Tequila.....

Thought some people would get a chuckle out of this.....

Summertime with the kids...

Today got home from Mr. S's and immediately got involved with the plans for the kids this week. Nicholas and my sis are going to Washington D.C. this weekend to visit the other cousins and tour around the town.

I went to the pool get together (I was the only adult male) with six kids (3 boys, 3 girls...all 10yrs and under). We had pizza and goofed around until 9pm. Tomorrow afternoon we are all going to the beach ... most likely Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. It will be games, food and hanging out on the sand and (if okay) the water.

In the morning I'm getting my mom to do her trip shopping done early. It is a family trait that we buy something new before we travel. Plus, we have to buy my aunt's birthday gift and card.

The bad new for the week: My camera is got knocked down and now the lens won't open. I'll play with it a bit and see what I can do. It is a sore spot for me right now. I'll survive. Have a good week!

Foggy Morning in Jersey (4th of July Weekend 2008)

Here we go again.... so in the in between time, enjoy some nice pics...

The kid just went home two weeks ago and now is coming back this Saturday and staying until August 10 ... but it is an open ticket...

Mom is going to see the family in Puerto Rico at the end of the month ... It was her idea and I am glad she is getting out and travelling.

Sunday will be 8 years since my Dad passed away, so Mom is having family friends over for dinner and some fun and music to remember him by .. they'll end with some prayers...

Many other things going on this weekend...Tommy and DJ Leo's birthdays....meetings, etc.

Enjoy some pics I took in San Antonio. Let me know if you like any of them....

If you want to see some of the video reports the kids did for YOU TUBE and articles written, go to: http://www.eye2008.org/.

Have a good weekend.

The Lady by the Window..

It was the middle of the week and it was the day we were taking all the participants of the Episcopal Youth Event to downtown San Antonio. I was one of the guides on one of the seven buses. It is a short trip to downtown from Trinity University. You do the math....seven buses, three trips, 57 persons per bus......

It was in the upper 80's/low 90's and my sister, Christy and I had just walked most of downtown and crossed the street from the Alamo to Hagen Daz to cool down. While in the midst of tourists, kids, adults yelling, seeing people pile up with the tacky souvenirs, my eyes were attracted to this woman quietly eating her ice cream by the window. Nothing was distracting her...she just gazed calmly out the window. When she was done, she picked up her bag and elegantly walked out the door, crossed the street and caught the next bus.....

One day to go........

Have been having a great and tiring time at the EYE. We have a day and a half full of meetings and events before ending the event on Sunday afternoon. Some of us on the team that are on the same flight time out will be stopping for some "adult time" before saying our good-byes and returning to our homes. Just in our little group of friends we are scattered across the USA ...California, Iowa, Georgia, New Jersey, Kansas, Florida, Western Missouri, Puerto Rico....
I made some new friends and reconnected with some old ones. I am going to try to keep in touch.

I am missing Mr. S and we have connected at least once daily by phone or text. I am really looking forward to seeing that sly smile he gives me when he gets "those thoughts" in his head....and all those other things that makes me love him......

EYE 2008

All the participants arrive today for the Episcopal Youth Event. It is held every three years. You can read more about it at:

www.eye2008.org.

Happy 4th of July!!!

I am in Mantoloking, New Jersey (the Jersey Shore) with Mr. S staying at the home of some of his friend's from Boston, their family and children ....including the wonderful Nancy and the uber intelligent Howard. The pics are from last year, since I don't think I'll be posting the current pics until after my trip.

Everyone down the shore has their American Flags up and decorate their homes for the festivities. There are fireworks in the evening and sometimes more than one day. I'm hoping we get to the boardwalk for a little bit this year. The water is too cold for a South Floridian .... anything under 75 degrees is cold.

I always remember spending different Fourth of July's with my family on the beach ... all of in red, white and blue outfits and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken or a Bar-B-Que ...

The last few fireworks we saw were at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. We would bring some drinks and snacks, enjoy the live orchestra and Carnival food and games for the kids and sit on the Golf Course lawn until dusk. Then, once it was dark Uncle Sam would appear and lead the orchestra. The display would be over our heads and everyone would "Ooooh!" and "Aaaah" then end with a big applause.

Please remember all those who believe and fight for our rights and independence in all aspects of our lives...

Have a great day!!!!

Getting Ready to Go....

Traveling by airplane used to be so much easier....

I'm packing my stuff for my trips and am trying to get everything in a carry-on bag.....not successfully. I guess I'll have to carry a set of clothes with me just in case my bag gets diverted to another location.

