Spain, OLE!

OLE!


Parliament legalized gay marriage Thursday, defying conservatives and clergy who opposed making traditionally Roman Catholic Spain the third country to allow same-sex unions nationwide.

The measure passed the 350-seat Congress of Deputies by a vote of 187-147. The bill, part of the ruling Socialists' aggressive agenda for social reform, also lets gay couples adopt children and inherit each others' property. The bill is now law.

The Senate, where conservatives hold the largest number of seats, rejected the bill last week. But it is an advisory body and final say on legislation rests with the Congress of Deputies.
USA Today, June 30, 2005

Dogsters

Going to the dogs!


I'm not at all fond of Ice Cream but tonite, for some strange reason, I'm craving ice cream! Could be that it's hot and humid today.....

Right there in the ice cream freezer, sitting next to the Haagen Dazs are Dogsters, "Frozen Healthy Treats for Dogs". Priced exactly the same as the Haagen Dazs. My first thought, "who in their right mind is gonna spend that kind of money on dogs?

Daisy and Muggs like the "Mintee Kissably Fresh" flavor.

Canada Proud!

Gay Marriage

On June 10, 2003, the Ontario Court of Appeal made it official, Canada's marriage laws are unconstitutionally heterosexist, and redefined it as:"the voluntary union for life of two persons to the exclusion of others".
Simple language but note that there is no mention on gender. This was intentional to allow any two persons who were committed to each other to get married. Since then, the majority of provinces have passed similar laws, allowing the legal union of two consenting adults.

On June 28, 2005, two years after the original court decision the Canadian government upheld the Supreme Court decision and made Canada the third country in the world after the Netherlands and Belgium, to officially recognize same-sex marriages.

The House of Commons passed legislation Tuesday that would legalize gay marriage by July 31 as long as the Senate also passes the bill, which it is expected to do.

Enough Already!

Just not getting it!

"Last night, President Bush tried to rescue his failed Iraq policy in a nationally televised address by connecting the Iraq war to the war on terror. He is trying to change the subject from Iraq to terrorism and September 11—implying that Iraq attacked us in 2001." Move-On

"On May 1, 2003, Bush landed aboard the USS aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln to announce, under a boldly painted banner "Mission Accomplished," that major combat operations had ended in Iraq. Now with the blood of 100,000 dead Iraqis and more than 1,700 U.S. soldiers on his hands, Bush is compelled to justify the ongoing military conflict and occupation in Iraq to a population that no longer believes the government or its recycled rationales. The old rationales - that is, the old lies - have been so completely exposed that Bush is required to resort to constant referencing of September 11 as the pretext for the Iraq war and occupation." VoteNoWar
It's time for Bush to admit that "just maybe", he made a mistake.

Yawn!

Using the "D" card!
Get a grip, Oprah...

On June 14th, Opera and friends stopped by Hermes in Paris to purchase a gift for Tina Turner with whom she was having dinner that evening. Opera and company arrived at Hermes at around 6:45pm, about 15 minutes after the store had closed. There were people in the store because a private PR event was being set up inside.
The following is a blog by Rosie O'Donnell (You Go Girl) at www.Rosie.com "oprah was turned away at hermes in paris. gayle said it was really really bad she used really twice she saw it - she was there “Oprah describes it as one of the most humiliating moments of her life.” and who would know better than gayle i cannot wait to hear all the details -one of the most humiliating moments of her life…oprah a poor overweight sexually abused troubled black female child from a broken home -that oprah sufferred ONE of the most HUMILIATING momemts of HER life at hermes in paris hmmmmm

The following, my feelings exactly!

..... after-hours shopping is a favor, a perk. Not a right. There's nothing wrong with a store saying not tonight, madame, as long as the reason doesn't have anything to do with skin color. It's okay to say no to a celebrity, even when her name is Oprah. Washington Post, Robin Givhan

The Wicked Witch of Hillsborough County

Ronda Storms

Hillsborough Commission Passes Anti-Gay Censorship Policy

(Tampa, FL) Sparking outrage among human rights organizations, the Hillsborough County Commission voted Wednesday to bar county agencies from recognizing or participating in Gay Pride Month or any events that portray gay people in a positive light. “The commission’s actions today are an attack on gay people, an insult to the entire community and a national embarrassment for our state,” said Nadine Smith, Equality Florida’s Executive Director, who addressed the commission at Wednesday’s meeting. “The Commission is supposed to represent all members of the Hillsborough community. This policy is discriminatory and will not go unchallenged. We are calling on all fair-minded people to stand with us as we fight this censorship and stand up for equality."

