mrdreamjeans | Time Flies

It seems like I was just jumping on a plane and coming to Minneapolis; tomorrow I leave. I arrived in the city knowing

bluedevilsf. I leave having met several of the men on my live journal friends list and adding a half-dozen more. I've experienced Pride in the Twin Cities, more wonderful food than I knew existed (thanks to my new peeps here), learned to paint the exterior of a house ... It was a lot of hard work, but at the same time I was recharging for the return to Texas, the isolation, the care-taking of my Dad, the search for a new job.

I've blogged about the wonderful afternoon hiking in Minnehaha Park. I've seen more movies in two weeks than I've seen in months. Among them were: Superman Returns and The Devil Wears Prada (wonderful) in the theaters and Sordid Lives, Drop Dead Gorgeous and Unconditional Love here at

perkk's home with a group of friends. I don't have these kinds of evenings. I will miss them.

kjvbear and I drove down to La Crosse with Tim and spent three days helping him get his home painted and staged for sale. Despite working steadily ... washing and scraping the 2200 sq ft house, taping off the windows, doing seven loads of laundry, packing, sorting, mowing and trim work, we only got about half way. The shingle siding soaked up the paint; every inch took at least two coats. I am hoping that Tim's friends will help him the weekend of July 15 to finish the process. Tim also interviewed real estate agents. It was an incredible experience. I only wish I could stay here to help Tim with what we started seven years ago, but family responsibilities beckon.

As I type these words, my eyes are tearing up. Maybe, it's wanting what I don't have ... maybe, it's the welcome I received here ... maybe, it's gearing up for the challenges I face at home ... maybe, it's just the normal peaks and vales of life ... but leaving here will be hard. Other than Seattle, Minneapolis feels most like home. Brenham ... Houston feel like home but only because of the people I love there. Minneapolis, a place, feels like home. I want to offer a special thanks to

perkk (John) and his roommates Claire, John, and Steve for welcoming me with such grace. A two-week visit in a busy household could be a disaster. I never felt less than included.

Finally, to

gotmoof ... We almost finished the journey of getting your home on the market, Tim. Luckily, the journey of our friendship continues. I've loved each moment of staying with you and meeting the people who bring you joy. Times flies ... but now it's time to fly.

I've never attended a Pride Parade with such diversity and passion. Here are a few samples of groups which caught my attention!