Pressing concerns pulled me back to Beulah. Friday was my day in the Manistee District Court to dispute a speeding ticket I had gotten just before launching. I also needed to inspect the thought control defense grid Roger was installing on the roof of 4077 Crystal Drive.

Arriving Thursday I dropped in on my lovely parents, surprising the heck out of them. They had assumed me lost at sea or mangled beyond recognition in some terrific highway mishap. Hot tears of joy were shed all around.

The psychic armor cladding is almost complete on the Artist house. Roger has thoughtfully configured the copper panels to promote an electron tunneling effect, which would allow the entire house to travel between dimensions and through time. Kudos to Roger!

After a legal triumph in Manistee Friday afternoon, I stopped in to check on the progress of the magnificent space ark I commissioned my nephews to build. Approaching the Bear Lake compound, I caught a breathtaking view of the massive titanium skeleton rising up out of snow dusted fields in the last light of the setting sun. The big discussion that evening was whether the swimming pool should be by the ion drives or adjacent to the bridge.

Saturday night was the obligatory somewhat naked party and dance orgy at the Artist house. There was a spontaneous flag smoldering that occurred in the media bathroom, where the erotic male wrestling video was playing. Thanks to Eric for catching the ironic significance of this event. Karen organized a wear Ali's sparkle dress photo shoot. Aside from annoying my female guests with a little inappropriate kiss stealing, everybody seemed to have a good time.

Despite my sloppy attempts to seduce various unattainable women, Melonie told me afterward that everyone thinks I am gay. Just because there was a erotic male wrestling video running in the bathroom and I enjoy showing off my fabulous body and I own a couple of dresses? Hasn't anyone heard of Eddie Izzard? I always thought that being really attracted to women sort of makes it impossible to be gay. Go figure.

Patty and I looking pretty yummy together.

Sunday was a day of rest and recovery at the Kudlak / Eichberger Sauna and Spa. The perfect wrap to a whirlwind visit.

Benzie County is full of warmth and love, beauty and mystery. I am grateful for the friends/family I have there, for the wild places and the water, for 15+ years of life by the lake. Being back made me feel a little queasy though, because now my destiny is unfolding anywhere else. Acquiescing to the inertia of the familiar, to it's warmth and comfort is a luxury I can ill afford. So goodbye again Beulah, Big lake, Crystal, and my youth. Climbing aboard that big old jet plane!