Gone Camping... and Spooking...

Tomorrow morning, I'll be leaving the confines of my small town... to the confines of a small, long-vanished town in a valley: Beaver Creek State Park! Thankfully, the weather is supposed to be nice. Perfect for camping! There is a Scavenger Hunt set up for Saturday night, so anyone who is interested, feel free to stop by. I know full well that some of the prizes are quite nice. Here is the flyer, done beautifully by Jeri Holland:

(click to enlarge the image)

Light at the End of the Week's Tunnel...

Training Day 3: Now that most of the information thrown at us has been digested, things are getting easier. I actually left in good spirits today without that dread of going back. Sure, there isn't any health care or special favors coming out of it, but it's employment. Flexible schedule too. Since everything is going smoothly, I'll be starting my assignments on Friday.

I was worried how Friday was going to work out. I have plans in the evening, so there's a lot to try to accomplish in one day. And being the late bloomer I am, a few birthday presents are scheduled to arrive that day. At least now I know I'll have time to wrap them! I always worry about getting something someone already has, but I hope that my unique eye avoids any duplicates. If not, well... I gave it my best.

Because of Friday's schedule, I'm thinking I won't quite reach 40 hours for the week. But I'll try to get as close as possible. This month is a bit of a nightmare with schedule overlaps, but I'll be getting full paychecks probably next month, if all goes well. Then, they're talking about assignments during the summer and into the fall. It might not be regular work each week, but it'll be a heck of a lot better than being an unemployable non-ape.

For now, I'll just be happy for what I can get. After all, it means that come autumn, that vacation I've been talking about taking should be a sure thing. After so many years without a break from Ohio, I sure could use the travel time.

Peeking Through the Lens...

Those of you who know me well know that I love photography. I may not do it as often as I'd like, but I enjoy being behind a camera. I did fight the digital revolution (and still prefer 35mm), but digital is easier when you're dealing with the internet. Scanning regular images, as well as all the expense involved, makes it something I save for what I deem most important. Some sightseeing and paranormal adventures require tangible photos worthy of frames. The rest, well, I'll settle for a digital.

I've been a member of Flickr for a few years now, I think. It was only recently that I actually bothered uploading any photos onto the site. It's easy and a good way to get some exposure for any images you've captured... and, for some, a way of sharing other people's photographic work. For me, it's a way of sharing some of the things I've photographed (and bothered saving the images for) with new people, friends, and anyone else. I'm very picky about what I place on it.

But today, I finally uploaded some new images from this past weekend. I had the great pleasure of going to a small family gathering (not my family) in Valley View at one of the "haunted" places in the Cuyahoga Valley: Edmund Gleeson House. I was invited by a Gleeson family descendant who still lives nearby, and took the chance to get a sneak peek inside the rehabilitated home. I met the owner, listened sheepishly as the Gleeson descendant went on and on about my book to everyone (she even gave they mayor of Valley View a copy... I shook his hand), and poked around the old farmhouse. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I went for it.

Everyone was pleasant. A few of the teenagers in the room immediately wanted to know more about the "ghost". The other Gleeson house down the road (occupied by the descendant) is also haunted, apparently. I maintained my usual speculative distance from any firm answers about the hauntings. I've never experienced anything nor have I investigated anything, therefore it could just be legend. We had an interesting discussion of local legends, like "Hell Town", as well.

I didn't overstay my welcome and had plans, so the visit was brief. But I did get to snap a few photos inside before leaving. I gave the owner a copy of the book as well, for curiosity's sake. The National Park Service did an incredible job on the home. I would have taken more photos, but the place was packed with guests and family and I didn't want to intrude too much.

To see these and some of the other photos from the Cuyahoga Valley (as well as other random images from the past few years), just go to my Flickr photostream.

Cold as Ice, Warm as Cat Farts...

