fredxmertz: (Default)
Dear Friends,
Thanks for finding me here again!

I've applied for a craft fair booth at Sunriver Art Fair in August. My next application will be for a Craft Fair in Corvallis. Both of these shows are pretty close by: I'll have to keep detailed vehicle records for tax purposes, and I will have a more complicated tax return than I have for years, and might actually GET a return: this year I'm paying federal AND state taxes. My status as an independent contractor really requires a better record of expenses that I can claim as deductions.

I haven't done much to protest the new administration, but i didn't buy anything February 28th, as part of an "action", I feel like this was not any kind of a statement with impact. Boycotts are just not the most effective, I don't believe the "Left" has those kinds of concentrated numbers that can make themselves known. Most people are just living paycheck to paycheck and don't have time, energy or faith in any systems for rebellion, and yes, a lot of people actually support the goals and agendas of this "elected government"

March 15th has been set as a day of action. There have already been massive, widespread protests, to denounce The Potus, Musk's destruction and to show support for Ukraine. One easy action any of us can take, is to mail a postcard to the Potus for March 15th. I doubt this will make the news, but please try to participate, its important that we use all available avenues to voice our protest.

I went to the Salty Dog Cruise AGAIN! I had a great time, met a bunch of cool people, saw concerts non-stop. I did not do any onshore excursions this time, as money was a little tight. Things were a little different on the boat this year, Dave King and Bridget Regan were NOT on board, as Dave is dealing with a very major health issue, felt kind of top-secret, I hope its something he can recover from and continue to perform. Nathen Maxwell is on the wagon, as well. I'm very proud of him, and likely following in his footsteps a bit, I've been cutting down on alcohol quite a bit, and taking a break for the rest of March.

Lil Mort will be playing an "Irish" set at Cowfish Dance Club Monday for St Patrick's Day, this means that I will sing a bit, in addition to my banjo duties
mostly covers of The Pogues
Rare Ould Times by The Dubliners
General Guinness
The Good Ship Venus (aka friggin in the riggin)
More Pricks Than Kicks by Shane McGowan and the Popes

I hope you're all thriving despite the world being upside-down right now.

❤️
fredxmertz: (jackie)
Welcome, Humans! ⓗⓔⓛⓛⓞ( ^_^)

May many blessings be on you! May you have a pleasant time reading my nonsense! (b^_^)

New challenges await us in this timeline.


I'm now ensconced up here in my new hilltop retreat. Rent is a f*ck, for sure. I had been used to paying a MUCH smaller monthly rent (for my trailer space at the shop) Now I'm paying the rent for the trailer spot, in addition to a much higher rent than I'd had. BUT! I'm sharing a nice apartment with my good friend, and she has a great cat. I'm enjoying sharing some meals and other kitchen collaborations. The new place is on a hilltop, and has hiking and biking trails very close by. Some of them are clearly enchanted.


I did both Thanksgiving AND Xmas in L.A., driving down both times (like a crazy person) ┗(`O ´)┛

I drove down via the coast route on the way there, and highway 5 (inland) on the way back, both times. Atlas rode with me for the christmas trip. My mom is 86, and her health is not great right now, who knows how long she will be with us. So I was very happy to get both the kids down, James flew in. We didn't drive around much, we did get out to Broken Streets in San Pedro, and the Korean Friendship Bell.

I continue to be a kind of 'shop lead' role at the broom shop (broommagic.com) and our crew has changed a little bit, but production is going well. The owner is a true maverick, and my thoughts about buying out or taking over the shop are probably not reality-based. His kids don't want the business, and Samantha would be the other choice to take over, as she's been involved with the broom shop the longest, but she is busy living her best life on the oregon coast, 60 miles west, and in some ways, a world apart! She continues to rack up commissions as the 'sales arm' of the business ([profile] broomchick on Etsy & IG) and does a booth at the sunday market during spring and summer


For my part, I still have some hopes to accompany Thurman to craft shows in Denver CO, Park City UT and Sun Valley ID over the summer. We'll see how that might play out....


Mientras Tanto.... (MEANWHILE...) I'm packing for the Salty Dog Cruise 2025! (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞



RIP David Lynch  <3

That's all for now, cats and kittens. ミ๏v๏彡

Stay Frosty!
fredxmertz: (Default)
(•‿•)ノⓗⓔⓛⓛⓞ(...

