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Rainbow Estate Sales had a Huge taxidermy sale this Weeknd, in Winona. Of interest among the exotic animals was a mounted Zebra Head. And who wouldn't want that gracing the living room-everyone. For even a "chance" at nabbing the poor animal, one would need to camp out. There is also the topic of price, which the major variable of them all. Does one's "price" go out the window, if they have an opportunity right then and there to purchase it? What am I going to do with a zebra head? It's a valid question.

I passed, on all accounts of even attending the sale. After a long week at work, decided to do some self-care and stay home- or get up early to attend The Good Shepard Lutheran church sale, which was much better than expected. Win-Win. I found this to be a good adult decision.

Pride in the Twin-Cities, was wet, due to the rain storm that came in that morning. I had plans to attend, which during the rain storm, made for an Ikea and REI run (which was my main purpose in going up to the Metro. I am starting SERIOUS Hiking and Peru Prep. July 1st starts the fun game of canabis reduction/quitting, and increasing my water intake. Ideally if I can do 3 liters of water in a day, I'll be a happy camper.

Turned 49 1/2 on Sunday. Six more months to go, before gay death. I thought about throwing a bit of a party, yet scratched that idea once it just didn't seem feasible. I will not have a party for my 50th. If I can "make it work" I rather go out to PDX as been traditionally. It's a thought.

Hit up the bins for a treat. Ah the bins. My glorious bins. Found some raw crystals, which were heavy, but cool- Brazilian jade/opal, and some other green crystal. A lot of younger kids. Found joy, when one girl, pulled out some Lulu Lemon shorts, and another grabbed a t-shirt that I had thrown back into the abyss. The biggest joy, was a bin of lego's right in front of me as they rolled out the new cart. Total score. It was fun.

Strawberry Moon In Capricorn tonight. Need to do my little ritual and set out some good old water. Sleeping in the basement today. We are in a heat advisory. It's 90 in the upstairs of the house.

Coming up for air.

My community Girl Scout merit badge was achieved by helping out the new second hand art supply store, get off the ground. Did two hours, got home, dealing with a migraine equipped with the nausea and vomiting. An ice pack, tylenol/ibuprofen, eventually assisted. I'm feeling better.

The art supply store reminds me of Scrap PDX (my beloved). Started going through the donated stash and organizing into piles at least. The main organizer, is a bit of a disaster, yet it was fun work. Lord knows I love to organize. The shop is near the house that I'm interested in volunteering some time there.

Who knew that all of this running around and bullshit would finally take a toll on myself this week. Need to hit some self-care button and pray for a better week. Praying for my uncle to transition during his sleep.

The land is 20 acres purchased for 20K back in the 1990's. Accessible down a road, through a gate, a walk across a bog and down a dirt trail.

My log entry from last year was a solo excursion, in which I note the movie "Love! Valour! Compassion!" which brought a smile to my face, not to mention I wrote in the same ink this year. Chucked the book under the bench, chalked my name on the board outside. There was much need to mark who was last on the land. This weekend there was 8 total, including myself and the buddy I took up. Enjoyed seeing someone's reaction to the space for the first time. Glad hje had a good time and explored around. We did a lap around the space, before the six hour drive back.

Much discussion was held regarding purchasing land up north, be it the fairy land, or another parcel, Eureka owned, and we visited, which both are not on the market. Informational purposes only. As in me. We should have stoped somewhere along the route, if anything break up the drive and stretch the legs, get something to eat. I was a bit cranky when he dropped me off.

The governance of the Northwood Tribe of Radikal Faeries, has dissolved with loose ends such as the future of the land, starting to take note by some of the "elders." There's capitol left over which supports the taxes, and someone who continues to pay the taxes. At times of the year various people who attend the land, such as ourselves this weekend, clean up the place as best as one can. There hasn't been a big gathering in quite some time, topping out of 8 over the last few days, is something.

I'm having trouble with holding on to keeping the space sacred and as a sanctuary. There are ashes of ancestors buried out on the island, and memories stomped into the earth. There's an energy, uniqueness and some remnants of small shrines spread throughout the land. Not seen or known by the majority in attendance. They have no history, or knowledge of the place. To Them it is just a place, a destination, merely a space and a container.

