Shadow Void

Turkey Run State Park

Firework

Coming up this weekend is going to be the Independance day as if I remind any of you. With July 4th comes fireworks and with fireworks, there is noise and the threat of fire and injury. I want to take a second to address fireworks and how best to save your pets and wildlife from being hurt by your celebration. First lets talk about pets, it's mostly dogs that I'm worried about though other animals might also be affected by the noise. I watched today as my brother's German shepherd, Mia, literally jumped half a mile at the sound of someone's firework. Dog do not like the noise that fireworks generate. If you have a dog that is usually an outside dog or if you normally let your dog out by itself to use the bathroom. I am asking that on July 4th, that you put your dog inside and keep it inside until the explosions of the night are over. Our shelters are already busting at the seams with strays. Many shelters see an increase of dogs at their locations. Dogs are scared of the noise and can be easily spooked by them. An animal that would normally never run away might be spooked into running away from the sound. I know of people who have allowed their dog to go out on New Years eve or the 4th of July only to have the animal take off on them. The pet was never seen again. In at least one case, it was News Year Eve and the dog was a pure breed.

I mentioned in the above paragraph that wildlife could also be hurt by your celebration. What I'm talking about is fire caused by a firework. If fireworks are illegal in your area. Follow the law and don't set them off. Every year in Utah it seems like there is at least one wildfire set off by fireworks of course this depends on how dry it is in many places. Fires can destroy our homes, other property, and acres of land used by wildlife. Be smart and don't let fires get a hold. Another thing you can try is having a bucket in place where you can put your kid's spent sparklers and make sure to have water in that bucket.

With that stay safe and enjoy your 4th of July!

The Gay Survey

The Gay Survey
1. How Old Were You When You Knew You Were Gay?

13

2. Have You Ever Had Sex With The Opposite Sex?

Nope

3. Who Is The First Person You Came Out To?

My brother and sister in law

4. Are You Out To Your Parents?

No

5. Do You Want Children?

Someday

6. Do You Have More Gay Friends or Straight Friends?

Straight Friends

7. Were You Out in School?

No.

8. Is Your Best Friend The Same Sex As You?

No

9. If Your Best Friend Is The Same Sex, have you ever kissed them?

See above answer

10. Have you ever done crystal meth?

No

11. Have You Ever Been In A Sling

No

12. Have You Ever Done A 3-way??

No

13. Have You Ever Dressed In Drag?

No

13a. Would you date a Drag queen?

No

14. Are You A Top/Bottom or truly Versatile?

Don't know

15. Have You Seen An Uncircumsized thingy?

Only in pictures and videos

16. Have You Had Sex With Someone of A Different Race?

Not yet

17. Have You Ever Barebacked?

No, don't plan on it either.

18. How Many Cher CDs do you own?

None

19. Name Of Your First True Love?

No real first loves, but a lot of crushes

20. Do You Still Talk To them?

No

21. Does size matter..?

I like to look at larger endowments, but not sure they are worth it.

22. Biggest Turn On?

The entire package

23. Biggest Turn Off?

Guys who are mean, liars

24. Ever Been Harrassed Because You Are Gay?

Not yet

25. Worst Gay Stereotype That Applies To You?

I don't really know. Being thin maybe

26. Ever Been To A Pride Rally?

Been to the parade is that the rally

27. Would You Marry If You Could?

Maybe If I found the right guy

28. Would you rather be rich and smart or young and beautiful?

Rich and Smart

29. Do You Sculpt Your Eyebrows?

No

30. Do You Trim Your Body?

Only done it once

31. Ever had sex with more than one person in a day?

Nope

32. Ever been to an orgy?

Nope

33. Have you dated your best friends ex?

Nope

34. Would you vote for Hilary Clinton if she ran for president?

I might depending on if I didn't like the other candidate

35. Do you want monogamy in your relationships?

Yes

36. Do you believe in true love?

Yes

37. Do you have any tattoos?

No and don't want one

38. Do you have any piercings?

No and don't want any

39. Would you date a smoker?

Wouldn't' want too

41. Do you know anyone who has died from H.I.V.?

Yes, a cousin who I never met

42. Do you know what Stonewall was?

vaguely

43. Wonder Woman, Xena or The Halliwell Sisters

Wonder Woman

44. Strangest place you have had sex?

Have not had sex

45. Strangest place you've woken up?

Nowhere Strange yet

46. Are your best years behind or in front of you?

In Front of me

47. Favorite porn movie?

Hmmmmmm

48. Are you in love now?

Nope

49. Ever been in love with a straight guy/girl?

Sadly, yes

50. Did you ever have sex with them?

Nope

51. Have you ever been to a nude beach?

Nope

52. Have you ever been to a bath house?

Nope

53. Ever had sex in public?

No

My mini-vacation

Going On A Small Vacation

Just so you know this was started last Friday:

