JOURNAL 2017
1
January 2017 Sunday
Happy
Gregorian Western Civilization New Year. Thanks to the papal bull issued by
Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, who also decreed that 10 days be dropped when
switching from the Roman Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar. Because the
British were the climate deniers of their times and anti-Catholic, the British
Empire including American Colonies did not make the switch until 1752 screwing
up everyone's birthdays. And if you were born between January 1st and March
25th your birth year was the same as December. The British legal New Years was
March 25th... hence making it a pain in the ass for genealogist when the
original document says 1 January 1688 when its actually 1 January 1689... So
here I am more than half way to being 66 years old in April. I have lived at
1633 Fernleaf Street for 2 decades and will live here hopefully another 10
years if my health permits. I am living with five hound dogs so I can’t say
that I am living alone. They are Buddy a black schnauzer aged 11, Harleigh a
Silver gray schnauzer age 9, Maxx a 3 year old Chihuahua mix, TJ a 2 year old
pure Chihuahua, and Lulu Belle a little wire hair terrier mix. All but Buddy I
adopted through a rescue organization called Hearts 4 Paws. Buddy I raised from
a puppy I got in 2006 with his sister Daisy who died last February. This time
last year I only had three dogs, Daisy, Buddy, and Lucky. My health is okay for
65 years old. I am on a CPap machine that I am not too sure about since just
after Christmas, and I am to have bariatric surgery this month sometime to help
control my diabetes. I was looking forward to having Kyle Foote get out of
prison and come live with me again but that doesn’t look like that’s going to
happen. Socially I am keeping my self-busy enough through my monthly dinner and
a movie night, my history lecture series, and I am going back to Gay Men Aloud
now that Charles Frost has dropped out of it. Spent New Year’s Day with good
company and good food...great way to start off a new year...I fixed a dinner of
ham baked in marmalade and coffee, funeral potatoes with corn flake topping,
Hopping John black eye peas and rice, artichoke dip, two pecan pies, a date nut
bread, and a faux fruit cake. We had plenty to drink but most just had water. Today
is Kyle G. Daniels’ 30th birthday which made the occasion even more special...I
had about 12 show up, Kent Scadlock, TJ Otaka and Jim McMullin, Charles Bigo
and Richard Harmston, Alan Anderson and Kyle, Greg Allen and Jay Vallar, and
Mike Romero. Hopping John is a rice and black eye peas dish that you eat for good luck... We will need it...
2
January 2017 Monday
Today
is News Years observed as a holiday. Fine way for 2017 to start out... Another
5 inches fell last night...So I put my snow boots on and went to clear it
before it gets packed down...I got my snow blower out to do my driveway and it
started then stopped! Its electric and the plug is fine so the switch may have
gone out... so I shoveled my driveway that had five inches of snow and my 100
feet of sidewalk because I have a corner lot. Then my front porch and finally
my back upper and lower deck so the dogs could go in and out. Snow was deeper
than Lulu Belle and TJ's underbelly... took me an hour and a half... that was
my aerobic workout for today... I guess I Better get on Amazon and order
another electric snow blower.... Seems to me some enterprising person with a
snow blower could make some money doing people's sidewalks and driveways. Made
a kettle of six bean soup with left over ham... Been cooking all day in the
crock pot... Smells good. It's cold tonight... I need more dogs on the bed
...only Lulu Belle and TJ are with me and they ain't cutting it... Is Trump
going to communicate to the American people in 140 character tweets for the
next four years. The Siberian Candidate and the Republicans are determined to
repeal Obamacare with We Don't Care. . If trump blunders us into war it will
the Republican Party's fault for not standing up to him knowing he has no
diplomatic experience or knowledge
·
Senator
Jim Dabakis Talked to a very sad friend, leaving the White House in 19 days. I
asked her, "Why the hell didn't Obama say something before the elections
about Russian hacking." She said, the President knew early that Moscow was
interfering with our elections. In late September, the President arranged for
an Intelligence Community briefing for House & Senate leaders, as well as
the chairmen and ranking members on the Homeland Security and Intelligence
Committee. Obama proposed a bi-partisan denunciation of the Russians. In an act
that will go down in infamy, Both Senators Orrin Hatch and Mitch McConnell, the
Senate Majority Leader, after they were briefed on Moscow’s threat, warned the
President that they "would consider any effort by the White House to
challenge the Russians publicly an act of partisan politics.” Guess that
explains President Obama's silence. OMG!
·
Bill
Poore The repeal of Obamacare is going to really hurt a lot of people,
especially the seniors, our Utah representatives could give a shit about the
people it helps. They hate it because it came from a black Democratic
President, which is where their values are not about the good it does. Rob,
Jason, Mia and Chris plus both senators are assholes, plain and simple. I hate
them all.
·
Sopapilla
Cheesecake Ingredients : 1/4 cup butter (melted) 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese
(softened) 2 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls 1 teaspoon vanilla Cinnamon &
sugar (1 tablespoon cinnamon to 4 tablespoons sugar) 1 cup sugar
3
January 2017 Tuesday
Went
and shoveled my driveway and sidewalks again... if the homeless youth need some
money they could coordinate with the Pride Center to drive them out to Seniors
to earn some money. I'd even throw in a hot meal. It took me an hour to do my
100 feet but thankfully the snow was very powdery and light. Rich Butler came
over in the afternoon to take my snow blower home to see if he can fix it. I
had to break all the ice cycles hanging over the eves, Some were two feet long
and over the doggy door. Pretty outside though. Spent much of the day writing
up a chronology of the early 1960’s and taking it down to Kinkos to make copies
for tomorrow’s meeting. I also went to the Pharmacy at the Redwood Clinic to
pick up more insulin. It was only $50 for two vials! There was a pretty good
write up on the brutal Gordon Ray Church murder by the St George Spectrum. The Greed Over People [GOP] Congress back
pedaled on eliminating the Ethic Rules committee.
4
January 2017 Wednesday
Rich
Butler fixed the snow blower and returned it this morning....supposed to have a
storm blow in later tonight...hopefully after my meeting... Made some Chili
Verde for supper and worked almost all afternoon on my talk for the historical
society on the early 1960’s. Michael came over to get Coco so I didn’t have to
go out and I gave him half of the Chili Verde.
At 5:15 I had a nice visit from Michael Adam Ferguson and Seth Anderson
who dropped by before they leave out tomorrow to head back to New York...they
had so many people who wanted to see them before they leave that they could
only stay a short time. It will be
spring before they get to return. They are hoping to move to Boston. TJ the
clown was showing off as usual. They left by 6 pm when Kyle Foote called me
from prison. He is so anxious about how Jim Dabakis and I should present our
case before the board of pardons. He’s afraid we might make the board members
defensive and they double down on their decision. It’s a long shot that
anything will come of it anyway. Went
off to the Marmalade Library and it was trying to be misty out so I know the
storm was coming but was hoping it would hold off until after the meeting. No
such luck. Worried about people getting home safe from our meeting tonight at
the Marmalade Library... especially TJ and Jim who have to drive all the way to
Daybreak. The blizzard blew in about 8 I suppose and the streets that were wet
have turned to ice covered by snow. Jim is an old Mid-westerner so I am sure
he's seen worse than this but it sure was slippery coming home.
·
Courtney
Moser I drove home via 300 West. It was just a little slick, but not white
knuckle driving.
·
Joel
Jay Vallar Got home safe!
·
David
Andreason Made it home safely. Thanks, again, Ben.
·
Jesse
Dolce I got a foot of the stuff in an hour at my place and it is still coming
down. Hope TJ and Jim are. Okay.
·
T.J.
Otaka Thank you Ben. It took us a little over one hour to get home. But we made
it home safe thanks to Jim. We really enjoyed your lecture and found it worth
attending. Already looking forward to the next one.
·
Richard
P. Butler Timing on the snow blower couldn't have been better. Hope it works.
We got about 5 inches here in WVC
·
Terry
Gillman loved the lecture and good company!
5
January 2017 Thursday
I
have a warm house, good friends, five adorable pups, food in the kitchen, and I
don't have to go to work anymore...and I have the health and strength to shovel
some snow so call me blessed as I look out my front door and see 6 to 7 inches
of snow in the street... So grateful Richard P. Butler fixed my snow
blower...even then the snow was so deep it was more pushing the snow than
blowing it and I had to clear a path for the poop hounds in the back yard where
they plowed through the snow... My side street has not been touch so I am not
going anywhere today...okay it's a beautiful day and snow does look pretty but
enough already. The Rhodes bread rose over night so I baked the loaf. On cold
wintry days best to keep the oven going by baking... Also this morning I saw
the Fed Ex man heroically trudge through the snow to deliver me two DVD I
ordered through Amazon.com. I ordered a DVD of Jeffrey since I only had it on
VHS and the player in the movie room doesn’t work anymore. I also ordered
“Something For Everyone” which I also had on VHS but really poor quality. The
DVD was remastered in high definition and it’s amazing. I set up a movie night
this month to watch Jeffrey and in February we will watch Something for
Everyone. I also contacted the Marmalade Library and got us scheduled there for
the Historical Society until June when I will have to reschedule again for the
remainder of the year. I also messaged Jim Dabakis about what Kyle suggested we
do for the Board of Pardons. Bernie Sanders is calling for a pre-inauguration
rally for the 15th nationwide to protest Donald Trump. The
Republicans are salivating at the prospects of destroying the affordable care
act, defunding planned parenthood, destroying the ethics committee, and
reducing the pay of federal workers. What a disgrace that the Mormon Tabernacle
Choir is singing for a traitor
6
January 2017 Friday
It's
11 am and I am lying in bed drinking hot coffee reading FB posts with Coco, TJ,
Maxx, and Lulu Belle sound asleep....let it snow let it blow I have no place to
go... TJ is under the covers using my belly as a heating pad. Richard P. Butler
Smart to stay put. Too damn cold to do anything else. Watching movies until it
warms up We still haven't had our street plowed and it's getting packed down to
ice... Brrr...
·
Richard
P. Butler You'll be in bed till March LOL
·
Bill
Poore It is difficult for me to get dressed and face the cold, am also drinking
coffee but I am going out. I need to lose 50 lbs. and am determined to not lay
around all day while it is cold....I am going to buy new ear phones for my
laptop..... Ben when are you having surgery? What will be my job, you need to
give me one, don't want to feel guilty when all your other friends do things
like fix your snow blower. I will babysit the dogs if you like. by the way TJ
is not keeping warm on your stomach, he is laying on a big soft pillow.
In
their bill to repeal Obamacare, the Republicans are adding a provision to
defund Planned Parenthood, because every life is precious but not precious
enough to have access to healthcare.- Andy Borowitz
·
Terrie
Williams i used planned parenthood in my younger days when i did not have
health insurance. very glad they were open and in the area
·
Edgar
Ben Williams to Jim Dabakis I hope you had a wonderful Feliz Navidad y Ano
Prosperos... I got a call from Kyle the other day and he is sending me a packet
of the boards reasoning. He thinks that it may be better than trying to have a
meeting with the board which might get defensive. It would be more productive
for us [me] to write a letter to may reconsider their decision in light of the
rush of the holidays they may have over looked some considerations etc... He
thought if we just made an appointment to hand deliver a letter to the board by
you and me that might make a difference... and then we could do a follow up if
they had any further considerations. He
thought asking for an outright meeting might be counterproductive like we are
questioning their judgment... kind of do a kill them with kindness approach...
nothing ventured nothing gained.
·
James
Dabakis Fuck them...anyway, i WILL defer, as it is not me in jail. but i want
to talk to them generally about how the system works, how the new prison will
fit in and why we have longer stays than other states.
·
Edgar Ben Williams It’s interesting that Board
of Pardons is not accountable to anyone... which kind of seems authoritarian...
I would love to go with you when you talk just as a silent observer... PS
do you know of any Jan 15th Rallies that Bernie Sanders is calling for?
·
James Dabakis I don't know about Sanders
stuff. I really want to talk with them--I won't bring up Kyle at all if he does
not want me to--or I can mention it in passing. It is routine for me to meet
with state employees.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Sanders, Democratic leaders announce ‘Day of Action’ to preempt
health care cuts They call for Democrats in Congress to help organize rallies
across the country on Jan. 15 to hold President-elect Donald Trump to his
promise not to cut Social Security or Medicare. washingtonpost.com Edgar Ben
WilliamsI should be getting Kyles letter and packet soon and when I do I will
share them. I would like to get a few people together to write letters to
Rep Stewart and request that he does not repeal Obama care until the GOP has
come up with a replacement
7
January 2017 Saturday
Up
early to take Buddy and Harleigh for their grooming appointment across town to
15th and 15th at 8 am... They used to be groomed at home for years and years
but things change... Michael is taking Coco in too so if I get stuck he will
come rescue us...shouldn't be any snow just icy roads ...TJ, Maxx, and Lulu
Belle are staying home... Home from taking Buddy and Harleigh to be
groomed...they won't be done until noon...roads weren't too bad just took a
half hour to get across town and normally 20 minutes...Mike and I went to
Ambers for breakfast although was not hungry... Been up since 5:30 when Buddy
lost his noodle and was barking for no damn reason....first time Coco had ever
been caged for grooming ... Seems quiet here with only 3 dogs ... Someday I
will have to get used to it but not now. Went to the movies with Jim Dabakis
and saw La La Land...it was the first time I've been to a movie in a long
time... Ryan Gosling was beautiful but the movie was pretty long for what it
was...started snowing afterwards... Still no snow plows up here in
Westpointe... There are milestones in one’s life that are time markers that
remind one how old one is getting. Today January 7 was the 40th anniversary of
my marriage to Fran. I was told marriage would end any Same Sex proclivities I
had and bring me back into full fellowship in the LDS church. The great fantasy
of Love American Style that heterosexual love making would be like fireworks
was just that... A fantasy. I never had been with. a woman before or since my
marriage which technically lasted 12 years although we stopped sleeping
together 5 years before that...we had become best friends not lovers... Btw I
never deceived her ... She knew my past and married me anyway because doesn't
marriage cure everything? Our spiritual leaders promised as much... Not so much
false prophets as much as ignorant misguided men...I don't know who is more
mentally unstable Donald Trump or the people who voted for him... Trumps
election is proof of a mental health crisis in America
8
January 2017 Sunday
Thank
you Jesus for a hot tub...Even though my house is set at 70 degrees my hands
and feet were icy cold. Even went to bed and got under the covers to warm up
but didn't do any good but I went out and sat in 104 degrees of hot water and
my internal thermostat is now reset and I am now toasty again. It felt colder
today at 33 degrees then yesterday than at 13 degrees...must be all the
moisture in the air I suppose... Making ham and potato au gratin and some
cinnamon rolls for supper. The pups are getting gizzards and chicken legs minus
any bones... Corn bread, chili beans, fried okra, and ham & potato au
gratin for this cold winter night... Poor folk food lol.. Streets still not
plowed but is turning into a slushy mess that will be ice tonight. Elvis would
have been 82 today... Happy Birthday where ever you are among the star dust
·
Dear
Kyle, I hope you are well. I
received your package and letter the same day last Friday just in time as that
Jim had asked me to go to the movies with him on Saturday and said we could
talk about your situation over coffee. I rewrote your letter as you asked me to
and included the draft here in this letter. Jim couldn’t understand why if your
matrix was 14 months you are being told to serve an additional 36 months to the
60 you had served. He wants to get involved with your case but wants complete
assurance that there isn’t something that you have not revealed about your
conduct in prison. I told him as far as I know you have been a model prisoner
except for the time you were written up for putting your anxiety pills in the
wrong container. I showed him the two
letters of recommendation and the list of classes you have taken and he said he
was puzzled and when he gets involved he wants to make sure that there’s no egg
on his face for something that wasn’t revealed. After the movie we went to Kinkos downtown and made two
additional copies of everything you sent and he said he wanted to show them to
a Mavis Green and another lawyer that I didn’t catch his name. This is the correspondence I had with Jim the
two weeks prior to our meeting just so you know that I have been trying to help
as much as I am able:
·
22
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams: I am so frustrated by the penal system. It’s
certainly not a correctional facility. Kyle had his parole hearing December
15th and everything went great. He showed them he got an AA while in prison, a
culinary degree, had letters of achievement, good evaluations, had support when
released and we were so hopeful that he might be released this January or
February. He had done 3 times as much jail time as the state matrix said he
should do for his crime. Then the other day I get a message from the Board of
Pardon that his release day would be 3 December 2019! Three more years! The state is going to pay $100,000 to keep
him locked up three more years when his was a white collar crime, no violence,
sex offender, or drugs. He could be out making restitution and he has support
and a home to go to. I don't understand their rational...It’s like a kick in
the stomach to say yes everything looks great and we recommend parole and then
the Board Pardons comes back and says in 3 more years. It’s really knocked the
wind out of my sails about him helping me as I am getting older... He's been
there 5 years. 3 more is just going to make it that much harder not to become
institutionalized and integrate back into society at 40 then 37. He will have been
locked up 8 years when he gets out and I am wearing down and just don't have
the energy to be driving down to Gunnison once a month to make sure he's not
just rotting away in prison forgotten. Oh well thanks for letting me vent...I
just wish I knew the rational then at least I would see the reasoning... but
they don't give a reason. They don't have to... I know Kyle deserves to be in
prison for what he did to people betraying their trust and stealing from them
but I truly think Kyle has reformed... but why isn't their time off for good
behavior?
·
December
22, 2016 James Dabakis: Hummmmm. Has he been a problem in prison? Involved in
any incidents? Or has he been a model prisoner? What was his exact sentence by
the judge? I will get involved with this....but I need to know the good, the
bad and the ugly!
·
22
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams: He had only one write up when he mixed his
anxiety pills in another bottle and he paid a fine for that...that was over 2
years ago...otherwise no discipline problems, he's worked in helping students
in ESL, he took a culinary class and helped write the tests, he worked with
officer Warnock to get his math test taken for SLCC ... As far as I know he's
been a model prisoner and worked bringing speakers down like LT Gov Cox ... I
have two binders of letters he's written and certificates he's achieved. He's
even participated in sporting events...in fact he just was given a pizza party
and ice cream party for his participation in programs... So I don't know the
reasoning behind keeping him locked up for another 3 years... 1 maybe but 3
when he then will have served 7 times what the legislative matrix is for his
crime... His exact sentence as I recall was 2 sentences ... 1-5 and 1-16... I
will go through his papers tomorrow... I appreciate whatever you can do...
·
22
December 2016 James Dabakis: I will take this on. WTF, if I can't do some
good---why am I there. Explain to me how more years help the victims, taxpayers
or Kyle? Maybe they need reservations for the new prison?
·
22
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams: You would think with the addition going on in
Gunnison they might want to get nonviolent offenders out where they can start
paying the debt rather than just making them stay in prison longer when they
had been recommended for parole at their hearing...and were so positive about
how Kyle was remorseful and wants to turn his life around...
·
22
December 2016 James Dabakis: I will set up a meeting with Parole Board. Maybe
you can come along.
·
22
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams: I would be happy to do so...
·
28
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams I have
tickets to Taylor Mac Saturday January 14 at 7:30 if you would like to go... I
never heard of him but Michael Aaron gave me two tickets... If you don't want
to go do you know some deserving young people who might want them and I will
give them to you
·
28
December 2016 James Dabakis Looked him up and I would like to go. But I am
committed to giving a speech that night. Do you want me to ask around on tickets?
I am sure you can find someone. I googled him and he looks like a lot of fun!
·
28
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams: If you have young interns or know someone who
is young and hip I would like them to have the tickets... I just wanted to have
something for you after all you have taken me to see... I can drop them in your
mail box... I know you are heartbroken over Debbie Reynolds but what an amazing
woman who had an amazing life...the death of her daughter was just too big of a
strain....
·
28
December 2016 James Dabakis: OMG yes. Talking to President today (just between
us), Bears Ears, Debbie dying. It has been a kaleidoscope of emotions. Life as
it really is!
·
29
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams: You are am an amazing man and I feel it an
honor to know you and all the good you try to do... In a sometimes weary world
it is glad tidings to know that millions are trying to do the right thing
against people with selfish agendas.
·
29
December 2016 James Dabakis: It feels so good to have a hand in protecting this
priceless gift for Utah generations unborn! Debbie dying is a terrible bummer!
Grand hugs. Love the dog posts.
·
29
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams: yes generations unborn... we plant trees for
others to sit under while others short sighted men chop them down. this will be a hard time of year with the
death of your protégé from last year and Debbie Reynolds death this year... I
will put the tickets in an envelope in your mail box for you to gift to someone
who is doing good in this world. [or not and just young and having fun]... take
good care of yourself... you are needed and wanted.
·
29
December 2016 James Dabakis: see you soon. i am in Mexico until the 5th...want
to have lunch with you and 3 or 4 of your gang. i adore you guys and all you
have been through
·
29
December 2016 Edgar Ben Williams: My longtime friend Craig Hunter sent me this
"After I posted my pro monument post on the governors site. A white
Republican with Trump pictures on his Facebook page posted a death threat
against me. I reported him to Facebook and they removed his post and gave him a
warning. Poor whites and middle whites will vote for the Republican Party. Yet all they do is steal from the poor and
give to the rich. Such stupid white people." The thugs in the Republican
Party are feeling embolden... be safe. And glad you are staying warm and having
a fiesta...
·
5
January 2017 Edgar Ben Williams: I hope you had a wonderful Feliz Navidad y Ano
Prosperos... I got a call from Kyle the other day and he is sending me a packet
of the boards reasoning. He thinks that it may be better than trying to have a
meeting with the board which might get defensive. It would be more productive
for us [me] to write a letter to that they may reconsider their decision in
light of the rush of the holidays they may have over looked some considerations
etc... He thought if we just made an appointment to hand deliver a letter to
the board by you and me that might make a difference... and then we could do a
follow up if they had any further considerations. He thought asking for an outright meeting
might be counterproductive like we are questioning their judgment... kind of do
a kill them with kindness approach... nothing ventured nothing gained.
·
6
January 2017 James Dabakis: Fuck them...anyway, I WILL defer, as it is not me
in jail. But i want to talk to them generally about how the system works, how
the new prison will fit in and why we have longer stays than other states.
·
6
January 2017 Edgar Ben Williams: It’s interesting that Board of Pardons is not
accountable to anyone... which kind of seems authoritarian... I would love to
go with you when you talk just as a silent observer... PS do you know of
any Jan 15th Rallies that Bernie Sanders is calling for?
·
6
January 2017James Dabakis I don't know about Sanders stuff. I really want to
talk with them--I won't bring up Kyle at all if he does not want me to--or I
can mention it in passing. It is routine for me to meet with state employees.
·
6
January 2017 Edgar Ben Williams: Sanders, Democratic leaders announce ‘Day of
Action’ to preempt health care cuts They call for Democrats in Congress to help
organize rallies across the country on Jan. 15 to hold President-elect Donald
Trump to his promise not to cut Social Security or Medicare. I should be
getting Kyles letter and packet soon and when I do I will share them. I
would like to get a few people together to write letters to Rep Stewart and
request that he does not repeal Obama care until the GOP has come up with a
replacement
·
6
January 2017 James Dabakis Hey B...what about coffee and LA LA LAND sometime tomorrow?
Maybe an afternoon matinee? I could pick you up for a change...
·
6
January 2017 Edgar Ben Williams I am having the schnauzer pups groomed in the
morning ... They should be done by noon...so the afternoon should be good...
What time are you thinking?6 January 2017 James Dabakis: movie is 2:10 or 4:40
at Broadway. We could go to coffee before or after to talk about prison...7
January 2017 Edgar Ben Williams: I went to bed early with the pooches... 2:10
should work fine but I will just meet you downtown rather than you driving all
the way out here... We could meet for coffee at 1 close to Broadway 7 January
2017 James Dabakis: OK, there is a coffee shop on the west side of state street
about 290 souths, what about there at 1:15?7 January 2017 Edgar Ben
Williams Sounds good ... Looking forward
to it...7 January 2017 let’s see what this brother gets... Man pleads guilty to
embezzling $1M from two Utah County irrigation companies The former treasurer
of two Utah County irrigation companies has pleaded guilty to embezzling more
than $1 million. Michael Dean Shumway entered his plea last month in U.S.
District Court to one count of mail fraud
...sltrib.com 7 January 2017 Edgar Ben Williams I bet it's less than 8
years...thanks again for the day it was fun hanging with you even if you did
fall asleep lol
·
Anyway,
I will write more later, I have to go to Farmington to see about my sleep apnea
study. So far I am not happy with a Cpap machine. If they can’t make me happy
they can have it back. My psychologist meeting for the Bariatric Surgery is for
January 18th and then one more hurdle before I can have the surgery. It’s been
as cold as all get out here. Like 13 degree highs. They haven’t plowed our
street since we had that snow storm last week that dumped 7 inches in my
driveway. However by this week highs will be in the 40s and I think they are
saving money by letting it just melt. My friend Rich Butler fixed my snow
blower just in time for the storm so I was lucky. Yesterday January 7 was the
40th anniversary of my marriage. There
are milestones in one’s life that are time markers that remind one how old one
is getting.. I was told marriage would end any Same Sex proclivities I had and
it would bring me back into full fellowship in the LDS church. The great
fantasy of Love American Style that heterosexual love making would be like
fireworks was just that... a fantasy. I never had been with. a woman before or
since my marriage which technically lasted 12 years although we stopped
sleeping together 5 years before that...we had become best friends not lovers...
