Just got back from another Stuck In Traffic Rehoboth Beach Summertime Fun Times!
What was I thinking? I get a notice from TD Bank this morning that unless I posted a transaction in my account within the next thirty days they are going to make it inactive. Then after a period of inactivity (I didn't check to see how long) they would escheat the balance of my account to the state of Delaware. Hey! I don't have that much money ($2,695) in that account but I sure as hell don't want to give it to the state of Delaware or another other entity. I've already had that happen once years ago when I had a convenience account at a bank in Provincetown, Mass. I think I only had about three hundred dollars in that account (actually a substantial sum, this was in the Seventies) but it disappeared into the ether (state of Massachusetts) because when I made my annual summertime trip to Provincetown I found out they had close my account. Money gone!
So when I get these notices from the banks (by the way, the Provincetown Bank never sent me a notice or if they did, it got lost in the shuffle of my life back then, I was much more active then than I am now), I pay attention! I write out a check for $100 and drive down to the bank to make a deposit to keep my account alive for another six months. Why don't I close the account you ask? Because I have a TD bank account in Canada and they are connected. I never know when I'll have to use my Canadian TD Bank account again. I used to use it when I visited Pat in Canada but I can't do that now because of the Orange Jesus. I'm afraid if I visit Pat in Canada I won't be able to come back to the U.S. Why? Because the border guards sometimes check one's iPhone, including Hidden Files, before they let you across the border. I have a lot of anti-Convicted Felon images on my iPhone photos. Yes Virginia, this is the era we are living in now where freedom of speech and expression can get you into trouble. I never thought I would live to see this day but here we are. May I live long enough to see this evil go away but for right now I have to face reality. No visits to Pat in Canada during this Reign of Intimidation, Threats and Corruption.
So I want to keep my TD American account active. I write out a check for one hundred dollars. Hop in my car and head down Route One........ON A SUMMERTIME FRIDAY AFTERNOON! What was I thinking?
About forty-five minutes later I arrive at the Rehoboth TD bank branch, a trip that normally takes about seven to ten minutes. Yes Virginia, I sat in my 2010 Red Subaru Forester in this hot summer heat inching along Route One until I got to the TD Bank branch office.
I made my $100 deposit and vowed to myself never again to take my Subaru or any other vehicle down Route One on a summertime day for any reason.
Last Saturday evening (June 15, 2024, before my fall in the Walmart parking lot); Pat, Glenn and I went on an evening cruise. It was wonderful.
Glen and I chatting as the sun sets on our evening cruise out of Lewes, Delaware
I have been on this evening cruise once before with my friend Bob C. in 2009.At that time I was much younger and healthier, I could stand up straight. As you can see in the current picture of me the arthritis in my neck has changed my stance. I'm not an old man. There is getting around that fact now. But be that as it may, there was a long time between evening cruises.
Me and Bob C. Whale Watch cruise 20009 (we didn't see any whales)
This cruise leaves Lewes, Delaware out the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal to the Broadkill River to the Atlantic Ocean and back. The cruise leaves about seven PM and returns approximately two hours later, at nine PM or just about when the summertime evening begins to darken. It is a lovely cruise.
The last time I took it with my friend Bob C. (the picture of us is one of the daytime cruises which I also took) the cruise was booked solid. There was a large Russian contingent, most of those folks were young foreign workers in the town of Lewes, Rehoboth and thereabouts for summertime employment. Even though I enjoyed that cruise I didn't have a chance to stand by the railing and enjoy the warm summertime evening breeze off the water.
When the cruise boat leaves the Fishing Wharf Dock, the captain blows the horn and folks around the canal know the drill, wave at the tourists going out on the boat to see the dolphins. Sure, it's hokey but it's fun. Especially when you're with friends and Pat and Glenn are just the perfect friends for a summertime holiday! Two delightful men who I am very fortunate to have as my friends.
This is the Sunset Cruise and the sun didn't let us down. Glenn and I took advantage of the beautiful sunset on the water to take some great pictures.
