rewiring things for surround sound.

Mike Romero, Kyle, and I watched “SALT” which I hadn’t seen but they had and wanted to watch on a big screen. Later Kyle’s friends, Dave Castillo, Parker, and Christine Johanson came over about 9 to watch Avatar on the big screen. So I had a gaggle of Gays and a girl over to watch AVATAR on the big screen in the Movie Room. I made popcorn and found that six people and 3 dogs fit comfortably in the room. 

I think Mike thought Kyle’s friends immature but I found it nice to hear young people’s laughter and energy in the house.

 

9 January 2011 Sunday

Today would have been John Cunningham’s 60th birthday if he would not have committed suicide.  It snowed over night cleaning the air out. I finally read the news about the shooting of Congresswoman Gifford and others in Tucson AZ by some deranged young right wing maniac.

I also watched more episodes of Ghost Adventure but kind of had to quit because it was kind of creeping me out.  Mike Romero and I went to Costco in Bountiful to get treats for ourselves and the doggies. We also went to TJ Maxx home store looking for some pots to replant my houseplants but didn’t find any I liked.

I tore up my bedroom looking for some start-up disks for my Acer computer but couldn’t find them anywhere. Crap.

I fixed spaghetti for dinner and just watched my TV after everyone left.

Kyle came home around 7 disappointed because he wanted to spend the night with Dave but instead Dave took his friend Parker to the ER for a bad sinus infection. So we watched a movie “Unthinkable” which was about government sponsored torture.

 

10 January 2011 Monday

It’s the Last week in the term. On Friday the school year will be half over. It snowed some more today which helped break up the inversion. I fixed burritos for supper and Mike Romero ate some and I fed Coco here. She eats better when she eats with Daisy and Buddy. They are so social.

I was teasing Kyle about his liking the “Pawn Store show”. His first day back in school was today. 

I invited Mark Swonson over this Friday to watch a movie since I hadn’t done anything with him over the holidays like I said I would.

 

11 January 2011 Tuesday

Today is my old friend Ralph Ludder’s 60th birthday and I sent him an email on a work site that was listed on the internet. I hope it goes through. I probably haven’t seen Ralph in over 30 years; before Kyle was born. I decided to look up his ancestry on Ancestry.com come and traced him back several generations on his dad’s side. 

I am Feeling kind of listless like I’m may be catching a cold. I Didn’t feel like fixing anything for dinner so I ate leftovers.

I checked my blood sugars this morning the first time in months and it was 268 so I cut out a lot of the carbs today and when I tested it coming come it was just down to 238. 

After Kyle went off to volunteer at Our Store and NAMI,  I watched a couple of episodes of “Ghost Adventures” before heading to bed at 8:30. I Figured the rest will do me good. I know I am coming down with something but exactly what I don't know. My teeth gum and tongue are sore and I am getting the sniffles. Ugh. So I am heading to bed.

 

12 January 2011 Wednesday

I Checked my blood sugars they’re down to 168 from yesterday. Ralph Ludders sent me an email back so finally I am back in contact with him. No one is truly lost because of the internet. What a marvel it is and how taken for granted it is.

So I was able to contact an old collage friend and wish him happy birthday on his 60th and I had not seen or spoken to him since 1977. I was best man at his wedding in 1970. All us 1951'ers the Class of 69 are turning 60 this year.

I made preparations at school for my sub tomorrow then rushed to the Redwood Clinic’s lab to get my blood drawn for my appointment with Dr. Stoneburner tomorrow.

Mike Romero was at the house when I got home and Kyle Foote and he were getting ready to feed the dogs. I added some meat to their food.

In the evening, Kyle went off to his classes and I just stayed home and watched the last of the Ghost Adventurers episodes. Then I watched Steven Spielberg’s Poltergeist for good measure before going to bed.

 

13 January 2011 Thursday

I had my doctor’s appointment today. I tested my blood this morning. It was 206 but I didn’t get my blood sugar test back from the lab so don’t know what that was. My appointment was at 8:40 this morning and I was back with Dr. Stoneburner by 9:20 which is good for him.  He’s very popular.

He said that the funky stuff I feel in my mouth wasn’t anything he could see, but he burned off two pre-cancerous moles on my right arm. I also got a pneumonia shot today which made my arm achy for the rest of the day. I also got a prescription for more insulin that you take with each meal now.

After leaving the doctors, I went and had by hair and beard groomed. I made an appointment for Chevy Bolinder to come over Monday at 6 in the evening  to groom the dogs so I thought I might as well get a haircut too.

I went grocery shopping and bought stuff to make a roast and some stew.  Kyle Foote called and asked if I was going to be home because he sold his headboards on KSL and this couple was coming over to look at them. They bought both for $80 together. 

I stayed home for most of the day being lazy with the hounds. It was sweet seeing Coco cuddle up with Daisy and Buddy.

Kyle had class tonight and didn’t get home to after 8:30 and when Mike Romero picked Coco up he ate dinner here. He had some of the roast beef and stew.

I got a hold of Mark Swonson finally and he said he had 4 tickets to “Black Comedy” at the Pioneer Memorial Theater on Campus but hadn’t anybody else in mind to go so I called Chuck Whyte and Mike Romero and they said they would go tomorrow.

 I stayed up too late with Kyle watching William Powell’s “Life With Father.”

 

14 January 2011 Friday

It’s the Last day of the 2nd term so school is half over. Today is my nephew Michael Wach’s birthday born in 1975.

In the evening I went to see “Black Comedy” at the Pioneer Memorial Theater thanks to Mark Swonson. He won tickets from the QSL and Brad even gave him two extras!  I really hate Brad. If there were extra tickets why didn’t he tell the staff to give me one.

We invited Chuck Whyte and Mike Romero who drove us around. We wanted to eat before the show and didn’t want to go to a restaurant so Mark suggested B and D Burgers on 13th. I though a hamburger might taste good and it would be quicker but boy I was wrong.

We got there at 6:50 thinking we had plenty of time before the show but it took a half an hour to get our food to us! And my teriyaki chicken wasn’t even teriyaki it was a sandwich and so undercooked couldn't eat it. Mike ‘s burger was over cooked. Mike was fuming and I was too. It’s not like the place was cheap either! We could have eaten anywhere, even Chili’s and gotten faster service. 

The play however was funny and clever. Had a premise that when the stage is dark the actors can see but when the lights come on the actors pretend they are in the dark.

 

15 January 2011 Saturday

I Went out to breakfast at CJ’s, a coffee shop on 39th behind Iceberg’s with Mike Romero. The prices went down for breakfast. Afterwards we went to TJ Maxx Home Store in the Brickyard Plaza where I went looking for planting pots again but still didn’t find any I liked. I bought a new skillet there however and some pillows. Michael bought an Armoire to keep all of Coco's clothes in. How Gay is that?

Kyle Foote went to the store tonight, loaded up with gummy bears, chocolate ice cream, and Dr. Pepper and we stayed home watching “Mars Attacks” and “Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind” on the big screen. Buddy snuggled with me but Mars Attacks scared Daisy and she high tailed it. I saw Close Encounters before Kyle was even born! That was a reality check.

 

16 January 2011 Sunday

I went to the First Baptist Church with Kyle Foote this morning. He needed uplifting. I fell asleep but didn't snore. It’s a gloomy rainy day in SLC. When Mike Romero and I went out shopping he bought ‘baby hangers’ for outfits Coco's armoire and I bought three stuff ducks that go quack, quack, quack for Coco and Daisy. Buddy doesn't care for dollies. Quack!

 

17 January 2011 Monday

It’s the Martin Luther King Holiday so no school. Kyle Foote was out for most of the morning so I cleaned house and fixed a meatloaf for dinner. The weather was warm enough that most of the snow melted.

Chevy Bolinder came over in the evening about 6 to groom Coco, Buddy and Daisy. Chevy was here until 9 pm grooming the pups. He has his mobile dog grooming Gypsy wagon now that is state of the art. Now I have pretty pups again.

You have to watch Kyle like a hawk or he'll rate your ghost movies one star on Netflix's Instant watch.

Today is my uncle Wallace’s birthday. He was born in 1927.

 

18 January 2011 Tuesday

I Left the house at 7:30 so I could be in Centerville by 8:00 for the Seminar for 5th graders. I Sat with Jeny Petersen, My principal Liz Beck and Adele Arvidsen. My old principal at Orchard, Pam Park, gave the opening address. I guess she is an Assistant Superintendent now in the district!

Anyway once I found out I couldn’t register and get credit for being at the seminar, I took off to go back to Washington to work in the classroom.

When I came home, I fixed some fried potatoes, baked beans and polish sausage for dinner. Mike Romero had me cut Coco’s eyebrows as I did Daisy and Buddy’s too. Chevy left them too long.

Kyle Foote went off to volunteer at Our Store and NAMI after Michael left so I had the house to myself tonight and I fell asleep watching a show on Prehistoric Collisions. 

I sent Kent Larsen an old picture of the gang at Camp Oaks, the YMCA Camp I worked at in 1972 in California.

 It’s been a month since I but my babies Priscilla and Smokey down.

 

19 January 2011 Wednesday

Today is my dad’s 86th birthday. He died in 2003. School was hectic coming back from a holiday. Teaching the kids how to model “multiplying fractions” is ridiculous.

