White Party Events .... The Kick Off...

"The Season" is officially running ahead full stream in South Florida. This week was the opening event for The White Party. There are now two weeks full of a variety of events that are part of the White Party.

Mr. S and I attended the "OUT is INC" event at the remodeled Macy's Store in South Beach. Attendance was limited and you had to RSVP in advance. OUT magazine was one of the sponsors. There was a donation given at the door to benefit Care Resource.

Once inside, the brightly lit store with minimal holiday decorations (that I refer to as a nipple ring accident) was full of the well dressed, well mannered and charming people (including some local television, political and community celebrities) that were not your late night club crowd. Attendees were treated to complimentary Svedka cocktails, a variety of delicious appetizers and music by DJ Pride. Everyone was graciously greeted by Steve Adkins (Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) before the presentation of an INC (International Concepts) runway fashion show. This was emceed by long time White Party hostess, Elaine Lancaster.

Everyone was able to shop during the event. This Macy's store is specifically catering to the South Beach resident and visitor. We were glad to run into people we knew and had a very pleasant evening.

Rita .... Celebrating a Life

Rita passed away Monday night....I received the news early this morning. My church ladies are slowing leaving us. She was my Jenga and Domino rival and partner. She was in her eighties. Her life was dedicated to teaching and the church. She had no living relatives. All of us that knew her and were part of her life are her family.

One could always see her with a smile on her face. Never to be outdone, she was always "dressed to the nines" in hand made lace and linen dresses with matching purse and shoes. I remember she was the first one on the dance floor at the last church social event.

There will be some sadness because she will be missed, but (I believe) she is where she should be. It is what we believe, preach and celebrate. So, I will be happy that she is at peace and in a heavenly place living it up. I don't really mourn the death, but celebrate the life.

Robertson for Giuiani ... Those who cast stones....

This was posted on Thursday, November 08, 2007. To link to the original blog and access to additional links go to: http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics

Robertson for Rudy (by Jim Wallis)

Pat Robertson's endorsement of Rudy Giuliani for president is simply astonishing. Robertson - the television preacher who founded the 700 Club and once ran for president himself - has made opposition to abortion and same sex marriage his political north star and has been a relentless champion of traditional marriage and family values.

Remember Robertson's merciless attacks on President Bill Clinton's lapses of sexual morality with Monica Lewinsky? Or his comments about how the 9/11 attacks were the result of America's tolerance for homosexuals and abortion?

Now Robertson is for Rudy, a thrice married adulterous husband, who is estranged from his own children and is both pro-choice and pro-gay rights. According to Pat Robertson's twisted moral logic, forgiving the social conservative shortcomings of Republicans is a Christian virtue, so long as the same virtue is never applied to Democrats. But Pat thinks Rudy can beat Hillary, and Pat really cares about winning for the Republicans.

What exactly goes on in Pat Robertson's head has puzzled many of us for a long time. This endorsement ranks as one of the most unprincipled in recent political memory. Maybe principles never mattered much to Pat Robertson after all. Perhaps the pro-business economic conservatism of the Republican Party was always more important to the televangelist than saving unborn lives. Robertson's longstanding support of murderous Liberian dictator Charles Taylor and his diamond investments thanks to Zairian dictator Mobutu Sese Seko speak louder than words when it comes to Robertson's ethic of life. And that's not to mention the more than $400 million Robertson's empire made when he sold his International Family Network to Rupert Murdoch, after building it on tax deductible contributions of thousands of CBN donors, many of modest means. He has been putting profits over principles for years.

Richard Land, spokesman for the Southern Baptist Convention, has taken a more consistent position. Land has clearly said that he won't support Giuliani if he becomes the Republican nominee, explaining in a recent Newsweek interview, "I'm not willing or able to violate my moral conscience. It would be like asking an African American to choose between Strom Thurmond and George Wallace, or asking Abe Lincoln to vote for a pro-slavery candidate. I personally can't do it." Land predicts that many social conservatives will just sit out this election if the Republicans decide to run Rudy. That's called standing for principle.

Pat Robertson clearly has taken another position. His endorsement of Rudy Giuliani will seem to many to be unprincipled hypocrisy.