The policy introduced by longtime anti-gay antagonist Ronda Storms prevents Hillsborough county agencies from giving equal recognition to local events that present gay people in a positive light, including Gay Pride Month. The commission went even further and voted 6-1 to prevent the new policy from being repealed except by a super majority vote of the commission following a public hearing.

Commissioner Kathy Castor was the only commissioner to speak out against the measure.
"Government should not be in the business of promoting discrimination," said Castor before casting the only vote in opposition.
Equality Florida, June 15, 2005 (press release)

Saturday June 25, Gay Pride

GAY PRIDE ST. PETERSBURG

I AM SO PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS GREAT COMMUNITY!

THREE YEARS AGO, 10,000 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE FIRST ST. PETE PRIDE EVENTS. LAST YEAR, ATTENDANCE DOUBLED TO ABOUT 20,000 AND THIS YEAR, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE WERE 35,000 PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN THE PARADE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES!

THIS WAS MY FIRST LOCAL PRIDE EVENT AND I WAS SURROUNDED BY GOOD FRIENDS, FELLOW WORKERS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATES.

OH WHAT A FEELING!

The Puglets are home!

I missed the BABIES!

I arrived home too late Monday evening to pick up the puglets at TOP DOG which made my arrival home a bit sad, but I woke up this morning and made an instant call to see if my babies were ready to come home. I was told they were ready and waiting.

When I arrived, I saw several dogs in cages and didn't recognize any as my dogs and assumed they were in the boarding section. While paying the bill, I happened to glace again at one of the cages and noticed two pugs, heads tilted to the left looking my way and seeming to say "hello, have you forgotten us already?". It was my babies, fully shaved and looking more like puppies than my adult dogs. They looked beautiful. Needless to say, as soon as the kennel door was opened, they ran out and into my arms. Tomorrow, it's back to work so we are really going to enjoy today!

Arriving home, they ran around making certain no one had intruded on their private spaces and quickly settled down to "life as it's been" for the last several years.

TOP DOG...I've finally found a kennel that I trust completely. I will no longer be hesitant to leave the pugs when I have to leave town.

Thursday, June 16th

The Party Begins!

Tim, Bill and I arrived in New Orleans early this morning and checked in to our respective guest houses (Tim and Bill at the St. Peter Guest House and me at the Villa Convento) after which we met at Lafitte's for the traditional Bloody Mary's. After a couple, I left the men to continue the party and headed for Harrah's Casino where I played the slots for a while and seeing my cash disappear, decided to have lunch there. After lunch, I left for Jackson Square and decided to check out the action at the Bourbon Pub! I had my first Apple Martini when Tim and Bill arrived. I left my favorite barstool at the entrance of Bourbon Pub and took my place at my favorite street post outside the bar where we started to play the young locals. Tim had his digital camera and asked a few of the youngsters if he could photograph them, which they loved. Shirts come off, and then all of a sudden, righto.... a cock is out; (yep, this is in the afternoon, on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Ann) and Tim's camera is clicking away. I told Tim he better buy these boys a drink for this performance but they inform us they can't drink because they're too young (19 - 20) . Go figure.... so it's "Pepsi on Ice" (with cherries) for the boys. I leave to shower and change for dinner and Tim calls to inform me they never went home but are now at LaFitte's still drinking. We meet and head for my favorite restaurant (Maspero's) where I have my usual enormous platter of fried oysters. I have to slow down the partying because I'm taking antibiotics because of a tooth infection and the possibility of an abscess so I head back to the guest house to rest and eventually end up back at the Bourbon Pub. Tim and Bill go to the Corner Pocket but I decide not to accompany them because I'm not too crazy about "stripper bars". At about 2:00 AM, I decide it's time for some sleep and meet the Tim late at Lafitte's for a nitecap before heading across the street to the Clover Grill for a bacon and cheese omelet to go. At least I'm not sleeping alone tonite (I've got me one big ole omelet) to keep me satisfied. Looks like it's gonna be one crazy weekend!