At home fixed tostados for dinner for Mike Romero and Kyle Foote and feed the dogs. Coco wants to eat out of everyone’s plate but her own.

After Kyle went off to class, I emailed Kent Larson some passages from my 1972 journal about Camp Oaks, the YMCA summer camp we both worked at.

 

20 January 2011 Thursday

I Had a lot of notes from parents saying they had no idea how to do the math homework that the district requires now. I figured that.

Most of the old snow has melted because it’s been in the 40’s. It’s our January thaw.

I went to China Pearl and bought dinner although Kyle Foote wasn’t home. I bought General Tso Chicken, Pineapple chicken, and lo Mein; all tasty. I Sent home some of it with Mike Romero and kept some for Kyle’s supper.

Buddy sure has been playful lately almost like a pup again. He and Coco are becoming pals.

When Kyle came home, he told me that he and Dave Castillo had broken It off.  They had been dating for about a month. Kyle said that Dave was too busy with school and work to have a boyfriend but I think if he had been in love with Kyle that would not have mattered. Kyle tried to pretend that he wasn’t that upset but I know he was. No one likes rejection.

 

21 Jan 2011 Friday

School went okay, I’m  just tired for some reason. I think I was born tired. When I came home I fixed the dogs some dinner and then Mike Romero and I went out to Apollo Burgers for Pastrami sandwiches. They were just the thing.

Kyle Foote went out twice tonight without doing the dishes. In fact he hasn’t done them all week so going to have to have a talk with him about his responsibilities around the house.

I Watched a pretty good old film “Woman in the Window” with Edward G Robinson in it before going to bed.  Then I read on face book that Mark Swanson’s mother passed away today.

Kyle made a sex tape video with a cute trick.

 

22 January 2010 Saturday

Mike Romero and I went to CJ’s for breakfast again and then over to Target to get some food for the dogs. I asked Kyle Foote to clean the kitchen before heading up to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival.

I took Daisy and Buddy on walks today, separately. I just watched Laurel and Hardy and cleaned house today. In the evening I started to make some bean soup but had to let it cook over night.

 

23 January 2010 Sunday

Today turned out to be a lovely day.  I finished an article of the Q on what it was like to come out 25 years ago and also read that Joselle Vanderhoof is leaving the state. She was Michael Aaron’s assistant editor and a really good feature writer. I always had to submit my articles to her for editing although I think mostly she just lower cased my “G”s in the word Gay. 

I took Buddy and Daisy for a walk together. That was a disaster. Well not really a disaster but Daisy wanted to speed ahead and Buddy kept jumping up on me like he wanted to be held. Leashes were always being tangled. 

I fixed a roasted turkey dinner today with dressing, gravy, Yams, and corn. I also made banana-date nut bread and had bean soup cooking overnight. Mike came over at 1 for dinner and ate with Kyle and me and then the Giles came over without Kayla. They were excited because they think they will be getting to move into the model townhouse at Daybreak in April. They got a deal on it I suppose because the lot they were going to buy was taken off the market. It was a nice visit like we use to have.

When they left, I sent them home with them some bean soup. I also sent home some turkey and side dishes with Michael.

I watched a couple of Laurel and Hardy movies in the evening before going to bed. The ones they made in the 1940’s aren’t nearly as good as their earliest ones. 

I did talk to mom today. I guess she had a houseful for Sunday dinner. She said that she can’t have surgery on her leg so she will probably be wheelchair bound but she is grateful to be at home and not in a rest home. James’s wife Rachel really is good to her she said so I am grateful for that.

 

24 January 2010 Monday

I went to bed way too late about 10:45 after staying up and watching a movie with Kyle Foote. It was called Virus or Infection or something.

 All in all it was a nice day. The skit I had to do for the Bully Assembly at school went off without a hitch and it was a beautiful day over all.

I fixed cabbage rolls from the leftovers I had in the refrigerator for dinner and Mike Romero, Kyle, and I walked the dogs around the block because it was such a pretty day.  First time all three walked together.

Michael set up the RC Wiley account so we can start paying on the furniture we bought in December.

I guess Eric Ethington had his social Justice Rally up at the state capitol. He’s this generation’s Rocky O’Donovan I suppose. Nothing special this day, it was just a nice one.

I guess the flu is going around. Lots of people on Face Book say they have it.

 

25 January 2011 Tuesday

A quick moving storm rolled into Wasatch front and dump a lot of snow, after yesterday being so nice and warm. At School, the kids used recess to roll these huge 6 feet snow balls. My principal Liz Beck came out and took a picture with kids standing in front of them. Otherwise it was an uneventful day.

I came home and made chili Verde for dinner but Kyle Foote was out all evening so Mike and I just ate it. I need to do my taxes but kind of just lazed around; it being a gloomy wintry day and I watched a couple of episodes of “Bones” from its first season on Netflix instant watch.

26 January 2011 Wednesday

It was a Gloomy foggy morning but later much of the haze burned off. There’s Nothing much going on at school. I did sign up for a summer class in June for my last relicensing that I have to do.

I fixed chili Verde burritos for supper for Mike Romero and Kyle Foote. Kyle had his evening class to head off to but before he went we had a lively discussion on Thomas Jefferson with Kyle using a modernist view even calling him a plagiarist because he didn’t attribute much of what was in the Declaration of Independents to John Locke. Ha! I said the declaration was a persuasive essay not a history lesson.

I’ve Been watching episodes of Bones from its first season which I have never seen before. I have gotten intrigued with the show.

I Paid my Lowe’s bill and Qwest bill tonight.

A glacier moves slowly but does move and so does Gay rights in Utah. We are not even remotely where we were a generation ago. I've learned planting Gay rights in Utah is like planting a tree. It's the next generation that get's the benefit but still we all must plant trees.

Greg Hardin wrote to Kyle- “Hi Kyle,  How's it going...are you busy with school and such? There is some "mail" for you that has been delivered to my house...how can I get it to you??? Maybe we can meet for lunch or coffee sometime. Hope school, work and everything is going well for you. You know that I am your biggest fan! <hugs> I love you Kyle! You are family to me and I hope that I am the same to you!  Gregers.”

 

 

27 January 2011 Thursday

I Lost all my energy at the end of the day today. Mrs. Petersen noticed that my left eye was all blood shot.  The Air quality is awful. Maybe that has something to do with it or just the stress of preparing for SEPS conferences next week.

 

28 January 2011 Friday

It’s Still a really poor air quality day and I am really feeling run down. Not a lot of oomph. My left eye has a red splotch in the corner and eye lid is droopy. I wonder what kind of infection I have.

I stayed at Washington until almost 4 this afternoon getting ready for my Monday SEP conferences. I have nearly half of them on that day and none on Wednesday.

This morning was hectic because I went over to Family Dollar Tree to get more stuff for the class auction and they posted a sign saying cash only so I crossed the street and tried to use the ATM and I totally drew a blank on my PIN so I had to go inside to pull out cash. It really bothered me that I could not remember my PIN when I use it nearly every day.

 25 years ago the space Shuttle Challenger blew up as millions of horrified school children watched on TV.

Greg Hardin wrote Kyle Foote about finding a room for a friend of Kyle’s “You are a very good man with a big heart. I wish I could help your friend out. If he doesn't find accommodations let me know, maybe we can "shuttle" Brittania to the living room couch since she only spends 3 nights a month at my house! Hope things are going well.  Hugs!,”

 

29 January 2011 Saturday

I made French toast for breakfast and Kyle Foote had some too when he got up about 11 this morning. It was quiet in the house so I watched several episodes of BONES from its first season.

After Kyle was up we took Daisy and Buddy for a walk.  I don’t think Daisy had been off the couch in three days.

About 12:30 Mike Romero came over and Kyle and I drove with him out to South Jordan to see Randy and Kimberley Gile for a visit. They bought a Pizza and Mike bought some cute “frocks” for Coco at the nearby Pepco.

We had a nice time visiting and Kyle got to know them better. Later we took a drive over to the Model Home in Daybreak and we stayed there another hour or so looking at their new house before heading home.

In the evening, Kyle had a Farmer’s Market commitment and a birthday party to go to but I just stayed home and watched more episodes of BONES. Kyle doesn’t like the show but I have been fascinated lately with Ghosts and bones. I wonder what that means. My left eye is still bloodshot so may have to go to the doctors next week, may be this Wednesday.

 

30 January 2011 Sunday

It’s a very smoggy, gloomy day so I only went out to go grocery shopping this morning. Otherwise I stayed home and rested all day watching episode after episode of BONES on Netflix.

Kyle Foote went off to help Eric Ethington move a mattress he bought at IKEA and Mike Romero never came over so I was pretty much left alone all day with Buddy and Daisy who kept me company.

 In the evening watched Robin Williams in HOOK and Ethel Merman in “There’s No Business Like Show Business” on Netflix but went to bed by 9 for a very busy day tomorrow.

I had commented on Face Book about a video poking fun at Bryant Gumbel and Katie Coric about them not knowing what the Internet was on Jan 1994. I wrote: “I took computers in the 1970's and it was punching holes in little cards. I thought that was stupid. Then my mom worked making keyboards for Apple and was given a computer in 1983. I had to take a programming class just to learn basic language which was stupid.

