Reborn of season and true unity
Another journey, but never just.
Just as each dawn is unique and
memorable to a day's events, so
too an entire journey to those
partaking, and beyond the dusk.
My most recent journey to see my
beloved Moriah, and the adventures
that follow; the foundation columns
of us, our time, and with those who
bind them.
Prologue
While the beginning of my last entry before Moriah's visit had a lot more to
do with personal gains (Sunny visiting me, the computer, etc.), and did have
its place as she was visiting me in my element... this will be less... greedy.
At least that's how I feel it was in retrospect. A mistake I've made before;
delving too much into my world, my "upgrades" as something to remind me
of how far I've come. While it's not wise to put everything in one meaningful
conjuration or embodiment, it IS wise and more true to give full credit - to
knowing I should most appreciate the one who constantly reminds me of
what it is to feel alive, rather than the temporary joy objects give. And while
friends are wonderful, and a great binding between life and loss that sustains
in our darkest times, only one shines and warms as Moriah does to me.
Besides... work really isn't that glamorous to talk about, and I haven't
done much of anything aside from work and stay around home :P
What I have done, was mostly to prepare for my visit to see Moriah.
I burned so many things for her and I to enjoy together, as well
as things for her to enjoy after the inevitable parting.
Regain and rediscover
The train ride wasn't too bad, it actually seems to be going by more and
more quickly with each time I take it. This time, I sat next to a man from
Jamaica. As soon as I sat down, he started a conversation with me, which
wasn't intrusive at all. We spoke of politics, government, the common work-
ing man, and his career with Amtrak. He told me a bit about how it is a good
long-term career, and I have given it some thought, though it is too bad that
Amtrak isn't all over the US.
I spent the time mostly reading my pilot's handbook, re-learning everything I
once knew about aeronautical physics, but by the time I closed the book
before getting up for a snack, it began making more sense than I could have
imagined. While in the dining car, I ran into the Jamaican man, who invited
me to sit with him. He told me about his travels while offering me some of
his Jack Daniel's as a night cap while we tolerated the screaming kids who
sat in front of us.
Thursday
17 March
Arrived in Philly around 10am.
Actually checked a bag, so I waited for it as Moriah drove closer. Once I got
the bag and as I waited, there must have been a bomb threat or something
going on, because there was a squad of cops about the building with dogs
and Kevlar, wielding automatic weapons on patrol. I shit you not.
After a while longer, I got a call from Moriah in a weak voice asking me to
meet her outside. My poor baby had gotten sick and couldn't come in, but
our reunion had lost no special meaning at all. I gladly hopped in the driver
seat and got us to her place as she recovered. Once we were at her place
and we made our way inside, I believe we just relaxed, and I opened up my
bag, taking out all the burned media to give to her, along with one or two
other items I brought for her, along with our now favorite tradition, Rosa
Regale red champagne with Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
The rest of the day I believe we spent watching movies while cuddling <3
Friday
18 March
Not quite sure what all we did this day, probably more relaxing and watching
Futurama I burned for her, along with a movie or two. At one point I'm pretty
sure we went to the pond where she considered for our gathering spot. When
we got there, it was a little difficult to navigate around the puddles with the
car, but was a nice spot, none the less... especially once we cleaned it up
a little. Later, it actually wasn't used, but kept in mind for future gatherings.
Some time later we went with her parents on their usual Friday night family
dinner to an old-fashioned drive-in, where they take your order and deliver the
food to your car. Much like Sonic. After this, we stopped at a local smoke
shop and she got a pack of vanilla cloves, and I the cherry, then headed
back home.
The only other thing I remember is much later at night we went for a moonlit
walk down her road. It was exquisite, and something I felt we would do as
often as possible, under the silver-lined clouds, the moon hiding like a shy
child. One amusing part of the walk was when we passed a neighbor's house
who had goats, and we would bray back at them, like a mini-conversation :P
Another thing I will never get tired of is seeing the way houses in this part of
New England are decorated in a subtle manner with lights here and there;
especially with one in each window. Something I find enchanting about it...
something that shows, to me, like people still have an awareness of their
soul/spirit/w/e, and in little ways such as this, show it, glowing in the night.
Gathering
Saturday
19 March
Today was the gathering.
Joseph and Jenni came over a few hours earlier than everyone else, which I
liked, because I got to meet Jenni, and Joseph and I actually had a chance
to talk and become better acquainted. Jenni brought Moriah some very lovely
gifts, of which I loved the soft 20's style hat the most, which went along very
nicely with the pinstripe fedora Moriah surprised me with when I arrived <3
At one point, we all got into Moriah's car and I drove us to the local WalMart
to get food supplies for the gathering. It was fun, and many laughs were had,
though I didn't like the surprise of learning my food assistance card didn't
work when I tried to use it in a different state. The scanner didn't much like
my debit card either, so Joseph jumped in and paid for it... but at least I had
my employee discount to offer :P
On our way back to Moriah's, I recall being stuck behind some church van,
to which I remarked "No matter how much you push the brake pedal, it will
never convert to gas, now switch the damn thing!" ;)
Once back, Jenni and Moriah chatted a bit in her room while Joseph and I
tended to the kitchen to make the meal - steaks with a simple addition of
grilled onions and green peppers (some kept raw for Moriah), and I don't
remember what else, if anything... perhaps mashed potatoes. It was simple,
but enjoyed in an elegant manner. I remember at one point when Joseph
and I were cooking the steaks, I taught him the finger and palm trick. It's
one way to check the done-ness of a steak (rare, medium rare/medium,
medium well, and well done) by touching each finger to the thumb and
pushing on the meaty part of your palm with a finger from your other
hand, where the thumb connects to. You will notice that from your index
finger to your pinky, the meaty part of the palm gets harder, which, in
this case, is likened to the firmness of a steak as it cooks, and the
corresponding stages of done-ness.
