Monthly Archives: November 2008

It’s That Time of Year Again

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Once a year, it seems that the leaves on our trees fall all at once. My partner and I spent the afternoon taking care of the annual fall chore of raking leaves. It really isn’t that much, since 90% of our property is wooded and we just leaf them alone in the forest. (groan…)

But on the front and side lawns, rake we must. Blow, blow, and blow, then mow one last time. Put the leaves and grass trimmings in our compost pile. We’re done. Tired, a bit sore, but done. And great weather for it, too! It was 65°F (18°C) most of the afternoon, though cloudy.

I just love to jump into a pile of leaves… and my partner indulges my childhood memories by laughing at my silliness, and taking a photo.

Life is short: wear your boots! (and have fun!)

Wescos: Old Friends And Memories

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Yesterday, I was rummaging around our attic, which my partner has claimed for his own, looking for something, but discovering something else: a old pair of traditional 18″ Wesco “Boss” Engineer Boots. I picked them up, looked at them closely, and thought, “what the heck are they doing here? My partner doesn’t wear boots — least of all Wescos.” My partner is definitely not the Bootman in the family.

I figure he just picked them up from our bedroom sometime and put them away, thinking I wouldn’t miss them. Well, he was right — they have probably been there for 7 or 8 years, buried under boxes, but for some reason, now were uncovered and visible.

I took them out, removed the boots I was currently wearing, and pulled them on. It was a bit of a struggle — the tall boot shafts were tight on my legs. Oh yeah, dummy, unbuckle the strap! That helped. Then I sat to muse for a while, to try to remember when and where I got them. My curiosity piqued, I got on my computer where I have anally kept track of every financial transaction I have done since 1983, and found the purchase. I got them at Mr. S. of San Francisco in December, 1989.

I remember that visit — I had been in San Francisco for months doing earthquake relief work following the big Bay Area quake of October of that year. I finally had my first Saturday off, and I set out to explore the city. I walked for what seemed miles through what I learned was called “South of Market” (SoMa). And along the way, there was this leather store… intriguing. I didn’t have much courage to go into such a place, but the boots in the window really caught this biker’s eye.

So I went in. I was frightened, awed, mesmerized, and aghast, all at the same time. I was almost ready to bolt from the place when a guy came up and asked me if I’d like to try on the boots. Okay, no one else was around, no one who may jump out to attack me seems to be hiding behind that rack in the corner… so I tried ’em on. They fit great! The sales guy said that the boots were on sale for just $200. I just had to have ’em. I was stuck in the city without boots suitable for the cold, damp, wet weather. (Cowboy boots only go so far…)

Then this really good-lookin’ guy about my age walked out of a dressing room. He had tried on a pair of leather pants — man, he was gorgeous! He only had the pants on, nothing else. His chiseled, well-defined chest, muscular arms, and great smile just captivated me. Then, not even seeing me staring dumbfounded, he walked past me, picked up a pair of Dehners, and slipped them on his feet, carefully tucking the leather pants into them. Man, umm, umm, umm. What a view!

My attention on the guy was rather obvious, though, because the sales guy smiled, laughed, and whispered to me that while that guy wasn’t for sale, he knew he was single….

I gathered my compsure and began to get up when Mr. Leatherman looked at me and said, “nice boots — you should get a pair of leather jeans to go with ’em! Ride a bike? So do I!” Again, I was all mush-mouthed and stammered, but to make a long story short, I did end up buying a pair of leather jeans, too, and Mr. Leatherman waited with me and chatted while my jeans were being hemmed. He explained to me some things about leather gear that I didn’t know before (and was afraid to ask! Remember, this is before the Internet was available.)

I put my jeans on with the new Wescos. My new friend nodded his approval. He decided not to buy the Dehners, so he put on his old boots — which were Wescos, too. We paid for our purchases, put our old clothes in a bag, threw on our leather jackets, and walked proudly out of the store down the street to get some dinner. I remember thinking to myself, “I’ve arrived as a Leatherman… here I am in boots and leather walking with another guy in leather here in SoMa.” What a powerful feeling. I really think this was the specific situation where I “came out” as a Leatherman — meaning, I wore my leathers and boots out and in the open more often from then on.