I bought my first computer in 1991 to use as a glorified typewriter to use for publishing Gay 'zines and printing a paper. It was really stupid. About 1994 discovered Bulletin Board sites to hook up for Gay dating. It was not until Google came on the scene did I even bother with the internet. It was too slow, and took hours to download anything.”

 

31 January 2011 Monday

It was a wickedly cold day today. I hadn’t listened to the weather report and only wore a light sweater. As I was driving to school the temp gage kept dropping until it was 10 degrees by the time I reached school and there was fierce wind blowing so it felt much colder than 10.

Learned later it was 13 below zero. We stood by the doors and hustled the kids in rather than have them line up outside like we usually do. We had an indoor recess all day because of the bitter temps but it was a short day due to SEP Conferences.

The one positive about the weather is it drove the smog out of the valley but then it was too cold to breathe outside. 

I had nine conferences today and they all were easy ones with parents that like me and have good kids. Still I didn’t get home until after 7 pm. I called in for a sub for Wednesday. Since I have no conferences that day, I decided to take it off and see a doctor about this red splotch on my left eye. 

When I got home I saw that the truck still hadn’t been registered and the kitchen not cleaned and because I was not feeling well I just lit into Kyle Foote. We had a fight because I told him I was really disappointed in him because he said he would do it and he hadn’t been doing his chores around the house. Of course he got all defensive and I asked him how much value to you place on living here?

He tried to turn it on me which made me even more mad and then I saw that he began to tear up and of course that melted my heart and the fight was over. I made him come to me and I hugged him and we held each other and we both said we were sorry and Kyle said he will do better. So ends January.

 

 

FEBRUARY

1 February 2011 Tuesday

It was another extremely cold day and the kids still can’t go outside for recess.  I had six conferences scheduled today but one never showed and the one I thought would be difficult wasn’t after all. I stayed later than I had too just to make sure everything was ready for the substitute tomorrow.

In the news Egypt is in chaos with demonstrations wanting it’s leader to resign.

 

2 February 2011 Wednesday

It’s Ground Hogs Day and prognosticator said that we will have an early spring. Let’s hope so.

After taking my time this morning getting started I finally went to the Bountiful Clinic to see Dr. Foster for what I thought would be a simple routine examination and eye drops turned out to be an all day procedure. I was at the clinic until noon testing to see if I had had a stroke, and took some eye examinations but then Dr. Foster scheduled me to have a Cat Scan at Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful.

So I went there not knowing what to expect since I never had one before. I felt like Edward G Robinson in Soylent Green laying on this platform staring at a decorated ceiling.  Also I had blood drawn there.

From there I was sent to West Valley to see my eye doctor Dr. McKay who Foster made an appointment to get me in today. He said he simply though a blood vessel had burst probably due to diabetes and it just had spread out into the corner of my eye.

Well with all the visits and prescriptions I spent about $150 and who knows how much I will be charged for the cat scan. I didn’t get home until 4:00 just shortly before Kyle did.

Kyle wrote to Zach Seach about the Maverick Job App Link saying, “Hey Zach, So all of the currently open locations are fully staffed, but they are hiring for 2 new locations that will be opening soon. One is located in downtown Reno which will open next month and the other is somewhere else and will open late summer. Follow the link below and fill out an application ASAP and my friend Heidi will make sure it gets to the right people. ~Kyle”

 

3 February 2010 Thursday

Back to school, and it’s not as chilly out as before. The Wind chill is down. Still the kids stayed in for morning recess because it was below freezing outside.

I had four conferences today and I was done by 5 so I came home and fed the dogs. Tonight is Kyle Foote’s night class so after Michael Romero took Coco home I just watched more episodes of Bones.

Kyle wrote to Eric Ethington- “Gay Candidate for President? Did you see this? Fred Karger is running for president .”

Eric replied, “Yeah, Fred announced it the beginning of last year.”

 

4 February 2010 Friday

My one conference canceled today so I called Mike Romero  to see if he wanted to eat lunch so he came up to Bountiful and we ate at China Star since it’s the Chinese New Year. It’s the Year of the Rabbit which is the sign under which I was born.

Mike and I then went to Costco and Smiths to do some shopping and God every place was busy! Must be getting ready for Super bowl or something.

In the evening I made up some granola for Mike and I and after he left Kyle Foote and I watched John Adams HBO series on the Big Screen. It was a nice evening. However I Stayed up too late having a rousing discussion with Kyle of intent of the founding fathers. Life Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness probably didn't mean to them the same as it means to us... ‘working less and channel surfing more’. Who knows what it will all mean to our remote posterity 200 years from now?

 

5 February 2010 Saturday

I bought myself a double seat recliner for the front room. I need another chair for company so after going to CJ’s for breakfast Mike Romero, Kyle Foote and I went out to RC Willey’s on 90th south and bought a recliner like Mike’s,  only mine is cloth instead of leather. I like cloth better anyway. There wasn’t a great selection but Kyle talked the salesman down from $630 to $475. 

Kyle went off to get an “Equality” Picture taken that everyone is doing these days. The equality sign is temporary printed on his hand.

It was kind of a pretty day but also like it was trying to snow or rain. Weather much warmer: in the high 30’s.

Mike and I went to PetSmart where he bought Coco a Martha Stewart collar and I saw the same Boston Terrier still up for adoption. His name is Rudy. If I didn’t have Buddy coming out of his shell and being his own dog now I would get him but really two dogs is all that I can really handle.

I watched another episode of John Adams tonight before Kyle went out to party. I bought some honey whiskey today and got pretty tipsy on it.

 

6 February Sunday

Kyle Foote and I went off to church today at the 1st Baptist and it was a really pretty day. The Sermon was good,  on how our theology and spiritual insights grow as we get older.

I saw Donald Steward there with Rob and Rob, two bear like guys. Kyle wanted to stay for after church dinner of soup that was provided by the youth group. It was okay but not special. Dinners are much better when the church ladies are preparing Sunday dinner.

We Stopped at the 5th East Smith’s so Kyle could get drinks for his Super bowl party. His friend who was supposed to come by and help bring the recliner upstairs but never did but Darren Solomon did unexpectedly. ugh!

I called Mike Romero and had him come over for Sunday dinner. I made BBQ ribs, beans, coleslaw, and cornbread.

Kyle ran off to his super bowl party and I invited Darren to eat with us. I damn near choked to death on a piece of pork I hadn’t chewed well enough before swallowing. It got partial lodged and I was sputtering about. Luckily it wasn’t firmly lodged and I could swallow a lot of water to get it down the right way. It was kind of embarrassing but oh well. I am still alive.

Mike was the main one that got the recliner upstairs by taking off the railings that Kyle didn’t think came off. So we got it up with no help from Kyle’s friend.

Anyway after supper Mike left and I sent Darren on his way as I didn’t want to waste my time entertaining him any further. I just watched Bones for the rest of the evening cuddled with the hounds.  I went to bed about 10 tonight. I don’t think Kyle brought his Tooele friend home with him.

 

7 February 2011 Monday

I finished up all but one of my conferences today so I came home by 4 this  afternoon. Kyle Foote was stressed out because he had to go see his probation officer today as he has to do every first Monday of the month.

 Michael Romero came over to pick up Coco and ate dinner as a quick moving blizzard swept across the valley. It didn’t last or leave snow.

Yesterday I made lasagna so we ate that for supper. Mike also ate the Mexican beans I made yesterday. He liked them a lot.

After he left, Kyle came back home and we visited a little. I guess his fuck buddy did come over but was so drunk that Kyle drove him back to his car later this morning. He ate some BBQ pork and the rest of the beans while we watched another episode of “John Adams”. 

I went to bed by 9. I have been biting the sides of my tongue lately and it hurts like hell. Years ago a throat doctor said my tongue is too large for my mouth so once in a while my molars will crunch down on a side of my tongue. Ouch.

 

8 February 2011 Tuesday

Today would have been James Dean's 80th Birthday. All three stars of “Rebel Without A Cause” met untimely deaths. Dean in a automobile crash, Sal Mineo was murdered, and Natalie Wood drowned. 

I got a new student today so I’m at 21 again which is still great number wise. No complaints. The computers were down all day however because the district was having problems with their servers so I could print nor record grades today.

I Tried doing my income taxes tonight.  I haven’t filed yet but should be getting $2000 back from feds and $150 from state.

 

9 February 2011 Wednesday

I Had to be at work at 7:45 because of faulty meeting which was held in my room this time. I had to give a presentation on how I am collecting Math data and using it to make up my tests.

My principal Liz Beck gave us some disheartening news. We have 13 teachers this year but the district says because of our low numbers we will only be getting 10 next year so of course that’s gonna mean splits and transfers.

I Finished my Column for the Q . Not sure when it’s due anymore. It’s on meeting my first Gay person 40 years ago. Times were way different but being 19 is always the same I think.

 

10 February 2011 Thursday

Mrs. Jasperson, my class room aide and tutor, took off today. Her son is in the hospital and she just lost a son at the beginning of the year.