I drove down to Los Angeles, like a crazy man.  My mom is 86, and I haven't seen her since March.  I'm trying to spend as much time with her as I can, but obviously, while going through "hot chemo summer", I wasn't in the mood to hang out with family, drive them around town, entertain, etc.  Thankfully, I've tolerated the treatment pretty well, maybe I'll talk about that later, but 

I came into the shop last Monday, after my physical therapy (torn rotator cuff, shoulder injury, etc)  expecting to just say hi on my way out of town, but Thurman's hair was on fire about his upcoming show, in the Humboldt area, December 6-8.  He seemed very anxious about whether there were enough carvings, and that carved walking sticks were BIG sellers there, and they would sell out, but I remember he did this same show last year, and didn't sell much of anything, and almost got robbed, he said someone was trying the doorknob on his hotel room, luckily Ranger was with him and barked like hell.  ┗(`O ´)┛

But his anxiety about this show spread to me  (⩺_⩹)
This is something we recognize in the shop, Thurman tends to get pretty demanding about these road shows.
So I stayed and processed a mess of broom sticks, walking sticks, witch's broomsticks, as well as sticks for kids' brooms and hearth brooms. Really, this is what I normally do at the beginning of the day, but I leaned into it, and processed enough sticks that they probably wouldn't run out before I got back, and  when I returned, I could just start carving.  ヽ(^o^)丿
But I was also anxious to get on the road, and I left before three, using the coast highway, taking a little more time, and enjoying the presence of the mighty pacific coast, though it was pitch black and foggy as fudge by 5 pm.  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I had dinner at a Chinese Restaurant in Coos Bay.  I ordered General Tso Chicken, and I knew it would be a pretty large portion, enough to bring leftovers with me.  +_+
I stayed in Crescent City, California, at the Anchor Beach Inn.  I did not like their sign-in process,  There was a woman in the office, behind glass, but she instructed me to use a kind-of 'FaceTime' kiosk, there was a live rep on the screen, and the on-screen handled the registration
It was off-putting to me  o_O
The room was very leaky around the window, and the floor was WET, not damp, WET.  I worried a bit that if I didn't report it, they'd blame me for it somehow.  paranoid, huh?  so far, not a peep  (^^ゞ
Their "grab and go" breakfast wasn't appealing.  hindsight, I should have grabbed granola bars.  but the muffins looked gross.
so I had my general tso chicken   (´・ω・`)
The view was great in the daytime, but I was up and out so early, I just barely had enough time to see it at all.
The next leg of the drive was 11 hours.
I had dinner at Chili's in Gilroy,  I almost went to MODA PIZZA, but after waiting in line, it seemed like they only serve whole pizza, and that didn't fit my needs.  Chili's hit the spot.
I stayed in Buellton at the Motel 6 Tuesday night, with a not-so-grueling 3-4 hour drive to my mom's place, and the thanksgiving festivities
no complaints about motel 6.   not the cheapest, but dependable.  Right off the 101 freeway   (ΘεΘ;)
I got to Mom's at noon Wednesday   ^ㅂ^
Thanksgiving was great.  Seeing my Mom was great, seeing my siblings all in one place for a bit was great.  We had a great meal with a few guests, who brought great food   ヽ(´▽`)/
Friday, I rode my bike along the strand, not as far as I used to, I haven't been on the old bike much during hot chemo summer.
Well, I rushed home Saturday, taking highway 5 from L.A. to Eugene.  Fifteen hours on the road.  ugh.   (= _ =)

Thanks for finding me here again!

fredxmertz: (Default)
 Hi All

Happy Caturday

I was hoping one of my friends that recently moved would eventually want a stable house-mate (ME!)  well, mostly stable

The place is very nice, but parking is problematic.  I can leave my truck at the shop, but I have yet to figure out a good E Bike strategy.  Thurman has an E Bike that he isn't using.  He used it to exercise his dog, Ranger, but found that she doesn't benefit from that kind of exercise, since she has a limp :(

My new mattress arrives Monday.

I'm joining my friend Jocey, going to a drag performance tonight at Old Nick's

Cheers!