I had every intention of spending Valentine's curled up in bed while watching another movie marathon. But it wasn't in the cards. Instead, I was invited to an impromptu ghost hunt at a closed theater again. While no ghosts showed, there was plenty of laughter to be had. I, crowbar in hand, trying to put a hole in a wall which might lead to a secret tunnel... and, with my bowler hat on, looking more like a sadistic Vaudeville murdering act. (I do need to get a copy of that picture taken of me pretending it was a cane.) Then, of course, making Jeri nearly pass out with laughter at my imitation of a local "action news" weatherman with his strange, crack-like jerky movements almost pantomiming the day's forecast.

Strange, but true.

We all nearly froze to death in the auditorium. I crawled into bed late and didn't defrost for a good hour. I managed to collect a few nifty odds and ends from the building. Nothing of any consequence, but then again my flashlight died as soon as I arrived. That's what I get for bringing my cheap plastic one instead of the club-a-man-to-death Mag-Lite.

Today, I spent almost the entire day reading a new book I've wanted for a long time. It is Steve Cooper's first novel, With You in Spirit. After reading Deadline last year, I knew I'd like it. And I was far from disappointed. It's difficult to sum up the books wonderfulness into a few words. Not to mention the comedic cast of characters. A wealthy family of Cape Codders owing their fortune to parking meters. A creepy chauffeur. A ghost with a penchant for Gloria Gaynor. And, best of all, a blind, portly psychic with a flatulent seeing-eye cat. I highly recommend it to anyone.

Otherwise, I'm gearing up for another long writing week. We shall see how far I manage to get over the next five days. I'm trying not to put the cart before the horse. But I am optimistic. April is turning into a busy month for me, so I must get the writing done in a few weeks and any tweaks hammered out through March. Luckily, I am using a day-planner again, so I can keep everything in check.

It's the final push now, so no holds are barred, no waiting for information to add to the book. What I have I have, and that's what I'll use.

Dragging It Out...

It's another slow week for my blog. Conversely, it's a good week for writing elsewhere. I'm pounding out as much as I can again and putting major dents in my book workload. There is quite a lot to get through today and more planned throughout this week. If I keep going at this pace, I should be able to breathe a sigh of relief by Friday.

Last weekend was fun, exhausting, and interesting. Saturday night's trip to Union Station was more interesting than usual. Logo was there filming for a program involving drag queens, though we missed whatever minutely interesting moments there might have been. Instead, we left for the Cedar Lee Theater in Coventry for the midnight showing of Clue. By then I was a bit exhausted, but I did get my second wind for long enough to enjoy the show. Sunday, I spent having a mini movie marathon at home, watching David DeCoteau B movies and trying to stay awake through them all.

But now it's back to the research and writing. So much to do, so little time...

Not Easy Being Green...

Another weekend survived. Dodging strange people and the mentally ill, I relaxed with a few friends Saturday night. And yes, I had some well-deserved margaritas, thank you very much. Is that a crime, I ask? And no, I wasn't sick as a dog the following day. Exhausted, yes. Under the weather? No. Just a bit sore from climbing stairs, cleaning like a madman, and dodging debris.

As always, I'm behind with many things. I have editing to tackle, blogs to catch up on, a disaster I call my desk begging to be uncovered, and plenty of my own writing and research to pounce upon. One thing I've learned in life is that there are two possible modes: complete utter boredom and overwhelming chaos. We shift between the two. And now, my life is headed toward the latter.

I'm quite good at jinxing myself, so I'll keep tight-lipped about some things until I feel safe tossing everything out there for the universe to listen. I will say that things are going splendidly. I am making headway in more ways than one. But this week, I have plenty of things to tackle. Emails to send and await replies. Voraciously reading, rereading, and revising written work. Piles of notes to sift through, write legibly, and add to. And that pesky pattern for a stuffed animal to create.

December needs to slow down a smidge.

So forgive me if my posts are erratic. It will all be explained in due time, but for now I'll use the excuse of pre-holiday insanity. Time is not on my side and Norman Meade should be shot for suggesting anything of the sort. As we count down the final weeks of 2008, this year certainly is heading for a bang.

You're as Cold as Ice...

The most tumultuous thing about this weekend, fortunately, was the weather.

