Ontario My Visit To Pat Aug 25 – Sep 1, 2019

This is a video of my trip to visit Pat in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. A warning, it is long (eighteen minutes plus) but interesting. At least I think it is interesting. The reason I say this because whenever I post one of these compilation videos I receive no comments. Boring Ron!  That's okay folks, I post this blog for my therapy and for history. I like to think that someone like me two hundred years from now will see this video I'm posting on this blog and say "Wow! Look at how weird they lived in the two thousands!" I realize folks that videos like this probably have about as much appeal as sitting down and watching your neighbor's photo albums of their kids or your elderly neighbor's slides of their summer vacation in Europe, which I actually did once when Bill and I lived in Philadelphia. Oh I'll never forget THAT experience. Our neighbors George and Flossie Kehrer, the nicest folks but oh man, SO BORING sitting through an hour of their visit to Germany, especially when George got stuck on one city "I think this is Cologne, or was it Koblenz Flossie?" After he batted that around for about five minutes Flossie said (thank goodness) "It doesn't matter." Oh well, it was a beautiful pictures of a cathedral in one of those German cities but I digress. 

This video is of my trip from Delaware (my ride to the Philadelphia International Airport) to the Buffalo New York airport where Pat picked me up and took me over the border to Canada to Hamilton, Ontario where he was living at that time in a condo at the Royal Connaught Hotel. You'll see me and Pat at a party his neighbors who lived in a penthouse above him, invited us to  their soiree. Also visits to various vegan restaurants, IKEA and his friends Paul and Deb who lived in nearby Port Dover. Pat and I never do anything dramatic but we always have a good time together because we ARE together. Never bored when I'm with Pat.  

Again, this video is over eighteen minutes long. You've been forewarned. 

Enjoy!

Slideshow of 2019 Annual Trip to Canada

Here it is folks! The slideshow you all have been waiting for, my annual trip to Canada to visit my friend Pat and his friends. 

I think this is my fifth annual trip.  I always go at the end of summer. 

My first two trips were to Pat's former home in Toronto. 

These last three trips are to Pat's new home in downtown Hamilton, Ontario. Pat lives in a classic historic hotel that is being converted into luxury condominiums. 

I fly into Buffalo, New York (once I flew into Pierson International in Toronto, NEVER AGAIN) where Pat picks me up. First we stop at Wegmans (oh how I miss Wegmans) for lunch.

Then we go over the border into Canada. 

When we arrived in Hamilton we attended a condo warming of Pat's friends Verna and Sharon, who had just purchased a penthouse condo right above Pat's junior penthouse condo. 

The rest of the week during my visit was very productive.  We visited "Harold, the Dancing Man" who was in the hospital after surgery. Harold is a very nice man.  I was privileged to meet him. Hard to believe he is 87 years old and does all that dancing. Perhaps you saw my movie "Hamilton Dancing Guy" that I produced of a compilation of videos that Pat surreptitiously took of Harold dancing last summer. Unfortunately I didn't get to see Harold dancing in person this time.

Pat and I also visited Pat's favorite restaurants, vegan and carnivore. 

We also witnessed a gigantic tanker arrive at the fabled Hamilton steel mills.  Pat always wanted to see the "drawbridge" on the canal raise.  We saw it.  Very impressive.

Too soon my Canadian holiday was over and Pat drove me over the Canadian border back to the US via Buffalo.  Again we stopped in Wegmans for lunch and I was on my way home. 

Next up I meet Pat in Philadelphia for our annual Christmas stay at my friend Don's co-op in center city Philly. Then in only two short months Pat and I will take off to balmy Palm Springs, California in February.  

My one regret of this trip is that I didn't get to see Harold, The Dancing Guy in Hamilton, dance in person. He is the gentleman Pat and I visited in the hospital. He was recovering from surgery and wasn't able to do any dancing this trip. However, we did meet several of his friends who he has inspired by his free hearted dancing. Harold is truly an amazing guy, hard to believe he is 87 years old! I hope to see him dance in person next year when I visit. Below is an example of his dancing prowess. Enjoy as Harold enjoys life and as I try to every day.

Philadelphia Holiday

Tomorrow at 1 pm, Clarence, my neighbor will be by to pick me up and transport me to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is my annual spring visit (I also visit in the fall around my birthday) to my former home and workplace. 

Pat, my Canadian Travel Buddy, will arrive in Philly Monday after an overnight bus ride (seventeen hours or more!) from his home in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  This year Pat will not be able to visit me and Bill here at our home in southern (Sussex County) Delaware.  Pat has a bit much on his plate this spring. Sunday he's attending his brother's 50th wedding recommitment ceremony. Thus why he's a day later reconnecting with me in Philly.  