Friday, June 17th

The art of Glen Hanson

APPLE MARTINI

HAPPY HOUR

The weather's been beautiful, low 90's with only about 50% humidity. I called on the dogs today and was told that they're doing fine. I am not happy! They're supposed to be missing me, dammit. Actually I was worried, and glad they're eating. I miss my babies but I think it was time for a little short term vacation from each other. Friday morning, I headed to Armstrong Park with coffee in hand for some relaxation, I met someone and the morning turns out to be anything but relaxaing...... at 11 AM my someone had to go to work so I rested and at mid afternoon Bill, Tim and I stopped by the Bourbon Pub for a few drinks and ended up outside where the sidewalks were packed with peeps. Tim asked a couple of them if he can photograph and the next thing I know, one of them has his cock out (YES, on Bourbon Street) and Tim is clicking away. I dont want to overdo the drinking cause of the antibiotics so I leave the men to their antics, check out the French Market, visit a few are galleries on Royal, purchase body lotion for my friend Ina Faye at HOVE, and meet Tim and Bill for dinner at a small bistro going towards Jackson Square. Fried oysters again tonite and they're a delicious golden brown. I can't get oysters in this area so I make up for it here. Tim calls to let me know they're going to the Corner Pocket tonite. I've never been there and not tempted to go at all (I'm not much into strippers) and decide to go to Good Friends Bar instead (where the service sucks tonite cause the damned bartender is too busy trying to get laid than wait on his customers). At about 2:00AM, I meet Tim at LaFitte's for a bit more socialization, then head home.

My Birthday, June 18th

The art of Glen Hanson

My Birthday!

Waking up in the city I love the most.

Bill is going home today to spend Father's Day (tomorrow) with his dad, which means the celebrations begin early at LaFitte's. The boys aren't letting me spend any money today and the Bloody Mary's start arriving. Some of the locals get into the act and even send drinks over for my friends. LaFitte's has now become my new favorite bar. The people are friendly, the bartenders are attentive and the drinks cost less. A gin and tonic at the Bourbon Pub was $5.00 while at Lafittes (one block away) costs $3.00. Also, because it is my birthday, they sent over a bottle of champagne; something they didnt need to do, since they really don't know us as regular customers. I asked them to keep the champagne on ice until tonite because I'm already becoming "brain dead" from all the partying and decide to make an exit before I fall on my face. I call my sister from Bourbon Street to let her hear the music and head for Harrah's Casino again. This time, I win my money back and decide not to test my luck and head to Canal Place to do some shopping (Sacks Fifth Avenue, Kenneth Cole and Banana Republic). After dinner, I met Tim as planned back at Lafitte's where my bottle of champagne was still on ice and ready to go. We finished the bottle (with shots of Sour Apple Pucker on the side) and I finally let Tim talk me into going to the Corner Pocket. I'm surprised at the quantity and quality of the dancers there. I expected the place to be a dive full of hustlers, but actually the dancers were nice looking, clean and didn't push themselves on customers. I stayed about an hour. The dancers dance (five at a time) for 15 minute sets. In the hour I was there, we saw 20 different dancers, with more waiting to come on. I left Tim busy with one of the dancers and headed to the Bourbon Pub where I partied until about 3:00 A.M.

Sunday, June 19th

The art of Glen Hanson

PRIDEFEST

Sunday Pride.... The bars are all decorated with flags, banners and balloons. There are balloon arches on two corners and things look festive, but the streets are relatively quiet. To quote an article written in The Whiz Magazine June 16, 2005, "debauchery is more important than equal rights. The less money you have to spend on Pride, the more you have to spend on Decadence." Sad, yes but so New Orleans! Today was the birthday brunch at the Court of Two Sisters. Live Jazz was playing while we enjoyed a varied selection of brunch items. I had a "pick me up" bloody mary, an omelet, pate, peel and eat shrimp, crawfish pasta, sausage, and bread pudding. The food was great and the selections too varied to try everything. On the way back, we stopped by a couple of art galleries where I purchased three small prints and a tee shirt for my sister. then proceeded to the French Market and the adjoining flea market where Tim and I both picked up gift items including the ever popular vodoo dolls. I brought my purchases back to the guest house and finally set off for the Quarter and the Pride festivities.The parade began at 5:00 PM. Tim wanted to catch the parade at Rawhide but I preferred staying on Bourbon Street. The parade itself was small but the beads were flowing freely and the crowd was enthusiastic. It was difficult to photograph because the beads just kept coming from all over the place. After the parade, I stayed on Bourbon Street to socialize, and had a few drinks outside of the Bourbon Pub. I went back to my guest house early, rested and watched television until 10:00 AM and went out again. Bourbon Street was quiet and the clubs were relatively empty. I wasn't even in the mood for a drink, I've got the "I don't want to go home tomrrow" blues) so I took a walk thru Jackson Square and headed back to the guest house.