After work I came home and fixed dinner. Sometimes the simplicity of pot roast, gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans is haute cuisine. Mike ate dinner here when he came to pick up Coco. We have been watching Antenna TV on Channel 13-2 lately. loved it.  They show Maude, Good Times, and shows like that from the 70’s.

Kyle sent to Eric Ethington an article regarding “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. “ So an interesting thing to note is that the repeal of DADT won't necessarily or explicitly disallow discrimination within the forces. The same thing happened when blacks were fully integrated into the military during the Truman administration. President Truman took the initiative to sign an executive order to extend further protections to blacks serving in the military. As you can see in the article below the Service Members Legal Defense group is calling on President Obama to do exactly the same thing for Gay's as we move towards a formal repeal of DADT. Obama Urged To Sign Gay Protections Order Tied To DADT Repeal | On Top Magazine :: Gay & Lesbian New”

 

11 February 2011 Friday

Every morning Coco comes screaming up the stairs overjoyed to see Daisy and Buddy like they had been apart for years rather than over night. Every morning Daisy and Buddy waits at the top of the stairs in anticipation. What pals they all are.

In the evening I made Tacos and Tostados for supper. Kyle Foote said I was a ‘slow food’ person because I cook. I like to think of myself as a ‘Vintage Food’ person. I wonder what dumbass PC hippy turned environmental moralist came up with the idea of "slow food". No one wants slow food any more. They want fast food. But They also want good food.

 

12 February 2011 Saturday

Today is my ex wife’s 66th birthday. That suddenly made me seem old. I was up early and made a meatloaf and cooked a pot roast with New Mexican Chilies. When Mike Romero came over about 10 this morning, Kyle, Mike, and I took the hounds for a walk to the Northwest Junior High and we let them run around a little on the open field. 

Then Mike and I went off to breakfast at Jim’s while Kyle went off to some “Slow Food” event.  After breakfast we went to Kohl’s looking for sheets but found they were having a 80 percent off sale, so I bought a pullover Sweater and a sweater vest for about $10 each marked down from $45.  I also bought a shirt. I need something nice I can wear when I need too. 

We then went to TJ Maxx Home Store where I bought two planting Ceramic Pots for $10 each. Also I bought another Italian skillet that I really like. 

Finally we went to Sears downtown on 8th and State and I bought sheets on sale there  and a canister vacuum cleaner.  So I basically went shopping all day.  It was a really nice day too. Probably in the 40’s. 

I spent the remainder of the day home watching television and when Kyle came home he put the vacuum together and I repotted my Cactus and Corn Plant after all these years. 

In the evening Kyle and I went shopping at Smith’s for junk, ice cream and soda pop mostly and then after feeding the dogs watched a couple of episodes of HBO series “John Adams”.

 

13 February 2010 Sunday

Today is my sister Donna’s anniversary but I am not sure she has anything to celebrate.

 

14 February 2010 Monday

I took the kids to the Utah symphony and it was a beautiful day for it. Mrs. Jasperson was absent today due to her son’s illness.  In the afternoon we had our Valentine’s Party so it was kind of an exhausting day. 

In the evening I finished off my H & R Block income taxes but was stumped when they wanted my electronic signature PIN from last year. I Couldn’t find it but found my AGI from 2009 from Turbo Tax. I made $51,734 in that year. My PIN I think was 41051.  In 2010 I made $53,345 but only had to pay taxes on $49,665 of it. I paid nearly $6,900 in Fed Taxes, $3,300 in SS, $800 in Medicare, and $2500 in State Taxes. Over $13,000 in Taxes.

 

16 February 2010 Wednesday

What strange weather we are having. It was over 55 degrees this afternoon but by evening a blizzard blew in dumping snow accompanied by lightning and thunder.

At school I dealt with the St. Valentine’s Massacre but then found out later in the day that it didn’t really happen. Some dumb girl made it all up. 

Anyway after school I met Mike Romero up in Centerville to go shopping at the Kohl’s there. They were still having their 80 percent off sale and I bought a bunch of sweaters. I actually bought $250 worth of clothing for $50. 

Coming home, I was almost blown off the road from the gusty winds.  There I fixed Mike and me hamburgers while Kyle Foote finished off leftovers before he headed off to class.

He came home early saying that he encountered the worse driving experience he ever had. It took him an hour in ‘white out’ conditions to get home from the Redwood Road Campus on 45th South. 

At one point lightning lit up the sky and then BOOM! The dogs came running in and jumped on me. 

I was notified by Proflowers that Faye Romero’s flowers were delivered today for her birthday that I had ordered.  Mom should get hers tomorrow. 

I watched GLEE and Bones in the evening.

The Q Salt Lake has a new Editor Seth Bracken who is just a 23 year old kid but what I call a “Stonewall2” activist.

 

17 February 2011 Thursday

Mormons poured millions into Hawaii to prevent Gay rights and delayed it by 15 years but Justice and the American Rule of Law will always prevail against religious bigotry and conservative tyranny.

I caught Daisy running out the doggy door with a stack of Fig Newton Bars. She looked sad when I made her give them up but I gave her one. She has an eating disorder poor thing. 

My latest column for the Q My First Gay was on line today.

 

18 February 2011 Friday

Today was 5th Grade Maturation so had to change my room all around for that, and sent the kids home as soon as I could afterwards before they good giggle about it all. I had to stay and plan for next week and Tuesday which I am taking off for my doctor’s appointment. 

At home I was too tired to cook so Kyle Foote, Mike Romero, and I went to Ambers on 33^rd South and 2^nd East for dinner. Mike and I had Chicken fried steak and Kyle had Sirloin tips.

 

19 February 2011 Saturday

I think I stayed in all day and watched episode after episode of BONES today.

 

20 February 2011 Sunday

It snowed some over night. It’s like Faerie Land on Fernleaf this morning. Friday it was even prettier with blue skies and sugar frosting on all the trees. I asked Kyle to take a picture of it as I had to scurry off to work but by the time he got up the magick was gone. Faerie gifts will fade away. Carpe Diem

We didn’t go to First Baptists church today but I did go to the Unitarian South valley Church where Debbie Rosenberg was celebrating her birthday. I am glad I went for Debbie’s sake but the party was a dud. She said it was between noon and three but when we got there at 1:00 it was over and the only people there were her church friends no one from the community.

I fixed a ham dinner today with potato au gratin. Farmer Ben and Farmer Kyle are thinking about building a chicken coop for the back yard and get some chickens now that the city says we can. The neighbor’s chickens all grub around in my front yard pecking for food. I Have to shoo them out of my driveway when I come home. I wonder if I am zoned for a pigmy goat?

 

21 February 2011 Monday

I took Kyle Foote and Mike Romero to Pat’s BBQ for lunch because we were all off for President’s Day. The Tab came to $58 dollars and I left a $10 tip. It was really good and we took home a lot. 

I fixed Teriyaki Chicken for Kyle’s party at Christine Johansen’s place. Mike went with me and he took some wine and Coco. I also made some Pho soup.  It really wasn’t much fun.

 Mike and I were the oldest there and there were a lot more straights than Gays none of whom wanted anything to do with Mike or I.  In fact almost every male at the party looked 5’ 9” with a 31 inch waist and about mid twenty to thirty. I really felt out of place and with no queer energy there at all. 

So after an hour we made the great escape. I did met a lesbian named Amy Barry there from Kyle’s farmers market but we should never have come and I won’t again.

 

22 February 2011 Tuesday

I went to Dr. Stoneburner’s this morning at about 8:20 and I was out by 9:30 so that’s not too bad. He wants me to have another sleep study and get a C-Pap machine. I am very reluctant. 

Leaving the doc’s, I went to Kohl’s in Brickyard Plaza and found some more sweaters and shirts on sale at 80 per cent off. So for about $58 I got nearly $300 worth of clothes.

I spent the rest of the day really lounging around watching episode after episode of BONES. I am almost done with the 4th Season.

Today was the anniversary of Kathy Worthington’s suicide. She died in 2007.

 

23 February 2011 Wednesday

I Went back to work and found out that my substitute had called in sick herself but Judy the office secretary managed to get someone. Mrs. Petersen has the flu. 

The Day went okay even though we had our data meeting to discuss how the students are doing.

I came home straight from work and saw that I had a bill from Lakeview Hospital. My share of the cost of that cat-scan is almost $800.  Well I guess I won’t be going in for a C-Pap study then. 

I fixed Spanish Rice and burritos for dinner. Kyle Foote had class so it was just Michael and me for dinner. He said he couldn’t find Coco this morning because she got shut in a closet. I know he had his anxious moments.

This evening I tried watching some GLEE but the Hula Plus was acting all weird pausing all the time.

I tried writing something for the Q this morning but nothing was coming to me. I guess Writer’s Block.

In the news Obama asked the US Attorney not to defend the Defense o Marriage Act DOMA cases.

Kyle wrote to Eric Ethington- “Work from Home. I think you should pursue professional SEO and blogging. For instance the Utah Farmers Market Association is currently taking proposals for a social media contractor for our site that we will be launching in May. We will be paying about $250 a month for basically a single social media burst per day. I can help put out feelers to help you find a few more of these contracts with people I know.