Beans, left a jar of mushrooms, as an offering for others. I spit the lot with Lynx, explaining to my buddy that I found the leaving of drugs on the land was disrespectful. Just not a good idea in a space like this. Some non-parishible food, some coffee, sure, but not magic mushrooms.

Who knows the next time I'll be on the land or what the future holds, or who discovers it after I and all the others are gone.

Portland is fun.

Navigating the bus system like a champ. Explored more of the eastern side of the Willamette this go-around. Glad I ventured back over this evening, as I knew it would be "dead" yet photogenic with the neon signs all lit up. I wasn't disappointed. It's cold here.

Morning started off with a rudimentary list, which I doubt much was accomplished. Joined a walking tour group of portland sponsored by the hostel. That was worth the donation I gave the tour lady. These things are always quite entertaining. Her statement regarding the naked bike ride ("once you see 10,000 naked people on bikes, you can't unsee it"), was quite ironic as she pointed out every phallic or related point of interest on the two hour tour. Quizzed the group on the pronunciation of Oregon and Williamett River, instructed young woman not to be in the Old Town district after dark. Lagged in tieback of the 8 person pack, for a few hits off of the pipe, and to take photos. Figured signing up for even that opportunity was worth the time, but a bit long of a tour.

Discovered a little gem of a movie rental/museum I hit up after the tour ended. Movie madness. the bar of soap used for a promo for "fight club" is what brought me there, the dress from "drop dead gorgeous, is what kept me there. super fun. Had a bin of movie posters which turned out to be vintage. found "once bitten" which surprised me and will be dragged back home.

Been a long exhausting day.

Spoke to my older sister after our bi-weekly zoom meeting with the parents. Our conversation regarding travel, led to story time of stashing a pot pipe at PDX. For nine-years. She responded with the mind-blown emoji after I sent her the photographic evidence. I mean, why wouldn't you. She lives a sheltered life that one. I feel for her in some-ways, and other not so much.

Need to do the big shave tonight, which may include the facial hair. Yearly TB fit testing Bad timing on my part, as I was hoping to do something funky for the fairy camp. Think I'll take care of the head tomorrow.

Sleep has been a struggle of late. Been wearing my mouth guard, which has helped. Odd dreams, difficulty getting to sleep. One night, I dreamed of packing a girl on the go back, heading out to Canada, as "they were coming to get me." whoever they were.

Finished the bulk of the packing and cleaning up the bungalow. Bonus points will be give if I switch out the laundry and load the dishwasher. Will need to sleep on if I try to take a smaller backpack and the duffle bag. It's difficult as I'll be in Oregon four 5 days prior to heading to camp. Plus who knows with the snow in both places. Figure out winter gear and all of that. It's all about the layers.

Assisted with a friend who needed up grocery shopping at the local Trader Jo's on Saturday afternoon. Inquired as we were leaving and putting our tickets into the drawing for a gift card, for using re-use it bags, if she had ever won. She hadn't. Neither had I.

Put good juju out in the universe. They called today and informed me of my winnings. Will stop out there quick tomorrow after work. Yay me.

Spent today in bed with a headache. Thankfully that is all that it was. Sunny day in the tundra. Just seeing the sun made me happy, also seeing daylight get that much longer. It's the little joys. Headache is finally gone. Need to send out a sympathy card, go through bills and the mail, and everything else I didn't accomplish today. There is always tomorrow.

Mom asked if I was going to bid, and what one would do if they were the owner of 1/4 pairs known to exist of the Ruby Slippers worn in the movie "The Wizard of Oz." My response was no, as estimated price is 3 million dollars, and one would almost need to donate them to a museum. I suppose throwing them in a plastic bin, buried in the back yard, isn't to crazy of an idea, as that where they sat for 10 years after being stolen.

Terry and Jerry were the culprits although there were other factors that contributed to them being stolen. The two criminals thought they were made with real ruby's: selling off the stones piece by piece. With such a known and hot item, they couldn't move it.