Btw I never deceived her ... She knew my past and married me anyway because
doesn't marriage cure everything? Our spiritual leaders promised as much... Not
so much false prophets as much as ignorant misguided men...As I ever was or
ever shall be…Your friend Ben
·
To
Whom It May Concern, We are
disappointed by the Board’s recent decision to not grant parole to Warren Kyle
Foote [#187422] until 03 December 2019. We feel that an earlier parole date
would be appropriate in his case. It is our sense that the Board may not have
given proper consideration and weight to his positive accomplishments, his
transition plan, nor the degree of community support awaiting him upon his
release. Most likely this may have been because the Board may have not received
a large amount of information documenting his encouraging efforts, his
transition plan, and community support until the actual day of his
hearing. Additionally, with the holidays
looming and the limited time for deliberation, the board may have overlooked or
undervalued the late arriving information which may have resulted in a parole
date further out than is appropriate for his circumstances. Therefore we
respectfully request that the Board re-evaluate its decision by considering the
following factors, while also giving
proper consideration to the last minute information provided at his
hearing. 1. Mr. Foote has already served
significantly more time than the state guidelines recommend. 2. He has completed all of his mapping and CAP
requirements. Additionally there are no
more classes or programs he can complete in the next 3 years that he has not
already completed at least once in the past five years. 3. None of the people
he had wronged and took advantage of have reached out to the Board in any way
demanding further punishment. Rather
they would benefit more from an earlier release as that he could then start
paying restitution at a sooner rather than later date. 4. The Rationale for
Decision Following Hearing form lists two aggravating factors, “Nature of the
Offense or Offense Conduct” and “Victim Impact” as the basis for an “Above
Guideline Release.” But when compared
against another financial criminal, Eugene Kwon, who has offenses of a similar
nature and conduct but with more victims than Mr. Foote, an extended parole
date at 96 months seems excessively punitive, especially for a model
prisoner. Furthermore Mr. Kwon’s owes
restitution in the millions, at least ten times more than Mr. Foote, and yet
the Board granted Mr. Kwon a parole date at 60 months and Mr. Foote at 96
months. We appreciate your willingness to consider our request for a
re-evaluation of the Board’s recent decision in this matter. We feel that when
these reasons are considered alongside the factors provided at Mr. Foote’s hearing,
they will help the Board come to a decision with a fuller understanding of his
remorse, his positive efforts while incarcerated, his transition plan for his
release, and his degree of community support. We look forward to helping him in
every way possible once released to succeed in keeping his parole and helping
him integrate back into society as a productive law abiding citizen. Thank You
9
January 2017 Monday
So
Sad the giant Redwood Tree that you could drive through finally fell from a
winter storm in California ...the Firefalls of Yosemite are no more and now the
Pioneer Cabin Tree... Saw them both as a kid with my folks on vacation in the
1950s and 60’s. In the afternoon Up in
Farmington at the sleep apnea clinic getting fitted for a different mask...the
one I have now has given me a sinus infection below my right eye...good news
down from not breathing 16 x an hour , to 4 x an hour Busy but productive day.
I am getting a better fitting Sleep Apnea mask tomorrow. I washed my car and
got all of 2016 off of it and took down all the outside Xmas decorations and
lights since its warmed up to 45 today from 15 yesterday. the Sinus cavity below
my eye socket is sore and tender but I have some anti-biotics so hopefully that
will kick it out. Kind of wasted anyway because poor Buddy was up and down and
pacing most of the night. His right ear after a grooming always gives him fits
and last night it was especially bad for him. I have him some Benadryl and that
seemed to help him. My FB friends have lit up FB with likes for Meryl Streep's
speech at the Golden Globes last night. What makes me sick is that Trump
supporters are okay that he admires Vladimir Putin calling him a strong leader,
is okay with Putin interfering in an America election, and is the man who had
the girl group Pussy Riot sentence to prison for 3 years for simply criticizing
Putin. Trump's good friend Putin would not have tolerated Streep's speech yet
we are supposed to accept this mountebank as President of our beloved country? Never.
The State Department apologized for decades of anti-Gay Discrimination starting
with Eisenhower. This is why I am a Democrat and not a Fucking Republicans...
Godfather Trump has just appointed his son in law Jared Kushner as his
consigliere in his crime family syndicate. Obviously Kellyanne is his capo, who
hands down the Godfather's instructions. And the money keeps rolling in. Today is John Cunningham’s 66th
birthday. Happy Birthday John Cunningham where ever your dust is among the
stars... as I ever was or ever shall be... your friend
10
January 2017 Tuesday
The freeze thaw extreme we had in two days was too much for my
planter. I had for years and years on my deck and it fell apart... The news is
full of rumors that trump watched Russian prostitutes pee on each other and
that Russia has the tapes.
11 January 2017 Wednesday
I thought it was supposed to be homosexuals who posed a security
risk of being blackmailed... Shows how corrupt Republicans are to work for a
traitor like trump... The trouble with a pathological liar you can never trust
him...evidently his mother never read to him the story about the Boy who called
Wolf. Follow the money- Exxon was poised to cut a $500 million deal with Russia
over oil fields north of Siberia-Putin jailed all the Russian Oil CEOs and made
one company controlled by him...Exxon was the largest oil company in the world
before Putin’s take over...Russia's economy is dependent on the sale of oil…A
new oil field that contains a billion barrels of oil was discovered in northern
Russia…The nominated Secretary of State is the head of Exxon and he received
the highest award a non-Russian can receive by Putin...President Obama after
Russia annexed the Crimea and invaded the Ukraine put sanctions squashing the
Exxon-Putin oil deal…Hillary Clinton would have kept the same sanctions…Putin
interferes with the American election for Trump…Trump will lift Sanctions
making Russia again one of the most powerful nations in the world...They will
have billions to prop up a dictator and fund a military to threaten the
security of the West... Trump is loyal only to those who will provide money to
feed his ego... Time to call Trump supporters what they are...Traitors…By all
means lets concentrate on the feud between trump and Hollywood and plug our
ears in regards to the intelligence community who know that trump and Russia
were in communication all through the campaign, that Putin conspired to harm
Clinton and promote Trump, that Exxon and Russia have a $500 billion oil deal
to jump start Russia's territorial ambitions, that trump signed off on not
interfering in the Ukraine, that Russia had no qualms leveling Aleppo to prop
up their influence in the Middle East, and that Putin in blackmailing trump
over videos of him with young prostitutes... Go ahead Mormons tell me again why
you voted overwhelmingly for this mountebank. At a press conference today trump
called CNN fake news and then took questions from Breitbart. It’s hard to have
much sympathy for CNN news who made millions promoting trump as a viable
legitimate presidential candidate instead of doing real investigating
reporting... They placed Hillary Clinton's email investigation on the fore
front of the news rather than trump's bankruptcies, Russian connections, and
his lack of any experience in governing and being accountable to the
electorate. They made millions in profits promoting this autocrat who will
become Potentate of the United States... You invited the snake into your house
so don’t' be surprised that you were bitten
·
Ron
Johnson Your comments are true, as always. But even liberal MSNBC covered
Trump's every appearance through the entire election process. Sometimes
ignoring every other candidate. So all the news outlets helped create the
nightmare we're facing now.
·
Doug
Murri True. Trump played the networks and all the news media, just as he wanted
to. He kept his name in the news, every single day. And the media all took the
bait.
12
January 2017 Thursday
Richard
P. Butler fixed my dog angel that Robert Edward Cross gave me after Farley
died...I had it outside but the freeze thaw cycle we had cracked it in two...
It stays in the house from now on... So I made Rich a lunch of Rellenos and
Chili Verde and sent him home with banana nut bread... President Obama gave Joe
Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Watching it made me tear up. In the
letter to the FBI director, James Comey, Mr. (Harry) Reid said: "In my
communications with you and other top officials in the national security
community, it has become clear that you possess explosive information about
close ties and co-ordination between Donald Trump, his top advisers, and the
Russian government - a foreign interest openly hostile to the United States,
which Mr. Trump praises at every opportunity. "The public has a right to
know this information. I wrote to you months ago calling for this information
to be released to the public. There is no danger to American interests from
releasing it. And yet, you continue to resist calls to inform the public of
this critical information." Guess what information Comey did release a
week before the election? Trump was elected to be a servant to the American
people not be the Lord and Master... We have the right to know where his
loyalties are...to the Constitution which he has never read nor could
understand or to the Trump financial Empire... You who voted for trump knew he
was a liar and sham but he was the voice of your racism, misogyny, and
homophobia...
·
Potato
Soup Peel and cut 2 pounds of russet potatoes into large chunks, about 1-1/2
inch in size. Chop 1/2 cup of onion and 1/2 cup celery (about 1 rib), toss
potatoes and onions with 3 tablespoons of flour. Season with salt and
pepper and set aside for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt butter in a soup
pot. I use about 3 to 4 tablespoons, but you can adjust that as needed for your
dietary needs. Add the potato mixture to the pot; stir to coat with the butter
and stir in enough water to cover the potatoes. You can also use chicken broth,
or water with bouillon added. Bring mixture to a boil. Stir in one large can of
evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed milk!), bring up to a boil, reduce to
a simmer, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 25 to 30 minutes,
or until potatoes are tender. Some of the potatoes will break down and thicken
the soup. Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and continue cooking on simmer,
uncovered, until the soup reach desired consistency and thickness. Serve
immediately.
·
I know what I am
having for lunch Rich Butlers Chili Rellenos
1/2 cup flour, 1-1/2 cup milk, 4 eggs some salt and pepper mix till blended.
use a 9X12 pan (greased) pour some of the mixture into the bottom. Stuff 5-6
chilies with Monterey jack cheese place in pan pour the rest of the mixture
over the top. add grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or a mixture of both) bake
at 350 for 50 minutes remove and let rest for 10 min. and serve. I added
chopped chilies to the mixture and a little taco seasoning for a kick. But not
necessary.
·
13
January 2017 Friday
I
went back to the gym now that the holidays are over... I didn't want to go but
made myself... I walked a mile and a half and got my heart rate up to 124...
not bad for an old guy... the when grocery shopping and saw Terry McKeown and
his son Judd!. I taught all of Terry's boys including Judd when he was in 6th
grade... maybe even 4th...He's 28 years old now...All the kids I taught when I
retired are now in middle school... My first year kids I taught in Sunset in
the 6th grade are now 39 years old...
14
January 2017 Saturday
This
is why I'd rather eat at home...what restaurant would serve me buttered yams,
fresh cooked spinach, buttered cabbage and a small steak? Yesterday I made a
blackberry coffee cake with chopped pecans and coconut flakes...I made two pans
one to give to Michael Romero so I wouldn't eat it all... I have enough left
for dessert... He's coming over in the morning to rewire the movie room before
we head down to TJ Otaka and Jim McMullin's for lunch...
15
January 2017 Sunday
Michael
and I went to Bountiful to look in Costco and Lowes for some shelving for the
speakers but once I realized what he had in mind I said let’s just rearrange the
movie room furniture which I did while Michael rewired the speakers. It is
exhausting moving the furniture around. In the afternoon Michael Romero and I
went out to Daybreak to have Sunday dinner with T.J. Otaka and Jim McMullin. TJ
cooked an authentic Japanese and it was delicious. Kent Scadlock and Dennis Lee were invited
also and we stayed until about 4.
·
T.J.
Otaka Ben, It was a pleasure having you guys over. I'm glad you enjoyed my
Japanese home cooked meal.
16
January 2017 Monday Martin Luther King Day
Trump
celebrated the day by having King’s bust removed from the Oval Office. In the
evening I picked up Chuck Whyte and we went to Gay Men Aloud to support Kent
and Dennis. I was surprised to see Charles Frost there. The meeting was on
Volunteerism and Kent led the discussion. Most wanted to do some type of
volunteer project but if Kent doesn’t organize it, it won’t happen.
17
January 2017 Tuesday
Went
out to lunch with Bill Poore after he wanted to come over and see the dogs...we
tried a different place and went to Mo's Diner on 13th South and 3rd West...
Bill had the chicken fried steak breakfast which he said was Amazing and I had
an All American Cheese burger with Onion Rings... Delicious ... Prices were
inexpensive even though Bill bought me lunch...and no one but us was in there
after lunch... We found a new breakfast place for sure. Can't believe I went
out to two discussion groups 2 nights in a row! The pups are wondering what's
up with that? It's a bit of an effort to get dressed and go out again at night
but it's good mental stimulation to meet new people and hear new voices...it
gets me out of the past...
·
Dan
Fahndrich Let me know when you go so I can join you
·
Bill
Poore If Ben gets good onion rings, the place is great. Onion Rings goes back
to his youth in Texas....I always order Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs and he
always gets Onion Rings. I really have to change my choice, I am sick of
Chicken Fried Steak, next time hotcakes and eggs. .
·
Alan
Anderson I want to go sometime too. I love good breakfast places
·
Ron
Johnson Been there. Enjoyed the food and the 50 décor. Only complaint was
occasional "attitude" by the wait staff.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Yeah the one waitress there didn't seem to enthusiastic
·
Kevin
Scott I used to work with Mo many years ago when he managed a restaurant for
someone else, just before he struck out on his own. Nice guy. People assume
that "Mo's" might have something to do with Mormon, but his name is
Mohammed.
·
Courtney
Moser Kelly Byrnes and I keep threatening to go there and give it a try. Now
with your recommendation, we must.
·
Greg
Tracie Aviary Hardin Edgar Ben Williams & Bill Poore, Was it really that
good???
·
Bill
Poore It was OK, not great, but it was breakfast. It is a diner, how good can
it be?
·
Matthew Wilson Ate there once and loved it.
Need to go back and try it again. Also lately been rediscovering Penny Ann's.
·
Bill
Poore not really a recommendation, we just ate there.
·
Terry
Gillman Maybe a "Big Gay Lunch" at Mo's? I've wanted to try it too,
Ben told me the burger was pretty good... I’m a Whore for a good burger!
18
January 2017 Wednesday.
Up
at the U of U taking my psych tests 500 questions but an hour wait to see The
psychologist so eating for the 1st time in the hospital's cafeteria...having a
spinach wrap. Finally home from my psych evaluation at the U...was up there
from 10 am until 3:30... 3 hours were taking a 500 question test, and 4 sets of
evaluation questions...then spent 2 hours with the Doctor...he showed me the
results of my testing and everything believe it or not was fairly normal except
for empathy it was an outlier.... Way extreme ... and later he said it would
indicate that I was a proud Gay man... Ha! Who knew? Anyway was recommended for
surgery and now I have to be schedule for a nutrition test... I told the doctor
that everywhere I put that I was fearful for the future was because of a Donald
Trump presidency... President Obama as one of his last acts pardon Chelsea
Manning. John Fugelsang wrote “Chelsea
Manning went to jail for exposing crimes nobody's ever going to jail for.”
19
January 2017 Thursday
Today
is dad’s birthday. He would have been 92 years old today. So glad I went up to
the U of U medical center yesterday and not today...snows been coming down all
morning... So cute watching the pups. TJ
is using Lulu Belle as a pillow but she doesn't seem to mind... my little doggy
family. The Southern Poverty Law Center
posted this "The theory that
homosexuality is a disorder is – like the notion that the earth is flat and the
sun revolves around it – outdated and refuted.” — Judge Peter Bariso Jr. ruling
in SPLC's 2012 case Michael Ferguson, et al. v. Jonah, et. al.
·
Michael
Adam Ferguson Love you, fairy godmother. The team effort in the case was
amazing. Co-plaintiffs, expert witnesses, and legal representation were all
exceptional. I'm sad to have to say
it--it's going to take even bigger team efforts to fight the battles that are
headed our way. :( Some tough days are coming. But fairies glitter when times
get tough.
20
January 2017 Friday
This
morning I went to the Barber College and had a haircut and a beard trim...had
two young guys fussing over me for about an hour... Not bad…Refused to watch
any of the inauguration. I didn't watch a bit of the illegitimate president's
inauguration. Probably the only time in
his life he touched a bible. After taking Coco home and feeding the pups I went
up the 1st Baptist Church Home
to help with the Matrons of mayhem’s Gay Bingo by doing concession
duty... Terry Gillman of Men Who Move had the operation down to a science...I
mainly did nacho and cheese duty... Charles Bigo, Richard Harmston, Jesse
Dolce, Darby S Hinton, all were there as volunteers and were great guys to work
with...They made it fun...but it's a bit more tiring at 65 then 35 to stand on
your feet for three hours and hustle. Pastor Curtis Price welcomed everyone and
said that the Baptist Church was a welcoming church and a place of
safety...then he told a joke about how is a thong and trumps hair alike? They
barely cover an asshole...lol...
21
January 2017 Saturday
Yesterday
the snow was gone but woke up this morning to 4 inches and everything covered
with new fallen snow. So I Worked most of the day cleaning house for the Movie
and dinner night. TJ is not happy with the snow but Lulu Belle loves it...now
just wish she'd go outside on snow days instead of the sheet I lay out for her
in the bedroom...she doesn't like a cold cooter… the pups say thanks to Men Who
Move for the Hebrew all beef Frank's this morning that were left over from last
night...cheap bastard that I am I just give chicken lips Bar S brand. I
fed my fat furry red squirrel friend
peanuts on this snowy day because he was scampering around like he was hungry
too... This afternoon I spent 1 1/2 hours shoveling snow... The snow blower
helped but the snow was really wet...the hardest part was shoveling the street
entrance...fucker snow remover just went down the middle of the street piling a
barricade a foot and a half tall with bowling ball size ice blocks in my drive
way Had to shovel that all out or no one was getting in or there's 10 feet
width of snow from curb to the middle of the street left by the snow plow... I
am exhausted... So had ; bunch of guys over for dinner and a movie...made a pot
roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans with mushrooms, a salad, pecan
pie and lemon cookies... We watched Jeffrey a comedy about a Gay man dealing
with AIDS in the 1990's ... Good Times...The Women’s March took place today to
Protest Trump and there were marches and rallies across the United States as
well as around the world in solidarity. Supposed to be the largest protest in
history with nearly 3 million women participating. I got a letter from Kyle with the information
that Jim Dabakis wanted before getting involved. Also got a letter of support
from his former Mission President and his wife.
The Supreme Leader’s administration is going nuts over reports on how
small a turnout was his inauguration compared to Obama’s in 2009. There
are no American Ambassadors because
Trump has fired them without replacing them.
22
January 2017 Sunday
Dear
Kyle, I hope you are well. I want to drop you a line informing you that I got
your letter yesterday on Saturday as well as a letter from your former Mission
President and his wife. Monday I will make copies of everything and give them
to Jim. I will see who else I can get to sign them. Hopefully they will do you some good and at
the very least reduce your three years. I am glad you talked to your SLCC
contact and hopefully we can get your diploma before Mr. Warnock leaves. Sounds
like a lot of changes are going on down there. I hope they benefit you. The weather here has been really strange…we
have had some really smoggy days then the next day it will rain, then smog
again, then snow, and then wind and rain. We will get dumped on with snow and
then within days it’s gone. At least it keeping us from having those terrible
two week inversions so far. Yesterday it
snowed all morning 4 inches where the day before there wasn’t any on the
ground. I was having company over for dinner and a movie so I had to shovel the
drive and my entrance. It was wet snow and the asshole snow plow guy just went
down the middle of the street piling a two foot high barricade in front of my
driveway. It was five feet from the curb to the middle of the street with ice
boulders as big as bowling balls!. That
exhausted me because the snow was so heavy. If I wouldn’t have by the evening
it would have turned to pure ice and no one would be getting in the driveway.
As it was there was no side street parking. I never have cars in the street and
the jackass could have pushed that snow up onto the parking strip some. Oh well
I lived. Last week was really busy
for me because I decided I needed to get out of the house more so I went last
Sunday down to Daybreak to have dinner with friends I met through Gay Men
Aloud. They had just moved here a few years ago from the Midwest and don’t have
any of the Utah Mormon hang ups. In fact TJ is from Japan but has lived with
his Ohio partner for 25 years who is Catholic. TJ fixed a Japanese meal for
Michael and some other guests. Then
Monday night I went back to Gay Men Aloud to support the new leadership there.
I was surprised to see Charles Frost there but since he wasn’t a leader anymore
I didn’t care. There were plenty of people glad to see me back. The next day I
went to Men Who Move at the city library for their discussion on Season
Affective Disorder to support my friend Terry Gillman. I didn’t think it would
be a topic that would bring the Gays out but there were about 12 of us there.
Of course I was the oldest with most the rest ranging from 40 to 20. This one guy said he was glad to have a
“Wizen” Gay attend. LOL Never been
called that before. I prefer the term Classic Gay. LOL. But I really enjoyed
the meeting and the perspective of these Stonewall 2 generation guys with whom
I could share my Stonewall 1 generation’s perspective although we both
recognized there is a huge generation gap between us pioneers and the settlers.
Anyway on Wednesday I went to
the University Medical Center for my Psych evaluation for my surgery. It took
two hours of testing and two hours with the psychologist. There were four sets
of paper data I had to fill out then I was given a 500 questionnaire that I had
to fill in with a bubble sheet. I
enjoyed my talk with the psychologist and he shared with me the results of my
questionnaire. He said that I was in the normal range on all aspects except for
one that appeared to be an outlier; because it was so extreme and that was my
sense of empathy. He joked and said that it showed that I was an out and proud
Gay man. So I guess it confirmed I am a
bleeding heart liberal. Thursday I just was finishing up the genealogy research
was doing for my nephew on his dad’s side of his family. I started it last May
and have worked on it generally every day since. It’s over 300 pages on a 11 pt font. On Friday I went to Gay Bingo at the Baptist
Church because I told Terry I would help with Concessions that Men Who Move
were volunteering to do. There were six of us and all but Terry were men over
60 from Gay Men Aloud LOL. It’s in our baby boomer hearts to volunteer until we
drop. The Bingo cause was Human Trafficking in Utah and $3600 was raised in one
night. The place was packed and we worked our asses off in concessions. Pastor Curtis Price welcomed everyone at
Bingo and said that the Baptist Church was a welcoming church and a place of
safety during the trump years...then he told a joke saying “how is a thong and
trump’s hair piece alike? They barely cover an asshole”...lol... I went home
very tired so I was not happy to be shoveling snow on Saturday. I had to mop and vacuum with five little mutts
running in and out. I also had to shovel the back deck because TJ my Chihuahua
would have been buried in the snow and couldn’t lift his little leg to pee ha!.
Lulu Belle doesn’t like getting her cooter cold so I have to spread a sheet out
in the bedroom where she will pee… easier to wash then the carpet. I made a pot
roast with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans with mushrooms, cabbage
rolls, and a salad. I made homemade bleu cheese dressing too. For dessert I
made a pecan pie and some lemon cookies… so there was plenty to eat. We watched Jeffrey that comedy about
a New Yorker giving up sex during the AIDS crisis. Had Patrick Stewart and
Steven Weber in it with cameos from Nathan Lane and Olympia Dukakis among
others like Sigourney Weaver. Michael
had come over on Martin Luther King Day and we rewired the movie room because
during last movie night these young guys from Evanston came as guests of Greg
Allen and they accidently leaned against the cord to the projector and made it
go skillywampus. But that can’t happen now. I didn’t watch or listen to the
Supreme Leader’s inauguration but heard some of his 5th grade
jingoism on NPR… I was aghast at his menial mental ability to articulate a
coherent message. And where is this post apocalypse dystopian carnage America
that he spoke of that only he can fix? The biggest joke was Kellyanne Conway’s
pathetic red, white and blue outfit. People were posting “Goes to show when you
have no Gay friends.” The Supreme Leader spent his first day
in office having a tizzy fit over the media showing how small the attendance
was compared to Obama’s 2009 inauguration. He’s claiming his was the biggest
ever and that the media is lying. Well that is what authoritarians do…attack
the credibility of the media. Well the
next 4 years will be the GOP War on Truth… That bitch Kellyanne went on Meet
the Press and said that the Supreme Leader’s spokesman wasn’t lying but was
using “Alternative Facts!” 1984 has come
only 33 years later… Newspeak… war is peace, black is white, Big Brother
Billionaires know best. This is the New America where the trump administration
will outright lie and then criticize the media as the liars! This is the New
America that trump supporters inflicted on us... we now have an Executive
Branch that is totally incredulous... If this is what trump supporters wanted they are traitors and I will not be a
collaborator. Putin's puppet is not my President... My president defends the
rights of American people as given in our social contract called the
Constitution. Some namby pamby people are saying we should give the Supreme
Leader a chance. Bull Shit. Don’t ask me
to respect a racist sexual predator who mocks disabled people and has none of the required experience to
lead. It’s never going to happen. So called religious people who say give the
Supreme Leader a chance are what is wrong with America...They cannot accept
reality but only what they want to believe... trump is a 3 time adulterous man,
a rapist, a liar and swindler, who could not quote a Bible verse if he had to…
his religion is money and power... If they are deluded enough to think trump
will EVER do anything that benefits anyone other than his own family and
Russian and American Billionaires, then they have serious mental issues... We
cannot let people like them normalize trump. We cannot let people like them turn
this nation into a theocracy... We cannot let them destroy the social contract
America was based on from the French and English Enlightenment and turn us back
to a despotic rule of divine rights of kings. Alternative Facts as Kellyanne
Conway likes to call LIES are still lies. Proverbs Chapter 6: 16-19-These six
[things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud
look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that
deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A
false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. So
called Christians who supported trump are clueless and who would support the
Beast from Revelations because if the devil was human he could not be any more
slanderous, deceptive, merciless, racist, sexually predatory, avarice, or proud
of his sins than donald trump already is. This isn't about Christians who obey
the biblical calling to respect their leaders it’s about the ones who follow
practitioners of priest craft like Pat Robertson, James Dobson, Franklin
Graham, and Mike Huckabee who hopped enthusiastically on the trump train wreck.
Many Mormons aren’t too far behind either. Why do these people focus so much on
homosexuality when adultery and lying made God’s top ten list? Hypocrites. And
what was up with the Mo Tab’s rain gear and robes? They looked like the
Catholic Tabernacle Choir or when their rain hoods were up, like the KKK
Tabernacle Choir. They had all the diversity that white people can muster.
People noticed that trump did not know the words to America the Beautiful.
