Gary, my weekend host

[fuzzygruf]

We met Gary E. a coupla months ago in front of Starbears. He noticed Steve's REMAKE THE HEATWAVE shirt from last year's gay square dance convention, which was held in Phoenix. He came up and asked if we knew Seth, one of the convention organizers. Turns out that they've been friends for about 10 years.

Gary and Steve later "hung out" on the back patio of the LS. Gary returned to Phoenix, and we've been chatting via Bear411 ever since. Steve and I had planned to stay at a hotel (as usual) for this weekend's square dance fly-in. Gary convinced us to stay with him instead. He also was hosting Bob H. from Grand Rapids. Gary turned out to be such a good host!

Gary's house was located in such an easy-to-find location. It's off of 44th Street between Indian School and Camelback. That made it driving around pretty simple. His house is situated in what once was a date palm ranch. There are still a lot of date palms (the area looks like an oasis), but it also served as a citrus grove at one point. Gary has some grapefruit trees that were loaded with fruit. He's lived in the house for about 10 years and has made some great renovations on it. No clutter. Very tasteful, while being very comfy.

His two dogs, Sierra and Eddy, were fun. They enjoyed barking at times, but they both had great personalities. I'm gonna be lonely here without my puppy, Steve, around.

It turns out that we have more in common that just our first name. He has the same camera as me. He has a Gateway computer, while mine is eMachines, but they are identical (due to Gateway-eMachines merger). I noticed that the wallpaper on Gary's laptop was a winter picture that he had emailed me a couple weeks ago. I went ahead and changed my wallpaper to match his in order to freak him out. It worked!

On Friday, we picked up David, a mutual friend, for lunch. David moved to Phoenix last year from Seattle. I had met him via Steve's ex in Seattle. David and I both lived at the mansion, although several years apart.

On Sunday, Gary hosted a brunch. About 20 guys came over. I was in charge of making coffee. I swear I made at least 15 pots of coffee this weekend! It was fun to help out in the kitchen. Our parties at home are usually sing-a-longs, and I'm "stuck" behind the piano. I enjoy that, but it's nice to be included in the "hubbub" part, too.

I had a great weekend, largely due to such a great host!

Comments

[blt4success66.livejournal.com]

Is it just me or do you two look alike? Hmmm? Oh, didn't your mother tell you it wasn't polite to stick your tongues out...unless you are going to use them...on me!

[orange-groves.livejournal.com]

Uh oh, someone didn't take their meds.

[fuzzygruf.livejournal.com]

Whee!!!!

[orange-groves.livejournal.com]

Nope! I take my meds.

[trulygrateful.livejournal.com]

He looks soooooo familiar... is it possible I know him (or know OF him) from square dancing? After all, I/we DID dance out west for some time before coming to Nueva York.

(in my best little boy accent from "Oliver!" ...more pics, sir!

[enhydrasf.livejournal.com]

What else did you do with those tongues??????

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think Gary E. looks familiar too. Now John and I are going to be wondering whether we've ever met him before, and if so, where. And he's an old friend of Seth Levine? Ooooo.... :-)

[dacubsf.livejournal.com]

Hmmmmm.... I wonder if he knows my friends John and Brian. They also live on 44th street between Indian School and Camelback