Judy Garland's birthplace in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, is teaming up with the state to try to bring them back to the scene of the crime. Maybe if they get a big donor. The museum is full home town goodness, sits near a "Home Depot" and surprisingly enough has many props from the 1939 movie. It's cute. Timmy stated that he would provide "Oceans 11" security if they would end up in his state. I think we all know how that movie ended!

The Auction ends tomorrow on heritage auctions. I'm thinking they will go for 5 Million. Should see what time the auction is, would love to watch it live. The website has great information regarding the shoes, the sordid history, and documentation when compared to the pair in the Smithsonian.

Heading into full holiday prep in these parts. Trying to get the tree decorated with the wizard of oz ornaments, including many ruby slippers.

Was a rotting corpse all day with a headache/nausea/vomiting.

Finally took my homemade headache concoction of 2 Tylenol and 4 Advil which has made the difference. Finally got some soup/toast/apples in my system. Should probably take a shower before I go to bed. Wouldn't hurt.

At the 11th hour, hit up the 9:00 p.m. viewing of Wicked last night, 3D version. Mainly to do something and get out of the house. Dropped an edible during the previews. Details behind the cut.

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I'll go on a date with (most) anyone.

Tonight it was a 24 year old, who promted the coffee meet up. Can't say I was super enthralled. Quickly realized that this wouldn't be a good match as we were on two different planets sitting less than 3 feet apart.

The painted fingernails and manicure just didn't add anything to a work orientated conversation that I just was not having. Girl, I worked all day, off the clock, let's talk about anything but that. Mmmkrrrr?

Gave myself a big gold star for saying "no" when he inquired about getting together for a smoke shesh. Thought about it hard, even to the point of stating that I had to run to the grocery store before any type of get-together would occur. I was happy to host. Yet I kept on coming around that I did not want to. It was 7 p.m., I have not been home, and I signed up to bring bars to the pot luck tomorrow and I needed to get to the store. Hell No.

Anything regarding my bachelor hood is a complete insult at 47 barely holding. I'm not convinced that I am always the problem. I'm on the active hunt to find some companionship. I've managed to hack down my friend list to a very small circle, trying to find other avenues to meet people. I might just need to focus on getting out more. Mr. Prince Charming, come out come out where-ever you are.

Weekend getaway that couldn't of came at a better time. Visiting a friend a few hours drive from the tundra. As it would be, leaving work much later than expected, my attempt at maximizing sunlight, failed as darkness came too quickly. As I've aged, driving at night is less appealing, mixed with unknown back country roads in the drift less, isn't ideal. Reminded me very fondly of driving to the Texas Radical Gathering in 23, where sense of direction, missed roads, and lack of mobile service, just added to the adventure. Nothing quite beats, finding a fire number, turning into a gravel road, hoping that this is the right address along with life/shelter at the end.

Gloomy over-cast day, enjoying watching the birds hitting up the feeder and leaves blowing around.

Solanum checked in.

I had forgot that he had gone to the fairy festival in Oregon recently. In true fashion I asked if he had gotten laid to which he replied he had. It doesn't bother me, and the fact that it doesn't bothers me. He had a lovely time. Its been a hot minute since I have graced the woods in the Pacific North West.

Cody checked in as well. Trying to figure our next meet up. This week socially is going to be quite heavy as some point I'll seal the deal on the porn and will need to pick it up. Been in email correspondence and hoping that continues this evening before I call it a night.

The mice are back. One of the joys of owning an old house. Some Baptist ministers visited the other day. I over heard them describing my abode as such as they claimed the front porch. It brought me joy. Depending on when my demise happens, the estate sale will be quite epic. Bro and I had fun planning my funeral on the hike, to the point of having a website, red carpet (because Tentpole from L.A. would be comming), and a private guest list of 250. Mentioned about the glittering. He plans on spray paining the rainbow flag on my site for pride. He's a good guy. I promise I'm not planning on going anywhere. The mice are getting baited tonight. Days are numbered. Makes me miss Mr. Phat Borris esq the First. I think he was a good mouser.

Roy Blakey passed on Saturday. He was a professional photographer and figure skater. He was the subject of a Minnesota Documentarian, his niece Keri Picket's film "the Fabulous Ice Age.". At 94 he got dementia. Keri has been documenting the last year of his life on the insta with retrospective of his work. The goal would be a documentary on his life, which seems to have been fascinating. Speaking of death and such.

