DSC_0048, originally uploaded by bcgreybear.

This is the view from my balcony this morning after a day of snow and a few days of real winter in downtown Vancouver, BC, Canada. We normally are protected from such stuff by the influence of the ocean and its closeness. The snow fell straight down and with no wind settled on every little branch that was sticking out, have to love nature, and yes the air smells great. Nice to have a snow day in Vancouver as people stay home and we get to enjoy clean air.. Merry Christmas to all that see this and may the New Year be super good to you and your loved ones.

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Had a good scare went to my doctors on Monday. It seems my hemoglobin(sp) dropped from 148 to 99 in a very short time. That and some other symptoms indicated a leakage in the blood plumbing. Bleeding internally, simply put a stomach ulcer. First time my family doctor has called me at home to discuss my health. Suggested a trip to emergency fairly quickly.
I live alone and felt very alone at that moment as my last visit to the hospital was less that pleasant, having spent 51 days in intensive care at two hospitals and costly me my relationship. I was going to take a cab to the hospital and just take whatever came my way. I telephoned my daughter and my ex who offered to drive me instead of going alone. Small out reaches of kindness go a long way to sooth the soul. Slept in my bed rather than the hospital. I was confident in my doctor saying I would heal using the drugs he had prescribed. I felt that perhaps some of the other drugs I am taking (and there are many) may have caused my ulcer. My doctor said stress and drugs could be the cause. When my ex came to my apartment I was in desperate need of a simple hug something I have missed a lot. I was scared and he gave me the hug and reassured me that I was not alone and this would be fine. That boost was all I needed to get going. The hospital was as usual cold and efficient and the test went well. The only words I wanted to hear was you can go home. My family doctor was right and had prescribed the same drug the scoping proved that point. The main reason for this blog is to express my thanks to xtremcub for being there when I needed him most. Thanks...

Well now where do I start? Nice guys finish last! Had an interesting experience this morning and an education in policing in the west end. It was pouring rain this morning when I went over to the dentist office at 8am. When I came out of the dentist I hopped on my E-Bike and headed for home in the pouring rain. OMG I forgot to put my helmet on first. So picture this a dangerous 60 year old bear zooming threw the west end at 30kph on his Electric Bike, bald head repelling the bloody rain trying to get home. Helmet is secure in the carrier on the bike. 0855 I stop for a stop sign corner of Butte and Nelson 1/2 block from home and low and behold a unmarked police cruiser pulls up and flashes his lights while facing me and the cop jumps out of the passenger side comes around and says "Where's your helmet?" In the carrier I replied was in a hurry and did not put it on. "You have to wear a helmet, was the response from super cop. I parked the bike and got the helmet out of the carrier and put it on while he took my license and kept dry in the cruiser pulling my lengthy criminal record off the computer. I stood in the rain for several minutes while he was not checking my record but writing my a ticket the hardened criminal I am, I was helmet less in Vancouver. OMG. He returned and handed me the ticket and I asked him to make sure to ticket all the other helmet less bikers in the west end. He assured me this would not go on my driving record (I was really afraid of that one)and that he always ticketed helmet less bikers. One question ran through my mind as I made the 1/2 block trip home ticket in hand. Every dam dope dealing son of a bitch in the west end rides around all day and night helmet less and light less peddling his shit to the community and never a cop in site. Now I know why; he is busy writing a no helmet bike ticket to all the old guys who can afford to pay the fine. To those of you who think I deserve a ticket I agree, no helmet deserves a ticket, however I was not given a warning just handed the ticket and I had the helmet on my head by this time. I am not sure whether this genius was carrying a tazer and really do not wish to find out. Thankfully he didn't pop a cap in my ass the bad ass helmet less biker I am....Wearing a uniform does not instill common sense, and this guy was a seasoned cop. Wonder if he got laid last night....maybe thats whats up.....

Well after 16 years in the West End of Vancouver, I am finally looking for a house in the burbs. My ex and I are buying a place together as an investment. May sound weird to some but hey we are still good friends and business partners in every sense of the word so its natural for us. Have found some property in Surrey to look at so will see what that produces. Guess I will have to stop telling Surrey jokes now. Looking to move out of the west end getting tired of receiving a rent increase every year which adds up to 16% percent increase over the last few years. Better in invest in something.
The summer has been fabulous weather wise and not hard to take we have indeed been fortunate. Looking forward to pride and Bear Bounce this year. Should be our biggest bounce ever and lots of fun. Hope to see a bunch of you there.
Big hugs will update as the scene unfolds.

Like the rest of you I was dying to see the pictures Jonathan had brought back from India. He has been back for sometime now and I have only been able to secure this one picture of his trainer in Southern India. Hope he doesn't mind me posting it..

