Memorial Day

As I predicted, our Memorial Day long weekend was lots of fun, if not a bit tiring.

Ron & James and Clark arrived in town before noon but wanted to take advantage of the tax free outlet store shopping so we didn't see them right away.  Mike had an unexpected activity so he drove separately later that night.  When ready for a break from shopping, we met them for lunch, and then they finished up their shopping before finally arriving at our house.  The weather was lovely so we sat on the porch and visited.

James, Ron, Spouse, Marvin

We enjoyed a few cocktails and some snacks as we caught up on the goings on in each others' lives.  Then we went to Blackwall Hitch for dinner. I selected it because they would take a reservation. 

Clark, Ron, James

Fortunately Mike arrived in time to join us for dinner.  We all thought our food was good but pricey.  I left them to pay the bill so I could get my make-up started for the show.  The bar/performance venue was totally packed and the crowd was enthusiastic and engaged.  It was a fun show!  Afterward we walked over to the ice cream store for treat, then returned home to chat a bit before bed.

Sun morning we had coffee on the porch and then Spouse made breakfast for everyone: scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, fruit salad, and bagels.  Sun marked Spouse & my 23rd anniversary so we had mimosas with our breakfast.  It was significantly warmer on Sun so once we'd finished eating we continued talking inside.

Ron reconnected with Marvin and Walter

Then the 4 guys went for a walk around town, ducking into some of the antique shops and such.  Spouse & I stayed home since it was hot outside and we've been in the shops so many times before. We had cocktails and snacks at home again, and then that evening the 6 of us had dinner at Iron Hill Brewery where we happened to get our favorite server Spencer who is always fun.  Everyone agreed we liked our food better and it cost less than the night before.

Spouse and James

Ron and Mike

Me and Clark

The 6 of us

After dinner we went for a walk along the boardwalk and then returned home to chat a little before bed. 

Mon morning we had coffee and more visiting on the porch.

Mike and Ron (with Marvin)

Spouse with Walter

Ron and Marvin

The guys packed and loaded their cars, and then the 6 of us had breakfast at Arenas.  It was cooler again, more like Sat, so we were able to eat outdoors.  Regretfully we said our goodbyes and they headed back to VA.

Less than an hour later my cousin's daughter Chelsea and her husband Gabe arrived.  We sat on the porch and got reconnected for awhile, then went for a walk through town, looking at all the unique homes and talking about real estate.  We had a late lunch at Nectar. The skies threatened rain, so we returned home and got into the car to continue our tour of the area.  (This was their first visit here.)  After a brief shower we decided to stop for a bite at Station on Kings.  Chelsea and I were still full from our generous lunches so we both ordered desserts, while Spouse & Gabe had dinner.  The shower had taken away the humidity and a light breeze made for a delightful evening to dine al fresco.

Gabe, Chelsea, Spouse, me

Once back at home we talked until bedtime. 

We loved having our friends and family visit us over the long holiday weekend!  But I must admit I'm a little tired. I think I will sleep well tonight.

Weekend update

On Sat I was due to work, and although I had no appointments for the day, I was expected in the office to help with phone coverage.  Fortunately it was slow and we had more than enough people to handle the office so I ducked out for about 1.5 hours so Spouse & I could go to the gay car club's annual car show.  The weather was perfect for it. 

Many of the vehicles we'd seen before at past car shows, but I did note 3 beautiful additions to share:

This is a gorgeous 1955 (I think) Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon, in sea foam green with an ivory roof.  Such a beautiful car!

This is a mid-to-late 50s DeSoto Firedome convertible.  Love the powder pink and ivory color combo!  Its difficult to read in this photo but the license plate reads BEBUTCH.

This is a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville.  Notice how the up-sweeping rear fins are similar to those on my 1959 Cadillac.  Same goes for the wrap around windshield.

That evening we met Steven & Thad, Bob, and Joe P for dinner at 1776 Steakhouse, a high-end steak restaurant, to celebrate Steven's birthday and Steven & Thad's anniversary.  I had the same thing I've had several other times, the filet mignon trio. I absolutely love it! After dinner we had celebratory cake.

Then I went to the Blue Moon to perform in the Legends shows.  I was Neil Diamond and sang "Cracklin' Rosie", "I Am I Said", "Sweet Caroline", and "Brother Love's Travelin' Salvation Show". Our part-time neighbors Mark & Norman were there for the show, and Steven & Thad and Spouse showed up just before the finale song.  After I changed into my civilian clothes we walked over to Cooter Brown's where a big group of guys from the Bear Weekend had congregated.  We had a drink, chatted with friends and met some new friends.  The weather was dreamy outside so it was a great night to be "out on the town".