Yesterday evening was an interesting dinner in Cleveland with a few friends and the paranormal troop during monsoon-like weather. Rock Bottom Brewery may be an allegedly haunted place, but the only frightening part about visiting the Powerhouse in the Flats is the $6 parking fee for the building. Wind whipped rain off Lake Erie after earlier thunderstorms, adding a bit of mystique to the illuminated building... and puddles to dodge as you run back to the parking lot.

The temperature plummeted by nightfall in anticipation of today's snow. I stayed up a tad bit later than normal to catch some Doctor Who on BBC America. A relaxed morning gave way to wading through junk email and plotting out the coming week. Snow began to coat outdoor surfaces this evening and it isn't expected to let up for the next week. Winter has arrived in northeast Ohio, just in time to curtail outdoor plans and remind me of the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

It might be a good week for a coffee shop meeting with friends after all...

A Long Day's Journey into Night...

The past several days have been so jam-packed with things to do that I didn't have time to write about each day as it happened. I will, however, do my best to recap last week and this weekend in a more condensed version.

Wednesday marked my first experience traveling Greyhound. I've always been the "don't knock it 'til you try it" type, so I kept an open mind. The first leg to Columbus was definitely better than I had expected from word of mouth. Few passengers made for a quiet trip, though it was what could be described as a teeth-rattling journey. Every bump on the road seemed exaggerated by the bus, sending a ripple of rattling metal and intense vibration throughout. At times it was a scenic experience, but I was grateful to get off for my brief wait in one of my old home cities.

From there, it was on to Dayton in a packed bus, sitting with a motley mix of people. A younger man sat across from me in a sweat suit, carrying a brown paper bag. Having known a diverse range of people in my life, I knew he had recently been released from prison. He talked on a cell phone, along with a dozen others, while the tinny sound of music escaped from head phones nearby. After more than an hour of journeying, we touched down in Dayton. My friend Earl was there waiting. I met his partner Chuck and unwound at their house near Germantown. After a long day of traveling, much of Wednesday is but a blur. We had ourselves a lovely meal of stroganoff and watched a few old films before retiring for the long day ahead.

Thursday became a day of exploration. With the pleasant weather, we took a bit of a haunted tour of the Dayton region, based on a few notes I had taken prior to departure. We stopped at the old Sorg Mansion and Sorg Opera House to snap some photographs and marvel at the beautiful architecture of the old neighborhood. Sorg House loomed over the skyline like the House on Haunted Hill, with its intricately carved stonework and wrought iron gates. It had recently been sold to an unknown owner, so getting a peek inside was out of the question. We did stop at the local Obama headquarters to chat with the volunteers packing up before heading out for a bite to eat. Later, we went through Woodland Cemetery, home of dozens of fantastic haunted tales, and wandered among the tombstones. The Wright Brothers rest there along with many notable names. And I was quite pleased to see the famous stone of young Johnny Morehouse had been repaired (a vandal had removed the dog's head from the old stone, but it had apparently been recovered and reattached). Back at Earl and Chuck's, I put my culinary skills to work and made chicken paprikash. Even without authentic Hungarian paprika, it turned out splendidly.

Friday was a dreary day, but we managed to wander Germantown Cemetery and have a conversation with the groundskeeper (who debunked the majority of the hauntings) before setting off for Dayton again. Given the shift in temperature, we stopped at a store so I could buy a sweater (I hadn't packed for cooler weather since the forecast I glanced at claimed warmer weather would prevail) before stopping to visit the Patterson Homestead. The museum was open so we had an opportunity to take a tour of the house, given by a nice and (extremely) bubbly guide. Through her torrent of historical information, we did manage to ask a few questions and she was very open to telling her personal experiences of the hauntings and invited me to investigate the place when I return. We grabbed a late lunch near the University of Dayton before returning to their home for some photography and a bite to eat. Earl and I headed out to Miamisburg to pay a visit to Library Park, a former cemetery with a documented ghostly legend from the late 1800s, and stood for a long spell on the steps of the old Carnegie Library chatting about everything under the sun.