Spent Xmas in Southern Ontario, trudging through the snow. Got the flu when I arrived and have been fighting that ever since. Played Santa for the kids, now its time to get Santa laid and a new boyfriend. Looking for a bear, with a big heart and lots of love to give, call me... This isn't a call for a mercy fuck just to let those that may be interested that I am available. Big hugs to all and the very best in 2008. Its a New Year and I am still here.

Lets101 - Free Online Dating

Did a photo shot for an upcoming article, now that it is published I will post the picture. It was a fun time and this is my favourite picture of the day. Wonder why, big ole bear snuggled between two cute cubs come on now, eat your heart out. Best part is these are two of the nicest guys.

Ok, give me one good reason why this isn't a great summer.

Well, did the picnic thing last couple of weeks over at Spanish Banks, was fun. Did make an observation tho...There were 10 bears and 13 coolers..and a BBQ. Some east asia families of 8 showed up with 1 tiny cooler, whats up with that for a picnic? We had fun have to do that again. The next day we went to Trans Canada Water Slides, with 25 bears and then off to Carlton and Mike's for a great bbq. Dam if I wasn't profiled when I was taking pictures of the bears, the twinkie life guard wanted to know what/who I was taking pictures of...When I told him he smiled and relaxed, jeez, got to colour the beard or start spraying hair on my head. It was a great time and the next is camping in Shadow Falls coming up at the end of the month followed by Pride and Bear Bounce III, which by all indications is going to be a sold out sweating dancing fun party here in Vancouver. Ya have to love the summer when the living is easy and the sun is finally out...

Just got back from one great road trip with xtremcub, drove down through Eugene, Carson City, Palm Springs, back through Lost Wages, Salt Lake City, Boise and Bellingham. Drove from Sea level to 14000 feet from 12 degrees to 46 degrees celsius. Tested the John Works kit we put in the mini cooper S in March. Awesome, got better gas mileage this year than last. Super, super happy with the car so far.. Met some amazing people this trip, and Salt Lake City would have to be my high-light as the people, air, food and friendliness shone threw. Thanks to all from SLC. The Bears in the Desert party in Palm Springs is getting better each year and I believe they out did themselves this year again. People make the events anywhere and the people were definitely into making this event friendly, fun, and hospitable. Great location at the Canyon Club which is expanding before the event next year and should be even better. 350 bears and friends jammed the pool party on Saturday and over 200 jammed the pool for the ice cream social on Sunday afternoon at Helios. Highly recommend this run if your tired of rusting in the weather of Vancouver its a hot, hot change, 104 this year..Take plenty high SPF sun block and don't worry about your back someone is bound to offer to lather you up....Did I mention it was clothing optional

I have met some very interesting people lately, and I am very glad to say they have restored my faith in mankind. There are some pretty decent people out there only wish there were more of them to go around. One of the people who reads my LJ is a photographer and I don't think he realizes how his work/pleasure/leisure activity affects those of us who are privileged enough to view it. Without naming names I will just say thanks for the shots. To all of you who share you photo's they are worth 1000 words. Been running into more people now that the wind is not blowing them off the street or fallen trees are not blocking their paths. Next big day I guess is Valentines Day. I was thinking that something we should do in the gay community is once a month celebrate our time together. I know, I know, straights do that with anniversary parties etc. Why could we not get together in a group, say once a month and celebrate the fact that we have been a couple for whatever time frame suits your fancy. I for one believe that we should celebrate that fact the John and John have been together for 3 years or 40 years and it demonstrates to all of us that relationships do work and can work. Am I just dreaming? Why don't we make a big deal of our couples in the gay community?? Just a thought.

Feeling unusually down lately, and can not put a finger on it per se. I am normally a happy guy and try to keep my disposition in that kind of order. For some reason I am letting things get under my skin, I am thinking its the weather.. I will be ok and life does go on but some weird things are happening. My drive threw Stanley Park during the last snow storm brought to light the huge amount of destruction during the previous storm. I have lived a fair while and have witnessed "Mother Natures" wrath first hand on several occasions and her power is truly evident in the forest of Stanley Park. A friend said, maybe it is for the better the surviving trees and growth will obtain more light and will be better for it. I have to accept it is nature's way and the way things are meant to happen. What could we or I have done, never been that good at huggin' a tree. It will come back. I am grateful we have Stanley Park in the heart of the city and am thankful that not more damage was done. I hope that something good comes from all that wood now laying on the ground. We should be having wood working classes to build park benches and picnic tables, perhaps a display of how wood was processed in the old days to clean it up. Set up a BC Lumber Display and show us how they did it before or show us how it can be done today. I guess a lot of things happen in life for a reason and I can only hope to understand but a small fraction of it. I will keep an open mind and a soft heart. Until next time keep smiling it makes them wonder what your up to.