Glenn taking that iconic sunset picture of the lighthouse
Glenn and Pat were here for ten days. Every day the weather was perfect summertime weather. Of course the sun and warm temperatures probably contributed to me collapsing the next day in the Walmart parking lot but that's on me. I should have gotten more rest.
My lighthouse sunset picture - good enough for a calendar?
With Glenn I was able to get some pictures of me and Pat that weren't selfies. I have a couple pictures that strangers took when they saw me trying to take a selfie of me and Pat in whatever city we were in at that time. Glenn took some candid pictures of me and Pat. That was so considerate of him. Just how lucky am I to have such friends?
Here is an interesting fact. I met both Pat and Glenn through my blog but neither one of them reads my blog. Even now they don't read it or follow it. Pat saw my photo on the Internet when I testifying before the Delaware State Legislature in 2013 for Marriage Equality. He was wondering who that handsome guy (me?) was and did some Internet sleuthing and found my blog. That's how he contacted me in the summer of 2013 and the rest is history. He occasionally reads my blog when there is something special but I doubt if he will even see this posting like most of my blog postings. That's all right. We're friends now, and that's all that counts.
With Glenn, it was his late partner Michael who followed my blog. Glenn never read my blog but was aware that his partner liked my blog and eagerly looked forward to my postings. Can you imagine anyone looking forward to my postings? Not fishing for compliments here folks but my blog is mainly about my self therapy. I just have to write. Glenn knew of me. When his partner Michael died, he sent me a note telling me of Michael's passing. I was wondering why Michael never commented on my blog anymore. As I wrote before in this blog, I received Glenn's note of Michael's passing the evening Bill was airlifted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia with a traumatic brain injury in January 2021. I was so distraught that night, thinking that I would never see Bill alive again. I managed to find Glenn's phone number and FaceTimed him and we've been friends ever since. This was Glenn's second visit to Casa Tipton-Kelly. He is always welcome to visit.
I'll post more this week about Pat and Glenn's visit. Their visit was one of the delightful times of my life in spite of the three day hospital stay I had when I over extended myself. Thank goodness they were with me when I fell and provided support for me. I am so fortunate to have such friends.
Yesterday morning Bill and I completed a task that was delayed by his accident last month, updating his end of life documents.
Our lawyer brought Bill's end of life documents out to our car for his signature. Two witnesses also came out to stand by our car in the sunny cold air which was parked in front of the lawyer's office on Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, to witness Bill signing his documents. That task done I decided to take the three block ride down to the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and take a walk. I love walking on the boardwalk during offseason days like yesterday. The ocean, with the waves rolling in on the cold sand, is the same but the crowds are gone. Just a few brave souls walking the boards with the cold ocean air winds, so tranquil and peaceful. Something I need during this change in our lives. But while I was waiting for copies that were being made for me of Bill's end of life documents, I watched the people bustling around my lawyer's office. I thought to myself, "I used to be like that. I had a job for many years at a bank in Philadelphia. I commuted every day to Philadelphia from Downingtown to my job as a trust operations manager. I worked right in center city Philadelphia with all that hustle and bustle. I would manage and supervise thirty some people to get that day's trust remittances, statements, and fees out the door for that day. I would meet friends for lunch. I would take the R-5 train home at the end of the day. Bill would be waiting for me at the train station in his Jeep Cherokee. We would ride home to our two story gambrel roofed farmhouse on seven acres of wooded land. Our three Pomeranian dogs would be so excited to see me, yapping and jumping all over me. I would take a shower, come down from my upstairs bedroom/bathroom and make dinner. Then perhaps I would watch a little TV or in the summertime, with daylight savings time, do some years work. I would go to bed around eleven o'clock. Get up at 4:30 AM the next morning, have breakfast and catch the 6:02 AM R-5 Septa express train for the hour commute to Philadelphia. Then I would do it all over again, five days a week. I thought nothing