LOL It’s a disgrace they sang at all for
President Pussygrabber… On the day the Supreme Leader befouled the Oval Office,
The White House Council on Women and Girls, the White House Council on
Environmental Quality, the White House Office of Civil Rights, the White House
Office of National AIDS Policy, and the White House web sites for Military
Family Support, Native Americans and LGBT people were shut down. Those people who voted for trump voted for
this. They know who they are and I can’t have any respect for them and they are
no more than traitors to me. Someone
wrote this and I could not agree more: “If you are okay with Russia meddling in
our election just because Putin helped your man win you’re not a Patriot you’re
a traitor to every principle this country was founded upon and you dishonor the
memory of every soldier who gave their lives for your freedom.” For the next 4
years Republicans will try to dismantle the social safety net to make the 1 per
cent even wealthier at the expense of the middle class and the poor... there
will be no return of manufacturing jobs or the coal industry like trump lied to
get middle America’s vote. We have gone through an agricultural revolution, an
industrial revolution, to a technological revolution and now entering an
information age. The days of $30 an hour jobs for high school drop outs on an
assembly line is over. Corporate America will keep wages low so Americans can
only afford cheap goods from China. It’s a catch 22. These imbeciles who call those of us who want
to resist tyranny as whiners and claim that no one on the radical right ever
protested when President Obama was elected are either liars or brain dead. How
convenient of them to forget that on January 20, 2009 Republican Leaders in
Congress Ryan, McCarthy, and Kantor and lobbyist Newt Gingrich literally
plotted to sabotage and undermine the U.S. Economy during President Obama's
inauguration by agreeing to say no to everything the president proposed. Then
when Republican Rep Joe Wilson of SC yelled out in 2009 when President Obama
was addressing congress about the ACA, "you lie"... he was never
censored by the Republican side of Congress... Sen. Mitch McConnell said in
2010 "The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President
Obama to be a one-term president." Not health care, veteran benefits,
education reform, a jobs bill, funding our embassies against attacks. Not one
Republican crossed the aisle to vote for the ACA even though they decimated it
and none voted for the stimulus bill although it was Republican policies that
tanked the economy in 2008. In 2010 the Republicans sent 87 Tea Party
anarchists to Congress whose aim was to destroy the government and obstruct
every progressive bill drafted to improve the economy, help the middle class,
and provide a jobs bill or a replacement plan for the ACA. Don't ask me to be
supportive of trump and his gang of Billionaires who want to undo everything
Democrats have fought for since FDR... I am not a traitor... Did you hear that
trump on Martin Luther King Day had his bust removed from the Oval Office and
replaced with one of Winston Churchill. Trump’s closest advisers, son in law
Jared Kushner and white supremacist Steven Bannon, relayed the request for the
bust’s return to the British Embassy. Well maybe trump can bring people
together if he managed to get a Jew and a Nazi to work together. But don't tell
me you are not a racist if you voted to put one in charge of the nation... It's
like saying oh I am not a Nazi but I voted for Hitler because he's gonna make
Germany Great Again....yes but at whose expense...? Speaking of Embassies, as of trump’s inauguration we have
no ambassadors anywhere in the world! He fired them all without replacements
waiting in the wings. I guess if you find yourself in trouble outside the U.S.
you are on your own. The good news is that Caroline Kennedy after being fired
as ambassador to Japan is considering a Senate run in 2018 or even a
Presidential run in 2020.
So the media is saying that nearly 3 million
women marched and protested around the world against the Supreme Leader on
Saturday. 750,000 alone in Los Angeles! Reports are saying now it was the
largest protest in history. I think the Resistance has awakened. There was even
a group of women who protested in Antarctica lol. US Border guards were turning
back Canadian women who wanted to come for the protest. Outside of Vice President Putz’ residence a
Gay dance block party was held and the police refused to shut it down LOL and
many of Putz’s neighbors are flying Rainbow Flags. You’re not in Indiana
anymore Putz. And former Governor McCory of North Carolina was booed and
taunted in New York City. These Sewer
Rats are getting what they deserve for the hate and harm they do to people who
have never harmed them. I read
somewhere that the Republicans will have a very hard time coming up with a
replacement for the ACA because in reality the plan was of their own devising.
They stalled and fought Obama and made him take out the one payer system and
the government’s ability to bargain with the pharmaceutical industry until the
GOP could have a program that was acceptable to them. Obama caved in naively
for bi partisan support and then when the Affordable Care Act was voted on not
one of those fucking Republicans voted for it, even though they designed it,
because Obama promoted it. The Republicans by unanimity agreed to vote NO on
anything President Obama proposed. Now
they want to repeal “Obamacare” even though their finger prints are all over
it. They have nothing to replace it with unless they go with a one payer system
or eliminate insurance all together. They had 8 years to come up with a plan
but Republicans are bankrupt on innovation. Their one mantra is tax cut for the
1 percent. I hate to see the millions of Republican trump voters lose their
insurance and go bankrupt over medical bills for any reason although it would
be karma. So many Americans are so ignorant that they believe that Obamacare
and the Affordable Care Act are two different programs and they hate Obamacare
and love the Affordable Care Act. Well I
spewed enough negativity so I will end with something positive. The
intellectually disinterested reckless mendacious narcissist did wear a nice tie
at the inauguration and Melania looked stunning in her powder blue Tri-Wizard
Competition outfit. Vive le’ Résistance.
As I ever was or ever shall be Your friend Ben
23
January 2017 Monday
Here
comes the blessed snow again...this morning most of Saturday's storm was melted
and around noon ran around doing errands, made copies downtown of the file that
Kyle sent me and while out dropped off the care packet the 1st
Baptists youth made last December to give to a homeless guy. Greg Allen gave me
one to give out and I finally got around to it today. I also put a $5 bill in
it. Saw some homeless kid down by the Rio Grande and gave him the goodie bag. I
guess you can’t help everyone but I made that one guy happier today. Also
stopped at Caputo and got some bread before heading to the gym to walk a mile,
then to Smiths to pick up a prescriptions. When I came out of the store it was
snowing so heavy my car was covered with snow! I got gas and came home in a
blizzard... Please don't come visit me because I am not shoveling....
Visit at your own risk... Trump is doubling down on his lies… Proverbs
12:22 - Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly
[are] his delight.
24
January 2017 Tuesday
Another
snowy morning in the Rockies so I made a mincemeat pie then went into the city
again and dropped off an envelope with Kyle’s info in it at Jim Dabakis home.
The state legislature is in session now
so he will be super busy. I watched the Downfall a movie I have watched at
least 5 times about the last days of Hitler in his bunker before going to bed
and I noticed Lulu Belle is quite comfortable using Buddy as a foot rest... I
guess she quite one of the family now Robert Reich wrote The Trump
administration has instituted what it described as a “temporary media blackout”
at the Environmental Protection Agency. Included in the blackout are EPA press
releases, blog updates, and posts to the agency’s social media accounts.
Staffers in EPA’s public affairs office are instructed to forward all inquiries
from reporters to the White House Office of Administration and Resources
Management. Similar orders barring external communications have been issued to
other federal agencies in recent days, including the Agriculture and Interior
departments. The Trump administration does not want Americans to have the
truth. They would rather promote lies. This, my friends, is another step toward
tyranny.
25
January 2017 Wednesday
Battle
of the sexes this morning...Coco and Maxx and Lulu Belle and TJ were chewing on
each other this morning. No wonder my bed is a mess....Love is a Battlefield. I
cancel lunch today with Bill Poore and then the snow cleared up and melted by
noon. It snowed 4 inches and its piled up again and I had no energy to shovel
or snow blow again to get in or out of the driveway so I canceled lunch with the
streets are snowed in and then surprisingly it was melted out of the driveway. Internet
was out for about 2 hours so went back to bed with the pups and we watched Old
Yeller and had a good cry...Watch two of Tommy Kirk's movies Old Yeller and
Swiss Family Robinson ... Dorothy McGuire played his mother in both films and
Kevin Moochie Corcoran played his younger brother in both films... I had an
attraction to him even though I was 10 years younger than him...he was fired by
Walt Disney after a mother of a 15 year called the studio and said 21 year old
Tommy was having an affair with her son... When a film he had starred in made
the studio millions they called him back but treated him shabby... one of the
first outed Gay actors... That and drugs killed his movie career .... Kyle
called this evening at 6 pm and I got him registered for graduation and paid
for his diploma… just $25. He sounded up beat and said I should be getting a
letter soon from him. Actress Mary Tyler Moore died today at the age of 80 from
Diabetes. Everyone loved Mary Richards. Fascism is coming to America...and
Republicans brought it to you. The right to petition government for redress of
grievances is the right to make a complaint to, or seek the assistance of,
one's government, without fear of punishment or reprisals. In the United States
the right to petition is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States
Constitution, which specifically prohibits Congress from abridging "the
right of the people...to petition the Government for a redress of
grievances". Yet the executive branch has eliminated the people's rights
to seek assistance or complain. When I hear ignorant people say there's no
difference between Democrats and Republicans I want to bitch slap them... The
government is not coming for your guns... A well poised missile strike will
blow up any redneck's arsenal... however this administration is coming for your
1st Amendment Rights using the 2nd amendment as a distraction… The majority of
Utahns voted for fascism because they are used to being in a one party state
and being told what to do. Why else would they vote for a man who embodies all
the immorality they abhor? They sold out their values at the first opportunity
to worship the Golden Calf. A lot of my friends are discourage and saying they
want to hide or take a break from FB because of all the crap being thrown at
us... I hope they don't give up...yes it gets pedantic ... yes it gets
depressing but life isn't always sunshine and lollipops. It encourages me and
gives me hope that there are so many who feel as passionate as I do about the
direction OUR country is headed. Your postings gives me comfort that I am not
alone. I love cute kittens, puppies, and babies as much as anyone but not at
the expense of losing the hard fought victories towards Freedom and Equality.
These times reminds me of the AIDS Crisis when we were afraid and feeling
abandoned by our government. Yes we were sick of hearing about AIDS ... safe
sex... who died... at every turn... but what was the alternative? Give up, Give
In? No we rallied, marched, protested, demanded, and resisted... Martin Luther
King did not advocate hiding or giving up... I take comfort in friends who mend
broken hearts, bind up the wounded, and give comfort to those in need and call
out injustice. We need each other as Benjamin Franklin said surely if we don't
hang together certainly we will hang separately . A friend posted “If You Get
Tired Learn to Rest Not to Quit... I love it... We have a long row to hoe...
take a R & R than come back ... there are battles to be won and fields to
plant for harvesting.
·
Russell
Pack Precisely! I've been following threads from local Mormon women who marched
in DC and here in SLC. Many of their co-Mormon women are posting critical
remarks in those threads saying that they should not have marched and should be
following Trump. Good lord! Talk about being brainwashed. It's very sad that a
religious group would support a person who is the antithesis of what should be
our President.
·
James
Connelley I really needed that, thanks.
·
Richard
P. Butler I will never get tired of posting the truth
·
Michael
Aaron West I decided against leaving! Not gonna stop!
·
Ruadhan
O'Sheridan I'm going to need more pep talks from you, my friend. It just gets
worse with each day. I don't want to give up, but I see us heading for bad
times--not just in civil rights, but economically, too.
·
Michael
Aaron West Ditto
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Our fathers and mothers and grandparents had hard times too... we
are made of sterner stuff... never never never let the Bastards defeat us.
·
Ruadhan
O'Sheridan Not defeated yet. Just feeling under the weather and grumpy. Right
now I have all the resistance of a wet noodle.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Battle Fatigue... rest and recover
·
Bill
Poore Sadly it is not the ones of us who show up to vote, voice our opinions,
participate in our government, it is the ones that didn't vote, don't have a
clue what is going on in our government that Trump is counting on to continue
his attack. He completely ignored the Women's March on Washington. There is
only one way to stop this and that is voting them out of office in two years.
We might have to take to the streets before then, however.
·
Richard
P. Butler Take to the streets? Trump wants open arms and concealed permits
handed out like candy. Armageddon here we come.
·
Bill
Poore I saw that, and the ones to be armed are his redneck homies.
·
Roland
Ron Holmgren I took a Trump vacation. Didn't work out. You can't avoid him and
his minions. So it is back to the battleground.
·
Amy
Barry Right now I just want you to teach me how to make a banana cream pie.
·
Jamie
Turnbow Lol 👍
·
Richard
P. Butler Sounds delicious!
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Buy a pre made crust if you don't want to make it from scratch...
Layer it in a pie plate and poke with a fork And bake for 15 minutes...
·
Add
milk to instant banana pudding mix follow direction ... When set up fold in 2/3
of cool whip... Chill... When crust is completely cooled layer the bottom of
pie crust with sliced bananas, cover with half pudding mixture, add another
layer of bananas, and the rest of pudding ... Chill...before serving cover with
remaining cool whip....or prepare cooked pudding mixture and whip up a pint of
cream and do the same...
·
Amy
Barry I have trouble with the crust part. on pies with a top they never turn
out. I wanted some help from a pro.
·
Bill
Poore Ask Been Amy....they are actually easy to make. I can even make one.
·
Robert
Whyte It might be better to spend our time registering voters.
·
Jon
Michael Thanks for the rallying cry Ben! I was seriously thinking of deleting
my FB account and immersing myself in the Hallmark channel.
·
Bill
Poore Don't do that Jon, just delete all the assholes that bother you. I have.
I don't think I have any Republicans except relatives in Utah and they don't
mention politics anymore.
26
January 2017 Thursday
Went
out to lunch with Greg Tracie Aviary Hardin to Mo's Diner to catch up and visit
about mutual friends...Garth Chamberlain and Andy Dalrymple showed up at the
same time coincidently so good to see them out and about... Turn out to be a
pretty day... I had Greg sign the petition for Kyle. TJ is sound asleep safe
and secure....when he's a wake he's a little bossy monster... Grateful for my
furry family keeping me happy and content .... He was such a skinny little
thing when I first fostered him....you could count each rib... Now he's a fussy
picky eater... A year ago today my heart was broken when I lost Lucky... Did
not know then that my heart would be battered twice more with the loss of Daisy
and sweet Farley... I now know their departure was to make room for Harleigh,
Maxx, TJ, and Lulu Belle to have a good home and to mend my broken heart...it's
important to grieve but it's important to make room for love to come again... A
megalomaniac is a pathological egotist, that is, someone with a psychological
disorder with symptoms like delusions of grandeur and an obsession with power.
We also use the word megalomaniac more informally for people who behave as if
they're convinced of their absolute power and greatness. Sound like anyone we
know? Make America Good Again... trump was never a good man, never will be a good
man... why did good Americans think he'd be a good President?
27
January 2017 Friday
Good
to get errands out of the way. Had my PT Cruiser's tires rotated at Discount
Tires, then went to my Credit Union in Bountiful and ordered a new Debit Card
and ordered a Credit Card and had them change my PIN number. Then went and had
the Sonoma Truck inspected and licensed for another year. My truck is 20 years
old now and just needs a few little things done to it but runs great. I haven't
driven it since September but been parked in the garage...Driving it around on
the FWY before taking it in noticed that the Cruise Control has stopped
working... Oh well it’s nice to have a backup vehicle and my dad said if you
are going to have a house you need to have a truck. Found a dead mouse on the
floor in the kitchen... I am hoping that it was Lulu Belle who is the
mouser...I know Buddy, Harleigh, Maxx, and TJ aren't...last summer they let
swarms of mice take over...So that I am clear on the concept, President
Pussygrabber wants to build a $25 billion wall to keep Mexicans out of the land
we stole from them but we can't afford universal health care or free college
education. There was a good article in the Tribune on the old Cosmic Airplane.
I first went to the Cosmic Aeroplane when it was located on 1st South next to
the Blue Mouse Theater...it was the only place where you could buy Gay
literature and Magazines like The RFD the Rural Faerie Digest... They also had
all the local alternative newspapers and magazine...I would pick up my monthly
copy of the Triangle as well as buy my sweet patchouli oil there. I would buy
my copy of the Sunstone there too... It was a great space. Dan Rather Just
Called Trump Mentally Ill Over His CRAZY “Voter Fraud” Claims,
·
Roland
Ron Holmgren Live next door to it.
·
Erick
Myers It was at the Cosmic Aeroplane that I discovered the Bridge, the Triangle
and Carlos Castaneda's books. In the Triangle, I saw ads for Becky's radio
program on KRCL. Every week, I would drive around the International Center west
of the airport and listen to Becky and her guests. These were my only
connections with gay SLC then. I was married and in the bishopric. Two years
later, I was divorced and starting to build a new life. It all began at the
Cosmic Aeroplane...
·
Laura
Trent Omg, I was just thinking of that place yesterday but couldn't remember
the name...I miss it!
·
Randy
Olson And they sponsored dances...great fun and way too long ago.
28
January 2017 Saturday
I
have been watching the Netflix Series The Crown... I watched four episodes in a
row last night before forcing myself to stop and get some sleep... I love a
good Historical Drama... I finished watching the series this morning. Today is
the Chinese New Years, the Year of the Cock! I Went to lunch with Bill Poore at
Denny's for Chinese New Years lol...I had wanted to take him to lunch but since
he already had some Chinese food earlier in the week he wanted to go to Denny’s
I think for nostalgia reasons because in his younger days he worked as a waiter
at a lot of different Denny’s. Also he said he said he never had great Chinese
sex...and he preferred Cubans. Bill Poore: “I did say that it was true. I have
great Cuban stories.....yum, yum. Cuba was close to NYC. God asked Cubans if
they wanted a big island or a big dick....Cuba is a small Island.” I love the cardboard sign someone held up at the airport
protests, “First they came for the Muslims and we said NOT TODAY
MOTHERFUCKERS.” Trump supporters and heartless bastards. NY Gov. Cuomo directed
the Port Authority, NYSDOS, & his Counsel's Office to explore legal options
to assist anyone detained at NY airports by trump’s illegal ban of Muslims,
refugees and green card holders. John McCain and Lindsey Graham criticized
trump’s ban on Muslims and he tweeted “The joint statement of former
presidential candidates John McCain & Lindsey Graham is wrong - they are
sadly weak on immigration,” and “The two ... Senators should focus their
energies on ISIS, illegal immigration and border security instead of always
looking to start World War III.” Scares the shit out of me that this lunatic is
even thinking about World War III. Then President
Pussygrabber downgraded the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the
Director of National Intelligence from the National Security Council. They will
now attend on an ad hoc basis. They have been effectively replaced with Steve
Bannon. Bannon has no government, intelligence, or high-level military
experience; his experience is leading a propaganda outlet that peddles
nationalist and white nationalist viewpoints. Cleve Jones is calling for a
boycott of Uber because they supports Trump’s ban on Muslims. In contrast LYFT
is donating a million dollars to the ACLU to fight trump. A former KGB general who helped MI6 spy
compile the Donald Trump dirty dossier who has been found dead in the back of
his car amid claims of a Kremlin cover up. Putin is a murder. The protests at
the nation’s airports over the Muslim ban and in particular the denial of entry
of green card holders had the White House pulled saying that the ban wouldn’t
apply to those with green cards. The
resistance is working. These assholes have no conviction or moral
compass...it's all about power and pleasing the Supreme Leader...
29
January 2017 Sunday
I made
stuffed bell peppers, one red and one green for supper today. I ate the red one
with a salad with my blue cheese dressing for dinner and saved the green one
for tomorrow. The history of the Jones family is over 350 pages and I worked on
compiling it all in one format. I also began making the Beef Stew for
tomorrow’s pot luck at Gay Men Aloud. Chopped up onions the chuck beef roast
and peeled and chopped a bag of carrots and
3 large potatoes. Browned the beef and onions, covered them with flour
and poured 2 cups of red wine and some water and brought to boil with the
carrots and potatoes before transferring it all to a crockpot to simmer all
day. Later added green beans and peas. So my house smelled delicious all day.
The Mormon Church made the most innocuous statement against President Pussygrabber’s ban of Muslims and
refugees. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is concerned about
the temporal and spiritual welfare of all of God’s children across the earth,
with special concern for those fleeing physical violence, war and religious
prosecution. The Church urges all people and government to cooperate fully in
seeking the best solution to meet human needs and relieve suffering.” Unfortunately Mormons voted and endorsed
trump in huge numbers Bigly so I guess they agree the best solution is to ban
Muslims...could this statement be any more milquetoast. If your church condemns
homosexuality more than Trump's anti humanity ban on refugees...then your
religion is false ... If your church teaches to love your neighbor as yourself
... But you support trumps Draconian anti - Muslim ban you are not a Christian
nor a patriot... Freedom of Religion is for ALL people... If you support the
Wall and the Ban you are a white supremacist... In your heart you are...
Tyranny has come to America. A Gay Muslim with a Green Card went on a Gay
Cruise for ten days and when he returned he was detained and held in isolation
but he was lucky and was allowed to go home.... How many will not be so
lucky because of pussygrabber’s pandering to his idiot racist base... The
German Chancellor Merkel had to explain
the Geneva Convention to President Pussygrabber! A German for God’s sake! “The
Geneva refugee convention requires the international community to take in war
refugees on humanitarian grounds. All signatory states are obligated to do. The
German government explained this policy in their call yesterday.” The in Canada
a white supremacist trump supported killed 6 Muslims at a mosque. “Social media
postings by Alexandre Bissonnette, 27
the suspect in the shooting attack that killed six persons and injured
19 at a Quebec City mosque on Sunday evening indicate he was a fan of US
President Donald Trump, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and the Israeli
army.”
30
January 2017 Monday
I
am so mad and frustrated at Chuck Whyte right now I don’t know where to begin.
I asked him this morning if he would like to go to the Gay Men Aloud pot luck
tonight, he did so I said I would pick him up at 6 pm. So I spent much of the
day typing, doing laundry and making an apple pie. They aren’t hard to make
just time consuming, about an hour to peel and cook the apples and another 45
minutes to bake. The pie came out looking delicious and I made it sugar free
with Stevia and apple juice. I started my crockpot of stew yesterday so most of
the prep was done yesterday. So later I get a text from Chuck asking what to
bring and I said it’s a pot luck bring what you want. So he commented that he
wanted to bring some bread and butter and asked if I would pick him up at
Smith’s. I said I would but he better not keep me waiting because I wanted to
keep the stew hot. So after taking Coco
home and giving Michael two stuffed bell peppers and then coming back home to
feed the hounds, I double wrapped the pie and carefully placed bungee cords
around the lid of the crockpot. I made a flat surface for it to ride in the
back. If I wasn’t taking Chuck I would have kept it on the passenger floor.
So I hurry over to Smith’s downtown
to be there on time and Chuck is 10 minutes late. I checked my crockpot it was
still good and Chuck comes out with all these groceries and three huge bottles
of laundry detergent! I was furious and yelled at him and said I did agree for
him to go grocery shopping and he made excuses about being stuck in the
elevator and I said you shouldn’t even have been in the elevator and I am tired
of you taking advantage of me and my time when I am doing you a favor. I so he
plops his groceries into the back seat and I told him to be careful of my pie.
I was so mad and hardly spoke to him all the way up to the church. So then in the parking lot I open the side
door and see that my crock pot had tipped over and spilled all the stew down
the futon and also over the pie that Chuck must have moved putting in his
groceries! So not only was the stew a disaster so was the pie and the whole
back of the cruiser. When Chuck put all his crap in the back it must have
shifted the balance of the crockpot and if chuck would not have moved my pie
behind the crock pot from the side where I had it the pie would not have been
covered with stew. I was so mad and frustrated I wanted to bawl. I just slammed
the car door leaving Chuck outside in the church parking lot and went inside. I
later calmed down enough to go back to car and try to clean up some of the
mess...My Crock Pot had two gallons of stew now all over the cargo portion of
the cruiser. After cleaning up the mess
I went back inside for the Pot Luck but I was so upset that I didn’t eat a
blessed thing. There was plenty of food but since I didn’t bring anything I
didn’t want to eat. I lost my appetite. We had round tables again instead of
long tables which didn’t allow for much socializing except with guys at your
own table. I think at least 25 people attended maybe more as it was a mix of
Gay Men Aloud and Men Who Move. I sat at Charles Bigo’s table with TJ, Jim,
Richard, Jesse and Darby. I didn’t want to be near Chuck. Even though I didn’t
eat anything I still had a good time and I flitted from table to table to greet
and socialize. Cole Gilmore from MWM was there and I think I like that pup. He
seems very genuine. Terry Gilman brought Corn Chowder which I would have liked
to tasted but just didn’t have an appetite. When we were closing down at 9 I
talked a little to Jay who was there without Greg. He said they are working on
staying together as a couple but it sounded like Jay was discouraged. Both are
great guys and sometimes relationships work and sometimes they don’t. I was
glad not to see Charles Frost there, which I didn’t expect to see him as he has
never come to a GMA pot luck. It would be too much of an effort for him just to
visit and drop his persona of always being in the spot light. So I took Chuck home and had to wait for him
to unload his groceries than I hurried home. I got home at 9:30 and had been
out since 5:30. Well I learned my
lesson. I am through taking Chuck places. Before it was mostly him being
inconsiderate with my time but now it was not just travel time , but all the
money and expense it took to try and do something nice for the pot luck. I
guess psychologically a lot of my sense of self-worth is in being a good cook
and feeding people. I guess there are worse neuroses. It brought up a painful memory when I was
probably 4 or 5 when Grandma Williams worked so hard making a coconut bunny
easter cake that was ruined while in the trunk of their car. I sense that
Grandpa had done something deliberately or carelessly to spoil her triumph. It
nearly broke my heart seeing Grandma so angry and frustrated. I think I felt
the same tonight. If Chuck would have
done what he said and just bought bread and butter and kept it on his lap I
wouldn’t have a futon smelling of beef stew but he is so compulsive he couldn’t
pass up a buy 2 and get one free of liquid laundry detergent. I hope he enjoys
them. He asked earlier if I wanted to go get a burger before the SAGE meeting
tomorrow. I didn’t commit and now not a chance in hell.
