Since last we met

Item #1. We had a lovely afternoon at Griffith Park in celebration of my dear wife's birthday. Though it was warm, there was a breeze, and we managed to find a delightful little spot underneath a few large trees. We enjoyed ham sandwiches, watermelon, champagnes and lambruscos and seasonal beers, bocce ball, and beach boys. Thank you to those who joined us.

Item #2. Later that very same day we joined Brandon for a quick birthday dip in the pool just up the street. There, along with Alex, Tim, and Shauna, we soaked up the rays and the cool water behind sunglasses and a couple Cuba Libres.

Item #3. Later still we made our way to one of the renowned Patterson barbecues to visit three Idahoians, the lovely Hamilton family, and many other friends. Good times.

Item #4. I finally made my way down to Long Beach to spend time with two of my best friends, Derek and Tim. Together we rode fixed gears to the market for meats and charcoals and beers. Upon returning home our conversation was briefly interrupted by an annoying neighbor, but the night as a whole turned out to be pleasant. Again soon boys.

Item #5. I got into the studio again with my brother, which is always good times and great music. We were joined by the aforementioned two, as well as our old friend Luke. Good times again.

Item #6. My great friend Curtis, of Palm Springs fame, made his way out to our place a few weeks back. Together we sipped some brews on the front porch and caught up. We then caught the metro to the subway to the bus to the Hollywood Bowl with some spiked lemonade, some smokes, and some tickets to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This was good times indeed. I might even say one of my all time favorite shows, for a few reasons. 1. We got in with booze (not allowed on this particular night). 2. We sat a considerable amount of rows closer than our tickets described. 3. As we were leaving, some folks slapped a couple back stage passes on us, to which we briefly glanced at each other, and then headed up to the party to partake in free foods and spirits and to, wait for it... chit chat with some of the Heartbreakers. No Tom, but good times nonetheless.

Item #7. We soon returned to the Bowl for the celebration of the Dodgers first fifty years in L.A. This time food and drink were completely allowed, and the good times rolled. Sandwiches, cheeses, nuts, candies, wines, and coffees. The philharmonic, fireworks, and, wait for it... Mr. Randy Newman himself, and let me tell you, he is one classy dude.

Item #8. We broke in Jesse's new garage with a long awaited Gentleman's Jam. Talk about some good times. Country numbers, blues, disco, rock and roll, and even a little new wave-ish stuff making its way in. Supreme times were had.

Item #9. We saw Wall-e on its opening weekend at the El Capitan theater, with the Staffords and the Gloyds. In my opinion the best Pixar picture yet. My high expectations were not only met, but largely surpassed. A great plot, great love story, perfect graphics, mature humor, and more. A real heart-breaker. Please do yourself a favor if you haven't already and go see it. I have twice now, and I can't wait to go again.

Item #10. The soon-to-be-non-bachelor, Mr. Bush, made his way out from the east side. First a barbecue at the Gloyds pad, then a massive voyage up the mighty mountain for the classiest of classy bachelor parties. Steaks, wines, baseball (on a real diamond), hold 'em, and great company made it quite a memorable weekend.

That's the majority of it. What did I forget? I am remodeling the Gloyds new house. That is going well, as they are a wonderful family to work for. I am registering for school which is half super exciting, half super sad. And the coup de grâce of the summer, wait for it... New York City. In four days we will be there with two very lovely people. Goods times will surely be had, and we will do our best to document our exodus into the wild unknown.

Oh, and a new blog. Respect it.