As we put the food in the oven to maintain the temperature, I began setting
the table, bringing in candles from the front porch table (where Moriah and
I sat the previous night before the walk, sipping wine), and brought out the
Rosa Regale and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, to go along with the Apothic
Red wine Joseph brought. I really enjoyed sharing the meal, the four of us,
commenting on the food, and the reactions everyone had when first trying
the Rosa Regale with the dark chocolate.
It was a little after we finished that Danielle and Pat arrived.
I don't think anyone else joined us, but sometimes the less people for a
gathering, the better; more intimate that way... and sometimes less drama,
of which there was none at this gathering :P
At some point while we sat outside by the fire, Joseph and I came up with
the idea to get ingredients for s'mores. And when we got to his car, I was
in for an even greater treat - he asked if I could drive stick, and with a grin
and no pause, I hopped in, took off the fedora so it wouldn't be blown away
as I drove his convertible Honda S2000 to WaWa. 6-speed manual with a
red-line around 9,000 rpm, I was in bliss. And a most fitting name he chose
for the beast - Fenrir.
I've not usually been one for Hondas in the past, but HOLY. SHIT.
This was fun as hell to drive. To quote Joseph, he was right when
he said it was made with the fun of driving in mind. I reached dead-stop
to 100mph in under 6 seconds, and it wasn't painful at all. It barely
felt like I was going a dangerous speed, as it most often feels when
you drive an average economy car. It was only a little scary at how
quickly you could spin out with the amount of torque and turning
the wheel too far, but is great for maneuvering in tight spots.
I swear, once we got what we needed from WaWa and got back to
Moriah's, it was quite apparent for everyone to see the ecstasy on
my face from the drive, not to mention how amused Joseph was, and
how much he appeared to enjoy watching me enjoy the car. The rest
of the evening was spent talking around the fire or in the house, until
everyone began to leave, Moriah and I finishing off the night to more
Futurama and cuddling until enveloped by the velvet comfort of sleep...
Local adventures;
Menanico and the gravel pit
Sunday
20 March
Today, if I'm not mistaken, we went to a local town, Vineland I believe,
and checked out Best Buy for headphones that Moriah can use for
her phone as well as computer. We also went to Bed, Bath and Beyond
to find some satin pillow covers for Moriah's bed to make it a little more
complete. A little pricey, but well worth the comfort and aesthetic look
to a more complete-looking bed. We also stopped at Starbucks for a
warm latte, as it was a bit chilly out - something I very much enjoy
since I can wear most of my wardrobe and not sweat to death as I
would in FL ~_~
The rest of the evening I believe we watched a movie and more Futurama,
but still felt a bit restless. So we ended up running to WaWa along the
way to a place Moriah had in mind. I got some Sun Chips and Arizona
tea, and she grabbed a salad. I don't remember what the place/lake was
called, but it was very peaceful. We parked for a bit and ate while catching
a glimpse here and there of the mostly full moon in otherwise total darkness
and silence before we were satisfied and headed back home for the night.
Monday
21 March
Today, Moriah and I went to a place she had been meaning to show me for
a while now called Menanico. Apparently it used to be a major glass-manu-
facturing plant, as all around the foundation brick ruins of the building you'll
find scattered bits of multiple colors of glass, whose shapes fit varying uses,
such as bottles. Surrounding the place was a mini-dessert of sand dunes,
a nearby pond, and train tracks.
The rest can be told with pictures and their captions...
After parking as we first approached,
I caught this of Moriah kneeling; my
attempt to capture a mood of despair
with her as a visitor, falling to her knees
in an almost hopeless state...
And displaying her lovely
new hat while looking
adorable as always <3
Nearby few trees
Negative! :P
A couple captures Moriah took of me
Then we wondered further to
the back, where there was a
pond of a most emerald color
After this, we made our way back,
but only to the train tracks, slowly
making our way toward a river
To me, this capture of mine is visual
sex, as it has so many different
textures in one shot :)
Choo choo...
Once at the river where the tracks
went over, we spent the remainder
taking pictures as we climbed all
over the area
River
Picture Moriah snagged of me
while still above the tracks
Under the tracks
Picture Moriah snagged
of me investigating below
the tracks
After this, sufficiently worn out and happy with the
amount of pictures, we headed back along the
tracks to her car and made our way out. After
this, I'm not certain, really, probably just relaxed
a bit more, watching something, sharing delicious
green tea the special way she makes it :licks lips,
then kisses hers:
Tuesday
22 March
Today was another fore-planned mini-adventure for Moriah to
show me a gravel pit, which is within walking distance to her
house. Well, not just a walk though, as we had to go through
I believe two vacant corn fields to get there, and then some
patches of woods before reaching the pit itself.
Coming along with us was her dog Izzy ;)
Just as with Menanico, the pictures and
captions to follow will tell the rest of the
story -
The gravel pit
Desert-esque detail in
the water-carved land
Moriah lead me to a specific area where
she said she'd had a few gatherings with a
friend or three, sitting around a small bonfire,
and where we would be sitting for a bit... with
Mr Izzy of course ;)
After this, we walked a bit further back, coming to
an area, about 50' X 50' where the dirt was black,
and sprinkled with the remains of burned tires. The
more of this place I saw, the more my mind reverted
back to a year before when I would be helping Zac
or Richard do various film projects, finding places
that would be prime for film settings. This was no
exception; would fit perfectly for so many themes,
especially post-apocalyptic... especially with this...
I don't quite know what it is, perhaps a vintage
machine used for breaking down trees? Whatever
it was, it looked cool
After this, we decided it was time
to head back, especially with a very
worn out Izzy (who had trouble keep-
ing up with us on the way back). Along
the way, I had to capture one more
detail... like a mini-canyon or sorts...
Longwood Gardens adventure
Wednesday
23 March
Our adventure planned for today was to begin with a
visit to Longwood Gardens, north of Philadelphia, PA.
