Took Monday off after pride weekend.

After some cleanup the three of us went on a relaxing bike ride with Tyler and Jai. Stopping at Canalside and then Riverfest park.

On the way home we stopped at Falafel House in Niagara Square. I love the location on Hertel, so I was excited when the windows said coming soon over a year ago.

Well, now it's open. It's definitely decorated and finished nicer than the Hertel one and the food was just as good.

They also have juices and maybe a coffee bar, open 9 weekdays and 11 on weekends. Hope it lasts, it's nice to have a new thing downtown.

What a weekend. I still say it's one of my favorite days of the year.

We woke up at 9, and Tyler accidentally backed into our garage door. In a sleep-deprived frenzy, Paul and I sped off to the co-op, got snacks, and prepared for family and friends to arrive.

Both my nieces came to the parade which was very cute.

Later after the parade ended, we fiddled around at our house before walking down to Allen. The festival ended at Canalside a couple years back and now it's back in Allentown. I honestly thought it would be lame but it was packed and looked fun. I was spent though and went home not long after. Next year they should close at least Main to Delaware though.

Probably my favorite weekend of the year. It really is the first day Buffalo comes alive and feels like summer.

Friday night we headed down to the Banshee of all places for. Gay and Lesbian Youth services fundraiser. It was free so I'm not sure how much funds they were really raising. (E:Terry)'s aunt is in town and had never seen a drag show so that was the primary goal.

The place was packed mostly with gays I don't know, but overall it was a decent time. On the second floor there was a free buffet of pierogies, baked ziti, fries and baked cauliflower. I'm usually skeeved out by buffets, but at one point they put out fresh untouched trays, and then five minutes later brought a cart out to throw them out. Some:Paul and I activated bear mode and really went to town.

When that shht down we went with (e:) libertad and (e:Mike) and a few others to underground.

It's recently gotten new ownership and a revamp, mostly involving some circus like rainbow stripes, removal of the gross carpet, and now some twink slideshows playing on the TV. Honestly I don't hate it, I've always had a soft spot for the divey-ness of the place.

Afters were are at our place and we stayed up too late.

Saturday was a manic day of cleaning preparing for hosting people Saturday night and Sunday. I think I did a good job but I did get bogged down in electronic recycling. We were supposed to check out the Intersect Pride arts festival Mickey had started but they cancelled it a few days before due to weather. Surprise, the day was beautiful.

Having cleansed in time, we hosted the Buddy Buddy pre party.

Following that was Buddy Buddy at Duende until 4am. Minx is a great DJ - dancing fell so different for some reason.

Back home and a few hours of sleep, up at 9 to get ready for the parade.

(e:Paul) and I listen to this song and band quite a lot.

This song is in my head even I'm that weird half-sleep in-between before you really wake up.

I would love to see some of these Austrian indie bands.

I will make no pretensions about 2026 being a good year





but we can hope, right?