Bloggerpalooza 2013 Mar 23, 2013

Time to take a break from all the negativity that I've been posting lately to my blog. Quite frankly I'm sick of both of the candidates who are running for president of the United States. This is the best we can do? Harken back to the Good Old Days and enjoy this video compilation of some of the pictures and videos that were taken at the first Bloogerpalooza in March of 2013. 

Sad to say some of the participants pictured are no longer with us. But watching this video brings back fond memories of a group of people who only knew each other previously by comments on their blogs. This video reminds us that there are real people out there and very nice real people. 

Blogging has been very kind to me. I met Pat indirectly through my blog. Pat and I will be married sometime this year as soon as we get permission from our respective countries Canada and the United States. My other good friend is Glenn M. of Palm Springs, California. Ironically I also met him through my blog again indirectly. His late partner used to follow my blog, Glenn did not. I only got to know Glenn when he sent me a note that his partner had died. Glenn, Pat and I are now very good friends. They visited me last month here at Casa Tipton-Kelly. I hope that is the first of many visit by these two wonderful men. 

Life is good friends, even if our politics ain't so good now. 

Anne Marie of Philly Warrior Queen

Blogging is an interesting pastime. I've been blogging since 2005. I've meet some very interesting people during my time of blogging. One of them was Anne Marie of Philly. Her real name is Anne Marie Gunther and she's actually from Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philly. No matter, to me and many other who have know her through the blogging world she will always be "Anne Marie of Philly, Warrior Queen."  

Yesterday my good friend Ur-spo (also known as "Dr. Spo") informed me that Anne Marie died yesterday. 

The world is a little less brighter today.

Rest in peace Anne Marie, dear lady. 

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

Happy Birthday Dr. Spo!

Today is my dear friend Dr. Spo's 56th birthday.  

This is my personalized "card" that I made for him from his annual birthday video that he posted today.  Dr. Spo is very animated when he talks. This video is of his many faces. If you want to see his video and hear his soothing voice, click on the link to his blog here.

I started blogging in 2005 as therapy.  I write as self therapy.  

When I started to blog I also hoped that I would meet new friends. I didn't put a lot of hope in that because of my past experience "looking" for friends and not just letting "it happen."

Well folks, I have made several very good friends through my blogging. 

I know some disparage and discount making friends through the Internet. But folks, here we are in the digital age. It's time to expand our horizons from meeting and making new friends from our workplace, neighborhood, schools and church. 

Yes. these are stressful times we live in but also wonderful times. I just cannot imagine my life without friends like Dr. Spo.

Happy birthday dear friend, I wish you many more birthdays of happiness.

Joseph "Jay" Murphy

Today I note the untimely passing of a dear blogger friend, Joseph "Jay" Murphy.  Regular readers of my blog will recognize Jay's moniker "Jay in VA".  

I do not know the details of the circumstances of why Jay decided to end his life.  What I do know that he is apparently another victim of the witch hunt atmosphere that is all to pervasive in our society today that if one is accused they're automatically guilty and their life is ruined by public shaming and humiliation.  And I will leave that discussion to others.  

At this time I will remember Jay's joy of life.  The Jay I knew was kind an generous and had a big heart. 


May his soul rest in peace.  

Below is Jay's last blog post:

Goodbye and I’m Sorry

Posted on September 2, 2015 by jayinrva

I lost my way. I am so sorry!

Fuck me. I am so sorry to be posting this. But I am gone. Permanently.

There is no question that this is devastating to many, many people. But what could have happened to me was more so, I am ashamed to say.

I was accused of a crime, the type of which you can’t fight against. Once accused, always guilty. This effectively ended my life.

I always worried about how I would go. I worried that I would have a heart attack or stroke (I did have all the risk factors) sitting in my desk chair and stay there for days until someone finds me, ruining the already ruined carpet. This way is easier, cleaner, and I got to determine how and when.