31
January 2017 Tuesday
Home
from being on a SAGE panel with Chuck Whyte, James Dabakis, Becky Moss, John
Bennett and Connell O'Donovan on how the community had progress from when we
came out. It was at the Pride Center in a room that was overflowing . I don't
think they expect so many people...When I first got there Dan Fahndrich gave me
a photo album of pictures from the first Beyond Stonewall. That was cool
because I have so few pictures from that period. Jim Dabakis kept everyone in stitches while being
poignant at the same time... Saw a lot of old friends and new friends there...
I am glad I went... Check out James Dabakis page for information on attending a
mosque in West Valley this Friday to support Muslims under attack
·
Terry
Gillman Tonight was lightning in a bottle. There was some Magic in the air for
me!
·
Dan
Fahndrich Ben, I did not see you leave and wanted a hug...
·
Jesse
Dolce This was an amazing night. I learned so much. Thank you all for sharing.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Thank you Dan for the picture album...it was a joy looking at all
those young faces again from Beyond Stonewall... Thanks for taking a picture of
the Unconditional Support logo...just one of the many things lost from the Utah
Stonewall Center's archives... Hugs
·
Richard
Harmston Ben, you were quite the fashion statement with your red scarf. Always
looking good! Of course, what you shared was good, informative.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Its the faerie in me lol
·
Chuck
Whyte It was a honor to be part of the panel last evening with fellow activists
that I have known and worked with over the many years......indeed an evening of
different emotions .........too many have left us way too soon
·
Dan
Fahndrich The amount of history on this panel was a very large amount. Great
conversation and insight and hindsight. Kudos to all
·
Terry
Gillman I went to an event tonight, at the Utah Pride Center where the panel
consisted of Chuck White, Jim Dabakis, Becky Moss, Connell O'Donovan, John
Bennett, and Edgar Ben Williams The Event was hosted by SAGE Utah. This has to
have been one of the most stunning events I’ve been to in my years in the
LGBTQ+ Community. I felt a very personal connection to this panel. Every one of
them showed me, in different ways, how to be proud and strong. It's been an
honor and a privilege to know them. And I'm blessed to consider them friends.
They all told their coming out stories, so I thought I would share mine.
February 4, 1992 in my Journal I wrote. "Did Gay things with Rob".
About 8 Months prior to that I had started to hang out downtown on 300 S Main
St late at night with Gay men. This was my only contact with the LGBTQ+
Community. (Back then it was just called the Gay Community.) As the summer
stretched on I met hustlers, married men (married to women), addicts, and other
teenagers that just needed to get away from their home life and be themselves.
I lived in Sandy back then, went to Jordan High School, and was as quiet about
this thing inside of me. The other boys, in school at the time knew, they
called me a faggot, they harassed me. I was a bigger kid, I was so lucky no one
ever threatened me physically. I didn't know how to reach out to the larger
community. On February 4th, 1992 My friend Rob took me to a card shop called
"Cahoots’" and the Utah Stonewall Center. On February the 5th he took
me to the Utah Gay and Lesbian Youth Group where I met other Gay people that
would drive from Ogden, Tooele, Park City, Orem, Provo, and all over the state
to attend a 1 hour meeting to talk about what it is to be Gay. Then we would go
to the Village Inn on 400 S 900 E and be gay in public. It was the only freedom
I knew back then. The Youth Group was the Rocket Ship that propelled me for the
next 5 years. Along the way I met Becky Moss, Connell O’Donovan, Ben Williams,
Garth Chamberlain, Melissa Sillitoe, Bruce M. Barton, Bruce Harmon, Chuck
White, Jim Dabakis, Carrie Gayler and so many many others. At the time, they
were this group of individuals that were vocal about being true to themselves, I
had no idea that I was witnessing what could be seen as the Utah version of
Harvey Milk’s story. They were radicals that picked up a movement and made it
stronger, and delivered so many of us through the late 80’s and 90’s … They
were a loving, nurturing force that threw their arms around people dying of
AIDS, and they fought regardless of the personal cost to get care for these
patients when every doctor and hospital in the State turned them away. One
Doctor, of all the doctors in this state, One Doctor and her Medical Assistant,
Dr. Kristen Ries and Maggie began to treat these patients. Back then to treat
them really only meant to Treat Them Like Human Beings as there was no
research, no funding, and no recognition by our government that there was a problem.
They did what they could in the beginning to treat the sick. What stands out to
me as the most important thing they did was to just simply care. In the 26
years since I admitted to myself for the first time that I was gay, I have had
the amazing privilege to have these people as my mentors. We have come further than I possibly could
have imagined when I was 17 years old. None of it was magic, a lot of it was
struggle, and quite a bit of it lead to fighting among ourselves, but we did it
all together as a community. Even the people who came to move chairs around,
and tape up decorations, clean up, but most of all SHOWED UP helped move this
community. The best part for me, and I have to agree with Becky, has been the
humor, and the fun.
FEBRUARY
1 February 2017 Wednesday
Can't believe I've been out three nights in a row! Monday was
the 5th Monday Pot Luck. Tuesday I was on the SAGE panel on LGBT progress, and
tonight was the 1st Wednesday Stonewall Lecture series...not bad for an old
man... They were all energizing socially and intellectually...What a great and
emotional meeting tonight at the history lecture series... Chad Anderson shared
his experience in remembering Gordon Church, the SUU student murdered in 1988...
1st time my heart was hurt at one of our lecture series but Gordon was also one
of our family and part of our multicolored tapestry... I was sad to learn that
Jesse Dolce and Gordon Church were once lovers....we had a full house... I made
some peanut butter cookies to share. The
cancer of racism has infected the body politick... The life of the Republic is
at stake... If President Obama could do nothing right and trump can do no wrong
to you then you are part of the tumor. Do trump supporters have any decency
left? What twisted version of America do they want? A five-year-old boy was
reportedly handcuffed and held in custody for five hours because he may have
been ‘a threat to America’. The child was one of more than 100 people held at
airports across the United States after Donald Trump signed an order banning
travel from seven majority Muslim countries. This happened at Dulles Airport in
Washington, D.C. The poor kid was separated from his own mom because he was
"identified as a possible threat If
Republicans are okay with the ban they are not a part of the Home of the
Brave...they are cowardly fascists ...one who can't go shopping without an
assault weapon... The far right is fanning the seeds of a Civil War and trumps
pal Vladimir is smiling in the wings... Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee
advanced trump’s nominee for treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, and Trump’s
nominee for health secretary, Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), on Wednesday with zero
Democrats present. To do so required committee chairman Sen. Orrin Hatch
(R-Utah) to suspend the committee rules, which normally require a quorum of at
least one Democrat in the room in order to permit a vote. John Fugelsang said Steve
Bannon looks like a guy who's required by parole to knock on doors and
introduce himself when he moves to a new neighborhood.
·
T.J. Otaka It was a
very educational, insightful and emotional series tonight. Thank you, Ben and
especially Chad Anderson. We appreciate your efforts and passion for teaching
the rest of us about our own history
2 February 2017 Thursday Candlemas
Happy Candlemas or Imbolc. Candlemas is a cross
quarter day and marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring
Equinox... we now have 10 hours of day light in the Northern Hemisphere. Ground
Hog Day is the weather marker that Candlemas used to be in olden times. In
Christian traditions Candlemas is the time when Christ was presented at the
temple as a child. This morning Darrin Solomon came over to visit. That poor
guy is a medical mess. I guess he had a heart attack last December and had a
stint put in. So we visited while I clean house which I was going to do before
he came over. After he left I went out to lunch with Richard P. Butler to Chubby’s
here in Rose Park...had a nice time visiting...it was misty raining on the way
over. He wants me to watch Miley the dog for 3 weeks in June while they go back
east for a summer vacation. I said I would.
The
supreme leader in less than 3 weeks has managed to turn our neighbors to the
north and south against us! Let that sink in ....as well as alienating
Australia... We must stand against the evil doers in our midst... I bet if
Mexico and Canada banned Mormon Missionaries...the Mormons would abandon the
trump band wagon
3
February 2017 Friday
Went
to a mosque for the first time...when I got there the parking lot was empty but
when I left there must have been 6 acres of cars and out on the street... It
was a support the Moslem community event and James Dabakis was an honored guest
and Democrat Jim Bradley was there also. When I got there at one o'clock the
place was empty but when I left the place was packed...I noticed two police men
where outside I guess making sure no anti Muslims would take advantage....after
that white supremacist killed those Moslems while at prayer in Canada you never
know... Mark Angus showed up so it was good to be with someone else... You take
your shoes off and in the huge 2 story prayer room you kneeled on the carpets
... They did have some chairs on the perimeter for guests but Mark and I sat on
the floor... I told him I'd have to learn Yoga if ever I because a Muslim
because I am not as limber as I used to be....good thing I had Mark to pull me
up or I'd still be there....a talk was given about having God in your life
first and that Muslims must not confuse Americans with American Foreign
policy... People were still pouring into the mosque when Mark and I decided to
leave....I donated $20 and as we were leaving one of the Iman rushed out and
gave us a Yeero lunch...so that was my cultural diversity adventure for today
and my "fuck you President Pussygrabber...." I was watching Jim be
interviewed and when he was done the camera caught a glimpse of my bald head
LOL... you can see how the place filled up and that was just the men...After
only two weeks trump has over 50 law suits filed against him. Donald Trump is facing dozens of
lawsuits over White House policies and his personal business dealings. The raid
on Yemen that killed a Navy Seal and many civilians was planned with out
sufficient Intelligence according to the military and trump is lying and said
that Obama had ordered it. Deliberately
lying to the press...this Minister of Propaganda knows that stupid trump
supporters will believe any they say... Why do so called good Mormons put up
with this bull shit? Maybe they are stupid or not so good... More likely they
are more loyal to their church than the constitution and democracy
4
February 2017 Saturday
Went
out to breakfast with Alan Anderson and Kyle G. Daniels at 9 am at Mo's. Met Mo
who owns the place...Mo is short for Mohammed... I had the chicken fried steak
with a biscuit gravy, eggs and home fries. Was delish...We hashed out the
world's problems as well... Alan asked if I’d watch Corky and Bhanni this June
while they go on vacation. I said sure but I will have nine dogs for 3 weeks. Then
I went to the gym and walked a mile because I haven't been for a few days. I
wanted to go to the Refugee March but the Spirit was willing but the flesh was
weak at 66... Marching up Capitol Hill was a lot easier when I was 36. Decided
to get my taxes out of the way. I received $18,394.20 from Social Security but
only cleared $14,604.50 and paid $2,577.50 in income taxes plus $1258.45 in
Medicare costs. My pension paid me $28,791.96 with $3517.20 taken out in taxes.
My actually income that i can keep is $39,879.26. Yay! Tubo Tax says I’m getting a refund of $2900
after they take their fees out... it would have been over $3000 except for the
fee that Turbo tax ate up any refund from the state... I used to get 100s of
dollars back from the state but when
Huntsman put the 5 percent flat tax I either or get less than 60 dollars from
the state... But I am so happy the Huntsman Corp gets to save millions. I need
to figure out what to do about the house mortgage. At the beginning of 2016 I
owed $111,850.89 and after paying my mortgage for a year of nearly $800 it only
dropped to $109,329.68 by $2521.21! i paid $4,289.75 in interest. Keep an eye
on this 31 year old Millennial Stephen Miller, Trumps chief White House advisor
who was a major force in the creation of Executive Order 13769, which
temporarily restricted Muslims and Refugees. He worked for Jeff Sessions and is
anti-immigration. Jim Dabakis wrote about the rally that there were close to
15,000 people there.
“Refugee
support rally. Capitol is full. This is the outside turn away crowd. Thousands.
Legislature. Governor. Hatch, Lee, Chaffetz, Bishop, Mia etc. Be BOLD--no
mumbling Mia and Herbert. Pick, either the warm, kind hearted people of Utah or
pick hate.” Judge James Roberts blocked the ban. Kellyanne Conway cited a
massacre at Bowling Green Kentucky as the need for the ban on Muslims but there
never was such a massacre. Just another lie.
5
February 2017 Sunday
I
am probably the only person in America not watching the Super Bowl. Melissa
McCarthy played Sean Spicer on Saturday Night Live LOL yesterday.
·
Richard
P. Butler It's all about the commercials and halftime show as well as the
FOOD!!!
·
Kevin
Scott The funny thing about every Super bowl party I've ever been to is half of
the room doesn't care (like me). As soon as I lost my fear and loathing of
football, I was fine.
·
Richard
Harmston I loved every minute of this year's Super Bowl. What's with you guys?!
·
Edgar
Ben Williams I can't stand the noise nor the bread and circus aspect of it...
6
February 2017 Monday
Harleigh
has been with me a year now. Harleigh
meeting Daisy and Buddy for the first time a year ago....he's was not so sure
of his new home at first.... I
got Harleigh a year ago today...so it's his 1st anniversary with me...Bill
Poore changed his name from Rocky to Harley because he said it sounded more
like a sissy from Texas... I made it even more sissified by spelling it
Harleigh.. lulu Belle is saying happy anniversary
·
Dear
Kyle, Hope you are well. There seems
to be a lot of flu going around up here but so far haven’t caught a thing knock
on wood. I thought I’d update
you on what has been going on with the petitions. I messengered Jim Dabakis
Friday and wrote, “...regarding Kyle I got 6 petitions signed, some by real
people like a mission president lol... I was wondering whether to drop them off
in an envelope or mail them certified to the Board... Which do you think
best? I am hoping that after I send the
board the petitions that you might follow through with an inquiry whether they
received them or whether they might revisit their decision on his 2019 parole
date... I know you are a very busy man right now and regardless I'd like to
invite you over Wednesday at 6 or what's good for you for a pot roast
dinner...if that doesn't work for you I will take a rain check for a day that
does work for you...I am retired so any day is good.” He wrote back: “not that busy for you. Friends last a lifetime
political bullshit stuff fades! Come up to Capitol...see Nick...drop them off
at your leisure...but be sure and call me when you get here. i want to see you.”
I wrote back “I will do if they let an old radical democrat like me through the
door lol”. So I went up to the
Senate Building to find Jim’s office but he was down in the cafeteria doing a
Live Segment interviewing Kate Kelly because they were introducing a bill today
to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. So I waited while they were talking about
the ERA and visited with Troy Williams. I gave the packet to Jim’s intern Nick
so he wouldn’t have to fuss with it until he can get some time to look at it.
Gail Ruzicka was sitting at a table or two away. Troy asked if I wanted to meet
her and I said NO! I am happy not to have had that pleasure. All of Jim’s Interns were as thin as a rail
in skinny leg suits. They all had the same hair style which is now a part on
the side and a puffed up comb over. I told Troy it was fun to see guys parting
their hair again. Anyway after the interview I talked briefly with Jim but he
was on his way to the Senate to introduce ERA bill but I made sure the envelope
with the petitions were in Nicks hands. So I guess that is about all we can do
until Jim does something. I am hoping he wanted the petitions at the Capitol so
he can talk to someone there because he is on the Judicial Committee. I know
it’s hard having your fate in other people’s hands but at least you have a date
for sure when you will be free. Some consolation. At least you have done all
you could and if you didn’t try then for sure nothing would happen. At least
now there’s some possibility. I think I caught you all up on everything
Wednesday on how busy I was Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday last week being out
each night at Gay Men Aloud, SAGE, and the Stonewall Lecture Series. That was so emotional because it was about
the Murder of Gordon Church back in 1988 near Cove Fort. A young historian,
well your age but young for me, is doing a documentary on it and one of the
guys at the meeting had known him, actually more than knew him, Gordon was his
first boyfriend when Gordon was 26 and this guy was then 20. I shared that you
thought Michael Archuleta was making hooch LOL. Some levity I guess. On Friday
I went to an event that Jim had kind of organized and that was attending and
supporting the Muslims after Trump’s Draconian ban. It was held at the Mosque
down in West Valley along the Jordan River. I wanted to attend to say fuck you
President Pussygrabber. I had never attended a Mosque or a Muslim religious
service before and I have to say it was very unique. You had to take your shoes
off to enter the main prayer room which was huge...a friend of mine also
attended and we sat together on the floor. There were chairs around the
perimeter but we decided “in Rome do as the Romans do” but I told Mark I’d have
to learn Yoga before ever becoming a Muslim with all the kneeling LOL. Thank
god I had someone help me off the floor or I think I‘d probably still be there!
As we left they gave Mark and I Middle East Yeeros. Delish... I gave them $20
for a donation and what impressed me the most was all the different state of
dress and racial makeup. This one sheik spoke because of the occasion and said
to not confuse Americans with America’s foreign policies as that Americans are
generous and good people. He said to just trust God that all would turn out in
the end. The architects of the Executive Order banning Refugees and people from
the 7 Muslim countries, that Trump doesn’t have business dealing, were Alt
Right Fascists Steve Bannon and Stephen
Miller. Saturday there was a 15,000
people marching in SLC to protest the ban. Salt Lake City has been a designated
refugee city for over 20 years! I didn’t march because my days of climbing
Capitol Hill from the Federal Building are over long. This is a cartoon Dr. Seuss drew in 1941when America refused
Jewish refugees into the country. Repeating history. Thank God a Washington
Judge stood up to the fascist in the White House and halted the ban. Trump had
banned Green Card Holders, people with Visas, some people were in midair when
the ban was put in place. What a chaotic mess. I guess you heard Kellyanne
Conartist, to justify the ban, claim there was a massacre in Bowling Green
Kentucky. And how at first the White House claimed it was a Muslim that
massacre those Muslims in Canada while in prayer instead of a white supremacist
which it was. Every day a new lie comes
out of the White House from trump’s Ministers of Propaganda and Alternate
Facts. If trump’s administration had an actual plan to Make America Great why
do they lie so much? Why do conservative confuse Free Speech with the Freedom
to Lie? Trump supporters are so stupid that they think building a $25 billion
Wall will keep Mexicans out of the United States. This simple meme explains why
the deep thinkers in the trump administration are going to piss away $25
billion! Money that could go to infrastructure or even Health Care. Free
College Oh No too expensive... but money to build a wall. Someone wrote this
and has been going around on Social Media. To those poor little crybaby Trump
supporters.... You voted for Trump because Clinton was going to be in Wall
Street's pocket. • Trump wants to
repeal Dodd-Frank and eliminate the Fiduciary Rule, letting Wall Street return
to its pre-2008 ways. You voted for Trump because of Clinton's emails. • The Trump administration is running
its own private unsecured email server. You voted for Trump because you thought
the Clinton Foundation was "pay for play." • Trump has refused to wall off his businesses from his administration
and personally profits from payments from foreign governments. You voted for
Trump because of Clinton's role in Benghazi. • Trump
ordered the Yemen raid without adequate intel and tweeted about "FAKE
NEWS" while Americans died as a result of his carelessness. You voted for
Trump because Clinton didn't care about "the little guy." • Trump's cabinet is full of
billionaires, and he took away your health insurance so he could give them a
multi-million-dollar tax break. You voted for Trump because he was going to
build a wall and Mexico was going to pay for it. • American consumers will pay
for the wall via import tariffs. You voted for Trump because Clinton was going
to get us into a war. • Trump has provoked
our enemies, alienated our allies, and given ISIS a decade's worth of
recruiting material. You voted for Trump because Clinton didn't have the
stamina to do the job. • Trump hung
up on the Australian Prime Minister during a 5pm phone call because "it
was at the end of a long day and he was tired and fatigue was setting in."
You voted for Trump because foreign leaders wouldn't "respect"
Clinton. • Foreign leaders,
both friendly and hostile, are openly mocking Trump. You voted for Trump
because Clinton lies and "he tells it like it is." • Trump and his administration lie with
a regularity and brazenness that can only be described as shocking. Let's be
honest about what really happened. The reality is that you voted for Trump
because you got conned. Trump is a grifter and the American people were the
mark. Now that you know the score, quit insisting the conman is on your side. All
we can do is resist and vote the fascists out of office. Europe is making so
much fun of America for electing this idiot and who can blame them. NYC is
sending the bill to American Tax Payers for security for Melania so she can live in Trump Towers. The
bill is $500,000 a day and is up to $300 million already! Where could that
money go instead? Food stamps? Early Education? The environment? Well I guess I
better close for now and get this sent to you before trump pisses off North
Korea and Iran and starts World War III. As I ever was or will be Your Friend Ben
7
February 2017 Tuesday
I
got a call from the U of U hospital...my bariatric surgery is scheduled for St
Patrick's Day... My Pre-op however is next Thursday the 16th when they will
draw vials and vials of blood...I rarely go shopping for home stuff but got in
the mood to replace a few things...must be spring coming on. I bought a new vacuum
cleaner, a convection toaster oven and a crockpot that has a latched
lid...After having my beef stew spill all down my futon in the cruiser thought
I'd get one that the lid can’t come off LOL. I also bought new bathroom
rugs...why not? There are a salmon color I spend a lot of time in there and all
the dogs like to gather around and lay on the carpet... dogs are weird. I also
bought some rugs for the bedroom where Lulu Belle likes to do her business.
Richard Hatch Captain Apollo in Battlestar Galactica died at the age of
71. Comedian Prof Irwin Corwin also died
at the age of 102. "Tell me whose side are you really on? The people of
America or the cynics and predators at the very top who would climb atop the
ruins of the republic for a better view of the sunset?" - Bill Moyers. Every
Democrat voted against this Billionaire Christian Dominionist Betsy DeVos for
Education Secretary a department that Jason Chaffetz wants to end. Don't ever
tell me there's no difference between Democrats and Republicans. And don't send
me memes telling me to respect peoples choices either. Well Republicans proved once and for all
they don't give a shit about your children nor their education. They have done
all that they can to hinder public education and promote privatization. Sad,
sad day but if this isn't the America you were conned into fight back.
·
Richard
P. Butler Don't latch the lid while cooking.
·
Craig
Hunter It's fun to buy new things.
·
Terrie
Williams Good self-care. Makes you feel good when you spruce up your
surroundings. I like to take my crockpot with me on pot lucks. It's nice to
have something hot and yummy especially in the winter. I remember one time I
spilled beans on the floor boards...I did have enough left in the pot to share.
·
Dana
Hays Johnson Send your stew recipe please. And come see us sometime
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Stew is easiest thing to make brown cubed chuck roast or stew meat
with a tablespoon or so of oil with a half chopped onion...when cooked
thoroughly add about 1/2 cup of flour stir and coat...(I add about a cup of red
wine to bring out the flavor and color but not necessary) add 2 cups beef broth
and 2 cups of water ....chop up a potato in cubes, throw in a bag of frozen
carrots and peas, and a can of green beans add a bay leaf salt and pepper to
taste and let simmer until thickens...if too watery simmer longer...if too
thick add a little more water... All but the braising of the meat can be down
in a crock pot while at work or overnight... My mom’s recipe
8
February 2017 Wednesday
I
had Bill Poore over for a birthday dinner this afternoon so I was up early this
morning cleaning the house, mopping and making a banana cream pie and two
chicken pot pies. I served Bill a nice salad, a chicken pot pie, and a banana
crème pie. Originally I wanted to take him out to lunch but he didn’t feel up
to it. He says hes out of breath all the time now and probably needs oxygen at
home. I am worried about him. I offered to let him have my tax refund to help
buy him a truck but I think it is too much for him energy wise to go out
looking ...what we didn't eat of lunch I
sent home with him...In the afternoon an Xfinity tech came over about and
installed a new modem and faster internet connection...well its supposed to be
faster...I am just happy I could make my own password rather than the gibberish
it used to be. I am Benedgar and password is 1633fernleaf. So far the only
thing Donald Trump has made great again is Saturday Night Live.
·
Richard
Harmston Are all the recipes in your head? That's what I imagine.
·
Bill
Poore After Ben has surgery these days will be over for a few months, better
get your requests in soon boys before the kitchen closes. These pies will hold
me a sometime. Thanks Ben.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Yes they are mainly in my head and from years of cooking like an
old Granny
·
Richard
P. Butler I need to learn how to make a homemade crust.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Don't bother when Pillsbury and Betty Crocker is good... crust is
very temperamental and unforgiving
·
Richard
P. Butler Brenda waits me to do a homemade crust. So I'm doomed. LOL
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Use Crisco or lard and very cold water
Richard
P. Butler What no flour!
9
February 2017 Thursday
I
paid my Horace Mann Car insurance and a hospital bill this morning totally
together $600 and Got my Wonder Woman stamps today! We need Wonder Women to
crush Fascism. Old Ruby Red is on 99,999 and will turn over 100,000 miles
tomorrow whenever I pull out of the garage... I love my PT Cruiser. .. the pup
mobile. Spent a couple of hours writing my Lambda Lore column for the SLQ ...
