(no subject)

 *Yawns* It's been a long day and not an easy one. We were up early and getting ready to head down to Poughkeepsie. Our first stop was in Woodstock where we had an early lunch at Taco Juan's and wandered about the shops for a couple hours. From there it was a disappointing stop at the bank as they said they couldn't accept a payment from me on my loans. I'd have to call the bank Monday to learn why.

 We also stopped into the mall so I could get a haircut. I haven't really looked around up here to find one so I'm good for another two months. From there we headed over to Karl and Johns' as we planned to go out to dinner with them. After being shown around their house and meeting their three cats; Ian, Martin and...... *blinks* I'm not sure if I remember the third cats name.... and she was the friendliest! ^_^

 We went to an Indian restaurant out on Rt 22 that was really excellent! We tried a variety of different dishes and really enjoyed all of them. They were kind enough to let Josh and I bring home the leftovers and I'll have to fight Josh for them. I love Indian cuisine!

 After dinner we went back to their home and watched Invader Zim episodes until around 10 p.m. when it was time to head back to Albany and a good nights rest. All in all, it was a really great day and we both had a blast. Guess it's our turn to host next. ^_^

Art

 Tonight I had a very interesting, if short conversation. It was relating art and creativity. Mostly it was that he felt there needed to be a spark of personal connection to elevate effort to art. I related to him that I had once advised an artist friend that he needed to find his own 'voice' in his art.

 I then went on to say what spoke to me when I commit art. For me the inspiration comes mostly through photography but also through drawing and painting. I am happiest when making images of natural things.... stone, roots, grasses, trees..... sunsets, flowing water, and the human body.

 I'm considering converting to a paid account for easy photo posting. Some of the ones I've taken over the years I am very proud of. They seem to capture an essence that I saw when I created the image.

 In a side note, two friends of mine are considering life without love or connection. I can't help but think that that is too simple a solution to a complex problem. It's akin to pulling your hand out of a flame but not extinguishing the flame. While the nature of their experiences are different, I can't forsee happiness for either of them.

 Finally, in the matter of two other friends... who have been dating. One of them has been pushing to make their relatively new relationship into a much deeper commitment. I hate to say it but this has seemed to cause an incredible amount of stress for the both of them. I've said before, I don't think one person can dictate how another feels. I'm afraid that this friends insistance will damage the relationship and the friendship. I hope he can relent and let the relationship develop naturally.

*hugs everyone*

(no subject)

 I was up early today and it's another beauty. I got a hold of Sam pretty early and begged him to go to breakfast with me. We ended up at Mc Donalds. Not a bad meal I guess but not what I wanted. On top of that I misunderstood what they were asking me and ended up with a different sandwhich than I'd hoped for. *shrugs*

 After that we went over to CVS and bought a few things.... ^_^  Sam was being shameless to see if he could get a reaction from the clerk. It worked and he says we got a very odd look. *rolls eyes happily* It's a lot of fun to spend time with Sam. I decided that I wanted to see more of the area and headed north alont I - 87 looking for some adventure. Sam was feeling very worn out and I was enjoying the drive.

 We hit the country roads about 30 miles north of Albany and continued to wind back and forth across the countryside for about an hour. I hadn't realized how far east we'd gone but we'd actually crossed briefly into Vermont. We found a nice pull over by a lake and got out and lay back in the sun to relax. The warm sun soon had us both drowsing and Sam actually fell asleep for about an hour.

 He was feeling better by the time he woke up and we began the trip home. Trying to find our way without a map. Eventually I came to a highway and stopped to get a map. That was the first hint that we'd gone so far afield. Back on the road and it was about 90 minutes to get back to Sams house where I dropped him off before heading home. Now I'm about ready for some supper and hoping Pat gets home soon. Though I won't hold my breath.

 More later for sure.....

*hugs everyone*