Adventures in Gastronomy

Randy and I did a last-minute trip to Provincetown for the Labor Day weekend and I have to say it was the most relaxed and enjoyable Ptown trip I’ve had in years.

We made it down in time for Friday night’s weekly art gallery walk. It wasn’t intentional, but we were walking around looking for dinner (after having not eaten anything since lunch time) and stumbled upon our first gallery. What’s this? Free wine and cheese? Why, sure!

Next thing you know, we’ve hit about 6-10 galleries, each with more and more wine. It was now about 10PM and we still hadn’t eaten anything but cheese, crackers, and a moist funfetti cake. Needless to say, the wine kicked in full force on our empty stomaches. Still, neither of us was that hungry, so instead of spending $20+ per person on a mediocre dinner, we simply got slices of pizza and retired to the guesthouse where we capped the evening off in the hot tub.

On Saturday we headed to the beach (of course), then did some strolling about town before getting Thai food for dinner. More walking ensued, then the evening ended again with us in a hot tub (this time joined by one of the owners, who also happened to be a bit drunk).

Oh, I should mention that upon making the reservation at the guesthouse I discovered that the owners were both from my home town (one, in fact, was from my village). We all graduated from the same high school and even knew some of the same people. But the reunions came to a quick end once the high school yearbook came out and Randy’s patience wore thin.

On Sunday we skipped the beach and ended up purchasing a bit of art for our new condo. We drove back leisurely by popping into various National Seashore beaches in Truro…even stopping by the Highland Light (my first time there).

We also stopped by our friend, Jeff’s, pondside place in Pembroke for a bit of a barbecue before finally getting home around 10PM.

I don’t think I could have asked for a better Labor Day.

September 8th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 1 Comment

I’m beginning to wonder if I should rename this website “Karl’s Weekly Blog since it seems that’s become the new frequency with which I update. I do hope time hasn’t run its course on this site because it has been enjoyable for me (and therapeutic).

There have just been so many distractions lately between summer travel, work (busy with annual reports), dogsitting, friends visiting from out of town, and biggest of all, planning for our move (we close in 30 days).

Though, with all of that going on you’d think i’d have oodles to write about. Perhaps I do, but it’s all just exhausted me to the point that I don’t feel like I can compose coherent thoughts about everything. At least, not in a witty way.

But maybe that’s just what I need to do… use this distraction to give me a break from the rest, and to take advantage of its therapeutic escapist benefits?

…or not.

Anyway, Randy and I had a fun/busy weekend. Friends came over Friday night and introduced us to two new games (Modern Art and Wits and Wagers). We loved the latter so much that Randy had us run to Target on Saturday so we could introduce it to more friends Saturday night. On Sunday we decided to go for a relaxing day (FINALLY!) and drove up to Rockport to walk around and enjoy the sites.  Ahhhhh.

September 2nd, 2009
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I think this has been my largest gap in blogging in the 5+ years I’ve had it. I’ve been on other continents for 3 weeks and still managed to post more religiously. Ugh.

It’s been a crazy week or so since my last post. The Purchase and Sale on our new condo was supposed to be completed a week ago, but between lawyers on vacation and edits needed, things have been postponed. It should finally be signed today, though, hopefully ensuring smooth progression from this point on.

We were approved for our mortgage yesterday (yay) so that’s one less thing to worry about. Now we’re just over 5 weeks away from closing.

And the sale of Randy’s place is going smoothly, too. His P&S was signed last Friday.

And in between all of this real estate stress, I just ended a 10 day stint dogsitting Dusty for my parents. That in itself is exhausting enough! Also last week we had two friends visit from out of town (one staying at our place for 2 nights).

Now I just think I need some sleep.

August 25th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 2 Comments

So yesterday was the home inspection on the new townhouse. Since Randy was still in Virginia (the memorial took place at the same time as the inspection) I went alone.

The inspector was incredibly thorough compared to previous inspections I’ve had. However, the guy was hilarious.  He came straight out of the 1950’s with the salesman’s manner of speaking (despite having nothing to sell). He had frequent antecdotes from previous inspections that you can tell he’s told verbatim time and time again for comedic affect. He was also a bit of a chauvenist. For example, he thought I was straight and when discussing shower drains, would ask if my “little lady” had long hair that could clog the drain. Then he’d provide instructions on how to prevent it.

And when it came time to test the front-loading washing machine, he didn’t shut the door fully so it wouldn’t run. After realizing his error, he said to the female broker ”I probably should have had you do it…you would know how it works.”

