Road Trip

Pat in Palm Springs, California 2020 with his monster rental Dodge Ram 2500

 Pat arrives here at Casa Tipton-Kelly on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th for a five day stay. 

The photo above was taken four years ago (February 2020) during our last trip to Palm Springs for Modernism Week. Little did we know that shortly after we left COVID would hit our lives and the rest of the word. Then in January of the following year (2021) I found Bill on the floor of his bedroom unconscious. Thus began my three years  caretaking for Bill.  

It is ironic that Bill passed away this February, the February Pat and I have been taking a two week stay in Palm Springs, California for Modernism Week. 

Slowly but surely life is returning to normal here at Casa Tipton-Kelly. 

This morning I'm awaiting my annual service call for my air conditioning unit. 

I also have to get my John Deere riding mower serviced. Won't be long now before I'm mowing grass every four days.

Also this morning a friend showed me how to turn off the main water valve to Casa Tipton-Kelly when I'm gone for more than a few days. 

My sleeping hours are returning to normal, thank goodness. Last night I was on three Zoom calls (forty minutes each) with Pat and our friend Glenn M. from Palm Springs, California. Isn't modern technology great? Well, sometimes. Like I said yesterday, my X-10 remote controllers mysteriously stopped working. Glenn walked me through how to set up a Feit controller to interact with my Alexa. Now I can turn on some of my ambient Christmas lights that line my living room by voice control.

After the air conditioning service man leaves I'll clean some more window blinds. 

A lot of clean up work to do here at Casa Tipton-Kelly. Life goes on. And I have a feeling that Bill is very happy where he is now. 

Visitors From Palm Springs

My friend Glenn (not the band leader) Miller and his partner Kyle T. visited us this past Monday. 

Glenn and Kyle live in Palm Springs (my ultimate destination) and were on an East Coast swing to visit Kyle's brother in Virginia. Prior to making a pit stop here in southern Delaware to visit moi, they visited New York City. Kyle showed Glenn all the usual places to visit in NYC including the World Trade Center Memorial ("very impressive" Glenn said) and St. Patrick's Cathedral. They also went to a Broadway show which both of them enjoyed immensely, "The Book of Mormon." "No holds barred" Glenn said.

I've only known Glenn from the time of Bill's stroke in January of 2021. The night I came home after Bill was airlifted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia I was beside myself because I thought I would never see Bill again. That night I saw a neatly printed envelope addressed to me in my mail. It was from Glenn. I knew of Glenn but never personally talked or communicated with him. His previous partner Mike Wilson used to follow my blog for years and always sent me a Christmas card from the both of them, Glenn's name signed too. The reason Glenn sent me the note was to inform me that his Michael had died the previous month. He was notifying everyone Michael knew to tell them that Michael has passed after a long illness, in which he (Glenn) was his caregiver. I had always wondered why Michael had stopped commenting on my blog, I thought I had written or said (I called him once to thank him for a Christmas gift he and Glenn had sent me, one of those Christmas gift baskets) something that had offended him. When Glenn told me he was ill for a long time, seriously ill, I now understood. 

Because I was bereft with the imminent loss of my Bill I needed someone to talk too. I called Glenn and we talked, for a long time. I immediately connected with Glenn and we became good friends. Since then we've been in frequent contact via Zoom and FaceTime and with Pat included (of course)! 

Glenn and Kyle were the best guests, like Pat one hardly knew they had stayed in one of our guest bedrooms. I took them on a tour of Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, North Shores (near president Biden's home) and Milton. We ate at a couple of my favorite restaurant where I noticed the prices have really gone up (inflation). They only stayed for one day (the 17th) and left early on the morning of the 18th. 

The visit was a little disruptive for Bill (he hates to have his routine disrupted) but Bill is generous and wanted me to have a good time with my friends. 

Of course I took a load of pictures and videos which I will probably share in future blog posts.

It was nice to have visitors but we probably won't have anymore (except at who is family). That was Bill who said Pat was "family" by the way. 