Was a good girl, managing to keep my phone off through the trip, until I felt it was time. The time being yesterday afternoon sitting in the "Shaloam" thrift store. Got there in time before they closed. Pretty cheap and large place to walk around in, connect back to the grid.

Bro-Hike 24 has been completed. It was alright. I would of preferred a bit more camping and hiking, although we did a good 8 miles per day. Spent 2 nights in a hotel, doing day hikes to complete the more urban part of the trail. It worked out. Keep needing to remind myself that Bro had back problems, therefore the smaller mile days and relaxed trip was for his benefit.

The southern Terminus proves difficult with lack of overnight parking and camping options. Need to do some studying on the map regards to distances now that I have a visual resource of locations.

Stopped in Minneapolis for an impromptu dinner with Cody. At this part of the day I was hungry, tired, and somewhat devious that who knows if I made any sense in our conversation. That relationship is starting out well and there are some good things in regards to Cody.

Got home and discovered at 3;43 a.m. Monday Morning some female looking figure, stole one of the coolers and my cool fly-ashtray off of my porch. Reported that to the local police. Caught on my camera to boot. The value if any was in the ashtray. Both of the coolers have been sitting on the porch for years along with the ashtray at some point. In the 20 years, this is the 3 time I had something stolen. Just bums me out. With some of the fence business, I really just want to be left alone and not have people on my property...am I becoming that old man on the block?!?!

I have been a total sloth of epic proportions. Didn't sleep well again last night. It was after 1:00 a.m. before I got to sleep. Have been up and down most of the day. Need to do some self care and grooming, along with a grocery list.

Looking on the positive of the whole experience and the little adventures we had on the trail. The first night we got there, I threw in a left over donut I had along with some snacks from the car. We had eaten earlier before starting, therefore I didn't need a frozen dried meal, like the other 6 hikers at the site. When one of them saw it, her eyes got big and everyone saw what was going down. Like a steak in a lions cage. Super fun and brings a smile to my face.

The meme's on X are quite funny.

Also the commentary and suggestion that Timmy is going to expose the greater country into Minnesotan customs and traditions makes me he's bringing the cult nationally. One would think that he is going to convert the national hot dog into the Leutivisk, or hot dish. You Betcha.

Not a fan of Timmy.

In one of his press conferences regarding the rioting in Minneapolis, he stated that it was out of state thugs and Antifa who were the cause, clearly not local Minnesotians. The majority arrested the night before were from Minnesota. People were pissed to the point of rioting.

Omar from CNN was arrested live on camera, and Timmy took responsibility. Good for him. Once a person from the press gets arrested live, it is game over.

Recently Minnesota, had an 18 billion dollar surplus, which he was able to spend every cent in about 4 days. Nothing back to the tax-payer in rebate.

He did legalize weed which was one of his campaign promises, yet that got all fumbled, as over a year into legalization, there are still no dispensaries (not on tribal lands), and good luck trying to buy flower, as that is just not a thing.

It's frustrating there isn't other choices come to November. Biden wasn't a solid choice based on physical ability alone, yet having a Female POC in office, could be a positive aspect of this whole thing. It's time to try something new.

Not sure what the deal with trying to back out, since DJ and I made plans weeks ago to deal with the fence. Storms this spring blew a section down, and another needed some attention about 5 years ago. We tore down the fence, hauled it away, made 2 trips to Menards, and put it two posts with cement before calling it a day.

During all of the tear down, a chicken got loose while the neighbors were gone. Said chicken got under the porch, and with some coaxing, chicken came out, I was able to catch her and throw her back into the yard.

The fence is going back up. The neighbors are not a big fan, due to it butting up against their driveway, with snow removal. It's going back up. It fits in with the front, and I want my space. Having some issues of the neighbors respecting my space. Good fences make good neighbors.

Ran some errors and picked up pants at Old Navy for work. Sure, they are the same color as ones I currently own, yet will add to the rotation. Picked up some white shirts. Did some cleaning in the closet and about 3 loads of laundry.

High school braces dude at the McDonald's drive through, stared at me, and stated "My glasses are better!" It was out of no-where and made me laugh. Kid won today.

