Bloggerpalooza 2013 - Last Day

On this day, March 24, 2013 was the last day of the first Bloggerpalooza.  That was six years ago. My, how fast time goes by.  

We held another Bloggerpalooza the following year in 2014.  We haven't had one since because of  lack of interest of some and the expense incurred by this blogger. I have limited income (Social Security and some modest pensions - all fixed income) which I supplement by working part-time at the hotel where this Bloggerpalooza was held. That two thousand plus dollars I now spend on my annual winter California holiday which last year we actually had a mini bloggerpalooza when Dr. Spo, Someone, Doug, gathered for a tete a tete in Palm Springs. The previous year Tim and Larry joined us for a tram up Mt. Jacinto.

(from back left to right) Pat, Someone, Tim
(seated left to right) me, Spo and Larry - February 2017 Mt. Jacinto, Palm Springs, CA

Next year Pat and I will return to Palm Springs February 9th through February 23rd.  All bloggers are invited to join us.  Yesterday I informed Dr. Spo when Pat and I would be in Palm Springs. I'm informing all others reading this blog when we'll be there.  If anybody wants to join us, let me know and I'll arrange something so we can all get together. 

This short video memory that I'm posting brings back some sweet and sad memories. Included in the video is Jay of Virginia who is no longer with us. 

Watching this video I am reminded of the wonderful camaraderie that was experienced and enjoyed by all who attended. How wonderful in this day and age of so much political strife when folks take sides according to their tribal affiliations. This bloggerpalooza was just a gathering of friends who heretofore only knew each other through the ether of the Internet. How wonderful that we were finally able to meet.

I remember when I first saw Dr. Spo, emerging from his room on the fourth floor of the hotel where I work and where he and Someone were staying.  What struck me was that Spo is tall!  Almost as tall as I am.  Well over four feet for sure. For some reason I thought was one of those "little guys."  

Bloggers greet Spo and Someone in person first day of the Bloggerpalooza March 22, 2013 - note that Spo is taller than Someone and almost as tall as I am, well over 4 feet

Here's hoping there is another Bloggerpalooza in the future.

Blogger gathering in Palm Springs February 2018 - from left to right - Someone, me, Spo, Pat and Leon

Hypnotist - Part Two

Hey folks, it has come to my attention that my last post was a downer.  I didn't mean for it to be that way.  I'm actually recovering from some bad things that happened last week.  Maybe I didn't  realize I was over it.  I'm getting over it. Back to the old Happy Ron for sure!

Well anyway, here is part two of the hypnotist who was at the Bloggerpalooza this time last week.  Great fun and many thanks to those bloggers who participated.

Enjoy!

Bloggerpalooza Afterglow

Group photo of 2014 Bloggerpalooza attendees 

Yes folks, the banner photo on top of this blog is new, taken yesterday after the "Last Blast" (I hope so) snowstorm of Sunday.  Yes, MORE SNOW.  AND COLD.  AND WIND.  Will this winter ever end?  One thing for sure, I am sick to death of this winter.  Even as I type this entry, the wind is howling outside my little bedroom converted into a home office window.  And to think just last week I had Miguel, my landscaper, lay mulch around all my flower beds in anticipation of all the spring flowers just ready to burst into bloom.  

The Inn At Canal Square, Lewes, DE - site of the Bloggerpalooza event - sans snow

So folks, here we are in the afterglow of the second annual Bloggerpalooza.  I've already checked out some of the photos posted by some of the attendees on their blogs.  We have some great photos, including those of me dressed in drag which I greatly regret having done.  

Everyone is keeping their distance from the old "Madame" and I don't blame them

WHAT.WAS.I.THINKING?  First time in drag for me since I was ten years old and went out trick or treating Halloween 1952.  I'm going to blame my lack of judgement on Dr. Spo.  When I saw him go for the silk and plumes I thought I could get away with it too.  But as you see from the results, I'm just sad whereas Dr. Spo provided a whimsical fancy departure from his usual butch appearance.

Gorgeous Dr. Spo with his signature red bow tie

I'm still recovering from running this event.  The day after the event, I slept straight through for 11 hours, solid.  When I woke up I felt like I was rising from the dead.  I'm still a bit wiped out.  It will probably take me a week to fully recover. 

But I am glad to say that last week's Bloggerpalooza was successful.  Lots of smiles and only a few glitches, like that round-about way I lead everyone to the Mexican restaurant on Friday night.  I was trying to do three things at the same time; directing Pat (who was driving), texting Mark H. so he wouldn't arrive at the wrong restaurant and answer all of Randy's questions (who was riding in the back of the car).  Next thing I knew Pat made a wrong turn and was traveling down the wrong street, in the dark.  Then when we arrived at La Quetzalteca

La Quetzalteca Restaurant - Millsboro, DE

the restaurant had not reserved our tables (as I had requested two nights before, maybe something was lost in translation) and then, the place was packed with families and a squalling baby (why of why do parents bring their BABIES to restaurants)? But that is a subject for another whole blog posting.  

"Where's our table?"

That was Friday night.  Saturday night went more smoothly.  More later, much more.