Perhaps sometime in the future is I perchance outlive Bill there will be more visitors like Kyle and Glenn but for the time being I will savor the new memories we have created with friends. And by the way, you know what's interesting? I always thought when I was a young and foolish and self centered gay man that if I got old I would have no life. But that has never happened for me. My life is just as fulfilling but in a different way. Just goes to prove, life is what you make it. And I am indeed fortunate to have such good friends. 

Final Move

 

"Flair" at Miralon, Palm Springs, California - possibile future home of Ron and Pat

This is a photo of a model house called "Flair" located at the new development in Palm Springs called "Miralon." See HERE:

When we moved to Delaware in 2006 it was partly to escape the high Pennsylvania taxes and to prepare myself for living alone, without Bill. I choose southern Delaware and the Rehoboth Beach area because my good friend Bob McCamley has lived in this area for year and also there was a large gay population, I wouldn't be alone in my retirement. I have no desire to live out my final  years in any area of the country that is homophobic and/or continues to have that undertone where I am considered "less than" and viewed as an unrepentant sinner, existing only to be saved by my "caring" straight friends. Been there, done that and wasn't going to end my days in that environment.

Well, you know how the best laid plans don't always go as you expect? For one thing my good friend Bob McCamley died. 

For another thing, even though there is a large gay population down here in Sussex County, Rehoboth Beach area the majority are lesbians and you know they have very little or nothing to do with gay guys unless the gay guys are in drag or parading on the boardwalk in pink bras or playing volleyball in drag. I think they feel threatened by any gay man who doesn't fit into their stereotype of a gay man who is flitting about doing window treatments for them. I may be wrong but after living here for sixteen years that's been my experience. Of course there are a few exceptions but very few, believe me.

My problem with the gay guys here, for whatever reason I have never been able to form a lasting friendship with any of them. I've met a few, but they either wanted a relationship (no thank you) or were so caught up in their clique (Washington D.C. gays) that they didn't have time for me. Of course maybe it was me, I just didn't measure up. Sorry folks, can't do anything about that. I am who I am. But my experience with the gay community here in the "Gay Capital of the East Coast", hasn't developed as I assumed it would. My fault, their fault, whatever. It just hasn't happened. 

Now that I am the caregiver for my 93 year old husband, who is on home hospice care, I have to consider "Do I want to spend the rest of my days here in the Rehoboth Beach area."  

I know one thing, I don't want to die alone. And if I spend it here I will probably die alone. Not a prospect that I look forward to. Just what I was trying to avoid when I moved from our beautiful home in Pennsylvania to our also beautiful home here in Delaware.

However, I had planned to stay here. After all, all my "things" are in this house. 

I'm very comfortable in our house. 

I can live here by myself and pay the bills. Only thing is I'll be alone. 

While I love my backyard, do I want to be riding my John Deere tractor mowing my almost one acre backyard on a hot and humid August day? Oh sure, I could hire one of the many Hispanic landscapers, they're all too willing to help for a cash payment. For the past ten years I've hired them because I could no longer keep up with my yard work. I like to dabble but I was falling behind. And they do a good job......for cash. Fact is though when I'm alone my household income will be significantly reduced. I won't be able to afford the luxury of hiring Jose to mow my lawn in the dog days of summer. And I would still be alone.

I had considered getting a cat or a dog. But that wouldn't be fair to the pet because I would probably die before they would.

What to do? 

Ever since Pat and I visited Palm Springs California for the first time in 2016, we have returned every year for two weeks during Modernism Week in February. Last year, because of COVID we couldn't make the trip. I couldn't go anyway because I'm caregiving for Bill. This year Modernism Week in Palm is right now. Again, Pat and I couldn't make the trip. Hopefully next year we can resume our annual winter getaways to Palm Springs during Modernism Week.

During our visits, we discussed the possibility of moving/retiring to Palm Springs. I didn't take it seriously at first because I have all my "things" here. Besides, I didn't like most of the Palm Springs homes I saw that were for sale. Small cave like dwellings with eight foot high ceilings. I can't live like that. Our house here has ten foot high ceilings and lots of glass to give that outdoor feeling while living inside. I'm spoiled. I can never go back into living in those little boxy, dark houses that are so prevalent in many neighborhoods.

