We did a rigorous hike with the dogs and Jesus when he visited in the Oakland Hills.  Then, on July 11, Shando and I went to Castro Valley Pride, hosted at my daughter’s high school alma mater.  We celebrated the West Coast reception of our friends Steve and Michael’s wedding, which took place in the Carolinas.  I tried out a funky chair at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  We bought the dogs a stroller for when they get older and to keep them out of harm’s way during street fairs, which we had seen someone with at Castro Valley Pride do with their dog who was recuperating from surgery, but still wanting to bring him along for fresh air.  With a big group of bear friends we also went to a water park in Contra Costa County (photo courtesy of John Chen), close to where I work.