Dead line was today...I work best under pressure lol...it is on Kathy
Worthington who died 10 years ago on the 22nd...hard to believe a whole
generation Gays and Lesbians have grown up never having heard of her... Jason
Chaffetz’ Town Meeting was held tonight and thousands attended and booed him
and told him to do his job to investigate Trump. He was so shocked that he cut
short the meeting by 45 minutes. It made national news. “The furious Utah
citizens jeering Jason Chaffetz at his own Town Hall was like porn for moral
people.” John Fugelsang
10
February 2017 Friday
I
went to see Tyler Ferguson my financial
advisor in Layton this morning to figure out exactly where I stand since
retiring in June 2015. I mostly went in to see why I had so much money in my
401 and stuff because when I got a statement recently I thought this couldn't
be right. But he assured me that it is and that I have $79,912.72 in a fixed
IRA account and $57,551.05 in my 403b account for a total of $137,463.77. He explained that the $57,500 was mine to
withdraw any time I need it and the almost $80,000 is in a fixed account that
stays to keep earning income. However by the time I am 70 and a ½ in October
2021 I have to start withdrawing 3 percent of the government will tax it at 50
percent. The first year I had no income
but SS and my pension was 2016 and I was surprised how much money I am getting
monthly. I made nearly $40,000 last year so I am getting about $3,000 a month
to live on. All my life I had to work...when I didn't I was broke so it seems
surreal to have money coming in without working. For most of my life I was
barely making ends meet and being a teacher while a steady income did not allow
me to splurge... So it's a nice feeling to know I can live comfortably for the
rest of my life frugally with my pups... For that I am grateful ... I also
learned from Tyler that I have another stipend coming at the end of the month
for nearly $8,000 from the District. Its suppose to go into an account through
Valic however when Tyler called them we found out that they had closed my
account since I withdrew money out last September 2015 even though we requested
to keep it open. So I have to call the District to figure out where this money
will be sent. I am changing my beneficiaries too because I will never spend all
this money. I want my nephews Ken Jones, Kevin Jones, James Clark, Denise
Wachs, and Michael Wachs to be my beneficiaries as well as Michael Romero and
maybe Kyle Foote. After meeting with Tyler I went to the Sleep Study Clinic in
Farmington to make a second appointment that my insurance wants me to do. I
couldn’t get in until March 30th so I had to call the compliant
people and they said that would be okay. Then I went to Redwood Road Pharmacy
to pick up some more insulin. It started to rain this afternoon and I was kind
tired from running around so I just watched some Hulu. I have been binged
watching Community. It’s the third time I have watched the entire series. I
later wrote Ken Jones that I needed his SS # and
address because I wanted to make him one of my beneficiaries when I kick the bucket...
If you know how to get Kevin's I would a appreciate it... I want to put you
Kevin, James, Michael, and Denise as some of my beneficiaries for my 401 k plan
after I kick the bucket... It won't be much but y’all have it rather than the
state. He responded with his SS 561 99 2144 and address 30085 Olive Grove
Street Lake Elsinore CA 92530. He said Kevin probably would give me his SS #
because of how weird he has become with everything a conspiracy to him and his
father and that he doesn’t talk to him much. He said his dad is nuttier than
ever and there’s nothing Ken could do for them. Harleigh thinks I bought the
new bath room rugs for him. This is where he likes to hang out at night...
·
Craig
Hunter Wonderful news.
·
Terrie
Williams bravo. You must of taken care of your bills along the way. I am almost
out of dept and it's been a long ass haul. Only thing is I've been a renter.
Wish I had a place like yours. I want to plant directly into the soil. I have
potted plants, but given the chance id have a big wondering planted out door
space and a studio.
·
Richard
P. Butler Owning your home is a huge part of having a reasonable retirement. I
know that my home has helped me to be able to retire at 62. Pension, 401K and
Ira accounts with Social Security make for a comfortable retirement.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams I bought a house when I knew rents were skyrocketing like they did
in Orange County when what Mom and dad were paying on a mortgage was less than
I was paying for an apartment in 1971... It was a wise decision because my
mortgage is only $760 a month while rents in Utah are over a $1000 now... Yes I
am a Williams and needed my plot of land to grub in... And yes I paid off my
vehicles when I retired and have no credit card debt
·
Richard
P. Butler Smart! I remember when you bought that house. I knew it was going to
change your life.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams You should remember you helped me lay sod and landscape and grade
the lot... I was so excited about buying a house that as they were building it
I'd come over every day and sweep the flooring between the framing lol
·
Richard
P. Butler I remember, how could I forget. I dragged the shut-off valve for the
sprinkler system out of the 10 foot hole in the ground. Those were the days.
·
Tracy
L Johnson-Faulkner What a relief for you and the pups.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Yes... Like most working people there were times I didn't have two
nickels to rub together... But I always kept a roof over my head even if I
didn't eat...
·
Richard
P. Butler Mac and cheese and cheap hot dogs were my meals for the first few
years. LOL Like I always said. "Those that are willing to do things now
that nobody else will. Can do things later that nobody else can".
·
Kevin
Scott I've always maintained that the second half of our lives are determined
by what choices we make in the first half. You are a prime example of that.
Good work!
·
Richard
Harmston Ben, you've worked hard for this retirement. Every penny has been
earned multiple times over. I know how hard teachers work.
·
Jesse
Dolce So good for you. I am at the jumping off point I. The planning part of
retirement. Hope I make the best decisions as well. Hopefully my investments
and choices here forward will pay off. Doing great so far.
·
Greg
Tracie Aviary Hardin You deserve it Edgar Ben Williams!
·
Hugs!
·
Ruadhan
O'Sheridan You should get a pension from the gay community, as well. Just saying'
. . .
·
Beau
Chaine' I know this will add credence to your strength of standing up for
social security in the political arena...u deserve this kind of surprise and
now it will allow your voice to be even stronger to all of us who believe as
you do and support you and yours...hug the pups for us all! GB
11
February 2017 Saturday
I
had a fun Saturday because Richard Butler wanted to escape a birthday party for
his step grandson. We were going to see A Dogs Purpose but when we got to the
Gateway megaplex Rogue One was playing
at noon so since I had never seen it and Rich wanted to see it again that is
what we ended up seeing...I really enjoyed it a lot...then Rich took me to
lunch at the Little America Coffee Shop...he wanted me to have a really nice
meal before going under the knife lol. I had a Reuben ... Delish... It was a
beautiful day also almost spring like... Remember when people warned against a
female president because she might be irrational, vindictive, and prone to mood
swings? The Washington Post reported that a huge coal miners’ pension plan is
on the brink of failure because Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stands in the
way and is blocking a fix. This despite bipartisan support for a plan to save
the workers' retirement and healthcare.... CBS News reported it has learned that the 35-page dossier
compiled by a former British spy is gaining credibility among law
enforcement. Before he was sworn in as President, Donald Trump dismissed
the document, but sources tell CBS News that investigators continue to vet it
to see whether there is any truth to the allegations. Rachel Maddow
basically called Trump guilty of collaborating with a foreign power to
influence the outcome of the election. The Siberian Candidate.
12
February 2017 Sunday
Often
I have dreams that are so vivid of people I've loved that when I wake I am
melancholy that it was only a dream... Last night Billy Bikowski came to me in
a dream, when I haven't see him in 25 years, but I still love and feel deep
affection. I will see you in my dreams. This morning I decided to use up stuff in
the refrigerator before they go bad...I had a bunch of black berries, lemons,
and cream cheese so made a blackberry lemon cheese pie... With sweeten lemon
sour cream topping... Should be pretty decadence . So I had some hot coffee and
blackberry lemon cheese pie for a Sunday morning brunch. Went out to dinner
with Alan Anderson and Kyle G. Daniels at the Garage. They called and said they
were going to the SLAC and wanted me to join them for dinner. I had a cowboy
(hamburger that is) and had to take half home... So the doggies had fries, bacon,
cheese, and a hamburger along with their usual chicken thighs.... Happy pups
tonight! Musician Al Jarreau died today
at the age of 76. That liar Jason
Chaffetz is now saying people were paid from the outside to attend his town
meeting last Thursday rather than listen to his constituents. Utah House
Minority Leader Rep. Brian King ripped Rep. Jason Chaffetz for dismissing
Thursday night's town hall meeting as being “fueled by paid protesters from out
of state, not representative of his 3rd District constituents.” "He's out
of touch with reality.” We are We the People not paid outside
agitators...that's what Donald trump did for his rallies. I wrote on FB Chaffetz
paid me to wear a bandana and carry assault weapons to his town meeting from
the slush fund he skimmed off the millions investigating Clinton... It's an
alternative fact! In an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC News'
"This Week," Stephen Miller repeated the completely debunked claim
that a "massive" number of people voted fraudulently in the 2016
election. He said: "George, it is a fact and you will not deny it, that
there are massive numbers of non-citizens in this country, who are registered
to vote. That is a scandal." He is
a total liar.
13
February 2017 Monday
I
talked to Denise and James this morning and got their SS numbers and addresses.
Denise is 561 93 5645 and her address is 6142 East Covina, Mesa AZ 84205, and
James is 566-83-8226 at 1169 W loeman which is mom’s old house. I still need to
get Michael’s. I called the district
about what to do about the 2nd stipend and they said to call Valic
which I did but only got an answering machine so I left them a message about
the problem. The Imperial Wizard of the Missouri Klu Klux Klan was shot in the
head. Prime suspect is his widow... Should we lock her up or give her a medal?
Maybe she was tired of him ruining all her sheets. In the news North Korea
fired a missile test and Guests at posh trumps private Mar-a-Lago club posted a
series of pictures and comments on Facebook describing Trump in discussing it
with Japanese Prime Minister Abe. It was like discussing top National Security
issues over dinner. Trump reviewed classified documents while guests crowded
around and waiters served at his golf club where $200,000 buys you access to
the president. The whole world now knows who has the nuclear football as guests
were delighted to reveal on Facebook that it’s “Rick”. To think we almost
elected someone who received e–mails on a private serve. Dodged that bullet. The
Justice Department warned the White House that national security adviser Michael
Flynn could be vulnerable to Russian blackmail according to the Washington
Post. Then later tonight Michael Flynn
resigned after the Justice Department warned the Trump administration that
Flynn lied to the Vice President regarding his communications with the Russian
ambassador to the United States. Wow! Just wow!
·
Richard
Butler- House adviser Kellyanne Conway insisted that Flynn enjoyed "the
full confidence of the president," of course she did. Always believe the
opposite of anything she says, you'll be closer to the truth if you do.
14
February 2017 Tuesday
Bill
Poore and I went out to lunch at Traxx the place Gene Gieber owns next to the
Tryangle. I had left over Chinese food since Sunday so wanted something
different. He brought me a pretty
bouquet of Valentine flowers. We talked about him staying at my place when I go
in for surgery and that I wanted to help him buy a small truck and get rid of
his van. TJ is a bully ...
He pushes Buddy from his big dish and makes him eat out of the small one...then
he goes pushes Harleigh from his dish...Schnauzers are sissies... I slap my
hands and yell TJ then he runs back to own dish... I diced apples and put that
with their chicken thighs...everyone ate theirs except Maxx... He spit his
out... never a dull moment at supper time. I posted on FB a bunch of school pictures
about making Egyptian tombs, the Ghost of Plymouth Castle, and the Halloween
Talent show. There used to be a time when you could take an afternoon or two to
teach Ancient Egypt to 6th Graders by having them mummify a barbie and ken
doll, watched over by Anubis, placed in sarcophagi and build a temple... but no
more...test test test on Language Arts, Math, and Science... don’t bother with
history or art because it’s not tested... I bet my students learned more about
ancient Egypt and had fun doing it also... This is why I needed to retire
because I was not allowed to do this anymore... For ten years Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. McAdams [Ben's mom] and I
held a Halloween Talent Show called the Monster Mash... I did the lights and
sets while Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. McAdams rehearsed. We did this after school on
our own time and our own dime for the kids. It was a tradition... when they
added a new subdivision from Eaglewood that had to be bused in we couldn't keep
kids after school. Besides, we three teachers transferred and no one was
willing to keep it up...Peter Crane and Blair Lewis got the coffin which was an
Eagle Scout project. In my own classroom we did Halloween dioramas... can't
waste time on being creative anymore. I always did three skits and plays with
my kids, The Animals First Thanksgiving, The Bell That Couldn’t Ring, and the
Ghost of Plymouth Castle. The Animal 1st Thanksgiving I had the kids make
animal masks that they held in front of them like a Greek Choral. The Bell That
Couldn’t Ring was a Christmas morality play about not being a bully, and the
Ghost was a parody of Sherlock Holmes in full costume. By my last years I could
only do the Ghost of Plymouth Castle and even then it was taking away
"valuable minutes" on something that was not tested on. These kids
painted the backdrop which I reused for the next 10 years because just could
not justify the time it took to be an artist. The New York Times reported Trump
Campaign Aides Had Repeated Contacts With Russian Intelligence. The New Yorker
Magazine wrote: In the
past, the nation has had do-nothing Presidencies, and scandal-ridden
Presidencies, and failed Presidencies, but until Donald J. Trump came along
there hasn’t been a truly embarrassing Presidency. Secret Service director Joseph P. Clancy, announced his plans to
step down giving trump the chance to select his own security chief. The
Business Insider wrote: "A dossier with unverified claims about President
Donald Trump's ties to Russia contained allegations that Igor Sechin, the CEO
of Russia's state oil company, offered former Trump ally Carter Page and his
associates the brokerage of a 19% stake in the company in exchange for the lifting
of US sanctions on Russia. As President
Pussygrabber is attacking the media and satirists like Saturday Night Live how
different was President Johnson’s response to the Smother Brothers comedy act. President
Johnson wrote this to the Smothers Brothers....."It is part of the price
of leadership of this great and free nation to be the target of clever
satirists. You have given the gift of laughter to our people. May we never grow
so somber or self-important that we fail to appreciate the humor in our lives."
This is how a president should act...
·
Peter
Crane The Coffin was very well built, had it for a couple of years then shared
it with one of the members of the Rocky Mountain Haunters.
·
Terry
McKeown The Monster Mash was always a hit and great memory. I know 3 grown
brats that remember it well. Thanks for making school fun!
15
February 2017 Wednesday
Spent
much of the morning cleaning the downstairs bedroom and bathroom. It’s amazing how even when you shut up part of
the house, it still needs a thorough cleaning. I haven't had anyone live down
stairs since Levon moved out and that was before I adopted Lucky. Michael's
parents used to stay in the spare room when they would come down but they have
long since passed away. Removed all the cobwebs, washing the bedding, vacuumed,
reframed some pictures, scrubbed the bathroom.. Tomorrow I go in for my pre op
and blood work... That will be a busy day too. Kyle called me this evening. He
said last weekend was tough and he is still anxious about it. Evidently they
removed his cellmate whom he got along with really well and replaced him with
this older Mexican who doesn’t speak English. He woke Kyle up several times
wanting sex and Kyle refused him. When he told another inmate what had
happened, the inmate without Kyles permission told a guard and the prison
authorities removed the Mexican and put him isolation and had a write up. Kyle
had to explain to others in the section he did not snitch on the guy and he’s
worried that some of the Mexican friends will have it in for him. The Donald
vehemently denied that his campaign team was in contact with the Russians. He
is a liar. Becki Mecham, died Friday of complications from renal failure. She
was 64. She was the star of Saturday Voyeur at the Salt Lake Acting Company for
all of the 1980s. How sad... I used to be an usher for Saturday Voyeur in 1986
and 1987 when my friend Michael Anderson was in it... What a great entertainer
and human being.
16
February 2017 Thursday
At
the Bariatric clinic for my pre op consultation and blood draw... I met with
the physical fitness person who wants me to do weights and then took the
nutritionist’s test. I am supposed to take vitamins 3 times a day. I was
expecting to have vials of blood withdrawn like they did 5 years ago but they
only did a blood test. So Chaffetz, wants to investigate the truth tellers
instead of the liars? This was taken just six days before Daisy died a year ago
today...I had no idea that she was going to pass away... She showed no signs...
I raised her and her brother from puppies. They were litter mates. Buddy was
the one who was ill with cancer but he's lived a year longer than his sister.
She was my big Amazon girl... “As far as I can see, grief will never truly end.
It may become softer over time, more gentle, and some days will feel sharp. But
grief will last as long as love does- forever. It’s simply the way the absence
of your loved one manifests in your heart. A deep longing, accompanied by the
deepest love. Some days the heavy fog may return, and the next day it may
recede once again. It’s all an ebb and flow, a constant dance of sorrow and
joy, pain and sweet love. Is it me or
did trump sound bat shit crazy at his news conference
·
Richard
P. Butler No you're not crazy.
·
Craig
Hunter Yes
·
Michael
Aaron West Mentally ill
·
Roland
Ron Holmgren I got the same feeling. I have long suspected that he is seriously
mentally ill but today was painfully awful to watch.
·
Bill
Poore I actually enjoyed watching it: I mean the crazy people that elected him
are really in for it...I tend to agree that he is mentally ill and we are
watching it play itself out at the expense of the American people. I just
simply can’t see this man remaining in office for four years. I believe he will
be forced out, but I want Pence to go as well.
·
Richard
P. Butler Give it time, give it time. Pence isn't capable either.
·
Bill
Poore Richard P. Butler Pence is extremely homophobic
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Evil is not the same as bat shit crazy... I'd rather see Pence as
President rather than WWIII. We can recover from Pence
·
Darby
S Hinton Buhbuhbuhbuhbuh Batshit!
·
Benjamin
Atticus West Made all the more disturbing that the restriction on those with a
history of mental illness being allowed to buy guns will likely be removed.
17
February 2017 Friday
One
of those days when you get a lot of projects done. Took TJ and Maxx to Stephen
Bolinder's shop and had their nails clipped... After taking them home went out
and bought bathroom rugs for the downstairs bathroom, curtain rods, and
curtains. At home I installed a ringed hand towel holder and curtain rod
holders in both the bathroom and the downstairs bathroom...I felt like such a
handyman like Richard P. Butler but instead of building and installing manly
stuff I was hanging curtains lol...Binged watched Versailles... 10 episodes
first season about an hour each... I love period dramas and what could be more
fun than King Louis XIV and his Gay brother the Duke of Orleans' rivalries...
History and soft porn... For fun... Lots of torture too....had to close my eyes
at times but hey it is the 17th Century. The NY Times editorial board said its
time for Congress to Investigate Trump’s Ties to Russia. Lying Trump said he
inherited a mess and Stephen Colbert replied no we inherited a mess. If you
believe anything this sociopath says, it's more telling of your character than
his. Either you’re an idiot, a fascist ideologist, or you are a liar yourself.
18
February 2017 Saturday
TJ
and Lulu Belle have become cuddle buddies...they like to curl up
together...Lulu Belles favorite toy is Valentine pup. Cleaned the house for tonight’s movie night. I
was listening to music when Get Up and Dance came on and I started dancing. Monti
Rock of Disco Tex and the Sexolette was my favorite Disco personality... This
Puerto Rican started as hairdresser to the stars. The 1970's was a blast for
those who survived it. I always heard Disco was a Gay art form like Broadway
Musicals... We old sixty years old sure knew how to Boogie in our youth... I
took one of those on line tests and it said I was 35 percent left brain and 65
percent right brain. I think that is probably accurate. I made scalloped
potatoes, a honey glazed ham, an English Pea salad, and a Raspberry cake for
dinner tonight. Alan Anderson called and said he wasn’t going to make it
because he’s feeling under the weather but had a houseful anyway. TJ Otaka and
Jim McMullin, Greg Allen and Jay Vallar, Michael Romero, Dennis Lee, Richard
Harmston, and me. Charles Bigo is out in Palm Springs taking a break from
Richard to figure out their relationship. Jay seemed tired. He has to go back
to the Philippines at the end of March to renew his visa. I think everyone
enjoyed dinner and then we watched Something for Everyone. I am the only one
who ever saw it before. I saw it in the theater back in 1970. I was happy that
they all enjoyed it as much as I did with all its black comedy and twists and
turns. People stayed until 10 pm so I
think everyone had a good time. I won’t be hosting another movie night until
April as I will have surgery in March. Are all Republicans liars or just the
ones who voted for trump? Conservatives
who voted for trump disgust me... James Baldwin wrote “how can one respect, let
alone adopt, the values of a people who do not, on any level whatever, live the
way they say they do, or the way they say they should?” Trump gave a speech
referring to a nonexistent massacre in Sweden. Donald Trump stated, “The Media is the enemy of the American
people.” The Nazi state had a word for this “Lügenpresse” or Lying Press. “The
media should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just
listen for a while,” Steve Bannon said. “The media here is the opposition
party. They don’t understand this country. They still do not understand why
Donald Trump is the president of the United States." Minister of
Propaganda Obergruppenführer Bannon. The Republican Party has no integrity left
nor the people who vote for them. Donald trump is the first un-American to
occupy the White House. He declared the free press the enemy of the American
People. He has no understanding the Constitution nor how government works. He
still thinks he can autocratically rule America like he did his business. He
was a crook then and he's a crook now. I immediately delete friend requests
when I check them out and they have over 500 friends... Really?! Just had a
friend request from someone who had 3500 FB friends... either he's a narcissist
or is promoting something. They last person I was friends with whom I had 3,000
FB friends is in Gunnison and I actually knew him. If you are on my FB list it’s
because I consider you a friend who don't mind my rantings about President
Pussygrabber or pictures of my dogs and what I made for supper LOL
·
Steve
Brackenbury What's for supper tonight? Looking for inspiration
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, English pea salad
·
Roland
Ron Holmgren Please share English pea salad. Have been looking for a recipe.
Thanks.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Drain a can of sweet peas, add cubed cheddar cheese, add chop up a
head of iceberg lettuce, (I add some pimentos for color, ) add enough
mayonnaise to coat but not overwhelm... Refrigerate at least half hour... My
mom made this all the time... Quick and easy
·
Roland
Ron Holmgren Thank you. Am going to try it.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams It's Bill Poore's favorite... Great in the summer when too hot to
cook and potato salad is too heavy...
·
Charlie
Ward LOL 😂 LOVE YOUR PUPPY POSTS ❤🌈🐾
·
Darby
S Hinton Exactly!
·
Greg
Tracie Aviary Hardin I'm not sure how we became FB friends but I do consider
you a good friend. Hugs!
·
Tom
Folks I love that last line ha-ha
·
Like
· Reply · February 18 at 11:21am
·
Kathryn
Warner I like knowing about you dinners. Gives me ideas for dinner.
·
Kay
Campbell I tried your banana cream pie recipe recently. John was in heaven.
Lol.
·
Jon
Michael You’re a fantastic diarist! Don't ever stop my dear.
19
February 2017 Sunday
Richard
Harmston came over this late afternoon to retrieve his fancy cork screw he left
here yesterday. I asked him what was going on with him and Charles because I
cared for both of them and didn’t want future events awkward for them. Long
time ago I heard veterinarian experts claim that dogs don't have distinct
tastes... I call bs on that... Dogs are as finicky as people...Maxx will take
out his kibble one at a time and drop it outside his bowl while Buddy chows
down on his...Maxx will eat anything but the kibble while Harleigh will eat it
occasional by itself...I chopped up chicken thighs and left over ham and they
all ate the ham first then the chicken. TJ always pushes buddy away from his
bowl... I tried feeding them wet dog food... buddy will eat it and everyone
else's when they walk away with their noses turned up...Harleigh loves his
Apple slices the rest won't even try it... Supper time is crazy around this
place...Buddy is like a clock... 5 o'clock he starts barking for his supper
which gets Harleigh going... The largest
outdoor gear show is leaving Salt Lake City after 20 years to protest Utah
Republicans’ conservation stance on protecting public lands. Gov Herbert even
wants to reduce the size of the Grand staircase.
·
Bill
Poore TJ is a bully. I can see why you have to stand over them while they all
eat.
·
Roland
Ron Holmgren I agree. Or else our dogs are unusual or finicky eaters.
·
Alan
Anderson We have a house guest for a week. Bhani and Corky go nuts for treats.
Chicho takes the treat, drops it, and walks away. Corky loves double treats.
·
Beau
Chaine' SL SPAY AND NEUTER AT 161 E 4800 SOUTH HAS A $250 CAP ON ANY DENTAL
EVEN IF IT GOES OVER THAT AMOUNT...WE DO OURS HERE AT BEAUZRK ONCE EVERY YEAR
PER PERMANENT DOGS...REALLY HELPS...GB
·
Me-
they get a lot of doggy biscuits and dental chews... that is good to know...I
paid $1500 last year when I had Buddy, Coco, and Farley’s teeth clean although
Coco had 6 teeth pulled.
20
February 2017 Monday Not My President Day
I
wrote Kyle a letter this morning and after mailing it went to Costco to buy some protein drinks
because I ran out of my favorite protein shake Source of Life...so I ordered
some on line... Two weeks before surgery will have to be on an all liquid diet
and two weeks afterwards... Shrinking the old stomach... Soon I will no longer
be posting meals I fixed ... That's going to be a thing of the past... Oh well
sounds like a 1st world problem....Bought some Chinese Pork Chow Mein from
Golden Pearl takeout. I’ve eaten there for 20 years. Special supper tonight
because it's national love dog day...cooked chicken livers with Chinese rice,
carrots and peas, a little scallop potatoes, diced ham with a sprinkle of
kibbles. It was super windy today. I finished watching My Crazy Ex Girlfriend
on Netflix. I really liked it especially
the musical numbers but because it deals with compulsive behavior at times it
was hard to watch.
·
Terrie
Williams You guys are so cute., spoiling each other. They keep you going and
you just love ‘em up!
·
Richard
Harmston Ben, what's on your plate for Love Dog Day?
·
T.J.
Otaka They are so lucky to have such a caring and loving dad.
·
Dear
Kyle, I hope this letter finds you well. I am sorry you had such a bad
experience a week ago but I hope things have become better now. I put some
money in your account through Access Corrections but I don’t see it showing up
in my statements so let me know if it’s not getting to you. The Utah Prisoner
Advocate Network sent
this article from the Deseret News that I thought might be of interest to you
as you were at Daggett Jail. All Daggett
County Jail inmates moved out after "allegations of misconduct" by
employees By Ben Lockhart Published: Feb. 17, 2017 DRAPER — Officials say 80
state inmates at the Daggett County Jail were moved to the Utah State Prison in
Draper on Friday because of "allegations of misconduct by jail
employees." The Utah Department of Corrections issued a statement saying
three inmates were also immediately removed from the facility following an
inspection there on Feb. 3. "Upon
learning of the claims of inappropriate behavior involving Daggett County
employees, the UDC took immediate action to ensure the environment was safe for
the state inmates who were housed at the jail," the department said in the
statement. The Daggett County Sheriff's
Office confirmed that two employees have been placed on administrative leave.
The investigation into circumstances at the jail is being aided by the FBI,
Utah Attorney General's Office and Police Officer Standards and Training.
