my hot tub ruined my social life

I have a fairly upscale 2500 square foot home in the hills above Santa Fe. I love to entertain. I often have barbecues, dinners, community events (Moveon.org, presidential debate watch parties), and movie nights in my surround theater. I generally prefer serving nice meals rather than having potlucks. I used to get fairly large responses, often 20 to 40 people coming to my events.

About six months ago, I bought a hot tub. I thought it was the one thing my home was missing. To keep the water free of residual laundry detergent, I made a “no bathing suit” rule.

Guess what? Almost everyone stopped coming to my events. Now I get maybe one or two people? Why? Obviously it’s because two decades of Christian fundamentalism influence has trickled down from our right wing government and most people—even self ascribed “alternatives” and “liberals”--have internalized the moralistic anti-human body and anti-sexuality bullshit.

So goes it. I would rather have no one come to my house for fear of seeing a naked body than sell out to that repressive Christian bullshit, thank you.

on a rock in Wyoming

Can't seem to go home! Here I'm exploring Yellowstone National Park! Gradually working my way south towards Santa Fe!

water!

Find me this much water in New Mexico!

This is a photo of Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada--taken August 15, 2008.

hint of fall in B.C.!

Kootenay River, Kootenay National Park on August 25, 2008.

back in Canada!

Can't stay away. Headed back to Banff/Jasper.

Want to see some of my photos of the Canadian Rockies?

michaelcaditz.spaces.live.com/pho...871/

back in USA

The tough-looking federal agent with the gun let me back in--with my bucket of B.C. cherries!

Shambhala!

Attention all 20 year olds! Shambhala Music Festival in BC is the place for you!

Attention all 30 + year olds! Uh . . . . . .

Shambhala photos:

michaelcaditz.spaces.live.com/pho...972/

I like high places!

Yesterday (August 5th), I ran to Pulpit Rock, high above Nelson, BC. Today I'm on my way to Shambhala festival!

www.shambhalamusicfestival.com/

top of the world

Been hiking, biking, camping in Banff and Jasper. This place in Jasper is incredible!

bye bye USA

In Canada now! Border crossing was a breeze at the northern terminus of I-15. The interstate, which originates all the way south at the Mexican border suddenly ends with a "Reduced Speed Ahead" sign and the modern, institutional buildings of American and Canadian immigration.

No one in line. A few questions from a scrutinizing and suspicious looking Canadian immigration officer . . . "Any firearms, tobacco, goods for sale. alcohol?" My truthful answer: "No!" Then my passport and driver license got me through.

Road signs in kilometers now . . have to use the inner ring on my speedometer to see my speed! Maximum speed on the open highway: 110! (near 65 mph).

Trekking through the rain towards Calgary then Banff!