I really enjoyed the drive there, especially when we went through a small town
in NJ called Mullica Hill. Something about the town just seemed so very quaint
and I loved how it had a network of hills that gave feature to the land and how
the buildings were made to suit and enhance the interest of aesthetic appeal
to the eye.
Once at Longwood Gardens and after purchasing our tickets ($18, not bad per
person for what they had to see :)), all throughout the visit (well, once in the
greenhouse, which was heated) one song kept going through my head; and
that would be starting around 0:38 to about 1:38 of "Depths of Vashj'ir" from
the World of WarCraft Cataclysm soundtrack :
While some people may start an anti-MMORPG rant, this isn't even about playing
the game. Even those who don't play can enjoy the music, and if you listen to it,
it will certainly fit along with this series of pictures from our adventure... or at least
how it felt to use while walking throughout the place, surrounded by a surreal world
of enchantment; a gift from nature and those who value it enough to bring out its
splendor to behold :
"Foyer" of the indoor garden/greenhouse
Orchids
Then down along a side pathway...
Mmmm... Ivy...
Further down the pathway
Violets, I believe... I love how
they contrast with the green,
makes me think of the Pacific
Northwest...
More with lovely texture I'm
glad my camera's macro
feature could pic up
Grate in an area that lead to
a scene and colors in flowers
which truly increased the
aforementioned Vashj'ir
song in my head...
Moriah looking up
And leaning on the bars
More of the room, especially
the parts that make me think
of that song and underwater...
Onward into the penetralium
of the greenhouse, and parts
beyond...
"Pansy" isn't as wimpy as it
sounds, with colors like this,
and a really soft texture...
Above, a clock before entering the
"heart" of the building, which lead
to this room which looked as if it
could be used for a wedding ceremony,
complete with the below picture of an
archway filled with flowers...
Moriah being adorable,
as always ;)
More orchids
Moriah exploring down a more
narrow corridor, which seemed
more like a "work" area for
plants being nursed and
prepared for primary display
This next room... the pictures can only show so
much, but to truly know how it felt, you'd have to
be there. Just standing in this room with various
kinds of cacti and other green plants made you
truly feel like you were standing on another
planet.
There were also these silvery, fuzzy leafed
plants that I wish I could have sat there and
petted all day long... I want!
Door on the way out of the room,
with a really cool hanging vine plant...
Moriah standing along
another pathway, after
a floral/vine overhang
of lattice
Contrast goodness
Though outside was a bit bleak,
it did offer some very nice captures,
some of which, especially the trees,
remind me of the kind you'd see in
the Worgen areas of WarCraft
Picture I am very proud
of, of this bridge which went
between the greenhouse and
a cafe
After Longwood Gardens, our next stop would be back to Philly...
for some necessary hookah and warm chai tea of course! ;)
And what better place than our usual Alhambra Cafe, and to
see the distinguished gentleman owner, Mr. Mohamed :)
This time he wasn't as social as usual, more-so wrapped up
in an online poker game, but he was no less of a host, and
the more intimate setting of Moriah and I snuggled as we
shared hookah... and pictures ;)
Hookah and Chai
Moriah partaking
Followed by myself
Couple pic!
Having a bit more... I
swear I swoon over those
eyes looking at me, the
way the light captures them
in the middle of enjoyment
in life's little luxuries...
After this little treat to tide us over (along with an imported
date Mr. Mohamed let us have), we headed to The Cheesecake
Factory in Cherry Hill, NJ for a well-deserved dinner after our epic
adventure. It was no less an experience than I've come to expect
from dining at this restaurant chain. We did have to wait about 15
or 20 minutes for a table, but no biggie. As we waited, some little
girl randomly smiled and waved at me... maybe it was the fedora :P
At one point, the server picked up on my accent and asked me
"Bis du Deutsch?" (Are you German?), and I replied, auf Deutsch,
that my family is a mix of Austrian-French. So each time he came
by, I would order in German and have small talk. The food was a
delicious experience, and the ladies sitting next to us remarked
to Moriah that I was a keeper when I would stand as she left the
table, or helped her up. We finished the meal off with a Godiva
cheesecake (since Moriah had never had cheesecake before), and
though it was good, I honestly felt it had too much chocolate
and not enough cheesecake to truly give her an idea of what it
really is like.
Thoroughly stuffed, we left, thanking the server, auf Deutsch,
and made our way back home, snuggling <3
More local adventures
A Jersey shore of a
more modest kind
Thursday
24 March
Today, Moriah wanted to show me the beach shore of NJ,
so I knew what it was like as a comparison. Our destination
was East Point, and to see a lighthouse there... which turned
out to be a lot different than lighthouses I've seen in FL (which
are just a tall, cone-shaped building, whereas here is more of
a building with a lighthouse on top, which I think is a lot more
nifty). It may have been quite cold with the breeze, but none
the less enjoyable, especially for photo captures :)
Flower bundle left on
a stone bench in front
of the lighthouse
Bridge between shore and lighthouse
The shore itself...
Another fond capture
of mine, which contains
Moriah <3
On our way back into Millville, we stopped at an ice cream parlor.
They lady working there looked at us like we were crazy, which
perhaps we were (only in the best way possible :P), and each
got a cone. After this, I believe the rest of the day we spent
relaxing, getting enough rest to prepare for our journey the
next day - New York.
Yonkers, NY adventure
Friday
25 March
Today we finally rolled out of bed around 10-ish,
and grabbed all we needed for our trip to New York.
While I was hoping to see the famous city of New York, it seems
that it's better to take the subway in, rather than drive. While I had
been hoping to see the city, I was no less disappointed getting to
see even part of it - and there's always next time ;)
I had no problem with driving as Moriah used the gps to help us navigate,
and about halfway through NJ, I asked Moriah if she had heard back from
anyone about joining us on this trip. So, she called Danielle, and lo and
behold, timing and location appropriate, just in time she said she would
join us. The side-trip to Flemington didn't take us too far off-course, and
I'm glad I finally got to see where Danielle and Pat live. I also very much
enjoyed seeing the rolling hills of the area. Very quaint... though I have
to admit, I DESPISE their over-use of roundabouts :P However, from what
I've been told, if I move to Maryland (closest location I can find to being
closer to Moriah), it seems they have a fuckton of them as well.
