We hosted poker night Saturday evening. I got caught putting groceries in the car just as the sky opened up. I was wearing a white t-shirt. Oops! I made everyone a lovely strawberry shortcake that mom would be so proud of.

Woke up to a perfect golfing day. Hence, we managed to hit a bucket of balls at the driving range. I also bought a 3-pack of lessons and my new putter: Ping Piper G2i. I just can't seem to miss with that putter.

We then spent the afternoon on Thompson Island playing bocci, watching volleyball and more importantly, eating lobster, clams and corn on the cob. The afternoon was topped off with a ferry ride back and vanilla soft serve mixed with a butterfinger. YUM!

We went to the 6 House last night for a martini and ended up with a t-shirt from the Mike's Hard Lemonade team. They also gave away free samples of Mike's Lime. It tastes better after the first one!

I took Henri to the vet Thursday night. The nurse said she hadn't seen "one of those" in a long time. Of course not darling. You're in Southie!

I have finally received my debit card; although, the post office still isn't delivering all of my mail. Sigh.

Okay, off to play some golf.

Cheers!

Woke up this morning a bit on the cranky side. Then, I got in my car (for the second time - since I first forgot my cell phone). I opted for a CD (opposed to XM radio) as I can better fine-tune the treble & bass. The song: "Promised Land".

As I was speeding down the pike, sunroof open, sun beaming on my face, I slowly became less and less cranky. Almost to the point of elation. By the time I got to work, I was grooving in the car with a huge smile on my face and goosebumps running through my body.

What I realized is that I am already in the promised land. I have a beautiful & loving partner, an incredible set of diverse friends, a supportive family, gainful employment that I actually enjoy, 2 cats & a dog, and a car that just plain makes me happy.

Oh and I'm having a good hair day (Got 2 B glued) :)~

I now own my very own set of golf clubs:
Big Bertha RCH Irons
Big Bertha Steelhead 7
AND, an Adams 3 Wood

We went to the driving range to test them out(as one should).

I'll just say this. They are beautiful.

Even if I can't swing properly (just yet) - they make me look good trying.

Had my first golf lesson Saturday at the Kevin Frawley Golf Academy.
My instructor: Kevin Frawley himself!

Let me just say that my swing improved by 2000% in those 30 minutes.
And, I'm STILL sore. I didn't realize a proper swing uses so many muscles.
I suppose this will force me to start working out again.

Henri met the grandparents yesterday as we went to my brother's house in Manchester, NH yesterday for a Father's Day cookout. With Jeremy's new grill he whipped up some baby-back ribs, cheddar-wurst, potatoes & onions in foil and a lovely salad. We all had a great time (including Henri).

Then we drove up to Ogunquit and had another cook-out with friends. You can't beat two cook-outs in one day!

Couldn't sleep last night. Woke up at 1:00am, 2:00am, and finally (after Henri barked at the stealth cats) got up at 3:30 and took him outside. Just so we know... I was having anxiety about XML schemas.

After going back to bed for a mere hour, I got up again and drove to the office. I sped. It made me happy. I was there in 18 1/2 minutes.

And I have since solved my XML schema dilemma and I'm now ready for bed (this is after we had drinks with work friends in Quincy). Just hoping my beautiful girl is ready to join me.

WOW. That about sums up since my last blog!

Pride was amazing. We didn't get to see Kim English - but DJ Dena was amazing and the Tanqueray girls were something.

Wasn't feeling well Friday (could have had something to do with the night before) but I can't be sure! We had dinner at Fajita's & Ritas and then saw the Boston Gay Men's Chorus. I left after the first act: an Elton John tribute; apparently, in perfect time since their tribute to Freddie Murcury (Queen) would have saddened me.

Felt a bit better Saturday and the pride parade was wonderful (158 pictures will be posted soon). I feel so fortunate to have been able to share such an incredible event with good friends, my beautiful partner, and the other thousands of gay men & women of the Boston area.

Sunday was a day of golf ball hitting... I can't believe Amanda let me use her new clubs, but thankfully, Joe gave me some pointers on how to improve my swing. Formal lessons are in the works.

Julia then cooked us a phenomenal Korean Beef dish. You can use our kitchen anytime. Anytime!!!

The new Jr. Web Designer/Producer started Monday so it was a crazy day trying to get everything together and get him situated. He's already off to a good start. Thank god!

