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Taxes Filed!

March 5, 2014, 8:01 am
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What a difference a year makes folks!  Every year I file my taxes, I owe.  No matter that I receive a modest monthly Social Security payment (never made vice president in my corporate career), a few modest (very modest) pension payments and a barely double digit W-2 wages from my part-time job as a front desk clerk at a local hotel, I ALWAYS OWE.  

Uncle Greedy


No matter that I have been the head of this household and been the sole support of my 85 year old partner for the past thirty years (he retired early at 55 at my urging because he was traveling too much on his job).  Because we are of the same sex and legally unable to get married, we were penalized.  Oh sure, we've all heard about the "marriage penalty." That's when the straights figured out that two working couples paid the same in taxes as two gay couples living together.  Couldn't have that could we?  Oh no, have to give the straights yet another benefit so our lawmakers had to pass yet another law giving the straights even another tax break.  

Rep. Louie Gohmert - one of the many major asshat legislatures that pass discriminatory tax laws against gays and single folks


I have always paid more in taxes than my straight fellow citizens.  No matter that some of my best friends are straight, Bill and I were still discriminated against just because we were gay. NO matter that we have been living together in the same household since March of 1965, didn't matter.  You're gay, you pay more. 

Think this Republican cares?

Well folks, this past summer Bill and I got married on our 49th anniversary.  Today I filed a joint tax return. Now didn't that feel good?  Yes it did.

No longer "less than"


So here's the lowdown folks, by filing a joint tax return this year I receive a REFUND of $945.00.  Yes, you read it right…..A REFUND!  How about that?



Just for the fun of it I figured out our taxes if we filed separately.  Guess what?  I would have OWED $2,381.00!  That's a difference of $3,326.00!  Now that is significant folks. 



And my tax rate has gone from almost 20% to Mitt Romney levels.  Welcome to the world of equality Ron. 

The Mittster isn't liking this - The Gays being treated equally - what's this world coming too?


Feels good folks, feels real good.

John McCain, aka "Old Gumpy" and War Monger - wondering how we're going to pay for the next war now that the government is getting less of "the gay" dollar
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Frustration!

March 6, 2014, 8:00 am
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Certain things frustrate me a lot.  One of the main culprits is the all too often glitches in this digital age.  Remember yesterday when I was so happy to have finished our taxes (our first joint return ever) and discovered that we (instead of "I", I have to get used to the plural now that we're officially married) get MONEY BACK.  So I file my returns through Turbo Tax electronically.  And what do I get?  REJECTED!  Here I go again folks….REJECTED!




Nobody likes to be rejected, especially us gay folks, especially ME.  Damn!  What did I do wrong now?  I see the message that I got Bill's date of birth wrong.  Hmmmmm…..it's the same date of birth he's been using for the last 85 years.  WTF?




So I give it another try.  I reenter his date of birth and resubmit the returns.  And hour later I hear the "DING!" on my cell phone.  I get yet another text message that my e-filing has been REJECTED!  Damn!  WTF?  




To make a long story short and also to minimize your pain and suffering of reading this, I tried FIVE TIMES to submit, changing little things here and there.  Of course I was defying Albert Einstein's definition of insanity:

Insanity, doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results




Albert Einstein

So, this morning to get my sanity back I put my brain in gear and went to the Turbo website and dug a little deeper for an explanation of the error code.  It indicated that the date of birth I put in for Bill didn't match his Social Security records.  Uh…..okay.  I head to the record keeping department here at Casa Tipton-Kelly.  I pull out the parchment like envelope that contains Bill Social Security number and birth certificate.  You think the document paper for the Declaration of Independence is old, you should see Bill's papers.  Now that's OLD.  



For the past 85 years Bill has always thought he was born on the 26th of September.  Guess what?  His birth certificate says he was born….are you ready?……he.was.born…(wait for it)…..the 25th of September. OH.MY.GOD.   


Bill just found our he is another day older…..all those years

I go back to Turbo Tax.  I change Bill's date of birth from the 26th to the 25th.  Again I e-file our joint tax returns and…….hold my breath.  I'm thinking if this isn't straightened out I'm going to be seriously f--cked up when I go to work today. And that can't happen because when working the front desk I have to be happy and jolly and not preoccupied with another distractions.  That's not my style.

Nervously and unsettled I await for the hour or so it takes to be notified whether or not the IRS has accepted my return.  Guess what?  VIOLA!  They accepted it!  Big WHOOP!  



Oh yes, there is a God in Heaven.  




I don't need this stress folks. Especially with my Bloggerpalooza extravaganza coming up in just a little over a week.  I'm gathering up the prizes now for all my blogger friends who are making the trek to Lewes, Delaware.  I needs to be unencumbered with other problems.  I need to be totally relaxed.  Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup.
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Bloggerpalooza One Week Away!

March 7, 2014, 6:44 pm
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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
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I Always Wanted To Be a Model!

March 9, 2014, 8:11 am
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A couple of days ago I received an e-mail from a 16 year old Canadian asking if he could use and old photo of me changing a flat tire in an ad he was doing for a local company.

Of course my ego was stroked, who doesn't like being asked?  I know I do.  Then I thought, "Is this just another twist on a scam?" Now let's see, do I have to send money somewhere to have my photo used?  Do I have to click on a link?  And why did he feel it necessary to tell me he was 16 years old?  

Isn't it a shame folks that in the Digital Age we have to be so suspicious of every unsolicited e-mail we receive?  For all I know this is some kind of scam, then maybe not.  Well, I sent him an e-mail back giving my permission.  

He thanked me and sent me a photo of the ad.  What do you think folks?  

Now here is the irony.  I didn't actually change that tire.  I've never changed a flat tire in my life.  Oh sure, that was a flat tire.  It happened during Bill and our trip down South in the summer of 1966.  We really did get a flat.  But do you think I'm going to get my hands all greasy and take the change of breaking a fingernail?  Think again.  Yep folks, the picture is a fake.  But hey, aren't almost all the photos you see in ads fake?  So there you go.  I have real potential as a legitimate model:  I'm fake and I'm posing.  


My "model" pose
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I'll Be Back!

March 11, 2014, 7:14 am
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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
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Pat Meets His New Neighbors

March 12, 2014, 5:04 am
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Pat meets his new neighbors at Sunland Ranch

Pat met his new neighbors yesterday!

Pat brought a wonderful woodlot lot in Milton, Delaware last year.  This is the first time he's been able to meet his new neighbors.  Again, the stars were in alignment.  We had a beautiful day.  

NO SNOW
NO RAIN
NO COLD

And of course as expected Pat was an immediate hit with his new neighbors.

Pat (second from left) with his new neighbors Diane, Margaret, Elaine and Gary (Pat's lot is behind him - soon to be the sight of a fabulous minimalist "hoose" 
After a delightful visit with Pat's new delightful neighbors we headed off for lunch to The Backyard in Milton.  Great lunch!  And as an extra bonus my friends Ted and Don, two of Milton's exemplar citizens,  just happened to saunter in.  I implored them to join us for lunch.  I introduced them to Pat and we all had a grand lunch.

Ted and Don at The Backyard in Milton


After our noonday repast, Pat and I head off to our next adventure, which I forget now.  What a day he had yesterday!  I do remember that we stopped back at the house and Pat visited with Bill for a "wee" bit (I'm picking up Pat's Canadian slang).

Bill and Pat in the sunroom at Casa Tipton-Kelly yesterday
After a very eventful day under sunny skies and 70 degrees temperatures, Pat and I ended the day with our favorite grilled veggie extravaganza at the La Quetzalteca restaurant in Millsboro.  When Pat visits I make sure he doesn't go to bed hungry.  

Pat taking a picture of me taking a picture of him at La Quetzalteca last night
Speaking of food, here is the menu for the Bloggerpalooza buffet on Saturday night.  Looks delicious!

The best is yet to come.
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Bloggerpalooza 2014 Now History

March 16, 2014, 2:42 pm
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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!"
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Bloggerpalooza - Comedy Hypnosis

March 17, 2014, 8:00 am
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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
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Bloggerpalooza Afterglow

March 18, 2014, 7:21 am
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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
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Dinner Out With Ron and Pat

March 19, 2014, 9:01 am
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My friend Pat from Toronto Canada visited Lower Slower last week for the Bloggerpalooza.  As is our won't, we visited out favorite restaurant, La Quetzalteca in Millsboro, Delaware. 


FREE PARKING La Quetzalteca, Millsboro, DE 

Pat and I have patronized La Quetzalteca every time he visits Casa Tipton-Kelly. While I understand that La Quetzalteca isn't chi chi enough for some of my snobbish Gayberry acquaintances who only prefer the quasi Rehoboth Beach Mexican restaurant (La Quetzalteca is owned and operated by REAL Mexicans), Pat and I find that La Quetzalteca is consistently:


  • Excellent and authentic Mexican food
  • Reasonably priced (obviously they don't have to pay the high Rehoboth Beach rentals)
  • Comfortable and festive ambiance - spacious booths - none of those rickety tables here
  • One doesn't feel rushed to finish one's meal so the restaurant can get the next wave in
  • Always but always smiles from the service, you won't see any strained and sour faces here from the waiters like you all too often see in the Rehoboth Beach restaurants and absolutely NO ATTITUDE which is all too prevalent at so many gay owned and operated restaurants (no names lest I get blackballed)

The Bloggerpalooza gang waiting for their orders

So folks if you don't need the fou fou and the chi chi restaurants but just want good food, at a reasonable price and friendly service, La Quetzalteca is the place to try.  And folks….PLENTY OF FREE PARKING.  

Hasta la vista baby!


The waiters smile here - try finding that in Rehoboth

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Blog Goes Public Again

March 21, 2014, 3:47 pm
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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.
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Good Morning!

March 22, 2014, 8:31 am
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Well folks, I think I'm back on the track now after that blip of last week.  What was THAT all about?  

Let's just say that Ron got a bit off the tracks.  I thought I was fine tuning the readership of my blog so as to not antagonize and upset mainly some members of my family (not that I have that many left, my Mom and dad are both gone, I only have the brothers and one sister-in-law to contend with).  My blog is back up to where it was before, open to all including those who don't particularly like me, which I don't understand because I am a nice guy, I really am and shame on anyone who doesn't see that.



I may run off at the mouth but I'm really a nice guy

So from here on out I'll concentrate on the positive and leave the negative rants behind. 

Today I posted a short video of my friend Pat visiting his lot outside of Milton.  Pat's got a beautiful wooded lot.  Can't wait to see what kind of unique house he's going to build on it.  Pat has such a unique sense of style and taste.  I am sure his house (or "hoose" as he says) will be a fabulous addition to his new neighborhood.  


Pat meets his new neighbors

A medical update (that I'm burying deep in this blog posting).  Yesterday I had my annual checkup with my cardiologist.  I still have that extra heart beat which is affecting the pumping of blood to my heart.  My doctor thinks that why I fatigue so easily and take those long afternoon naps that I've been taken.  I have been lightheaded (sort of like a series of mini-highs that last a second or two).  He also thinks that's the extra heartbeat. He says this isn't uncommon with someone of my age (there we go with the "age" thing again).  He's also concerned that I might have sleep apnea.  He is going to schedule me for a sleep test.  He's already scheduled me for a stress test.  Oh fun.  This is life in the Old Age Lane folks.  At least it beats the alternative.


Cardiovascular Institute of Delaware
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We All Fall In Love Sometimes

March 22, 2014, 3:15 pm
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If we have our health, a comfortable shelter and enough to eat and drink all that is left to need is a friend….or two…..or three.  You can have all the basics of life such as shelter, food and drink but if you don't have love in your life, life is pretty empty then isn't it?

I've been lucky in my life that during high school I had a good friend….or two. First Larry, then Bill B.


Larry, his wife Lois and me





Lifelong friend Bill B.

After school and joining the Army some of my best friends were Bob McC., Ron H. and Sal D.


Army buddy and best friend Bob McM.


First gay friends (met in Army) - Sal and Ron (gone now)

After the Army there was a brief period, about a year, when I was adrift without any close friends. I felt it.  I was very lonely.  There were times on a Saturday night living in my $65.00 a month furnished apartment in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, I thought I would go out of my mind from loneliness.  One Saturday night I turned on all the lights in my apartment, turned up my record player as loud as I could and danced and sang to myself.  I believe I exorcised something out of my system that night because I began a regular routine of visiting Philadelphia once a month. That's when I met Bill K., the man I've lived with for almost 50 years now.  


Bill - 1970


These days I have a few very valued close friends for which I am very thankful.  I've met these friends through blogging.  Much to my surprise I didn't meet them because I moved to Rehoboth Beach/Lewes/Milton area of southern Delaware with it's large gay population. Sure, I've met a few people but no close friendships formed, much to my surprise.  But where I have formed close friendships is through some of the folks I've met through my blog.  Which just goes to prove, you just never know where you'll find true happiness.  And friends, believe me, I am truly happy now at this time of my life.  Sure, my body may aging and slowly but surely  falling apart and I don't have those head turning looks that I did when I was 21 years old (if in fact I ever did have THOSE looks, I didn't think I did at the time but looking back from my vantage point now I see that I wasn't too bad looking).  


Me - 1971

Now that I am in my twilight years (the Great Beyond isn't all that far away now - I can see that Death's Door), I find that I am as happy as I ever was in my entire life.  In fact, I didn't know this level of happiness existed.  All I can say is that it took a long time but it was well worth it.


Bill and Pat - last week


Of course, as I wrote in some of my previous blogs, some in my family and some others I don't know aren't happy at all that I am happy.  They should be happy for me and it is sad that they aren't but I won't let their negativity bring me down. Sometimes my problem is that I try too hard to please everyone and forget that one can't please everyone all the time.  For those you cannot please, leave them behind which is exactly what I am doing.  I feel sad for them.  Maybe they will find happiness too but I won't let them bring me down.  

One of my very favorite songs is one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.  When I hear Elton John sing it tears come to my eyes.  The song is called "We All Fall In Love Sometimes and Curtains." I want these songs played at my funeral.



Wise men say
It looks like rain today
It crackled on the speakers
And trickled down the sleepy subway trains
For heavy eyes could hardly hold us
Aching legs that often told us
It's all worth it
We all fall in love sometimes

The full moon's bright
And starlight filled the evening
We wrote it and I played it
Something happened it's so strange this feeling
Naive notions that were childish
Simple tunes that tried to hide it
But when it comes
We all fall in love sometimes

Did we, didn't we, should we couldn't we
I'm not sure `cause sometimes we're so blind
Struggling through the day
When even your best friend says
Don't you find
We all fall in love sometimes

And only passing time
Could kill the boredom we acquired
Running with the losers for a while
But our Empty Sky was filled with laughter
Just before the flood
Painting worried faces with a smile
I used to know this old scarecrow
He was my song
My joy and sorrow,
Cast alone between the furrows
Of a field no longer sown by anyone.
I held a dandelion
That said the time had come
To leave upon the wind
Not to return
When summer burned the earth again.

Cultivate the freshest flower
This garden ever grew
Beneath these branches
I once wrote such childish words for you.
But that's okay
There's treasure children always seek to find,
And just like us
You must have had
A once upon a time.
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Hypnotist - Part Two

March 22, 2014, 5:16 pm
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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!
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A Change in the Air

March 23, 2014, 3:21 pm
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My favorite place - our backyard - ready for me to dawdle in

The past couple of days actually felt like Spring.  Robins frolicking in the backyard, pooping in my birdbaths, building nests in the non-fruit bearing cherry tree in our front yard.  


The daffodils have had a rough go of it this year but they're finally coming alive with their bright smiles of Spring

Warm spring breezes caressing my wizened face.  Shopping at BJ's sans jacket, smiles on local populace faces that say "Winter is FINALLY over!" But wait……snow is forecast for this Tuesday.  Yes folks, you heard correctly.  M.O.R.E. S.N.O.W.  Holy smokes!


The last snow in our backyard - cold

Already we've received SEVEN times more snow than normal for this area of southern Delaware.  Yes, you heard that right……SEVEN TIMES.  Sure, I know we're a lot better off down here on the good old Delmarva peninsula than others areas of the country like say……Atlanta, Georgia that got a whole two inches of snow that closed that city and adjoining Interstate down but come on.  

I'm still in wind down mode from the activities of the past few weeks. It is with a great sense of relief to know that never again ("Never say never") that I will never again do an event.

Me (with sequined hat-what else?) at my 35th class reunion (and yes, I supplied the feather boas for my two female classmates, this was in 1994 - some things never change

 For the past seven years I have been heavily involved in organizing and working on pulling off either a family reunion, class reunion, or blogger reunion, affectionally called a "Bloggerpalooza." While all these activities are fun, it has come time folks for me to hang up my Event Planner Hat.  

Hey, I even do Bowling Banquets - this one I'm emceeing from from the Sixties

I'm handing over the reins to others and retiring from the festivities.  In fact, I'm not even attending my 55th class reunion this year in September.  That's a first since my 20th class reunion.  

I have an hour videotape of this reunion - I really should transfer it to DVD
And I have to saw, it is with a great sense of relief that I don't have one of these upcoming events looming on the horizon like I have had for the past too many years.  Time to fade in the background folks.  

Ron - Event Planner - glitter and hard at work herding the cats = 1994 - 20 years ago!
Years ago I used to make fun of my Mom and her ever ending rounds of doctor's appointments.  Well, you know the old "What goes 'round comes 'round".  Now that seems to be my life.  Upcoming in my near future is a Sleep Test (which I am seriously considering canceling) and a stress test (I'll probably keep that one since I do have some minor heart problems as do both of my younger brothers).  I think I've been able to put off the heart problems because I've kept my weight down unlike both of my brothers who put on quite the pounds over the years and are now paying the price.  But this old ticker of mine has been beating away since November of 1941 and sooner or later…..it stops.  Time to slow down folks and take stock and evaluate what is really important in my life and what is not.  This is a subject I've addressed before in previous blog posts and will continue to do so in future blog posts.  I have to set priorities with the limited time and energy that I have left.  

Yep, that's me (on the left) explaining to my classmate something in the class reunion booklet I put together - 2004 - 45th Class reunion


I am fortunate that I have several people in my life who truly care about me and I will return their kindness and caring likewise.  As for the negative in my life, I will leave those people and situations far behind like the man in a space suit who is launched into the infinite expanse of the universe. Gone.


Downingtown High School 50th Class Reunion 2009 - where did all these old people come from?
Me and my fellow classmate Marlene R.  at our 50th Class Reunion - she's gone now as are too many of my classmates - I used to have a schoolboy crush on Marlene - I told her about it at this reunion and she got a charge out of it
Marlene's reaction after I told her about my crush on her - SOOO embarrassing
Me (center) and Marlene) right - 1958 - yearbook photo - little did she know I was smitten by her - any wonder why she didn't take notice of me? Major Dork - that was me back then (and maybe still)

Now the really observant will notice that I have a white beard at my 35th reunion but at my 50th my beard miraculously changes to brown.  Amazing!

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Sleep Test Cancelled

March 24, 2014, 10:26 am
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This is the way I sleep - mouth wide open and big schnoz 

By me that is.  During my visit to my cardiologist last week he suggested that I take a sleep test.  I had mentioned to him that it was reported that I sometimes struggle for breath when I'm sleeping.  At least that's what I was told by my occasional bed partner a couple of weeks ago.  For years I've slept by myself but I had the good fortune a few weeks ago (no details of who, when or where) and shared my slumber time with a dear and close friend.  I think he said I was catching my breath when I slept.  At least that's what I think he said.  No matter though, I just didn't feel right about undergoing a sleep test for possible sleep apnea.  I couldn't sleep with one of those apparatuses on my head and I'm pretty sure I couldn't even go to sleep with a sleep test.  At least not now.  Maybe later.  Right now my main problem seems to be the frequent bouts of light headeness that feels like a mini-high.  That may be attributable to my extra heartbeat which was detected a couple of years ago.  I'm still ticking but just in case I am taking another stress test.  Something to which I am not looking forward to but I will take it. 

And the beat continues.

Some people can sleep anywhere
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Blowing Bubbles

March 25, 2014, 6:16 am
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Randy of Nebraska - a man who knows how to have a good time

My dear friend and fabulous photographer Mark H. sent me 360 of his fabulous photos of Bloggerpalooza 2014 yesterday.  The photo above of Randy of Nebraska blowing bubbles is but one of Mark's photos.  Now to put these photos in an iMovie to share with all. 


You're not in Kansas Nebraska anymore Randy

Funny thing, I forget how to do an iMovie.  My mind is slowly going folks.  Oh well, I'll jump into it this morning and figure it out.  This is going to be fun.  


Me, Todd, Pat and Larry hypnotized?
By the way, nice bling Randy!



Anne Marie of Philly and hubby Todd

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Bloggerpalooza 2014 - The Movie!

March 25, 2014, 4:59 pm
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 Here it is folks, the Bloggerpalooza 2014 movie!

Yesterday I received in the mail the tiniest flash drive I've ever seen from our good friend and master photographer Mark H. of his 321 photos he took of our Bloggerpalooza event last March 15th in Lewes.  As usual, Mark's photography is fabulous, as is Mark.  


