Mr B in Big D: October 2008

This week Terry and I had some visitors from our old stomping grounds in Utah. Terry's cousin Sam, and also a good friend of ours Adrian came and visited us here in Dallas. As always it is so good to see old friends again, and catch up on everything. It also was nice that the weather cooperated, and we had some beautiful fall days in the 80's and 70's (except for the last day of rain.) We were also sad that the pool temperature had gotten too cold to be able to swim, (at least that is what Terry and I thought.) Suprisingly they jumped right in the pool the first day, and swam the whole week. I guess Terry and I have gotten used to the mild southern weather because I wouldn't get in that cold pool for nothing. I'm glad they were brave and had fun swimming. We did the usual tour of Dallas, and saw downtown and all of that. We also had fun kicking up our heels at the clubs in Oaklawn, and had alot of laughs. We also spent hours just chatting on the back porch, sipping drinks, and enjoying the cool fall mornings, and warm fall days. It's funny but I just so much enjoy being here in Dallas, and there isn't much I miss about my old job or house in Salt Lake. The one thing I do miss is all the wonderful friends and family we left behind in Utah. It's just always a treat to have them come and visit us, and to reconnect. We sure had fun, and thanks again Sam and Adrian for spending time with us in Dallas.

Here is Adrian and Sam having laughs with us in the Kitchen. We had so much fun that I only got one picture taken the whole time!!!

Terry and I had a fun weekend. It was gay pride weekend here in Dallas. Let me give you some insight on one of the gay communities biggest celebrations. The history of gay pride celebrations comes from the Stonewall Inn riot on June 27th, 1969 in Greenwich Village, New York City. Police raided the gay bar and for the first time gay people fought back at the police and a small riot ensued. It marked a beginning of gay people standing up for themselves and being proud of who they were. Most large cities hold a "Gay Pride" celebration on June 27th on the anniversary of Stonewall. It just so happens that Dallas moved theirs later in September, and thank goodness, because June would be blistering hot here for a parade. For gay people "Gay Pride" always has been a special day. It's the one day a year that you can be completely open and free about being gay, and expressing yourself however you see fit. It's the one day during the year I can walk down the street and hold Terry's hand and not worry about getting beat up, or have people make fun of you. This year they estimated that 40,000 gay people attended the gay pride parade. It was so cool to be around so many people just like you. The parade is always fun but the people watching can be even more fun. One thing about the gay community is that the freedom to be yourself and express yourself is always encouraged. It's amazing just how people do that and the crazy fun stuff you see. If you ever want to see the most diverse crowd you've ever seen go to a gay pride parade. You just have to have an open mind and have fun. Well here are some pictures from the parade.