But for those thinking something more happened, it didn’t. My new friend had a date that night, and I knew I had a very early call the next morning, so we embraced, parted ways, and said, once again, “good to meet you, nice boots!”

Life is short: wear your boots!

Our Country’s Progress and Lack Thereof

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The United States has made so much progress in the last decades in some civil rights matters. The most obvious being the active participation in our political process by people of all races.

We just elected our first Black President. All the pundits everywhere you turn — in the press, television, blogs, and the internet in general — are all exclaiming how proud and happy they are to elect a Black man as President. Some of this outcry by the media, to me, is disingenuous.

Mr. Obama didn’t win because he is Black — he won because of the nature of his well-organized, well-managed, highly skillful campaign, his unflappability in the face of fire with calm, steady reserve, for staying “on point and on message,” and also because of the backlash when people finally woke up to realize that the current President and his policies were so awful. And, I risk saying, Mr. Obama won despite the fact that he is Black. That’s a good thing. People overlooked race and looked at issues, and that’s how it should be.

Unfortunately, our country has a long, long way to go when it comes to recognizing that two people who love one another should have the right to be married, regardless of their sex. It became illegal to ban marriage between races. It should not be allowed to ban marriage between two men or two women who love one another. But that isn’t going to happen overnight, and those who demand marriage equality instantly don’t recognize that this struggle has the same time parallels as the struggle for civil rights regarding race.

Unfortunately, there’s a huge and different elephant in the room when it comes to civil marriage between two men or two women — and that’s religion. The problem is that marriage is both a civil contract for which a state issues a license, and a sacrament in most religions. Thus, the religious angle enters into and vastly confuses the whole matter. We just have to keep focused on the fact that a civil marriage is all we’re talking about — not a recognition by religion.

Our country, bless its mixed-up soul, has made great strides to go from laws that prohibited Black people from even voting to electing its first Black President, but we have regressed in a civil rights, as well.

Where is the regression? Some 39 U.S. states ban same-sex marriage by state constitution or statute, now including California, Arizona, and Florida. This is a matter that is fundamental to many of us who would like to have formal, civil recognition of our union of hearts — and the over 1,000 legislated benefits that go with it such as inheritance to taxes to guardianship of children.

With what looks like a defeat on Prop 8 in California, where now same-sex marriage will be prohibited in the state’s consitution — I don’t see any chance of progress on this issue for a long time to come. Heck, if the most progressive state with such a large Gay/Lesbian population can’t block a ban on civil marriage among same-sex couples in its state constitution, other states will be much less likely to consider any legislation recognizing our desire for civil recognition of our relationship.

It is a happy time for many people to be celebrating the election of our country’s first Black President, but it is a very sad time, as well, to see regression on a matter much more personal to my partner and to me, and many others.

But like the hard-working people who fought for racial civil rights, we have to be patient, we have to keep working, we have to keep demonstrating that we deserve equal and fair recognition under the law. We have to counter the attacks by the religious zealots who espouse Christian love for one another, and hatred otherwise. Their hypocrisy is clearly evident. People are seeing that now more than ever, and the power of the “religious wrong” is slowly sinking to a depth equal to that of their soulless actions.

As my eighth brother (AZ) said to me this morning on the phone, “patience, patience…”. I would prefer to have quicker movement on this issue, but I recognize that we must continue to work, one step at a time. Start with two hearts, then the families of those hearts, their friends, then on from there.

Election Outcomes and Other Stuff

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Have you ever had one of those days when your mind is just a jumble? That’s how I’m feeling this morning. I stayed up too late (until after 10pm!) last night, so I’m still groggy this morning, since I woke at 4am. I don’t function well on less than about 7-1/2 hours of sleep.

Lots of things going on… some good, some not. Read on if you like….

I was really pleased that I was able to facilitate getting 502 people to the voting polls yesterday. I was thrilled that they had more than ample voting equipment at the state’s largest precinct and there were not any lines except during the first hour. After 8am, there was no waiting. I had anticipated over 800 people wanting rides, but when many heard that there were no lines and parking was plentiful, they either called or left a note saying that they didn’t need a ride after all. Our band of merry volunteers completed their rounds by 3pm, and we were home free. I then went to vote myself — no lines, either — though it was a madhouse in the morning.