And now Tuesday, after picking up our beautiful dog. I served us a quick meal: left-over Korean beef; corn on the cob from Haymarket; and Muse Cabernet Sauvignon (very smooth).

Phew. I'm ready for bed now. Sweet dreams my faithful readers!

Pride is this weekend.
This will be my first pride experience.
The fun starts tomorrow night at Campus.
Kim English will lend her vocals to a sea of gorgeous men and women.
DJ Dena will be working those talented fingers on the turntable.
And, there will be intimate dancing, stiff drinks, and plenty of people watching.

Oh what shall I wear? Return of Trixie (at least for one night)!

Let me first say thank you to everyone who has offered condolences regarding the death of my Uncle Eddie. Now if you really want to catch a glimpse of my family history... read his obituary. Flossie was my Great Grandmother who passed on when I was 4. I still have vivid memories of her though.

Have decided that I need a few golf lessons before I enter the pro leagues. Apparently, god didn't feel the need to gift me with any natural talent.

Had the second half of my root canal today. I was doing just fine until the flame thrower came out and a searing needle enters my mouth and lets off a pungent smell.

When it was all said and done, I stated: "That was stressful!" He replied, "try being the one performing the task!" It really wasn't that painful altogether... but then again, my mouth is still numb.

Lastly, I dropped our handsome little boy off to Doggie Day Care this morning and I now know what it's like to drop a child off for the first time. Heart-wrenching. But Francis & Lance said he had a great first day and socialized well with all of the other dogs. We're so proud!

My Mother called. Urgent message (as usual);
My Great Uncle Eddie passed away yesterday.

Just dawned on me that I have not spent enough time talking about death; nor have I have even recognized the fact that my best friend Matthew is no longer with us.

Uncle Eddie lived to be 93 years old and Matthew died at the age of 26 (we were born 4 days apart).

Just goes to show you that you never know when you are going go. I need to start living more by my friend's motto: Carpe Diem.

A potential jr. web designer candidate failed to show up today for his interview. For that matter, he never called. Bad form, my friend. Bad form.

Almost as bad as a fishy handshake. Okay, almost!

Henri went to his evaluation appointment with Compatible Canines this evening.

Henri will be attending Doggie Day Care / Boot Camp during the day for the next two months. Then I get to be trained. I think I'll request a studded collar - emeralds of course ;)

Anna's Taqueria for dinner.
Two words: chicken burrito.

Smile.

A lot has happened since my last blog (less than a week ago)..
I think I had better start from the beginning.
Reader's Digest version of course:

Thursday -
Didn't feel well... stayed home from work.
Ran a few errands (needed fresh air).
Opened a new checking account while the bank next door was being robbed (I was in Southie of course). Dog barked at the robber and lunged at the cop chasing. That's our attack Spaniel at work.
Dinner with Joe & Julia at Delux (still the best grilled cheese in the South End)

Friday -
Worked from home (still not feeling super).
Had a root canal (my first, and hopefully my last).
The entire left side of my face was numb (interesting to say the least).
Then picked up our new glasses (aren't they funky?).
Then we had a quick dinner & cocktail (side car & very dirty martini) at Papparazzi.

Saturday -
Ran errands... did spring house cleaning...
Invented a fabulous new summer drink -- simple variation on the classic sidecar.
Kelly's Roast Beef - fried clams & roast beef sandwich (finally)
We have called it CK One Car

1 part V.S.O.P Brandy
1 part Belle de Brullet (Pear Brandy)
1 part Grand Marnier (gives is that orange kick)
1/2 fresh squeezed lemon
serve in a chilled martini glass with a heavily sugared rim

Sunday -
Wedding in Reading.
Burgers, Fries & Vanilla shake from Johnny Rockets.
Reception in Salem (there was dancing, laughter, & lots of food).

Monday -
Gorgeous Memorial Day.
Packed up the little family (minus the cats).
Headed up to Manchester by the Sea and watched a lovely little parade (our friend marched).
Picked up a few things for the post-parade BBQ.
THUD - Now we're off to the emergency room for a three hour hiatus (read Amanda's blog for full details).
7 staples & a few stitches later and we're back to end the day with a long-awaited BBQ.

Now, how's that for an exciting Holiday weekend?