Watch out when these two are hatching something up

Bloggerpalooza - Comedy Hypnosis

This year at the Bloggerpalooza I was able to secure the services of Marshall Manlove, Comedy Hypnotist. 

After the distribution of the "prizes", and the buffet dinner; I introduced Marshall to the twenty of so attendees.  Marshall asked us all to stand up. He then began a series of "tests" to determine who was hypnotizable (that a word?) and who wasn't.  I've never been able to be hypnotized but I was willing to "go under."  Pat, my friend from Toronto, was also willing to "go under."  Wouldn't you know it, only Pat and I didn't pass. Pat did drop to the floor when Marshall said we were getting very heavy but not me.  Old thickheaded me.  You see the empty chair, that was where I sat and was sent back to the audience.

However, Randy from Nebraska, Tim, Fred (of Mark H. "Our Simple Lives"), Slug Mama and Jay of VA all went under.  Here is the first segment of that session.  Enjoy!

Marshall (left foreground with crew cut) and his audience at the Parkview Room at The Inn At Canal Square

Bloggerpalooza 2014 Now History

Debauched bloggers Pat, Ron, Randy, Tim, Fred, Sluggy and Jay at last night's Bloggerpalooza - Photo compliments of Mark H.

The second annual Bloggerpalooza is now history.  We ended yesterday with a buffet dinner at the hotel where I work in Lewes.  After dinner we were entertained by Marshall Manlove, comedy hypnotist.  That is the photo at the beginning of this entry which looks like we were engaged in all kinds of debauchery and chicanery.  I can only speak for myself but I will say that I am exhausted. Thank goodness these things only come around once a year.

Larry checks in with Anne Marie of Philly for the buffet and hypnotist show

As regular followers of this blog know, I have been uncharacteristically absent for the past few days.  The reason being that not only was I hosting the Bloggerpalooza 2014 event, I was also hosting my friend Pat from Toronto at Casa Tipton-Kelly.

This will be a short entry today, I'm still trying to put myself back together after the festive events of this past weekend, including a foolish decision on my part to go drag for the first time in one of my Old Time photos.  What was I thinking?  When I saw Dr. Spo test the waters of cross dressing I threw caution to the wind and followed in kind.  While Dr. Spo 

Dr. Spo and Randy of Nebraska

easily transformed himself into a whimsical parody of an Old Time West dance hall gal, I came across as an old saloon madame rode long and hard.  Pat was so kind when he attempted to assuage my embarrassment to realistically portray a dance hall queen.  Thanks Pat.  You're very kind but I'm pretty sure that the plethora of female impersonators don't have to worry about making a place for me at their next show.

"Hey cowboy!"

I'll Be Back!

Well folks, the daily road show that is "Retired In Delaware" is going to take a temporary pause.  This is Bloggerpalooza week.  My friend Pat

Pat arrives late yesterday afternoon after a 12 hour drive from Toronto, Canada

from  Toronto arrived yesterday to help me with the preparations.  We're off and about (or "about") today so I will have to take a slight intermission in my blog postings.  I will be back…….promise!

Bill and Pat this morning in the sunroom at Casa Tipton-Kelly

Bloggerpalooza One Week Away!

The blogger gang last year at Stripper Bites, Lewes, DE

This time next week folks…..P.A.R.T.Y!

Yes, it's that time again folks.  Time for the annual gathering of bloggers on the East Coast.  Just to remind everyone again of the loosey goosey schedule of events (nothing is set in stone here folks).

Sassy Bear and hubby check in with Anne Marie ($25.00 per person)

The only sure thing that is set is Saturday evening, March 15th and there will an abundance of good cheer.

David J. and Dr. Spo - BIG HUG!

5 pm to 6 pm- Meet and greet in the breakfast room at the Inn at Canal Square, Lewes, DE.  There will be an open bar (mostly wine).  Feel free to bring your own libations.  Ice and glasses will be available plus good cheer.

Dr. Spo regals The Cajun, Superman, Someone, Mark (partially hidden) and Fred

6 pm to 7 pm - dinner buffet by Gary Papp, The Essential Chef in the Parkview Room (next to the breakfast room).

Yum! Roast pork.

After the buffet repast, it's time for introductions an "prizes".  Surprise prizes.

Dr. Spo receives his "fully equipped" Billy doll

After the prize presentations Marshall Manlove, Comedy hypnotist will do a show.  All are invited to participate.  Even those who decide not to participate might be participating anyway.  One never knows.

I finally meet Superman!

As to the rest of the schedule for the weekend, most folks will be arriving Thursday night.  The Hospitality Suite will be open Friday night and all day Saturday and evening.  All are invited.

Hospitality Suite gathering

Saturday morning I have schedule and Old Time photo grouping at 10 am in Rehoboth Beach.  All are invited to participate.

Dr. Spo gets his pants put on in preparation for the old time photo shoot

Mark and Dr. Spo

Just remember, leave your inhibitions and home and what happens in Lewes stays in Lewes. 