Monday, June 20th Florida

The art of Glen Hanson

HOME AGAIN
As usual, I hate leaving New Orleans. I woke up today and after coffee at the Villa Convento, I did my usual stroll throughout the quarter. I purchased a coffee and stopped by Louis Armstrong Park where I met my friend from Friday. We hung out until almost 11:00 AM when he had to leave for work and it was getting close to check out time. I made it back in record time, and barely had time to finish packing before Tim arrived. Time to go; can't wait to see the dogs. I will be back!

FIRST ANNUAL NOLA AWARDS

Here they are.... the much anticipated, never duplicated DonDon009 NOLA AWARDS 2005!
THE AWARDS.....

BAR RATINGS:

BEST BAR:
#1: Lafitte's for having the friendliest manager, doorman and bartenders in town. They're attentive, remember their customers and treat them well. As a stranger in town, giving me a bottle of champagne on my birthday was a wonderful gesture. *** they also have the best prices that I could find. Gin and tonic was $3.00 while at the Bourbon Pub one block away the price was $5.00.

#2: Bourbon Pub has the best location to see and be seen. I usually grab the stool by the door where I can catch the action both inside and outside the bar (although I spend most of my time outside). The music is great (club mix) and the bartenders are fast (if you can get their attention when it's busy). The drinks are expensive (see above) I paid $7.50 for an apple martini. I love working the crowd outside and usually score big time.

#3: Would probably be OZ but I only went in to say hello to a bartender for a fellow blogger. The music and atmosphere is techno and the crowd is younger than I'm comfortable with. Chris the bartender was a sweetheart with a great sense of humor and for allowing me to take his pic.

#4: Corner Pocket could easily be #2 or #3. Lots of dancers (more than 25 the nite were there)
and they were clean and cute. They dance on the bar, five at a time for 15 minute intervals. Lots of variety. I expected a much more sleazy atmosphere but it was very nice. Still not my type of bar and would probably not go again.

#5: Good Friends has always been one of my favorites but this time, I sat and waited more than 5 minutes for a drink while the bartender held hands and socialized with some dude sitting on my left. When he finally noticed I was sitting there, he got me a drink and went back to his new friend, neglecting the rest of the bar. Where the hell was management?

I can't rate Rawhide because I didn't go in, but Tim and Bill love it and would rate in number 1.
This blog is my personal opionion only!

The Best NON-ORIGINAL QUOTE award goes to: ME!

Thursday afternoon, I was sitting on my favorite bar stool at the entrance of the Bourbon Pub when Mr. Yuppie boy, (dressed in a totally bar inappropriate polo dress shirt and tie, jeans and loafers) is glancing my way. I'm trying to avoid eye contact but Mr. Yuppie seems to have his penis radar airmed at Big Daddy (me). Although I've quit smoking, I'm holding a lit cigarette (let's not go there), between two fingers, palm down on my left knee. Yuppie boy decides to make his move and saunters over to me. While gazing lustily into my eyes, he goes to put his hand on my knee. BINGO! Yuppie Boy's hand, palm down lands directly dead center on the lit part of my cigarette. OUCH! Yuppie Boy is shaking his burned hand, looking for reaction from me, while all I can think to say is: "you play with fire, you get burned!" Yuppie Boy picks up his cell phone, makes a call and about 10 minutes later, daddy's big ole stretch limo arrives, chauffeur gets out to open door for yuppie boy and off they ride into the sunset!

The first runner up award for BEST NON-ORIGINAL quote goes to TIM talking about a trick he brought home: "it was at least a foot long!"

The second runner up award for BEST NON-ORIGINAL quote goes to BILL talking about the same trick as above: "it was at least 12 inches long!"