Brithdays and Blessings

I can't believe it's been six years since my dad passed away. This week would have been his 75th birthday. I spent it doing house repairs and cleaning and just overall keeping busy. I am so glad family and friends still remember him fondly with many good memories.

Blessings come in many forms.....family and friends are two of them. It is good to remember and celebrate the lives of people you care about. Even if they do not want a party, cake hear that song , etc. I'm sure they do appreciate being remembered and that you appreciate that they are here.

Time to celebrate the birthdays of those that are here..... Mario (my cousin), Amparo, Nacho, Scotty and Papa Perner all celebrate birthdays this week.

Wednesday was a nice birthday get together at Ditmar's D-Bar for Scott's birthday. It was really good fun with live live Latin music,a DJ, and a show by Geraldine in the main room. Friday there will be a party for Papa Perner (Ditmar's dad).

Happy Birthday to all of you who have one in November. ENJOY!!!

A week of Tricks and Treats....

The Halloween week is over and now I'm getting into Holiday mode. We are in the middle of some home improvements so everything is dusty, messy, and just plain out of order.

Halloween night went much better than expected. The rains from (at the time) Tropical Storm Noel ceased for the evening so all the revelers and costumed people were out all over South Beach. Mr. S and I went to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". We were a hit!! There were many "virgins" there... We screamed, danced, acted out parts and had our picture taken over and over. We felt like Superstars.

The evening did not end there. We went to the Palace/D-Bar for a bit, Twist and the Heatherette Party (yes, the designers) at the Victor Hotel. Everywhere we went people asked to take our pictures and we did run into other "Rocky's, but not in the "Creation Scene" out fit. I did have on shiny black shorts and a closed leather vest under. I did not get more pictures of the evening because my camera got dropped during the Show and I didn't get it fixed until today.

Next Event: Sleepless Night, Miami Beach. 6pm until 6am. An all night, FREE, cultural event (includes, visual arts, music, cinema, fashion, music, etc) at different venues all over Miami Beach. More info and schedule at: www.sleeplessnight.org

Remember:

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME (This Saturday, November 3....turn your clocks back an hour).

Rain, Rain, Go away...I have a costume to wear!

It's Halloween week and I have already been to one party last Sunday. It was an Emergency Room theme at the Palace. Mr. S was a doctor and I was the patient.

There is a storm brewing in the tropics (Noel). The wind has picked up considerably and we are expecting rain in the middle of the week. I'm hoping it won't dampen (ha ha) our fun on Wednesday, Halloween night. We are going to see "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Colony Theater on Lincoln road. That night there is also a costume parade, but it is always a parade of people to watch on South Beach.

Will post pics later in the week. The Countesses are in town and they have brought out all the good people...and some of the scandalous ones too....

Until later, have a safe and fun week.

A Race, A Show and a Hunt...Oh, My! A busy weekend

Just some pics from the weekend events. The Susan Komen Race for the Cure (Breast Cancer), The Saturday Show at the Palace and The Herald Hunt (A Puzzle Hunt).

Pink Ribbons everywhere...

It is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many companies and organizations have been advertising special sales and events to benefit different Breast Cancer Organizations. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of the best known and is the one that organizes the Race for the Cure.

My "women" and I will be participating in the Race/Walk again this year (Saturday, October 20 at Bayfront Park). As I have mentioned before, we will be a group of survivors and supporters and also remember those that are no longer with us. I am very fortunate and proud that the survivors that are in our group are strong women that refused to be casualties and victims. They are active in their treatment and recovery. Some did it for their families, some for other personal reasons, but what they all have in common is that they had support from family and friends.

So far, my collections from sponsors for the Race has been slow (meaning not as much as I collected last year). The good part of this is that many of those that were sponsoring me last year are participants this year, therefore a greater pool of new sponsors.

Again, I will be participating with the Barcardi Team. It's always fun and we get together early for the presentations and to share stories before the event begins.

For the "40's Birthday Girls" this has become the October event and we will all get together after the event for a nice breakfast/brunch. Though, knowing this group, it might turn into a whole other event all together.

If you would like to donate or would like more information about Breast Cancer and upcoming events in your area, news, etc., go to the following site. Thanks and Peace!

http://www.komen.org/

Ups and downs and looking forward...