I am sorry. Some say this is the coward’s way out. I say I was strong. It took a hell of a lot of strength to do this. To end the public shaming and humiliation that started the moment the raid on my house was posted by a local TV station on the web.

To my blog friends: I knew so many of you from day 1 of my blogging and coming out, 5 years ago. Every one of you helped me in that tremendous challenge. Early on, or later, it doesn’t matter. I can’t thank you enough. I also know so many of you in person. One of the greatest things ever was to make new friends here, then turn them into real life friendships. Now that is ruined.

To all of my friends on Facebook who will see this: Again, I am soooo sorry. I’ve known many of you since we were teens. You mean the world to me. I pray God will forgive me my sins.

I am leaving the blog up. I don’t know why. But I won’t be back.

(It will disappear  when the hosting fees fail to get paid, probably in about 5-7 months.)

Rendezvous In Little Tokyo

Me, Nadege and Pat in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

After a one day hiatus, I return to our trip to Los Angeles.  Pat and I were going to meet Nadege, a follower of my blog.  Nadege occasionally leaves comments on my blog.  Earlier we had met with Tony, another follower of this blog who lives in Los Angeles.

Pat and Nadege in Little Tokyo store - good thing I had to take a plane back to Philly or else I would have bought something I didn't need in this wonderful store

Pat and I were very much looking forward to meeting Nadege.  She always is so kind and generous with her comments on my blog.  

Originally we were to meet at The Grove, the chi chi "farmer's market" in West Hollywood.  But Pat and I went early to make sure we could find The Grove on the previous day and of course, we were enchanted by The Grove.  Nadege suggested that we meet in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles, the next day.  

Well folks, again I was not disappointed with meeting in person someone who followed my blog.  Nadege is an absolutely delightful person.  What is it with bloggers and people who follow blogs?  Everyone I've met so far has been so nice, and kind and generous. 

I'm not going to divulge any more information about Nadege to protect her privacy but I will say that the time we spent with her was enchanting. I know that this is the second time I'm using the word "enchanting" in this blog but there is no other word to describe Nadege or our time with her.

Well, my home health care worker is due to arrive soon and I have to be in my bed with my leg elevated to take some of the swelling down, which happens when I sit at this computer composing theses "enchanting" blog posts.

By the way, I had some extra photos that have nothing to do with this post that I want to include just to give you all an idea of our continuing wonderful stay in Los Angeles.

Pat talking to a a fellow guest in the dining room of the bed and breakfast where we were staying - all the fellow guests were so nice - we will be back next year!

Pat did all the driving while we were in Los Angeles.  He had been to Little Tokyo before so he knew where we were going.  If we got lost, I had my iPhone with its GPS, which came in very handy.  Thank you Pat for driving!

I don't know what we're doing here but I think we're still in West Hollywood because of the Bill Mahrer billboard - Pat sure does stand out in his day-glo jacket doesn't he? We still weren't discovered.

Pat is an experienced city driver because of all the years he's been driving his cars in Toronto. You think L.A. traffic is bad, you should go to Toronto.  Now that's city traffic, a slow lava flow.  Pat had no problem with L.A. traffic.  

Pat in front of The Viper Room. Yep, the same Johnny Depp owned night club where River Phoenix died on the sidewalk outside from a drug overdose.  So sad.

Next year when we return to West Hollywood we're going to go into the Viper Room.  I can just imagine what the cover will be.  I was watching the Lisa Kudrow TV series "The Comeback" last night and she had a segment on the Viper Room.  Looked pretty cool.  Pat and I want to experience that.

Another selfie of the Two Old Pervs

Alright folks, sorry about this disjointed blog posting but I do like to get in as many photos of our L.A. trip as possible.  Now I really do have to get ready for my home health care worker.  Only one more visit (Thursday) after today.

Make Me a Hundred!

Come on folks, who is going to make me hundred?  

For months now my "members" icon has been stuck at 99.  WTF?  Oh I know it doesn't make a hill of beans difference who or how many folks "officially" follow me but it would be nice to break the "100" barrier.  You know ole anal Ron.

So come one folks, whose going to be the first follower of this almost ten year old blog to help me break the "100" barrier?  

You know what would be so cool?  To have one of those Anonymous trolls man up (and they're all men, that I am positive of) get some balls and expose themselves and put out there for the world to see that they're following my blog.  But you and I know that's not going to happen.  There are some things in this world that are certain.  And one of them being that the "Anonymous" trolls (as opposed to those nice people who are Anonymous but just prefer their privacy which I understand) would never but NEVER reveal themselves.  

So on this fine fall morning, with the bright sun shining through my home office window, I challenge you (and you) to become Number 100.  


And now below, one of my favorite all time Entrance scenes from the ball breaking first major movie to revolve around gay characters, "The Boys in the Band."  What does this have to do with my post today?  Absolutely nothing but I felt in the mood to revisit Harold's Entrance. I think I know why I like this scene so much, it's Harold's last line in which he says ". . . . before I get up the nerve to show my face to the world it's nobody's Goddamn business but my own, an how are you this evening?"  That's sort of my mission folks.  You either like me or you don't.  

A Walk on the Boardwalk

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Yesterday morning after I got a haircut I decided to visit the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach.  I don't visit the boardwalk as often as I used to.  Mainly because I don't like the ten mile ride down Route One from Casa Tipton-Kelly to Rehoboth Beach.  Although it is a straight shot, there are too many lanes, too much traffic, too many aggressive drivers.  I don't need that stress.  

However, I do like the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach.  It is exactly one mile long.  I park at the one end and walk to the other end.  The combination of the boardwalk and my walking sneakers has the proper spring to my step.  I always feel good after my "Boardwalk Walk."  

When I first got my new Subaru three years ago I used to make the ten mile trip almost every day.  I enjoyed walking by the ocean, hearing the waves wash up on the beach, hearing the sea gulls, observing the many different folks…..life.  After all, I'm only ten miles from "the beach" so why not take advantage of it.  I remember all those years when we used to live in New Jersey and Pennsylvania when a trip to Rehoboth Beach was a major endeavor (three hour trip one way).  Now that I'm only ten miles away, why not?

Well, one reason is in the summertime, after Memorial Day we local residents avoid Rehoboth Beach as much as possible.  Why?  Traffic.  Very simple.  One just sits in traffic, inching one's way towards "the beach."  I remember last year when I suggested to my Canadian friend that we "go to the beach."  After about a half an hour of sitting in traffic in the steaming heat I told him to make the next U-turn.  We headed home for a more sane alternative to spend our summer afternoon.  

So yesterday I put myself on the boardwalk and did my sprint to the end.  After only a few minutes I heard "Is that Ron Tipton? Yes, that is Ron Tipton!"  I was recognized.  Ah fame, not so fleeting.  The person who recognized me is a blog follow and a new found friend Susan M.  Small world.  This is the same Susan who just happened to be in the Backyard Restaurant in Milton last month and recognized Dr. Spo and Company.  Small world.  

Susan - blog follower meets up with blogger 

Susan and I had a pleasant chat and we were both soon on our way.  Just another interlude in a very pleasant day folks here in Rehoboth Beach, Washington D.C.'s summertime capital.

Blog Goes Public Again

Well folks, I gave it a try and failed miserably.  All I did was confuse a lot of folks and offend some of my more sensitive followers.  What was my transgression?  I attempted to make my blog private.

And what may tell prompted me to take such a drastic action?  Very simple, the past few weeks have been very stressful for me.  Organizing and pulling off the 2014 Bloggerpalooza was enough to keep my rapt attention.  But on top of that I had a call from one of my brothers who oh so helpfully told me "You know that Barbara reads your blog."
Barbara is our mutual sister-in-law (the wife of my other Southern Baptist pastor brother) who is all too often easily offended by some of the things I write about in my blog.  Apparently I've committed several more offenses in past blog postings. I think my main offense is that I practice the gay lifestyle. As my brother said "Ronnie, you're always saying your GAY!"  Well, actually I don't but my family likes to practice "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in civilian life.

It goes like this, "we know you're gay Ronnie but don't make any reference to your gayness because it makes us feel uncomfortable."  So I guess I should start substituting pronouns again when referring to things I do in my "lifestyle" (they LOVE calling me living my life as a LIFESTYLE).  Well, I got into a to do with my brother over the phone.  Sometimes I just have enough of the homophobia, even if the perpetrators don't even realize they're doing it.  Like my other long time friend who casually remarked to me after Bill and I got married "What's next?  Marrying your pet?" And of course he didn't realize how offensive his remark was or how he just trivialized my 50 year relationship with Bill.  He actually still doesn't get it even though he sent me a so called "apology."  Something about what his church pastor said. The old "Love the sinner but hate the sin."  Save your apologies if that's the way they're going to be.

So I have the herding the cats aspect of the Bloggerpalooza last week and dealing with a complainer (which brought me down I have to admit), and my brother putting pressure on me to censor my blog then I get the Anonymous troll comment "We get the Pat Thing, what's Bill think of your relationship with Pat?"  

My nonjudgmental friend Pat who likes me just the way I am

Of course this comment was signed "Anonymous" as all unkind comments are signed.  I have two answers on that question.  First it is nobody's damn business about any relationship I have and secondly Pat is my friend, end of discussion.  If that upsets anyone who has a different definition of relationships, that's their problem.  Don't put your rules on me just like I don't want anyone putting rules on what I write in my blog.  As I told my brother "Tell her not to read my blog if she doesn't like what I write." I am fortunate that I have a very happy life with Bill and I have friends.  If that upsets some people, that's their problem, not mine.  I remember years ago when I used to go the gay bar every Saturday night.  When this one guy (Joe M., don't worry, he's long dead) would see me he would say "What are you doing here?!  You have a lover!  You shouldn't be here!"

Old Joe, I used to upset him so whenever he saw me out

Yep, Joe would always get quite upset when he saw out for a Saturday night at the neighborhood gay bar in Philly.  Probably didn't like the competition.  Old Joe, he went to his grave worried about Ron not playing by HIS rules on relationships.

I don't want these people reading my blog.  I also don't want my co-workers at the hotel reading my blog (yep, they're probably reading this right now).  All too often they find something to titter about that I wrote when I arrive at work.  Don't need it folks.  I like my co-workers but I don't like to be greeted with titters when I arrive at work.  I often think "What did I write now?" I also have neighbors who read my blog. I love my neighbors to death but I would prefer then not reading my blog entries and passing judgment on my activities.    You're not going to find satisfaction in my personal blog entries.  It's my life folks.  It's not like your life.  No offense but stop reading my blog.  It really isn't of any interest to you. Thanks!

Seems like a lot of people these days think they know better how I should lead my life than me.  Hey, I've done pretty good so far.  I come from nothing (literally).  I have taken care of myself both physically, financially and mentally through hard work, determination and a bit of luck.  I am very lucky in that I love and am loved in my life by a few really fine folk.  But sometimes when the slings and arrows are coming at me and hit me when I'm in a down mode, I just want to change access to my personal life.




So I perhaps, unwisely decided to make my blog private.  I probably should have thought this out but I didn't.  Big mistake.  


I went into settings and made my blog private.  Then I sent out invitations to those other bloggers who have been following my blog to enter my private blog.  It didn't take too long until a fellow blogger told me that I had actually sent out "Author" invitations.  That mean anyone who I sent the invitations too could change my blog.  For chrissakes.  Then I go in and try to correct.  Now it's getting complicated and my head is hurting.  

So friends, I've just made my blog public again and will try to dodge, ignore, and delete the attempts at censorship and unkind remarks and suggestions.  Fact of life. 

My, my.  Life does get complicated at time doesn't it? Sorry for the rant folks but this is something I had to get off my chest.

Alright anonymous trolls, bring on the comments.

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 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!"

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