After a drink, meeting Pat's brother, and a little talking as Danielle got
ready, we hopped back in Moriah's car and were off to Yonkers to see
Tina and her beloved, Erik.
Ya know, as I saw the very north part of NJ before crossing the
bridge into NY, I realized why NJ has such a bad reputation. I
believe it was Newark I was seeing, and damn... it does look
like the reputation. This is a very good thing for South New
Jersey, which is nothing like the north... because it keeps the
south part a very good secret for those who are in the know.
Anyway, right before crossing the George Washington Bridge into NY,
another funny thing is they charge you about $8.00 on the toll to leave
NJ, but don't charge you much over $1.00 to go back in :P
The view was... incredible... even from the lower
level of the bridge, which I actually found cool.
Traffic did get a little crazy after crossing into NY, off the bridge. Well,
maybe not so much the traffic itself (aside from a Chinese import food
semi that almost crushed us as we tried to strong-arm our way into
an off-ramp), but more-so having to look in nearly every direction for
traffic from a network of on-and-off ramps and merging roads from
more directions than just right and left. However, the drivers, despite
their horrid reputation (well, between the bridge and Yonkers, anyway),
were better behaved and more considerate than those I encountered
when I lived in Houston, TX. They are still the worst drivers I have EVER
known... no wonder FL's getting worse, tons of them have moved here.
Aside from the barrage of connecting roads, I actually enjoyed the
challenge of driving there, and could drive while admiring the architecture
all about the place. I swear, the more of the northeast I see, the more I
think I'm beginning to like it, as opposed to my previous opinion, based
on those I've met down here from there, and all I've heard about so many
people living there, etc. I still may not want to live in NY, but I certainly
am enjoying the northeast much more than anything in the southeast.
Eventually, with the help of Tina on the phone to help us with the confusing,
incomplete directions from gps, we made our way through Yonkers and to
her home. Along the road to her house, there was a very beautiful graveyard,
but apparently nothing compared to the others they frequent. Once we pulled
up to her place, hugs and pleased first meetings were exchanged before we
made our way into her house and met her love, Erik. Very nice gentleman.
We didn't stay long though, as most of us were starving, so we made our
way first to a gas station, then to IHOP, then the neighboring book store
where Tina works, then off to find a cemetery Tina had mentioned to be
exquisite for pictures.
It was a little difficult to find our way there based on her knowledge of
using train routes, but with some aggressive driving, but patience to
Tina, we made it... sadly only to find it was closed well before sunset.
So instead, to make the most of it, we went to their back-up plan to
another nearby park, Untermyer.
It turned out to be even more of a treat than we anticipated after the
let-down of the cemetery. I don't quite know what exactly it was or
used to be, but featured Roman-esque architecture. We spent a
good deal of the time at this old gazebo, with Grecian columns
and a wrought iron style canopy. The rest, as suit to the entry,
will tell itself in photos and captions :
Approaching the gazebo
Around the gazebo
A couple of the noble Mr Erik
standing at the edge,
overlooking the river
At one point, we wanted to get into the more-or-less "fort", which
was the main feature of the park, but it was closed. So what did
we do? Found a breach in the security :P Moriah squeezed through
a small opening in the chain link while Erik climbed over it, and I
had Danielle and Tina hold up the bottom of the fence as I crawled
under it :P
And within, we found this
Moriah crouching for a shot
Within the circular structure
About the fort...
After getting sufficient captures from within, we made our
way back out, and discovered a long descent of stairs that
led to another Roman-esque area at the bottom by the
river. It was a round, open space about 10-15 feet wide
(7-foot or so radius) and had two columns standing up
at the end.
Stairs leading down
To said structure
On our way out,
this tree was too
perfectly creepy
not to get a
picture of!
After this, as daylight waned and the cold became more
intolerable, we made our way to a nearby diner. As Erik
described it, it was one of those hole-in-the-wall diners
that are cheaper and better quality overall than the more
expensive, established ones. And he was right.
Tina and Erik
Moriah absconding with my hat!
Tina, Erik, Danielle
Moriah's capture of myself enjoying
the hot chocolate with a moving
Danielle in the background
After having our fill of hot chocolate, waffles, and other
goodies, we made our way back to Tina's, where Erik
showed us some impressive music he made to suit
a series of pictures, and we took pictures of our own -
Erik and I talking
The lovely ladies,
mirror shot
And one final shot, with Danielle,
Moriah, and myself doing the
classic See, Hear, Speak no
evil :P
The rest of the night was spent talking, taking pictures,
and Erik and I sharing our interest in German as Moriah
kept reminding us we needed to start heading back home.
After a few sad farewells and gratitude to have met, we
made our way to the car, and headed back. Didn't stay
too long at Danielle and Pat's, but long enough for him
to show me some Warhammer and other figurines, and
some Asian weapons, along with Danielle showing us
her Kimono and, I forgot what it's called, an Obe I believe,
that she just got in the mail which is worn around the waist
of the Kimono, and tied into a bow.
Then Moriah and I had to say our farewells to them, and
headed home for the night, enjoying every last moment
before the next day, when I would depart.
Bittersweet
Saturday
26 March
Not too much happened today, from what I remember.
It was, as always, a bittersweet departure. Moriah's
parents took us and waited outside as Moriah and I
walked in and spent at least some more time together.
Sadly, she forced herself to walk away since her parents
were waiting, but it does show me how strong she has
become, and knowing her priorities, even if it hurts, but
not without the clear promise of us meeting again, and
plenty of promise of us having a solid future together,
as soon as I have enough for a car and move up there,
and eventually out west or wherever makes us happiest.