TV PARTY

Nov. 12th, 2024 05:09 pm
fredxmertz: (back flag)
Hello Dear Friends

I hope you are thriving, happy, joyful and free 

Our election was not what I was hoping for, but I am not surprised.  I have opinions on the topic, of course, I just don't know if this is the right place to share, but I guess that is up to me, at least for the moment.  But for now, not surprised, but very disappointed, and concerned for the future.

I'll tackle that subject in another post, as I know, most people who find me here share many of my views on the matter.

I had my chemo port removed Friday morning, and I was back at work that day!  The removal (surgery) was not done in an operating room.  because the surgeon didn't require ultrasound imaging to guide the infusion tube, he was just pulling it out!  It only took him about 20 minutes, and I was awake the whole time.  I honestly felt fine immediately afterward, and didn't feel there was any reason not to work.  I just refrained from heavy lifting.

I did enough heavy lifting yesterday, as the shop got a shipment of broom corn.  it arrives on a palette, in a truck, and each bail is over 200 lbs.  I don't really lift them, I just roll them up a ramp onto the loading dock.  and some spools of wire that weight about 80 lbs each (those I did lift)

The broom shop is busy.  Thurman told me that we have a vendor in Vermont, called thirteen moons.  Their recent order sold out so quick that they made an extremely large order, the biggest wholesale order of the year, according to Thurman, and he said that if we do not make another sale THIS YEAR, we will still remain busy filling out this one order.
So big praise to 13 moons. 

I'm playing banjo with Lil Mort at John Henry's on Thursday, opening up for Billy Liar.

I've got a cabin on the Salty Dog Cruise in February, sailing to Jamaica this time.  Can't wait.

That's it for now.  

Love,
Mertz



fredxmertz: (Default)
 
Hey y'all!
I hope you're all thriving, happy, joyful and free

Fred Mertz is in Austin Texas, visiting my friend Jill, and her animals, a dog named Vesper, and a cat named Skelly
Jill works as a dog-sitter, so we got to visit with these two adorable Italian Geryhounds. they are so gentle and cuddly, there was a pool at their house, which we were allowed to use, so I indulged.  We stayed a few days in Flugerville, and a few days at an AirBnB in South Austin.  Jill did her doordashing during the day, while Vesper and I explored the area.
       
The AirBnB was not spectacular ( I knew to expect that amenities might be "low Budget"  The listing said "Quiet Apartment" in South Austin, and almost immediately, the host was rather pushy about getting five stars.  Well, I hate to say it, but this place did NOT deserve five stars.  The bed was a full, not a Queen, thats something that hotels OFTEN do, in my limited experience.
but the 'quiet apartment' was on the third floor of a raised building, so essentially, fourth floor. and the stairs were pretty narrow, steep, and very long.  I really feel like I got a workout from those dang stairs.
Then, I have to address the weird thing, in the neighboring area, there was dog doody everywhere.  Like, no one ever picks up after their dogs there.  I thought maybe there are stray dogs, but that doesn't appear likely.  this is something the host has no control over, but it's yucky.
the air conditioning was controlled thru a cel phone on a desk.  This seems extremely janky, why would
you do that? Well, because this is just a master bedroom that was slightly modified to become an 'apartment'  But the sink doubles for washroom and kitchen, and I don't think that is very hygienic 
I don't mean to be a complainer....
We mostly ordered food delivery, but we did visit one food cart pod in south austin.  Its called The Thicket.



We're seeing X tonight at the historic paramount theater in Austin.  Hopefully, we will get to see some bats from the bridge, along the way.

         


It will be busy busy busy when I get back in the shop Sunday.  I'm hoping to play drums with a ska group, and we may have a practice this weekend.  This will be the last weekend of our local neighborhood Market for the season, and its only about 2 weeks until Election Day.

Mertz




fredxmertz: (Default)
 
Tree Spirit by Jim Nelson

I never met this 'Gentleman Jim'  I just see many of his carvings around the broom shop, and hear Thurman's stories about how this guy never called himself a woodcarver, he was just a sheep rancher, and he had a large family, and the kids would help him with finer details of the carvings, so he could kind of  establish an assembly line, Jim would carve the large, primary features, and the kids would carve in the hair, beard, eye details.

The Tree Spirit above is carved into sassafrass, an extremely durable type of wood with a tight grain that holds detail well.  Unf'ly, the shop doesn't get sassafrass anymore, but we are happy to use locally sourced sticks from conservation projects.

