MADAME MAYOR DEUSO

A democrat, Erica Deuso, easily won a race in Downingtown, an outlying suburb of Philadelphia last Tuesday. And just why was that so great??? She became the first Pennsylvanian to serve as an openly transgender mayor! 

Now, Mayor Erica Deuso, a former political organizer, received 64% of the vote to defeat Republican Richard Bryant, and in a fairly heavy red area on top of everything else. My goddess isn't that some great news! People looking pass people choices and lifestyles for someone to do the job, not to mention in a time with the Party of Rot in control! Deuso is a scientist, advocate, and community leader, raised in a working-class Vermont family, and learned resilience and the value of service. With advanced degrees in science and business, Deuso has built a career focused on innovation, advocacy and business improvement. She currently sits on the boards of the PA Equality Project, PFLAG, and Emerge PA. Her vision for Downingtown centers on diversity, accountability, and community empowerment. After living abroad, she made Downingtown her home, where she lives with her husband, their dog, and three cats. What a like most is her commitment to fostering the "Good Neighbor" mentality, creating a positive, inclusive community and plans to make room at the table for everyone. Just another success story for one of the letters in LGBTQ. Yet another role model to never back down, be yourself, and remember anything is possible.

Congratulations Madame Mayor Deuso!

ANOTHER GLAMPING SEASON

Well, another glamping season came to an end. As a regular reader will tell you, I spend usually between 3-7 weekends up in the Pocono's at the Woods Campground from late spring till late summer. Its a lovely time spigot of land and a very good time, where all are welcome, and a good time is generally had by all. This year found me with 5 weekends booked, including this year, the closing drag show. I never got around to sharing much of the glamp ground in posts with what being away a lot. The Woods actually closed the week before Halloween, but my very good friend Wayne asked if I wanted to come up last weekend for the site owners to get the sites closed up and packed for the winter. Since my camper sits on his site, and to get my mind off of Buster's passing I took him up on it, and it was just what I needed to clear my mind and set me correct again. The foliage was absolutely stunning, but I can't lie, it was cold as hell up there. Needless to say, the place was mostly quiet as it's now closed to the public, but it was just what I needed. Nature comes through again. A few snaps from this summer...

This was a baby bird that was on the side of my camper window. But then...

Yes, jumped to my plate and took a shit on it!

The guys on this site, built these lit "totems" made entirely of Skyy vodka bottles. It looks so cool at night.

This is the site of Garrett and Frank who own the B&B I stay in at Rehoboth Beach.

Good drag friends and sisters Adendra and Hedi Ho at the White Party 

Now THAT is a disco stick!

Say hi to Joia

Just a drag queen playing her violin in the woods. Adendra

The rainbow bridge in the Memorial Garden

Preston....sigh......

Some friendly queen who enjoyed a photo opt.

This weekend though, the Lad accompanied me to get the camper closed up, and help Wayne close up other part s of the site too. Looks so odd to see everything all empty. And we enjoyed one last bonfire the first night. Before heading back, the three of us hit up the charming town of Jim Thrope which is about 20 minutes from camp. It's also been coined the Switzerland of Pennsylvania. If you have never been and find yourself in the Pocono s area, you have got to check this town out. When we hit the bend of the road, it takes your breath away for 1, just how high up you are, 2- the vistas and foliage are astounding, and 3-and then this quaint town comes out of nowhere.

Jim Thorpe is a charming small town re- named after the famed sports legend and is celebrated for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It's known for being a friendly tolerant destination where all visitors- feel comfortable and at home. The town's historic streets, beautiful mountain scenery and the vibrant community spirit and offering of shopping and eateries make it popular for a fun getaway. And be sure to check out the Asa Packer and Harry Packer mansions while there. Asa Packer was a railroad tycoon and found of Leigh University. His mansion served as inspiration for the Haunted Mansion at the Disney parks. His son Harry carried on the tradition and built his own mansion there worth a look see.

A sign at the Molly Maguire Pub. She apparently didn't take shit.

The Asa Packer Mansion

As you can see, we took a nice pew and rest after the packing up was done. We just about fell asleep on the dock. Peaceful.

WHITE HOUSE RENO......

.....continues! 

Did you see the latest change?

MOOD BOARD

No warmth, No sun. No cheerfulness. No comfort in the wildflower garden. No shade. No butterflies. No fruit. No flowers. No leaves. No birds. November. The first real weekend where it is now looking barren and grey. With winter on the horizon. The weekend came and went, and it feels good to be getting out of my funk with the passing of Buster. Looking back at the many pictures of him helps. And last week a picture of pigeons of all things made me feel good. Most people don't realize just how incredible pigeons really are. These are gentle birds, brilliant and complex. Tucked inside their beaks are tiny magnetic crystals which act like nature's GPS. With them pigeons can sense the Earth's magnetic field and travel thousands of miles with stunning precision. They can also hear frequencies too low for us to detect, and they can read polarized light patterns in the sky. And high intelligence. Studies have shown they recognize their own reflections, understand abstract ideas. They see three colors and a fourth-ultraviolet. They also form lifelong bonds with their mates. History has seen their courage too. During wartime a pigeon named Cher Ami delivered a message that saved 194 soldiers- even after losing a leg. Sadly, despite all this, we've forgotten our connection to them. Pigeons were once our companions, messengers and helpers- but like so many other things when we humans are done with things they are quickly forgotten when we no longer need them. But they stayed close to humans in cities because that's what they knew. They don't need much. Some seed, some oats and clean water. David Attenborough once said-" They deserve our empathy, not disdain. Pigeons are not pest. They are intelligent, emotional social beings. They remember us. It's time we remember them."

The National Geographic Award winning photo of the Year.

Happy Monday all!