I’m sitting here at my house while, I wait for my parents to finish packing or whatever it is that they are doing. Wouldn’t it make sense to have everything packed the night before with expect for the maybe the food? To me, it is totally logical. You spend the day before getting packed and going to store, so that the next day all you have to is pack the car, pack the food, and then go.

We are driving down to Nauvoo, Illinois, and we are camping at Nauvoo State Park. It’s at least a six hour drive down. Here, it is 7:00 and we still haven’t left yet. We’ve packed the car, gone to the bank, and now we are home again. Oh wait, we are again. This chaos is aggravating. I will admit that I am not the most organized person in the world, but I can’t stand being idle, being late, or not leaving on time. One good thing came from making a couple stops. I got batteries for my camera and a new memory card for it also. Oh lets not forget that they bought food also. Sadly, though it is 8:00 p.m. or around there, and we are still in NW Indiana.

We arrive in Nauvoo at or pretty close to 3:00 am. I woke up around 8:00 am. It was a beautiful. The temperature was nice, and there were cottontails in camp. At least six of them, they didn’t seem to mind me being around as long as I didn’t come to close. A little bit later everyone got up. We had breakfast, and then much to my surprise everyone sort of sat around. My dad and three nephews sat or stood by my brother’s mini-van and watched a dvd of "The Thing". Let’s not forget, they also had their electronic games. To me that isn’t camping. Sure, I had books and paper to write on. I also brought my magic the gathering playing cards. I just figured with so much to do and see, that we would be something.

Finally, we are going to go do something. We are driving out to Carthage, Illinois. Nauvoo by the way was a large Mormon settlement along the banks of the Mississippi. Right off hand, I can’t remember how many people were living there but, it was a fairly large city. There was some contention towards the church and it’s leaders, so much so, that at one point Joseph and Hyrum Smith were arrested and taken to Carthage. Joseph was the prophet of the church and Hyrum is his brother. They were held at Carthage jail awaiting trial. Sadly, they never saw their day in court. They were killed by a mob. Okay. so we visited the jail. After that, we drove out and saw some other things. We stopped at a small park, that has a waterfall in it. Sadly, there had not been enough rain for there to be water for the falls. We also stopped at a arch bridge, which was built at the time of the Mormons being in Nauvoo. I’m sure there has been some restoration done on it. After all, it’s been something like 136 years since the martyr of Joseph and Hyrum. We also went geode and fossil hunting, which was a lot of fun until I fell and gave scratched myself up. After, I got cleaned up and was going back to join my nephews and brother, a bunch of turkey vultures started flying overhead. We also went shopping in some of the little stores in Nauvoo. No, I didn’t buy anything. I wanted to be out seeing stuff. Dang sorry, no camera! After coming back to camp, we had lunch and dinner. Later in the day, we went to Iowa and watched a tugboat and a bunch of barges move through the lock. On Sunday, I went and tried to get a few pictures of the restored buildings in the Nauvoo restoration area. It was just too hot to do all that walking. We eventually packed up and left Nauvoo and headed for home. My dad and brother are train lovers, so they had stop at this steam engine that is parked in a riverside park in Iowa near Fort Madison. There is also a tiny restored fort, we stopped at. I managed to snag a few pictures.

* There is picture of two guys dressed as soldiers. I know the picture is bad but the guy in standing in back is really handsome. Wow…he was handsome. Any way, I am sure he was straight. Well, maybe pretty sure. Any way, enjoy the pictures!

Pictures will be posted in one of the photo albums.