Another great way to seek independent contracts is odesk and other similar websites. The downside is you would have to blog about topics other than those that you are passionate about. The upside is would be able to fit your paid gigs in between your ‘PrideinUtah.com’ work.

 

24 February 2011 Thursday

It was Kyle’s late night so I fixed an egg omelet for dinner.  I Wrote a column for Q Salt Lake and sent it in a few days late. It was about Rocky O’Donovan, Jay Bell, and I as historians of the Gay community. I called it ‘Gossip Told Well’.

In the news Wisconsin’s republican Governor Scott Walker is trying to be a Union Buster and Libya is on the verge of Civil War.

Kyle Foote wrote to Eric Ethington with ideas to help generate funds for Eric’s Pride In Utah blog- “What we discussed on the phone  Require Membership (with a twist) to view Blog Content. Whenever a non-member (or a member who is not logged in to their account) follows a link to your website or goes directly to the home page they will be re-directed to a sign up page with one simple question: “Can you afford to help?”

If they are a member they will be able to log-in and continue on to their destination without bothering with this process. Sample: 1. Can you afford to help support the efforts of PrideinUtah.com by purchasing a monthly membership? •Yes:  Monthly Membership Options $1, $5, $10, $25, $50, $100. (you could further incentivize people by offering t-shirts, mugs, hats and such for people based on their membership level) If •No:  Sign up for a FREE membership and continue to your destination. If you can afford to help support PrideinUtah.com in the future you will be able to sign up for a paid membership at any time.”

 

 

25 February 2011 Friday

Today was the last day of my difficult Polynesian kid who is going back to Hawaii because his mom can’t handle him either. I had the kids make symmetry pictures in art today like Indian Rug designs.

There was a Joint Staff Committee Council meeting after school let out. A lot of complaining but nothing getting resolved much. A bunch of hens cackling.  Two teachers were bitching about losing ten minutes of teaching time because of the morning breakfast we do now, and I said if they feel they must have those extra ten minutes then take 5 minutes off each of your recesses. 

Michael Romero came over to pick Coco up and I fixed supper for us.  Kyle paid me back the ten dollars I gave him Monday. That’s a first. I took it only because he needs to be responsible.

 

26 February 2011 Saturday

It snowed last night but roads looked okay so I left the house about 9:00 this morning to go pick up Chuck Whyte for his Diabetes Expo Fair down in Sandy. Once we got there I realized it was a joke but I stayed to humor Chuck but he also knew it was not what he expected.

It was a typical “Expo” where people were there just to sell you things and not a lot of health officials there. We got there about 10 and stayed until 11:00 and that was plenty of time.  It was very, very Mormon.

 Chuck was hungry afterwards and we went to CJ’s where he bought me lunch because I had already eaten breakfast. I ordered a Reuben Sandwich but it wasn’t very well made. The corned beef instead of being thinly sliced or shaved was cut in bit hunks which was hard to chew in a sandwich.

Well I didn’t get home until after 2 in the afternoon so my day was kind of a waste.  I cooked some stew and banana date bread and also put it out on Craig’s List that I was willing to pay $40 for a massage. I got several responses so I set one up for tonight and one for tomorrow. 

Kyle Foote was away all day with his boyfriend Alex and going to parties so I was home alone until this 52 year old engineer from Sandy named Al Chambers came over at 7:00 to give me a massage. He was not a professional so I only tipped him $30. He said he only worked for the tips. However he was good and worked in the nude and I sucked on him as he worked on me. Finally he laid me on my back and came on my ass. It was a nice relaxing evening for both of us.

 

27 February 2011 Sunday

I cleaned the house really well this morning and had Mike Romero come over for breakfast and bring Coco. After he left Kyle Foote came home from staying out all night with his new flame Alex. I told him that I was expecting a masseur over at 3 but the guy never showed up so I am glad I got one last night.  I cleaned the house and fixed chicken fried steak for dinner.

 

28 February 2011 Monday

I guess “The King’s Speech” won best picture at the Oscars last night. I didn’t’ bother to watch.  We had a fire drill because it is the last of the month but other than that not too much going on. Mrs. Petersen and I did decide to take the kids to the 5^th Grade Bee’s Ball Game on May 24^th. 

For supper I made corn bread and heated up the stew I had made on Saturday but never got around to eating. Jimmy Hamamoto sent me a couple of Mardi Gras CDs of R & B singers from New Orleans.  So ends the month.

 

MARCH

1 March 2011 Tuesday

It was a Beautiful day today with temps in the 50’s. There’s Not a lot going on. I Went to the grocery store after work and produce is very high right now because of the wipe out of crops in Mexico and Arizona from the hard freeze they had last month.  Celery was $3.00 a bunch when in January it was 99 cents for example.

Gas it shooting up to and that is being blamed on the Civil War in Libya. It’s $3.19 a gallon when at the first of February you could get it for $2.69.  Oh well not much you can do about that I suppose.

I made tostados tonight from the left over beans I had from last week.  I watched an episode of Bones then went to bed early.

 

2 March 2011 Wednesday

I Had our faculty meeting this morning so I left the house earlier then usually and had to rush taking care of the dogs’ morning routine.  Faulty meeting, like usual, was weak. It was Dr. Suess’s birthday so most of the teacher wore silly hats and socks but 5th and 6th didn’t because the kids get worked up enough as it is. 

I fixed Polaski sausage and baked beans for dinner tonight. Mike Romero worked on getting my router and internet connections to be better so Hula Plus doesn’t stop and go.

I finished watching all of Season 5 of Bones on Netflix. There’s Really not a whole lot going on.

Kyle’s boyfriend Alex is back from a conference in Denver.  I hope Kyle’s not just latching on to this kid because he’s going to be very well to do with his new job working for Rio Tinto and making 6 figures.

 

3 March 2011 Thursday

The Weather started out nice but then it rained pretty hard in the afternoon.  Kids did their State mandated 5th Grade Persuasive essay today to gage their writing skills. I’m Glad to get that out of the way. Tomorrow will be the last dance rehearsal for ‘I Can Do’ so will need to come up with something to fill that time from now on. 

After work I went and got a pizza from Papa Murphy’s for dinner. Kyle Foote was at classes all day but Mike Romero ate some.

I had very weird dreams last night. It’s Hard to articulate them but they were something about me just watching the new generation forget about what my generation had done. My article for the Q was on line today.

 

4 March 2011 Friday

I Got after a kid this morning that was misbehaving but I also bought some donuts, fruit punch, and popcorn for the kids while they watched Jungle Book and I put in grades for the 3^rd term. After the kids left, we learned how to do “UTIPS” to help students get ready for CRTS this spring. 

Mike Romero and I went out to Wendy’s for dinner and I ate some left over Pizza too. Kyle Foote was out on a date with Alex and I watched several episodes of Bones.

 

5 March 2011 Saturday

Kimberley Gile came by today to ask to borrow $2,100 for their down payment for their house. I said sure as soon as I check my Horizon Credit Union. 

I had a bad night with diabetes; up all night peeing. I checked my blood this morning and my sugars were at 191.

Mike Romero and I went out for breakfast and shopping this morning. He wanted to get a St. Patrick ’s Day outfit for Coco. We also went to Viva that new Mexican market where Fresh Market use to be on 9^th West and North temple.

I wanted to get another massage today but the guy never called back.  Kyle Foote and I just stayed home this evening watching television. Nothing too special.

 

6 March 2011 Sunday

This morning I had 3 eggs, three pieces of bacon, and two frozen waffles with sugar free syrup but my blood sugars are crazy.  I tested it three times today and my last was 286 at 6:30 even after taking shots all day long.  At noon I was 256 and this morning I was 246!  I took 100 mm of Lantus and all my pills and really tried to avoid carbs today.  I even took two injections from my insulin pen.  

The Giles came over this afternoon to borrow $2100 for their closing costs on their new place in Day Break. I had Michael Romero come over for Sunday dinner and Kyle had Alex over too. I fixed a roast, peas and steamed potatoes for dinner.  I only ate the roast and peas.

For my Supper, I had four homemade tacos. I wonder if the tortillas are setting me off. 

I wrote an article for the Q about first attending BYU in 1973.

 

7 March 2011 Monday

The Weather was nice until about 2 this afternoon then it started to rain and by 5 it was a blizzard. Nothing much going on at school. We’re Getting ready to start rehearsing The Ghost of Plymouth Castle.

I fixed tostados and hominy for dinner.

My blood sugars was 221 this morning.

I only had a vitamin drink and coffee for breakfast. 

Gas has gone up to $3.25 a gallon because of the Libyan civil war. As long as I can get to work and grocery shop I’m not complaining.

 

8 March 2011 Tuesday

My blood sugars were down to 141 this morning.  I have been just having coffee, an English muffin, and a vitamin shake in the morning s for breakfast. 

The blizzard from last night dumped a lot of snow but by the afternoon it started to melt away but not before the boys in my class got in trouble at recess for throwing snow balls. 

I Went grocery shopping right after work to get food for the dogs and to make a chicken soup recipe I saw on YouTube.  Mike Romero brought tacos over from the VIVA market where Albertson’s use to be on North Temple. They are 3 for a dollar on Tuesday so Michael bought 18 of them for six bucks. They were pretty tasty.

Kyle Foote wanted me to make some Chili Verde so I made that for tomorrow.