Next Saturday Pat and I will travel to the Marriott hotel at Philadelphia International Airport to connect with my former high school classmate and friend Stuart M. Stuart is flying in from his home in Boca Raton, Florida.  We will all be attending my 60th (can you believe it?) high school class reunion in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately our former classmate Larry (he left Downingtown in ninth grade) won't be attending with us as previously planned. We'll miss him.  

I love my quarterly get togethers with Pat but I also realize that I have a regular vacation paradise right here in southern Delaware. Bill and I live in a fifty-seven home development right off of the Coastal Highway (Route One), four miles from Lewes, Delaware and ten miles from Rehoboth Beach.  During the summer I do not visit Rehoboth Beach, I give it up to the tourists which keep our economy alive here.  In fact the tourists is the reason I can afford my quarterly trips with Pat.  I work part-time at a hotel in Lewes, catering to tourists. What I earn at the hotel just about covers the costs of my annual trips to California (Los Angeles and Palm Springs), Philadelphia (twice a year) and Pat's home in Hamilton, Canada. Isn't it ironic that I go away to vacation whereas so many people drive quite a distance yo come here in southern Delaware for their vacation. Hey, I don't take our wonderful home here for granted at all, I realize that I'm living in a vacation paradise year round.  Now if I can just do something about the mosquitos. At least when I visit Philadelphia next week I won't have to contend with the mosquitoes, just the honking horns which Philadelphia motorists are so fond of using. 

When I'm in Philly next week I'll update all of you, my faithful blog followers, of the goings on. Always good to see my longtime friend Don McK. again.  We stay at the guest suite at his co-op in downtown Philly.  

Always nice to go away and always nice to come home. Best time of my life right now.

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!

Week In Philly Coming To An End

As usual, when Pat and I get together for one of our quarterly holidays, the time goes by too fast. This particular holiday in Philadelhia will end this Sunday. Pat will catch his overnight Greyhound bus to Toronto early Sunday morning. At noon my ride will pick me up here at the guest suite where we always stay during our semi-annual visits to Philadelphia. Then this fall/winter holiday will be over, all too soon. Next time we get together will be next February in California.

My visit to Philly this year was severely curtailed because of my injured toe. Each day it's a little better but still not good enough to give me free range of walking that I've been used to all my life. That is one thing I've always had, I had the freedom to walk and walk, and walk.  Not so this time folks. Very frustrating. However, I have learned the bus route which I am taking plenty advantage of. I have a senior citizen pass which enables me to ride for free.  

I managed to go out for breakfast again this morning at a newly discovered restaurant called "Green Eggs."  Our past several visits to Philly Pat and I tended to patronize the same two restaurants.  While they were fine, Philly has so many restaurants so we decided to branch out and explore. The Green Eggs Cafe was fabulous!  Not only good food at a reasonable price, they service scrapple!  Where else can you get scrapple in a restaurant?  And it was prepared properly too, not greasy and soggy.  Which reminds me, it's time for dinner. Nearby where we're staying  is a Guatemalan restaurant which serves Guatemalan "street food."  Sounds gritty and it is but delicious.

Last night we went to another movie at a small nearby theater. That's what is nice about living in center city Philly, everything is nearby.  The movie we say last night was "Bohemian Rhapsody", the story of Freddy Mercury and the rock group Queen. Interesting movie. We liked it but I was thrown/annoyed with Freddy's overbite. Little too much emphasis on it in the move I thought. The previous even we say the "Green Book."  An excellent movie! I predict this movie will win the Academy award for not only best movie but best actor and supporting actor.  Now the question is which actor gets the nod for best actor and supporting actor.

I've rambled on enough here folks.  In spite of my injured foot/big toe, this past has been fabulous.  Always a great time when my Canadian Travel Buddy is with me. Maybe not as many photos and videos as I usually take, limited somewhat because of the necessity of me using a cane but still some interesting photographic and video memories of this great city, Philadelhia PA, my former home and workplace for many years. 

Ah, I remember the times in the past when I used to weave my way down Philly's narrow streets with ease.  Now I am stooped over with arthritis and a slower gait because of my injured foot. I am no longer that young man of the 70's and 80's during my heyday. Now I am one of those old, enfeebled persons struggling to get on and off the bus.   I have a new appreciation for those people folks because I am now one of them.

I hope I have many years left to visit this wondrous, historic and beautiful city that to now so diverse. Much more diverse than when I lived and worked here. I'm glad I've lived long enough to see our society become more inclusive. 