Another story Thurman tells is that Jim Nelson, being very humble, had started on a large piece for an exhibition, and onlookers were astonished to see how quickly the carving took shape, I think it was an eagle, Thurman said, and also that one of Jim's pieces was featured at a presidential library, I remember looking it up at the time, and not seeing anything, but the legend continues.

In my capacity, I'm kind of 'forced' to call myself a woodworker, I guess, as its the primary thing I do, processing sticks and doing the carvings, with a mallet and steel gauges. 

So here goes my step-by-step, using a Chunky Filbert stick (to carve on)
The stick should sit tightly in a vice, and I wrap the stick with a bit of leather, so that the vice doesn't leave marks (on the stick!).
So, above the eyes and below the nose, using a small V gauge
I do horizontal cuts with the mallet in my right hand and the gauge in my left,

The first step is to cut these horizontal lines, the top line will be above where the eyes will go, and the lower line will have a kind of undercut, to form a kind-of ledge that will be the bottom of the nose.  
Next, I get a 'flat' gauge

and, I do some reductive carving!  Removing wood around what will become a forehead and that nose ledge .  I'll use the 'flat' gauge to cut vertically
Then, I reach for a U gauge, to do round sockets for the eyes.

Notice how I try to leave on as much moss, lichen or fungi as I can!
My next cuts will use a smaller U gauge, to shape the eyes and nose, more-or-less at the same time
I start making vertical cuts upward, then turn to cut deeper into the eye sockets 

Easy peezy.
I'll use that same small U gauge to give him some forehead lines
he worries too much

I also do a vertical cut downwards, to make a kind of cleft between the eyebrows.
Then, I'll pick up my sharpest V gauge, to do his hair, 

I'll usually try to leave some bark between the hairs for a sharp contrast, but the bark will often fall off!  There are things about a stick that may defy control, they're WILD!  Our sticks are kiln-dried, but we don't do any sanding or lacquering or anything to them...
More cuts with the sharpest V gauge, to do his eyebrows, and some laugh lines
Then stay with that sharp V gauge, to shape the nose.

Noses are my achilles heel.  I want them to be sharp, as I see my old carvings and say 'flat nose, ugh'

Oops, someone got impatient and skipped ahead a bit, that's OK!
You can see he's got a kind of M shaped mouth.  M is for mouth.
I use the V gauge for the 'mouth line' in that 'M shape', then under that, i use a large U gauge to round out the area under the lip.
This frame shows that his mustache has already started to grow, as well.

The beard follows, and I'll give him pupils, and add more eye detail.  I don't have a bunch of kids to fill in the details for me, but that's OK!

This carving was on a Fiblert stick.  At the shop we get Viney Maple, Big-Leaf Maple, Hawthorne, Madrone, Cherry, Apple, Blue Elderberry, and more.

Our stick suppliers like to train honeysuckle vines to climb the trees, and that makes for some really beautiful sticks with spiral indentations.

The carved brooms and walking sticks are available at www.broommagic.com, and thru 'Broomchick' on Etsy.  That's the Shceumack Broom Company.

Thanks again for finding me here.
Be excellent to each other


fredxmertz: (Default)
Hello friends, neighbors, welcome, and thanks for finding me here again
I hope this finds you all thriving, happy, joyful and free.  

 broom magic dot com
This is my Tree Spirit Carving  on Filbert 


fredxmertz: (Default)
I went to California to see my Mom for mothers day, and to attend the CRUEL WORLD Fest 2024
I had kind of planned this trip as a treat for me, before my chemotherapy treatment starts, at the end of this month.

I drove down thursday morning thinking I would stop somewhere to camp out in the back of my truck, but the only significant stop I made was in Sacramento, to stretch my legs, and look at the tourist shops in Old Town.  Most of it was not impressive, but they have a costume shop there that is pretty remarkable.  (https://www.evangelinescostumemansion.com)



I wound up just driving through, and arriving at Mom's place before midnight.  

Friday, I went out to see my friend Larry in West L.A.  He had 2 other friends over to his new house, we had some very good New York steak, (Black Barley fed ?!) , vegetables and salad;  Some nice Macallen 12 year old single malt scotch.

The next day, Larry took me to Cruel World Fest

I stayed at my mom's place, though Mom was in Boston, with Arnie.  The film they helped produce won " a major award ".   The film is called Fear of Flying Well, Arnie said the film won an award, but I haven't been able to find any announcements, anyway, Arnie was just a financial backer of the film, but he and my Uncle Neil were extras during the filming in Boston last year.