Been having an emotional, topsy turvey time the last two weeks..... The breakdown would be a funeral of a church friend who was also one of my "moms" ( I made and printed her funeral program and was the head Usher/coordinator at the service), two birthdays, a birth (healthy baby girl), changing travel plans, a friend moving away (to England), good family time and good relationship time. It has been quite cleansing though....I got many feelings out of the way in a short amount of time. It actually helped me put things back into perspective and appreciate all those that have a part of my life. I am re-energized.

It's getting closer to the end of the year so I took a look at some of the resolutions I made for myself at the beginning of the year. I said that 2007 would be: "... the year to rediscover my passion for life and wonder. I will travel. I will take on projects with a purpose. I will cherish friendships and nurture the ones I have. I will take time to do some introspection and feed my Spirit. I will take care of the body that has been given to me. I will take action and not sit by and let things just happen to me. I will speak up, stand up and take the time to care." I am happy to say that I think I have exceeded my own expectations. The resolutions are now part of me and are helping me grow. I will have to keep them up and add to them. Part of the success is making realistic and attainable goals.

Looking ahead for this month:

On the 7th, Mr S. and I will be going to see Patti LuPone in concert at the Knight Concert Hall at the Carnival Center. It will be a nice night out. The title of her show is "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda!"

The 4th is a "meet and greet" for the next mayor of Miami Beach, Matti Bauer. It will be at Halo on Miami Beach from 6pm to 8pm. (Register to vote if you have not done so!!!).

The 20th is "The Susan Komen Race for the Cure" (breast cancer) has become our main October Event. Again, I will be on the Barcardi Team and we will be joined by friends that are survivors and remember those who are no longer with us. Afterwards, we will be having a picnic as a get together. Please donate to the cause if you can.

On the 21st is the "Herald Hunt". This is a free event sponsored by the Miami Herald. It was made up years ago by the columnist/writer/humorist/musician, Dave Barry. It used to be called "The Tropic Hunt" (named after a Sunday section of the local paper). The event is a giant, life size scavenger hunt/puzzle. It is done in a section of Miami and includes life size props, performance artists, etc. I've participated several times and it is always a hoot. This year it is on South Beach. Previous areas have been: Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, South Miami and Coral Gables.

On the 27th is the expected arrival of the glamorous and fabulous "Northern Court" with the Countess Bedelia and the Countess duBarry. The red carpets, body guards, armoured jeweled coaches, sunshine, and Glenlivet have been ordered. The paparazzi will be working overtime.

On the 31st (Halloween), Mr S and I along with 400 other people will be viewing The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the big screen at the completely redone Colony Theater on Lincoln Road. I'm still working on what to wear......Any suggestions? It is a one night only event.

In between the events are the regular church events and meetings, family obligations and drama, and all the other surprises and constants that occur. I hope all of you are well. I will post something with more substance as I find the time to sit at the computer and put my thoughts in writing.... Until then, Peace.

September 11 and a Prayer for Peace

September 11, 2007........most of the country and some of the world recalled and memorialized the tragedy that occurred six years ago. It seems so recent in my memory. One of my cousins was in the Pentagon that day and I recall speaking to her kids in the moments of uncertainty of her whereabouts. I am glad to say she is OK and was able to get to her family later in the evening.

Tuesday evening I participated in an Ecumenical Procession and Vigil for Peace as part of the remembrance of the 9/11 attacks. It was sponsored by the Catholic Radio Station " Radio Paz 830 AM". The procession started at my parish, Todos Los Santos Episcopal Church and then headed to La Ermita de la Caridad (A church by Biscayne Bay next to Viscaya). My priest, Rev. Alejandro Hernandez, welcomed the walkers with songs and prayers. Then, the Catholic Father Alberto Cutie (pronounced cu - tee - eh...but he is a cutie) started off the walk carrying a large wooden cross. We had police escorts all the way. There were even some nuns in the mix.

When the March for Peace reached the bay, there were many more people there waiting to participate in the vigil service. After the service, there was a concert by a diverse group of Christian acts, including Christy Aria, Robert Ekonomow and Caro Fernandez (winner of the "Voice of an Angel").

It's good to see that people can get together for a common cause. Regardless of one's background we can always pray for peace.

