The computer at my parent's house has been infected with at LEAST 10 viruses, so I began the cleanup today. So far I've managed to do away with all but one, but the struggle continues.

 

What hasn't been a struggle is the amount of love and affection that I am receiving from my family. It's almost embarrassing at times. To be looked at by someone with unconditional love is very humbling. Just imagine seeing that from everyone in your family.

 

I'm so grateful and lucky to have this. I wish I could bottle this up and take it with me to Brooklyn and I'm going to do it some how. But for now, I'm soaking it all in like a sponge that hasn't felt a drop off water in a long time.

 

It's a glorious day to celebrate a wonderful man. As a youngster, I didn't want to be like Mike( Jackson or Jordan). My dad was the only person I looked up to. It's funny now 'cause I tower over him and has to look up to me, but only in height.

 

As part of the 80th birthday celebration today, I assembled a collection of San Francisco Chronicle headlines for the last 80 years on his birthday. Not an easy task. I went to the San Francisco public library and after 4 hours of 'fishing', I'm now an expert in microfilm. It's amazing to see what he has lived through! Its also very interesting to track how journalism has denigrated over the years. When I get back to New York, I'll post the headlines for all to see.

 

Part of our family tradition is to buy our cakes from Neldom's bakery in Oakland, which has been around for 75 years(youngsters). I picked a cake, got some ice cream and got back to Pinole, California- just wanted to put Pinole on the map right there. My mom also made her specialty dish cornbread pie (sometimes referred to as tamale pie).

 

Nancy helped me pick out an outfit for my dad for the occasion and for a night of jazz following the party. He looks great! Will post the pics later.

 

We didn't have 80 candles on the cake-fire hazard, but we did have an 8 and a 0. We sang happy birthday. He made a wish and blew out the candles.

 

Afterwards we didn't go to the jazz club because he was tired and quite frankly I was exhausted. I've decided to stay until Saturday so we'll go out tomorrow.

 

Happy Birthday Dad! 

 

I used the early part of the day to repair a few items around the house. Don’t get me wrong; I’m no Mr. Fix it by any stretch of the imagination, but replacing showerheads is pretty easy.

                       

In the evening, Terra treated me to a delicious dinner at Chez Papa in Portrero Hill. My new favorite salad is a combination of potato, bacon, asparagus and chunks of parmesan. Fabulous! I also love the fact that it was a French restaurant, perhaps foreshadowing my next destination.

 

We later joined my sister Nancy, my twin Joey and his wife Christian at Club NV in Downtown SF. The music was Top 40, but it was so enjoyable seeing everyone dance and have a good time. I miss this. God its gonna be so hard to leave.

 

But leave I must. And tomorrow is the day for that.

 

A little jet lag couldn't stop from me watching football today. After all this is the first week! Unfortunately, my fantasy football team sucked today. Heads will roll.

 

Just having regular television instead of cable, means limited viewing. Meaning I had to watch both New York teams. Not fun. In fact, I stop watching the Giants game by half time.

 

Sounds like I will be going to a sports bar on Sunday's to watch other teams.

 

I made a list of things I needed to do before my current sublet ends on Saturday. On this list I researched sublet and hotel prices in Montreal. I came across a place that just looks very promising.

 

The specs:

1000 square foot big beautiful loft available for 6 months from October until March. Flexible dates. 12 foot ceiling, new bathroom and kitchen, hardwood floor, great houseplants, fully furnished. Very sunny. Rent $700(537 US).

 

I emailed the lady and she called me back. Well, to sum it up, I'm going to Montreal to view the space on Wednesday. This just might happen.

 

My initial feeling is excitement. Now I'm feeling a bit sad when I think of leaving New York, but I've gotten what I've asked and that is to be here for the Spring and Summer. I'm going to exhaust all options before I leave, but I think I hear the music playing.

 

My current phone number will be disconnected on Monday. I dont have a new number to send to give to you yet, but email is definately the best option to reach me.

 

Wow what a ride! I can't believe that my stay in New York may be coming to an end soon.