October 22, 2006

Another week in the jungle.


My old friend David L. Brown came to visit and a lovely time was had by all.  It
gets a little lonesome out here, 5 minutes from “town”, but I have weathered it.  
They say you can adapt to anything, but I know there must be limits.   I also
know I needed a visit from an old friend, and got one.  Thanks Dave, I hope you
enjoyed it as much as I did.   Don’t worry about my pants (long, sordid story),
shit happens.  I try not to dwell on the negative, but have a feeling I’ll be unable
to withhold from additional references to the "Pants Issue" before I complete this
Jungle Journal, just ‘cause.. that’s the kind of guy I am.

Dave was the best company I’ve had since…let’s see…..the twins from Norway.  
He was less fun to watch half-nekid, but he paid his way and we didn’t bicker
over who was on top (bunk-wise).  I am proud to have been an influence on him
in his photography interests, and hope he got some good shots while here.  I
did, but my camera is fucked up and every picture takes lots of work to make
presentable (within certain arguable guidelines); but it’s still capable of getting
some pretty good raw material, which is good.

Dave’s visit helped break me out of the funky drug-alcohol depression that sets
in when people show up to visit.   I’d get all sappy now, but it’s not my style.  It’s
particularly nice when a friend meets your dogs and they all like each other,
especially when they/he (the friend/s) are/is moving in for 7 or 8 or 9 days.  It
soon became apparent the dogs liked Dave more than me and I had to do
something.  Bribery worked for awhile, severe punishment had temporary gains,
but in the long-haul, removing Dave worked best.  They now love me most, once
again, and all is right with the universe.

We didn’t do a whole lot while he was here besides enjoy the neighborhood and
kick around with an old pal in a new location.  The Dolphin Tour was fun.  Saw
whales, took photos, and caught a Mackerel, nobody got hurt…but I did lose the
only pair of long pants that I had here and my size is very hard to find in these
parts.   Dave took em !..ok..I won’t say any more on the subject…it was an
honest mistake…

When I was driving back from San Isidro, over the mountain, in the rain, all of a
sudden smoke started pouring through my dashboard.  I checked the ashtray
and poured my beer in it, still smoking; turned off lights, wipers and fan.  It quit.  
Guess I’ll have to go to the shop Monday.   I bought a new scanner when I was
in San Isidro.  I got it home and it wouldn’t work.  Tried everything, gave up.

It was great to see you Dave, you’re welcome anytime, and next time there will
be a better clothes-storage arrangement in place so you can’t make off with my
pants. Thanks for bringing the movies and Procrastination Mug from DESPAIR.
COM, and mostly, just for showing up.

Tom S. Daly