Pat and I both like modern, Mid-Century style houses that are so prevalent in Palm Springs. Of course many of them have those eight foot high ceilings and low on the windows that let in the light. Maybe they're cave-like because the Palm Springs summers are so hot. Oh, that's another factor I'lll address in a future blog. This posting is getting too long as it is.

The upshot is that Pat and I found the perfect house for us. It's in the new community called "Miralon", built on a former golf course. So many golf course developments in Palm Springs, we don't golf and we don't want to pay a high HOA for the privilege. 

But again, one of my big reservations about moving to Palm Springs is "what do I do with all my stuff?" If I'm moving to a modern designed house, I don't want to take my clunky, heavy, typical older gay man furniture out there. I had to address the hard decision of "what do I do with my stuff?" Well folks, I finally made the decision after seeing this model home and the advice my longtime friend Lar told me when I told him of my dilemma. Lar said "It's just stuff" which he is right. 

I've since developed an multi-plan of downsizing which I'm comfortable with, finally. And after seeing this model home, courtesy of my good friend Glenn M. (who is in the process of moving to Palm Springs now), I'm ready to begin the last chapter of my life. And you know what folks? I always knew someday I would have a private swimming pool which I could slid open the glass doors of my bedroom in the evening and slip my old and saggy body into that lighted water and say to myself "I have arrived."

Beautiful mountain views too from the homes at Miralon! Glad  they decided not to waste those mountain views on a golf course.

Birthday boy Here, #80!

A little celebration is in order my friends. Today I turned eighty years old. Oh my God, how did THAT ever happen?

Back in the day, I thought I would be lucky to make it past sixty. And yet here I am at eighty! Officially an OLD MAN.

I will write more on this momentous occasion but for now enjoy this band that I recorded at the Tonga Hut on February 16, 2020 when Pat and I last visited Palm Springs.

Life these days is much different with COVID restrictions and my 24/7 caregiving responsibilities to Bill. But maybe someday in the future Pat and I can return to the Tonga Hut and have a proper celebration of my birthday. I just hope it's not my 90th birthday!

Back To Palm Springs Next Month

The Intrepid Duo, Pat and Ron in Palm Springs CA February 2020

Yes, you read that right, Pat and I are going back to Palm Springs next month. 

We're leaving April 13th and staying for ten days, returning April 23rd.  Pat is selling his condo. His two year tenant is moving April 12th. Pat and I will be preparing his condo for sale.  

We'll be staying at his condo which should be interesting since it won't have any furniture. That shouldn't be a problem though.  I stayed in my present home for months without furniture. All I had was an air mattress and some lawn furniture. That's what we'll do when we're staying in Pat's condo, cleaning it up and getting it ready for sale.

I made my airline reservation last night. What a difference in the price!  For my last trip in February I paid over $900 for a round trip to Palm Springs. This time the round trip was only $398. Of course I added upgrades like a seat with more leg room bringing the total cost to just over $500. At least I'll be saving money on not renting a VRBO. I'm assuming Pat won't be charging me to stay in his condo.

Some of you may be thinking, "Aren't you one of those senior citizens who are advised not to travel because of the coronavirus?"  Well, yes I am. First of all I'm assuming the world hasn't come to an end by Easter Sunday, April 12th, the date of my hotel reservation at the Philadelphia Marriott Airport (my flight leaves the next day at 5 AM).  If this latest pandemic threat hasn't wiped everyone out, I will take my hand sanitizer with me and avoid close personal contact with strangers like handshakes. Life does go on folks. 

Of course Pat didn't have to twist my arm to go with him to return to Palm Springs this year. Sure, it's more expense but as I have said before, that's just less than my twenty-three nieces and nephews (grand and grand-grand) will inherit when Uncle Ronnie makes that final trip to the Palm Springs in the sky.

As is my habit, I will take plenty of pictures and videos. Where would I be without my iPhone XP?

James Lipton

When Pat and I were in Palm Springs last month, I had a chance encounter with James Lipton, the longtime host of "Actors Studio".  