"A final decision on the future placement of inmates in Daggett County
will be made once the situation is resolved," the Department of
Corrections said in its statement. The Utah State Prison has sufficient space
to appropriately house the inmates who were moved Friday, as well as the three
who were moved on Feb. 3, corrections officials said. “Through close monitoring of our jail
contracts, we have confidence these allegations are isolated to one county,”
said Rollin Cook, executive director of the Department of Corrections. “We will
continue to work with the sheriff toward a resolution and appreciate his
cooperation from the beginning of this issue.” Department of Corrections
spokeswoman Maria Peterson told the Deseret News that "a small amount of
the inmates were being mistreated by jail employees," but didn't provide
more specifics. "We will have more
(information) in the next few weeks about what exactly happened," Peterson
said. "Our primary concern is putting the safety of the inmates first
until the situation can be resolved correctly.”
All inmates were removed from the jail at that time and a legislative
audit concluded that security problems
there were "systemic"significant. “The Daggett County Jail came under question
in 2007 after two inmates escaped the facility. Six days later, after the men
burglarized a cabin in the area, tied up the owner and stole his SUV, they were
arrested following gunfire exchange with police in Wyoming. I
thought I’d share some things that I have noticed in the news that you might
have missed. The Washington Post reported that a huge coal miners’ pension plan
is on the brink of failure because Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stands in
the way and is blocking a fix. This despite bipartisan support for a plan to
save the workers' retirement and healthcare.... CBS News reported it has learned that the 35-page dossier
compiled by a former British spy is gaining credibility among law
enforcement. Before he was sworn in as President, Donald Trump dismissed
the document, but sources tell CBS News that investigators continue to vet it
to see whether there is any truth to the allegations. Rachel Maddow
basically called Trump guilty of collaborating with a foreign power to
influence the outcome of the election. Musician Al Jarreau died 12 Feb at the
age of 76. That liar Jason Chaffetz is
now saying people were paid from the outside to attend his town meeting rather
than listen to his constituents. Utah House Minority Leader Rep. Brian King
ripped Rep. Jason Chaffetz for dismissing the town hall meeting as being
“fueled by paid protesters from out of state, not representative of his 3rd
District constituents.” "He's out of touch with reality.” We the People are not paid outside
agitators...that's what Donald trump did at his rallies. I wrote on my FB page
that Chaffetz paid me to wear a bandana and carry assault weapons to his town
meeting from the slush fund he skimmed off the millions investigating
Clinton... It's an alternative fact! In
an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC News' "This Week,"
Stephen Miller repeated the completely debunked claim that a
"massive" number of people voted fraudulently in the 2016 election.
He said: "George, it is a fact and you will not deny it, that there are
massive numbers of non-citizens in this country, who are registered to vote.
That is a scandal." He is a total
liar. The Imperial Wizard of the Missouri Klu Klux Klan was shot in the head.
Prime suspect is his widow... Should we lock her up or give her a medal? Maybe
she was tired of him ruining all her sheets. In the news North Korea fired a
missile test and Guests at Lying trump’s private Mar-a-Lago club posted a
series of pictures and comments on Facebook describing trump in discussing it
with Japanese Prime Minister Abe. It was like discussing top National Security
issues over dinner. Trump reviewed classified documents while guests crowded
around and waiters served at his golf club where $200,000 buys you access to
the president. The whole world now knows who has the nuclear football as guests
were delighted to reveal on Facebook that it’s “Rick”. To think we almost
elected someone who received e–mals on a private serve. Remember when people
warned against a female president because she might be irrational, vindictive,
and prone to mood swings? :LOL The Justice Department warned the White
House that national security adviser Michael Flynn could be vulnerable to
Russian blackmail according to the Washington Post right before . Flynn resigned. Flynn lied to the Vice President regarding
his communications with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Wow! Just
wow! And trump is more upset about the leaks than a violation of the Logan Act
that makes it illegal for private citizens to communicate with foreign powers
over foreign affairs. Then idiot Kellyanne Conway insisted that Flynn enjoyed
"the full confidence of the president," right before he was
fired. Always believe the opposite of
anything she says, you'll be closer to the truth if you do. So now Chaffetz,
wants to investigate the truth tellers instead of the liars? Chaffetz is a
tool. The New York Times reported that Trump’s campaign aides had repeated
contacts with Russian Intelligence. The New Yorker Magazine wrote: In the past, the nation has had
do-nothing Presidencies, and scandal-ridden Presidencies, and failed
Presidencies, but until Donald J. Trump came along there hasn’t been a truly
embarrassing Presidency. Secret
Service director Joseph P.
Clancy, announced his plans to step down giving trump the chance to select his
own security chief. The Business Insider wrote: "A dossier with unverified
claims about President Donald Trump's ties to Russia contained allegations that
Igor Sechin, the CEO of Russia's state oil company, offered former Trump ally
Carter Page and his associates the brokerage of a 19% stake in the company in
exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on Russia. The NY Times editorial board said its time
for Congress to Investigate Trump’s Ties to Russia. Lying Trump said he
inherited a mess and Stephen Colbert replied no we inherited a mess. If you believe
anything this sociopath says, it's more telling of your character than his.
Either you’re an idiot, a fascist ideologist, or you are a liar yourself. As
President Pussygrabber is attacking the media and satirists like Saturday Night
Live how different was President Johnson’s response to the Smother Brothers
comedy act. President Johnson wrote this to the Smothers Brothers....."It
is part of the price of leadership of this great and free nation to be the
target of clever satirists. You have given the gift of laughter to our people.
May we never grow so somber or self-important that we fail to appreciate the
humor in our lives." This is how a president should act... Are all
Republicans liars or just the ones who voted for trump? Conservatives who voted for trump
disgust me... James Baldwin wrote “how can one respect, let alone adopt, the
values of a people who do not, on any level whatever, live the way they say
they do, or the way they say they should?” Donald trump is the first
un-American to occupy the White House. He declared the free press to be the
enemy of the American People. He has no understanding of the Constitution nor
how government works. He still thinks he can autocratically rule America like
he did his business. He was a crook then and he's a crook now. Lying Trump gave
a speech this weekend referring to a nonexistent massacre in Sweden and he
stated that “The Media is the enemy of the American people.” The Nazi state had
a word for this “Lügenpresse” or Lying Press.
Minister of Propaganda Obergruppenführer Steve Bannon said “The media
should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen
for a while. The media here is the opposition party. They don’t understand this
country. They still do not understand why Donald Trump is the president of the
United States." The Republican Party has no integrity left nor the people
who vote for them. Locally I guess you heard that the Out Door Retailer
Convention is leaving. All the Utah Republicans anti-public lands and the Bear
Ears monument drove the largest outdoor gear show in America out of Salt Lake
City after 20 years. They left to
protest Utah Republicans’ conservation stance on protecting public lands and
Gov Herbert even wants to reduce the size of the Grand staircase. They won’t be happy until Utah is like Texas
where there is no public lands and everything is gated and closed off. I went in for my pre-op appointment for
the Bariatric Surgery which I will have on March 17th. That is going
to be a life changer for me but I am ready for it. Michael Romero will stay
with the dogs while I am in the hospital
and Bill Poore will spend the night here while I am recuperating. I will let you know more the closer it gets
to the time. I have been doing projects around the house sprucing up
downstairs. I bought bathroom rugs for the downstairs bathroom, and curtain
rods, and curtains for the windows in the bathroom and bedroom. I even
installed a ringed hand towel holder in the downstairs bathroom...I felt like
such a handyman except I was hanging curtains instead of manly stuff. There were so many cobwebs down there as no
one lived in that room since Levon left 3 years ago. I was afraid it was becoming to look like
Miss Haversham’s house in Great Expectations LOL. So many dead flies trapped in the webs… but
it’s all clean and fresh now. I
want to buy new furniture for the front room and get rid of the gypsy red couch
as it takes up too much room but alas I don’t know any younger men who could
remove it for me so there it stays. The
weather has been so spring like here that the tulips are starting to wake up
and push through the soil. I should go ahead and start doing some yard work but
it’s not quite that warm yet. I haven’t heard back from Jim yet. I invited him
to a Sunday dinner but he had other obligations but asked to be invited over
another time. I guess the Zion Curtain in restaurants will be lifted this year
but with a lot more stringent control over liquor in the state. The Republicans
rescinded a law to have both Democrats and Republicans on important state
committees…Now Herbert can appoint just Mormon Republicans… We just became more
of a totalitarian one party state. The pups are all well. February 16th
was the anniversary of Daisy’s passing. Buddy is still hanging in there.
Harleigh is a loner but Lulu Belle, Maxx, and TJ are comical and keep me
entertained. And of course there is still Coco. Take care of yourself. As I
ever was or will be Your Friend Ben
21
February 2017 Tuesday
TJ
snuggled in his quilt this windy morning... Never knew I could get so attached
to a Chihuahua but he's got personality in spades....I went to the barber
college in Midvale for a haircut, beard cut and a shave... so relaxing having a
hot towel and a straight razor shave and have a young man fuss over me for only
$8. I usually tip $5 but as he was graduating I gave him $20... students work
so hard to begin their careers. God Speed Barber Jesse.. I binged watched the
1st season of My Crazy Ex Girlfriend... So strange and wonderful with a great
musical numbers each episode...She is so compulsive that it is at times hard to
watch when it mirrors one’s own behavior LOL
·
Richard
P. Butler You softy!!!
·
Kevin
Scott A straight shave? I didn't know that you did anything straight...
·
Michael
Aaron West He must have been a looker...did you get that little massage at the
end
·
Beau
Chaine' U CHICKEN HAWK! ONLY A 20?
·
Bill
Poore I am surprised you didn't offer him free room and board until he gets a
job.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams You guys are so mean...can't a person be altruistic anymore without
questioning his pure intentions? Just because the barber moisturized my face by
massaging my neck and cheeks before using a hot towel to soften my beard before
lathering me up for a razor cut and that he was very attentive snipping the
hair around my ears, nose and eyebrows and then used a cold towel to close my
pores didn't mean a thing...just because he was 25 with a beard and handlebar
mustache with a part in his shiny black hair didn't influence me at all... This
was his last week before graduating and going to the 9th and 9th area to open
up shop.
22
February 2017 Wednesday
Coco
and TJ are snuggle buddies this morning... I love how all the pups get along so
well. Buddy sleeps almost all day on the rug beneath the kitchen table. Maxx
hangs out on the chair in the bay window so he can bark at those who dare walk
in front of the house....Lone wolf Harleigh lays on the bathroom rugs and Lulubelle
likes the lazy boy...Lulu Belle is a greedy one....she stole everybody Chewies
and guards them for herself.... TJ is telling on her. I hate going to the gym
but I did.
23
February 2017 Thursday
Nothing
like being woken by cold snowy feet in the morning jumping on your head...Good
morning Coco. I just realized I blew off a Doctors appointment that was last
Tuesday...first time I ever did that...it was just a checkup with my regular
physician....I've had so many appointments can't keep track... Good news my
hand weight Dumbbells came today...bad news I will have to start using them. It
was snowing and blowing this morning when yesterday it was 62 degrees.
24
February 2017 Friday
I
took the dumb bells out of the box this morning and will look at them for a
couple of days until I figure out what to do with them. LOL I took Rich Butler
out to lunch because yesterday was his birthday. He wanted to go to Caputo’s
and that was fine with me because Ive never eaten there just bought bread. I
had a half sandwich and salad and Rich wanted to try the Spaghetti and
meatballs. I also made a Raspberry Cream pie for his birthday that I sent home
with him. He’s going to take me to the hospital for my surgery. I made corn chowder for supper this chilly
evening. Snow is still on the ground from this morning.
·
Rich
Butler posted I went to Tony Caputo's Italian Deli in downtown Salt Lake City
today for lunch with my friend Ben Williams to celebrate my birthday. I enjoy
lunch with Ben so much I neglected to take a single picture. So I posted web
shots. Thanks Ben for a wonderful afternoon. He also gave me a homemade pie
(picture to be posted soon) I ate a slice it was xlnt!
25
February 2017 Saturday
I
made a chocolate meringue pie from scratch this morning although I used a
premade pie crust... I am
using up as much stuff in the house because in 3 weeks I won't feel like baking
or cooking anymore... My pantry looks like I am a hoarder...Certainly won't be
able to taste as I cook but will have to rely on instinct and experience... I
had Bill Poore over for lunch because he's going to take care of the dogs while
I am down for the count. Baking the chocolate pie made me think of my grandma
Williams who made pies for my grandpa's cafe in Earth... She made hers without
milk because they lasted longer without refrigeration on the counter...but I am
sure they didn't last long... Meringue rather than whipped cream because it held
up better... My aunt Beulah Danforth and Grandma made pies during the
depression... a nickel a slice...my great grandparents Danforth were chuck
wagon cooks on the Mashed O Ranch in west Texas... Cooking is in my blood. So I
Fixed lunch for Bill Poore and he came over at 12:30 and he wasn’t doing all
that well as that his eyes were hurting because of them being dry and of course
he’s not breathing well. I baked a meatloaf, made sour cream potatoes, fried some
okra, and served the corn chowder I made yesterday. Served up some Baci rolls,
and of course the homemade chocolate meringue pie. I Sent some home with Bill
and later dropped some off at Michael Romero...I am trying to use up the food
in the house. Michael had a tooth pulled
yesterday so imagine he doesn’t feel like cooking. I read to Bill Kyle’s dream
that he had written to me in a letter and had him interpret it for me. He is
really good at interpreting dreams.
·
Bill
Poore So good, of course I had to share with TJ, Lulubelle, Max and Harley. I
am happy Ben sends me home with containers. The dogs are ready for me to stay there
while Ben has surgery.....they know I am an easy mark for treats.
26
February 2017 Sunday
I
choked on bread and corn chowder that went down the windpipe and I had to spew
it out. What a mess. I was coughing phlegm the rest of the day getting the
residue out of my lungs. I thought I was a goner. In the evening before going
to bed I watched Milk again. I forgot that James Franco was in it. Sad to hear
that actor Bill Paxton died from complications from surgery. He was 61 years
old. The Oscar are tonight but could not care less.
·
Troy
Hunter Hello Edgar I saw your post about needing some help with sprinklers and
such. I would be happy to help you. I
have an extensive background with sprinklers as well as great problem
solving. I have excellent references. I hope this helps. What part of town are you
in?
·
I
plan on doing this is the spring probably mid-April or May after my surgery in
March . I will have you come over then and show what I need done and you can
give me an estimate on what you think it will cost... northwest ... west of the
Jordan River at 17th north and 17th west... by the Rose Park Golf Course and
the Soccer Fields and the Jordan Park way
·
Troy
Oh yes I know the area well. My family
owns Hunter stables and arena across from the soccer fields.
.
27
February 2017 Monday
It
snowed all night and most of the day but by the evening it was melting pretty
fast. I never left the house today except to take Coco home. Finished working
on my report for the Utah Stonewall Historical Society for Wednesday. Only took
two days. I also donated $50 each to two
dogs on a Go Fund Me site who needed surgery. Chuck Whyte sent me a message
that he's back up at LDS Hospital with dizziness, bad coughing, and lung issues
but he was sent home so guess he’s better. I called my sister Donna, who I
haven’t spoken to in 6 years since she tried calling me yesterday. She heard
that I wanted Kevin’s social security number so he could be one of my
beneficiaries. Its 561 99 2280 and his address is 34931 Date Avenue Yucaipa
92399 which is his mom’s address. We talked for a bit to catch up. She’s still
working because she would rather be at work than at home with Ken who is being
looked after by Kevin. I guess her granddaughter DeeDee is in the hospital
having her appendix removed. I got Kevin’s email address to see if he wants the
family history of the Jones Family. I
rarely go to the movies...never saw any of the pictures up for consideration
except LaLa Land which I saw with James Dabakis who slept part way through it
and I thought was a cliche mess... So did not watch the Oscars last night and
the final debacle... Trump over Hillary... Moonlight over LaLa Land... Why are
things so screwed up?
28
February 2017 Tuesday
So
this is the last day of February. Next month I will have surgery and
drastically alter the way I live. I
tried sharing the Jones Family History with my nephew Kevin Jones hoping that
he’d enjoy it and get to know me better. Instead he rejected it because it
didn’t match the delusions that he father had told him. Very discouraging but
made me realize some people choose to live in a bubble. Seth Anderson messaged
me to ask if I had time to read his manuscript yet. I sent him several pictures
for his book, of David Nelson, Dale Sorensen, Becky Moss, and myself. I also
helped him with several corrections on names.
They did not want him to use Wiki as a resource so I said he could use
the Utah Stonewall Historical Society as a reference instead of Wiki.
·
Hey
Ben. Have you had a chance to look over the draft? The publisher just emailed
me and asked if I could get it to them today. So I said probably not ha-ha
·
I
haven't seen it...where did you send it? what email address?
·
Seth
What?! Oh no! I emailed it to your regular email address. It may have gone in
the spam folder
·
I
will check benedgar51@yahoo.com
·
Seth
Yeah. That's the one I sent it to
·
it’s
not in the spam ... did you mail it on the 2oth? I will double check
·
Seth
I did I can send it again if you need me to
·
nothing
there... send it to me now and see if it shows up...
·
Seth
One sec.. Just sent it
·
finally
came... will read it now
·
Seth
Phew!! Wtf was that about? Lol
·
I
think that is all the corrections I could see... good work.
·
Seth
Thanks so much for reading it and for teaching me so much. Your resources are
invaluable
MARCH
1
March 2017 Wednesday
Well
today is the 1st of the month and Spring cannot be that far away. I
loved watching the pups play this morning on the bed... I can't imagine just
having one dog...who would they play with? Maxx was tag teaming with TJ against
Lulu Belle... That bitch is relentless and persistent... LoI. I spent much of
the day cleaning and getting ready for the Utah Stonewall Historical Society’s
lecture series. Kyle Foote didn’t call me this evening so I left for the
Marmalade Library early. I was getting nervous when no one showed up until
almost right at 7 PM. Good Old Jim and TJ were the first to show up and they
have the furthest to come. Its wonderful sharing the Gay and sexual
history of the Crossroads of the West with others who have a similar passion
for history. The information that I share is found nowhere else in Utah, not at
the U of U or in any other forum. It is the result of 30 years of research and
personal experience. The television series When We Arise takes place mainly in
San Francisco but similar events also took place here in SLC. We must not
forget our own revolution here, those who made it possible to be where we are
today, and how far we have traveled on Freedom's Road in Salt Lake City. Pay
attention to this Billionaire crony of trump... Wilbur Ross the new Secretary
of Commerce...one of his coal companies was responsible for the Sego Mine
collapse that killed 12 miners...he is also the go between trump and Russian
oligarchies... He sits on the board of Cypress bank where the Russians laundry
their money after Deutsche Bank was fined 600 million dollars for doing so.
Ross brokered a deal between a Russian billionaire and trump for property in
Florida... Trump paid $40 million for a bankrupt estate which he then sold for
$100 million... The Russian is never going to live there...he just needed a
place to stash cash... Ross is the broker between trump and the Russians and
guess who is secretary of commerce now? Pull your thumb out of your ass
Chaffetz and investigate. A reporter contacted me to meet next Monday at noon
at the Marmalade Library. Hi Ben -- I'm Rich Kane, a reporter at the Salt Lake
Tribune, and I'm planning on writing a historical piece on the Radio City
Lounge, which from what I can tell was one of the first and longest-lasting
LGBT bars in Salt Lake. I'd love to get with you sometime in the next week to
chat. Please let me know when you can. Also, I interviewed you back on World
AIDS Day 2015 for a Tribune video I made. Also, you're apparently an Orange
County native, as am I! (I moved to SLC in August 2015).
·
Chad
Anderson I adore you, Ben Edgar Ben Williams. I'm sorry I couldn't be there
last night, but I consider you an invaluable and powerful voice. Thank you for
the things you have taught me over the past few years.
·
T.J.
Otaka Thank you, Ben. I really enjoy learning about our history.
·
Doug
Murri In every single case with the people that Trump has put in charge, they
are the FOX guarding the hen house. We are in big trouble. He's doing so much
damage. And so quickly. What's most appalling, is that the majority of our
country and legislators are turning a blind eye to it all. We as a country
deserve the horrible things that will result from this. We are a stupid nation.
2
March 2017 Thursday
What
a pleasant surprise...Charles Bigo and Richard Harmston dropped by this
afternoon to visit this afternoon and brought me Cleve Jones' book When We
Rise.... Ted Cruz is defending Jeff Session. Clinton lies about a BJ under oath
and gets impeached... Sessions lies under oath which is perjury and the
Republicans dismiss it... Republicans are scum and worse... Tyranny under the
Republicans is Domestic terrorism. I think I might buy one of these mace guns...It’s
a pepper gun that is pink! Never can be too careful these days with trump
supporters running around loose. At
Trump’s address to Congress he honored the widow of a man he got killed in a
raid he was advised against. That he ordered over dinner. And couldn’t be
bothered to watch. Republicans in Congress applauded him for it.
·
Charles
Bigo The pleasure is ours! You'll enjoy this first-hand history of the start
and progress of our national movement.
3
March 2017 Friday
Went
to the gym at the Northwest Community Center and walked 1 and 1/2 mile. The met
T.J. Otaka and Jim McMullin at the Taylorsville Old spaghetti Factory at 1 pm...they
wanted to treat me to lunch before my surgery... When I told them I went to the
gym they put me to shame when they said they walk 4 to 5 miles a day lol... I
had the mizithra ala Homer spaghetti...we had a great time talking about our
rotten relatives and genealogy ha! I love being with people whom I having
conversation with isn't forced...of course at my age I rarely filter anything. I
later finally deposited my State Tax refund of $68. Tyler Ferguson my financial
guy called and we made an appointment for next Friday the 10th at 10
am to meet to go over my beneficiaries. At home I watched another episode of
When We Rise on Hulu without commercials. Jeff Sessions met with the Russian
Ambassador twice. When asked by Congress, he first lied about it under oath.
Now that we know he met with him but forgot about it, he said he doesn’t
remember what they talked about but it was most certainly not about the
campaign. If he can’t “remember” what they talked about then how does he know
it wasn’t about the campaign? I wonder when Americans will get tired of being
lied to?
4
March 2017 Saturday
I
wanted to do some yard work but
it's too windy and chilly even though it’s up in the 60’s so I cleaned out my
deck pots and planted some primroses...I also bought a board for a shelf in my
laundry room and used my buzz saw to cut it to the right length. I made a ham
and mushroom quiche which I will have for supper but now I need to put up curtains
in the laundry room... Don't fret about me using a buzz saw even though real
men don't eat quiche. I've been cooking up rice peas and carrots to go along
with the pups boiled chicken but went and bought some brown rice which I hate
but probably is better for the pups... Just been having a protein shake for
breakfast and dinner in preparation for surgery... I need to drain and clean
the hot tub on a good day next week... I can't use it for 3 weeks after surgery
so might as well turn it off...besides I need to have someone come and put my
jets back on... About six have come off and I can't get them to stay on...
Sounds like a first world problem. Started reading When We Rise after finishing
the miniseries on ABC, Just the little bit that I have read so far funny how
our lives were similar being Quakers and Gay Liberationists.... It seems so
many of my friends went to the West Coast and New York in the 1970's while I
left Southern California to take my stand in the Crossroads of the West... in
Salt Lake City. Trump tweeted that President
Obama is a bad or sick man... So much projecting to deflect from the criminals
in his own administration. He claimed that Obama had Trump Towers wiretapped
during the campaign like Watergate.
HOW TRUMP
GETS HIS NEWS: according to Andy Borowitz
1) Trump has
paranoid thought
2) Trump
shares it with Steve Bannon
3) Bannon
shares it with Breitbart
4) Breitbart
publishes it...
5) 5) Trump
reads it in Breitbart and shouts in amazement, "THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I
THOUGHT
·
Susan Passino so I
commented on a post of yours but having just watched the 2nd When We Rise (I
lived in SF from 1979, right after the killing of Moscone & Milk for over
30 years. So all of this is like watching my life.) I am wondering if you are
watching & what your thoughts are. Thanks, Ben.
·
Edgar Ben Williams I loved it but thought it was a bit ambitious
for a national audience who would not know most of the characters. All the
intertwining stories would have been confusing to young people let alone
straights. Jumping decades was kind of hard to follow too and I know my
history. I think if they concentrated on just Roma Guy and Cleve Jones it would
have been easier to follow. Reading the book I find that Cleve and I have the
same Liberationist views that Gays are a people a distinct sexual minority with
a history and culture and we should not assimilate or blend in and make what is
unique to us disappear. We are both Quakers too ha which influence our
philosophy on Gay Rights... It seems so many of my friends went to the West
Coast and New York in the 1970's while I left Southern California to take my
stand in the Crossroads of the West...
·
Susan Passino Interesting. Very interesting. Thanks! I feel like
I know you a bit better!
5
March 2017 Sunday
What
a blustery day...Kite flying weather... I went downtown to meet Jim Dabakis for
coffee at Starbucks. He wanted to discuss Kyle’s case and then we were going to
go to the movies but he was asked to speak at a rally about this Mexican
American woman who had been here since 1978 and snatched away at a Walmart...
No real criminal history so much for trumps lies for only going after drug
dealers... So we canceled the movie so he could go home and get cleaned up. When
we started talking about Kyle we were joined by Steve Holbrook who happened to
drop by. He is one of my all-time heroes along with Jim so I was in hog heaven.