Sun was the complete opposite of Sat.  The weather was rainy/stormy and Spouse didn't feel like going to breakfast, which we do nearly every Sun.  So we stayed home, had coffee and left over cake, and watched several episodes of "Shameless".  We literally didn't do a single constructive thing all day.  Then about 5:30 we met Steven & Thad at a diner for an easy/cheap dinner, then back home for more "Shameless".

Carl & Lisa's visit and holiday weekend recap

My old friends Lisa and Carl arrived on Thurs around 1:00.  We met each other in elementary school and have maintained contact, on and off, over the years.  Within the last 10 years we've made sure to see each other at least once a year at Christmastime.  Last Christmas we decided Lisa would come from NYC and Carl would come from Northern VA and meet here in DE for a few days.

Since it was lunchtime I took them to a local favorite, Arena's.  The weather was nice so we sat at an outdoor table with an umbrella and ordered food and cocktails, because, well... cocktails! Roughly 3 hours later we returned home and sat out on the screened porch and continued talking.  I opened a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a birthday gift that's been burning a hole in my pocket since receiving it.  Joe came home and gently teased us for being tipsy but we just laughed it off.  Literally.  

He went to his personal trainer appointment and we continued visiting on the porch.  Then the 3 of us went to Cafe Azafran for tapas and cocktails, and then onto the Blue Moon for karaoke.  Since it was the Thurs before a holiday weekend it was super crowded, and we got there late, so we could only put in 1 song.  We decided to turn "I Love the Nightlife" into a trio!

Karaoke selfie

It was really fun, and afterward 3 different people told us what a great job we did!  It was such a pretty night that after karaoke we sat on a bench in front of the Blue Moon and enjoyed the breeze and watched the 'boys' go by in their short shorts and tank tops.

Fri morning we had a continental breakfast and then continued drinking coffee on porch. 

Next we went for a walk through downtown and eventually to the beach, stopping at Dairy Queen.  We sat on a bench facing the water and ate our ice cream, then stopped for a beach cottage tour (a home my team has for sale) on the way back to the house.  Since the Dairy Queen had eliminated our desire for lunch we just had some snacks along with cosmos on the porch.  

Spouse joined us after he got home from work, and then a little later we walked to dinner at Gilligan's waterfront restaurant.  

We spent the rest of the night talking and listening to music on porch.  In fact, we spent the entire day outside!

Sat morning we had a continental breakfast again and then said goodbye to Lisa & Carl.  They were heading to NYC (where Lisa lives) so they could spend a few days in the city, then Carl would head home on Mon.  We had SO MUCH FUN together, and I feel really lucky to have such great friends.

After Carl & Lisa left I met up with a client who wanted to see 5 houses very close by, and then that evening we met Steven & Thad for dinner at Bethany Blues.  It was also mine & Spouse's 22nd anniversary.  But since we'd had Carl & Lisa visiting we really didn't make special anniversary plans, which was fine.  Its not like it was a milestone anniversary or anything.

Sun morning we met up with Steven & Thad and Carolyn & Derwin for breakfast since it was Carolyn's birthday.  

Carolyn and most of the gang

We went to a diner we'd never been to before and which was kind of like stepping back in time, but not in the cool 1950s way.  The food was good and cheap so that was nice. 

Back at home Spouse & I made 2 strawberry/blueberry pies. 

Spouse made the filling and I did the lattice top

Before baking

After baking

A little later we went to a BBQ at Joey & Glenn's house and took 1 of the pies.  That night Spouse & I just ordered a pizza and ate at home.

Mon (Memorial Day) I went on a listing appointment.  The client to whom I'd sold this home 5 years ago was about to go out of town for a week so he asked if I'd come take a look on Mon and advise him about selling.  When done Spouse & I had lunch with Steven & Thad, and then I caught up on some work emails while Spouse made enchilada casserole.  Steven & Thad came over for dinner & pie.  The weather had turned cooler so we ate indoors.

It was a VERY full and VERY fun 5 days!

Anniversary

Happy 17th anniversary to our friends Steven & Thad.

Anniversary

Today is mine & Spouse's 21st anniversary!

We count our anniversary as the date we met, rather than our wedding date, since marriage was not an option for us for many years.  Besides, I like celebrating the day we met as our anniversary because it was also Spouse's parents' anniversary.

As always, I sent flowers to Spouse at his office.  This gets him lots of attention from his colleagues!

This isn't a milestone anniversary so we don't have any 'big plans' to go away or anything.  And after 20 previous anniversaries, its not quite as 'exciting' as it used to be to go somewhere fancy to dinner.  So we'll likely just go to dinner with Steven & Thad, as we typically do on Fri evenings.  It will be great because I'll be with my favorite person... my husband.