of that routine. That was my life. Now, I have memories. This is the week I would have been in Palm Springs for a two week stay with my Canadian buddy Pat F. That plane left yesterday without me, because of COVID. Just as well, because if COVID wasn't here I couldn't have went anyway. Who know when I'll ever be able to go again. Little did I know last year at this time as Pat and I sat in the courtyard of a popular local Palm Springs coffee shop, luxuriating in our easy life that my life would take such a turn. I would never have guessed in a million years a global pandemic would totally uproot life as we know it on our planet. And that I would be the full-time caregiver for my lover/parnter/companian/husband of fifty six years. That today, instead of enjoying a mocha latte in Palm Springs I would be cleaning pee off our wall to wall carpeting that leads to Bill's bathroom, and changing his Pampers underpants and yoga pants and trying to explain to him that he should push his red Med-Doorbell button alert that I have hanging around his neck so I can help him go to the bathroom (my life now revolves around attending to his bathroom needs) and we wouldn't have to go through undressing him from his urine soaked yoga pants and Pampers and putting new ones on him. He said he "thought he made it" to the bathroom urinal jug that I have there for him. He still hasn't figured out to hold the jug. He was so exhausted after changing that he listened to me to push that red button that's hanging on a lanyard around his neck. It's going to be much easier on him (and me) if he lets me know when he "has to go." Five years ago, when I tore my left leg quadricep muscle, I had a cast on for twelve weeks. The first several weeks Bill had to help me go to the bathroom. I would call him on his phone (that's when he knew how to operate his iPhone, he doesn't now, I got rid of it several months ago). Bill would do the same for me if I was in the situation he is in now.
A friend of mine (Glenn), who recently lost his husband of thirty-one years, and who he was a caregiver for about four years, told me "this is the price we pay for having such a loving relationship." I agree with him. I've known for years that Bill and I are one of the lucky few who have a long, loving relationship.
Since Bill's medical emergency last month, my most of my waking hours are consumed with taking care of Bill. I've been advised to "take some time" for myself but it's difficult when I am the sole caregiver. I was able to do that yesterday when I parked our car, sunny side on Bill's side. He loves to sit in our car in the sun. I left him there, at the parking lot at the end of the boardwalk, and embarked on my first walk in weeks. My legs were begging for the exercise. And oh it felt so good to walk, with the ocean breeze briskly stinging my face (the portion that wasn't covered by my mask).
I took some videos, one of which is at the beginning of this blog. During my walk I thought of friends who I used to contact when I was in Rehoboth Beach talking a walk "on the boards." I couldn't contact Ed C., he died several years ago. He had a nice cottage three blocks from the boardwalk. I couldn't contact Wayne J., he died in 2015. He also lived near the boardwalk. I also couldn't contact my best friend Bob Mc., he died seven years ago. A wave of sadness washed over me. I thought to myself "I have no one to call. These people all going about their lives, taking so much for granted and I am entering the final chapter, act, phase of my life."
As I type this blog entry, I hear the rumbling sounds of Bill's walker on our now rugless floor boards, doing his daily exercise. We've been waiting all morning for our local heating and air conditioning service company to perform their annual maintenance on our heating system. They were supposed to be here between 8:00 AM and 12: AM. It is now 11:32 AM, no service company. No phone call. I called the company and they said they're still coming out, but they're just running "a little behind."
Bill's quality of life is greatly diminished. He's frustrated because he can't do what he used to do.
Yesterday was his first full day of taking his medications. He couldn't sleep last night. The one medication I didn't give him was a mood drug because I thought that's what they gave him at the rehab facility where he was staying to keep him calmed down because he was "agitated." Bill hasn't had a problem sleeping since he got home but he did last night. And of course if he isn't sleeping, I'm not sleeping either. We decided that he should take the Seroquel. That did the trick. He went to sleep. Of course he's confused now and sort of out of it. He had an "accident" this morning. Didn't quite make it to the bathroom for his pee break. He still can't quite get the hang of the urinal jug.
