Photo by Perry Gallagher

I am simply having the BEST time in Manhattan.  

I figured out where the Duane store is to get soy milk for my coffee.  There is a French Croissant bakery on the corner to tempt me.  There is a little Spanish food catery across the street I like.

I have loved all my time with all my friends.  It is so good to see them again.  Relationships are built over time and we make the most of the time we have.  

I am grateful.

I am blessed.

I love my life.

“The Roman Republic fell, not because of the ambition of Caesar or Augustus, but because it had already long ceased to be in any real sense a republic at all. When the sturdy Roman plebeian, who lived by his own labor, who voted without reward according to his own convictions, and who with his fellows formed in war the terrible Roman legion, had been changed into an idle creature who craved nothing in life save the gratification of a thirst for vapid excitement, who was fed by the state, and directly or indirectly sold his vote to the highest bidder, then the end of the republic was at hand, and nothing could save it. The laws were the same as they had been, but the people behind the laws had changed, and so the laws counted for nothing.”

– President Theodore Roosevelt

It is amazing at the Rose Valley Campground.    Around you the air is crisp at 4000 feet in the mountains.  It is dry, there is a stream coming off the mountain.  The stars at night are incredible to view.  Our club reserves as many campsites as possible so that the experience is peaceful and quiet at night.

The campsites are drive into and park.  No water, no facilities other than a vault toilet.  You bring everything. 

It was a small group this year.  Yet, we were eager to play.  It was very fun.  Fancy Fox was tracked down by Ollie in short order. She is such a wonderful fox! The feast was delicious.  

For me , to do our play, have a great time doing it, this is the point, this is what we gather for.  The joy, the bonding experience, the social exchanges over a fabulous meal, The Toasting!!! It was glorious!  My heart is very happy.

Charles Mingus:  Mingus Ah- Um

Other Reviews:

Miles Davis  “Kind of Blue”  

John Coltrane  “A Love Supreme”

Herbie Hancock  “Head Hunters”

Dave Brubeck Quartet – “Time Out”

Charles Mingus:  “The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady”

Duke Ellington and His Orchestra:  Ellington at Newport

Stan Getz / João Gilberto Featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim – Getz / Gilberto

Cannonball Adderley  “Somethin’ Else“

Bill Evans Trio* Featuring Scott La Faro* ‎– Sunday at the Village Vanguard

Photo by Perry Gallagher

I have not seen any Christian Louboutin Simple Pump nor New Simple Pump rounded toe pumps in 100mm in any store’s online shopping for a while. Normally priced $750 and up.  I wear a Euro 35.

I got these “new” condition worn ones on ebay for $300.00.

The insides look good, the uppers look good.

And here is why they are on ebay.  The Red Soles wear off when you walk on anything but carpet.  These had not been resoled with red rubber, and so they are perfect for my project.

One coat of Angelus Red Sole Paint. 

Two coats of Red Sole Paint.

And dry.  That looks very good.

One coat Angelus Acrylic Finisher.  I used Normal No. 600.  They also have a High Gloss.

Two coats Angelus Clear Acrylic Finisher (yes, I know the tip isn’t dry yet),  I am very happy with this result.  It will be perfect for a photo shoot at less than half the cost plus $10 of paint and finisher.

And dry.

I love my latex.  I have many photos wearing it.  The nature of it is second skin, one is completely covered and yet you can see everything about the persons body.  I have taken care of my latex garments.  They do age, just like us.  Time marches on and waits for nothing.  If you see a photo of me in latex, that outfit may be available or it may no longer exist, having disintegrated or torn.  Sometimes they just seem to have a hole that needs patching.  

Who knew, Elmer’s rubber cement could be so useful?