Radar
Larry's dog, Radar.  Chihuahua/Chow mix.



Cruel World Fest was amazing.  Larry paid for VIP passes for us, which included unlimited free food (mostly sliders and tacos), margaritas, beer , along with VIP seating areas, that were less crowded and had better views in many cases.

French Police,
The Stranglers
Jesus and Mary Chain
Simple Minds
Ministry
Adam Ant
Soft Cell
Blondie
Duran Duran



it was intense.  I got a little bit sunburned, I didn't drink a whole lot, partly because of the heat, but I was just so engrossed in hearing all this music, and the nostalgia of it all, most of these groups being from the 80's....

Sunday, I had a brunch at my Mom's place with my Mom, my oldest brother and my stepdad.  Then I drove back to L.A. to meet Larry again, and go to see John Doe and Exene Cervenka from X.  great show at a very cool theater in Los Angeles, the Belasco.  Neil Hamburger was in front of us at the ticket booth.

I took my time driving back up, and drove along the coast.  I stopped in the Redwoods to do some beach-combing, rock-hounding and driftwood salvage.  I noticed some redwoods have a hell mouth at their base, often with a funny little goblin/gargoyle thing right above it....



ciao for now

fredxmertz: (Default)
Thanks as always for finding me here, I hope this finds you thriving, joyful, happy and free


 

I went to Los Angeles for a Punk Music Festival, the Shamrock Rebellion, put on by none other than 

FLOGGING MOLLY

Yes!  I am a a super fan.  fangirl,  if you will.

I was contacted by a shipmate, my friend Larry From Los Angeles, he asked if I wanted to go, and of course I accepted!

I wentt to Los Angeles last year for Flogging Molly at the Hollywood Palladium!  It was quite an adventure, 

but Larry had a VIP pass, I offered to drive him (without asking for gas $ OF COURSE!), but he didn't need it,

I AM A LUCKY CUSS!

well, yes, and no.

<lj-cut text="the bad news">

you see, I was found to have colon cancer , now I am going to beat this, and come through with flying colors, I was lucky they found it  when they did, I mean, at least, it appears small, and seems to have not spread.  

then, 

The surgeon told me I have a hernia.  well, SHIT!  can you soften the blow a bit, WTF?  I'm good, I feel strong, I feel fit,  I joined a gym in January, and I've been eating healthy for a long time, I was smoking cigarettes, once in a while, never a heavy smoker,  it was a self-soothing thing, and didn't often buy a pack, honestly, I would often just bum one from a friend, as a 'social smoker' 

but I am a pothead.  I do smoke pot.  I use it as a coping mechanism for depression.  When I'm "high" , it often just feels what most peoples's 'normal' might be like.  I feel pretty strongly about this, but thankfully, haven't really been challenged on this by anyone.  I have never taken xanax, but I can guess that the side-effects of xanax are probably potentially worse than pot.

So, i'm being extra careful with everything, my surgery is on Monday, and my brother will be here to drive me to and from the blessed event.
I'm having some friends over friday, for pizza, and my last beers for  a while.  If you're in town, stop by!

I have a plan for another celebration, when I might have a chance to be feeling better, April 10,  my friend Nathen's group VOLORES will be here from Colorado, and play a show at Sam Bond's Garage, If you're in town, stop by!

</lj-cut>

ANYHOO:



Larry and I went to the 3/16/24 show in Silverado CA,  WHICH MEANS,

I drove down from Oregon, by myself, 13 hours straight through, 
in my little pickup truck, with my bicycle and guitar in the back.  I arrived in L.A. early thursday morning, 
I rode my bike up and down the strand in Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach, and didn't even get as far as Manhattan Beach,, just riding slow, wearing flip-flops, and taking lots of pictures 
and saturday March 16th, I drove out to Silverado, 
for the Shamrock Rebellion music fest, heck yeah, they created their own beer for this event!  There was whisky tasting, lots of good food, and plenty of music from 

Gen and the Degenerates
Skinny Lister
Amigo the Devil
The Buzzcocks
Face To Face
Frank Turner
Flogging Molly

and the PUNK ROCK SAVES LIVES booth.

