Had a lot of laughs and some really cathartic tears with Montie and Norma as we discussed our departed mutual friend, Tony Perri. It was tough having to tell them how and why he died so young, but I’m glad I got to tell them what happened first-hand, and we could share the love we had for him, even though he often drove us all crazy. This was one of the things I was very grateful to be able to do while I was in Chicago this trip.
While I was in Chicago for a conference for several days, Shea took care of the dogs and did some tabling at the Farmer’s Market. He also attended a VGN and made a keto-friendly cheesecake and got some pool time in with some friends, as well as going to karaoke.
It was wonderful to spend time with friends Leo and Keith, who moved to Chicago several years ago. It was nice to meet their friend Jonathan, who himself is also from the Bay Area. He was kind to guide me to some Barbrabilia and other things that facilitated my trip at the queer-health-owned thrift store that he works at. For example, he helped me find a man purse for my long walks around town, another sailboat shirt, another tie for my summit, and most importantly a pair of tennis shoes that helped me deal with my very sore feet from overdoing the tourist spots the day before. We had dinner at a vegan restaurant and then went to a Boba Tea Lounge in Boystown.
Carlene, Dean and Wendy invited us to have an al fresco dinner with them on a lovely summer night with live jazz music.
Bear-b-q at our friends’ campground after a long day of sun and fun floating down Russian River! Next year we might have the dogs come with us since lots of other people had their dogs in kayaks as I’ve done in Vallejo’s Lake Chabot (there’s another Lake Chabot in Castro Valley where I also used to live). Bonnie and Snoopy were very popular and well-behaved at the BBQ, getting lots of love and snacks off the grill.
We started off floating down the Russian River yesterday with the annual Root Bear Float in two inner tubes that I’ve had for a couple of years. However, shortly into it, Shea’s burst, and like clockwork, mine busted about 15 minutes later. Fortunately, we could depend on the kindness of strangers and tagged a ride on the “Proud Mary” float with Aaron, Billy, Javi, and Christopher, so the day was saved, as we had many more hours left in the ride.
Pictures from Rot’s 60th birthday! It was a Whodunnit Murder Game, which was well-planned. I did not get the costume memo, unfortunately, but it was a lot of fun!
Polaroid photo included!
Pictures taken by others:
Lunch with my amazing friend Dr. Bonnie Hamilton yesterday at Provisions. She got an Ube Maca drink that matched her scrubs!
My friend and neighbor, Satish (Sam) Chohan, published a book called “Trojan Horse – Democracy Hijacked.” We got our copy at his book signing at the local JFK Library here in Vallejo. He’s on the Board of Glen Cove Community Association with me. I’m so proud to know him and volunteer with him as he and his lovely physician wife always have great ideas for our community!
You can buy his book on Amazon here!
Without knowing Ron brought his two dogs and we brought our two dogs and our two foster dogs, for a total of six dogs at dog-friendly restaurant Provisions in Vallejo. The owner, Nicole, came out and said hi to all of us. Shea had a keto lunch.