The I WANT TO HAVE MORE TRICKS THAN DON award goes to TIM who lined them up, black and white, young and old (ages 19 - 60) and took digital pics to prove it! YOU GO BOY!

And finally, the BACK TO NATURE award goes to DON, for hosting BRUNCH, not once but twice in Louis Armstrong Park.

Destination New Orleans

There's something about New Orleans...

My first visit to New Orleans was about 15 years ago and each subsequent visit, sometimes as many as four times per year, leaves me longing for more......... and looking forward to the "next time".

The "next time" is now. Yesterday (Tuesday) was my last day at work. The dogs are at Doggie Resort, the cottage is clean, laundry done, suitcases are packed.

Tomorrow morning, Southwest Airlines takes me to "another dimension". Party Time in one of my favorite cities! Celebrating my birthday and New Orleans Pride Fest. It just can't get any better than this. Stay tuned for pics and hopefully some interesting blogging!

My Birthday

The Court of Two Sisters

613 Rue Royal

New Orleans, Louisiana

June 18, 2005

The Courtyard - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

THE JAZZ BRUNCH MENU ...is a sumptuous display of hot and cold dishes including made-to-order omelets, Eggs Benedict, sausage and bacon, grits and grillades, and shrimp or veggie pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce; as well as Creole jambalaya, turtle soup, oysters Bienville, Duck a l'Orange, and Shrimp Etouffee.

The cold buffet is a creative sampling of boiled shrimp (and crawfish when in season) with your choice of traditional cocktail or Creole remoulade sauces, seafood and pasta salads, ceviche, marinated artichokes, pâtés, cheeses and a variety of fresh fruit. Also included are delicious desserts: pecan pie, chocolate mousse, homemade French vanilla ice cream, Bananas Foster and our famous bread pudding with whiskey sauce.

New Orleans Pride

Party Time!

A Sense of Pride

ON BEING GAY

Certain myths about what it means to be gay must be corrected, starting with our own thinking.

For instance, there is a myth that same-sex relationships can't work and don't last. That's nonsense. Intimate partnerships, gay or straight, are not easy. They endure and are fulfilling when the people involved do the work needed to build trust and compatibility, communicate effectively and learn to work through conflict.

Saturday evening, I attended another St. Pete Pride benefit party. Hosted by the Pro Shop Pub, there were dancers, door prizes and a chinese auction. I won a Clearwater Beach Hilton Hotel backpack filled with beach goodies including a gift certificate for dinner for two at their Reflections Restaurant. Not quite as exciting as the digital camera I won at the Pro Shop anniversary party, but nice to go home with "something"!

My friends Tim, Bill and I are finalizing plans to fly into New Orleans on Thursday, and plans are being made with other friends to attend St. Pete Pride on the 25th.

Pug Resort

The Drama Begins!

Countdown to New Orleans also means Countdown to Doggy Resort which also means time for the annual check up, yearly shots, grooming and manicures!
Saturday morning bright and early, sis and brother-in-law arrived to escort us to the vet. I'm much too emotional to handle both dogs and paper work at the same time. Also, I can't bear to watch Daisy get her shots so holding her is delegated to brother-in-law, while I squirm in the nearest corner. Of course today, Daisy is being very difficult and I'm called in to assist. Not a pretty sight. Muggs, on the other hand just stands there and allows the mean ole vet (Daisy's and my opinion) to give him his shots and do whatever...... and he takes it like a "good ole boy"! Thank you Muggs, Daddy loves you very much.

The next stop is Pet Smart to purchase new collars and leashes that match the green "I got my rabies shot" tag. The Pet Smart in Clearwater doesn't have the leash length I'm looking for in green, so the next scheduled stop is Pet Smart in Largo which I will do later in the week.

At the grocers I purchase a rotisserie chicken for the babies.... after all, they've been traumatized today (or is that me?). Arriving home, Daisy is pouting under the dining room table while Muggs remains happily oblivious to anything that transpired so far today. Even the chicken doesn't change Daisy's mood. It's gonna be a long day!