Went down a K-hole of thoughts last night, forgetting about the viewing of the Cult film "Pink Flamingo's."

I have had never seen it.

When I realized it, I had 15 minutes before show time to book it to the theatre. Thankfully I live close. I want to support the local art theatre, being under new owners has made it so much better.

There were a total of five single guys spread around the small venue. This just added to the absurdity and bizarreness of the film. Specially with the mostly frontal male nudity and sex scenes, which I was not at all prepared for. The well-known eating dog feces scene, was benign compared to these.

Didn't realize the 1970's film is a corner stone of queer theory along with the influence of the film to the community at large.

Glad I went.

Heading to the great state of Iowa tomorrow for the taping of the Antiques Roadshow.

At some-point today, I need to put "Ingrid" in the back of Betty, my HRV, to be sure she will be able to travel. If not, it is plan B, which I don't have. Actually I have nothing prepared for tomorrow. Not even sure of what time I want to leave in the morning, as I have an open-ended timed ticket. Never did find someone to go with. It's near Des Moines, yet I am not sure. Should probably decide on all that, at some point today, and NOT swing by the seat of my pants in the morning. Looking at it as a big adventure.

Decided against the estate sale in Winona. There was a bunch of mission furniture that looked interesting enough. Transport, and space issues in the house were the main deterrents. Plus the dealers in Winona are pretty hungry. I'm sure they scooped up most of the "good stuff" yesterday within the first hour. Thought about heading there this morning for the left-overs, yet my motivation hasn't been strong.

Mattress may stop by, which means I'll get laid. I can mark that off the list of problem solving why I am tired and lack of motivation. I don't think it is depression, yet I could possibly be in a bit of denial on that.

Trying to count the small victories. Such as making my bed, Or accomplishing a project. I think there is a purge coming on....and what any normal person would do, would be to scour local sales!!!?! This weekend was the Mega Pet Shelter Rummage as also 3 other estate sales in the area. Atlas, DJ wanted to come over on Saturday morning, along with a migraine headache that kept me in bed most of the day. The photos at all were not that "great."

Sunday Morning I figured I owed my duty, heading out for left-overs at 3/4 sales. One of the sales was in Winona. That 45 minute drive was not going to happen.

The estate sales were o.k. Nothing major, with both having a lot left over for 1/2 price day. Both companies run high with prices as a rule, therefore not missing out much from first day sales.

The real score is what I need is another dam lamp. That being said, something for the living room after a previous vintage lamp went on the blitz, could work. A nice floor lamp. I paid 2 dollars for it. It's heavy, nice vintage glass shade, modern plug and it lights up real nice.

It looks funeral to me. I get casket. Straight out of the funeral home. A co-worker didn't buy into my antic's, yet it screams funeral home......

Photos

https://www.flickr.com/photos/70521233@N00/53767018477/in/dateposted-friend/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/70521233@N00/53767929871/in/dateposted-friend/

Just got home from the weekend in NYC.

Solanum (mark) was on my case to meet up again, since it had been a period since we had seen each other. I had originally set aside this weekend for a mother/son adventure, yet scratched that, due to the nagging of Solanum, and that my mother was on my list.

I'm so amazing happy that I went. It was such a good weekend.

Solanum made a very valid point, that if we keep on pushing it off, it wouldn't happen, and that you need to manifest those moments. After the drama regarding last year's visit in October, I was a bit put off. I booked tickets about 2 weeks ago, after I got back from Maui, thinking that I would take a chance, and see if this meeting would be less drama. Once he said that, I was so glad that I went out.

I didn't inform many people, including my parents, that I was going. Also on that list was my gay cousin and his husband who live in North Manhattan. As someone said: "you were there for a short time, and your time is yours." Fair.

While Solanum went swimming on Saturday, I was left to my own accord. Knowing this ahead of time, I constructed a detailed walking tour of lower Manhattan, of things I wanted to see and take a picture of. There was much research with maps and google prior to arriving in New York. I wanted to plan my time wisely and see what I wanted to see. Solanum helped me tweak it slightly, as to the approach. My navigation skills were very skewed in the city. I got lost the first day.