Pat and I were having lunch at our favorite vegan eatery, Nature's Cafe in Palm Springs. While I was waiting for Pat to collect our order (no waitress/waiter service) I noticed that James Lipton had entered the restaurant with friends. 

Pat waiting for our order at Nature's Cafe, Mr. Lipton and his friends came in that door to the right a few minutes after I took this picture. I didn't take a picture of them, respecting they privacy.

I mentioned to Pat "There's James Lipton."  Pat said "Who is James Lipton?"  I told him that James Lipton was the longtime host of the PBS program Actors Studio.  Pat wasn't aware of that program. Pat and I have a lot in common but I know a way lot more of celebrity, both Hollywood and New York, than Pat does. But then Pat knows way more music groups than I know. Vive la difference!

I excused myself and went over and introduced myself to Mr. Lipton.  I tapped him on his shoulder, and as he turned I said to him that I was honored to meet him or something to that effect.  He turned his head to acknowledge me and responded "You're going to ask me for an autograph are you?"  I told him I wasn't and actually I wasn't. I don't ask for autographs of celebrities.  I told him we had similar names. He replied "Oh."  I only spent about a minute talking to him and left him and his friends to place their order for food. I am very careful when I encounter celebrities (which isn't that often) and invading their privacy. But I do feel a need to acknowledge them if the opportunity presents itself.

Later in the week I encountered Mr. Lipton again, when Pat and I were attending an event at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.  Mr. Lipton was there with the same group he was with at Nature's Cafe. He was attending a movie at the Camelot Theater. He was also wearing the same flowered shirt.  I didn't say anything to him at that time, figuring I already bothered him enough. However, I did tell the counter clerk who Mr. Lipton bought popcorn from who Mr. Lipton was.  The counter clerk didn't know him either. 

Thus I was very surprised this week when I read in the paper that Mr. Lipton died. He seemed fine when I saw him in Palm Springs two weeks ago.  Just more proof how fragile life is. You could be her today and gone tomorrow. A cliche for sure but this is one reason I visit Palm Springs. For most of my life I've put off taking trips, "doing things", waiting for that perfect time.  Well, now folks it is the perfect time.  

My time in Palm Springs with Pat, who is the perfect travel companion/buddy, is a realization of some of my lifelong dreams. I'll probably never move to Palm Springs full time but I do love visiting this oh so perfect location in the midst of winter. A dream come true. 

Right now is the best of times folks. I don't know how much longer it will last but for now, I'm living and enjoying every moment, hour, day, week, month and year. 

Pat and Ron in Palm Springs, 2020

Meeting Bruce Vilanch

I'm back folks!  This is a surreptitious video my Canadian Travel Buddy Pat took of me meeting the American comedian Bruch Vilanch at the Palm Springs airport. We were both waiting for our flights. You may remember Bruce from his four year stint on "Hollywood Squares" after Paul Lynde left. Yes, Bruce was the center square. No, I didn't ask for an autograph or a selfie.  Just introduced myself and greeted Bruce and asked him why he wasn't on TV more often. He joked "You should speak to my agent!"

Bruce Vilnach - American Comedian and Palm Springs vacationer just like me!

I'm be back blogging soon folks. Just trying to get back to my regular routine. My apologies for my absence from my blog the past two weeks. So busy, just didn't have time to blog, but I did have a great time.  Only downside is that I fell again and slightly injured my arm which still hurts. I have to get past that. I would like to manage one of my quarterly adventures and not fall down and injure myself.  Such is the status of my life now as an old man who has trouble walking.  Could be worse. 

Again, a fabulous two weeks in Palm Springs, I took many videos and photos which I will share soon. The best time of my life folks, the absolute best time!

Playing Pool at Hunters Bar in Palm Springs

During our stay in Palm Springs this past February Pat and I had a chance to play pool. 

During my three year Army enlistment I often played pool in our dayroom at the various Army bases where I was stationed.  Over time I obtained some measure of skill at playing a pool.  Not that I'm a good pool player, I'm not but I do find playing pool very relaxing. 