I take a quick walk into town and stop by Stein Mart to buy a black jersey. When I get home, Daisy is still pouting and Muggs is lying down on my computer chair. He looks up at me and appears to be lethargic. I see that his face is swollen and his eyes lack thier usual luster. My baby boy appears to have had an allergic reaction to his shots. A quick call to the emergency vet who suggests benadryl (an antihistamine) to minimize swelling and bring relief. Muggs as usual is compliant and all ends well.

Daisy continues to pout.... I'm being punished BIG TIME!

Sunday Morning: Daisy, not to be upstaged by Muggs and the allergic reaction he had to his shots chose to continue the drama by vomiting all over the living room floor this morning! AMEN

Show Your Pride!

"It is more important than ever to understand the context of the anti-gay politicking that is going on in this country at present. The trick is not to become a victim of it, but to know for certain that it is a last-ditch attempt to forestall social change in a world that feels safest when it is unchanging and predictable."

No matter where you live in this great world of ours, get out there and share in your community's Pride events.

SHOW YOUR PRIDE!

Ramblings

With the week from hell finally over, I was hoping for a weekend filled with excitement. UNFORTUNATELY, the rain didn't end with TGIF, but lasted thru the weekend. I managed to get my ass off line Saturday nite and stopped by the Pro Shop for a few drinks. Tim was there as well as Vinny who arrived with his right arm in a sling. Seems he fell getting out of bed (sober?) and dislocated his shoulder. Not sure I want to be on the roads tonite when Vinny goes home, driving with his left hand and a few drinks under his belt. There were a few interesting faces at the bar tonite, but I was too busy (hanging out with Tim and Vinny and talking to my buddy Steve the bartender) to investigate.

Sunday found the sun finally peeking from behind the clouds (is this Florida?), so I headed for the mall. Of course the minute I left the mall it started pouring again so I got home soaked and broke!

Doodles and his partner EBAMJR have finally confirmed that they will not be meeting me in New Orleans (they have issues). Doodles has so many issues I'm thinking of getting him a full subscription. Yes, I am disappointed but "no expectations, no regrets"!

Speaking of issues, I now have an issue of my own. I have broken a tooth, which is now becoming abscessed; which means... get my ass to the dentist, get me some antibiotics and get this show on the road. I do not need this grief one week before New Orleans.

Actual days of work before New Orleans.... five
Days smoke free..............fifteen

Pride

On Celebrating Gay Pride

"We are everywhere. It just doesn't show except during Gay Pride. That will change someday.

For some of us, it already has. For us, we show our pride every day, in the work we do, in the way we live our lives -- openly and quietly, with dignity about whom we are and whom we love, and the families we create and are part of".

Dr. Betty Braxton

TGIF

Thank God it's Friday


Winding down a week from HELL!

First of all, it's rained every day this week which has put me in a major "I wanna stay in bed" mood. When I finally get out of bed and into work, things just seemed to get worse every day. My boss was out of state all week and the "selfish bitches on PMS or in dire need of Prozac" were in full form. It was a "honey, I can't be doing that, I might break a nail" kind of week. It's at times like these that I want to lock myself in my office. Then this afternoon, our program director informs me that I'm in charge the first three days next week while she and my boss are at a conference. They're just trying to kill me before I go on vacation, dammit! Get me a damn cigarette. I think I'll pass on that but considering all of the above, the fact that I'm still not smoking is a miracle (eleven days by the way)!

Good news on the horizon. A good friend has suggested a "pet resort" where I can board the dogs while I'm in New Orleans. Sounds like a winner, especially after I found out they actually cook breakfast for the dogs; which is what I do here on weekends. I have a feeling the smell of bacon and eggs cooking will quickly distract the pups from any thoughts of "daddy".

Plans for the weekend have changed (did I have any plans?) due to inclement weather predictions. One thing for certain, I getting some sleep!

The First Day of June

The beginning of Hurricane Season!

I was awakened at about 2:30 AM by the sound of thunder, followed closely by Muggs barking up a storm of his own. I walk to the window to see that it's pouring out. I pick both dogs up and get back to bed. I know I have to go to work today, but I'm not resetting the alarm. I'll go to work when I wake up, and if it's not raining! It's just one of those days.

I finally get up at 7:00AM and get to work by 10. I usually begin work at 8:00AM.
It's June 1st., and the start of hurricane season. Time to check batteries, stock up on water, canned goods, candles, etc. I think back to last year's hurricane when we had no electricity for five days. This is not my favorite time of year!