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| Me and Bill 1964 Pennsauken, New Jersey |
Today is the 58th anniversary of the day I met my partner/husband Bill.
July 3rd, 1964 on a rainy night Saturday night in center city Philadelphia at the Westbury Bar at 15th and Spruce Streets I talked to Bill for the first time. The prior six months Bill had been sending me complimentary gin and tonics. We were both alone in the bar that night so I thought it was the right thing to do to thank him for all those gin and tonics. I had no intention of forming a relationship with him or even going home with him that night, I was just being polite. I had never talked to him before because I didn't want to be seen as "easy" among his friend who he was always with prior to that July 3rd summer evening at about nine o'clock. Besides, Bill wasn't even my "type." I had just assumed that Bill was one of these arrogant guys who thought they could get any body they wanted by just sending them free drinks. Oh how wrong I was. Of course I went home with him that night (oh was he ever smooth) and the rest is history.
Fifty-eight years later I'm now Bill's full-time caregiver. The in between years have been very interesting. We both have had a good life. Our living arrangements have changed but we're still having a good life.
Happy anniversary Bill!
18 comments:
yea, yea, yea
Provide me with insight into the picture. The house, the colors...What is going on here?
Congratulations! You both are lucky people.
who would have thought 58 years later.... such an old married couple or is that young at heart.
Congratulations. My husband and I just celebrated our 7th anniversary today. Actually, that's the legal one. In reality, it will be 38 yrs. this coming December. We celebrate both! More cake! LOL! Wishing you and Bill the best. The above pic is interesting. Was that your house?
Paranormal John
Happy Anniversary, lovebirds!
A 58 year continuous gay relationship/marriage is a fete that is seldom ever achieved. You are to be applauded. We have heard your thoughts on the subject so what does our friend Bill have to say about this achievement? I always chuckle when Bill expresses an opinion on the rare occasions when he does. Bless that heart that keeps on ticking. Now it is "Summertime and the living is easy" or so the song says. What's the latest report on the lawn, garden and shrubbery maintenance and upkeep this summer around The Casa? I say let's all take care of ourselves and enjoy life. There is a climate of social and civil change about and it isn't good. We can only hope we have left this vale of tears before our lives are drastically affected and we are denied any or all of our civil liberties. My great auntie Elizabeth used to say as she passed the cookie tray after dinner as coffee was being served "Take two because the tray might not make it's way around a second time". Ron, I don't think the cookies are even going to make it half way around the table one more time. Take care of yourself, Be safe, Be Kind, Love and be Loved, and Be Prepared. Adieu.
Woody,
Quite frankly I'm surprise Bill and I made it this far. I strongly suspect that we won't take it to our 59th next year. But if we do, then it's all to the good. I have ended been blessed to have been with this wonderful,, unselfish man for fifty-eight years. He stabilized me. God know where I would be now if I hadn't met Bill. I shiver to imagine.
Thanks for reminding me to post about the "Garden of Eden" area around Casa Tipton-Kelly. I will post in my next blog of the progress I've made pas the army worm invasion and destruction of last year. Our lawn is almost all the way back which gives me great pleasure and satisfaction and comfort looking at that expanse of green out our large windows.
I like your aunt's analogy about "passing the cookies" around I fear we are on the downward path (going backwards) because of the MAGA cult and the reactionaries in this country who, of course have always been here, they have just been reactivated and enabled by the cowardice of the Republicans who cling to power at all costs. In a way I'm glad I'm at the end of my life so I don't have to suffer through any more indignities and hardships because of homophobia.
Have a wonderful Fourth Woody. Always good to hear from you!
Ron
Paranormal John,
Congratulations to you and your husband on your 7th anniversary. The years go by quickly don't they? The picture I posted to my blog was taken at our first home, Bill's garden apartment in Pennsauken, New Jersey in 1965. We've moved many times since then. We now live in southern Delaware.
Ron
kent,
Fifty-eight years, that went by fast! Winding up now. Thanks for your good wishes.
Ron
VRCooper,
That picture was taken at Bill's garden apartment in Pennsauken, New Jersey in 1965. Bill spent time in Japan when he was in the Air Force. He liked the Japanese room divider screens. He made that divider. I always liked it. I don't know what happened to it. We've moved many times since that picture was taken when we were so young and vibrant.
Have a wonderful Fourth!
Ron
Anonymous,
thank you for your good wishes. I agree with you, bill and I are very lucky people! VERY!
Ron
What an amazing and inspiring relationship. Your unfailing devotion is rare and admirable. 58 years together is a monumental achievement (you surpassed my parents, who were married for 56 years).
My very warmest thoughts and wishes to you and Bill. I know that things are extremely difficult for you now, but you're doing a superb job. Take care Ron, and Happy Anniversary!
What a marvelous story! I to wish you warm congratulations.
Spo! You got through! Thank you so much for your good wishes on me and Bill's anniversary.
Jon,
As always thanks for your good wishes. Yes, things are difficult at times around here caregiving for Bill but it is worth it to have him here at home, where he is comfortable, for his final days. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing he was in some death warehouse factory (nursing home). We are very fortunate that he can be at home.
Ron
kent,
Yes, who would've thunk that Bill and I would be together so long? I remember when he was bragging to friends that we were together THREE WEEKS!
Thanks for your good wishes.
Ron
A true love story and an inspiration. Congrats!
Sassybear
https://idleeyesandadormy.com/
Breenflantern,
Indeed, ours is a true love story and it continues!
Ron
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