I had street tacos, then Larry bought nachos, and our festival neighbors shared some loaded fries.

I had to try the signature beer, then I had to have another.... 












Long drive home on Monday......

Glad to now be back in Eugene now, I have plenty of carvings to do, and I've been working on some
newer, more challenging creations, but in the meantime






The MORE Good News,
Larry has asked me to join him, with a VIP pass for CRUEL WORLD music festival May 11th at the Rose Bowl
featuring Blondie, Soft Cell, Psychedelic Furs, Placebo, Duran Duran, Interpol, Adam Ant, Jesus and Mary Chain, etc e5c
so of course, I accepted.


I hope you can see, the good news far outweighs the bad, and I'm feeling great about Spring 2024.


POLITICS?!?!?  nope, I don't want to talk about it.   .... well, 

are we a fascist dictatorship yet?  HELL NO!  I'm not going to let that happen.

stay tuned, folks
fredxmertz: (Default)
 This was night #2 for the Vandals.  Warren did a similar walk around on their previous poolside performance, that time during their song I HAVE A DATE.

I was way down near the front, on the left side, trying to follow along...

CHEERS!


fredxmertz: (Default)
Hello again, everybody, thanks again for finding m here

I'm on a cruise with my son, who turned 28 on tuesday!

Wednesday,

The Interrupters played as the Norwegian Pearl pulled out of dock and into the Caribbean.  
They were followed (on the pool deck) by Pennywise, and The Vandals.
Punk Rock Karaoke played, and James sang a Misfits song, "where eagles dare"
The DJ's kept spinning till the wee hours, but I didn't last much past 1 am, what with the time change, and me being an old fart.
 
more stuff happened,
snorkeling in Belize!

Saturday,
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS
Stiff Little Fingers 

Stiff Little Fingers, especially the lead singer and main songwriter Jake Burns, were heavily influenced by The Clash. "What the Clash's first album did more than anything else was give me the confidence, through its lyrical subject matter, to realise it was OK to write about my own life and experiences" (Jake Burns).[3] The group started to write songs about growing up in the Troubles in late 1970s Northern Ireland. Among the first Stiff Little Fingers songs were "State of Emergency" and "Breakout".


Hearing them in 2023, with original members, was amazing.  I'd never seen them before, but have always been a fan, especially of their mix of Punk and Reggae.  Their covers of Bunny Wailer (Roots Radics Rockers and Reggae), Bob Marley (Johnny Was), and The Specials (It Doesn't Make it Alright) have always been a favorite.  But I was delighted to hear Jake talk about his original songs, too.

I'll have more to post soon



Ciao Babe

EDIT  11/26/23  -  Stiff Little Fingers (2023) are not ALL Original members, but they have all been in the group a long long time.

fredxmertz: (Default)
 I'm in Miami Florida with my son James.  He had his 28th birthday yesterday, and today, we will board the Norwegian Pearl for Slaty Dog 2023.



Miami Florida Nov 7 2023

Uneventful Flight, that is a blessing.



James and I went to Mama Tried nightclub and played pool, downed a few beverages and listened to old school reggae and rocksteady records spun by DJ Boss Hooligan .  we talked to:  Mark and Amanda from North Carolina, Grant and Becky from Las Vegas, and countless other shipmates.

It wasn't a super-late night for us, I had been up since 4 am, and the travel, even uneventful, is still tiring.  Also, if I'm being honest, I didn't sleep much the previous 2 nights.  So Excite!

I'm excited to see Stiff Little Fingers, The Slackers, Flogging Molly,, The Interrupters, Gorilla Biscuits, and many  more.

We're going snorkeling in Belize, and visiting Mayan Ruins and pyramid in Costa Maya Mexico!

I'm sure I'll have some more pictures soon.

Ciao for now!



fredxmertz: (Default)
 Hey Y'all

It me

sorry to get political, but ... 

Yes, it appears thet Mark Meadows has flipped for promise of some immunity.

Also, there is war happening now.  our 2nd proxy war.  Palestine is being utterly crushed, and US dollars are going to help Israel displace an entire nation, slaughtering whole families.

Enough of that.  For now.



I'm off to a cruise next month!  The Salty Dog Cruise 2023



I'll be taking my son James.  We'll do some snorkeling in Belize.  I can't believe he will be 28.  Lord, I am old.

