Inside the Golden Gates ... I Like the View From Here!

[mrdreamjeans]

Despite very little sleep, I am so very much enjoying the time here in San Francisco. I've had trouble adjusting to the time zone and the employment challenges at home haven't been easy to shrug off unless I've been active. So, I've been active, blessedly active. Casey and I arrived a couple of hours later than expected on Thursday night. Our friend Stan picked us up at SFO and took us into the city where we had a late Mediterranean dinner in the Castro. Once we got back to Stan's house in the Haight, I made a few promised calls and we visited till the wee hours.

My plans have continually evolved from what was expected, but in completely wonderful ways. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I like to plan and organize details of a trip; but in this case, the script has been thrown away in favor of improv:) On Friday, plans changed and Stan, Casey and I had lunch on Clement Street at a little hole in the wall Chinese place, then Stan drove us through Golden Gate Park where I got to indulge my passion for taking photos. We drove along the water for miles; windows were rolled down, as Casey and I thoroughly enjoyed the chilly wind. In general, the cool nature of the Summer in SF has rejuvenated us. (Love those temps in the 50s at night!:)

Coming back into the city, I made a spontaneous decision to be dropped off at The Edge. I knew it was about 4pm, the time notdefined told me he would be there and I decided it was time for us to finally meet in person. I walked in, with a bit of trepidation as I haven't been inside a bar in close to a year; there was Tom, sitting in a corner with a big smile on his face. (Folks will be surprised that he is taller than his 1x1 icons! *grin*) A few minutes later, Morgan mh58 arrived, then a new acquaintance, scotsailor, another egbubba then more of Tom and Morgan's friends. Suddenly, I was surrounded by handsome men and all was right with the world:)

After a taking a few photos and visiting with Tom, Morgan and their friends, I briefly met squalidbear, (Oh those sexy British accents! Made me think of theoctothorpe who Tom and I adore:) Following the hour at The Edge, I made a trip to "A Different Light", where I purchased a couple of books and was completely disarmed and charmed by the young bear, Jason, who works there. Later that evening, my ex David came into town on Bart and Stan, Casey, David and I had a terrific dinner at "Catch", "catching" up with each other. (A dining highlight was the butternut squash soup with a pumpkin oil drizzle and a fresh scallop in the center.) Again, it was late to bed.

I woke up yesterday at 5am, unable to get back to sleep, my mind racing with all of the things I don't like about my life in Texas. Fortunately, I had breakfast planned with low_fat_muffin and his friend John from Seattle. We met at The Grind Cafe in the Lower Haight, about a 20 minute walk from Stan's home. It was great to see Bob and to witness first-hand the results of his Weight-Watchers and work out regimen and to meet John. Bob and I caught up on a lot of the challenges we've faced in the last year and gave each other lots of solid unsolicited advice:) Despite all, I have to say that life in San Francisco suits Bob and it made me happy to see him.

Another 20-minute walk later, the three of us met notdefined at BearBucks. We had a fun 40 minutes before heading to Tom's voice lesson in Bernal Heights. Tom's commitment to being the best singer he can be is impressive. He's much harder on himself than he needs to be, because he has the voice. He will achieve his goals because he has the dedication to grow as a singer. Dale, his voice teacher, and I have several mutual acquaintances centered around "The Phantom of the Opera". As to teaching, the guy knows his stuff.

I spent the afternoon with Tom and Morgan ... Tom treating us to lunch at Harvey's, then a brief visit with their highly desirable friend Istvan (spelling?) and his two Hungarian Vizla's. The dogs were the center of attention:) Soon after, we left The Castro. Tom and Morgan took me by Grace Cathedral where they go to church and then drove me back to Stan's. They met my traveling companion Casey who was awaking from a nap and we visited for a delightful hour. (I love introducing friends to friends:) Tom and Morgan - I am so appreciative to have the opportunity to know you, to have met you in person and look forward to more breaking of bread and good times.

In a day chock full of highlights, the capper was having dinner with sflonestar and his partner Gregg at Gregg's home. Gregg's unit sits on the side of a steep hill with balcony vistas of the city. They put together a yummy feast and the conversation flowed easily. The five of us (Casey and Stan were with me) all love theater, politics, travel ... All of us are in our 50's since Jim hit the big 50 this week. (Happy Birthday, again Jim!) We have a lot of life experience and shared many stories. We have strong opinions ...

Five people joined together who really liked each other a lot and it made for a warm and wonderful evening! I couldn't stop smiling as I looked around me at the faces of people which mean so much to me. (Thanks Gregg and Jim so very much!) The party ended at midnight; we arrived back at Stan's and I went to sleep within minutes, exhausted but happy. The affection and care of my friends had wrestled the early morning demons and pinned them in victory. I slept like a baby.