This photo was taken a few weeks after we met.  Yikes - we're barely recognizable!!

Anniversary

Last night I attended the Blue Moon's 35th anniversary celebration.  In case you're new here, the Blue Moon is a restaurant, bar, and performance venue where I perform musical impersonations in the 'Legends' shows.

As a paid performer I was given several complimentary cocktail tickets which was a nice touch.  They also had delicious passed hors d'oeurves for a couple hours, then slices of the multi-tier anniversary cake.  

Entertainment was provided by a full band and the resident singing diva Pamala Stanley.  It was a very festive and quite fun time!

Pamala Stanley singing before the band

I saw and chatted with lots and lots of friends and people I know.

Rick & Lisa - I love these two!!

Rick, Lisa, and me

Me and Brian

Me and Nate

Anniversary

Today is mine & Spouse's 20th anniversary!  We met on May 26, 1996 in a bar/nightclub and since we've pretty much been together ever since, we celebrate May 26 as our anniversary.

As usual, I sent flowers to Spouse's office, only this time it wasn't the assorted cut flowers he loves.  I sent 20 roses in assorted colors with a card that read "20 roses for 20 years of love and laughter". 

They actually arrived before he did so they were sitting on his desk when he got to work.  His female colleagues think its so cool that flowers arrive for him on his birthday, anniversary, Valentines Day, and one other random day.  My primary reason for sending them is for Spouse's enjoyment of course, but a bi-product of this is the statement it makes about the love, commitment, and thoughtfulness of same-sex couples.

I also bought him 2 yellow rose bushes to plant in the yard because "one can never have too many roses", and some special snacks I knew he'd love.  We also went out to dinner tonight, just the 2 of us, which is pretty unusual since we usually eat out with friends.  

It was a nice anniversary!

Anniversary

Today is mine & Spouse's 19th anniversary!

We count the day we met as our anniversary because our lives literally began together that day.  We met on a Mon, went on dates on Wed and Fri, and then spent the weekend together.  From that point on we basically lived with each other until we both made arrangements to vacate our separate homes.  Since we were already 30+ years old, we pretty much knew what we were looking for and knew when we had found it.

So today I had roses delivered to Spouse at his office, which we both like because he gets attention from his female colleagues, and I like that they see that gay people share many of the same romantic customs and traditions as straight people.

19 years and counting!!

1997

2015

3 years ago on this date

...Spouse & I had our civil union ceremony and reception!  Our civil union was converted into a marriage 18 months later when marriage equality came to DE.

However, we do not consider either of those dates as our anniversary.  We consider they day we met (May 26) as our anniversary.  But I did want to recognize the 3rd year of our legally-recognized union in the eyes of the State.

If you've been reading this for less than 3 years and want to read and see more about our ceremony and reception, please click on the following links to previous posts:

• ceremony
• flowers
• food
• cupcakes
• music

It was a wonderfully memorable evening!

Holiday weekend

Here in the US this past weekend was a holiday weekend where we celebrate Memorial Day.  It is a time to remember or memorialize fallen soldiers.  Some visit graves, some put out flags, and others observe a moment of silence in respect for the sacrifice made for our freedom.

Flags for Heroes, on the lawn of our local high school

Memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial start of the summer season, especially in beach towns like ours.  (Summer technically starts June 21.)  Most people end up hosting or attending at least 1 BBQ over the 3-day weekend.  Our buddies Steven & Thad hosted a BBQ on Sun afternoon.  Spouse made his delicious and famous potato salad and some cookies.  There was lots of delicious grilled chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs along with many tasty summer salads and desserts.  I grossly over-ate and regretted it the rest of the night, but we enjoyed being with many friends and had a lot of fun.

Steven was manning the grill

Memorial Day weekend is also mine & Spouse's anniversary of when we met.  (We count that date as our official anniversary rather than the date of our civil union or the date our civil union was converted to an actual legal marriage.)  Unfortunately I had to work 1/2 day on Mon but afterward Spouse & I met up with Steven & Thad, Joe P, and Betsy & Bob at the beach.  It suddenly got very warm here so the temperature was about 87 degrees; perfect for relaxing on the beach.  It was a lovely afternoon!

Perfect beach day

Yesterday was our 18th anniversary, but we didn't do anything 'special' this year.  We used to give each other gifts and plan special dinners, but after this many years and since our anniversary is always close to a holiday weekend, our celebrations have become much more low-key, which is fine with both of us.

Here's hoping all of you had a fun holiday weekend!

