Modesto's Ducal Ball

Let me begin by saying I had an absolutely FANTABULOUS time last night at Modesto's Ducal Ball "A Miracle on 34th Street". Everyone was so elegant, and the food was delicious and a good variety as well. People from as far away at Austin, Texas came to salute Ryan Hernandez and Kiki Peru St. James.

I was also able to talk with recently elected Royal Grand Duke Jimmy Alvarado and Royal Grand Duchess So'Horny Beaver of Alameda about my dinner invitation. They informed me that due to a recent move to a new apartment in Oakland, they would not be able to make it. I told them how I understood completely. Having recently moved to a new apartment I know how much stress that can put on a person and how just about everything has to be put on hold till the move is finished. In fact, a co-worker of mine is still unpacking boxes from a move into her new house after two years. Yikes!!!

Here are some of the pictures I took of that enchanting evening. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking them.

Here is a nice picture of So'Horny and Jimmy. Have you ever seen a more elegant couple? I know they are a royal grand ducal couple, but every time I see them I think "Spanish Count and Countess". The regal baring, the graceful way they hold themselves, and their generosity speaks to me of true nobility.

This is a picture I took of Sondra St. James. I took it from a different angle than I normally do to show the regal haughtiness and true imperial style. This costume and her make-up made me think of the Snow Queen from the story of the same name by Hans Christian Anderson.

This group of smiling people live in my old apartment complex. They guy on the far right is my friend and fellow I.S.J.D.E. court member Greg Ruiz, Imperial Court Planetologist. I chose that title myself, since ours is the court of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, and Greg's degree is in environmental sciences.

This is an unposed picture of San Jose Empress Miss Deliciously Kun-Tay. She is best know for having the largest wigs. Whenever I see her in fact I always say "Hello Kun-Tay, Kun-Tay's Wig." We even gave her wig it's very own title for this year reign of the I.S.J.D.E., Imperial Hairpiece of the 35th Reign.

Here are some more pictures I took that evening, presented without commentary. Enjoy;

My God! Is this Me?!?

Watch this video and then tell me if I'm a big a nerd as this.

In the meantime, here is a list of my "nerdisms". I will undoubtedly add to it from time to time.

Wesley's List of Nerdisms

1. I drive a Ford Taurus sedan.
2. I didn't go to MIT, but I did graduate with a 3.95 GPA at Heald College.
3. I love the chance to play D & D.
4. I'm a hardcore Trekkie and speak conversational Klingon.
5. I drink a cup of tea, have a glass of Ovaltine, and eat two Fig Newtons before bed each night.
6. I do math for fun.
7. I was in the chess club.
8. Wikipedia is bookmarked in my computer.
9. I love going to the Renaissance Faire

That's all I can think of for now, but I'll be sure to add more if I think of anything else.

Still No Armistice With the Misanthrope

I forgot to mention something that happened last night at the "Hot August Nights", I had an encounter with The Misanthrope I referred to in my post of June 2nd, 2008 (A Declaration of War). This person actually had the gall to come up to me and try to apologize, and I was forced by good manners, and the desire to not spoil the evening for everyone else by being rude, to politely listen to this individuals spewing of words and thus preventing her from having a"hissy-fit".

Another reason I held my silence and then walked away as quickly as I could from 'that person' was fear. If only 1/10th of what I've heard about her is true, I had no desire to get shanked with an ice-pick.

Aside from that, the evening went wonderfully well. I've included some pictures of the evening for your enjoyment.

Roasted Fruit with Vanilla Ice Cream

As promised, today I present for your taste buds delight, the recipe for Roasted Fruit with Vanilla Ice Cream. This is something different that your guests will find enchanting and delicious.

Roasted Fruit with Vanilla Ice Cream

• 2 peaches
• 2 plums
• 2 nectarines
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 to 3 tblsp sugar
• 2 tblsp butter or margarine cut into pieces
• 1 tblsp fresh lime juice

1. Preheat oven to 400*F
2. With a fork, prick the skins of the peaches, plums and nectarines.
3. Halve the fruit and remove the pits, then halve the fruit again.
4. In a roasting pan, toss fruit with 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 2-3 tblsp sugar (depending on the sweetness of the fruit), 2 tblsp butter or margarine, and 1 tblsp fresh lime juice.
5. Cook, tossing occasionally, until fruit is fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream (or frozen yogurt if you're on a diet) and drizzle pan juices over the top.

