Catching Up

It has been a quite busy time since our last entry. Work has been out of control with projects piling up and tight deadlines. Along with the usual household chores, running errands and patching up things. And poor George also has to prepare and study for his classes on top of that.


Life! It has us in its full grip.


However, we managed to loosen the grip every now and then to enjoy some little pleasures. For example, last Thursday we attended a gathering at the Rio Hotel & Casino to celebrate the recent passage of Nevada’s Domestic Partner Law (SB 283). That was quite a surprising turn of events, especially since Nevada’s Governor Jim Gibbons first vetoed this bill, stating that he simply doesn’t believe in it.


This coming from another biggoted Republican who believes in the sanctity of marriage, but was married twice. And seems to have a thing for sexually assaulting women whom he’s had affairs with while still being married. There’s also a case of plagerism and a federal bribery investigation. But that’s like a whole different chapter altogether.


Luckily, both the Senate and Assembly in Carson City voted to override his veto. Not bad for Nevada, which is a rather backwards, very conservative and very much a Republican state. No one saw this coming.


The gathering took place in one of Rio’s huge ballrooms and had a nice turnout of a few hundred people and everyone seemed to be in good spirits and eager to take the next step towards fairness and equality for all. To get to this event, however, one had to maneuver through a maze of uninviting long corridors and folded partition wall panels. You know, all these happy gay couples had to be hidden away so they wouldn’t distraught an on-going poker tournament, filled ill-mannered and drunk lowbrows and gaunt looking zombies.


As part of the local Pride Month events, the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater Conservatory presented an amazing performance on Saturday. It has held at one of the libraries’ theaters and was once again open to all. All of them were extraordinary dancers and the repertoire riveting. It was followed by a Q&A session, which at times was very emotional and moving. These dancers come from all walks of life, different countries and share interesting life experiences. Most had to live through incredible hardships but always believed in their dream to become dancers. Raw and true talents at their very best.



That same evening George and I attended a gay couples potluck. We saw a few friends we haven’t seen in a while and made some new acquaintances. There were couples that have been together for over 30 and 40 years. They were fun and witty. George and I hope to be just as sharp and interesting when we’re lucky enough to reach these gentlemen’s age. Spending a nice evening with fun people and lots of good food. What was not to like?


In-between our demanding jobs, chores at home and in the backyard and trying to sneak in a little bit of relaxation, we also whipped up some delicious meals. Like tuna salad on fresh whole grain artisan bread with sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Or stuffed red peppers on a bed of farfalle and promodoro sauce with three cheeses.


Needless to say that after these meals we were both rather stuffed ourselves. Good thing we jog and exercise on a regular basis. Otherwise we’d be a sorry sight to see.


Here are some slivers from the past two weeks.



Dissepating storm clouds after a rare morning shower


It still rained in the distance



After the rain. Our plants loved it.


The sun peeked through the clouds again not long after the rain had passed. And cast this shadow of our apple tree.



The openings above our fire place



Catching some first rays in the morning



Then enjoying some breakfast with fresh coffee and bread with butter and french raspberry jam



Our tuna salad sandwich on a loaf of wheat bread with sun-dried tomatoes



The stuffed red pepper with farfalle and promodoro sauce. No...we're not endorsing any Coke products, but it was so hot that day and it was the best refreshment



This is one happy camper. George, der Meisterkoch. Yes, he enjoys his cooking very much. No, this is not another product placement. But maybe we should ask Coke for some money after all this free advertising though