Comments

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

Glad you are having such a great time.
HUGS

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, my friend! We're at the Russian River. The resort has nice accomodations, but the innkeeper leaves a lot to be desired. He's an architect who bought the property out of bankruptcy and trying to fix it up and flip it. So, the rooms look lovely, but little things like being available to check in people, (he was online by the pool and ignoring what was going on around him) ...didn't know we had booked online for two nights, because he hadn't checked his email, the pool hasn't been cleaned, etc .. aren't being done. It isn't ruining our stay, but Casey is trying to make this retreat memorable. Luckily, the company is memorable:) I'll have more to report to you ... Over and out ... Your correspondent, Neil

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

Wow! I'm exhausted merely by reading of your exploits! I'm so happy for you, and excited that you've been able to see so many wonderful folk.

So when will you start posting pictures?

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'll be able to post some photos today, I think. It has been hectic. There are still a couple of good friends who I haven't been in touch with and I'm not leaving SF without seeing them. Each day haas evolved into something special, completely busy. Today is about relaxing. Tom and I remembering you fondly:)

HUGS!

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

Feel free to fondle me anytime ;-)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I appreciate the permission to do so ... Let's just say that Tom and I smile every time we mention your name:)

[mh58.livejournal.com]

It was a pleasure meeting you and Casey. Having read your journal for some time and experiencing your journey I felt like we already knew each other (OK, so I don't post like Tommy). You did spell Istvan's scotsailor name correctly.

As I'm reading this I tell Tom that we have met Gregg before when low_fat_muffin was in town and they cooked a Christmas dinner for a gathering at Bert bearhound and Steve's rampagebear place. He gave me with that 'are you sure' look. Gotta love that man of mine!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Saturday was some kind of wonderful ... I got to spend time with both of you and then the dinner with Gregg and Jim was splendid. I seldom get to experience these kinds of events ... First Minneapolis earlier last month where gotmoof and perkk provided lovely hospitality and now here in the Bay Area. I am blessed!

Yesterday, was a hoot and a holler! I'll be posting about it soon:)

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Neil, what can I say. You are as wonderful a person as I imagined you would be. I think you are far too kind about my voice, but dead on as far as the determination goes. In my mind, it makes no matter if I have a great voice, but rather that I can be a supporting part of a whole that produces wonderful music. I am good at choral singing and making music is one of those things that makes getting up in the morning worth it all. I tell people over and over, it is not about me, but about the music. It is something I believe to the very core of my being. The purpose of my lessons is to do honor to the composer and make his or her emotions live for the people who receive the product of our labor. When I meet someone who is gushing from our performance, I am so humbled because I know that through our combined efforts, we have brought the desires of the composer to the hearts and souls of the public. What else could possibly top that? Of course, standing and singing in front of Dale every week is a bit of an encouragement. :) He is truly remarkable. Take a glance at his website. http://www.daletracy.com When I think of the friends I have made, such as yourself, and the opportunities that have presented themselves to me, my head spins with amazement. I am blessed beyond my ability to describe. Thank you for visiting our little town by the bay and especially for introducing me to Casey. What a wonderful lady, I look forward to and opportunity for Morgan and I to visit y'all in Texas. Have a fabulous week and I hope that we get to see you before you head back. Big, BIG hugs!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

"The purpose of my lessons is to do honor to the composer and make his or her emotions live for the people who receive the product of our labor." That's exactly the goal to which every singer should aspire! Thanks for including me.

I appreciate becoming a small part of the your journey ... Hugs!

[teddybtoronto.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you are having a GREAT trip. I hope the rest of the visit gets even better.

Just to let you know, when you get home and have some quieter moments, you've been tagged for the "7 Things" MEME.

I know, you don't ever really have "quieter moments". *grin*

Anyway, enjoy the Bay Area to the max. I'm looking forward to hearing more as the adventure unfolds.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'll try to get to that MEME. I certainly enjoyed reading your unexpected answers:) I try to have "quieter moments", but since my life is spent mostly in isolation these days, I'm going to take every opportunity I have on this trip to mix with my friends and participate in events!

I'm all over the place emotionally. I'm intensely enjoying the interaction with new folks, determined to make myself available to long term friends ... yet dreading going back to what my life has become. I think this trip is going to be the trigger for major change!

HUGS! ... ps ... I'd send you a picture of me in my tighty whiteys, but I'm not wearing any ... hehehe

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

*that*'s the picture I want ;-)

[blt4success66.livejournal.com]

You're time in San Francisco sounds wonderful. You're having the vacation that I would like to have someday.

Blessings, my friend.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You will have that vacation, Paul. Plan and you can make it so. I am blessed that my dear friend Casey made it possible for me at this time.

[blt4success66.livejournal.com]

While San Fran sounds like fun, I want to head east first to NYC. I've got to visit there first!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You should go wherever makes you happy! Dream and make it so ...

Hugs ...

[blt4success66.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[gryphons-hole.livejournal.com]

*gasp*

You're visiting SF?

I'm visiting SF...!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

and it sounds like we're having a wonderful time!!! :) I'm in Guerneville right now. Enjoy this time!!!

HUGS!

[egbubba.livejournal.com]

(Sheesh! It's taken a long time for me to get around to saying...)

It was a great pleasure to meet you last Friday!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I felt the same!!! Take care!