Pat should be walking in the door soon. We'll be spending the evening "home" watching a old film on Turner Classic Movies, the only channel on our suite TV that isn't buried in commercials.

Hope to post one more time before I leave Sunday. Have a great day and evening folks!

Big Toe Stub in Philly!

Yesterday, on a beautiful Sunday, I arrived in Philly.  I was to meet up with Pat who arrived, exhausted, by an overnight Greyhound bus from Toronto. 

I texted Pat when my ride dropped me off at my friend Don's co-op building where we are renting a suite for a week. We come here twice a year, once in the spring and now, late fall.

Pat texted me back that he was attending a service at St. Patrick's Cathedral. He wouldn't be able to meet me for about a half an hour.  I took that opportunity to visit my old home on Naudain Street. I always like to visit our row house on Naudain Street.  Brings back many pleasant memories.

Pat texted me after his church service to meet him on 18th Street.  I left my former home at 24th and Naudain Streets to meet Pat. I'm a little unsteady on my feet these days folks. I don't want to fall.  This is one of my major fears these days folks, falling. A couple of years ago I did a face plant at 21st and Chestnut Streets just as I was returning to our suite her at Don's co-op.  Since that accident I'm very careful not to fall again, face-plant style. So what do I do this time? Just as I was approaching Pat, me taking a video of him, I stub my big toe on the curb. And I mean I stubbed it.  Big time.  It only took a few minutes to realize I did major damage. I was in excruciating pain.

I tried to ignore it but the more I walked to our way to the Marathon restaurant for our lunch, I frequently had to yelp in pain. Yep, like a little baby.  Wow.  

After lunch I told Pat I couldn't wear my shoes because of the pressure on my toe. I had to get another pair of shoes. Just think of it, I'm beginning a week of holiday in Philadelphia which is a major walking city and I can't walk.  

After stopping in a few pricey shoes store, I settled on getting a pair of slip on shoes at Macy's. that provided some relief but I was still in a great deal of pain.

After we checked in to our suite, my friend Don suggested I go to the walk in clinic.  I took his advice. I was quite impressed with the walk in clinic, a much better alternative to a visit to the emergency room, Their diagnosis was a foot contusion.  They tied my big toe together with my second toe with paper tape.  They advised me to do little walking and keep my foot elevated.  Also to put a cold compress on my foot and take an ibuprofen for the pain.  

I hobbled back to our suite and rested and elevated my foot. 

When I awoke this morning my foot was much better. Still tender and painful if I hit it the wrong way.  I borrowed Don's cane this morning to walk to breakfast at the Marathon Grill at 16th and Sansom Streets.  

I'm hoping tomorrow when I awake my foot is back to normal, or not as painful to walk.  And I can dispatch with Don's cane. Old man here.

Man oh man, I can remember those days when I used to live and work in Philly and I walk everywhere. Those days are long gone folks. Old man here.

Well, I'm here in Philly now and I hope I don't have any more accidents. 

I love Philly and intend to get walking again pain free. 

Off To Philly!

Pat took this selfie on his overnight bus trip last year of his seat mate (who he didn't know) falling asleep on his shoulder. The risks you encounter when you embark on an overnight bus trip!

Tomorrow I leave for my autumn visit to Philadelphia. I began this tradition five years ago to celebrate my birthday in early November. 

My Canadian Travel Buddy Pat F. takes an overnight bus from Hamilton, Ontario to meet me in Philly.  In Philly we stay in the guest suite at my friend Don McK.'s co-op for a week. We stay there twice a year, once in the spring and now in the fall. 

Both Pat and I love Philadelphia, my former home and workplace of many years.  I always enjoy getting together with my old friend Don and rehashing war stories from our times at Mellon Bank and Fidelity Bank. Oh those were the days.

During our time in Philly this year Pat and I will catch a couple of the current movies playing.  Usually when we're in Philly the movies playing aren't the ones we want to see.  This time we're in luck though, "The Green Room" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" is playing at the Roxy movie theater only a few short blocks from where we're staying. The Roxy is a very small theater (really small) but comfortable. I was surprised when I returned to Philly after many years of living and working there to find that all the big movie theaters were gone.  Center city Philly with NO movie theaters? The Boyd, the Goldman, the Midtown?  All empty shells or discount drugstores. What a shame! They were such magnificent and opulent movie theaters. 

Pat and I will also venture out to explore some new restaurants. We tend to stay with the same two restaurants, Hip Veg City and the Marathon Grill. We're going to be brave this visit and try some new restaurant, as long as they're not too pricey, which most restaurants are now days. At least for our fixed income retirement budgets. 