Fred

Anne Marie

Cubby and Sassy Bear

Dr. Spo looking for that perfect bourbon

The Cajun bring a little NOLA flavor to the festivities

Dr. Spo's new headgear

Let the fun begin

Oscar Hangover and Other Random Musings

Meryl Streep gets the Pharrell treatment - was this really necessary?

Here we go again!  More snow.  Holy smokes, what is going on here?  Thank bejesus we here in Lower Slower haven't been hit with the really big snowstorms up the rest of the East coast.  Haven't had the power go out once folks!  I couldn't say that if we still lived in Pennsylvania.  My poor brother Isaac, throw out all that frozen food in the freezer.

As Ellen DeGeneres said "The best Liza Minelli impersonator I've in years. Thank you sir!"

Well folks, I don't have to go into work today.  I'm not scheduled to go into work until Wednesday.  The new guy goes in today.  This is his first night solo.  I hope he lasts.  He's the fifth person I've trained for this part-time front desk job.  It's getting old folks.  When I worked at the Hampton Inn in Lionville, PA I was also the default trainer of front desk clerks.  I had to have trained at least two dozen front desk clerks there.  In fact, the day I quit I was supposed to train yet another young man on the front desk.  A regular revolving door, working front desk at a hotel except for the Old Guy here.

The beautiful Kerry Washington slips on her wrinkled hotel bed sheets and attends the Oscars 

I did watch a bit of the Oscars last night.  I usually have the TV in the kitchen on as wallpaper when I'm cooking.  Last night I made another one of my delightful refreshing lemon pound cakes.  I saw some of the red carpet extravaganza and Ellen's opening monologue.  Ellen was good.  Later on Jim Carrey, who just can't help himself overreacting, embarrassed himself with his lame riff. Jim, you just not funny.  Go away.  

Sandra - FABULOUS!

After I made my cake I talked on FaceTime for a couple hours with a friend.  We finished in time to catch the end of the Oscars so I saw who won. I was happy with the winners and plan to see the movies except "Twelve Years a Slave."  I'm sure it's a very good movie but I don't care to see all that negativity, cruelty and violence.  I did like "The Help" though so I'm not immune to social conscious movies.  It's just that I don't care to see relentless cruelty, that's not entertainment to me.

Jared Leto - uh……..I'm speechless. I know the tight leg thing is in now but …I have to think about this

Only two weeks to go to Bloggerpalooza!  I have to review the "prizes" and make up the name tags. I am so sad that Sassy Bear and his hubby Jeffrey are unable to come but we still have about 22 folks attending.  My Canadian friend (and you know who that is.

Mr. Toronto (Pat)

will be coming down early next Monday.  I hope my then we're done with this snow.  It's getting old folks, real old.  Bright sunny days guaranteed for the Bloggerpalooza.

Pharrell Williams and spouse - what am I missing here?

My Barber is Back and Bloggerpalooza Updates

"Give me a No. 2 please!"

My barber is back!  Oh happy day.  She's been out sick for over a month with pneumonia.  When I called yesterday morning I was so happy when she answered the phone.  She was in!

Of such little things that make my life happy these days.  Gail (my barber) knows how to cut my hair.  You ladies out there, you think you're fussy about your hair?  I think we guys are worse.  If I have a bad haircut, I'm not happy.  And believe me if Ron isn't happy, those around Ron aren't going to be happy either.  I don't know what it is with some barbers, cutting my hair lopsided.  Too long on one side and short on the other.  Sometimes I feel I should go the way of some of my bald friends and just get my whole head shaved.  But then I'm not bald.  So why should I do that?

Cubby at last year's Bloggerpalooza with his round the world Spo shirt

Well folks, I'm finalizing the arrangements for the Bloggerpalooza that is less than a month away.  I have bad news and good news.  Which do you want first?  Okay, the bad news:

No Sassy Bear fun this year

Sassy Bear and Jeffrey will not be attending.  Sassy has two surgeries and recovery coming up.  

Someone will not be accompanying Dr. Spo.  

No Someone Magic  either this year 

However, Doug T.  will accompany Dr. Spo.  Good news! 

Two Hot Hunks on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk

I was very disappointed these three musketeers will not be attending our festivities.  And I had some really super prizes for them too.  Drat.  But we wish Sassy success with his operations and a speedy recovery and as always our best wishes to Someone.  We will miss all of them.

A sad Anne Marie missing three of her boyfriends

Oh, and the GOOD NEWS?  Ann of Old Time Photo is sending her assistant up to take our group picture.  Now Anne Marie, you're taking Sassy's place as the Saloon Girl.  No if's, and's or but's.

What is going on here?

Don't forget, for those of you who imbibe there is a liquor store only a block from the hotel.  I'm bringing some wine for the open bar but for those special mixed drinks, all are welcomed at R & L Liquors.  Also, smoothies will be made at the hospitality suite.

R & L Liqours has a wide selection available, keeping the business local!

Just a few weeks to go folks before the daffodil bloom and Bloggerpalooza II is here.

Superman, Nate and Dr. Spo engage in light banter at Striper Bites 

Anne Marie ascends those steep stairs to the hospitality suite which will again be open this year

"I'm watching you"