Saturday was a more relaxing day. We met with Earl's photographer friend Rich for lunch at Brio in The Greene, chatting about the paranormal and eating what can only be described as a delicious and very filling meal. We spent some time browsing the nearby bookstore (unfortunately, none of the books I was looking for were on the shelves) before Earl and I returned to the quaint countryside near Germantown to get ready for dinner with a few of his friends. There were problems making reservations, but we managed to get a table thanks to the quick thinking of Tim and Trent. We had a splendid time at Tim's birthday dinner, though my shyness did rear its head. Tim and Trent were wonderful people: intelligent, witty, and at times hilarious. I did receive a few jibes for being the youngest one there, which came out more so later at Tim And Trent's house during a brief tour of their abode (Trent pointed out various celebrities in photographs who had been famous "before I was born" and smartly commented with a smirk that I could Google the names later). We munched on ice cream and cookies and chatted about spooks (they believe their house is haunted) and politics before returning to Chuck and Earl's to hit the sack.

I bid farewell to Chuck and Earl on Sunday before heading back north on the packed Greyhound bus. During my three-hour layover in Columbus, I had coffee and pastries with clairvoyant Rebecca Muller and her husband. The were both very nice people great to converse with regarding hauntings, orbs, and everything else. They noted how dead downtown Columbus has become and grumbled about the stupidity of the city's drivers as we weaved around closed roads and orange barrels. We spoke of famous hauntings and TAPS blunders before I returned once more to the station for my final bus... and not a moment too soon, for they began boarding only minutes after I arrived. A few hours later, I found myself in rainy Akron again, headed north and grabbed a quick bite to eat before collapsing into bed.

Overall, it was an incredibly wonderful experience. Both Earl and Chuck were gracious hosts and excellent conversationalists. The friends which I had the pleasure of meeting were all just as witty, fun, and whimsical. Of course, as is often the case with travel, there never seemed to be enough time for everything, but I know it won't be my final visit. Yes, Dayton is an imperfect city, but it has its gems. I took from it some very fond memories and plenty of things to contemplate. The tarot readings Earl and I exchanged on Sunday morning were quite interesting and enlightening as well. It may take me a while to digest the entire journey, but it was a welcomed break from the monotony I sometimes find myself trapped in.

But now, it's time to get back to work...

Atlas Shrugged It Off...

Almost 48 hours after helping a friend move to a new apartment, I feel like the upper half of my body has been beaten repeatedly with a stick. The move itself only took two hours, and I'm feeling it. Once again, I'm finding bruises I can't remember getting. My shoulders, back, arms, and chest all give slight protests in response to any action.

To say that I worked up a sweat Saturday would be a gross understatement. After the first 30 minutes, I could feel the beads of sweat running down my face, dripping off my nose like a passing summer shower. Yet I couldn't take too long of a break. When there's a task to be done, idleness is not in my vocabulary. There were moments when I was pulling the cart filled with furnishings down the long corridor when I imagined the similarities to a work horse tied to the plow in a field. Too tired to think or object. Hard work can be its own form of tunnel vision.

Afterward, we relaxed before heading out for dinner and then on to a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Though it has been nearly a decade since I first watched the stage performance to accompany the movie with the 69th Floorshow Company, it seemed very different this time. I had forgotten most of the lines, yet many audience members seemed to know less than I did. I remembered the days of sitting in a smaller audience, closer to the screen and the action, surrounded by enthusiastic people shouting out a chorus of one-liners.

Listening to someone yelling at the people to be quiet and another college-age man behind me giving an in-depth psychoanalysis of the performance and people took away from the carefree atmosphere for a moment and made me realize how much things change.

As we spilled out of the theater, an intoxicated man emerged from a nearby building (presumably a bar), shouting and threatening to annihilate one of the young, skinny boys from the audience. His friends held him back as I lost sight of them in the parking deck. What an angry place this world can be at times.

I have much to accomplish this week, yet I still feel utterly exhausted. Luckily, some things will have to wait until a few books arrive from other libraries. My research work has been going by rather slowly. Obtaining old maps to discern past lives of buildings is never an easy task. Still, I am finding a wealth of fascinating information about history and people. I will probably share a few little tidbits as time progresses.