Other clergy that were present were retired Episcopal Bishop Onell Soto and his wife (really nice and enjoyable people!!!), The Catholic Bishop Agustin Roman (old, but did the walk), and The Presbyterian Minister Rev. Martin Anorga (A great speaker). Did I mention all this was in Spanish? It was covered by the local Telemundo and Univision Stations for the news.

More information:

Radio Paz: http://www.radiopaz.org/ and http://www.radiopazmusical.com/

Pose nude for art....

"Brugge 4, 2005" by Spencer Tunick

Get Naked In Miami, For Art's Sake!

from: "SCENE IN THE TROPICS" The Miami Herald, section 4-A, 8/21/2007
By LESLEY ABRAVANEL
lank@aol.com

Attention art lovers, exhibitionists and nudists! The Sagamore Hotel in Miami Beach just announced that they're hosting the first South Florida art installation by artist Spencer Tunick, known for his elaborately posed still and video images of multiple nude figures in public settings. On Oct. 8, 2007, the artist will use the hotel as the backdrop for multiple nude formations consisting of Miami locals and tourists. Tunick's photographs and videos taken that day will be exhibited at the Sagamore during Art Basel Miami Beach in December.

Want to shed your clothes for art's sake?

Sign up at:

http://www.spencertunick.com/

To see some of his artwork/images go to:

http://www.i-20.com/artist.php?artist_id=19

Other site:

http://www.sagamorehotel.com/

The image is "Brugge 4, 2005" by Spencer Tunick

The Borinqueneers

This month on PBS there was the premiere of "The Borinqueneers". It is a documentary film about the all Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment. The only all Hispanic unit in the history of the United States Army.

The 65th Infantry Regiment was created in 1899 by the United States Congress as a segregated unit composed primarily of Puerto Ricans with mostly continental officers. They served in three wars: World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

For those of you who do not know: Puerto Rico is an island commonwealth of the United States located in the Caribbean. It shares in many of the benefits of the United States. The people are considered US citizens, but do not have the right to vote in U.S. elections. They do have voice/representation in Congress. Puerto Ricans serve in the U.S. military and can be drafted.
"Borinquen" is the nickname Puerto Ricans use for the island, coming from the original Taino Indian inhabitants of the island.

The film is well researched and has interviews with veterans and archival footage. The DVD has additional interviews and footage not presented in the PBS viewing.

This film give one a view of a proud people that served (and continue to serve) the United States, even through mistreatment and discrimination. It is especially more personal for me, since my parents and grandparents had friends that served/serve ... some never returned. One of my younger cousins just finished serving in the United States Army (he volunteered). My aunt's current husband is even president of The Veterans of Foreign Wars for Puerto Rico and attended the WWII Memorial Inauguration.

For more information:

www.borinqueneers.com

www.pbs.org

The Visible Vote 2008 - A Presidential Forum

On Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 9:00 pm, The Logo Channel (http://www.logoonline.com/)

will be presenting a Democratic Presidential Debate

with a discussion of LGBT issues on the national stage.

NOTE: There is a link on the Logo website for you to submit
questions to the candidates.

(Clinton, Edwards, Gravel, Kucinich, Obama, Richardson)

If you are in the Miami, FL area, Please join SAVE to watch the
Democratic Presidential Debate from 8:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

At the following locations:
Andiamo Brick Oven Pizza: 5600 Biscayne Blvd.,Miami, FL 33137
Lucky Strike Lanes: 1691 Michigan Avenue,Miami Beach, FL 33139

The debate begins at 9:00 P.M.

REMEMBER: If you are not registered to vote and do not use your right to vote, you have no voice.

update

Been busy the past few weeks....birthday parties, kid's coming in and out, science museum, bowling, pool, beach, movies, video games, catching lizards, etc. It is all fun, but a little tiring when you revolve around other people's schedules. Have been having some "us" time with Mr. S...so I am happy.

Have about one week left with the godson. They will be heading to Orlando again on Sunday for a few days, then back here to then depart back to Wisconsin on the 11th. Whew! Where has the time gone?!

Will post something with more substance when I have some quiet time. Until then... enjoy...

Summer kids ....