I don't know how often I can update my blog but I'll try to keep you all updated. If not in real time then when I get back next week.  Plenty of photos and videos for sure, you know me.

Now to face that hard decision I always have when I take a trip, what do I wear? I always leave that to the last minute. 

A few days ago the weather was unusually cold.  Tonight the temperature is milder (55 degrees) but pouring rain. Dodged a bullet on this one, that could have been snow!  

My ride comes by to pick me up at 10 am tomorrow morning.  That's when I'll make the decision what to wear.  

"Some Kind of Wonderful"

Arriving late Sunday afternoon September 16th in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Pat took me on the last day of the Hamilton Crawl. 

Pat and I both like live music.  We were in luck. John Ellison, the composer of the song "Some Kind of Wonderful" was performing right in the center of Hamilton. 

The only live music event I ever attended in my life was Brasil 66 performing at the Philadelphia Academy of Music in 1966.  I had one of the cheap nosebleed seats way at the top of the Academy of Music auditorium.  I got to see the tops of the heads of Sergio Mendez and his group. Sound was great but visual, not so much.

This time was different.  Here I was going to see the man who wrote the song "Some Kind of Wonderful", John Ellison.  Prior to today I didn't know who wrote the song. 

Before performing his hit song, Mr. Ellison explained how he came to write the song.  That I didn't tape, too long.  Let's just say he was besotted with a lady he happened to meet by chance and wrote a song for her.

I was very impressed with Mr. Ellison, who happens to be the same age as me.  Don't I wish I had his energy and talent.  

So without further ado, here is my video of Mr. Ellison's performance of his song "Some Kind of Wonderful".  And I will say, my one week stay in Hamilton with my host Mr. Patrick Flynn was "Some Kind of Wonderful".

Now here is Grand Funk Railroad which made this song a hit. What do you think? I prefer John's version? What version do you like?

Home From Canada

Pat with my carry on luggage at the Buffalo airport yesterday

Early yesterday morning I left sunny Canada for the hour ride to the Buffalo airport.  Yes, my week long stay in Canada had come to an end.

Pat drove me to Buffalo for my flight to Philadelphia. 

The traffic was light.  That was good. 

We had no problem crossing the border. That was good too.

I went through the TSA pre check line again at the Buffalo airport. I am so glad I took the time last summer to go to Dover and complete my TSA security pre check information.

My flight out of Buffalo left on time, unlike my flight out of Philadelhia which was almost an hour late because of mechanical difficulties.

Small plane again.  This time I had a big guy in the seat next to me on the plane. He overflowed into my space.  I think he felt bad about it. Oh we'll, it was only a hour flight.

I arrived in Philadelphia under cloudy and misty rain.  My ride to pick me up was stuck in traffic on Route One.  I didn't mind waiting.  Ironically the last time he picked me up he was stuck in traffic. It all evens out though because he's picked me up in the past where my flights have been delayed. I didn't mind waiting.

I arrived home yesterday at about 3 o'clock. Bill was very glad to see me. I was exhausted. Flying is a chore.  

It was so nice to sleep in my own bed last night. 

I love my quarterly trips with Pat but I do like coming home. Then I get to look forward to another trip.  Our next get together will be in Philadelphia a week after Thanksgiving.  I won't have to take a flight on that trip.

Now to get back into my daily routine. Another successful trip which I will share via photos and videos in future blog postings.

Have a great day everyone!

Last Day In Canada

Me and Pat at a new restaurant discovery, Sagarmatha Curry Palace in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Today is my last day in Canada. 

This is always the bad part of my holidays with Pat, they end too quickly.

Tomorrow I will arise early for my two hour ride to Buffalo, New York for my 10:36 am flight to Philadelphia. 

As you can see from the paucity of my blog postings since I've been in Canada, I've been very busy. We have been very busy. 

Always something to do on our holidays together. 

We don't plan anything special, just let the days flow but they're always full.

I think yesterday (the days run together) we took the bus to Toronto and explored the massive underground shopping area.  I've never seen anything like that in my life. Sure does beat Philly's homeless sleeping, urine stink Concourse.  Philly has come a long way since I've worked there in the 80's but they have a long way to go. 

The weather has been perfect during my whole stay.  Yesterday was a near tornado but even that was fun. No one got hurt.

As we are wont to do, we discovered a few new vegan restaurants.  One we especially like is an Indian/Nepalese restaurant called Sagarmatha, which is understand is Nepalese for Mt. Everest.  Vegan food was very tasty, inexpensive and we had a cozy corner table. Sevice was a little slow but I'll give them a pass on that.