Ron, Joshua, Jacob and Mark

Thank you so much Mark for sharing your photographs with us.  


Me and Mark

And folks, I hope you enjoy this iMovie as much as I enjoyed putting it together today.  

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Snow…..Again?

March 26, 2014, 8:02 am
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"It's cold out here baby!"

Are you kidding?  Snow again?  Yes Virginia, we had yet another snow storm here in the semi-tropical coastal plains of southern Delaware.  Holy smokes!


The road I take to work today

Here we go again folks.  Just when I thought the warm temperatures of Spring were about to lay on the land, yet another Blast of Winter.




Yesterday I spent the best part of the day putting together the iMovie of the Bloggerpalooza photos that Mark H. sent me.  See yesterday's blog for that movie.  Lots of work there folks!  Appreciate it.




Today I go back to work.  I'm so glad I didn't have to travel in that blizzard yesterday to go to work.  Been there, done that this year already.  


Ready to back out of the garage again and go to work today, on the ice
We've have some year with snow here in Lower Slower Delaware this.  Prior to the last TWO snowstorm (yep, it seems like every week we have a snow storm of four to eight inches), the local newspaper reported that we already had SEVEN times the normal snowfall for this area.  And here we are, almost in April and we're still having snow storms.  I think this is the last one.  I hope this is the last one.  


Casa Tipton-Kelly early this morning - a regular Winter Wonderland

The rest of this week is going to be pretty busy for me.  Work again tomorrow night then Friday I made an emergency appointment with my dermatologist.  A biopsy that he took off of my right leg near my knee isn't healing properly.  My pant leg keeps rubbing agains the scab, pulling it askew causing me more than a fair amount of pain and inflammation around where he took the biopsy.  Oh the joys of getting old and falling apart piece by piece.  



I'm getting there folks!


Last night I watched two more episodes of "The Good Wife", a program to which I am addicted.  It was so comforting to watch it in the comfort of my bedroom while the cold winds swirled around outside.  


The Good Wife cast - ohhhh sooooo good!

What I really feel sorry for are my daffodils.  They've tried so often to put on their fresh faced show this spring only to be knocked down for yet another snowstorm.


My poor beaten down daffodils
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Chris Christie - Innocent!

March 28, 2014, 6:53 am
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"Saint Chris Christie is innocent of all charges! Bridget Anne Kelly is a scorned woman and it's all her fault!"

Folks, I really try to keep my politically inspired rants to a minimum on this blog.  You know that I do.  I really do.  But after yesterday's "press conference" by New Jersey governor Chris Christie's lawyer, paid to the tune of ONE MILLION DOLLARS by New Jersey taxpayers, that exonerated the saintly Chris Christie from ANY involvement in the Bridgegate scandal, I have to vent.  




Don't you just love lawyers like this Randy Maslow?  Hey, I watch "The Good Wife" so I know all the shenanigans that lawyers go through, twisting the truth, looking for legal loopholes, to absolve their client of any wrongdoing.  But yesterdays absolution by Chris Christie's attorney Randy Mastro was "everything from a whitewash to a work of fiction"as the Daily News of New York reported.  See here.


"I know nothing!"


Watching the smarmy, white bearded, smiling Mastro yesterday day I thought for a moment I was watching Putin's spokesman.  Mastrow makes Bagdhad Bob look like Mother Teresa. I had to take a shower after watching that display of fawning obsequiousness to Saint Chris Christie.





I love all the lawyer talk like "lane realignment" instead of "lane closures." That's lawyer talk folks. Don't you love it?

Hey folks, I knew when news of the "time for traffic problems in Ft. Lee" came up, Christie was done. He was exposed as a bully and vindictive and only caring about his own personal political ambitions and be damned the citizens of New Jersey.  HE.WAS.EXPOSED for the bully that he is, simple as that.  The arrogance of power.  



And now he's making the round, lying and lying and lying.  Yesterday's so called press conference did more harm than good by trashing Bridget Kelly as a scorned woman who now was going to f-ck up Ft. Lee because Christie's former political aid Bill Stepien supposedly dumped her.


I mean, talk about throwing somebody under the bus. 


I said it a few months ago when this story first broke and I'll say it again, stick a fork in him because Chris Christie is done.  He'll be lucky if he can stay out of jail.  Good riddance.


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