I tried playing golf (Chip and Put) back in the Sixties. That wasn't for me. Maybe miniature golf but I find playing golf very awkward.  Playing pool is more my style. I like the social aspect.

During our visit to Hunters bar (a gay bar in Palm Spings), which we went to for dancing and the pulsating music (videos of that in future blog postings) I noticed pool tables. During the weekends those tables are the platform for the male strippers/dancers but on the night we were there the pool tables were available for play.

This is a short video of that pleasant evening. Oh, Pat won most of the games as he does when we play games. But as I often say, we had fun. It's all about the experience folks. And on this night the music was pretty good too.

In Palm Springs

Me and Pat yesterday after The Rains ceased. Nice place this Palm Springs, surrounded by mountains. I love this place!!

Hey folks! Sorry for the absence from my blog. 

We're in Palm Springs now. 

We arrived here this past Wednesday after having arrived in Los Angeles last Sunday.  We stayed three days in LA (our West Hollywood Airbnb) before leaving for Palm Springs. 

First day in Palm Springs we were trapped in a monsoon deluge. Flooding everywhere. I heard that Palm Springs got 64% of their annual rainfall on Thursday.

Yesterday we were finally able to get out and enjoy the delights of this desert oasis.

We're eating good vegan food at three different vegan friendly restaurants. 

Yesterday we experienced some Modernism Week exhibits. 

And last night. Ah, last night. I talked Pat into going to a gay/dance bar called Hunters which is located just around the corner of the VRBO condo which we rented for our week's stay in Palm Springs. By the way, this condo is the best we've ever stayed in.  We will definitely be back here next year.

Last night at Hunters has fabulous. I took videos (as you know I would) and will be posting them when I return home to Delaware next week. For now photos will have to do. 

Right now I'm waiting for Pat to wake up so we can have breakfast at John's restaurant on this beautiful sunny Saturday morning in this desert oasis Heaven on earth called Palm Springs. 

Have a great day everyone!

By the way, we saw Frank Sinatra's former home yesterday. I'm sure the present owners were thrilled I was outside the gates taking a video. Tourists!

Snow Gone!

The snow is gone!  

Sunny this morning but still way too cold for spring. Man oh man, come on nice spring weather.

Folks, I'm trying mightily not to comment on the current political situation with our disastrous commander in chief who is nothing more than a small minded criminal bully. After his actions yesterday our country is in greater danger than ever. But you know what really concerns me folks? The Congressional Republican leadership which refuses to do anything to perform their Constitutional responsibility and check the excesses of the Executive branch (the president) of government. This is all I'm going to say about this subject in this blog but I had to get this off my chest.

Bill and I are settled in here for the coming warm weather of spring. Sometimes I wonder if that warm weather will ever come. I still have 29 bags of mulch to lay, which I'm going to do as soon as I finish this blog posting.

Pat and I are discussing visiting Palm Springs this summer. Usually we go once a year in February but since Pat brought a condo in Palm Springs, we thought it would be interesting to visit and see what summer is like in Palm Springs. I suspect it will be HOT but we would like to experience just how hot it will be. Remember, Palm Springs is in my future plans to move, should I live into my 80's and am the sole survivor here at our Delaware home. Each year, the cold weather bothers me more plus it's dangerous for me, I fear falling on ice again. I never want to go through what I went through three years ago when I fell and tore my quadricep muscle in my left leg.

Time to get up out of this chair now and go lay some mulch. 

Have a great day!

Spring Snow Storm

The last three weeks the East Coast has been hit with three Nor'easters in a row.  Here in Lower Slower (Sussex County, Delaware) we missed the snow of the first two Nor'easters. However, we just got the tail end of yesterday's Nor'easter.  Yes, more snow. 

Folks, I'm getting where I hate snow. Pretty to look at from inside our comfortable and warm home, but to travel in it?  No way. Of course my big fear is falling and injuring myself. Then there is also the fear of an auto accident.  