Well, the kid is here and the action and drama has begun. The day of his arrival we had an impromptu birthday party of about 20 people..... of course he and I were the only boys until the dad of two of the girls arrived. We had a private revolt and escaped into a "Ghost Rider" video game. (Girls tolerated, but not allowed.) They are that that age (most of them are all 9 yrs old) where they like each other, but independence is needed. They are heavily into the "Boy versus Girl" thing.
The next day my sis and his mom took him to Orlando. They were in a suite at the Gaylord Hotel, so they were very comfortable. After visits to amusement parks, etc. they returned. We have already seen all the new movies. But, he has not seen the new "Harry Potter"...we are waiting for another friend's boy to arrive on Saturday.
Next up is the pool party on Sunday. It is a compromised theme ... Sponge Bob and Hot Wheels. I have released my OCD to the moms and aunts and I will make a potato salad and play with the kids. Too much drama when none is needed. It is simple with kids...it's the adults that make it difficult.
The week after three more boys arrive, so the odds will be in our favor for a change.

Hope all of you are enjoying the hot summer. Remember to keep hydrated so as not to encourage sunstroke....and use your sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection.

Another July Birthday....

Happy Birthday, Ditmar!!!

This week was the birthday of our friend,

favorite Austrian Bartender and event planner ......Ditmar.

I wish him much luck in the new venture of "D-Bar" (otherwise known as the backroom lounge of the Palace Food Bar at 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach).

He always has smile for you and is a great host.

I'm sure there are more celebrations in the planning......

Workplace Fairness for LGBT persons

Join the Business Coalition for Workplace Fairness

Congress will debate the Employment Non Discrimination Act of 2007 this month!

Freedom, liberty and justice for all are central tenets of the United States Constitution and integral rights that your Representatives in Washington are sworn to uphold. Take this opportunity to join Fortune 500 companies and other small and medium sized businesses across the United States to add your business and your voice with the NGLCC and Human Rights Campaign as a part of the Business Coalition for Workplace Fairness.

Click here to print and sign the Coalition Form, and fax it to 866-396-3348.

As a business owner, tell your Members of Congress that now is the time to pass the Employment Non Discrimination Act of 2007 and make workplace discrimination against LGBT people history!

Join LGBT and Allied Businesses Across the Country

to Stop Workplace Discrimination
Send a letter to your representatives in Washington, DC and let them know that you support fairness in the workplace as a business owner and constituent

Did you know that it is legal in 32 states to fire someone for being gay or lesbian? Did you know that it is legal to fire someone for being transgender in 41 states? Click here to find contact information for your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and let them know that you support ending workplace discrimination. You will also find draft text to use in your correspondence.

Send the correspondence on your business' letterhead and fax a copy to your Representative and Senators' offices in Washington, DC. Also, please fax a copy of your letter to the NGLCC headquarters at 202.419.0443.

Congress Will be Debating ENDA Soon - Ensure Your Voice is Heard!

Add your name to the Business Coalition for Workplace Fairness and then let your Representative and Senators know that you support the equitable treatment of all workers under the law.

Columbia getting ahead of USA on LGBT rights?!!!

Colombia Gives Gay Couples Same Rights As Marriage

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: June 15, 2007 - 4:30 pm ET

(Bogota, Columbia) Colombia's Congress has passed legislation giving same-sex couples most of the same rights as opposite-sex married couples.
President Alvaro Uribe has said he will sign the bill into law.
Under the legislation same-sex couples would have to register as partners. They would have to have lived together for more than two years and be of legal age.
In return they will receive the same social security and inheritance rights as married couples.
Supporters of the bill had tried four times since 1999 to pass the legislation, but each time it failed after opposition from the Roman Catholic Church.
Its success this time is attributed to a February Constitutional Court ruling that gay and lesbian couples must have the same property rights as opposite-sex couples.
The court struck down the definition of cohabitating couples as "men and women" in a 1990 law that allowed unmarried couples property rights including joint ownership of land and rights when one partner died.
The court said the law must be gender neutral.
Under the law same-sex couples who wanted to share their property had had to create a business, put the property in the company name, and list the domestic partners as joint shareholders in the company. But, even that did not always guarantee that in the case of death of one of the partners the shared possessions would go to the surviving one.
In its ruling the court carefully noted the decision did not automatically permit civil unions. That issue it said was up to the Congress. But the ruling clearing indicated for the first time that the court favored gull recognition of same-sex relationships.
"This makes Colombia a more democratic, more open place," LGBT activist Virgilio Barco told the Reuters news service.
"It marks the first time that legislation like this has passed at a national level in Latin America," Barco said.