Highlights of the walking tour: Ghostbuster's Fire-House, the Keith Haring mural in the bathroom of The Center , the Limelight (former club kid bar), and the location of the 1 season of the Real World Loft. My brother completely shocked me, when he identified the location. The doorway was the money shot, as it is in almost every episode.

Another locale, was tracking down where the 1988 movie "Torch Song Trilogy" was filmed. My preliminary research, resulted in just the apartment/park area towards the end of the film.
Would of been VERY beneficial to have watched the film, PRIOR to visiting the location. Would of gotten better angles and details. Still cool. One of my top 3 films.

We Went to "Scuffs" on Broadway. It is a new, 2024 Tony Nominated, musical regarding the suffrage movement. So many shades of inclusiveness in the Queer, female, biopic, and ability community and so many shades of awesomeness. We were in the 10th row from the stage, it was awesome night. Finished off with NYC pizza.

Such a wonderful weekend.

Left Maui 9:00 p.m local Monday evening. Ten minutes later, due to the pilot forgetting his ID in a hotel in Seattle?! Played leap frog across the Western part of the United States, with quick connecting flights: Off one plane, bathroom, drink break, and jump right back on the other. Flying out of RST was a smart move along with Comfort+. The final flight I had a row to myself. I walked my hands up through the last airport as if I had just finished a long race. I started to hit the wall.

I've talked to very few people in the last 10 days, I was all in purpose out on an Island: full of adventure, a lot of solitude, and unique experiences, lots of stories, lots of pictures.

The flight out was extremely long with a 5 hour lay over in LAX. Made the return trip a breeze. LAX has incidentally an outdoor smoking area/patio that is quite large, and easy to get through from my terminal. Was able to at least get outside without security business for a bit, which helped.

Drove around the entire island, which I hadn't done before. Also hit up the national park and the road to hana, that I hadn't taken before. The West side was a one lane road up into the mountains and all over the place. That was cray. coco banana's. The day I went to Hana, it was rainy and over-cast, but not to touristy which was perfect. It's kind of a tourist trap in a way, unless one knows all the super secrete spots to see the waterfalls, ect. I did have a VERY unique experience at the Charles LIndburg Grave site area, which I was not expecting.

Want to at least sort through the photos briefly tonight. I figure I took about 3000, along with my digital camera.

Spent the weekend around the house.

Caught the live-feed of William Fitzsimmons in Boston, I believe. It was worth the $10 dollars. Kept track of the playlist. His concert was much shorter than the one I saw in person.He talked a lot. He didn't play as much "older", although he did take a few requests, both he played in St. Paul. Chillin to his re-release of "Diveratives" which is much electronic. Super Fun.

Eat the Frog first thing in the morning, is the theme of the day. Do the most difficulty, or dreading task first, and then it is done. Thankfully I was able to accomplish that once I got into the office. I do enjoy being able to saunter in, in the mornings. There isn't a specific start time. The flip side of course, is there isn't an "end" time either.

I put out a rubber Godzilla doll on the porch, outside of the door, during the last snowmeggedon. These events occur often in the frozen tundra. During a blizzard, I track the snow, by putting out Godzilla and see how much he gets buried. Some people use a ruler, I use Godzilla.

The snow has melted. I haven't moved Godzilla from his post. Thought of it this morning when I left for work. When I got home, he was in the planter box. I noticed right away he wasn't gaurding the back door.

The back door camera is, honestly, of course, on a bit of a fritz. The only entrance to the backyard is via the garage, which didn't catch anything. I just hope no one is messing with me. I don't do April fools.

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Kevin

June 2026

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The Thirteen Tales

Stories from life

Recent Entries

Zebra's, pride, the bins, and my 49 1/2 birthday

Duh! All this running around and wedding nonsense.

Memorial Day Weekend

(no subject)

Things that begin with S

Another Midnight Gone

Ruby Slippers

Sunday/Wicket Review

MEN

Arrival part deux

Sunday Night

Back on Grid

Timmy for the WiN

Chicken on the loose and the winner of the day

Pink Flamingo's

Tomorrows the big day

Rummage Score (?)

The NYC

Travel Notes

William Fitzsimmons, Frogs, and Godzilla