The one thing I have to decide is on my travel reading. I always have a book or two and I have yet to buy a new one. I'm thinking the new James Bond, Barbra Walters, Chelsea Handlers or maybe re-read one of my books in Spanish by Isabel Allende...

I am looking forward to being away with Mr. S for a few days, but disappointed that I won't see him for a week after.... We'll make up the time when I get back...

Hope all of you have a good vacation some time this summer.....

Spin Nation

Last Saturday I participated in "Spinning Nation" (http://www.spinnningnation.org/). It was a National fundraising event involving approximately 500 fitness clubs across the country. (FYI: Spinning is what they call the class/exercise on the stationary bikes).

I had signed up for one class (1 hour long) at CRUNCH on Miami Beach's Washington Avenue location and ended up doing two classes in a row. Somehow, I was full of energy and the next day I was sore....felt great, but sore!

The three organizations that benefited equally from the event were Cancer Schmancer (Women's Cancer early detection sponsored by Fran Drescher), Athletes for a Cure (Prostate Cancer), and the Aids Research Alliances. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. There is still a two week window if you would like to donate or sponsor me...just follow the instructions on the link. If you do not have an organization that you feel passionate about in assisting, just look at what is personal to you and start from there.

More Birthdays...

Last week we celebrated Mr. S's birthday with friends and fun. We all had a great time. He was really touched by the presence of all those there.

Today is my sister's birthday (Irma). We are just having a quiet dinner and cake at home. She is the oldest sibling and I always remember her and my little sis having the big parties and blow outs.....

Tomorrow is Mr. Astor's birthday and Mrs Astor is literally putting on a show. They are really outstanding people. I'm sure there will be an outpouring of good wishes from all the Southern and Northern Court.....

Been busy...will post pics when I have a chance. It is going to be a rushed week. I have to get ready and pack (at the same time) for the 4th on the Jersey Shore with Mr. S and the EYE event in San Antonio .... I will be out from the 3rd to the 13th of July.....

Until later ... keep hydrated if it's hot our and take care of each other.....

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Some down time today. Remembering my dad today.... very grateful and blessed for the time we did have.....

The pic is from the last Father's Day we had together.

...and he keeps on going...

The boy is in town and he arrived charged up like the Energizer Bunny. I can't remember being that active when I was 10 years old. This was his first airplane ride by himself and he was a little nervous at first, but there were two other kids also flying alone on the same flight. Though, I am a little disgusted with the airline charging an extra $100.00 for that "service" ..... (Midwest Air).

We went to an anniversary dinner and he was the only child and made me and my sis know it the whole time .... but he was very well behaved, social and polite. He didn't like any of the food and said "No, Thank You" then sat until all were done with the meal.

By 10 PM he was powering down, but by 11 PM he was hungry. He ate and then the evening acts began ... shower, change, bedtime reading, etc. It's only the first day.... two more weeks to go.....

The Tiffany's together!!!!

Two of my favorites performing together!!! One I've known since her Miss Florida Reign and performances in Tampa in the 80's the other since "Liquor Sisters Night" at Laundry Bar.

Sunday, June 8, 2008 at TWIST. 1:00 AM. Be there if you can...it will be great!

June, Already??!!!!!!

Where is the year going? It seem like we just had a New Year's Celebration and now half the year is over.

Mr. S has been very busy with the renovations of Twist and I have been busy with Mr. S, family stuff, church stuff and volunteer stuff.....so basically a lot of stuff.....

I am getting my summer travel and plans together. First up, the godson will be in town for the second half of June. He'll be doing the Seaquarium Summer Camp for a week. I'll be helping him do the work to get one of his Cub Scout badges and doing "guy stuff" including bowling, movies, video games, beach etc.

Then, in July Mr. S and I will be at the Jersey Shore with friends and their children/family for the 4th of July weekend. It is a beautiful home and I can't wait. All we do is cook, eat, beach, pool, talk, drink wine, play board games and puzzles.....very relaxing. The Sunday of that weekend I will have to fly directly to San Antonio, Texas for the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE).

I will be meeting up with my sis at EYE. It is a National/International week long event with about 1,500 Episcopal high school kids. I am on the Hospitality Team...specifically a resource person for the dorms. It will be exciting, since the last time I was at Trinity University was 23 years ago at this event as a chaperone for 17 kids from Southeast Florida. I have been on the planning for this event for 2 years now and have been working the event as dorm crew for the last few events.