I went to Yachats Friday to hang out with Sam and Dave, and see their gorgeous pug, Willow.  and to eat Amber's cooking again (sigh)
Next morning, I walked over to the Mushroom Festival, and the pavilion was free!  The specimens were all very fresh.


Here are some Inky Caps, or "Shaggy Mane" aka 'Lawyer's Wig', edible and choice, though they have a VERY limited shelf life.  They delicquese, or basically liquefy.  When fresh, their tops are more egg-shaped, with that 'shaggy' look.  Then the top opens, and drops its dark goo full of spores.  I've run across these in the wild, but only in the condition you see here.  Paul Stamets lists them as his favorite edible mushroom.

Then, I took a nice hike by the coast


I got tickets to see X at the Roseland in December.

I took Lisa shooting last week.  We drove out to Oakridge with her dog, Mila.  I brought my Ruger .22 and Lisa's Henry .22 repeating rifle.  We shot cans and didn't leave a mess.  Both of these rifles are  pretty modest, especially the Henry which has very little report.  We ate dinner at The 3 Legged Crane.

My Dad is on hospice, i think I've said so here recently.  I speak to him often.  I will see him before the cruise.

I don't have any holiday plans yet as such.  I was down to L.A. three times this year already, so I don't think that's in the cards.

I wish you all the very very best.  Thanks for finding me here again.





fredxmertz: (Default)
What's new, world?
I hope you're all thriving, happy, joyful and free, or at least on your way to be
I've been enjoying my new location, back in the Whiteaker Neighborhood again.  Taking care of 2 German Shepherds, Mila and Ranger, with frequent walks to the river and drives to the dog park, my truck is full of dog hair...

Broom Shop News!
I helped  my friend Scot get a job at the broom shop!  He's had a rough breakup with his husband, I was a groomsman for them, back in November of 2017.  :(
Scot's Mom, Muffy, came to visit at the end of July.  I went to Bingo at Sam Bond's Garage with Skkot Boyes, Scot Milligan, and Muffy.  I had Thruman pop by, to meet Scot and talk about getting him a job at the shop.
I didn't win any bingo prizes.


I went up to Portland on a Tuesday for to see the Flogging Molly concert, and, well....

On August 29, I drove up to Portland to see Flogging Molly, having no tickets, because Nathen is ridiculously magnanimous, always a great host and super fun to be around, and super complimentary of me, for some silly reason.
There was some light rain on the drive up, and that was refreshing to see after all the heat and smoke we've had.
I picked up my kid at their mom's house, (they've relaxed about pronouns) (....and they're not a kid anymore LOL) in Southeast
to see their first Flogging Molly show at the Roseland Theater in Portland.


First, I thought it would be a good chance for Atlas to see her grandfather, before he passes away, which could be anytime. He's officially been on hospice since mid-July.
So Atlas was very bright and effusive, talking to (my brother) Tim and her Grandfather


The show was, sadly, cancelled.
So, I stayed the night at my Dad's place, rather than drive late.


I drove home, worked a short shift at the broom shop, then met Dorothy at the Horsehead, and went to the McDonald Theater, where we got our VIP passes!  and saw a great show.  The Pirate Radio guys were there, and the Free Beard Guys, and lots of friendly people.




VANDOLIERS


THE BRONX  



FLOGGING MOLLY




So, THAT happened.

we saw Nathen for a bit after the show, but he had an early bus call


I've watched Thurman's Dog RANGER  over the weekend, once during August, then again this past (Labor Day Weekend) for 6 days.  So, I've had enough Ranger for a while.  I combed out some of her matted fur, and just used scissors to get out the clumpy ones that I could.  Lisa and I took her to the dog wash, but she really needs to be groomed!

Thanks again for finding me here, as always.

more good stuff to come soon.

Ciao Babe




fredxmertz: (Default)
Thanks for finding me here.  I hope you're well, happy, thriving, joyful and free.