They discussed KRCL and pending legislation. Steve was a legislator back in the
1970's and founder of KRCL in 1979. I always wanted to meet him and I was
thrilled when he said he knew who I was because he reads my columns. He told me
a funny story about Colonel Sanders who he met at the 1972 Democratic
Convention when he was a delegate. When Colonel Sanders was asked what he
thought about Gay People his response was "They eat chicken don't
they?" LOL.. A delightful afternoon well spent. As we were leaving I asked
so did the chair of the parole board saying anything useful and he said no. Jim
said he’s like a list of the people Kyle conned out of money and I said I would
get that for him. Before taking off gave Jim Dabakis my ham and mushroom quiche
since I knew he'd be too busy to eat decent this afternoon... Don't worry I
made another be for me this morning... Gotta use up my pie crusts. While
retiring for the night and reading “When We Rise I was eating some quiche when TJ
just came up and decided to help himself to my supper. I told him real dogs
don't eat quiche but he ignored me...The wind must be wreaking havoc with the
power lines...thrice tonight the power went off but within minutes came back
on... Hard to read when we rise with the lights going off and on better get
some candles ready. About 10:30 I noticed Snow all over my back porch and had
blown through the doggy door... Wow it was clear and 50 today just windy and
now a blizzard...
·
Another
trump promise broken… he said he was only going to use American steel in the
oil pipe line but is now going to use Russian steel.
·
Cleve
Jones wrote: The reactions to ABC's "When We Rise" are interesting.
Some have criticized Dustin Lance Black for including too many stories, others
have complained bitterly that their stories were not included. Some of those
who complain the loudest have been doing so for years, even decades. Honestly,
if just a fraction of the energy spent complaining went into WRITING, all these
stories could be known. The people who feel left out should take responsibility
to do that hard work. I know it's not easy (it took me three years to write my
little book) but if you want your truth known - TELL IT!” have been saying this
for 30 years... Write down your stories...don't wait for someone else... Keep a
journal and then donate it to the archives at the Marriott Library...
6
March 2017 Monday
What
a difference a day makes...planting flowers on Saturday...Monday morning
shoveling snow. At noon met with Rich Kane from the Tribune who is doing a
story on the old Radio City Lounge... We met at the Marmalade Library. He is an
Orange County expatriate like me so it was fun talking to someone who knew the
streets and places I knew when I "wore a younger man's clothes." In the evening I picked up Chuck Whyte and we
went to Gay Men Aloud. It was good to see so many people out tonight. Dennis
Lee put a lot of work into the presentation on Retirement which showed. Very
informative however since I have already retired...I just need to make do with
what I have...the discussion on wills and funeral planning while not something
one likes to think about I found very useful...Especially about a funeral home
called Wiscombe that is very Gay friendly. This is where I stand. Our 45th Illegitimate
President, his power hungry cronies taking positions of authority in his
Cabinet and administration, and the majority of Republicans in Congress are a
real and active threat to me, my way of life, and all the people I love. Some
people are saying that we should give Trump a chance, that we should "work
together" with him because he won the election and he is "everyone's
president." This is my response:
•I
will not forget how badly he and so many others treated former President Barack
Obama for 8 years...
•I
will not "work together" to privatize Medicare, cut Social Security
and Medicaid.
•I
will not "work together" to build a wall.
•I
will not "work together" to persecute Muslims.
•I
will not "work together" to shut out refugees from other countries.
•I
will not "work together" to lower taxes on the 1% and increase taxes
on the middle class and poor.
•I
will not "work together" to help Trump use the Presidency to line his
pockets and those of his family and cronies.
•I
will not "work together" to weaken and demolish environmental
protection.
•I
will not "work together" to sell American lands, especially National
Parks, to companies which then despoil those lands.
•I
will not "work together" to enable the killing of whole species of
animals just because they are predators, or inconvenient for a few, or because
some people want to get their thrills killing them.
•I
will not "work together" to remove civil rights from anyone.
•I
will not "work together" to alienate countries that have been our
allies for as long as I have been alive.
•I
will not "work together" to slash funding for education.
•I
will not "work together" to take basic assistance from people who are
at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder.
•I
will not "work together" to get rid of common sense regulations on
guns.
•I
will not "work together" to eliminate the minimum wage.
•I
will not "work together" to support so-called "Right To
Work" laws, or undermine, weaken or destroy Unions in any way.
•I
will not "work together" to suppress scientific research, be it on
climate change, fracking, or any other issue where a majority of scientists
agree that Trump and his supporters are wrong on the facts.
•I
will not "work together" to criminalize abortion or restrict health
care for women.
•I
will not "work together" to increase the number of nations that have
nuclear weapons.
•I
will not "work together" to put even more "big money" into
politics.
•I
will not "work together" to violate the Geneva Convention.
•I
will not "work together" to give the Ku Klux Klan, the Nazi Party and
white supremacists a seat at the table, or to normalize their hatred.
•I
will not "work together" to deny health care to people who need it.
•I
will not "work together" to deny medical coverage to people on the
basis of a "pre-existing condition."
•I
will not "work together" to increase voter suppression.
•I
will not "work together" to normalize tyranny.
I
will not “work together” to eliminate or reduce ethical oversite at any level
of government.
•I
will not "work together" with anyone who is, or admires, tyrants and
dictators.
•I
will not support anyone that thinks it’s OK to put a pipeline to transport oil
on Sacred Ground for Native Americans. And it would run under the Missouri
River, which provides drinking water for millions of people. An accident
waiting to happen.
This
is my line, and I am drawing it.
•I
WILL stand for honesty, love, respect for all living beings, and for the
beating heart that is the center of Life itself.
•I
WILL use my voice and my hands, to reach out to the uninformed, and to anyone
who will LISTEN:
That
"winning", "being great again", "rich" or even
"beautiful" is nothing... When others are sacrificed to glorify its
existence.
7
March 2017 Tuesday
I
was time traveling today. I wasn't here
... Mostly in Cambria County, Pennsylvania in the 19th Century doing Jim
McMullin’s genealogy... But I am back now because the pups needed their grub...
8
March 2017 Wednesday
My
Jungian Therapist once had me keep a dream log...I don’t so much anymore but I
woke from such a vivid dream... my ex-wife Fran came to where I was teaching
and opened a Book of Mormon to show me a passage where it said marriage was
between a man and a woman...I yelled at her that if she only came to show me
that garbage she ought not come again and I grabbed it from her hands and threw
it in a wastebasket. then the dream switch to where I was at some type of check
point in a vehicle with others and militarized police were checking out every
one’s vehicles and Identity and detaining people...then I was in a crowded
detention room with only a wraparound couch to set on...there where people of
all ages and i was telling how fun college is at a certain age unless you got
in to late or too early and had to go on a fucking mission and miss all the
fun... then all of a sudden the guards announce Make room for the Arabs and
about 20 people old frail and young dressed in traditional middle East clothing
came in and had to sit or stand on the floor but we all scooted together to
make room for the old women so they could sir. I started singing God loves the
burnt skin boy and this one emaciated boy got up and danced a jig and we all
started singing ... then I woke up with a start...What the hell was going in my
subconscious? I did stay up late and finished reading Cleve Jones When We Rise.
At 1 pm I had a nice lunch at Scaddy's with Bill Poore, Kent McKay Scadlock,
and Dennis J. Lee. We sat and visited for nearly two hours. I had a pastrami
sandwich on Rye bread. Afterwards since It was a beautiful day I came home and did
some yard work primarily moving flag stones... Got to get all the rocks moved
before next week’s surgery when I won’t be able to lift anything heavy for a
while. For some reason I forgot my phone
in the car and later saw that Kyle Foote tried to call me 4 times. I felt bad.
·
T.J.
Otaka Everyone loves you. Good Luck with your upcoming surgery!!!
·
Bill
Poore It is always great to be around Kent, and a joy to meet Dennis. I promise
I will start coming to Queens Singing Out Loud. For about the first 15 mins
until ADHD takes over
9
March 2017 Thursday
Productive
day...so Spring like when last Monday we had snow... Bill Poore took me to
breakfast at Our Place this morning after going to the America First Credit
Union and transferring $3000 into his account so he can pay off some of his
debts. Better to pay me $100 a month than 21 percent interest to a credit card.
After eating I went to Sunderland’s to buy a bulb for my burnt out lava lamb and
also bought a flat of pansies. I planted them in the planters on the veranda and
cleaned out some flower beds in the front yard...Rich Butler came over and gave
me a doggie bird house he made for me and I gave him a carton of Spumoni Ice
Cream to take home...His renter Brittany had been asking about Spumoni Ice
Cream and I had found two cartons at my Smith’s. Utah passed one of the most restricting blood
alcohol limits in the nation. Can't wait for Mormons to be getting DUI for
taking NyQuil now we have a .05 alcohol limit... NyQuil is 20 percent
alcohol...but of course the brethren will get a pass.
10
March 2017 Friday
I
had a 10 o’clock appointment with Tyler Ferguson my financial advisor up in Kaysville
to take care of my beneficiaries as well as fix my Social Security issue.
Fortunately just that morning I opened a letter from SS and didn’t think much
about it but brought along. I am glad I did because they it turned out said
that I owed them $9000 in an over payment which Tyler said I didn’t. So he told
me how to fix the problem by getting a letter from the school district and going
to the SS office on Monday. He took care of my beneficiaries but the Valic
packet I brought wasn’t the one I needed. So I stopped in Farmington at the
district payroll office after leaving Tyler’s office in Kaysville. I had to get
a letter from the district saying that I didn't work for them after collecting
social security or I would have to pay back $9000 they say they over paid me.
While waiting for the district to write the letter I went to Centerville where
I had lunch at Dairy Queen where I had a nice cod fish sandwich. Courtney Moser said I should have gone to
Granny Annie's in Kaysville for lunch where he said they have the Best biscuits
and gravy in 100 miles. In the mail was the Valic papers I needed and I
forwarded them to Tyler. Back at home I finished up my yard project but I am
going to be sore tonight... Finished moving flag stones from north side of the
hot tub to south side up and down the steps... I want to pour concrete on the
north side for easier maintenance... I only tripped once with a huge sandstone
in my hands which went crashing down with me but the impact broke my fall so
just cuts and scrapes no broken bones...the dogs were no help although they
sure had to supervise ... Thought about putting packs and sleds on them and let
them help haul rocks but TJ said don't even.... Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has not had 1 press
briefing since he took office and is making the state department press Corp fly
commercial rather than in his jet and basically told them to try and keep up...
He is running an autocratic state department and keeping the press in the dark
... Tyranny... This is how it begins
Beneficiaries
·
Friend
Michael Ray Romero 25 percent Address 426 North Hodges Lane SLC UT 84116
·
Friend
Warren Kyle Foote 20 percent SS 529 45
3820 address 1633 Fernleaf Street SLC UT 84116
·
Hearts
4 Paws Utah Nonprofit organization charity 10 percent c/o Laurie Epperson West
Valley City, UT www.hearts4paws.org
·
Nephew
James Edgar Clark 10 percent SS 566-83-8226 address 1169 W Loemann Dr, San Tan
Valley, AZ 85143.
·
Niece
Denise Elizabeth Wachs 10 percent SS 561 93 5645 address 6142 East Covina, Mesa
AZ 84205,
·
Nephew
Michael Louis Wachs 10 percent SS 546 99 8702 address 514 South East
10thStreet Newton, KS 67114
·
Nephew
Kenneth Thomas Paine Jones 10 percent SS 561 99 2144 address 30085 Olive Grove
Street Lake Elsinore CA 92530.
·
Nephew
Kevin Louis Oaks Jones 5 percent SS 561 99 2280 address 34931 Date Avenue
Yucaipa 92399
11
March 2017 Saturday
Today
is Buddy's 11th birthday...I drove up to Evanston, Wyoming to get him for a
playmate for his sister Daisy who I had adopted about 3 weeks before... She was
so smart and sweet and my older dogs Priscilla and Smokey wanted nothing to do
with her... Buddy was last of the litter and because he was a male and black in
color no one wanted him so I took him... He's one of the sweetest gentlest dogs
I ever had... Never fought back... Such a sissy boy...he's out lived Priscilla,
Smokey, Lucky, Daisy, and Farley and now is the old man with Harleigh, Maxx,
TJ, And Lulu Belle.. Got my
baking done this morning and now to make hay while the sun shines cleaning up
some of the debris Old Man Winter left behind outside in the backyard... I am
having a few friends over tomorrow to use up some food in the house that I
can't eat for 3 weeks and I know how my friends like their nuts so I made
dessert to use up my nuts...my mom’s pecan pie and a toasted almond groom
cake... Lots of grooms at my house but nary a bride. What a pain but I made out
my Last Will and Testament this morning and assigned beneficiaries to my 401k
plan. I will be 66 years old next month so it’s time to get these details
done... I don't want the state to decide where everything goes especially since
I am a single man. Irresponsible not to make some arrangement... Even looking
into Wiscombe Funeral Home to get a prepaid cremation taken care of... I want
to be like my dad and be no fuss and no muss to my relatives or anyone. Not
being morbid just keeping it real...
LAST WILL and TESTAMENT
I,
Edgar Hugh Williams Jr , also known as Ben Williams, a resident of Salt Lake
City, Salt Lake County, State of Utah, being of sound mind and memory and in
perfect heath, do make, publish, and declare this to be my last Will and
Testament, thereby revoking and declaring all other Last Will and Testaments
null and void, and or codicil to any of Last Will and Testament heretofore made
by me.
At the time of executing this will I am
a divorced single man.
Primus- I desire to be cremated at Wiscombe Memorial, LLC in Salt Lake Utah. I give
unto Michael Ray Romero, my friend, my remains and those of my beloved pets to
do as he will.
Second- I direct that as
soon as is practical after my death, the executor, named pursuant to this Will,
review all of my just debts and obligations including last illness and funeral
expenses, except for those secured long term that may be assumed by the
beneficiary or beneficiaries of such property unless such assumption is
prohibited by law or on agreement by the beneficiary or beneficiaries.
The executor is further
directed to pay any attorney fees and any other estate administration expenses.
The executor shall pay these debts only after creditors provide timely and
sufficient evidence to support its claim in accordance with applicable state
law.
I direct that any estate
inheritance and succession taxes including any interest and penalties thereon,
imposed by the federal government, or any state, district, or territory,
attributable to assets includible in my estate, passing either under or outside
this Will be apportioned among the persons interested in my estate in
accordance to with applicable state and federal law.
My executor is authorized
and directed to seek reimbursement from the beneficiaries of my estate of any
taxes paid by my executor to the extent allowed by law.
Therefore I direct that
all my debts be paid in full by my executor except for the remaining mortgage
on my home at 1633 Fernleaf Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84116.
Third- I give the persons
and or organizations named below the following specific bequests if owned by me
at the time of my death
a) I give and bequeath to
my friend Michael Ray Romero, residing at 426
North Hodges Lane Salt Lake City Utah, two thirds
[2/3] of the remaining equity in the property at said 1633 Fernleaf Street Salt
Lake City, Utah 84116 on the condition that any animal that survives me is
allowed to live out their natural lives in said residence at 1633 Fernleaf
Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. Additionally I give and bequeath to Michael Ray
Romero twenty-five percent [25%] of all my financial assets in my 401k plan and
other savings accounts.
b) I give and bequeath to
my beloved friend Warren Kyle Foote of 1633 Fernleaf Street, Salt Lake City,
one third [1/3] of the remaining equity in the property at said 1633 Fernleaf
Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84116 on the condition that any animal that survives
me is allowed to live out their natural lives in said residence at 1633
Fernleaf Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. Additionally I give and bequeath to
Warren Kyle Foote twenty percent [20%] of all my financial assets in my 401k
plan and other savings accounts.
After the demise of any
surviving animal living at said residence at 1633 Fernleaf Street, I direct
either the said Michael Ray Romero or Warren Kyle Foote to have the option of
assuming the mortgage and paying the other beneficiary his share of the equity
in the said property as a buyout.
If one beneficiary does
not survive me, this specific bequest will go entirely to the survivor. If
neither beneficiary survives me then this specific bequest I give, devise and
bequeath to Hearts 4 Paws of Utah, a nonprofit tax exempt charitable organization
located in West Valley City, Utah to be used as determined by Laura Epperson in
promoting its goals.
c) I give and bequeath to
my niece Denise Elizabeth Wachs, residing at 6142 East Covina, Mesa Arizona, all family records, genealogical material, printed and or digital
photographs on my computer, or miscellaneous personal family items. I give and bequeath specific the knickknack
shelf that belonged to her great grandmother. Additionally I give and bequeath
to Denise Elizabeth Wachs ten percent [10%] of all my financial assets in my
401k plan and other savings accounts.
d) I give and bequeath to
my beloved nephews and niece James Edgar Clark, Denise Elizabeth Wachs,
and Michael Louis Wachs any personal
items or furnishings they may want as keepsakes.
e) I give and bequeath to James Edgar Clark
residing at 1169 W Loemann
Dr,
San
Tan Valley, Arizona, ten percent [10%] of all my
financial assets in my 401k plan and other savings accounts.
f) I give and bequeath to
Michael Louis Wachs, residing at 514
South East 10th Street Newton, Kansas, ten
percent [10%] of all my financial assets in my 401k plan and other savings
accounts.
g) I give and bequeath to
my nephew Kenneth Thomas Paine Jones, residing at 30085 Olive Grove Street, Lake Elsinore
California, ten percent [10%] of all my financial
assets in my 401k plan and other savings accounts.
h) I give and bequeath to
Kevin Louis Oaks Jones, residing at 34931 Date Avenue Yucaipa, California, five percent [05%] of all my financial assets in my 401k
plan and other savings accounts.
i) I give and bequeath to Hearts 4 Paws
Utah Nonprofit organization charity ten
percent [10%] of all my financial assets in
my 401k plan and other savings accounts.
j) I give and bequeath to the Archive
Division of the Marriott Library at the University of Utah all my journals and
or diaries both manuscript, typed, and or digital. Additionally I give and
bequeath all my LGBT writings, histories, chronologies, and sundry other papers
and collections to the Marriott Library Archives.
k) Additionally I give and
bequeath to Michael Ray
Romero whatever funds may remain in my Checking and Savings Account at America
First Credit Union, to have and hold with the exception of a thousand dollars
[$1000] which I give to my dear friend Richard P. Butler whom I appoint
executor of my last Will and Testament.
I nominate Richard P. Butler of West
Valley City, Utah, to be the executor of this Will. If for any reason my first
nominee is unable or unwilling to serve or to continue to serve as executor of
this will, I nominate my dear friend, Randall [Randy] Gile, residing at 5278
West Bowstring Way, South Jordan, Utah be appointed as executor of my estate
with same provisions as for the said Richard Butler of receiving a thousand
dollars [ $1000].
Knowing that it is appointed that all
men shall die, I declare and devise that this is my Last Will and Testament
dated 11 March 2017
Edgar Hugh Williams Jr.
12
March 2017 Sunday Day Light Saving
I
had a few friends over for my Last Supper before I go under the knife so spent
much of the day mopping and cleaning the house and fixing dinner. I got up
early since the clocks were turned a head and put the pork loin that I had
marinated in apple beer in a crock pot and the corned beef in another. I also
began to thaw out 15 dinner rolls to let rise. Dinner was at 1 so I didn’t have
to do much else until 11 am. Bill Poore brought me some beautiful flowers,
Dennis J. Lee and Alan Anderson brought over wine, Charles Bigo and Richard
Harmston brought green beads and Irish paper plates to add to the
festivities... T.J. Otaka and Jim McMullen brought over treats for Buddy the
Birthday boy and Jay Vallar rounded out our little band. He said that Greg was not feeling well but in
truth I think they are going through a break up. Jay has to go back to the
Philippines for his visa at the end of March for 2 weeks. He only stayed a bit
until he left early to go home and take care of Greg. I sent a plate home for
him. There was Plenty of food, corned beef and cabbage, pork loin and Apple
sauce, buttered rolls, festive corn and carrots. I brought out vanilla ice
cream for the groom cake and pecan pie. People were teasing and asking Will I
still cook for them after my surgery…ha! I think everyone had a lively time discussing
porn stars and other topics dear to Gay men’s hearts... I know I did... About
3:30 the party began to break up and I sent home food with everyone. I think
the groom cake was a hit because there were none left. I was pretty done in
after the party and went and laid down. I sent to Jim Dabakis the names of the
people I know that Kyle Foote victimized. I had not read the research I did on
Kyle back in 2012 since then and it disturbed me to read again how there is a
dark side to Kyle one that whose desire for important made him lie and deceive.
I wonder if prison has really changed him or whether he is capable of change?
Kent Scadlock wrote me Also, why don't I take you to the hospital on Friday. I
can help you check in and get you to where you need to go. I'd feel better
about that. I responded that Rich Butler was going to take me but since you
know your way around I will ask if he doesn't mind...Kent wrote back: I'd feel
better about it. I can be there for the preop stuff and find out details like
length of time, etc. I can wait in the waiting room or go grab some lunch and
be there when you're done. I'd feel better about it and I've already arranged
my day.” “ Okay I need to be there at 2:00 so need to leave no later than
1:15... It's a bitch going across town.” So I called Rich and he was okay with
Kent taking me rather than him.
·
Charles
Bigo I loved the friendship and sumptuous meal. I look forward to a happy and
healthy (no more A1Cs necessary) Ben! We all have a deep fondness for you, Ben.
·
Richard
Harmston The food was delicious, but the company...the company was mighty fine!
·
T.J.
Otaka Thank you, Ben. We had a great time. We wish you good luck. If you need
anything, please let us know.
·
Dennis
J. Lee Thank you Ben. I had a great time and I hope you have a very successful
surgery!
·
Joel
Jay Vallar Thanks Ben. I know you'll be in good hand. But if there is anything
I could do. Just let me know. PM me whenever you need anything.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Btw T.J. Otaka Buddy says thanks for remembering his birthday with
treats for him and his pals
·
T.J.
Otaka Anytime. They are all so adorable
·
Bill
Poore Great food, great company, great time had by all. I am, however, somewhat
insulted that you think I am going to die before you......see you this week and
we can review where all the doggie things are for when I stay over. Thanks for
a nice afternoon.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams You have more mileage than me and I am not talking age😇
·
Bill
Poore What does more mileage mean?
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Hard driving
·
Greg
Allen I'm sorry I missed the occasion and thank you for some of the spoils. I'm
still suffering from a stomach virus that hit me this morning.
·
T.J.
Otaka You missed the fun. Feel better soon.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Hope you get to feeling better soon
·
Alan
Anderson Thank you for a wonderful day, Ben. Great food and awesome friends.
·
Laurie
Epperson Wish you the best and speedy recovery. , your puppies need you . Let
me know if I can help you with anything.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Got all the pups looked after so good to go thanks
·
Michael
Aaron West Good luck my dear friend... wish we could be there!
13
March 2017 Monday
I
was up when Coco came over at 6:30 and its dark once again outside. I wanted to
be down at the Social Security Office when they opened at nine to have them
correct their mistake... Because I took my last salary from the district over
12 months instead of 10, the SS claimed I received income after I started
collecting benefits and they want $9000 back.
So I guess it was worth sitting there for 30 minutes this morning to get
them to fix it. I had documentation from the district that I retired at the
first of June 2015 and I didn’t receive Social Security until July. When I left
I grabbed an Apple Fritter from Dunkin Donuts which was tasteless compared to
the Fresh Donut & Deli shop down on State Street and 27th South.
On the way back to the car I saw John Bennett who had parked behind me. We
spoke and hugged. He was on his way to Planet Fitness. Why do I feel like it’s
time to fix some breakfast when the clock says it’s time for me to start
thinking about lunch? Ugh Day Light Saving. Craig Hunter wrote Sometimes a
second breakfast is good. I replied “Do you think I am a hobbit? Craig Hunter responded
“If I was there I would join you for a second breakfast. Lol, especially the
kind that you make. The Rich Butler added “Yes, you're a Hobbit.” Kyle Daniels
came over at 2:30 which surprised me because I thought he be here about 3:30. I
asked if he wanted to hot tub which he did so we got naked and got into the 104
degree water and it immediately relaxed us. We only stayed about 15 minutes
because he wanted to take me to bed where we cuddle a bit until our passion
took over. It takes me getting use to him but once the rhythm takes over I am
all his. It’s been a long time since we made love and he definitely needed some
loving. I tell him I am his back street lover but in reality I am more of a
polygamist wife as that Alan agrees to let Kyle be with me to satisfy his
needs. In fact yesterday at supper Alan told me that Kyle would be coming over
today. So we are an odd family. Alan
knows Kyle would never leave me nor would I want Kyle for anything more than a
satisfying fuck buddy that I care about. Oh Well Vie C’est la vie mon Ami. When he was leaving I saw batting from a toy
monkey spread all over the house. I wrote on Facebook “Murder most foul at the
House of the Barking Dogs... Mr. Red Butt Monkey was found in the living room
dead with his stuffing scattered showing the carnage that led to his demise...
I have five suspects...I eliminated sweet Buddy who would not hurt a fly....
Harleigh says he's innocent and that he loved Mr. Red Butt Monkey.... That
narrows the suspects down to Tijuana ChiChi, Maxx the Magnificent, Lulu Belle
aka known as the Black Widow...” Lulu was the culprit. Love making wore me out and after taking Coco
home I retired for the evening.
·
“Trump
Care” is a disaster for seniors. It would be a massive death panel for almost
all seniors who live on a fixed income. Republicans do not respect our parents
and grandparents. They could care less if they died as a result of their
legislation.
·
This
week we learned that former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was a
Foreign Agent for Turkey. When asked if trump would have hired Flynn had he
known, Sean Spicer said “I don’t know.” Kellyanne Conway thinks Obama spied on
trump through his microwave. Attorney Jess Sessions lied to Congress about
meeting with the Russians. And trump’s former advisor Roger Stone was in
contact with the Russian DNC’s hacker. Trump’s response? “It’s amazing how rude
much of the media is to my hard working representatives. Sorry we must have
missed the Executive Order that we had to ignore traitors and respect liars:
American NewsX
14
March 2017 Tuesday
I
don't mind giving my pups their treats but do mind that they like to bury them
in my bed...just when I get comfy I roll over onto something hard only to find
a treat...this is a dental bone chew...only the 3 amigos can get up on the bed
without help so that narrows it done to TJ, Maxx, or Lulu Belle....then I look
again and there's Lulu Belle with the evidence... When I named her Lulu Belle I
wanted a southern sweet heart like Melanie but what I got is a Miss Scarlett
fiddle Dee Dee. I don't see why the GOP Heath plan is called Trumpcare when it
should be called "Trump I Don't Care". The hypocrisy of Republicans
know no bounds... These people are evil if not criminal and if you support them
I question either your sanity or your morality. Doug Balli wrote in regards to
Conway’s claim that Microwaves can be used to spy on people: So, let me make
sure I understand. tRump was hanging around the microwave in the kitchen of his
gold plated mansion in the sky. Obama assumed that would be the best place to
hear campaign information from The Donald. While tRump was reheating a leftover
piece of pizza (or hot dog, or KFC), the microwave turned into a camera, and
captured critical confidential campaign information that Obama was able to hear
and make use of. Totally makes sense to me.......
·
Chili
Gravy Enchiladas 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon
white pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 tablespoons
chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper, 2 cups beef stock, 12 corn tortillas, 3 cups cheddar cheese,
grated, half an onion diced, small can of sliced black olives, can of diced
green peppers.
15
March 2017 Wednesday
Why
do the girls think they can lay in bed and eat Bon bons or whatever...Coco 1st
thing grabs a doggie biscuit and proceeds to make crumbs. So Lulu Belle digs up
a dental bone from where she hid it in the bed and joins Coco in a morning
klatch of eating in bed... I guess they couldn't wait for me to drag myself out
to bed and hand out cheese and deli meat to everyone for morning
breakfast...Two hours in the front yard clean up...I had a mongo pine for 20
years that died over the winter. It was on my corner side so I had to saw it
done and cut the branches. It was a pretty big mongo pine. In fact I planted 3
there in 1996 and one turned into a regular pine tree and one stayed a
miniature but the one that died was in between. Then I rake out all the trash
that kids throw into my Russian Sage and raked out some of my flower beds. I
filled up two trash cans plus my can for garden rubbish... I started to hoe
some weeds and then I pooped out. It will be there for another day. My
forsythias are blooming buttery yellow and my violets are popping but none of
my tulips, daffodils, or my hyacinths. I bought a 10 lb. bag of bird feed and 3
lbs. of unsalted peanuts for my squirrels and two cases of bottled water for
when I am not allowed to lift anything heavy after my surgery Friday. • At
a news conference Thursday, Mick Mulvaney, trump’s budget chief, defended
proposed cuts to the Meals on Wheels program, which provides food aid to needy
senior citizens, by saying the program is one of many that is “just not showing
any results.” No results? Isn't keeping Seniors from going hungry enough of a
result? Just when you think Republicans couldn't get any more evil or greedy.
Can there be any doubt now that the Republican Party hates their neighbors,
wish harm on Seniors and the poor, will destroy the arts, education for the
masses, will pollute the environment and have no regard for the unborn
generations of the future...all to add more wealth and power to an avarice
minority? Who are the real terrorists?
For
Trump supporters: by Robert Reich
1.
He called Hillary Clinton a crook. You bought it. Then he paid $25 million to
settle a fraud lawsuit.
2.
He said he’d release his tax returns, eventually. You bought it. He hasn’t and
says he never will.
3.
He said he’d divest himself from his financial empire, to avoid any conflicts
of interest. You bought it. He is still heavily involved in his businesses,
manipulates the stock market on a daily basis, and has more conflicts of
interest than can even be counted.
4.
He said Clinton was in the pockets of Goldman Sachs and would do whatever they
said.
You
bought it. He then proceeded to put half a dozen Goldman Sachs executives in
positions of power in his administration.
5.
He said he’d surround himself with all the best and smartest people. You bought
it.
He
nominated theocratic loon Mike Pence for Vice President. A white supremacist
named Steve Bannon is his most trusted confidant. Dr. Ben Carson, the world’s
greatest idiot savant brain surgeon, is in charge of HUD. Russian quisling Rex
Tillerson is Secretary of State.
6.
He said he’d be his own man, beholden to no one. You bought it. He then
appointed Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, whose only “qualifications”
were the massive amounts of cash she donated to his campaign.
7.
He said he would “drain the swamp” of Washington insiders. You bought it. He
then admitted that was just a corny slogan he said to fire up the rubes during
the rallies, and that he didn’t mean it.
8.
He said he knew more about strategy and terrorism than the Generals did. You
bought it. He promptly gave the green light to a disastrous raid in Yemen- even
though all his Generals said it would be a terrible idea. This raid resulted in
the deaths of a Navy SEAL, an 8-year old American girl, and numerous civilians.
The actual target of the raid escaped, and no useful intel was gained.
9.
He said Hillary Clinton couldn’t be counted on in times of crisis. You bought
it. He didn’t even bother overseeing that raid in Yemen; and instead spent the
time hate-tweeting the New York Times and sleeping.
10.
He called CNN, the Washington Post and the New York Times “fake news” and said
they were his enemy. You bought it. He now gets all his information from
Breitbart, Gateway Pundit, and InfoWars.
11.
He called Barack Obama “the vacationer-in-Chief” and accused him of playing
more rounds of golf than Tiger Woods. He promised to never be the kind of
president who took cushy vacations on the taxpayer’s dime, not when there was
so much important work to be done. You bought it. He took his first vacation after 11 days in
office. On the taxpayer’s dime. And went golfing. And that’s just the first month.
16
March 2017 Thursday
Spent
much of the day fasting and getting things ready for tomorrow’s surgery. I am a
little apprehension because I have not had surgery since I was in 3rd
grade. At a news conference Thursday, Mick Mulvaney, trump’s budget chief,
defended proposed cuts to the Meals on Wheels program, which provides food aid
to needy senior citizens, by saying the program is one of many that is “just
not showing any results.” No
results? Isn't keeping Seniors from going hungry enough of a result? Just when
you think Republicans couldn't get any more evil or greedy. Can there be any
doubt now that the Republican Party hates their neighbors, wish harm on seniors
and the poor, wants to destroy the arts, education for the masses, will pollute
the environment and have no regard for the unborn generations of the
future...all to add more wealth and power to an avarice minority? Who are the
real terrorists? I am far more likely to die from lack of affordable health
care than I am from an attack by Islamic terrorists.
17
March 2017 Friday
Well
this was a fine howdy do... My surgery is postpone until May 22 because my A1C
was too high. I have to have it below 8 before I can have the surgery... That
was a surprise and a disappointment when I was all geared up mentally to be in
surgery today... My doctor wants me to have more time to work on getting my
sugar levels down since A1C readings are usually for 3 Months so thank you for
all your well wishes and positive thoughts anyway. I kind of feel like I have
been stood up at the altar... a big letdown... Now I have to go buy groceries
to replace everything I got rid of .... but Cest Le Vie... It was Chaos this
morning... Even Harleigh jumped up on the bed which he rarely does...I think
they know something is up with me...that or they want breakfast....I was so
hungry... I had Nothing but liquids for past 48 hours... Kent Scadlock came
over at 1 to pick me up for my 2 o’clock appointment and stayed with me the
entire time with Dr. Volckmann and his English assistant physician. I was
really kind of stunned when I learned that the surgery wasn’t going to happen
because I had psyched myself up for it and had made all these preparations and
hadn’t eaten for two days to shrink my stomach. So there it is. Kent was hungry
as well as me so we went to The Other Place for dinner about 4 pm. We both had
a House Hamburger but we only ate half. When Kent took me home, Michael was
over feeding the dogs and was very surprised to see me so I told him what had
happened. He was reading my copy of When We Rise so I told him to take it home
with him. I was so fatigued that I went to bed at about 7 pm. I hope the assholes who voted for trump
are happy that food assistance for millions of home bound Seniors is going
away.... Because according to the trump administration the benefit has no
results...
18
March 2017 Saturday
Tested
my blood for the 1st time in over a month and was shocked when it
was 297! Yikes! So I gave myself a shot took my pills, and a protein shake and
ate a light breakfast of 3 scrambled eggs, 2 strawberries, and 1 frozen waffle
buttered with ½ tsp of strawberry jam. Then at 8 I went down to the gym this
morning for an hour and walked a mile and ½ on the treadmill with average
heartrate of 111 bpm. I then had to go to
the store at 9 to replace groceries that I had gotten rid of thinking I would
be on liquids and soft foods ... I bought meats, fruit, vegetables proteins but
no carbs except in strawberries... I am ready to tackle my A1c... I noticed
that my hyacinths are blooming today. That made me happy. I started posting on Utah Stonewall
Historical Society some of the Sodomy convictions from the 19th and
early 20th Century from old newspapers before Bill Poore came over
and we went to lunch at Charlie Chow’s downtown. Bill’s hearing aids were dead
so it was a lot of loud talking…He bought lunch from the winnings he made at
Wendover this week. I had String Beans and Pork no rice. He was all packed to
stay at my place for four days but that’s not happening now. I spent the rest of the evening posting on
the USHS site. I had a salad for dinner and some jello and cool whip. Rock and
Roller Chuck Berry dead at age 90... Lots of hit songs... RIP
19
March 2017 Sunday
Thank
goodness my blood sugars are coming down.. It was 147 this morning when going
to bed last night in was over 300! I had a light breakfast of 1 buttered
English Muffin with a ½ teaspoon of Apricot Jam, two pecan nuts, 3
strawberries, a sausage patty and two scrambled eggs with coffee and sugar free
creamer. After breakfast I went to
Lowe’s to see what flowers they had and I bought two yellow roses and two
orange roses. Then I drove over to Smith’s Market Pace and bought 40 dollars’
worth of starts, hollyhocks, succulents and other colorful things. So I was gardening
this afternoon and planted 2 orange rose bushed out front and 2 yellow rose
bushes in the back to replace ones that died over the winter. I also planted the
hollyhocks out front in the herb garden after cleaning it out of dead leaves
and branches. Then I filled in my deck planters and made a succulent garden in
this beautiful Spanish bowl I had. ... I planted some English thyme and purple
sage in the planter by the door for the fragrance...My silver poplar tree is
making a mess dropping buds so I can't keep up with it... This evening I ate a
salad and a chicken pot pie and some jello for supper. Then I watched two
really different movies on Netflix. One was a Korean disaster movie called
Pandora and the other was the bio pic of Gay porn star Brent Corrigan called
King Cobra. Both were excellent. I tested my blood before going to bed. It was
in the mid 250’s. Yikes!
20
March 2017 Monday
Spring
Equinox 2017 began in the Northern Hemisphere at 4:28 AM this morning. Winter
is officially over! Today is my Mom and Dad's 71st anniversary of their
marriage. He was 21 and she was 16. He was just discharged from the Navy. The
only one of all his brothers to see combat in WWII in the Pacific Theater. When
we were little we had no idea how extraordinary our parents were. I tested my blood this morning and it was
still high 197. Since I was low on insulin I made a protein shake and then went
down to Redwood Clinic to pick up some more Novolin. I was ticked off because
there wasn’t any refills without seeing the diabetic pharmacist who gave me a
hassle for not calling in my readings. I was pissed. It’s my health. However I
did save some money. The Insurance wanted to charge me $190 for the insulin but
the pharmacy sold it to me for $50. From
there I went to Deseret Industries where I dropped off about 5 good ceramic
serving bowls that was just taking up space and I looked for a pair of shorts.
I got rid of all the ones I had that were too big for me and I only had one
left. At the gym and I did the tread mill for 35 minutes and worked up a sweat.
For lunch I had a pot roast frozen dinner and a few strawberries and I wrote
Kyle a letter to let him know about the postponing of my surgery. Other than
taking a nap not much more to report. The
New York Times reported “F.B.I. Is Investigating Trump’s Russia Ties, Comey
Confirms -The F.B.I. chief’s remarks created a treacherous political moment for
the president and placed a criminal investigation at the doorstep of the White
House.
21
March 2017 Tuesday
I
had a supper of roasted sweet potatoes, hominy, sliced cucumbers, roasted pork
loin with apple sauce and a Waldorf Green Jello salad ... Keeping the carbs
down ... Or at least trying ...Here is what we can surmise from FBI Director
Comey testimony before Congress
yesterday. President Obama did not surveil Trump and Trump knew it was a lie
when he said it but does not care. There is an active investigating against
this administration for colluding with Russia and Republicans will say anything
to protect Trump from any investigation. We must have an Independent Prosecutor
investigate these crimes against our nation and Mike Flynn was being paid by as
a foreign agent during the Trump campaign and they still made him the National
Security Advisor.
·
Bill
Poore And even more the Secretary of State is missing the Big NATO meeting with
all the leaders and he acts as the leader, he will miss this meeting to meet
with Putin instead leaving all the NATO leaders in a meeting without him...this
is big, huge embarrassment for the U...S. Trump is destroying our standings and
our relationships with our closest friends. Germany was a major embarrassment
to this country.
22
March 2018 Wednesday
Troy
Hunter came over about noon and worked getting the water main to the sprinkling
system working. We were really worried we might have to dig up the turn on
valve that connects to the water meter. The system was turned on and we saw all
this broken heads shoot up like gushers but at least we know it all works. He’s
coming back next Tuesday to fix the main broken heads so we can figure out
where the others might be. I gave him a $500 retainer. Wow Sen John McCain
called out Paul Rand saying that he’s working forPutins agenda and Rand leaves
the floor... The GOP cannot not govern when it's obviously antigovernment.
23
March 2017 Thursday
Dreary
rainy day... The flowers love it but me not so much...binge watching Golden
Girls on Hulu .... Grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. Utah County's
NuSkin Ponzi company bought and paid for Chaffetz...NuSkin wants to expand in
Russia...Chaffetz refuses to investigate Trumps ties to Russia... The GOP is a
black hole of avarice ... Mammon is their God.
24
March 2017 Friday
Worked
on my Mormon Historical Fiction most of the day. I made an appointment to see
Dr. Stoneburner for May 1st to have my A1c tested. Jay Vallar came
over this afternoon needing to talk because he and Greg had a falling out and
he need a shoulder to cry on. They are boyfriends and had been together for
about 6 months but I guess Greg wants a more open arrangement and Jay doesn’t.
I told him that no matter what happens I care for the both of them and that Jay
could stay here if he needs a place. Everyone should have a safety net. Jay is
going home to the Philippines for 2 weeks next Tuesday. He was going to cancel
his trip but I said go home and see your Mama… and have time to think and if he
still needed a place he could always live here until getting back on his feet. The
Republican attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act failed! Paul
Ryan conceded that the U.S. is “going to be living with Obamacare for the
foreseeable future” after he abruptly canceled a scheduled vote on the repeal
because he couldn’t muster the votes from the teabaggers ... He wasn’t unable to narrow the schism
between Freedom Caucus conservatives, who believe the bill kept too much of
Obamacare intact and moderates who worry they will pay an electoral price if
millions of Americans lose health insurance. The Republican Party can only say
NO even to their own bills... Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is
shining bright; the band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light, and
somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout; but there is no joy
in D.C mighty Ryan has struck out. There were 147 GOP amendments to the ACA in
2010 and yet not one Republican voted for it even though the ACA was as much a
Republican bill as was a Democrat ... Why did not one GOP vote for it? Because
Obama was president... Democrats should have never caved into the GOP and we
would have been that much closer to a one payer system... The GOP is against everything except tax
cuts for the Uber Rich. This is a lost to the Trump administration who ran on
the platform of repealing Obamacare. In other news 10 highly placed Russians
with ties to the Trump campaign have been murdered. The Russian government is
controlled by a mafia type oligarchy of thugs with Vladimir as the Godfather. I
will make you an offer Donald that you can't refuse. All these top level
Russians are mysteriously dropping dead. It is like putting a horse head in
Trump's bed... and the GOP is in collusion with Russian interest... McConnell, Chaffetz,
Nunes and many more... Michael Flynn was an agent of a foreign country when
trump appointed him to National Security, the Vice President and Jeff Session
have repeatedly lied about meeting with the Russians... The Supreme Court's
United Citizen ruling opened the gate for the Uber Rich to dominate Congress
and state governments.
·
Hi
ben, Thank you so much for what you did today. It has been a rough day and I am
glad that you are always willing to listen and not judge and really thought
about your advice. Thank you so much. For now, I will stay at Greg's place
tonight
25
March 2017 Saturday
I
settled in with Lulu Belle, Maxx, and TJ with some popcorn and BBQ Pork Rinds
and binged watched the 3rd Season of Grace and Frankie, after that Who Framed
Roger Rabbit and to finish all my Gay Gala movie binging I watched Gentlemen
Prefer Blonds in Technicolor... Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell and a cast of
scantily clad men... watch where the sword on the Spartan painting is placed
ha! Who could want more? My blood sugars are an enigma to me. Lying Trump is
now saying he never said repealing and replacing Obamacare would be easy and
would be done in right away. He has no
respect for the intelligence of the American people. Roman Senator, Cato the Elder, was most
famous for ending every oration with the words "Carthage must be
destroyed". The Despotic capital of the Rival sea power was a threat to
the Roman Republic... Hence forth I am ending all my postings with "Impeach
Trump" as that he's a threat to the American Republic... Impeach Trump. Conservatives
can only impede progress but they can never stop it...for that I am an
optimistic liberal...Conservatives fear the future ... Liberals embrace it...
Conservatives live in fear...Liberals live in hope...Conservatives look back
and liberals look forward... I am an FDR, LBJ, Carter, Clinton, Obama Democrat
liberal...
·
·
Greg
Allen Hi Ben. Thank you for meeting with Jay yesterday. He said you were
helpful and a good and wise neutral third party. I don't know if we're going to
make it long-term, but we are both so blessed to have you in our lives. Hugs!
·
Bill
Poore You left out Bobby Kennedy and he was the best of the lot....I know this
will make your little heart scream but I liked Barry Goldwater...
·
Edgar
Ben Williams You would...
·
Bill
Poore He was the first Republican Presidential Candidate to come out in support
of the LGBT.....strong supporter. He was a great man.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams He was a John Bircher
·
Bill
Poore Edgar Ben Williams He was not a John Bircher, I was but he was not.
·
Edgar
Ben Williams Only John Birchers and the KKK and Mormons supported him... he
supported Nixon over JFK... the folly of youth. I am the opposite of most
people...I was a conservative in my youth and a flaming liberal in my old
age... John Cunningham changed my political views... he was a liberal
·
Bill
Poore Edgar Ben Williams you would have become a communist for John, probably
had a sex change operation,
·
Edgar
Ben Williams And you point is?
26
March 2017 Sunday
What
a beautiful morning after a whole day of rain yesterday. Looks like it’s
shaping up to be a wonderful Spring day here in the Rockies. Yesterday. Tested
before going to bed 85 and this morning 120...how can it go up when I didn't
eat anything in my sleep? If you eat
well, get good sleep and exercise, and drink plenty of water, you’ll die
anyway. I adopted my Maxie Pad a year ago today. What a good pup he has been
and a play mate for every dog I have brought home ever since. So what a little
dog hair everywhere? Or a lot. I made
some deviled eggs to bring over to Jim and TJ. I went out to Daybreak to have Sunday dinner at 2 pm as guest of T.J.
Otaka and Jim McMullen. Courtney Moser was a guest also and we had the best
time chit chatting for 4 hours. Courtney had gone on a mission to Japan in a
former life and TJ made a delicious curry... I generally don't like Indian
Curry but found that Japanese curry is really tasty... Plenty of food and
generous hosts... Jim liked the deviled eggs...nice way to spent a Sunday
afternoon...good food with good people...
27
March 2017 Monday
Another
rainy day ... When did we become Seattle? It’s been rainy heavily like every
other day but I am grateful for it as are the plants. I am excited that a Winco
store is being built between Main and State on 21st South. I sent in
my visitation request form today to visit Kyle finally. The Senate is going to investigate Russian
Gate... although the GOP controlled house keep saying move along folks nothing
to see here...Money evidently is the source of treason not ideology... I know it's hard for Trump supporters to
admit they were conned but if they won't acknowledge it now... Either they are
morons or they are also sociopaths...there’s no in between
28
March 2017 Tuesday
Spring
like day... One minute cool the next minute warm... Rich Butler came over this morning and I gave him
some irises and some day lilies transplants... The irises were transplanted
from my folks old home in Palmdale CA some 20 years ago.. Also gave him some
Spumoni ice cream to take home for his tenant. Then Troy Hunter came over and
fixed a bunch of busted sprinkler heads...but we aren't done yet. Some of the
pipes are broken and he will come back later to fix them.. I Gave Luci Malin
some info on early Utah lesbian history for a talk she is giving at a SAGE
event tonight so didn't have much time to write...
29
March 2017 Wednesday
Mike
Romero met me at Lancers where I took Ruby Red down for a checkup. I needed
Freon put in the air conditioning and wanted to see why my dash lights flash on
at times and then goes off. So back to driving Old reliable Whitey my 20 year
old Sonoma pick up... I haven't driven it since registering it in January...
It's just sits in the garage waiting patiently for its turn to be taken out and
about... Later in the afternoon Mike took me back down and while they filled
the freon they said they couldn’t see the lights coming on… so I guess I will
just drive it until something happens. Amazing what Chinese cabbage, celery,
bean sprouts, and green onions will do to dress up Top Ramen with a dash of soy
sauce...Trying to keep my carbs down. Excited to see King Charles III this
Saturday with Jim Dabakis. I guess it’s the London winner of the Olivier
(British Tony) award for Best Play and nominated for the Tony Award for Best
Play of 2015! He said none of his friends wanted to see it but a history and
political wonk like me would... I am always depending on the kindness of
strangers. I had a lively time as a panelist at the Men Who Move event where I
was asked to speak along with Garth Chamberlain and Connell O'Donovan about the
Gay community from the 1980s and 1990s. Terry Gillman organized the event. I
gave Chuck Whyte a ride to the Sugar House Library where it was held. I had never been there before. I saw an old friend David Omer I hadn't see
in 20 years there as well as a bunch my new friends like TJ, Jim Charles B, and
Richard H. The presentation went well and I did my Ben Williams thing as John
Reeves used to call it and told the audience of about 50 Gay men of all ages
what a great unique people we are... This young man named Aaron who was I
suppose about 20 came up to me afterwards to thank me and I made him hug me
which he gladly did. Another young man came up to me and asked if I remembered
him.., He said his name was Peter and that he was one of my former student from
Orchard. I asked what was his last name and he said Moosman and I said of
course I remember you I remember all the Moosmans. He is now about 28 and works
at the Salt Lake community college... I also met Kendall Wilcox the film
director who was there. It was a great night. So it When I came home couldn't
find Harleigh anywhere...he was out in the back yard afraid to come in because
he had a dirty butt... So I carried him to the tub and got him clean as a
whistle ... What you do for those you love...
·
Chuck
Whyte wrote: Thank You very much Terry Gillman for having the History Panel
this evening at the Sugar House Library , It was so great to remember the
community activities and most of all the people , too many of our friends are
no longer physically with us, The 3 people on the panel were GREAT, Connell
O'Donovan, Garth Chamberlain , Edgar Ben Williams......Thank you so much for
TRUTHFULLY telling OUR COMMUNITY'S history of the 80s and 90s , I was
personally touched when 2 organizations that are very dear to me, were given
credit for their community involvement.....Those being The Gay and Lesbian
Community Council of Utah and The Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire (RCGSE)
Thank You again for an evening that I will; indeed cherish
30
March 2017 Thursday
I
had to go up to Farmington on this rainy morning to have my CPAP machine
checked to see if I had been using it or my insurance won’t pay for it. My
doctor said that I had only used it 63 percent of the time in March and I was
supposed to be at 70 percent. He fudged
and went back in to February and I was then at 83 percent. I also ordered a new
mask that is not so invasive as my old face mask. I am glad I mowed the yard
yesterday. I made Chop Suey for lunch and it turned out really good
surprisingly. I donated to Hearts 4 Paws and Utah Faces today. I adopted
Harleigh, Maxx, TJ, Farley, and Lulu Belle and fostered three dogs through Hearts
4 Paws. They take as many dogs as they can from shelters and find them foster
homes until they find their forever homes...Utah Faces is a charity that grooms
shelter dogs so they can be adopted easier. So when did we elect the whole God Damn
trump family to run the government? Both his daughter and son in law now have
positions in the White House. Stupid stupid people who voted for these horrible
people who know nothing about governance nor the any understanding of the
Constitution... what does a hand bag business heiress know about working
people. I hope she earned her degree in economics from Wharton in 2004 and was
not handed to her because of her father’s legacy there. Trump lied about being
top of his class when he never made the honor list and he only got in because
of the influence of his brother Freddy... Obama was a Harvard Law Professor and
trump barely graduated with a degree in finance.
31
March 2017 Friday
I am attempting to finish a historical fiction
novel I started 10 years ago when I had only finished the 1st chapter...now
that I am retired maybe I will get that one novel in me out of me... It's a
19th century period piece of the memoirs of a fictional slave of Thomas
Williams a Mormon Lawyer who turned apostate...I am up to Chapter Nine having
finished writing about the Haun's Mill Massacre.... The perspective is from a
mixed race female Mormon slave... I am only up to 1838 and want to finish it
with the death of Brigham Young in 1877... All the stories not told in Sunday
School... Spent years researching Blood Atonement ...Thinking about Grandma
Williams on what would have been her 115 birthday... She passed away when I was
27 years old and I still miss very much... I Went to lunch at Chubby’s with
Bill Poore and had a nice visit... It looks like the sun is trying to come out
after being chilly and damp most of the morning... Gilbert Baker the creator of
the Rainbow flag for GLBT rights died today... The Senate Intelligence
Committee turned down Michael Fynn’s request for immunity if he testified.
Michael Flynn was
on the pay roll of Turkey for a half million dollars while Head of NSA... He
wants immunity for testifying about what he knows about the Russian Trump
connection... I say no way...charge him with Treason and let him bargain from
the death penalty to life in prison for his cooperation
No comments:
Post a Comment