Just as each dawn is unique and
memorable to a day's events, so
too an entire journey to those
partaking, and beyond the dusk.
My most recent journey to see my
beloved Moriah, and the adventures
that follow; the foundation columns
of us, our time, and with those who
bind them.
Prologue
While the beginning of my last entry before Moriah's visit had a lot more to
do with personal gains (Sunny visiting me, the computer, etc.), and did have
its place as she was visiting me in my element... this will be less... greedy.
At least that's how I feel it was in retrospect. A mistake I've made before;
delving too much into my world, my "upgrades" as something to remind me
of how far I've come. While it's not wise to put everything in one meaningful
conjuration or embodiment, it IS wise and more true to give full credit - to
knowing I should most appreciate the one who constantly reminds me of
what it is to feel alive, rather than the temporary joy objects give. And while
friends are wonderful, and a great binding between life and loss that sustains
in our darkest times, only one shines and warms as Moriah does to me.
Besides... work really isn't that glamorous to talk about, and I haven't
done much of anything aside from work and stay around home :P
What I have done, was mostly to prepare for my visit to see Moriah.
I burned so many things for her and I to enjoy together, as well
as things for her to enjoy after the inevitable parting.
Regain and rediscover
The train ride wasn't too bad, it actually seems to be going by more and
more quickly with each time I take it. This time, I sat next to a man from
Jamaica. As soon as I sat down, he started a conversation with me, which
wasn't intrusive at all. We spoke of politics, government, the common work-
ing man, and his career with Amtrak. He told me a bit about how it is a good
long-term career, and I have given it some thought, though it is too bad that
Amtrak isn't all over the US.
I spent the time mostly reading my pilot's handbook, re-learning everything I
once knew about aeronautical physics, but by the time I closed the book
before getting up for a snack, it began making more sense than I could have
imagined. While in the dining car, I ran into the Jamaican man, who invited
me to sit with him. He told me about his travels while offering me some of
his Jack Daniel's as a night cap while we tolerated the screaming kids who
sat in front of us.
Thursday
17 March
Arrived in Philly around 10am.
Actually checked a bag, so I waited for it as Moriah drove closer. Once I got
the bag and as I waited, there must have been a bomb threat or something
going on, because there was a squad of cops about the building with dogs
and Kevlar, wielding automatic weapons on patrol. I shit you not.
After a while longer, I got a call from Moriah in a weak voice asking me to
meet her outside. My poor baby had gotten sick and couldn't come in, but
our reunion had lost no special meaning at all. I gladly hopped in the driver
seat and got us to her place as she recovered. Once we were at her place
and we made our way inside, I believe we just relaxed, and I opened up my
bag, taking out all the burned media to give to her, along with one or two
other items I brought for her, along with our now favorite tradition, Rosa
Regale red champagne with Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
The rest of the day I believe we spent watching movies while cuddling <3
Friday
18 March
Not quite sure what all we did this day, probably more relaxing and watching
Futurama I burned for her, along with a movie or two. At one point I'm pretty
sure we went to the pond where she considered for our gathering spot. When
we got there, it was a little difficult to navigate around the puddles with the
car, but was a nice spot, none the less... especially once we cleaned it up
a little. Later, it actually wasn't used, but kept in mind for future gatherings.
Some time later we went with her parents on their usual Friday night family
dinner to an old-fashioned drive-in, where they take your order and deliver the
food to your car. Much like Sonic. After this, we stopped at a local smoke
shop and she got a pack of vanilla cloves, and I the cherry, then headed
back home.
The only other thing I remember is much later at night we went for a moonlit
walk down her road. It was exquisite, and something I felt we would do as
often as possible, under the silver-lined clouds, the moon hiding like a shy
child. One amusing part of the walk was when we passed a neighbor's house
who had goats, and we would bray back at them, like a mini-conversation :P
Another thing I will never get tired of is seeing the way houses in this part of
New England are decorated in a subtle manner with lights here and there;
especially with one in each window. Something I find enchanting about it...
something that shows, to me, like people still have an awareness of their
soul/spirit/w/e, and in little ways such as this, show it, glowing in the night.
Gathering
Saturday
19 March
Today was the gathering.
Joseph and Jenni came over a few hours earlier than everyone else, which I
liked, because I got to meet Jenni, and Joseph and I actually had a chance
to talk and become better acquainted. Jenni brought Moriah some very lovely
gifts, of which I loved the soft 20's style hat the most, which went along very
nicely with the pinstripe fedora Moriah surprised me with when I arrived <3
At one point, we all got into Moriah's car and I drove us to the local WalMart
to get food supplies for the gathering. It was fun, and many laughs were had,
though I didn't like the surprise of learning my food assistance card didn't
work when I tried to use it in a different state. The scanner didn't much like
my debit card either, so Joseph jumped in and paid for it... but at least I had
my employee discount to offer :P
On our way back to Moriah's, I recall being stuck behind some church van,
to which I remarked "No matter how much you push the brake pedal, it will
never convert to gas, now switch the damn thing!" ;)
Once back, Jenni and Moriah chatted a bit in her room while Joseph and I
tended to the kitchen to make the meal - steaks with a simple addition of
grilled onions and green peppers (some kept raw for Moriah), and I don't
remember what else, if anything... perhaps mashed potatoes. It was simple,
but enjoyed in an elegant manner. I remember at one point when Joseph
and I were cooking the steaks, I taught him the finger and palm trick. It's
one way to check the done-ness of a steak (rare, medium rare/medium,
medium well, and well done) by touching each finger to the thumb and
pushing on the meaty part of your palm with a finger from your other
hand, where the thumb connects to. You will notice that from your index
finger to your pinky, the meaty part of the palm gets harder, which, in
this case, is likened to the firmness of a steak as it cooks, and the
corresponding stages of done-ness.