Well, I hear Pat rousing in the bedroom.  Soon we will be off on another day of adventure. 

Rest assured I will catch up on all the doings here this past week, photos and videos included.  And by the way, a good blogger friend of mine who also visited Canada this week posted that we wouldn't "bore" his readers with photos and videos of his trip.  Wow, that's not me folks. Be prepared to be bored. I don't consider a trip worthwhile unless I take a ton of photos and videos. And if anyone is bored, which I am sure there are a few who have short attention spans or have other interests, they don't have to stop by here for a visit. I for one like to create permanent memories. Can you imagine life without photos or videos to relieve old memories?  I can't but then that's old boring me.

Poster from Steel City bar and restaurant, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada - how did I ever miss this movie?

Have a great day everyone!

Pat Arrives In Philly

This is the first video of our annual spring visit to Philly.

Every year, Pat and I get together four times a year. Springtime is Philly.

In the Fall I visit Pat in Canada. 

My birthday in November we revisit Philly. Both Pat and I love Philadelphia, especially the exciting and diverse city that is Philadelphia now, unlike the Philadelphia that rolled up it streets at 6 PM when all the office workers left Center City. 

Me and Pat in Olde City, Philadelphia (don't worry, my beard is coming back)

 I lived and worked in Center City Philadelphia from 1965 to 1994 when I moved back to Downingtown, Pennsylvania, my hometown from which I was anxious to leave when I graduated from high school in 1959.  After a three year stint in the Army, I lived in Pittsburgh, PA for a few months then Coatesville, PA for a couple of years before I met Bill and moved in with him at his apartment in Pennsauken, New Jersey.  And there you have my life story in a capsule.

Winter is two weeks in California, one week in West Hollywood and one week in Palm Springs. 

I recently discovered that my Photo app on my iMac has this wonderful feature that takes my photos and videos and compiles a short video.  This is the first of them. 

I've produced some short videos in the past but they are very laborious and take up a lot of hard drive space on my computer, thus I haven't done too many although I like doing them.  

This video shows Pat dropping off his rental car in Narberth, Pennsylvania. We took the train from Narberth last Sunday to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Then we walked to our rental suite at our friend Don McKenzie's co-op at 2101 Chestnut Street in center city Philly.  

Pat taking a rest in Olde City, Philadelphia

What do we do when in Philly?  Probably nothing exciting to the casual observer but for me and Pat, we always have a good time. Pat loves to visit Olde City and the design row of furniture stores. I like to check out some of my favorite restaurants. Pat and I both like to just walk around the busy streets of center city checking out the architecture and all the new building and tear downs. 

Pat checking out some of the Philadelphia architecture on his last day early in the morning on the way to the bus station to catch his bus back to Hamilton, Canada

I personally like revisiting many of my old haunts from when I lived and worked in center city Philly. And of course we visit my old friend and co-worker Don. 

Visiting with our friend Don in his apartment in Philly

In the evening Pat and I watch TV, "Family Feud" and "Shark Tank" are some of our two favorite programs. We also like Turner Classic Movies but all too often TCM is on a Memorial Day Marathon or some other series that we're not interested in.  Our favorite movies are the film noir movies of the Thirties and Forties.  This time we saw some old Flash Gordon serials, which was fun. Who doesn't like Ming the Merciless?

This visit I discovered that my endurance isn't the same as it was on previous visits. The heat and humidity during our week long stay sometimes because too much for me and I had to retreat to our air conditioned suite on the 14th floor ("Penthouse") of the 2101 Chestnut Street Co-operative.  I left Pat to continue roaming around Olde City and the tourists (who were out in full force) while I did my Old Man Recover routine in time to go out to dinner at the Marathon Grill or Hip Veg City in the evening when Pat returned from his explorations. 

Having the best time of my life folks!

The Intrepid Duo in Center City Philly, contributing to the local economy

Back From Philadelphia!

TEASER ALERT!  -Seeing Pat off to his trip back to Canada early yesterday morning at the Trailways bus terminal in Philly early yesterday morning. That's Pat on the left and me on the right. Who is in the middle?  I'll tell you tomorrow. 

I'm back from Philadelphia folks!

Lots to tell. Pat returned to his home in Hamilton, Ontario late last night. Also lots to tell.

Don't have the time now but hopefully, tomorrow I can begin the narrative of the past ten days of Pat's visit.

Got to go to work today!  

Have a great day folks!