 I went to Megan's wedding last night!  It was amazing.  The ceremony took place one block away from where I live!  The wine cellar across from Wandering Goat Coffee Company.
I brought my friend Lisa.
Jimmy D flew out for this event, and I met his wife for the first time.  He moved to New Hampshire about a year and a half ago.
Dorothy was there, Cassie was there, as well as a bunch of people I know through Megan, her co-workers and neighbors,
Liz's little girl was the flower girl.
I got verklempt while Megan was led down "the aisle"
Megan's dad, Papa Pete, gave a bangin' toast.
I'm doing "Sober October" so I had a non-alcoholic beer, and Lisa had a strawberry margarita
We didn't stay for the dance party portion of the evening.  
I did finally sample the pizza place at the winery.  Willamette Artisan Pizza,  has a "4.8 star rating" on YELP.  slices are $5 each, and generous size.  They feature vegetarian options, and gluten free options, but they also include some meat toppings.  The slice we had was cartelized onions and peppers, and tasted great.

I'll be leaving for Miami in less than a month, to attend the Salty Dog Cruise


 stay tuned for more adventures!

My New Spot

Jul. 5th, 2023 10:10 pm
fredxmertz: (Default)
Hello All

I hope this finds you well. Thriving, Happy Joyful and Free

I've moved to a new house, still in the Whiteaker area. Its an old house, by the train tracks. I'm renting an upstairs room, and its quite hot during these summer months.

My kitty, Apple, has started getting acquainted with the other aminals here: 2 cats and a German Shepherd.

Its still walking distance to the broom shop, and Wandering Goat Cafe.

There is a beautiful garden, and a small workshop that I'll be able to use (when the weather isn't too blazing hot) I'm hopeful that I can build a power carving station with a 'dust control' box in there.

I took Lisa to Jameson's 4th of July BBQ. She let Zak's little boy use her lipstick, and I thought it was hilarious. We will go to McNenamin's Kennedy School  location this weekend!  I'm really looking forward to that.  It will be my first trip out of town since my California trip in early April!  No, driving to Portland doesn't really count, exactly, but I've only been up there once during that time.

There was an unclaimed bike in the workshop area, and Lisa asked me to get rid of it.  I will give it to James, when we're in Portland.  Speaking of whom, James was down here Wednesday, to vend/run a booth, selling his stickers, t shirts, and stuff. It was an EDM show at John Henry's, and he didn't make as much money as he'd hoped.  (www.yowcho.com) but I was able to offer him use of the spare bedroom here.

Teren said the new venue on Main St in Springfield has a very tough row to hoe.  He said he did his level best to give them some solid (albeit unsolicited) advice, since he has some experience running a bar, and doing live shows as well.  The place is called The Spot, and they have started doing punk shows.  Right now, they are doing all-ages shows, because they are waiting on their liquor license.  It's a noble sentiment, but can be problematic.  As Teren said, "kids don't really have money to spend" and its close proximity to a high school is not really a benefit. Though I certainly wish them well, kids can always use an extra outlet for free speech and creativity.

I'm tending a garden at the broom shop, growing some strawberries, goji berries, melons, cantaloupe, squash, snap peas, lettuce and spinach.  and I'm working on the yard a great deal at my new spot, keeping me busy and active, despite the heat 

Pictures soon.




fredxmertz: (Default)
Hi All!

Thanks for finding me here. I hope this finds you thriving, happy, joyful and free.

Today is Friday, sunny, and 80 degrees. It's payday!

I have been enjoying living at Kate's place in the Whit (Historic Whiteaker Neighborhood of Eugene, Oregon) The reduced rent has been a relief and a savings feature, and its walking distance to the broom shop. Also, Kate is an amazing woman and fun person to be around, she has lots of great friends, who I have all found to be intelligent, kind and fun to be around

I have found a new spot, though, and I'm considering it a major upgrade for my relaxation and mental health. Also, the landlord is a beautiful lady who has stolen my heart, and I'm in the beginning excitement of a new relationship that has a lot of potential. I had been mostly dating women younger than me, and that has never sat well with my overall vibe, as I feel a need for a deeper connection, and I think I've found it in Lisa.

The move is only six blocks, still walking distance to the Broom Shop, Red Barn organic grocery and Bruns' Apple Market.

There is a beautiful german shepherd here, Lisa's dog, Mila. and she is such a sweet pooch, we get along great and will have many epic adventures.

So, still early days in this relationship, but we have made some fantastic plans for Trips to Portland, camping at the coast, and a Bowie tribute concert featuring Peter Murphy!

watch this space for more, coming soon.

Love
Mertz

March 2025

S M T W T F S
      1
2345678
91011 12131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     

Syndicate

RSS Atom

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jun. 6th, 2025 05:06 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios