All posts by JHayden

Bears, Food, Languages, Photos, Video

Phoenix Phurfest 2010

Some of us did the Dining for Life at Alexi’s Grill in downtown Phoenix Thursday night.

I got a nice tan at the pool parties at the hotel, saw a lot of old friends and made some new ones.  I got to speak a little Italian, Spanish and ASL (something I’m definitely an extreme amateur in).  I really like the dry heat and climate of Phoenix, not to mention the wonderful topography that is visible from almost every horizon.

The luau they we had was amazing with authentic dancers and a fire/sword tosser.  The music gave me chills and the dancers were stunning.  Unfortunately it started to get dark toward the end of the video, but I’m so glad I got the video footage that I got.  The (authentic?) and exotic buffet was awesome and I got to wear my barely ever-used Hawaiian shirt.

Also see my blog on going to Sedona with my niece to see my uncle.

Pets, Photos

Montague Gilligan Hayden’s new Doggie Door!

My friend Ed worked diligently in getting this installed for me. It’s the smallest doggie door they have available on the market (it’s more for cats, but there was a picture of a Yorkie on it, so we knew it would be appropriate for him). He’s already gotten used to going in and out by jumping up several inches. Ed had the brilliant idea to call it the “Montague Expressway” after a highway that connects both sides of the Bay Area near San Jose, so you can see the sign that we posted for Monte’s benefit.

Politics

Running for the Border

I hope I have enough documentation to cross the border into the Draconian state of Arizona for the first time in my life next week.

As a 15/16ths Caucasian-American, if I get arrested for looking too ethnic in AZ, can I pay my fine in Sue Lowden chickens, or do I go right to directly to jail without passing go?

Family

Guest rooms galore at Hotel Hayden

Not only do we have a semi-private living room area with a pull out queen size bed, but now we have a bona fide fourth bedroom for guests with a bed set up in the basement where the landlord’s son used to stay.  It’s actually quite cozy, and I’m so glad that we have so much space to accommodate people if they want to visit us.

I’ll be videotaping a video tour of the new place soon.

Bears, Photos

Had lunch with my old friend Paolo De Nardo from Italy…

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His friend, Phil, is a chef here in SF, and he recommended this cool place near my job which I never heard of.  Former SF Mayor and state congressman and speaker of the California House Willie Brown was among the patrons at the time (we saw him walk out).  Paolo took this picture of me.

Technology

I’m already tired about hearing about the Ipad!

I’m already tired about hearing about the Ipad!  I’m glad there’s a new gadget out there that everyone has to have and it does make sense when I’ve seen the GPS-enabled device to have something better than a phone to look at to stream video and music, but it just isn’t that revolutionary in my mind.