Palm Springs if looking better all the time folks. But I'm going to stay here as long as Bill and I are together. I would never subject Bill to another move.  Plus, I do love our home here and I am very comfortable. But I have to tell you folks, I am SO tired of snow. I can see where old folks like me seek warmer climes to spend our declining year. I don't need this dangerous snow. Brings back too many bad memories of when I fell on the ice two years ago and tore my quadricep muscle in my left leg.  I was out of commission for three months. Thank God Bill was here or else I would have ended up in a rehab center. 

Yes folks, I have to get out of this danger.  This latest snow storm is just a reminder.

Me and Pat in Palm Springs last month, nary a snow flake in sight

Palm Springs, California Dream Home

Last year, during our stay in Palm Springs, both Pat and I fell in love with the Sol homes. With a price ranging from $700,000 (unfinished) to $1,000,000 (completely finished and upgraded), these dream homes was totally above of our income level. 

Pat and I have dreamed wishfully of winning the lottery to have enough money to buy one of these units. Alas, we didn't win the lottery. 

This video was taken by my during an early morning walk near where Pat and I stayed. Pat usually sleeps later than I do. In order not to disturb Pat I'll usually take a walk outside wherever we're staying until he gets up later. 

Folks, there is nothing (so far) that I don't like about Palm Springs. Of course I haven't been there during the summer months and the (I hear) God awful heat. Pat and I may make a visit there this summer to check out his newly purchased condo and to see what Palm Springs is like in the summer.

In the meantime, I'll fantasize about winning the lottery and buying one of these fabulous units in Sol homes. 

More Palm Springs Memories

Last night I braved the cold, damp wind to attend my HOA board meeting at my neighbor's house. 

A second nor'easter had just roared through the East Coast since I returned from Palm Springs, California last month. Thank goodness we missed the snow here in southern Delaware. Unfortunately my longtime friend Larry, who lives in northern Delaware, was inundated with the white stuff.  Keep those Currier and Ives scenes up there Lar. Don't need that white stuff down here.

Walking through that bone-chilling cold last night reminded me of those glorious warm days I enjoyed just a few short weeks ago in California. This is why every year, as long as I am physically able and can afford it, I will punch a hole in winter and spend at least two weeks in sunny California.

Pat in the courtyard of our rented Airbnb in Palm Springs

The video posted here is of our (me and Pat's) last day at our Airbnb in Palm Springs. Folks, never in my life did I anticipate I would ever stay in such a luxurious place as I did in Palm Springs. Just goes to show you, go for your dreams. They may just some day come true. 

Pat and me at our Airbnb in the courtyard of our rented Airbnb in Palm Springs last month

California Dreaming

Dr. Spo, me and Doug at Nectar in Lewes, DE at last Bloogerpalooza - 2014 - we will meet again next week!

Not long now folks!

This Sunday my friends Mike and Bob are taking me to Philly International Airport for my 10:30 am flight to Los Angeles.  Pat is flying down from Toronto to Philly and I'll meet him there.

Again this year we'll be attending a taping of "The Price is Right" TV show in West Hollywood. This will be our fourth taping.  We had two tapings last year.  Maybe this time one of us will called to "Come on down!"  I would LOVE to see George the Announcer call Pat.  Oh what I wouldn't give for that.

We'll be in California for two weeks. 

The first three days in West Hollywood at our regular haunts. 

The next week we take the two hour drive to Palm Springs for Midcentury Modern Architectural Week.  While in Palm Springs we will have a reunion with Dr. Spo and Someone at their luxurious accommodations at Inndulge.  Pat and I will be staying at more modest accommodations.  

Other friends that will join us in Palm Springs are Doug and Leon, Tim and Larry, and "Fearsome Beard" (aka Shawn).  For sure good times in store with these fine lads.

Saying "Goodbye" to Doug the last time I saw him at the 2014 Bloogerpalooza

I've just about settled on my California wardrobe. Each year I take too many clothes, which I don't wear. But again I'm having a hard time decided what to take. Since I am reuniting with Dr. Spo, he of the custom made Hawaiian shirts, I will definitely have to take at least one of his shirts, lest there be talk.  However, I have also decided to take a couple of my shirts that haven't been out of my closet for years. One of my beautiful silk shirts will make its debut in Palm Springs.