Serves 4

As always, eat and enjoy.

Now, if I could just hear back from So'Horny Beaver and Jimmy Alvarado regarding my dinner invitations.

Sorry, It's a Deal Breaker

Let me begin by saying, I met an Angel last night. His name is Raphael, and I think he is GORGEOUS. The only problem is, he is a smoker, and sorry, but that's a deal breaker.

While I am a non-smoker, I am not a militant one, and will not deny any person the right to smoke if they choose to. I even owned about 100 shares of Phillip Morris (MO) for a good long time, until they spun-off their Kraft Foods (KFT) division. After that I sold what shares I had left of MO and bought more KFT. So no, I have no moral objection to a person's right to smoke if they choose. I just don't myself, and will not date anyone who does.

It's a quirk of mine. I won't kiss a guy if I don't like the taste of his spit, and I've kissed a smoker once before, and did not care for the experience. So, no more smokers. It's a deal breaker Raphael. I really did find you interesting, and VERY good looking, but I cannot bring myself to kiss (or anything else with) a smoker. Sorry.

Get Your Facts Straight

Recently, a "friend" of mine commented I should not have mentioned by name someone on the court circuit who got way to drunk at the Alameda Ducal Coronation (see Nutrisystem: Day 4). Well, I went back and re-read the post and to my amazement, I didn't mention that persons name at all.

"Friend", if you're going to criticize, get your facts straight! Yes, I did talk about how one person's intoxication slightly diminished my enjoyment of the evening, but I did not mention their name. If any of the other people who were there and who also read my blog want to assume whom I was talking about, they are free to do so. Maybe they're even correct about who I was talking about, or maybe not.

Anyway, my gentle readers, don't forget that Sunday 8/24/08 I will be posting the recipe for "Roasted Fruit with Vanilla Ice Cream". I still haven't heard back yet from So'Horny and Jimmy, but I'm sure I will soon. I hope they can come.

On another note, I'm bidding on some porn and special souvenirs from one of my favorite adult entertainers, Steve Cruz. If you want to place a bid yourselves (Just don't go over my maximum bid), just go to the Ultimate Auction.

My E-Mail is F*@#& Up!!!

I don't know what's wrong, but I cannot send out any e-mails. Nothing major I'm sure, and I had nothing vital to send, but still, it pisses me off.

Anyway, one of the people I know for a fact reads my blog (because he lives near me and comes over from time to time for a Corona Lite and a sympathetic ear) asked why I posted the first passage of The Epic of Gilgamesh, and the answer is quite simple, "I thought the people who read my blog might enjoy it". The whole point of "The Tao of Wesley" was to express the Me of Me. I like The Epic, so I posted it. The next part, titled "Gilgamesh" will be posted Friday, 8/22/08.

Also, don't forget, the recipe for my "Roasted Fruit with Vanilla Ice Cream" will be posted Sunday, 8/24/08, and I'll be serving it to So'Horney Beaver and Jimmy Alvarado (if I'm ever able to get in touch with them and extend the invitation) 8/31/08. I asked a friend I share in common with So'Horney and Jimmy, a great (and very cute) guy named Rich, to contact them on my behalf, but so far I haven't heard from Rich or So'Horney and Jimmy. I'm sure it'll be soon though.

Green Beans with Parsley & Garlic

Hi Everybody. As promised, today I'm posting the vegetable course for my "Sunday At Home Dinner" to be served August 31, 2008, here in my home at 6:00 PM. I had hoped to auction off the three place settings and help the I.S.J.D.E. raise some much needed money, but no one has placed a bid yet, though there was some interest from Art Sanderson from Chico, California. So, instead of an auction, I thought instead to invite the newly elected Royal Grand Duchess So'Horney Beaver and Royal Grand Duke Jimmy Alvarado (sorry by the way if I misspelled your names) to dinner on that night. Since I wont be able to make it to their Royal Ducal Investitures, I thought this would be a good way to apologize. They are both fine people, and I hope to have a good working relationship with them and their court for the coming year of their reign.

Now, down to the recipe;

GREEN BEANS with PARSLEY & GARLIC

• 1 pound green beans with the stem ends trimmed
• 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil (e.v.o.o.)
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp grated lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh, flat-leaf parsley
• coarse salt and ground pepper

1. In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook green beans until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain.
2. In same pot, heat 2 tsp e.v.o.o. over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook for about 2 minutes. Return beans to pot.
3. Add lemon zest and juice, remaining 2 tsp of the e.v.o.o., and parsley.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and serve immediately.