 

9 Mar 2011 Wednesday

I finished watching all six seasons of BONES tonight while Kyle Foote went off to class.   I  Ate my chicken and dumplings and while I made chili Verde for Mike Romero and Kyle. My Blood sugars were 154.

 

10 March 2011 Thursday

When I tested my Blood sugars this morning they measured 156. Today was warm and beautiful but very long because of the I Can Do program at West High. The kids were excited but nervous but once at the West High School Field House I think they had a good time.

I brought my own lunch of an egg salad sandwich because I didn’t want to eat pizza which they served the kids because I feared it would do crazy things to my blood sugars.

 It was a very long day for me sitting on hard bleachers and monitoring the kids. Kyle’s sister Jamie Fultz was the other chaperone. Mrs. Petersen was at the other end of the gym so really I had no one to visit with.

They let the parents in at 7:15 and the program began at 7:30.  Kyle Foote came and found me and we sat together until the program was over.  I was rather proud of our kids. They had by far the hardest dance to learn a Polynesian dance with lots of movement while many of the other schools were more like Jazzercise. We were the last to perform so we got a lot of recognition. 

Gathering everyone up for the ride home went smoothly since most parents wanted to take their own kids but like always once back at school there was always one or two dumb-ass parents that kept us waiting. We said for them to be there at 9 and the last parent came at 9:25 while we stand in the cold and wind waiting.

 I didn’t get home until 10:00 and exhausted.

 

11March 2011Friday

Japan was hit by a major earthquake. It happened yesterday Japanese’s time but it was the March 11^th for us.  It was a 8.9 earthquake with a 30 foot tsunami that hit northern Japan. The pictures are horrendous. 

This morning my Blood Sugars were 211.

I was exhausted today from yesterday but we had another dance assembly today. I put on a movie The Secrets of Nihm and left about 1:45. I was not feeling well and Mrs. Peterson took the day off because her husband was having surgery.

Kyle Foote was out all night with Alex.

 

12 March 2011 Saturday

This morning my Blood Sugars number was 261. I took a 100 mm of insulin and my pills but two hours later my number was 268. Very discouraging. 

Kyle Foote, his boyfriend Alex, Mike Romero, and I went to Ambers on 33^rd South for breakfast and I picked up the tab.  Kyle is upset that Alex is getting cold feet about buying such a big house out in Daybreak. I told him that Alex can’t run any faster than he is able and buying a big house for him is probably overwhelming. 

Mike and I went to Viva Market by his house and they must have been having a type of grand opening. Mexicans galore, butchered pigs hanging in the butcher department, mariachi music, the whole works.

Later I went to Smith’s to get some syringes because I am down to one but they didn’t have the fine needle ones. I didn’t want to use bigger gauge for a month so I will have to wait until Tuesday I suppose.

I made some chili and beans today and a mixed berry sugar free galette. The berry juice ran out every where. Neither one of my concoctions turned out the way I wanted today. Oh well 

Tonight is daylights savings time so we lose an hour.

Zach Seach wrote to Kyle: “Yo! umm, my phone totally crashed a couple days ago and my parents internet was down. First time I could get on FB. Anyways I'm borrowing a phone till I can get a new one, but none of my contacts transferred to the phone. So you should txt me... later”

 

13 March 2011 Sunday

 

14 March 2011 Monday

It was Hard to get going this morning because of getting up an hour earlier than usual. I Am not a morning person as it is. I had 6 students absent today out of 19 so it was hard to start anything. 

I showed a movie the Aristocrats in the afternoon and worked on a puppet for Wednesday’s Bully Assembly. 

I cooked up some meat bought at VIVA on Saturday for dinner and then watched “Dorm Life” for much of the rest of the evening.

 Chevy Bolinder is coming over Wednesday to cut the dogs hair and Kyle Foote is trying to sell a ticket for Lady Gaga that the Romeros have left over since his niece Christine Johanson isn’t coming.  My blood sugars were down to 167.

 

15 March 2011 Tuesday

I still had six kids absent today and I will be getting a new boy tomorrow.

Michael bought tacos at VIVA Market again today but the Mexican girl charged him twice as much and couldn’t understand Mike to straighten it out.  She Probably didn’t know Math. 

Kyle Foote wasn’t home all day. It’s his Spring Break. Eric Ethington is having a party at Club Jam to celebrate homophobic Chris Buttar’s resignation from the Senate.

 

16 March 2011 Wednesday

I had a shock today. I heard from Chevy Bolinder that Bruce Harmon died this morning.  No one seems to know what from. Chevy came over after school to groom Buddy, Daisy, and Coco. It was cold, and a rain storm came up at one point and Chevy blew a fuse so it was an eventful night.

I was certain Bruce Harmon would out live Bruce Barton who had been in and out of the hospital for a heart ailment for years. Bruce helped me out several times, once in Washington DC in 87 for the March and also in 1988 when I lost my job at Utah Title and he helped me get hired at Lineages, a genealogical research business.

You never know when you are going to leave this mortal sphere. He just turned 60 last January and I will be turning 60 in April. I don’t know if he still did but I know Bruce smoked quite heavily. 

Not as serious a tragedy but  when I came home found that the dogs had killed the neighbors rooster that had somehow gotten into the yard. All three were surrounding the carcass so not sure who killed the cock but think it was Daisy. So now she is a chicken killer like her daddy.

I sent a message on Face Book, “Bruce Harmon Gay Activist. Thought you might be interested to know that Bruce Harmon who created the Pride Parade for Utah died in California this morning. His partner Bruce Barton sewed the 300 foot rainbow flag single handed.

 

17 March 2011 St. Patrick Day Thursday

I found out  this morning that Joe Bingham, a parent of two of my former students, reads my Lambda Lore column in the Q. It took me by surprise. He said his wife has two friends who are homosexuals and he was going to ask me how hard is it to live two lives but Mrs. Jasperson my Title One Tutor came in so I asked Joe to just talk about it later.

I am not sure how this news makes me feel. Vulnerable I suppose. Maybe I need to be less auto-biographical. But hell I am 60 years old and don’t have my police arrest records hanging over my head anymore.

Michael Romero sold his sister Michelle’s extra Lady Gaga ticket to Anthony Dalton, Kyle Foote’s young college friend for $170 which is what she paid for it since Christine Johanson is not coming. 

Kyle and his friend Jordan came over for dinner and we fixed Chicken fajitas for dinner. They were hungry boys. 

In the news the Japanese Nuclear reactors are releasing some radiation into the environment and Libya is on the verge of a civil war. It has sent gas prices up to $3.35.

 

18 March 2011 Friday

I Couldn't sleep much. Buddy was restless and in distress from having the hair pulled from his ears the other day. So I gave him cheese and an aspirin and tried to wash his ears with a warm washcloth.

But I had a lot on my mind with Bruce Harmon passing and my friend Randy Gile's mother in a coma and he having to be away while his family is moving into a new home.

Chevy Bolinder and an old neighbor Norma Chaffin not well.  Chevy had teeth worked on and Norma has some severe allergies. It’s also Anniversary of the death of my friend Tom (Dyal) Henacy- He was a long time SLC community member who passed away in 2004 at the age of 49 from cancer.

I had an in-service this morning about the new Web Page we have to create for school because the old one is going bye-bye. 

I made Chicken Alfredo for dinner tonight. I must have chicken on the brain since Daisy killed the rooster.

John Romero flew in tonight from Denver for the concert. Mike Romero’s sister  Michelle is coming in tomorrow. 

I watched Clark Gable and Jeanette McDonald in San Francisco on the big screen tonight. Then read in my journal of 1976 that I had watched it with Larry Copenhagen at BYU about the same day. Strange. I wonder what life would have been like if Larry and I had been allowed to be stay in love?

Kyle Foote said he got kicked out of Sunflower Market on 7^th east for raising a ruckus over some cheese that wasn’t properly refrigerated.

Kyle wrote to Eric Ethington –“Sunflower Market in Salt Lake Caught Using Unsafe Food Handling Practices Thought this might be of interest to you Eric, since I know how much you like good food. Sunflower Market in Salt Lake Photographed Using Unsafe Food Handling Practices "...the managers response was the last thing I expected..."  I should probably start off by disclosing the fact that I love cheese. ... People who disrespect cheese, even if it is just a run of the mill Monterey Jack, should be taken out and flogged or perhaps even shot.(depending on my mood and how many bullets I have in my figurative gun)

So when I walked in to the new Sunflower Market on 700 East and 200 South in Salt Lake I was disturbed by what I saw. Right by the entrance, next to the cheese cooler, was a big metal tub the bottom lined with ice, cheese piled high. I took a few pictures of it and have posted them here.

As a note to those who may not be aware, soft cheeses are classified by the Department of Agriculture as "Potentially Hazardous Food". Because of the potential danger to the public, foods in this category must be properly handled and displayed. They must be refrigerated and cannot be displayed on a bed of ice.

I put my hand to the cheese just to see how cold it was compared to the cheeses under refrigeration and there was a noticeable temperature difference. I didn't have an infrared thermometer with me so I have no way of knowing whether or not the cheese was actually in temperature range or not. My best guess is that it was not at or below the 45 degrees required by the State however. 