As we put the food in the oven to maintain the temperature, I began setting
the table, bringing in candles from the front porch table (where Moriah and
I sat the previous night before the walk, sipping wine), and brought out the
Rosa Regale and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, to go along with the Apothic
Red wine Joseph brought. I really enjoyed sharing the meal, the four of us,
commenting on the food, and the reactions everyone had when first trying
the Rosa Regale with the dark chocolate.
It was a little after we finished that Danielle and Pat arrived.
I don't think anyone else joined us, but sometimes the less people for a
gathering, the better; more intimate that way... and sometimes less drama,
of which there was none at this gathering :P
At some point while we sat outside by the fire, Joseph and I came up with
the idea to get ingredients for s'mores. And when we got to his car, I was
in for an even greater treat - he asked if I could drive stick, and with a grin
and no pause, I hopped in, took off the fedora so it wouldn't be blown away
as I drove his convertible Honda S2000 to WaWa. 6-speed manual with a
red-line around 9,000 rpm, I was in bliss. And a most fitting name he chose
for the beast - Fenrir.
I've not usually been one for Hondas in the past, but HOLY. SHIT.
This was fun as hell to drive. To quote Joseph, he was right when
he said it was made with the fun of driving in mind. I reached dead-stop
to 100mph in under 6 seconds, and it wasn't painful at all. It barely
felt like I was going a dangerous speed, as it most often feels when
you drive an average economy car. It was only a little scary at how
quickly you could spin out with the amount of torque and turning
the wheel too far, but is great for maneuvering in tight spots.
I swear, once we got what we needed from WaWa and got back to
Moriah's, it was quite apparent for everyone to see the ecstasy on
my face from the drive, not to mention how amused Joseph was, and
how much he appeared to enjoy watching me enjoy the car. The rest
of the evening was spent talking around the fire or in the house, until
everyone began to leave, Moriah and I finishing off the night to more
Futurama and cuddling until enveloped by the velvet comfort of sleep...
Local adventures;
Menanico and the gravel pit
Sunday
20 March
Today, if I'm not mistaken, we went to a local town, Vineland I believe,
and checked out Best Buy for headphones that Moriah can use for
her phone as well as computer. We also went to Bed, Bath and Beyond
to find some satin pillow covers for Moriah's bed to make it a little more
complete. A little pricey, but well worth the comfort and aesthetic look
to a more complete-looking bed. We also stopped at Starbucks for a
warm latte, as it was a bit chilly out - something I very much enjoy
since I can wear most of my wardrobe and not sweat to death as I
would in FL ~_~
The rest of the evening I believe we watched a movie and more Futurama,
but still felt a bit restless. So we ended up running to WaWa along the
way to a place Moriah had in mind. I got some Sun Chips and Arizona
tea, and she grabbed a salad. I don't remember what the place/lake was
called, but it was very peaceful. We parked for a bit and ate while catching
a glimpse here and there of the mostly full moon in otherwise total darkness
and silence before we were satisfied and headed back home for the night.
Monday
21 March
Today, Moriah and I went to a place she had been meaning to show me for
a while now called Menanico. Apparently it used to be a major glass-manu-
facturing plant, as all around the foundation brick ruins of the building you'll
find scattered bits of multiple colors of glass, whose shapes fit varying uses,
such as bottles. Surrounding the place was a mini-dessert of sand dunes,
a nearby pond, and train tracks.
The rest can be told with pictures and their captions...
After parking as we first approached,
I caught this of Moriah kneeling; my
attempt to capture a mood of despair
with her as a visitor, falling to her knees
in an almost hopeless state...
And displaying her lovely
new hat while looking
adorable as always <3
Nearby few trees
Negative! :P
A couple captures Moriah took of me
Then we wondered further to
the back, where there was a
pond of a most emerald color
After this, we made our way back,
but only to the train tracks, slowly
making our way toward a river
To me, this capture of mine is visual
sex, as it has so many different
textures in one shot :)
Choo choo...
Once at the river where the tracks
went over, we spent the remainder
taking pictures as we climbed all
over the area
River
Picture Moriah snagged of me
while still above the tracks
Under the tracks
Picture Moriah snagged
of me investigating below
the tracks
After this, sufficiently worn out and happy with the
amount of pictures, we headed back along the
tracks to her car and made our way out. After
this, I'm not certain, really, probably just relaxed
a bit more, watching something, sharing delicious
green tea the special way she makes it :licks lips,
then kisses hers:
Tuesday
22 March
Today was another fore-planned mini-adventure for Moriah to
show me a gravel pit, which is within walking distance to her
house. Well, not just a walk though, as we had to go through
I believe two vacant corn fields to get there, and then some
patches of woods before reaching the pit itself.
Coming along with us was her dog Izzy ;)
Just as with Menanico, the pictures and
captions to follow will tell the rest of the
story -
The gravel pit
Desert-esque detail in
the water-carved land
Moriah lead me to a specific area where
she said she'd had a few gatherings with a
friend or three, sitting around a small bonfire,
and where we would be sitting for a bit... with
Mr Izzy of course ;)
After this, we walked a bit further back, coming to
an area, about 50' X 50' where the dirt was black,
and sprinkled with the remains of burned tires. The
more of this place I saw, the more my mind reverted
back to a year before when I would be helping Zac
or Richard do various film projects, finding places
that would be prime for film settings. This was no
exception; would fit perfectly for so many themes,
especially post-apocalyptic... especially with this...
I don't quite know what it is, perhaps a vintage
machine used for breaking down trees? Whatever
it was, it looked cool
After this, we decided it was time
to head back, especially with a very
worn out Izzy (who had trouble keep-
ing up with us on the way back). Along
the way, I had to capture one more
detail... like a mini-canyon or sorts...
Longwood Gardens adventure
Wednesday
23 March
Our adventure planned for today was to begin with a
visit to Longwood Gardens, north of Philadelphia, PA.