As always, eat and enjoy.

I'm really looking forward to receiving my dinner guests 8/31/08, and even plan to add a video element in the form on an interview with So'Horney and Jimmy. I do so hope they can make it.

The Bidding Has Begun?

I'm phrasing it as a question, because the first bid on my first "Monthly At Home Dinner" hasn't technically been made yet. Some interest has been expressed, and one of my readers asked me to repeat the items I would be serving so he could consider it some more, but so far, nothing concrete.

I've also been debating with myself about the bidding. Should I let the bid be on a per plate basis, or should I set the condition that all three available place settings are included with the bid? It's a puzzler and a pickle.

I also have a question I'd like to ask you all. It's a moral quandary that has never come up for me before. I've already decided, but I would dearly like to know what any of you would do. This last Friday (8/8/08) I ordered some Chinese food delivered to my new apartment. The food was good, about what you would expect for delivery (What a shame DiGorno doesn't do Chinese). The next morning, when I step outside to begin the errands I had that day, I happen to look down, and there at my feet was a $10.00 bill. I knew it wasn't mine, because I paid the delivery guy 2 $20's and took back the $10 he gave me (placing it safely in my ceramic pineapple cookie jar) and gave him a $5 tip. So, the $10 had to have belonged to the delivery guy. My question to you all is, should I keep it, or should I call the restaurant and try to give it back?

What would you do? I'd really like to know.

Moroccan Lamb with Couscous

I'm sure you are going to enjoy this particular dish. For the couscous, you can use the boxed mix variety. To cook the couscous, just follow the directions on the package and season with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and sprinkle with some chopped fresh cilantro.

I used to love making couscous for my grandmother, though I had to tone down the seasonings (spicy food didn't agree with her stomach) and used chicken instead of lamb (which she didn't care for), and of course the best part, for me anyway, was the funny shape her mouth made whenever she said "Couscous". It made me laugh every time.

Anyway, here is the recipe for

MOROCCAN LAMB

• 5 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1" cubes (or, if like my grandmother you don't care for lamb, or your grocery store doesn't have any, you can substitute lamb with chicken)
• coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 large white onion
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, diced
• 1/2 cup pitted prunes, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish for the lamb
• 2 tblsp lime juice
• 3 cups water

1. In a 5 quart saucepan with a tight fitting lid, heat oil over high heat. Swirl to coat bottom of pan. Season lamb with salt and pepper; cook until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 to 4 minutes. Add paprika, apricots, prunes, tomatoes, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, until tomatoes begin to break apart and sauce is thickened, about 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Return lamb and any accumulated juices to pan; cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Stir in cilantro and lime juice.
4. Serve the lamb with the couscous, and garnish with more cilantro (if desired).

And as always, eat and enjoy.

Don't forget, next Sunday (8/17/08) I will be posting the recipe for the vegetable dish, "Green Beans with Parsley and Garlic", and the Sunday after (8/24/08) the desert recipe for "Roasted Fruit with Vanilla Ice Cream". Don't worry by the way, I won't be telling you to make your own ice cream, though that can be lots of fun.

So far I haven't gotten a single bid for the dinner I'll be making and serving 8/31/08, but it's still early.

Here is a little joke by the way; Do you know what the books "The Joy of Cooking" and "The Joy of Sex" have in common besides the title? They both end with the phrase "Eat, and enjoy".

I know that's not really true, but it's funny anyway.

Roasted Red Pepper & Eggplant Soup

Here is the first recipe for my (now) weekly recipe feature. This dish will stand in for last week (when I posted the recipe for my "Wesley's Prize Winning Chili) and will be served at the special monthly dinner I'll be hosting to help the I.S.J.D.E raise money for the various charities we support.

I hope you like this one as much as I do.

ROASTED RED PEPPER & EGGPLANT SOUP

• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 jar (15 oz.) roasted red bell peppers, well drained and cut into small pieces
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) fat-free chicken broth
• 1/2 cup vermouth or dry white wine
• 1 cup day-old french bread cubes
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 6 tbsp crumbled goat cheese or shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Combine eggplant, onion, roasted peppers, garlic, broth, vermouth (or dry white wine), bread cubes, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper in 3.5 quart slow cooker. Mix well, cover and cook on low 7 to 8 hours or until eggplant is very tender.
2. Just before serving, stir in parsley.
3. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish each serving with 1 tablespoon of the cheese

For a heart healthy version, use low-sodium chicken broth, the 1/2 tsp of salt, the 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes.