Offensive? Yes. Hilarious? In a clueless sort of way, yes.

Anyway, the report isn’t in yet, but there didn’t seem to be any major issues aside from having the HVAC contractor do a thorough cleaning of the system (and replace the filters) and to check out the hot water heater cap that may have been installed improperly.

The inspection on Randy’s current condo takes place on Friday.

Otherwise, last night I got together with Deano and Chris for Scrabble. I played alone with Deano for the first game and won. Then, as always when it comes to games of three or more, I came in last place the second time (Chris won). Oh well…there’s always next week. Or Facebook Scrabble.

August 12th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 3 Comments

The good, the bad, and the ugly all took place in one weekend. It’s amazing how much your emotions can swing within a 48 hour period.

First, the good. I’ve blogged before that we put an offer on a townhouse in Arlington on Tuesday and were accepted on Wednesday. On Thursday afternoon Randy put his current condo on the market and within 24 hours he had requests for 4 showings. And on Saturday (less than 48 hours after putting it on the market), Randy got an offer.

Yep, despite the broker saying it will probably take 90 days to sell, Randy managed to do it in two days (well, as long as the guy’s mortgage goes through). Since it was too late to cancel the scheduled open house on Sunday, that went on (so we could accept back-up offers, if any). Thirty minutes before the open house was to take place, I had 3 groups of people either scope out the exterior or try to get in early. One couple (with their broker) stayed for 40 minutes. I came back after the open house and the broker said he thinks there were two people that wouldn’t be surprise him if they made an offer.

Oh, and then our friend, Ben, who moved from Boston to San Francisco a year and a half ago let us know that he’s going to be back for a visit in two weeks.

Now the bad.

Randy went to Virginia this past weekend because his brother and his wife/kids were going to visit in the hopes of seeing grannie one last time before she dies. Well, 24 hours before Randy was supposed to fly back to Boston, grannie died. Fortunately, they were all in the living room with her when it happened, so it’s a good thing they all went to visit.

This is going to extend Randy’s stay by a few days so that he can be there for the memorial.M My thoughts are with his family. They all knew this was coming, but that never makes it any easier (I’ve been there).

And finally, for the ugly. Why, oh why, do I keep seeing Sarah Palin on the news? Seriously? She’s no longer a vice-preisdential candidate. She’s no longer the governor of Alaska. At the moment, she’s just an ordinary U.S. citizen. Seriously, there is nothing newsworthy about this woman but I seem to see, hear, or read about her on a daily basis. Now, I’ll admit that she’s an attractive person, so physically, she’s in no way ugly. But I think ugly is a fitting adjective for her personality, mentality, and intelligence (or lack thereof).

August 10th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 5 Comments

I’ve purchased condos twice in the past. I always found the search part so exciting. I suppose my voyeuristic tendencies played a factor in that, but I’ve always been a fan of “space” and exploring the lay outs of various places.

But now that we’ve made an offer, and that offer has since been accepted (YAY!), I’d comlpetely forgotten about the stress involved with the real estate game from this point until closing. First you have to find a home inspector, mortgage broker, and and attorney. I always maintain a slight level of stress until the purchase and sale is signed and the mortgage is guaranteed.

Then there’s the added anxiety of selling the current place, and fixing up the current place to show better (first open house this Sunday). Then there’s the packing (but not so much at it prevents the current place from showing well). And setting up utilities. And notifying banks, credit cards, magazines, family and friends about your new address.

Oh, and don’t forget the movers. And don’t expect to get a good night’s sleep until after you’ve closed. Oct. 3rd won’t come soon enough.

August 6th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 4 Comments

Love is a 4 story townhouse with 2 car garage, 2.5 bathrooms, 3+ bedrooms, gas fireplace, central air, private deck off living room, private deck on roof, mini garden in back, modern kitchen, and abutting the Minuteman Bike Trail and just blocks from Arlington Center.

Randy and I returned last night from a great trip to the White Mountains with our friends, Ben and Brad. The weather was crappy as we drove through the picture-perfect (in clear weather) Franconia Notch. But it cleared up for a gorgeous Saturday filled with Farmer’s Market, driving up Mount Washington, and taking photos of ever river, brook, hill, and tree. That night, we played card games and watched a DVD (most of one, before everybody got too tired). On Sunday we slept late, had a filling breakfast, returned to the house and played more games.