Pat's Almost Here and Other Thoughts on a Beautiful Spring Day

Selfie I asked Pat to take of himself this morning at the New York Port Authority while he was looking for his bus to Philadelphia 

A few minutes ago I heard from Pat. He's in New York City changing to a bus to Philadelphia. This is the next to the last leg of his twenty-four hour journey that began 3 o'clock yesterday when he boarded a bus from his home in Hamilton, Ontario to Toronto to catch a bus from Toronto to Buffalo, New York City. When Pat texted me this morning he was looking for the bus to catch to Philadelphia.

After he arrives in Philadelphia then he has to take a train from Suburban Station to Narberth, Pennsylvania, ten miles west of Philadelphia.    He's rented a car from Enterprise Car Rental. He said he got a good deal in Narberth on a car rental. Then he begins the last leg of his annual trip to my home in southern Delaware. He should arrive here about 3 o'clock this afternoon. Thus ending his 24 hour journey that he began yesterday from his home in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  Me?  I would take the plane but he, that's me.

Pat will be very tired when he arrives here later this afternoon. He doesn't get much sleep if any, on the overnight bus.  A couple years ago we decided to take the Red-eye plane flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, our annual trip to the Hollywood and Palm Springs. I can tell you from experience one doesn't get much if any sleep on these overnight trips.

Pat will be here for a few days then we depart from here to visit our friend Larry in Claymont, Delaware located a few miles outside of Philadelphia. This year instead of taking our annual old time photo shoot in Rehoboth Beach, Pat and I will be taking Larry and his wife Lois out to lunch. Several years ago I started the annual tradition of taking Larry out to lunch after an old time photo session.  However, this year the trip down here to Delaware is too onerous for Larry who has ALS. Also, this is Memorial Day weekend which is the beginning the nightmare of tourists and traffic descending on our fragile shores. Not that we don't appreciate all that business but it's just as well we don't get into that mix. This is the time of year we locals stay close to home.  However, Pat and I may try to get into Rehoboth this weekend for a visit.  At least a lunch at Lori's Cafe and maybe a walk on the boardwalk. Hopefully this time we won't have a repeat of what happened last time we took a walk in Rehoboth - a car load of guys (I assume straight), rode by and shouted "Hey fag!"  One year when Larry and I were walking on the boardwalk and my friend Larry, who is straight, was ogling the girls in their skimpy two piece bathing suits,

Larry ogling the scenery on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk

one young guy who was sitting on one of a park bench with his friends loudly whispered to his friends "There's two!" I was tempted to stop and confront him and correct him that there was only ONE gay, but then I thought better of it. 

Rehoboth Beach boardwalk 

Maybe I should have stopped. You know folks, for all the so called progress claimed by the local gay organization Camp Rehoboth that Rehoboth is a more "inclusive place", is just so much blather. Camp Rehoboth is a self-promoting, money raising, never miss a chance to get guys in drag organization, exclusive cliquey gay club. When two non effeminate men walk together in Rehoboth Beach and are still subject to epitaphs by young straight me who are seeking to impress their friends by gay bashing, nothing has changed from the day in the late 70's when I was subjected to the same taunts while sitting by myself on the boardwalk near Poodle Beach. Lots of money raised, self-congratulations, dances and men in drag but not much has changed in being subjected to homophobic taunts.  Wow, did I ever veer from my original subject of this blog. But that's me folks, when I begin a blog post I go wherever my thoughts take me. That's why you read this, right? Except of course for the ever increasing number of spammers I receive in comments on this blog.  

Larry continues to ogle

But back to the original subject of this morning's blog. Pat's on his way and we're going to have a good time, both here in Delaware (in spite of the homophobes) and Philadelphia.  I'll try to keep you up to date with regular blog postings but no promises. 


Have a great day!

We'll miss you on the boardwalk this year Lar!

In California!

Good morning folks! I've been in California the past ten days. Right now we"re staying at a perfectly lovely Airbnb accommodation in Palm Springs, California. Pat and I arrived in Los Angeles Sunday, February 11th. We stayed three days in an Airbnb accommodation in West Hollywood. The same one we stayed in last year. However, I won't be staying there again. We have a private bedroom but we have to share the common quarters. Although all the couples we have shared this accommodation with have been nice (also foreign), there is a lack of privacy. Here in Palm Springs we have total privacy which is what I prefer. Doesn't seem to bother Pat but it does me. We stayed three days in West Hollywood then come here last Thursday. We leave tomorrow back for the same accommodations in West Hollywood. We leave California this Sunday. While here in Palm Springs we met up with Dr. Spo and Someone and other friends. We had dinner out and had the guys over for Tea Time at our place here, which has fabulous views. Unfortunately I won't be about to post any photos of videos on this posting. But do not despair, I have many photos and videos that I will post when I return home to Delaware this Sunday. This holiday is coming to an end which is always sad. But I'm also glad to return home. Bill misses me and I miss him. In my next blog I have some good news. How's that for a cliff hanger? Have a great day!