TRADITIONS FOR THANKSGIVING

This time of the year seems to be focused on traditions and family. It’s true for my family. Things have changed over the years. The biggest difference is that the whole family doesn’t drive out to the county to Grandpa and Grandma’s house any more. Our family has changed over the years. Our extended family has extended a little bit more. It’s no longer just my three siblings any more. There are brother in law, sister in law, nieces, nephews, and I can’t forget the ever cute great nephew. Thanksgiving gatherings at Grandma’s and Grandpa house include great aunts, great uncles, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It goes without saying that Grandma and Grandpa were there too. Back in the day, Grandma always cooked the birds. She cooked a total of 2 large 25 pounders. There was always two seating areas, one for the kids and one for the adults. Grandma and grandpa never got to see make it to the adult table. Cooking the turkey has been put on my brother’s hands. The making of pumpkin pies was always my mom’s job. She would buy the pre-made crust and canned pumpkin. Nowadays, she buys pre-made pies and bakes them. Instead of my grandpa’s football games, we now watch a movie.

Weird Experience At Church

Weird Experience At Church

I was minding my own business at church today, when one of my friends came up to me. There is a dance next weekend for the singles in my area. Like a any good guy from my church, he wants to go the dance. Problem is he doesn’t want to go to the dance by himself. I really can’t blame him. I don’t like going to social events by myself either. I just didn’t expect to being to a dance where the idea is to meet a woman to date. Kind of crazy huh? I so totally agree with you guys. On the other hand, it’s a chance to get out of the house. Maybe it won’t be so bad, since I was invited by a guy. Who I am kidding? Though, I should be okay. After all, my pets are enough to chase anyone away. No ones wants to put with them. No person in their right mind any way. Only love would bring someone to the point where they would be okay with the crazy critters. No, I am not expecting to meet anyone. Even if I did eventually, they would detect something. Most if not any of the girls that I dated in my teens picked up the gayness deep inside. I could never get past the friendship stage with them. Which is fine, because, there would have been hell to pay if I had gotten any where past that, stage. Just it was pretty ironic that my first outing with a friend in a two weeks is going to be at a single’s dance. Hmm…maybe some gay mormon will be there. Yeah right!! Any way, I am out of here guys.

Our Labor Day Weekend

We again descended on the Heston Steam show.  I just thought I'd share some pictures:

The kids on one of the mini trains.

The green and red tractor was my target.

Uncle and Nephew posing.

An old car

Another old car

Yet another old car

Passing Steam Train

Night With Nephews

Tonight, I get to spend time with my three nephews.  We are watching Justice League.  Let me tell you, this not the Justice League that I grew up with.    It nice to have times like this when I can have them over.  My only rule is that they have to be polite.  I had another post in mind for today.  Oh tomorrow there will be a special post.  Something I want to share with you.  Talk to you later.

My Trip To Utah

First off I'm so glad to be back home in Indiana.  The following is written to the best of my ability.  There will be pictures added later.

First day on the road:

Stopped at Golden Corral for dinner.  Not much of an appetite, I think because of news that a friend had passed away.  ( Got the news as we went to drop off some stuff at the church. ) The Golden Corral was in Joilet , I think.  Right now we are at a rest area in Illinois.  Saw a cute guy dressed in all black.  He had a very nice butt.  We made very brief eye contact.  I wonder if he was up for the Chicago's Pride parade. 

Tuesday

Had breakfast at McDonalds in Iowa.  Currently, we are in Nebraska enroute to a house in that used to be in my mom's family some 150 years ago.  The house is octogan shaped.  There is a pic that will be posted.  Sadly, there is only one pic.  We are now in Wyoming.  We are out at another rest area, where there is a small prairie dog town.  I had a chance to feed them, but not directly from hand.  Got pictures of dad feeding them.  Currently, it is 3:34 p.m. M.T. and I expect to be my grandma's house in 3 minutes. 

June 29th

It didn't take long for the talk to turn to all the family news.  As always , those cousins who aren't married are a part of the dicussion because everyone knows that, if you are older than 25 and not married than you are a threat to society.  I somehow managed to not be a part of that convsersation.  Rather it is because no one wants to offend or whatever, my name was not mentioned at all.  I do not mind at all.  From the sound of things, I am going to be visiting an aunt and uncle.  I love my family dearly but I'm still stuck in the closest.  It's very hard to be here and not have access to the gay community.  It is shame though, I'd love to go out and do something.  As you might have figured out, there will not be any internet access.  It would be sweet to run into someone who has visited the Shadowvoid.  Don't worry, I didn't!  We are headed down to Orem.  Remember the aunt and uncle that I mentioned.  Their new house has six bedrooms.  The place is almsot a mansion.  It was nice to visit with my family and meet with my cousins and their wives.  We went down to install a dryer.  We were down there till 10:30 p.m. Mountain time.