I realize too that my usual Friday "road trips" have fallen to the wayside. This hasn't been for lack of enthusiasm. I do have my reasons, but I will try to indulge those who miss the tales with something comparable. There is so much to say and share, yet there is only so much time in the day...

The Return to Dysfunction Junction...

The camping trip was an interesting experience, to say the least. Rest? Relaxation? Not such a strong possibility. In fact, last night I may have had a total of an hour of sleep. Between a dog and people talking and laughing until dawn, rest wasn't an option.

I felt relieved to take a shower today, took a brief nap, dealt with the insanity called my neighbors (they went so far as to slam their door so hard it shattered the glass), and overall have felt the stress level rise back to overflowing. At times, I wonder if Alice's adventures in Wonderland were more sane than what seems to surround me on a daily basis.

Otherwise, I was too tired to post this weekend's entries, so I'll save them for this coming week. For now, I'm burning some incense to attempt a calmer atmosphere... and looking forward to a nice, long sleep in a bed for the first time all weekend.

The Great Outdoors and an Aussie Breakfast

As of this afternoon, I will be taking a brief leave of absence for a couple days. I'm heading out with TOP-Org, a paranormal investigation group, to spend the weekend camping at the haunted Beaver Creek State Park near East Liverpool in Columbiana County, Ohio.

The weather is threatening to make it a damp affair, but I'm trying to remain optimistic. I've decided to travel light in lieu of the weather forecast, so I'm leaving most of my equipment behind. it will be more for relaxation... and perhaps an eye-witness encounter, if I'm lucky.

I'll be returning on Sunday and will fill in all the interesting details. But for now, I have to discuss breakfast...

In an astounding seven days, my package from my dear friend Joel in Australia arrived on my doorstep. It was much more than I expected, in a very nice and sweet way: a flash drive, photo card (the most important part!), a beautiful Australian opal watch.

And yes... there was Vegemite inside!

As an unfortunate American, I shall have to put my own perspective on the taste experience which is Vegemite. I'll admit, I was a bit frightened when Joel mentioned something about "suppressing my urge to gag". Nevertheless, I took the French bread I baked yesterday, slathered on a good dose of the brown goo, and crossed my fingers...

I now understand why I was told to use it sparingly.

it is a very unique, salty, almost charred-smoky flavor, with a hint of veggies. Imagine beef bullion, vegetable spread, and a hint of Guinness blended into a paste. I'll admit, I felt as many Aussie children must while tasting it for the first time, hearing their mothers saying, "It's good for you." I managed to eat both slices (without gagging, of course) and will be sure to eat it on a regular basis (they say we have to taste something 15 times to acquire a taste for it, so it may be a few weeks).

Obviously, the typical American would wretch at the first taste, but I'm a trooper.

And with that introduction to fine Aussie cuisine over for the day, I must get back to work. Noon will be here before I know it!

Stopping By the Laptop on a Muggy Evening...

I do apologize for not having posted as much as usual this week. I have been busily typing away on more pressing matters.

I am once more taking the plunge. Beginning tomorrow morning, I'm sending out queries for another book idea.

I'll need all the luck I can possibly get right now. As an editor said to me this week, "It's tough out there." But given it's originality and peculiarity, I believe it has a sporting chance.

Tomorrow, it's back to normal before I venture out on a weekend of water-logged camping and ghost hunting.

Stay tuned for another gay ghost, redefining death, a Vegemite taste test, and this weekend's adventure...

These Boots Were Made for Walking...

What a looong weekend.

Friday evening, I went hiking with a small group at Indigo Lake in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It was another late-night haunted hike... and I finally crawled into bed around 1:30 AM.

Saturday was another busy day. After keeping busy all morning, I went for a walk with Bill, Evelyn, Natasha and Robin in Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland. We started out in the Garfield Monument, viewing President Garfield's tomb, climbing the stone spiral staircase, and enjoying the view. Trust me, it's not a small cemetery. I do believe we walked a few miles and we didn't even see the entire graveyard. And somehow, we managed to avoid most easy inclines and stairs, choosing instead to walk up and down the steepest part of the many hills. By the end, my feet were sore and I was feeling dehydrated.

Evelyn, Bill and I stopped at Tommy's in Coventry for a healthy dinner and browsed a few shops. I haven't visited that area of Cleveland in years, but it was just as nice as I remembered it. Plenty of interesting people to look at... and a bit of eyecandy as well.

We returned to Bill's for a few strawberry mudslides, movies, and a very late-night game of Trivial Pursuit. I crashed around 3:00 AM.

Sunday was a late start. I mowed Bill's lawn while he did laundry (with a manual reel push mower, mind you) and collapsed on the couch downing water like crazy. It was quite warm outside, yet we still went for a bike ride at Cuyahoga Community College. I wasn't on my customary bicycle so between the blister from the mower and the seat hurting my rear, I only did one loop around campus. after pizza, I went home again, exhausted. I'm still a bit sore today!

I won't complain, though. It was a nice weekend to be outdoors. It seems that the weather is finally improving... hopefully for good.

Muted Moods and Evenings Out...

I'm beginning to realize that we must be going through a global depression/apathy. Everyone I talk to is feeling "under the weather" in some form. I think humanity is beginning to shut down because of everything happening in the world today. Most of us are tired, down, and just over everything... and that seemed to almost be the theme for the weekend.

Friday's banquet was okay. I tripped over a light on the floor shortly after entering the room, which should have been a sign. Most of the people spent the whole time complaining about the food, lack of prises, and everything else they could find fault in. While outside trying to unwind with a cigarette, I had a conversation with the owner of the bowling lanes. He served time in the Gulf War and had been through a lot in life... and even he was frustrated by the crankiness in the room. He said that while in Iraq, a friend of his died in front of him. His last words were, "Fuck it, guys. I had a great time with all of you."

Definitely words to live by. Have fun with life... The rest of the bad things and drama really aren't that important.

Saturday, Bill and I had a semi-late breakfast of quiche and hash browns, followed by a long vegetation in front of the television. We both felt like sleeping all day. Maybe it was the dreary weather or something else. Evelyn arrived and we put up a little bit of wallpaper border in the enclosed porch before returning to the living room and awaiting the concert.

The theme for the concert was "Hollywood"... ironically the same theme for the banquet the previous evening. We heard music from Les Miserables, Fiddler On the Roof, Titanic, The Wizard of Oz, and many others. They may not be the Boston Orchestra, but they give it their all. I recognized much of the music and enjoyed myself nonetheless.

Afterward, Bill and Evelyn took me out to dinner. We were all a bit famished and made a good time of it. being the cheap date that I am, I had a big hamburger... with coffee to try to feel less catatonic (it didn't quite work). For the first time in what seems like forever, I actually had desert as well: vanilla bean cheesecake. With a strawberry... so part of it was healthy!

We returned to Bill's house to watch "Girls Will Be Girls" before calling it an abbreviated weekend. I made it home around 1:00 AM and managed to finally fall asleep a few hours later. I slept away the morning and still feel exhausted.

The sky is a disheartening blue-gray and the dampness in the air makes my eyelids feel like lead weights. 'Tis the season for this sort of weather, though... and in Ohio the sun never seems to be a given. I would read, but the two book choices I have aren't very cheerful. I'm not quite in the mood for a movie either.

It's just a sign of the times, I guess...

Please Record Your Message After the Beep...

The weekend is finally here!

I'll be taking a much-needed break from cyberspace to deal with real life and the company of good friends. Since I won't be here Saturday, I'm pre-posting tomorrow's entry for simplicity's sake. It'll feel good to be among the living again, and see those people whom I haven't seen in quite some time!

Meanwhile, provided the technical glitches don't cause too much trouble, the next Yabbering Yank column will be posted in the next few days. This one could get interesting! Be sure to check my GenerationQ column this weekend and see what I have to say about un-America!

My regular blogging should return on Sunday. Spooked! will tackle the world of emo kids! Stay tuned for those interesting babblings!

Meanwhile, enjoy the weekend wherever you are... and take a little break to enjoy life... or death, if you prefer!