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

Back From Philly!

Folks, I have returned!

Yes, I'm back from my week long sojourn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And as usual I (we) had a FABULOUS time! 

I just got up from a much need nap about an hour ago.  Didn't take any naps while I (we) were in Philly so I have a lot of catching up to do.

Pat just texted me. He's still on his way back to his spectacular condo in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He caught his bus out of Philly this morning at precisely 7 AM. Yes, it takes him over twelve hours to get home. He just texted me a few minutes ago from Buffalo, New York. He's about to go through customs before entering Canada. Customs is tough, I hope they don't strip him looking for contraband. 

I need a lot of recoup time. I'll write more about our stay in Philly and it's environs in the coming week. Right now I need some dinner. 

Ah, it is so nice to be home.  Nice to go on trips and all that adventure but also very nice to come home with this new appreciation of my home. 

Life is good folks but I am tired. I can see the time where I will no longer be able to make these trips. But for right now I'll take these trips and experience and enjoy all these new adventures that I have with my good friend Pat and share those experiences with you, my loyal blog followers. 

Love you all!

And believe me, I did contribute generously to the local Philly economy this past week!

On Hiatus

Good morning folks on this bright and sunny Sunday!

In a few hours time I'll be on my way to Philadelphia for a reunion with my Canadian Travel Buddy, Pat F. I just got off of FaceTime with Pat, he just boarded a bus bound for Philly from the New York City. His bus was delayed for about two hours. He was supposed to board his bus at 6:15 AM. He traveled overnight from Toronto, boarding his bus there at 7 PM last night. Yes, I know, Pat is a glutton for punishment. You will never see me taking an overnight bus ride.  And this is why:

Pat's "Go" bus from Hamilton to Toronto

Pat and his new "friend" for the overnight trip last night from Toronto to New York City this morning

No caption necessary

I have to do a last check on my luggage that I'm taking with me to Philly for our week stay. My ride comes by here at 10 PM. Poor Pat will have to wander around in Philly for a couple of hours like a homeless person until I meet him. Our checkin at the guest suite at my friend's co-op is at 3 PM. And I still haven't decided what I'm going to wear!

So that's the status now folks. I may or may not be able to keep up with my blog posting during our action packed next week in Philly. If I don't rest assured I'll be back here at this very spot to keep you all informed of my fabulous life. 

Have a great day, I know I will!

Greasy Spoon In Canada

Pat and I in front of the John Street Diner

My usual breakfast is a bowl of Walmart (cheap) bran flakes with unsweetened almond milk and strawberries sweetened with Truvia.  However, when I go on my quarterly vacation jaunts with my Canadian Travel Buddy Pat, I try something different for breakfast.

I grew up eating greasy spoon breakfasts of fried eggs, home fries, sausage, and scrapple with buttered toast and jam.  On weekends my Mother would make bacon grease gravy to smother homemade southern biscuits. Thus, when I'm on "holiday", I indulge in a greasy spoon restaurants. 

When in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada last month, Pat took me to the John Street diner. Oh my!  For $4.99 (Canadian dollar yet) I got a breakfast of two fried eggs, sausage, home fries and toast.  

Pat has pancakes with fake maple syrup and I have my usual greasy mess

Yum!  Of course I couldn't eat like this every day but I am on holiday.  Not only was the breakfast good but it was cheap and brought back fond memories of growing up in the Fifties when the whole family sat down together for a breakfast. Those days are long gone aren't they folks?

Procrastination

Me at Pat's countertop in his fabulous new condo in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Folks!  

I'm here!

I really am!

Oh my, so much going on in my "retired" world. 

Just this morning I finished updating and mailing the minutes of our homeowners' association board committee meeting.  Yes, I HAVE been roped into the position as (acting) secretary. I hardly have enough time to do all my other activities and yet here I am, SECRETARY to our homeowners' association. A subject worthy of several blog posts, which you know I WILL do.

"Marie", one of my faithful blog followers left a comment about seeing enough of that Harvey Weinstein photo I left for you all to see for days on my last blog post.  For that I do apologize folks.  That wasn't my intention. With this blog post that offensive image of Harvey the Pig will go away.