I am delighted with the outcome of the U.S. Presidential election. It was an historic event — all elections of this nature are — but most telling was what someone I respect wrote in his local politics-oriented blog this morning, and I’ll quote:

Everywhere in America, liberals are awakening to sunrise after eight cold years of darkest night. They celebrate. They dream. But they should also reflect. Euphoria on the left is understandable given the failures of the Bush regime and the rancor of the political season. It is the latter factor that fuels the left’s sense of triumph as well as its sense of grievance.

I am pleased that our country will have a leader who promises to restore its credibility and integrity in its relationships with other countries of the world, which has been so badly damaged by the current President. Our new President-elect has made other promises, too, which if put into effect, will be great to see. But it all depends with whom he surrounds himself — and if he will listen to and act on advice from knowledgable experts. And if Congress doesn’t get drunk on power. That tends to happen when both the House and the Senate, as well as the President, are from the same party. They gotta be respectful and careful, or lose the majority.

Tell ‘ya the truth, this is somewhat of a seminal moment for me. I am suddenly feeling very OLD! Wasn’t it a typical belief as you were growing up that the President is older than you? This is the first time in my lifetime that the President will be younger than me. Man, for some reason, that makes me feel really old. (But I’m not quite trading in my Harley for a old-fart sedan, even though I did buy a “geezer-glide” this year! LOL!)

I’m also happy with the outcome of some Congressional and Senate races. It was time for ol’ Liddy to go…. as well as to keep away some radical right-wing zealots who ran, and lost, in my home state and neighboring states. But most of all, I am very happy that the walrus-tooth-headed dingbat from Alaska won’t be our country’s Vice President. She scared me to death. I have restored faith in the American People who saw through her thin veil of “soccer-mom-ish-ness” and truly felt, as I did, that we couldn’t have someone like that just one heartbeat away from the Presidency.

A down-side today is a big frustration with a mega-company that provides my telephone and internet service at home. The service “died” in the middle of the night. After two calls and 90 minutes on the phone with them, I finally persuaded them to send a service tech to my house tomorrow to try to fix it. It shouldn’t be that difficult, it really shouldn’t.

Another down-side is that today is my boss’ last day. His position was cut by the company for lack of funds. He is a really great guy, and I admire him a great deal. But the sucky economy resulted in another job loss, this time very close-to-home. Who knows, I could be next — though for now, things seem to be okay. Some co-workers and I are taking my boss out to dinner tonight.

Oh well… on to more pleasant things. I’ll be smiling a lot today, because that’s just my nature. Remember: Life is Short! Smile! (and give someone a chance to ask, “what are you smiling about?)

Getting Out The Vote

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The close of the voting is finally upon us. I will be so very happy not to see any more of those campaign commercials on TV! The slamming, twisting, and negativity is more than irritating and annoying. Oh well, by tonight, we will be back to new car commercials.

Many states in the U.S. now allow for early voting, or voting by absentee ballot without an excuse. My state, Maryland, was lenient on absentee balloting, but didn’t permit early voting. There is a question on our ballot to allow it, and it looks like it will pass.

Meanwhile, today my co-coordinators of volunteer drivers and I have worked hard to get ready to provide transportation for seniors to vote at the state’s largest voting precinct. We have some 800 people who requested a ride to the polls ready to exercise their privilege to vote for President, Member of Congress, Board of Education, two state referenda, and two local questions. Our ballot in my county and state will be short, but incredibly important.

Polls don’t open (for the first time today), but instead, since early voting has happened all over the place, I just say that today is the day when polls will close, and by tomorrow morning, we will know the results in most races.

I’m not going to a party or event to watch returns. Returns will come in way too late for me to stay up to watch. I look forward to a positive outcome tomorrow, to bring change at the top, end the very bad policies of the current President and send him and his cronies to wherever they came from on January 20, 2009.