LINK:

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/06/061507columbia.htm

Summertime, Summertime!

It is officially Summer, but it seems to have hit South Florida early this year. We've had the afternoon thunderstorms, humidity, heat, and some glorious days of bright sun. The plans are already under way. First up is an engagement party on June 29th. The next day I will be going with Mr. S to the Jersey Shore for the 4th of July weekend. ( We will be meeting up with Nancy and some other of Mr. S's extended family.)

Upon the return, the invasion of visitors begins. Most of the girls are like little sisters to me (except my cousins). My cousin and son (9 yrs old) will be the first to arrive. He will be here until August 10, so many activities with children will be the order of the day (this includes trips to the pool, beach, museums, a birthday party, movies, bowling, etc). Next will be a friend from Virginia and her new beau staying for a few days and then taking a cruise. A friend from Atlanta and her son (7 yrs old) will be coming twice this summer. Next up is the Massachusetts group: Husband, wife, and 3 boys (3 yrs old and twins that are 1 yr old). Last, but not least is my cousin from Maryland, her husband and two teenagers (boy and girl). Whew! I gotta make sure the BBQ is clean and the house is in order and stocked up.

This is not including the expected tropical storms and hurricanes for this season. Supplies have been purchased and the generator is ready. Though, some more food supplies might be needed. It's all part of the cost of living in South Florida. I do prefer hurricanes than other natural occurrences....at least you know it's coming and can prepare.

Also during the summer is the planning and staffing of some church youth events that I have committed to assist with. Not included are the unexpected family things that come up.

My camera got busted on the way back from the Bahama's, but the new, upgraded one will be here any day! So, (crossing my fingers) I will have some good pictures to share.

Hope all of you have a good Summer and enjoy some nature, some family and friends and take a little time to enjoy and relax.... at least take some quiet time for yourself.... Peace!

Gemini Birthday

Happy Birthday, Mr. S !!!!

Today is Mr. S's birthday. He really did not want a lot of people to know. He's been doing that "I'm feeling old" thing. I think most of us all look better than some of the twenty and thirty somethings I've seen around lately..... or maybe it's just my rose colored glasses....

He is working today. To celebrate, we will have a few cocktails at a local establishment, I will cook him a nice dinner, give him his gift and card, then and we will have a quiet night in. It's not one of the "big number" birthdays, so he really did not want a fuss, lots of people, etc.

Wishing all you Gemini a great birthday!!!

(Note: The pic is from our trip to the Bahama's....his first time snorkeling....You are never too old to try something new!!!!)

Dad, Father, Baby Daddy, Papi, etc....

First and foremost, "Happy Father's Day"!!!

Sunday is Father's Day. This day is a bit difficult for me. My dad passed away in 2000. You never really get over the death of a parent, especially if you had a good relationship. There is a void and some sadness thinking about someone you could not imagine would not be there. The happiness and joy comes from all that we shared (the nice and not so nice times) and knowing how many people cared for and loved my father....his smile, bad jokes, openness to all, sometimes the stubbornness, and charity. So....on to Father's Day.....

Okay, some of you have dads that were in your lives and others did not. Whether he was active in your life (in a good or bad way) or completely out of the picture, we all have a father. That is just a biological fact. Having a good father or dad is sometimes the luck of the draw...as they say "we can't choose our family." It is my luck that I had a good one. (NOTE: Either way, this does not excuse you from your own responsibilities or choices you make for yourself.)

My dad was, after I got older, my best friend and whom I told everything to. My mom and sister still have difficulty with this because they thought they could replace him for me in this aspect.....they don't get the father/son/guy thing. You just don't replace people that way.

So, what do we do with Father's Day? I have men in my life that have been "father like" and I have, by example, been a father to others. I have kid's in my life whose father's are not really active in their lives. What do I do? I listen, do activities with them, stand my ground on appropriate behavior, give them guidance when appropriate, babysit if asked....it's the "it takes a village" idea. (Note: when the mother is around all decisions are deferred to her, unless you are asked or ask.) It's really an honor and a compliment that I am trusted. I've even received Father's Day cards and gifts.