Marie and others have asked for more blog posts about my Canadian vacation of which I fully intend to oblige. I have many photos and videos to share.  What's holding me back though besides procrastination is that I was going to use You Tube's Video Editor, but they discontinued it!  Now I have to use iMovie on my iMac and that's another whole time consuming activity what I have been procrastinating getting into.  But, I will.

Last Sunday Bill and I made the two and a half hour drive to Pennsylvania to attend my 58th high school class reunion.  More photos and videos taken there too folks of which I intend to share, hopefully after I make some cool video collages in iMovie.  By the way, this was my first class reunion that Bill attended with me.  For about forty years I've been asking him to go with me to my high school class reunions and he finally does when he's 89 years old.  My classmates think I took up with an OLD MAN.  Thanks Bill (smile).

Bill (center) at my class reunion with two of my classmates.

So folks, that's where I am now. Still trying to get my act together and wondering where all the hours go in a day.  And to think I used to work full-time and do so much in addition to my work and commute time.  How did I ever do that? Maybe because I didn't take daily two hour afternoon naps like I just did today.  

Have a great day!!!

Note: the header photo on this blog I took of the lobby of the Royal Connaught Hotel in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. That is Pat in the green T-shirt soaking in the luxuriousness of the lobby. Some lobby Pat!

Random Thoughts on a Hot Summer Day in August

I'm at loose ends today folks. 

Not really in the mood for one of my insightful, thought provoking, blog posts. 

Definitely not in the mood for another Trump Rant. Trump is going down, not if but when.
I predict Trump will resign when Mueller's investigation confirms that Trump and been money laundering Russian stolen funds for years. As Trump says "I know it and YOU know it!"  So while Trump continues to sow chaos in our government and global embarrassment for the United States I'm going to move on to more benign subjects.

Normally at this time of year I would be visiting my Canadian Travel Buddy Pat in Toronto and enjoying the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition).  However, this year Pat is in the process of selling his Toronto awesome home 

Pat's present home in Toronto, Canada

and moving into a brand new swanky 14th floor pied-à-terre jutting up in the Hamilton sky, the Royal Connaught Hotel, a renovated hotel in Hamilton converted to condos.  

The Royal Connaught Hotel, Hamilton, Canada - converted to condos - Pat is on the 14th floor

This year for the first time Pat and I won't be riding the ski lift at the CNE, eliciting furtive glances at the two old men dangling their legs over the throng milling about below at the CNE.

Pat's new condo at the Royal Connaught - floor is different (Pat is having an awesome marble floor put in) but otherwise this apartment is very similar to Pat's and this this view!

The CNE is happening right now as I type this blog in my home office on a hot and humid day here in southern Delaware.  I am leaving for my visit to Pat and Canada next month on September 14th. The CNE will be long over by then.  But  you can be sure Pat and I will still find plenty of interest to do both in Hamilton and Toronto.  We always do!

Pat's present home in Toronto in the summertime - the house to the left of him has already been torn down and replaced with yet another awesome house

But right now, I'm at loose ends. Can't take that ten mile ride down to Rehoboth today. Are you kidding? We're in the height of the summer season. I'm lucky to be able to even get out of our development within ten minutes. 

Pat drying his laundry in his awesome backyard at his Toronto home - he'll miss this beautiful backyard!

I'm thankful that Bill or I don't have any doctors' appointment in the near future. I have a couple of extra days to work at the hotel, filling in for co-workers. I need those days to make up for the days I'll be off next month for my annual Canada holiday with Pat.  I'm also thankful that both Bill and I are in relatively good health. Bill will be 89 years old next month. He's having a good run!

Each day my arthritis stiffens my body even more. I'm having more difficulty climbing the stairs from our finished basement where Bill lives. I need my afternoon nap or else I wind down at 7 pm.  I'm more forgetful.  I've noticed. I'll be 76 years old in November.  

Enjoy that backyard of yours Pat, it will soon be memories for you

I have yet to write my autobiography but I have almost finished updating our end of life documents. Last week I just sent out forty-two old VHS tapes to have them digitalized. I'll put those on You Tube for anyone who is interested in my life after I'm long gone. I have more VHS tapes to have digitalized. Then I have to finish organizing all my photos and videos here in the house. Here's one thing I don't understand, people who retire and say they're bored. Folks, believe me. I'm never bored. I have so much to do which I thought I would do once I retired but I never seem to have enough time. But I will say this, this is the best time of my life, in spite of my crippling arthritis and looming health issues.  And just staying one step ahead of the ever increasing bills living on my fixed income. 

Life is a challenge folks and a journey. What a ride I'm having!