Exercising my constitutional privilege to vote is incredibly uplifting, powerful, and important to me. Every vote counts: go make yours count, if you haven’t already done so! You will see me in boots and leather at my precinct this afternoon when I take a break from my volunteer shift so I can vote, and then at the state’s largest precinct until everyone on our lists has voted.

Wherever we sit on the political spectrum, we should remember that we are among very few in the world with open and free elections. This is why I love my country, and work to contribute to making things a little bit better, a little bit stronger, a little bit more fair, each and every day. It’s why I volunteer, it’s why I work so much on community affairs, it’s why I serve, and it’s why I care.

Spotted In Leather In Public

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I had a busy day today. After a nice morning snuggle with my partner and reading the Sunday paper together in bed, I prepared home-made Cialda (Italian waffles) for my partner. I then headed over to my aunt’s home to take care of a bunch of things, get some groceries, and some other chores.

At noon, I facilitated in a political forum, where some politically active friends of mine and I educated about 50 attendees about the lower tiers of the ballot. Positions for the Board of Education and questions brought to referendum are often overlooked when all the talk and focus is on the top of the ticket. I continue to urge and persuade people to cast an educated vote, and vote the entire ballot.

What did I wear? An open-collar dress shirt and my side-laced leather jeans over my Chippewa Hi-Shine Engineer Boots. Why? Well, these jeans and boots are very comfortable, and look good. That’s all. I just like them. Nobody said a thing — and most attendees in this forum were seniors.

After that, I headed over to an electronics retailer that had a product that I wanted to get for my partner for his birthday next week. (I can’t say much more in case he reads my blog!)

While in the store, a nice-looking guy with a goatee and great smile walked up to me and said, “you look familiar… are you Booted Harleydude?” He looked down at my boots and leather jeans, then into my eyes and said, “you gotta be!”

“Yep, that’s me!” I said as I reached out to shake his hand and give him a big smile in return. Turns out that I met a loyal reader of this blog and a fan of my website. He’s a biker and told me that he has used my website to decide on a purchase of a new pair of boots to use when riding. He followed my website’s link to Stompers Boots and bought himself a pair of Chippewa Firefighter Boots which I have raved about since I got mine last year.

It’s nice to meet someone locally who has read my blog, and who has found my website helpful. He’s a nice guy. I’m glad to have met you, M, and look forward to keeping in touch. Thanks for coming up to me to say “hi” and taking some time for a chat. Also, thanks for your confirmation that my choice at the store was a good one.

Life is short: wear your boots and leather! And don’t forget, if you are a U.S. citizen, be sure to vote by Nov. 4 if you haven’t already! The image below is pertinent.

Odd But Fun

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It was a beautiful day today in Maryland and nearby Delaware. I took a motorcycle ride to Bridgeville, Delaware, which was about 110 miles (177km) away, on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay. The morning started out quite chilly, so I wore my tall brown custom Wesco Harness boots, jeans, and my thick biker chaps and, of course, my warm leather jacket over a t-shirt and sweatshirt.

The reason for going to Bridgeville was to watch the World Championship “Punkin Chunkin” contest. At first I thought it was just a silly affair, but I see that lots of people take it very seriously. They spend all year manufacturing what they call “machines,” which are large air cannons. And I mean LARGE! Some of the cannons were more than 50′ (15m) long! One-at-a-time, a team would load their cannon with a pumpkin, and charge it up to fire the pumpkin across a large field. The winner, which will be announced tomorrow at the conclusion of this three-day event, is the team that fires a pumpkin the greatest distance. Today, one team fired a pumpkin over 4,200 feet! (1,280m)!

By early afternoon, the temperatures reached 75°F (24°C). That is quite unusual weather for this time of year in Maryland. It made for a delightful ride over the Bay Bridge and back, along Maryland’s uncrowded highways. A beautiful day, a beautiful ride, great friends, interesting destination. What more could you ask?

Well, today would have been perfect if my partner could have been with me, but alas, his disability prevents him from riding with me. I missed him a lot as my passenger. But when I got home, he and I sat in the forest behind our house to watch the sun drop slowly toward the horizon, and I told him all about it.

Life is short: wear your boots, ride your ride, and enjoy!