Well, coming up this week: Tuesday I will go to Edison Farrow's Martini Tuesday at the great location of the Townhouse Hotel Rooftop. It it the birthday of one of Mr. S's friends, Janet. She loves "Hello Kitty" so I got her a purse and matching change purse. She does not know we will be there, so it will be a surprise for her.

I'll post some pics and other stuff later in the week. Have a productive and safe week.

Thought for today

Take time to...
WORK, it is the price of success.
PLAY, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
THINK, it is the source of power.
READ, it is the fountain of wisdom.
PRAY, it is conversation with God.
LAUGH, it is the music of the soul.
LISTEN, it is the pathway to understanding.
DREAM, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
WORSHIP, it is the highway of reverence.
LOVE, and be loved, it is the gift of God.



Michael W. Hughey, 1985

Friday Night Excursion

The Miami Gay Lesbian Film Festival Volunteer Appreciation Party was held last Friday at the bay front home of Dr. Ward. Mr. S, Kendall and I started off by meeting at Halo for the new happy hour hosted by Edison Farrow. We ran into The Mrs Astor, Mr. S's bosses and some other friends. There were music and comedy videos playing on the walls. It was entertaining.

Afterwards, we went to the Party. I was expecting more than I got. The home was very nice and there was much art to admire. There was a great view of the bay and the evening ended with a quick fireworks display.

Okay, now my venting part. It was difficult to RSVP for the event because one was not told of the location in order to make that decision. After two e-mails I received the reply and confirmed our affirmative attendance. I was told they needed numbers for catering numbers. I then assumed there would be food served. The food, while we were there, pita, fruit, a type of hummus ..... basically a Vegan Fest. There was an open bar and that was okay (left overs from the festival).

The Party was to be an appreciation for the volunteers, but what I saw in attendance was mainly board members and other organizers of the MGLFF. Phillip, the volunteer organizer, was there and he is always cheerful and pleasant. He, besides Nellie, was the only one to approach us and make us feel at home and welcome. Carol Coombes was nice, but when it came time to make the welcome, intros, etc all there was was a "pat on the back" for the organizers, board members, patrons, etc and a quick mention of the volunteers. I was disappointed. Then, most of the attendees stayed to their "cliques" and did not mingle. We stayed for about an hour an a half of the three hour event and then departed.

We raided some goodie bags and then went to TWIST to finish the evening. We ended up running into some of the people that were at Halo earlier. Then, we headed back to my home for the weekend.

I will volunteer again next year for the MGLFF and might have bigger role in organizing, etc. I did speak to Phillip about the idea of those who know to mentor those who would like to "step up" their roles next year.

Enough for now, have a good week!!

Who's In Charge While Mom's Away...?

My mom finally got on the plane on Thursday to go to visit my cousins in DC. Their son is getting confirmed on Saturday at the National Cathedral. I'm sure it's going to be nice.

The big hassle was convincing my mom to only travel with a carry on bag....and what a shock....we had to buy a new suitcase for the trip. Next was two days of picking and choosing the right clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, etc.... (Changing her mind twice after I folded the final choices and packed them neatly in the bag.) It's always a woman's choice to change her mind. In the end, we did it.

Once she arrived, Linda and her mom picked her up with baby Chloe. You can never be unhappy with a nice new baby in your arms. Mom was in mommy heaven.

She'll be travelling back to Miami on Monday. I am in charge of Irma while she is away, but my younger sis still has to put in her ten cents worth. We do have "discussions" over everything under the sun. (Mr. S says it is our "thing" and we thrive on it with each other.) I'll be home most of the weekend and Mr. S will be here on Sat and Sun.

I do get to get out on Friday evening for a bit for the Miami Gay Lesbian Film Festival Volunteer Appreciation Party. It's going to be a catered event at the Miami Beach water front home of a doctor that is one of the patrons for the Festival. I'm looking forward to having some nice conversations with the people I got to work with and to get to know some of the others a little better.

On a side note: A good and wonderful friend is having a medical procedure done on Friday, so she is on my prayer list and many good thoughts are being sent her way.

Until later....Have a good one..........

Mama's Day!

Mom in her new dress and shoes with pearls and ready to go!

Welcome, Chloe Alejandra.....You just made Linda a Mom!

Happy Mother's Day!!

To all those who are a Mom in any way, shape or form, I wish you many blessings and a great day!

Today all of us (my mom, sis, Mr S. and I) will go to church in the morning and then have a nice outdoor barbecue lunch with Mr. S's to die for "Grandma's Bread Pudding" with Whisky Sauce for desert.

Hope all of you take some time today to thank or remember

your mother or that someone who has been like a mother to you.