Pretty Dapper

At Giant Rock. This rock is not that rock.

I've been busy since the last time I saw you, I'm sorry. But we have so much to catch up on. I'll have to explain it all later, with photos. Above is one-- this was how I spent my birthday. A weekend in Joshua Tree and on the way back dinner in Santa Barbara. Just bear with me on that. It was fabulous-- to wake up in a creaky room filled with cowboy paraphernalia in the middle of the desert and end the day boots in the sand, staring at the stars on the edge of the continent-- could have done worse.

Speaking of doing worse, I've picked up sailing again and joined a group that co-owns a lovely little 35-foot sailboat in Marina Del Rey. It's called The Mystic, which just brings images of Van Morrison levitating into mind from the ether.

While commandeering said vessel a few weeks ago, I ran over a whale. I didn't hit it (it's more accurate to say it didn't hit me), but it surfaced a few feet off, headed straight for the side of the boat. Flabbergasted, we all stood making "ahhh!" and "woooh!" sounds. The whale, a master of suspense, waited until the very last moment to dive its approximately 50 foot self a few feet below our hull, soaring beneath us into the deep. Not one to leave without saying a goodbye, it resurfaced a little ways off and sent us a tail flip straight from a Pacific Life commercial. Easily in contention for one of the most magical experiences I have ever had or beheld, it was exhilarating in a way I do not think I could convey to anyone who wasn't there with me.

In all, I'd say my plans for world domination are proceeding nicely.

Super flattering. Hand motions not sold separately.

The day of the whale (pictured) was so clear you could see all Catalina, some of the farther islands, and up to Point Dume (or as I like to think of it, Pointe Doom). Inland you could see the mountains above Palm Springs. In this photo, Mt. Baldy, downtown, and the moon are all having a moment.

Another charmer, this is me and a can of beer, in a foam holder (the beer), en route to a nap up front.