New National Symbol

An old friend in Miami sent this to me today... After watching GW (again) this morning, I thought it appropriate to post:

Thanks Cheryl!

Over and "Out" from Cheasapeake, VA

Brothers and Sisters... I am hooked

Ok, after tuning in for the season premiere of "Desperate Housewives", I stayed on ABC and saw, for the first time, the series "Brothers and Sisters".... What a great show. Reminds me, in a way, alot of my own family.

Will be tuning in on Sunday nights in the future!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Interesting...

I have had a visitor to my blog from the Netherlands, I am curious because that is one of the places I have always wanted to visit... Interesting in more ways than one. Here is a country (Holland) that has spent thousands of years below sea level... Yet we, here in the USA, can't ensure the safety of our brothers and sisters in New Orleans for even one hundred... What is wrong with that picture?

Over and "Out" from my neck of the woods here in Chesapeake, VA

Fifty-Three...

I spent my birthday yesterday by myself... Wednesday night I left work around 9:15pm, came home, changed into some jeans, and went to Skip's for a cocktail... There was a pool tournament going on so the place was quite full, lots of good looking men.

I chatted with the bartender and a few other people until midnight... I was offered a birthday shot by Larry (the bartender) and enjoyed that, thanking him I headed home...

I actually had a very nice birthday, and did exactly what I wanted to do...

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes e-cards, emails, and phone calls!

Over and "Out" from the next year of "My New Life"...

Hampton Roads gets GAY

If I haven't told you, I've decided to get involved with the local GLBT community down here in Hampton Roads (Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake) area, also known as the Tidewater of Virginia.

There is a new Community Center being planned called the HROC (Hampton Roads OUTReach Center). It's still in it's infancy, but it is such a great idea and it's being organized by some very smart and caring people. I went to one of the general meetings last night and was very impressed by the caliber of family behind this effort. I think I have found my "cause" and plan on helping in any way I can...

Make sure to visit the new website thehroc.org, and if you happen to live down this way, take the survey and join us at the rescheduled HR Pride event "Out in the Park", Sunday, October 19, 2008, at Chesapeake City Park on Greenbrier Parkway...

Over and "Out" for today, from Chesapeake, VA

Just another reason...

While checking out a couple new sites people have sent me to explore, I found this additional inspiration to remain a democrat:

Now I know this is only a fictional character, in a popular TV show, but how many other people out there have a similar view?

Denny Crane, aka: James Tiberius Kirk, aka: "The Negotiator", aka: William Alan Shatner, is sure about his party affiliation... How about YOU?

Don't forget to VOTE regardless, on November 4th

( in just 50 days)!!!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Brothers, Fathers, and Sons...

Had a great visit today with my oldest son and his mom. They flew up from Miami to Richmond, to attend my step-daughters wedding. I hear that, while a little hot at the venue selected, it was a grand affair, and to backpedal a little (to my previous post), not only did her dad show up, but I understand 40 of the rooms at the Homewood Suites in Innsbrook, were filled with family and out of town guests at the auspicious event...

My son had called a few weeks back to let me know he was planning on attending, and asked if I wanted to get together Sunday or Monday... Of course, I said I would arrange for the time off so that we could spend the afternoon together. I got up around 6 this morning with some anticipation. We haven't seen each other since the last ski vacation we took as a family two weeks before my heart attack in 2005. We talk over the phone and or email, but still not the same as seeing each other... I haven't seen his mom since Christmas of 1999...

Anyway, after waking with some butterflies in my stomach, I watched the news, had a cup of coffee, took a shower, and called him around 9:30. I told him it was a 1.5-2 hour drive and that I would call him when I arrived. The hotel is the same one Circuit City put me when I was relocating from Miami in 1999, so I knew exactly where it was. When I pulled up, I called my son and he told me they would meet me in the lobby in a couple of minutes. I walked in and was just kind of looking around when someone said something that I didn't quite understand, it didn't sound like my son or his mom so I really paid no mind. I am still not sure what the person was saying, because as it was repeated, I turned around to see my brother (from Atlanta) and jumped with both shock and surprise....