Thursday

Woke up had breakfast and went with dad to CompUsa.  Came home and had diarrhea.  I've been feeling completely yucky.  Dad is out at the Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City.  Mom and Grandma are out making sure that Grandma's errands are done for the day.  Leaving me with solitutde, but I hate this icky feeling.  I took my anxiety medication and I hate the results.  I feel so jumpy.  I am really thinking of not taking at all.

Friday

Still not feeling one hundred percent.  My grandma's neighborhood has an infestation of giant land snails.  I don't even remember when it started, but I've been out twice to look for snails.  Sometimes, I find snails and sometimes I don't.  Went out and helped my Grandma do some yardwork.  Not trying to over do anything.  I am kind of tired of laying around and sitting.  I miss my pets and my nieces and nephews.  My aunt is here along with one of my cousin's and his wife.  I should be out visiting, but not really in a social mood.  Went up to City Cemetary with my Mom, Dad, and Grandma.  We are up there looking some family graves and then to record the info from off the gravestones.  Later in the day, my uncle and my two cousins showed up. 

Saturday

I'm feeling better.  Good enough to venture our.  Went up to the Family history library with mom and dad.  Saw the glbt community center near one of the high schools in the Salt Lake Valley.  Would love to have one in my home town.  It's awesome see the community in Utah having such support.  Guess, I am going to a LAN Party with one of my cousins.  We played computer games for four hours.  Got back around 10:30 p.m.

Sunday

Went to the church with Grandma at her ward.  Things always seem a bit colder at her ward than at home.  The guys seem a bit unfriendly, but with my being shy, maybe that can't be helped.  Had a small gathering of family over at Grandma's house.  One of my cousin's has a 17 month old little girl.  I saw her last year and she was bit smaller.  My uncle said she wouldn't warm up to any of us, but I managed to get 2 kisses and two high fives.  Not to shabby for a cousin that she only sees once a year.  Spoke with Stephanie, my niece, apparently Aiden, my great nephew, is getting another tooth.

MOnday, 

Things seemed really slow today.    We went out and saw some old family homes.  Some dating back to the late 1800's to the early 1900's.  I think we found all but one of the houses.  Not to bad huh?

Tuesday

Supposed to go shooting with my cousins. Now, you don't know this but I don't really care for guns.  Guns to me mean only one thing, death.  I don't want to go shotting at all.  I tried to come up with an excuse not to go, but they wouldn't hear of it.  Dad is supposed to go hiking, and I would do anything to switch places with him.  Ends up dad doesn't want to go hiking.  So it seems that I am going in his place.  We took a short hike up to Ensign Peak.  From that vantage point, you can look out over the entire village.  Saw some quail.  I am not sure what species just yet, but I do believe they are California Quail. 

Rest of the trip

Sorry this part is not kept up nice and neatly.

We didn't really do a whole lot.  Though every time that I saw, signs for Hoogle zoo, my mouth drolled.  I know I've been there quiet a few times, but I never grow tired of it.  Sadly, I never did get up there.

Being with family was wonderful.  On the way back home, I saw a pair of what I believe to be Mountain Bluebirds.  It was wonderful.  Not much else to say really expect for that I missed everyone.

Fishing

I don't enjoy the art of fishing to eat the fish.  No doubt there is enough toxins in the fish to poison the body.  That is not the point to this post.  I do not want to hear from any readers about how dare I fish.  I am sure that fish feel the pain of the hook.  Still,  I went with my older brother and his three sons to when they went fishing.  I was right there when they caught each fish.  Just as excited as they were.  Yeah, maybe uncle was over doing it a bit considering they are 13, 12, and 11.  Still it was nice to see them having a good time.  For the most part they were getting along just fine.  They each caught at least 1 fish.  One of the boys managed to catch a fish within 1 one minute of his bait being in the water.  The youngest of the bunch actually caught a meduim sized large mouth bass.  He was super excited and somewhere on my digital camera is a picture of the fish.  Won't know exactly how it turned out until it, I actually see the picture on the computer.  That is about the extent of the excitement today. Hope you all did something fun and exciting today.