So naturally I went to speak with the store director, a fellow by the name of Ken Follett. My intention was to point out the hazardous condition of his cheese, the managers response was the last thing I expected. He wasn't upset about the danger to the public he had created, he was upset that I had taken pictures.

He quickly told me that I was not allowed to take photographs in his store without permission. (I looked around both entrances and couldn't find any posted prohibitions on photography, let alone cell phone photos)

He didn't even suggest that he was going to fix it, he told me that "he didn't need negative energy". It wasn't until after I told him that I was surprised by his response and lack of desire to fix the problem that he said he would.

 After leaving the store I decided that I should check my facts, maybe I was wrong in my understanding of handling Potentially Hazardous Foods, specifically cheeses, in the state of Utah.

I called Quincy Boyce an inspector with the Utah State Department of Agriculture and described the conditions to him over the phone. He said that I was right, when displaying and storing soft cheeses they must be kept in carefully controlled conditions to insure proper temperature. He said that if an inspector for those conditions they would request an immediate remediation. The cheese, depending on how long it had been out of temperature, would have to be disposed of. It would be considered a risk to public health and safety.         

 Utah State regulations for proper handling of potentially hazardous foods aren't secret and are the same standard applied to every super market and farmers market across the state.

After speaking with Quincy  and as a result of my conversation with Ken Follett at Sunflower Market I came to the conclusion that Sunflower Market appears to be more concerned with selling large quantities of food and less concerned about the welfare and health of the general public.          

I also found a very slim selection of locally produced foods. (Which was my actual reason for visiting the store) There were some beautiful apples from Mountainland and a small selection of Yogurts from Drake Family Farms. Otherwise their selection of local products was significantly smaller than what you would expect to find at Harmon’s or even Whole Foods (another national chain).

I also grabbed a copy of their weekly mailer and found zero ads or promotions for locally produced food goods. It seems to me that they are very interested in selling to local customers without making a big effort to support local companies. Like most chains they appear to want to take as much money from us as they can while giving as little back to local interests as possible.          

On a positive note, they have great prices on the items they do have for sale. This however is little comfort. I would rather pay slightly more and shop at a store like Whole Foods or Harmon's that takes food safety seriously and supports locally produced goods.”

 

19 March 2011 Saturday

Randy Gile called to say his mom Lois had passed away this morning in Kalispell, Montana. He had been up there for the last three days as a death watch. He called after John Romero, Mike Romero, Kyle Foote, and I went out to breakfast at CJ’s.  I guess Kimberlee and the girls are having to doing all the moving this weekend without him.

We went to the new organic store “Whole Foods” at Trolley Square. I didn’t see one Mexican there but lots and lots of yuppie white folks, including Mayor Coroon and Bill Allred from X96. It was really clean and well stocked and expensive. 

In the afternoon we all went out to Daybreak to show John the Gile’s new townhouse. After that Michelle Romero had come in, so Kyle and I went home while the Romeros got ready for the big concert.

About 6 Kyle and I took the dogs for a ride downtown to see the Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour concert goers and it was pretty festive! But so glad I wasn’t going. Time marches on or in my case uses a walker.

 I babysat Coco and Kyle until Netflix instant watch died. It Must have been the moon! Kyle and I just stayed home and tried watching some Hulu Plus and Netflix’s but they weren’t cooperative.  Then Kyle went out to met some friends but me and the hounds went to bed about 10 tonight.

 I mailed a sympathy card off to Bruce Barton this morning and $60 to help with some of Bruce Harmon’s funeral expenses.

Well I hope everyone survived the Lady Gaga Monster Tour collision with the Super Moon in SLC tonight!

The weather had turned chilly and windy

 

20 March 2011 Sunday

Coco spent the night and was a really good girl. I thought she would be pining away for Michael Romero but I know Buddy and Daisy being here really helped.  Mike’s brother John Romero left by noon and his sister Michelle and her friends left after having brunch with Michael at Red Rocks. So Mike didn’t get over here until about 4 to pick the little girl up.

It was a gloomy first day of Spring but I did manage to clean the house, make my bed, and call Mom. She sounded really like an old lady. I guess she fell again and lost her strength that she had regained from her stroke so she is needing assistance again. We didn’t talk too long. I just wanted to call her on Mom and Dad’s 65th wedding anniversary. 

Kyle Foote and I went grocery shopping and even took him to Viva Market since he hadn’t been there before. He liked it and I bought some more seasoned meat from the butcher shop there. 

We ate left over Spaghetti for dinner and watched “The Naked Civil Servant” before he went out and I went to bed. This is the last morning of Winter! At 9:21 Mountain stand time it will be SPRING TIME IN THE ROCKIES officially.

 

21 March 2011 Monday

Bad news for Kyle today this first full day of Spring as he lost both his jobs at Salt Lake Community College because someone anonymously complained to the Human Resources that he had a felony record.  He was pretty bummed but I guess that is part of karma but he said he still is getting his GI Bill benefits and I give him room and board free.

It was good to be at school without the kids to get grades done and other projects. At home I cooked up the taco meat, beef fajitas, and chicken fajitas for dinner. Mike Romero ate with us.

Kyle wrote to Eric Ethington -FYI You’re been nominated for the Dr. Kristen Ries Community Service Award. Thought you might enjoy reading the nomination that Ben Williams submitted today on your behalf for this community service award...  Here it is ‘I would like to nominate Eric Ethington for this year's Dr Kristen Ries Community Service Award. Eric represents the best in a new spirit of community involvement and social activism. Eric seems to epitomize his mantra "Ask yourself now what you are willing to do for equality." As founder of PRIDEinUtah: the Eyes and Ears of Utah's Queer Community, he has unselfishly dedicated countless hours and considerable amount of resources to his blog and social justice causes. Eric has stated that the purpose of his activism is his dedication to achieving full equality for the Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community of Utah and the nation. Eric managed to unite the Utah queer community with a 4,500 strong protest at Temple Square over Elder Packer's infamous derogatory remarks. He led a suicide awareness campaign last summer. Eric is very much in tune with the mood of the new activist movement of Utah. I feel from listening to others that he is very well respected and admired. While all might not agree with his views, his ardor and love for this community cannot be denied. This award is to recognize outstanding service to the Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community in Utah, and is given to individuals who are dedicated to continuing that legacy of service. I feel that Eric is indeed an example of a tremendous role model for Utah’s Gay and transgender community, and like Dr. Kristen Ries will “exemplify everything that the award has stood for: compassion, leadership and courage.”

Eric wrote back to Kyle-“Wow! That's incredibly touching. Thank you so much for sharing Kyle, I'll send him a thank you!”

Kyle responded, “I couldn't agree more with him, you have done great things for our community! I hope you get the award... Please don't mention where you got this from though in your thank you.” Eric Ethington said, “Oh shit.... I already did. Sorry!” Kyle laughed, “ha-ha, it's ok. He probably assumed I would tell you anyway when he cc'd me on the submission.”

Eric Ethington wrote to me, “Hi Ben! Kyle just forwarded me your nomination letter to the center. I cannot thank you enough, it was incredibly touching. You're an amazing friend and I'm lucky to know you!”

I wrote back, “You're welcome but keep it on the low down because any self promotion can jinx it. Anyone one can nominate so you can have your other friends nominate you too however only former Kristen Ries Recipients can vote. Last year I nominated Donald Steward Ruby Ridge and it was a 3 way tie between Christine Johnson, Donald Steward and Mark Swonson. The Alpha Lesbians made sure that Christine would get an award by giving her the Pete Suazo award which put Donald and Mark up against each other. I love Mark so I am glad he got it but still I had asked Valarie to give it to them both because we had done that in the past but she wouldn't consider it.”

Utah Pride Center sent out a Call For Nominations was an article in the SL City Weekley dated 16 March “Organizers of the 2011 Utah Pride Festival are calling for nominations for two annual community awards to be presented at the 2011 Utah Pride Festival: Live. Love. Pride. Nominations are requested from the community-at-large for the following prestigious awards: The Dr. Kristen Ries Community Service Award: Established in 1987 this award was first presented to Dr. Kristen Ries for her humanitarian efforts in dealing with the AIDS crisis, and forever named in her honor. This award recognizes outstanding service to the greater lesbian, Gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Utah, and is given to individual(s) who are dedicated to continuing that legacy of service. Those who receive this award are role models for Utah’s LGBTQ community, and like Dr. Kristen Ries “exemplify everything that the award has stood for: compassion, leadership and courage.”

The Pete Suazo Political Action Award: Established in 2002 in honor of Senator Pete Suazo’s tireless attempts to pass Hate Crimes legislation in Utah, paired with his continual efforts to remind the Utah State Legislature of the great diversity found in our state. This award is presented to an elected Utah official who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to equal rights for the LGBTQ community of Utah through legislation, policy or declaration.