I really enjoyed the drive there, especially when we went through a small town
in NJ called Mullica Hill. Something about the town just seemed so very quaint
and I loved how it had a network of hills that gave feature to the land and how
the buildings were made to suit and enhance the interest of aesthetic appeal
to the eye.
Once at Longwood Gardens and after purchasing our tickets ($18, not bad per
person for what they had to see :)), all throughout the visit (well, once in the
greenhouse, which was heated) one song kept going through my head; and
that would be starting around 0:38 to about 1:38 of "Depths of Vashj'ir" from
the World of WarCraft Cataclysm soundtrack :
Click to viewWhile some people may start an anti-MMORPG rant, this isn't even about playing
the game. Even those who don't play can enjoy the music, and if you listen to it,
it will certainly fit along with this series of pictures from our adventure... or at least
how it felt to use while walking throughout the place, surrounded by a surreal world
of enchantment; a gift from nature and those who value it enough to bring out its
splendor to behold :
"Foyer" of the indoor garden/greenhouse
Orchids
Then down along a side pathway...
Mmmm... Ivy...
Further down the pathway
Violets, I believe... I love how
they contrast with the green,
makes me think of the Pacific
Northwest...
More with lovely texture I'm
glad my camera's macro
feature could pic up
Grate in an area that lead to
a scene and colors in flowers
which truly increased the
aforementioned Vashj'ir
song in my head...
Moriah looking up
And leaning on the bars
More of the room, especially
the parts that make me think
of that song and underwater...
Onward into the penetralium
of the greenhouse, and parts
beyond...
"Pansy" isn't as wimpy as it
sounds, with colors like this,
and a really soft texture...
Above, a clock before entering the
"heart" of the building, which lead
to this room which looked as if it
could be used for a wedding ceremony,
complete with the below picture of an
archway filled with flowers...
Moriah being adorable,
as always ;)
More orchids
Moriah exploring down a more
narrow corridor, which seemed
more like a "work" area for
plants being nursed and
prepared for primary display
This next room... the pictures can only show so
much, but to truly know how it felt, you'd have to
be there. Just standing in this room with various
kinds of cacti and other green plants made you
truly feel like you were standing on another
planet.
There were also these silvery, fuzzy leafed
plants that I wish I could have sat there and
petted all day long... I want!
Door on the way out of the room,
with a really cool hanging vine plant...
Moriah standing along
another pathway, after
a floral/vine overhang
of lattice
Contrast goodness
Though outside was a bit bleak,
it did offer some very nice captures,
some of which, especially the trees,
remind me of the kind you'd see in
the Worgen areas of WarCraft
Picture I am very proud
of, of this bridge which went
between the greenhouse and
a cafe
After Longwood Gardens, our next stop would be back to Philly...
for some necessary hookah and warm chai tea of course! ;)
And what better place than our usual Alhambra Cafe, and to
see the distinguished gentleman owner, Mr. Mohamed :)
This time he wasn't as social as usual, more-so wrapped up
in an online poker game, but he was no less of a host, and
the more intimate setting of Moriah and I snuggled as we
shared hookah... and pictures ;)
Hookah and Chai
Moriah partaking
Followed by myself
Couple pic!
Having a bit more... I
swear I swoon over those
eyes looking at me, the
way the light captures them
in the middle of enjoyment
in life's little luxuries...
After this little treat to tide us over (along with an imported
date Mr. Mohamed let us have), we headed to The Cheesecake
Factory in Cherry Hill, NJ for a well-deserved dinner after our epic
adventure. It was no less an experience than I've come to expect
from dining at this restaurant chain. We did have to wait about 15
or 20 minutes for a table, but no biggie. As we waited, some little
girl randomly smiled and waved at me... maybe it was the fedora :P
At one point, the server picked up on my accent and asked me
"Bis du Deutsch?" (Are you German?), and I replied, auf Deutsch,
that my family is a mix of Austrian-French. So each time he came
by, I would order in German and have small talk. The food was a
delicious experience, and the ladies sitting next to us remarked
to Moriah that I was a keeper when I would stand as she left the
table, or helped her up. We finished the meal off with a Godiva
cheesecake (since Moriah had never had cheesecake before), and
though it was good, I honestly felt it had too much chocolate
and not enough cheesecake to truly give her an idea of what it
really is like.
Thoroughly stuffed, we left, thanking the server, auf Deutsch,
and made our way back home, snuggling <3
More local adventures
A Jersey shore of a
more modest kind
Thursday
24 March
Today, Moriah wanted to show me the beach shore of NJ,
so I knew what it was like as a comparison. Our destination
was East Point, and to see a lighthouse there... which turned
out to be a lot different than lighthouses I've seen in FL (which
are just a tall, cone-shaped building, whereas here is more of
a building with a lighthouse on top, which I think is a lot more
nifty). It may have been quite cold with the breeze, but none
the less enjoyable, especially for photo captures :)
Flower bundle left on
a stone bench in front
of the lighthouse
Bridge between shore and lighthouse
The shore itself...
Another fond capture
of mine, which contains
Moriah <3
On our way back into Millville, we stopped at an ice cream parlor.
They lady working there looked at us like we were crazy, which
perhaps we were (only in the best way possible :P), and each
got a cone. After this, I believe the rest of the day we spent
relaxing, getting enough rest to prepare for our journey the
next day - New York.
Yonkers, NY adventure
Friday
25 March
Today we finally rolled out of bed around 10-ish,
and grabbed all we needed for our trip to New York.
While I was hoping to see the famous city of New York, it seems
that it's better to take the subway in, rather than drive. While I had
been hoping to see the city, I was no less disappointed getting to
see even part of it - and there's always next time ;)
I had no problem with driving as Moriah used the gps to help us navigate,
and about halfway through NJ, I asked Moriah if she had heard back from
anyone about joining us on this trip. So, she called Danielle, and lo and
behold, timing and location appropriate, just in time she said she would
join us. The side-trip to Flemington didn't take us too far off-course, and
I'm glad I finally got to see where Danielle and Pat live. I also very much
enjoyed seeing the rolling hills of the area. Very quaint... though I have
to admit, I DESPISE their over-use of roundabouts :P However, from what
I've been told, if I move to Maryland (closest location I can find to being
closer to Moriah), it seems they have a fuckton of them as well.
