Because some of you asked what I’m dressing up for this Halloween, I’m putting this post out there early. More than likely I won’t be dressing up for the actual day of Halloween.
This is what I went to the pre-Halloween Halloween Party down in Little Rock as this past weekend.
Timely and topical. And yes, I have no class.
And speaking of class… here’s the Husbear:
Get THAT out of your head.
Until next time...
Griz and the Husbear.
Our oldest dog, Griz, died sometime last night, October 12, 2009.
Griz was laying there when we found him this morning like he was asleep. Which I guess is the way we wish we could all go when it’s our time to begin the next stage of the circle of life.
As of late we could see that Griz was getting on in years. He used to go for walks with the Husbear down our country road. Over time, he wouldn’t walk as far and would wait for the Husbear to come back. Eventually he would just hang out at the end of the driveway and wait for the Husbear.
For the last week or so we knew his time left with us was short. He wouldn’t eat much. He’d just sleep, or lay around and watch us. We’d go sit with him, pet him, and talk with him when we could.
I have to confess that a few nights ago I sat with him and cried for a while because I knew he wouldn’t be with us much longer.
We went to the shelter looking for a puppy on February 02, 2004. There were quite a few puppies to be had, but there was one large adult dog who looked very… sad. I helped talk the Husbear into adopting him. I told him that people would adopt puppies, but no one would probably adopt an adult dog. So we rescued him from the shelter.
We found out during the adoption process that he was scheduled to be put to sleep that week if no one adopted him because he had been there several months already.
The vet thought he was about six years old when we rescued him. That would put Griz around 12 years old or so when he died. We feel proud to have given him both a second chance and hopefully a great life.
Griz wanting his belly rubbed.
Griz,
You were a great dog. You will be missed.
Love,
Your daddies.
Until next time...
First, the pictures we took during Southern Decadence are viewable in our flickr “Southern Decadence 2009” photo set. I was going to post some of them here, but since they’re all over there already, that’s just as easy. Because I’m lazy.
Now that we’ve returned from New Orleans both the Husbear and I are ill. He has the flu. His symptoms started Monday night—our last night in New Orleans—which made for an interesting 11-hour car ride home the next day. Mine started after we returned home. I have the flu, strep throat, and an ear infection. Triple whammy for me, and I was the “good” one this trip!
Back to lying on the couch I go drifting in and out of consciousness.
Until next time...
The Husbear and I made it back from Southern Decadence in New Orleans after being there for a week.
Working on uploading pictures now. And laundry. And taking care of the Husbear who is now ill.
In the meantime, here’s a shot of the Husbear… with clothes on. A rare sight indeed in New Orleans.
Until next time...
For the last two weeks or so, the Husbear has been acting like a kid who is about to go to Disney.
It must be about time for the annual trip to New Orleans for Southern Decadence….
Until next time...
The Husbear and I have traveled to New Orleans for Southern Decadence every year since 2003 (except for 2005 when Katrina rolled through). For the last few years we have gone as part of the Decadent Ducks, and will do so again in another week!
click to see pics from all our Decadent adventures
While the following is is not something I normally would post, Troy, the head of the Decadent Ducks, asked so I will.
Decadent Ducks Raise Funds for HIV/AIDS Organization Food For Friends
Hurricane Gustav put a damper on the 2008 Southern Decadence festivities, but a dedicated group of “ducks” are heading back to New Orleans, determined to make up for lost time. The Decadent Ducks, a gay travel and social network, will return to the French Quarter over Labor Day weekend for their 12th year of revelry. The Ducks, led by Bennington, Vermont resident Troy Richardson, anticipate over 350 of their group members to attend the 36th annual LGBT celebration this year.In addition to various events and parties scheduled throughout the weekend, the Decadent Ducks are putting their numbers to good use by joining Southern Decadence XXXVI Grand Marshals Tittie Toulouse and Paloma in raising money for Food For Friends. The Food For Friends Program of NO/AIDS Task Force has been supplying groceries and home-delivered meals to HIV-infected and -affected individuals in the greater New Orleans area for 12 years. The Ducks will host a silent auction and raffle during the course of the weekend and will donate all proceeds to the program.
“The people of New Orleans have always welcomed us with open arms and treated us with tolerance and respect,” Richardson explains. “I can’t stress enough how important that is, especially in this day and age, when the gay community seems to be under attack so often. That means a lot. We’ve been very lucky, and we’re really excited to be able to give something back.”
More than just a travel group, the Decadent Ducks have evolved into a close network of friends from all over the world, and they credit New Orleans for fostering and inspiring their spirit of camaraderie and friendship. With last year’s event cut short, the group is looking forward to this year more than ever. “There’s definitely a greater sense of anticipation this year,” Richardson says, with a smile. “We didn’t get the full experience last year, so we’re hoping to make up for it. I didn’t even get my beignets and cafe au lait last year! We can’t wait to get back!” The 700 Club (700 Burgundy Street) will be acting as the official bar of the Decadent Ducks all weekend.
Discounted hotel rooms with the Ducks are still available. To learn more about the Decadent Ducks or Food For Friends, visit the official website at www.decadentducks.com.
Until next time...