Why am I sitting in front of my computer? I've no idea. It's a great time waster. Much better than TV.

I recommend a visit to Donovan Land. Damn. We're all getting older.

Whether to choose ofoto, kinkos or iPhoto.That is the question.

I think Richmond has been especially sinful this year (or maybe it was last year?). The weather systems (use zip code 23219) that usually by-pass us are all hitting us. I'm glad my trees are already down and my gutters are finally up.

You can't control the weather, but you can control the weather camera.

While we're nowhere near the subject of exes (Xes?), here's my list of gains:

• Dennis how to be an artist.


• Peter how to cheerfully economize. to let men suffer the consquences of their behaviour.


• Randy where totally great sex comes from. how to let go. how to be happy.


• Stephen to take care of the skin on my legs. that money doesn't fix anything.


• Michel to stand up straight. how to eat an elephant. to be fully present.

Good to know it hasn't all been in vain.

A must for all you bereaved and those of you that have relationships with the bereaved (widows/widowers). Go now to Widownet.org and read everything! There are message boards/discussion boards for every topic. Can't find the one you need? Make it! (Must register first.)

If that doesn't work you can always light a candle at one of these shrines.

Now that almost all of my storm damaged trees are down (the huge one is down and that's made all the difference), I am now the proud owner of about a cord and a half of firewood (much of it unsplit) that cost me about $5000, partially paid by homeowner's insurance. Of course it all needs to be dried. I wondered if I could dry it inside. I'm not sure yet. It takes six months for wood to dry. Be careful not to bring in any bugs.

I found this wonderful company passionate about axes. They advise not drying wood inside. (Page also shows unique wood stacking technique.) So stop by and get your free axe book (it's all frames so just go there and select "Axe Book") and learn how to conserve natural resources. (. . . and how to throw an axe) There's also an axe museum and instructions on how to hew a log. (Log cabin building instructions not included.) I think in the dictionary the illustration for passion is the logo of this company.

Meanwhile, how do you dry logs inside? Will it be faster? Will I be able to burn these new logs by Christmas? The Firewood Center—with a name like that it has to have everything.

My yard is full of men and machinery. A woman comes by and wants to know if she can have some of my wood. No! That wood cost me $5,000 and 3 days without power. Besides, it's got to dry until next year. I'll never understand some people. What is that all about? Sure! Come over now while my yard is full of stuff and ask me if you can have something that you can get at just about any public park without asking! Trees are still laying around all over—next to streets, in the parks, by the river, etc. At any of those places you can take your pick. Geesh.

Just back from First Friday, again. I'll have to make a permalink. It was a different experience this time because I am tired and was joined by 5 others. There was more free wine this time, no band and maybe fewer people. But still crowded. Did get into 1708 this time. A peace officer was there but no direction was needed.

A new place has opened up. I think it's 1837 (not sure of all the numbers) but it's next to Tarrant's Drug Store on Foushee and Broad. Our group started there and then progressed to 1708 after which we crossed Broad to Visual Art Studio, The Orange Door and ArtSpace. ArtSpace had my favorite exhibit again. Although the flip book and bells at The Orange Door came very close. I was beginning to notice how attracted I was to small works at The Orange Door so it was very pleasureable to discover that the 1708 exhibition was all about small pieces (titled "Huge").

The best eats were at QueerSpace - luscious chocolate merengues. The best performance was right outside - a young black man reciting poetry. Although the drummers outside of Upcast were quite remarkable.

It's different going with folks. It took two hours instead of my usual one. The fun was discussing the pieces and the people. People watching was right up there with the art. Every type of philosophy, sexual orientation, lifestyle and age was represented. If you don't see them at First Friday they don't exist in Richmond.

There are signs of bodacious entrepreneurs taking advantage of the foot traffic. An architect was open showcasing some art as well as the businesses in his building. Comfort, a restaurant, was doing crushing business. A couple of blocks off Broad, a new bar named "Barcode" has emerged. A beauty salon was open.

Here's my other blog. Later I'll put in the links section.