This is nice time of my life folks. I don't know how much longer I can make these trips with my health issues (arthritis mainly) but for now, I'm having the best time of my life. And I'm going to take a break from the news!

Me and Someone - Milton, DE 2014

California Trip - Getting Psyched

Pat and me in front of Nature's Cafe in Palm Springs last year

Just a couple of weeks now folks and we'll be in sunny California!  

Getting exciting!

Here's the itinerary:  

The first three days we're at our fav Airbnb in West Hollywood

Next eight days we're in a new Airbnb in Palm Springs

The last three days we're back at our fav Airbnb in West Hollywood

Last year was the first time we visited Palm Springs. We've been urged by friends to visit Palm Springs but old hard headed me, I didn't take their advice.  But last year Pat wanted to attend Modernism Week in Palm Springs so I acceded to his wishes (as I always do).  

We were only going to stay in Palm Springs for two days but both of us fell in love with PS.  And as good fortune would have it, our dear friend Dr. Spo and Someone were tying the knot (getting married).  So honored to be invited to their nuptials! And of course Pat LOVED Modernism week. So this year we're spending a whole week (eight days) in that wonderful desert oasis. We will be meeting up with old blogger friends plus a few new ones.

Cubby, Someone, Spo and Tim checking the vegan menu at Pat's vegan cafe in Palm Springs last year - "What? No hamburgers?"

Guaranteed a good time will be had by all. Who said old gay guys don't have a life? This is the best time of my life folks, the absolute best.

Starting to get psyched folks!

Pat checking out his bed at the Baymont Hotel Suites in Palm Springs last year

Palm Springs Bloogerpalooza!

Blogger Buddies in Palm Springs at Mt. Jacinto last year - we get together again this year with a few more friends

Next month a few of my best blogger friends will gather in Palm Springs, California for a Bloogerpalooza.  What fun!

Tram riders to Mt. Jacinto

Our last Bloogerpalooza was held right here in Delaware three years ago. Again, I continue to be amazed at how fast time goes by.  

This Bloggerpalooza wasn't planed as a Bloogerpalooza but that's what I'm calling it.  Why? Because we're all blogger friends.

This is who will be there:

Me and Pat (of course)
Spo and Someone
Larry and Tim
Doug and Leon
And last but not least, Fearsome Beard

Fearsome Beard

All are invited.  We (me and Pat) will be in Palm Springs February 14th through February 22nd, 2018 (next month).  

Spo and Someone have slightly different dates as do the other guys but we will all over lap. Last year Pat and I just happened to be in Palm Springs at the same time as Spo and Someone. We had the great honor of attending Spo and Someone's wedding. 

Spo and Someone's Wedding in Palm Springs 2017

This year there is no wedding, that I know of. But we will all gather for good fellowship and a fabulous time as only blogger friends and older gay guys can.  

Pat at a vegan cafe in Palm Springs last year - we'll be back this year!

A Special Wedding in Palm Springs, California

Dr. Spo and Someone's wedding party - from left to right in the back - Fearsome Beard, Larry, Tim, Pat and Ron - February 2017 Palm Springs, California

Without doubt the highlight of my recent trip to California was my invite to the wedding of my fabulous blogger friend Dr. Spo of "Spo-Reflections".


Dr. Spo and his longtime partner Someone and his friends Larry and Tim were vacationing at Palm Springs the same time Pat and I had planned a visit to Palm Springs.

Dr. Spo invited me and Pat to his wedding nuptials at the local courthouse in Palm Springs. To say the least, I was honored as was Pat.   

I've only been to three weddings in my lifetime. The first was my youngest brother's wedding. The second was the wedding of my oldest niece. And of course the third wedding was to Bill.  

I have to say, other than my own wedding, this was my most enjoyable wedding. 

Newlyweds Someone and Dr. Spo with justice of the peace who married them

Dr. Spo asked me to be the official wedding photographer. Thus without further ado, here is the touching wedding of my good friends Dr. Spo and Someone. 

I wish both of you many years of happiness.