Is it me or what. For some reason I hate shopping at Xmas...Its crowded with rude people who are in such a rush. Boy I am sounding grumpy. Ho Ho Ho, and Season's Greetings to all who read this, despite my rant about shopping I do like the season and look forward to a good Christmas. Being in the dating pool again has shown to be interesting to say the least and somewhat enjoyable. There are some really nice guys out there and some winners if ya know what I mean. I think I should write a book about where to meet the ideal man in the gay community. Any suggestions, hehe. Church, Club, Coffee bars, hotel lobbies, swap meets, car shows, the grocery store man there is so many places where does one start. I have discovered wearing a "Pick Me!" T-shirt does not do it, nor does the show all tell all of frequenting the tubs work that well for us big guys. For now it is settling into a lifestyle I had left behind. It is a challenge but I am more than up to it now that I understand just where I am.
The weather needs to be commented on, WOW. There that's over with. The snow boarders and skiers are smiling from ear to ear and loving it. I am glad for them and to be truthful weekend driving in the city has improved with them being on the hills. Did anyone else see the picture of the shark they caught off Uculet, BC. Holy shit that thing was big and pulled a 40 ft boat backwards for almost an hour before it drown. To think I was watching guys surf in Tofino a few summers back with little concerns for big whites. This one weighed over 1000 lbs and apparently got caught is a warm flow and ended up this far north. So be careful out there, its a big puddle and lots of unknowns hiding underneath. Much like man shopping in Vancouver. hehe. Back at ya soon.

Why do people play head games with other people? Lately I have had more than my share of this phenomenon and frankly I have come to the conclusion that they play mind games because we let them not because they know how. It does not make it any easier to understand anything any more. I am going to make a concerted effort not to be fooled again. I understand why people put shields up to protect themselves it makes more sense to me now.

This past summer was one of the best I can remember since moving to Vancouver. Wow, we had weather that was the envy of everyone. This fall we are back to normal and it is nice to see that for the most part people are enjoying our wet season. I expected people to be more upset, but hey this is Vancouver and we are part duck. Life moves on as does time. I had a great camping experience this summer, where I went camping alone and had a week to think and enjoy nature. Maybe there is something to that old saying " be at one with nature". It took me back to when I was a kid and used to camp alone. It gave me time to evaluate where I was and where I should be heading. I would recommend it to those who feel the need. You have a better appreciation for what you have and what your need.
In the fall I took my first holiday alone in many years to go visit my daughter in Ontario. As a parent you have certain expectations and wants in reality it is seeing your children healthy, happy and living their lives that counts. My grandson turned one and his birthday was one that brought back memories of happier days and carefree joy. Seeing your family grow before your eyes is an experience I feel lucky to have lived to enjoy. I also discovered that the country life style they enjoy has left me. I made an escape weekend during my three weeks in the country to Toronto and I felt at home after riding the"Go Train" and getting off in Union Station and the hustle the bustle the panhandlers, the crush of people. The familiar odor of city, (ah I was home). May sound weird or strange to some but the city did make me feel more comfortable. Had a great visit with an old coffee buddy from the "Edge" days and discovered he is a fabulous cook and the most gracious host I have ever had the pleasure to visit. Being originally from Northern Ontario, I have always wanted to see the other Great Lakes and was able to get to Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake Simcoe (I know not a great lake). Small thing but one I can cross off my list of life things to do. Niagara Falls can be crossed off the list also. If you ever go to Niagara Falls do not, repeat do not park at the Casino Hotel to look around in the hotel, parking was $20.00 for less than two hours, and they charged it without even blinking an eye. I kept looking for a gun in the womans hand at the gate. That had to be the ultimate tourist/visitor rip off I have ever experienced. The visit ended on a far better note attending a country breakfast at a Legion to raise money for the local fire department was a unique experience and the food was great.
I was glad to come home, and that is also different as I now consider Vancouver my home. My friends, my hang outs, and many of my best experiences have happened here. Although living alone at the moment I am home, in the heart of the city, where it never sleeps and sometimes you do get frustrated, it, in all its glory is home. I am still searching to share the remainder of my time here with someone special and some day I will succeed. For now I am happy to be alive and looking forward to whatever the adventure is just around the corner. Until next time keep smiling.

Well the hood, has settled down after the festivities of Pride. Now we get to watch the tourists wander hopelessly through the village, wondering where the hell they are, map in hand and stunned looks on their faces. They are a harmless lot and do provide some eye candy now and then. Just noticed yesterday our coffee clutch has become a larger group and many world and local issues are solved there daily. One should stop by at Blenz on the corner of Davie and Butte, office hours for consultations are daily between 8am and 6pm hehe. You are sure to find some useful or useless information from the crowd that hangs there. Off camping overnight on Friday and then off to Wet and Wild Six Flags or whatever its called in Tacoma for Sunday. Should be some Northwest Bears there forcing the water out of the slides..
This has been an amazing summer here in Vancouver, beautiful weather and it is truly like living in paradise. Its ok to feel this way because I know the rainy season is coming and it lasts far to long.