The most overused phrase in the blog-o-sphere is, “Sorry it
has been so long since my last post.” That
said, I’m sorry it has been so long since my last post. It
has been a busy summer. In June, Sequoia and I
traveled to Sweden, his ancestral homeland.
He was sick with pneumonia while we were there and sick for at least a
month after we returned. Despite that, it was a truly amazing voyage. We toured his family
sites around Vastergotland, going back to the farm where his
great-great-great-great-grandmother, Elin Jonsdotter, was born in 1780. Crazy, right?
We also toured an archaeological dig at a Viking site not far from
where his people come from. I know in my
bones that he has some Viking ancestors; just look at the dude! I’ll
upload photos soon.
In August, we traveled north to visit DogBoy in his newly purchased home in Dallas Oregon. Very lucky for us, he was right in recent solar eclipse's path of totality. It was awe-inspiring. I totally get what all the fuss is about. I'm a convert and plan to travel to see the next one.
Meanwhile, we are getting ready for a gathering this
weekend, which is what prompted me to post. It won’t be a traditional Colestin
Campout, nor is it the late, lamented Shit Weasel Weekend, it’s a blow out
birthday celebration for everyone’s favorite artist, filmmaker, disc-golfer,
skirt wearing, leg-warmer rockin’ Laney D’Aquino. Girlfriend is turning 50;
hard to believe, she looks about 30. Her
best friends have organized this event, I’m mostly just providing the space and
some groceries. Well, truth be told, I’ve done a little more work than that,
but not nearly as much as I usually have to do for a party, for which I am
deeply grateful.
Southern Oregon looks, feels and smells like the south gates
of hell right now. It’s hot and super smoky, the air quality is the worst I’ve
ever seen. It smells like burning as Ralph Wiggins once said on The Simpsons. I grew up in Southern
California during the era of leaded gasoline and thick smog so, for all intents
and purposes, I spent my childhood swimming in a sea of lead. It’s too late for
me, I’m already ruined, but I encourage campers to consider their health and
save themselves if the conditions are just too harsh. I completely understand why
some folks may choose not to come.
Meanwhile, have you heard about Sequoia’s new puppy
Dazy? Pronounced like Daisy, spelled
like lazy. I say Sequoia’s because I was
advocating for an older dog, maybe one that was a year or two old, but he
insisted on a puppy. Well, he’s reaping the whirlwind now, she’s running us
both ragged. She’s super smart, couldn’t be more adorable, and may just be the
death of me. Pray for us campers.