Anniversary

Today is my sister Sherry's 37th wedding anniversary.  I was 12 years old and was an usher

at their wedding.

What I find to be very strange is that I still remember this date even though my sister hasn't had a relationship with me in 20 years.  She and my other 2 sisters, and their husbands, and my parents are all Jehovah's Witnesses whose beliefs require them to shun anyone who leaves the JW faith, like me.

Its been 20 years since I disassociated myself from the JW religion and since my family disconnected themselves from me, but I still remember my parents' and siblings' wedding anniversaries.  

Yeah, its a shame I can't celebrate with them but that's just the way it is.

Holiday weekend highlights

Wow, what a weekend!  I'm not sure if I can fit everything into 1 post, or if I should even try to recap this weekend or not... it might take too long!  So maybe I'll just give you the highlights.

The Breens arrived in the early afternoon and the 3 of us had lunch at the Ocean Diner.  Afterward we came back to the house and talked and played with Marvin until Spouse came home.  Sean made us cosmos from his fabulously tasty recipe which should probably be patented.  For dinner we tried a new spot in town call the Rose & Crown which we all liked.  (Side note: a restaurant by the same name used to be down the block before Spouse & I moved here.  Not sure if its the same owners or not but the new space is much better.)  

On Sat I had to work, so Spouse took Marvin for a nice long walk while the Breens met up with Ron for lunch and a visit.  That evening we had blood orange cosmos which became a hit with everyone as Sean tweaked the recipe.  (Look for the recipe in a later post.)  That night we opted for a 'simple' dinner at Ruby Tuesday, then squeezed into the Blue Moon for the 1st Legends show of the

2013 season.  It was absolutely packed and we all felt like sardines in a can.  After the show we went for a short walk on the boardwalk before heading home to chat before going to bed.

Sun morning we took the Breens to our favorite weekend breakfast spot, the Crystal Restaurant.  Then I met a client and showed a house while Spouse & the Breens went for a walk to the canalfront park.  When I finished with my client I picked them up and we went to Dairy Queen!  We had some great coupons that will expire in a week, so we all got delicious frozen treats.  Since the temperature was warmer and the sun was out we talked and laughed on the screened porch for hours (literally).  Sean mixed up another batch of blood orange cosmos and we listened to the the 

music from mine & Spouse's reception while we visited.  After all, Sun was our 17th anniversary!  For dinner we decided to order Mexican food and eat on the porch, so we switched to margaritas to compliment our chicken enchiladas and bleu cheese quesadillas from Agave. 

Reading over this, it sounds like all we did was drink the entire weekend, which is... umm... well... never mind. 

The Breens left very early Mon morning to avoid the mass exodus of holiday weekend visitors.  I had to work until 1, then Spouse & I had lunch, went to the grocery store, took Marvin for a walk, and then had Steven & Thad and Joe P over for a simple Memorial Day cook-out.  We had hamburgers, hotdogs, BBQ baked beans, chips & salsa, potato chips and French onion dip, and Steven brought summer slaw.  A tasty meal on the screened porch was the perfect way to cap off a terrific holiday weekend.

14 and counting

Yes, its true, boys and girls. Today is mine & Spouse's 14th anniversary.

Straight couples count their anniversary from their wedding day. Some gay couples count their anniversary from when they moved in together. We count our anniversary from the day we met, which is very close to when we moved in with each other. Either way, today we mark the completion of our 14th year of domestic bliss.

We don't have any special plans today. In the early years we used to buy each other gifts and plan special activities, but over the years our anniversaries have become simpler, more quiet celebrations. So both of us went to work today, as usual. He has his weekly personal trainer appointment after work but will be back home by 7:30. Maybe we'll go out to eat and for a walk on the boardwalk, 2 of our favorite pastimes.

Just in case you're a sentimental sap like me, you may enjoy reading about how we met.

I thought it might be kind of fun to share with you a few photos of us over the years. (But don't look too closely or you'll see all of our weight fluctuations.)

This one was taken in 1997, about a year after we met. Look how dark Spouse's hair and goatee are!! I look like Sears catalog model in this one.

This one was taken in Dec 2002, at my company holiday party. Note the Cosmo in my hand!

This was taken on my 40th birthday in Dec 2003. Spouse surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas and we flew out to the Grand Canyon one day while we were there.


This one was taken in June of 2005 (I think) at a friend's wedding. I like this photo because I think it looks the most like 'us'.

This was taken in 2008, near our house.

This was taken last summer, 2009, at an outdoor restaurant nearby.

Has every day been a picnic? No, but that's the thing about relationships: you're not supposed to measure them by the fights or disagreements, but rather, by the love.

Crush du Jour: Joel Smith