Cooler Weather

FINALLY cooler weather has descended upon Savannah. I can feel human again!

The Stench and A Thought

I have been waiting patiently for cooler weather and finally it has arrived. BUT the damn paper mills figure people in Savannah don’t open their windows in cool weather so they are pumping out the stench full force.

It started last night. I awoke with an itchy nose and watery eyes. I had to get up and close the windows. I had the windows open today, but now I had to close them because the stench is creeping over the land.

Most Savannahians don’t complain about it because they accept it as a way of life and besides they have all their windows painted shut. You see to most people here you need to have your air conditioner on for seven to eight months out of the year and then switch to heat.

They also have the windows painted shut out of fear. You know, for security reasons and then for allergies. Savannah is always blooming so people are suffering with sinus infections quite often.

I believe many of these allergies and sinus infections come more from a closed up home then what is outside. If they would allow their bodies to acclimate more to their natural surroundings it probably won’t be so bad. ...That and they need to learn to fart more.

It’s true! There are way too many sickly, pale people walking around this town. It’s because passing gas is considered a no-no. It’s all backing up in their systems and poisoning their bodies. I am not advocating uncontrolled flatulence in the face of social responsibility, but I mean come on. It’s okay to do so when one is alone.

However I have met people who are uptight about it even when they are alone. What a crazy way to live your life!

Okay I am finished with my nonsensical rant.

Crazy Weather

The weather has been rather crazy of late. My state is in the midst of the worst drought of its history. Eighty-five of our 159 counties have been declared a disaster zone.

The capital, Atlanta is having a severe water shortage. Lake Lanier, which is more or less Atlanta’s water playground, is all but about dried up. I have never seen the lake like that before. Our governor has asked for Federal assistance and would also like to shut off the water to Florida and Alabama.

Georgia, Florida and Alabama have had “water wars” for years. Most of the bickering is over water which keeps certain eco systems stable down stream as well as drinking water for smaller communities. Atlanta has grown so monstrous over the years it really sucks up more then it’s share of water. Just thinking about all those foolish people purchasing McMansions with humongous lawns. So much water goes to keeping them green. It’s sad.

I believe it’s just a glimpse of the future when we will have real wars over water resources.

I think water desalination should be made more available. There is the argument it’s too expensive, but I don’t believe this. I am certain the up keep is expensive, but isn’t war more expensive. I mean, look at Bush’s folly in Iraq. Do you realise how many desalination plants could be constructed and maintained with those funds?

In a capitalist society war is an industry like any other, but can’t there be profit in an industry, which brings the gift of life? Think of all the development and opportunity around an area such as a desert that would spring from desalination.

Here in South Georgia the weather is different. We too have had a touch of drought, but it’s still wet here. We have had less rain, but it’s still horribly humid and there is water everywhere. Everything is very green as usual. It’s amazing because only four hours away in Atlanta everything is parched.

For Emma

Emma, perhaps come this February it will all come to fruition!

Marshall Continued

On Monday Jimmy had a project to work on so Erin, myself and the kids went on a picnick up river on some land they recently purchased.

Running our errands in Marshall to prepare for our picnic.

We ate good food and enjoyed the fresh air while the kids played in the river.

Erin, Pinatuba and Mezmer enjoying the water.

Iris and Mezmer in the river.

Mezmer was being like an otter. He stripped down to practically nothing and was just splashing around and having a grand ol' time. Iris was a little more cautious, but enjoyed it just the same.

North Carolina is experiencing a drought and so the French Broad River is extremely low right now. Iris kept trying to go out further and further. We had to keep reeling him in.

Later that night we went into town (Asheville) and stopped in to one of my favourite book stores, Malaprops. Then we went for sushi.

Jimmy and Mezmer

Erin and Pinatuba

Me and Iris

The whole gang

Afterwards we went for a walk and pickeup some tea and coffee. I really miss Asheville. :( It was nice to see everything and everyone again.

Heh, heh...

Someone has a good sense of humour. What a great name for a band!

Leaving North Carolina was difficult. I really didn't want to return home to Savannah. It was rather sad because Iris really didn't want for me to leave. He became rather upset and difficult. He actually packed a bag of all his favourite books and said he was going with me. He tried to hide from his parents so they would not know what he was up to and then when it came time for me to go things got dramatic.

Needless to say there were a lot of tears from everyone. When I got into my car to leave Iris grabbed hold of one of my car door handles and would not let go. Erin had to pry him off. It was a tearjerker!

Anyway I'm home now and I'm kind of sad.

Marshall

Downtown Marshall

I arrived in Marshall safely. It's wonderful to see Jimmy and Erin again as well as their two son's Iris and Mezmer and their new daughter, Pinatuba.

Jimmy's expression say's it all about my arrival. (mobile phone image)

Erin, Pinatuba and Mezmer.

Iris running circles around me.

After settling in we went over to the island that sits in the French Broad River and visited the farmers market. We talked with friends and local farmers and purchased some food stuffs for our evening meal. We also purchase a bunch of beautiful flowers.





Later Erin made a wonderful meal. We sat around and talked about things and just got caught up on our lives. We ended the evening lying out on the deck counting planets and shooting stars. Iris and I kept count on the satellites and alien spacecraft and watched out for fiery bird poop falling from the sky. You know, from the occasional passing phoenix.

Mountains

The drive from Chapel Hill to Asheville takes about four hours. Then it's roughly another 25 minutes to Marshall. Driving on I-40 and seeing the mountains begin to rise on the horizon is very exciting to me. I start to feel my soul lift because I am returning to my element.

It's been almost ten years since I lived in Asheville... and I still miss it.

Good Friends

David and Emma

I arrived in North Carolina safely yesterday. Emma and David were happy to see me as I them. We went out last night to the opening of the Eccentrik Festival art exhibit in Raleigh. It was fun. We drank wine and ate cheese. You know, the normal stuff at a gallery opening.

At the gallery opening.

Then we ended up at a nightclub called Flex. It’s full of big burly gay men. I was fresh meat, but Emma protected me. When we arrived the music was really good, but then about and hour and a half later… it sucked so we went to the Hibernian for food.

This is a mirror picture. That is to say the picture is taken of us in a mirror at Flex.

The Sarah look.

David and Emma at the Hibernian eating some kind of meat covered home fries.

Kara, Joe, Sarah and Mike at the Hibernian.

Me and Kara. For some reason she is clutching Emma's purse real scary like.

Sarah and cute Mike. ;)

Today Emma had a radio interview at NC State University. I went along to the studio and laughed at her. ;) The rest of the day we hung out with her friend Leech and ate Mexican.

Emma, Leech and myself speeding down I-40.

This evening we are laying low because Emma has a migraine and I have to be up early in the morning. I have decided to head up to the Asheville area and visit with my friends Jimmy and Erin.

Road Trip

I’ve been feeling slightly "postal" these days so I am getting away from here for a little while. I’m heading to my beloved North Carolina. I’ll be visiting with my good friends Emma and David in Chapel Hill for a couple days. We will have great fun.


I’m certain the paparazzi will hunt Emma and myself down like before!

Wonderful Art

I met with Scott Griffin today. He's a fantastic painter. His paintings are of mix media. He uses photography, oil paint and resin, building layers and dimensions within the painting. I am using real art for the sales office and model home at Hidden Pointe Town homes. I think it's important to support local artists.

We were at college together around the same time, but never hung out or knew one another. We both agree we remember seeing one another during that time because of the familiarity. He seems like a nice guy. Anyway here are some examples of his work. If you have the time check out his web site.

Lifescape No.26

Lifescape No.30