My initial reaction was, of course, happiness and I was a little perplexed. I hadn't seen him since his daughters wedding in Indiana (and certainly had no knowledge of him being in Richmond). I was put in an awkward position at that event, He and our youngest brother had some sort of misunderstanding prior to it, and I ended up playing man-in-the-middle, agreeing, disagreeing, offering insight, and still trying to remain neutral... It didn't work very well, but they seemed to finally have ironed things out.

The brother standing in the lobby of this Richmond hotel and I grew up sharing the same room. He has been there for me, and I for him, through a lot of childhood dramas. He is also the one that reacted completely opposite of how I thought he would, when I came out. His wife and mine had built a close friendship and I honestly believe his reaction to my leaving and "outing" myself was influenced by his wife. I thought he would be totally accepting of me, and he has only become more distant in the years since. In talking to family, I found out (after the fact) that he and his wife had come up to Richmond earlier in the year to spend time with my ailing wife, and my kids. Knowing his wife's relationship with mine, I just blew it off... Now again, he makes a trip from Atlanta to Richmond and makes no prior attempt to get together for a beer, dinner or anything. My son didn't even know his uncle was coming until they ran into each other at the hotel.

Anyway, when my son and his mom come down, we all share hugs and start chatting, I see my brother indicate to my ex that he will be back down, and to just have a seat in the lobby and wait. (No offense here, but I don't remember putting him in charge of the itinerary for the moment)... I find out that he is here with his son (who I would really like to see) and his wife, so I swallow the lump backing up in my throat.

The three of them come down from their room and again we do the family hugs and air kisses. We all sit down and chat for a bit, and then it's announced that it is time for them to leave for the airport and "How great it's been to see you"... I was so offended, and really didn't realize it until later in the day.... This was not about them!

My son, his mom, and I toured Richmond a little and settled on Bottoms Up Pizza, down in Shokoe Bottom, for lunch... I had a couple of Bloody Marys to calm my nerves. All in all a wonderful day with the two of them (If you're reading this, thanks, I had a great time).

I have always considered family first and foremost (well, after me, of course). That family has always included steps, in-laws, half's, etc... But blood family is even closer. They should never turn their backs on each other. Not ever!

All I see is your back, my brother!!

Over and "Out" from back home, in Chesapeake, VA

Depressed and Lost...

I am in a bad place...

I just can't seem to make anything work in my life... I know I will get through this, just feel so lost...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

McBushisms

I found this tonight and had to share... There are 5 videos in the series... play them all...



Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Someone's getting married...

My eldest son called me the other day from Miami. He wanted to know what I was up to this coming Sunday and Monday... I explained that I normally work every Sunday and Monday, but asked him why...

It appears my step-daughter (2nd wife's daughter from previous marriage) is getting married this weekend in Richmond. My oldest son and his mom (my 1st wife) are coming up for the event...

I guess to most of my gay friends, it seems odd that my first and second wives actually get along well. As a blended family, there were always events that overlapped and had to include family members from the "other side"... We were all fortunate enough to get along very well. As a matter of fact, my first wife's mom and I are still good friends to this day!

Growing up, I always reminded my step-daughter that I was not her Dad. Her father played a very active roll in her life and I was never going to even suggest that I replaced him. After her mom and I split up, a wall went up between us (I understood the "side" she had to take). I am hopeful that her dad is making the trip from Miami for his only child's wedding, as I was not invited (understandably so)...

Anyway! I haven't seen my oldest for a few years. He has always been very supportive of me and I plan on making the time to see him and his mom this weekend!

Over and "Out", for today... From Chesapeake, VA

Look out for IKE!

On the past couple of maps I have posted, the BLUE computer model has been the closest to being accurate... Look where IKE is headed...

Over and "Out" from the middle of Tropical Storm Hanna, here in Chesapeake, VA.

I'm wishing he's a Democrat

This Palin I'd vote for:





Over and "Out" (wish he was), from Chesapeake, VA

Our Turn

Looks like Hanna has eyes for Virginia!


Over and "Out" from Chesapeake!