Nominations for both awards are due by Thursday , April 21 at 5:00 p.m. Nominations should include the name and contact information for the individual making the nomination, the name of the individual being nominated, the name the award the individual is nominated for and a narrative (100 words minimum) to justify the nomination. Nominations are being accepted by email at nominations@utahpridecenter.org or mail at the following address: Utah Pride Center Attention: 2011 Utah Pride Festival Awards  355 N 300 W, First Fl Salt Lake City, UT 84103  Date: Mar 16, 2011 Phone: 801-539-8800 Address: 361 N. 300 West, Salt Lake City, 84103 Where: Utah Pride Center

 

 

22 March 2011 Tuesday

It was a Snowy morning. Michael Aaron forwarded this email to me: “Hi Michael Aaron, My name is Samuel Autman and from 1993-1996 I worked at The Salt Lake Tribune as a reporter. We may have met in passing. I definitely remember your name. I wondered if you'd send a message to Q Salt Lake columnist Ben Williams for me:

Autman wrote “Ben, a few days ago I realized I hadn't talked to Russ Lane for some time.  I got to know him quite well when I lived in Utah, enough to stay in touch about once a year or so after having been gone from Utah for 15 years now. I realized his Face book profile vanished and was saddened to learn that Russ had made his transition.

The last time I talked to him he was living in Dallas facing some real health issues. Here's the point of this email. Thank you so much for writing a tribute to Russ. He had always been so supportive of my writing and he was such an extraordinary and remarkable guy whose contributions to Utah and Salt Lake might have been ignored had not you written about it. Your tribute to him did justice to a person whom the history books might have ignored entirely. All the best, Samuel.”

 

23 Mar 2011 Wednesday

I saw a beautiful waning moon hanging over the Oquirrh Mountains, backlit by a periwinkle morning as I was typing this morning. Another Hollywood legend is gone. Elizabeth Taylor died today.

Here in Utah it was a beautiful day. I received a grant to go to Philadelphia in July as part of a history course I am taking this summer. I Have mixed feelings about it.

When I Came home, Kyle Foote was all excited drawing up plans for a chicken coop for the back yard.

I fixed burritos for dinner and Kyle had to go down to Provo for some Farmer’s Market meeting.

After feeding the dogs, I took them for a ride delivering Coco back home to Mike Romero’s. I tried to watch a little TV but Hula Plus was being a butt again by not buffeting correctly so fell asleep on the couch and then went to bed at 9.

 

24 March 2011 Thursday

I am Having the weirdest vivid dreams lately.

I am Remembering a friend and a friend of the community who died on this date. David Reed, died in 1992 of AIDS. He was Billy Bikowski’s friend and mine. He lost his job as a school teacher because he had AIDS although he had a wife and 6 children.

Dr. R. Jan Stout, age 57, died of cancer and gave several presentations at Affirmation on the biological causation of homosexuality.

Bruce Harmon was buried today in Oroville, California.  

Janis Ian was in town to perform at a local club. She’s the same age as I am.

I Never saw Kyle Foote today and Mike Romero and I ate dinner together and I fed the dogs. I guess Kyle wants to start in on the chicken coop this weekend.

My back started really aching tonight. I have a cold sore to developing so must have some kind of virus developing in my back. 

I finished writing the third part of my column on my time at BYU. I wrote about Larry Copenhagen.

 

25 March 2011Friday

I had a real misery in my back and slept with a heating pad. A blizzard blew in but not until after I got to school still  the kids couldn’t go out all day. Next Thursday My principal Liz wants Jeny Petersen and I to attend a breakfast provided by Ballet West at Little America. I said I would go.

I Handed out 3rd Term grades today and left at 2:00 because Liz said everyone could leave early because of the Literacy Night last night.  I went home and took a nap because I didn’t get much sleep last night because of my sore back. 

Mike Romero and I ate Chinese Food from Golden Pearl after driving around downtown and not deciding on anything. Kyle Foote was at his initial Farmer’s market Association Meeting until 7. Then Kyle went off to an 80’s theme party dressed in tight yellow short shorts, a Woodstock the bird t-shirt, and a yellow sweat band. He looked the part of the early 80’s.

Chuck Whyte called me about another crisis in the Royal Court. The Q is doing a story of the financial malfeasances of the Court and Chuck is upset that some are blaming him for leaking the story. I told him to not even acknowledge the slanders because he’s done more for this community, has more integrity than most in this community, and he shouldn’t worry want these people who are the ones actually destroying the court are saying. I said you have a 31 year history with the Court most of these assholes weren’t even born when you joined. Oh well drama.

Speaking of assholes, the state legislators repealed HB 477 that would have destroyed GRAMA in Utah. 

 

26 Mar 2011 Saturday

After breakfast at CJ’,  Mike Romero, Kyle Foote, and I went to Lowe’s to get footers and other stuff to build a chicken coop in the back yard. The weather grew brisk so we didn’t work too much outside.

We went to Apollo Burgers for dinner. Then Kyle and I watched “True Grit” with John Wayne in it and then Walt Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”. 

Matia Lumaca said he is going to come over Monday to give me a massage.

Kyle Foote wrote to Allen Jeffery Jones regarding “The Great 80's Fantasma Party 2011”. He said, “Thanks for telling me what to get. I won best contest at the party and everybody was taking pictures of my package! LOL I figured you might want to see more pictures than the 2 I sent by text. Thanks Again! ~Kyle”

Then Kyle wrote to Eric Ethington about Jim Dabakis Reception. He said, “Tomorrow I can help out tomorrow if you're still looking for it...” and Eric replied, “Perfect! Yes. You would just need to show up dressed nicely. Think business casual.”

Kyle Foote added: “I might have a friend who I could ask to come along as well, he cleans up nicely and could probably use the cash. Shall I ask him if he's available?” Eric Ethington responded; “Do it quickly before someone else replies!”

Kyle Foote said, “ok, I sent him a message asking. I'll let you know as soon as I hear from him, if somebody else beats him to it then no worries. My friend Zach can come with me to help out also.” Eric Ethington then wrote; “Perfect, thanks Kyle! I'll call you tomorrow am with details.”

Kyle Foote “Great, glad it worked out. I'll tell Zach it's confirmed for the both of us and talk to you tomorrow. Have a great night!”

 

27 march 2011 Sunday

I was  up this early because of the storm that blew in and made a racket. So I cleaned the kitchen and put a pot roast on in the Crockpot.  When I went down stairs to do the laundry, I  saw Kyle had company.

His name is Michael Ferguson and he seemed like a really nice man. He’s Working on a PhD in neuro-biology I think.

Any way Kyle and I went to 1st Baptist today and Curtis Price gave a good sermon on the Samaritan woman at the well. We didn’t get out until 12:30 and I had Mike Romero come over for Sunday dinner. I fixed a pot roast, gravy, mashed potatoes, cream corn and green beans. I Fixed some biscuits too. It was a Good dinner.

The weather cleared up in the afternoon and it was beautiful for the rest of the day.  I fixed Lasagna for tomorrow, and a honey whisky cake. 

Kyle and his friend Zack Seach from Stansbury went and worked for Jim Dabakis’ reception today sending people to the Oyster Bar. Jim is running for Democrat Chairman.

In the evening, I didn’t do much. My sister Charline Wachs sent me this message about mom: “Mom is in the hospital once again. She managed to break both bones in her right ankle. She had surgery this morning and is doing fine. Do not know how long she will be in the hospital. I know she will have to do physical therapy again. She was trying to stand up when she just went down. Will keep you advised Charline”.

 

28 March 2011 Monday

Mrs. Jasperson left today after hearing her son was in ICU. I sure hope she doesn’t lose another son. It was gloomy and nasty weather today. It Snowed some. 

Kyle Foote went off to his Pasta Party that he and his friend Christine Johanson threw. Mike Romero and I had Lasagna ourselves.  Michael hooked the computer up to the TV directly so we can watch Hula Plus and Netflix without the Roku Box.

Matia Lumaca came over this evening to give me a massage. He stayed about an hour. I think he really just wanted to get me naked.

 

29 March 2011 Tuesday

It was our late night for parent teacher’s conference but our principal My principal Liz Beck let us go at 5:30 this late afternoon if we didn’t have anyone and I didn’t so I got home sooner than I thought I would. I fixed a dinner of breaded pork with a marinara sauce.

Kyle Foote had a lot of soup left over from his party.

 

30 March 2011 Wednesday

I went to the “Breakfast With the Ballet” at Little America that My principal Liz wanted me to attend. I thought we were attending just to show support but instead when I got there I saw that Jen and I were on the program as speakers! Holy Crap! Somehow it didn’t get to me that I was suppose to give a spiel in front of all these mucky-mucks who were there as a fundraiser for “I Can Do” so I dusted off the old Ben Williams and gave a rousing talk about how some life lessons can never be assessed blah,…how the arts are underfunded blah blah…and how I Can Do enriched the lives of the underprivileged blah, blah, blah. I did my “Ben Williams thing” that John Reeves use to call it. Peter Christie seemed pleased.

 

31 March 2011 Thursday

Today is my Grandma Williams 109th birthday. I was thinking about her a lot today.

Danny Stevens Jr. who is my cousin Marilyn Williams Stevens boy wanted the family history so I emailed what I had on the Williamses so I guess that is another reason I am thinking about her a lot.

I had an email from my title one helper, Mrs. Jasperson, that her son died yesterday. She had taken off all week to be with him. She lost another son just last September. I Feel so bad for her.

The Latest installment of my Lambda Lore Column on my life at BYU in the early 70's came out in the Q today.