Then we drove home as it began to downpour. By the time we got to the picture-perfect Franconia Notch the weather was even worse than it was Friday…couldn’t see a damn thing.

Oh, and as we approached Concord we were stuck in stop and go traffic. At one point, I stopped, but the person behind me decided to go…and go she did – straight into our bumper.

ugh. Not a good way to end a great weekend.

But the townhouse this morning MORE than made up for it. We finally found a place that we BOTH agreed we’d be willing to make an offer on. That’s a first!

August 3rd, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 1 Comment

After I leave work today, Randy and I are heading up to the White Mountains for a relaxed scenic weekend filled with wine, games, wine, sightseeing, wine, good food, wine, good friends, wine, and hopefully lots of napping…after a nice glass of red wine.

Our friend, Ben’s, family has a summer home up just north of Mount Washington, with beautiful views of the Presidential Mountain range. Ben and his partner, Brad, invited us up last week and who are we to turn a trip down?

I went up there last about 4 years ago and had a great time. I think I even blogged about it saying that the best day of the trip was actually the one day when it poured relentlessly all day. All we did was lounge around the house, playing card games (Flinch!), watching DVD’s, reading, or napping on a hammock on the wrap-around porch (it has a roof to protect you from the rain.

I have to say, it was probably the most relaxed I’d ever been in my adult life. And after the year that I’d had at the time (broke up with Matt, sold a condo I loved, witnessed a dear friend dying of breast cancer), it was a welcomed escape.

Now, I hear the weather forecast for this weekend is pretty good so that should ensure some sightseeing. But I have to admit that I wouldn’t be disappoined if a freak storm barrels through and keeps us housebound.

July 31st, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 1 Comment

I originally planned to use the title “Reunited, and it feels so good” but that felt too obvious for a high school reunion.

Anyway, as common sense told me (but my anxiety-ridden brain simply wouldn’t accept) the reunion was great fun and nothing to be worried about.  Randy could tell I was nervous in the car as we drove to the event since I just kept rambling, saying stuff like “this is where Carolyn used to live, this is where we used to mini-golf, this is the Melody Tent, our prom was here.”

The poor guy…he does have to put up with a lot.

Though, the second we entered the reunion, the bastard excused himself to run to the bathroom, leaving me along with what, at first glance, appeared to a a mobbed bar full of strangers. But in the few minutes he was away, I got hugged or greeted by 4 or 5 people. We then made the rounds and for the first 15-30 minutes or so, it felt like a constant parade of people screaming “KARL!” and running over for hugs. My fears of coming off as the least popular person at BHS were quickly dismissed and it all put me into a comfortable space.

Although a few people looked completely diferent, most people ended up being recognizable. Certain cliques still kept together, but I can’t judge. For the most part, I also kept with the people I hung out with in high school. But I did manage to mingle and reconnect with people I was friends with in elementary school but lost contact with by the time high school came around.

All in all, it was great fun…with great food, too. The coordinators did a bang-up job. Though, one thing I could have done without was a slideshow presentation being projected on 20 (or more) TV screens placed throughout the sports bar. Since I had so many photos from elementary school and high school posted on Facebook, the planners just took them all an uploaded them. Consequently, I seemed to appear in substantially more photos than other classmates. UGH

And despite an almost guaranteed sarcastic response in the comments section from Randy that he hated the event, he admitted to me that he did enjoy himself. Well, he enjoyed himself as much as a guy could around 155 complete strangers. Even still, at least 10 people ran up to him screaming “RANDY!” since they all seemed to know him from my Facebook profile and photos.

Now I actually look forward to my 25th reunion. Though, in the weeks before I’m sure I’ll still be riddled with anxiety. It’s part of my charm. And I hope next time a few other gay classmates show up (or come out). I was the only one at the entire event. I do know of two other gay guys from my class, but they’ve seemed to have fallen off the face of the earth over the past two decades.

July 27th, 2009
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Well, maybe not so much. For some reason, my Yahoo! Instant Messenger is saying that I’m in Santiago, Chile. To be honest, I kind of wish I was in South America as our weather lately has sucked. Then again, this is winter for them so their weather may be just as bad.

But I find it peculiar that Yahoo! decided I was there of all places. And more peculiar is that I can’t figure out how to remove the information (nor figure out how it even showed up in the first place).

I’d say “what a random location to pick” but Randy and I have been talking about heading to Chile in the next year or so. But to the best of my knowledge, the new Yahoo! doesn’t have mind-reading capabilities.

Or does it?

July 24th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 1 Comment