This recipe makes 6 servings. What you don't use right away can be frozen and saved for another day. Just allow it to cool to room temperature before putting it in your freezer. This will allow your freezer to do it's job without using a lot of extra electricity.

How about that! A recipe and a money saving tip!

To begin bidding on the Dinner auction, click on "View My Complete Profile" located to the right of your screen (you may have to scroll down a little), then click on Email in the upper left section of your screen under the word "Contact". Then, just say how much you are willing to spend for either one place setting, or how much you are willing to spend for all three available spots. I will monitor the e-mails carefully, post each highest bid as it comes in, and announce the result (IE. "The Winner") on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Good luck.

As always, eat and enjoy.

What They're Really Saying

Let me tell you a little story;

Once upon a time, a nice guy named Wesley (his real name) found himself attracted to, and wanted to spend some time with another man named Troy (not his real name). Wesley couldn't believe his good fortune when he got a phone call from Troy, asking him out. This had never happened in Wesley's life before, and he was overjoyed.

So, on the evening of the date, Wesley drove all the way to the far away land of Sacramento to be with Troy. They had dinner, they watched a movie, they talked and snuggled and Wesley ended up spending the night.

A week or so goes by and Wesley called Troy to ask him out on another date. Brent makes the arduous journey from Sacramento to Stockton and they have dinner, they watch a movie, they talk and they snuggle, but this time they don't spend the night together as Troy has an early appointment the next day, so after awhile, he goes back home to Sacramento.

Another week goes by and Wesley hasn't heard anything from Troy. Going against the "protocols" of gay dating, he calls Troy first this time and asks him if they could get together for a drink or something that coming weekend (it was Sunday when Wesley made the call). Troy hemmed and hawed for a moment before saying "I really don't like making plans that far in advance". So, three days later, Wesley calls again, and again asks if Troy would like to get together for a drink or something that weekend, and again Troy says "I don't like making plans that far in advance". So, on Friday, Wesley calls a third time and asks Troy for a third time if he would like to go out, but this time Troy says, "I'm sorry. I've already made plans for the weekend."

The moral of the story? If they tell you "They don't like making plans that far in advance", what they are really saying is "I don't want to make plans with YOU that far in advance in case something or someone better comes along". For God's sweet sake Troy, be a man. Have the balls to say "I don't want to go out with you anymore". Yes, it will hurt, but the pain will be over a lot more quickly than if you leave a person hanging like you left me.

This was based on a true story. Some of the names have NOT been changed in order to show how foolish and pathetic I was (and will NEVER be again) and what an asshole Troy was, and probably still is and always will be.

I'm sorry if this isn't what you're used to reading on my blog, and I hope it won't drive you away from reading future posts. But I've been carrying around the pain from this incident for a long time, and this was my way of letting it go.

Hey, it's cheaper than going to a therapist, and way, way, WAY cheaper than the gas used driving to a therapist.

That's all for now. If I think of anything else to post today, I'll log back on and post it. I like keeping you informed.

By the way, we raised $58.00 at this last Thursday's I.S.J.D.E.'s monthly BINGO. Being the generous sort I am, I will be giving the court an extra $42 to bring our total to $100.

Some Good News for Me

I know it's vanity, but I was over the moon today when, after a lot of dieting and hard work, I discovered I had gotten to the first (or it that last?) notch on my belt! This means of course, I'll need to buy a new, smaller size belt.

I'm not telling what size I was using, and I'm not telling what size I'm getting. Until I get to my goal, I regard that information as classified, right up there with George W.'s IQ (or lack thereof) level.

This is doing wonders for my confidence level, and it's giving my ego a real boost as well. Please, help a guy out and pay a compliment on my appearance the next time you see me (not that I'm fishing for compliments of course).