To those of you who have physical children of your own: You have the opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the life of a spectacular human being. The ability to procreate does not end your responsibility as a father. To those of you with adopted children or have children in your lives that you care for: It's a hard job. To all the men: Step up and help when you can....there is a generation of kid's out there that is getting lost because of bad examples and no one that "step's up" as a good male role model or father figure.

To All: Go ahead and show appreciation to all the fathers, dads, papis, etc in your life. Many are under appreciated. When was the last time you saw an athelete say "Hey Dad!" when they are interviewed after a successful game?

I guess that's enough of my "off the top of my head" rant about Father's Day....enjoy the day and have a good week.

Old Friends and New Lives......

Tuesday I afternoon I received a telephone call. I heard a "Hey Louie!" and then "Are you up for a visit today?" It took me a minute to recognize the voice. It was one of my old friends that I grew up and got in trouble with (MDG). His family lived in the neighborhood and we all went to the same church. I said "Sure!". I had not seen him since his wife's funeral a year and a half ago.

Things sure have changed the last few years. The "gang" used to be 4 of us. MDG and AB are two years older than me and GF and I are the same age. We did and went everywhere together. Our parents knew each other and if one got in trouble, the others heard about it before we got home. This was a time without cellphones, i-Pods, e-mail or IMs....so the parent mafia was strong, we were able to get around many things. We had to use home telephones and pay telephones to communicate or actually go to the person's house.....sometimes we had to use a thing called "a letter" that you had to use actual paper and ink and mail through the post office. From Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Warriors midnight shows, the beach, boogie boarding, church retreats/conferences, trips to the "Tiki Bar" and "Monty's", hanging out in Coconut Grove and the Malls ... we were all over the city.

One year I was physically kidnapped for my birthday (with my parent's permission). They picked me up the day before my birthday, we went to Ft. Lauderdale and they refused to bring me back. The actual day of my birthday we got to the house and there was a surprise party waiting for me. I was happy and angry at the same time (I did not have a chance to shower, shave, and put on fresh clothes to make an appropriate entrance.).

We have gone through many things together...weddings, births, baptisms, birthdays, death of parents and some friends, family trouble, health issues, etc. This is at least a 35 year relationship..... We keep in touch here and there and sometimes lament the freedom of youth and how things have changed for the kids of today. Some of the kids that I Know do not understand how we can still be in contact after so many years or believe how much we did when we were younger.

MDG and I talked for about 5 hours and he stayed for dinner. My little sis came by and there was another wave of memories. While I was in college and then living in Tampa, he and the gang were my eyes, ears and her big brothers.

A lot has changed in all our lives. MDG is a widower (no kids) and now a mail carrier, AB just announced that after 17 years he is getting divorced (they have two boys age 3 and 13), and GF is doing ok but has gained about 100 pounds (he has two kids). I seem to be the keeper of information and the contact for the gang. It's a good feeling, but sometimes a little sad that we do not see each other as often as we did. It is a little difficult since we are a little spread out (locally)..... Miami, Way West Kendall, Hollywood and Boca Raton.

All of us are now taking care of aging parents and are involved in different church or community events. It's good to know that you can still keep some friendships. We are no longer the kids we were and we all have new or evolving lives. The core of the person is still there and I am glad we can still talk once in awhile.

Here's hoping that all of you have at least one friendship you cherish.

The rain is here.....

South Florida has been under water restrictions due to the lack of rain. This has caused Lake Okeechobee (source of clean water) to go down to it's lowest level. The water from the Lake is also a source of water for the Everglades. It no longer has a natural flow due to Human intrusion and control. There is currently a plan to try to restore the Everglades, but once you mess with Nature it is hard to put it back.....

Today is the first day of Hurricane season and we are expecting rain for the next few days. This is a good thing. It might ruin a couple of outdoor plans, but we do need the water.

I've been wanting to get some new flowering plants for the front yard, but that requires that they get watered regularly to take root and survive. I only use plants that are native to Florida.

Oh Well......on to the weekend. Was planning on going to the beach one of the days...let's see how it goes with the rain...... Might end up another indoor movie day....hmm... maybe some retail therapy.....

The artwork is titled "Everglades" and is by Nicholas (8 years old). I am counting the days as he will be here the beginning of July and through the beginning of August.