After a drink, meeting Pat's brother, and a little talking as Danielle got
ready, we hopped back in Moriah's car and were off to Yonkers to see
Tina and her beloved, Erik.
Ya know, as I saw the very north part of NJ before crossing the
bridge into NY, I realized why NJ has such a bad reputation. I
believe it was Newark I was seeing, and damn... it does look
like the reputation. This is a very good thing for South New
Jersey, which is nothing like the north... because it keeps the
south part a very good secret for those who are in the know.
Anyway, right before crossing the George Washington Bridge into NY,
another funny thing is they charge you about $8.00 on the toll to leave
NJ, but don't charge you much over $1.00 to go back in :P
The view was... incredible... even from the lower
level of the bridge, which I actually found cool.
Traffic did get a little crazy after crossing into NY, off the bridge. Well,
maybe not so much the traffic itself (aside from a Chinese import food
semi that almost crushed us as we tried to strong-arm our way into
an off-ramp), but more-so having to look in nearly every direction for
traffic from a network of on-and-off ramps and merging roads from
more directions than just right and left. However, the drivers, despite
their horrid reputation (well, between the bridge and Yonkers, anyway),
were better behaved and more considerate than those I encountered
when I lived in Houston, TX. They are still the worst drivers I have EVER
known... no wonder FL's getting worse, tons of them have moved here.
Aside from the barrage of connecting roads, I actually enjoyed the
challenge of driving there, and could drive while admiring the architecture
all about the place. I swear, the more of the northeast I see, the more I
think I'm beginning to like it, as opposed to my previous opinion, based
on those I've met down here from there, and all I've heard about so many
people living there, etc. I still may not want to live in NY, but I certainly
am enjoying the northeast much more than anything in the southeast.
Eventually, with the help of Tina on the phone to help us with the confusing,
incomplete directions from gps, we made our way through Yonkers and to
her home. Along the road to her house, there was a very beautiful graveyard,
but apparently nothing compared to the others they frequent. Once we pulled
up to her place, hugs and pleased first meetings were exchanged before we
made our way into her house and met her love, Erik. Very nice gentleman.
We didn't stay long though, as most of us were starving, so we made our
way first to a gas station, then to IHOP, then the neighboring book store
where Tina works, then off to find a cemetery Tina had mentioned to be
exquisite for pictures.
It was a little difficult to find our way there based on her knowledge of
using train routes, but with some aggressive driving, but patience to
Tina, we made it... sadly only to find it was closed well before sunset.
So instead, to make the most of it, we went to their back-up plan to
another nearby park, Untermyer.
It turned out to be even more of a treat than we anticipated after the
let-down of the cemetery. I don't quite know what exactly it was or
used to be, but featured Roman-esque architecture. We spent a
good deal of the time at this old gazebo, with Grecian columns
and a wrought iron style canopy. The rest, as suit to the entry,
will tell itself in photos and captions :
Approaching the gazebo
Around the gazebo
A couple of the noble Mr Erik
standing at the edge,
overlooking the river
At one point, we wanted to get into the more-or-less "fort", which
was the main feature of the park, but it was closed. So what did
we do? Found a breach in the security :P Moriah squeezed through
a small opening in the chain link while Erik climbed over it, and I
had Danielle and Tina hold up the bottom of the fence as I crawled
under it :P
And within, we found this
Moriah crouching for a shot
Within the circular structure
About the fort...
After getting sufficient captures from within, we made our
way back out, and discovered a long descent of stairs that
led to another Roman-esque area at the bottom by the
river. It was a round, open space about 10-15 feet wide
(7-foot or so radius) and had two columns standing up
at the end.
Stairs leading down
To said structure
On our way out,
this tree was too
perfectly creepy
not to get a
picture of!
After this, as daylight waned and the cold became more
intolerable, we made our way to a nearby diner. As Erik
described it, it was one of those hole-in-the-wall diners
that are cheaper and better quality overall than the more
expensive, established ones. And he was right.
Tina and Erik
Moriah absconding with my hat!
Tina, Erik, Danielle
Moriah's capture of myself enjoying
the hot chocolate with a moving
Danielle in the background
After having our fill of hot chocolate, waffles, and other
goodies, we made our way back to Tina's, where Erik
showed us some impressive music he made to suit
a series of pictures, and we took pictures of our own -
Erik and I talking
The lovely ladies,
mirror shot
And one final shot, with Danielle,
Moriah, and myself doing the
classic See, Hear, Speak no
evil :P
The rest of the night was spent talking, taking pictures,
and Erik and I sharing our interest in German as Moriah
kept reminding us we needed to start heading back home.
After a few sad farewells and gratitude to have met, we
made our way to the car, and headed back. Didn't stay
too long at Danielle and Pat's, but long enough for him
to show me some Warhammer and other figurines, and
some Asian weapons, along with Danielle showing us
her Kimono and, I forgot what it's called, an Obe I believe,
that she just got in the mail which is worn around the waist
of the Kimono, and tied into a bow.
Then Moriah and I had to say our farewells to them, and
headed home for the night, enjoying every last moment
before the next day, when I would depart.
Bittersweet
Saturday
26 March
Not too much happened today, from what I remember.
It was, as always, a bittersweet departure. Moriah's
parents took us and waited outside as Moriah and I
walked in and spent at least some more time together.
Sadly, she forced herself to walk away since her parents
were waiting, but it does show me how strong she has
become, and knowing her priorities, even if it hurts, but
not without the clear promise of us meeting again, and
plenty of promise of us having a solid future together,
as soon as I have enough for a car and move up there,
and eventually out west or wherever makes us happiest.