In other news, I went to karaoke at Club Paradise last night and had a lot of fun. I didn't have my camera with me or I would have filmed not just me but my friend Maria Johnson singing. I have discovered that my best key is G-flat, so, the next time I do karaoke, I plan on having Sean (Maria, is that how he spells his name?) adjust the machine so I can practice a special song I want to do on my next gay cruise with Atlantis Events. The song? "Let Me Entertain You" from the play/movie "Gypsy". I tried it once before but the song is in the key of A, and that's not a good key for my range. Anyway, the song I did last night was "Xanadu" from the film of the same name. I wanted to do "Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds" but they didn't have it. I thought it would be cute to change all of the Lucy's into Wesley's.

Don't forget, tomorrow (8/7/08) is the first Thursday of August and thus the I.S.J.D.E.'s monthly charity BINGO. At my suggestion, the theme for the game is "Sex Toys & Porn". I've already got the porn I'm donating (you'll have to come to the game to see what it is) and I'm getting the "toy" tomorrow after work. I hope I see a lot of my readers there. Remember, it's all for fun and charity.

That's all for now, but I'll leave you with a little treat. Remember my saying how I did the song "Xanadu" at karaoke? Well, here is a YouTube clip since I didn't have myself filmed for your viewing pleasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m1UWSD-FaA

One other thing. Steve Cruz, if you're reading this, I'll say it again, I do not think you're overrated, and whoever said you are is a rancid, puss filled, smelly and unwashed asshole, and they're not very nice either.

I Just Had the Strangest Dream (2)

It was so weird. In the dream, somehow, I came into possession of $1million, and managed to spend it all in a single day!

I have no idea what a dream like that could mean as I'm normally very careful with my money. Careful hell! Any of my friends will tell you I can pinch a penny till Lincoln screams for mercy, and the last time I took out a $1, Washington blinked from the light.

I repeat though, I am not cheap! I am frugal. The $1 I save today, I can use for my next cruise with Atlantis Events (http://www.atlantisevents.com/index.aspx) tomorrow.

That really all I have to talk about for the moment. My alarm just went off letting me know that my clothes should be done in the dryer now, and if you've read my post "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things", you'll know how much I enjoy clothes fresh out of the dryer.

Don't forget, by the way, but this coming Thursday, 8/7/08, is the I.S.J.D.E.'s monthly charity bingo game. This month, at my suggestion, the theme is "Sex Toys & Porn". I'm hoping it brings in a lot of players. The court is really struggling this year.

If I think of anything else to write about, if some random thought, or anything interesting happens, don't worry, I'll keep you informed.

Wesley's Prize Winning Chili Recipe

I know I said I would only post this recipe if the Chili Cook-Off today at Club Paradise (located at 10100 N. Lower Sacramento Rd., Stockton, CA) made $500 or more, but in spite of my best efforts, I don't think we'll make that much. So, I've decided to post it as my August, 2008, "Recipe of the Month". After today, I will NOT be entering this particular version of my chili in any future contests, feeds, or cook-offs. I'll still make it for my friends, I just wont be making it for anything official.

This recipe requires a 7 quart Crock-Pot.

WESLEY'S PRIZE WINNING CHILI

• 2 lbs 90% lean ground beef
• 2 medium to large white onions, chopped
• 6 tsp minced garlic
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) chili beans in a mild (wimpy though) or spicy sauce, undrained
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons grated, semi-sweet, baking chocolate
• 3 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 2 shots of Jim Beam Whisky

(The chocolate & the Jim Beam are my secret ingredients)

1. Brown the ground beef and 2 teaspoons of the minced garlic in medium, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring to separate meat. Drain and discard the fat.
2. Place the meat and garlic mixture in your 7 quart crock-pot. Add onions, tomatoes with juice, beans with juice, chili powder, remaining 4 tsp of minced garlic, grated chocolate, and the 2 shots of Jim Beam. Mix well.
3. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours. Add the cumin, salt, pepper, and hot sauce during the last hour of cooking.

Makes 8 good sized servings.

I like to serve this dish with my jalapeno cheesy cornbread. Unfortunately for today's cook-off, not one person asked me to make the cornbread, and now it's to late :(

As always, eat and enjoy.

I've Got Your Back(s)

I'm almost ashamed by the fact I didn't think about this sooner, but I want to share something with all of you. A web-site I've come across that will help you save money. The site?
http://www.coupons.com .

You go to the site, select from the available coupons the ones you want for the things you need/use, then click print. I've just done it for some Dove soap, Yoplait yogurt, and some Bic stationary supplies. Total savings, $2.50!

If I find any other money saving web-sites fr you, I'll keep you informed.