By the way, the service guy just came. The window of time was 8 AM to 12 PM. It is now 12:20 PM. Why am I always on the end of the window? Wherever I live, I'm on the end of the window of time. Oh well.
After he leaves I'm going to go down to Staples and buy another roll of plastic carpet covering to extend Bill's walkway from his downstairs bedroom to his bathroom, trying to prevent any more urine hitting our wall to wall carpet. Trying to take precautions and please no warnings about Bill tripping on the plastic rug covering. I'm not removing the wall to wall carpeting. I've already removed all the rugs upstairs where he exercises with his walker.
Still no word on his hearing aids. He is so frustrated that he can't hear as I am trying to communicate with him. That's another phone call I'll have to make from Caregiver Central here.
This is the sixth day since Bill came home from the rehab hospital. We're getting a routine worked out. Of course my whole life now revolves around caring for Bill. Maybe I can snatch a bit of time here and there to update this blog and catch up with my friends Pat, Larry, Don and Glenn on FaceTime. Don called me last night on FaceTime. Don is 84 years old and lives in center city Philadelphia in a co-op. He's doing well but he is 84 years old. I'll be 80 years old next year. I wonder what is in store for us? I certainly don't see a caregiver in my future. Nor do I want to. This is no quality of life for Bill. But at least he's here in the comfort of his own home even if he can't do the things he used to. I feel so bad for him but I tell him every day how much I love him which I am so thankful for to have that opportunity. I thought I had lost him forever last month when I found him unconscious on the floor.
This is the best we can do at this time. I guess I always knew this day was coming. Could be a lot worse. Just looking forward to getting into a routine and having a new normal. That's the most we can hope for at this time.
My (Canadian) buddy Pat loves coffee. Now why do I preface my reference to my pal Pat with "Canadian"? Heck if I know other than I am proud to have this splendid Canadian (actually he's half American, his Mom was born in Detroit, Michigan) as my friend. But I digress. Pat loves coffee. He loves coffee shops. In his hometown of Canada there is NOT a day that goes by that he doesn't grace a coffee shop in his hometown of Canada. Why even this morning he sent me a video while he was having coffee at a fro fro coffee shop in Yorkville (that's the Canadian Beverly Hills, CA to you folks).
A familiar site in the morning wherever Pat is, getting his morning coffee whether it be at McDonald's, the local Mom and Pop coffee shop or frou frou Forrest Hills in Toronto Canada
Me, I never got into the coffee Thing. I can drink it and I don't mind a good cup of real java but most coffee I've had in my life taste like colored hot water with an old dishrag left in it. Starbucks is the exception but their caramel creme latte is more like a dessert isn't it?
Pat has a tradition whenever he visits Lower Slower, we go out in the morning and he treats me to one of these hot sugary confections. We hit the Starbucks on Route One, towards Rehoboth. That Starbucks is always bustling and I wouldn't go there unless Pat is visiting. Last month while Pat during Pat's annual visit to Casa Tipton-Kelly, he accompanied me to my thrice weekly physical therapy sessions in Milton. I usually have these sessions from 9 AM to 10 AM. Afterwards Pat was delirious of his morning coffee break. And you know me, always one to accommodate when someone is kind to me and Pat did accompany me to my PT sessions.
As we left the physical therapy center I mentioned to Pat "There has to be a coffee place in Milton. I know Milton is dead but I can't imagine they don't have a place to get coffee." And lo and behold, viola! As we were riding down Federal Street in Pat's rented car, there it was, a coffee shop! Who knew? In quaint little Milton, an actual coffee shop.
Pat in the Milton coffee shop
Of course we were the only patrons in the shop except for the Town Lech (which I didn't find out about until later). But what a pleasant interlude, right here in River City Milton. Actually Milton is a "River City." The Broadkill River runs right through it and, occasionally, during a heavy nor'easter or a hurricane, downtown Milton does get flooded.
Flooding in downtown Milton DE
While we were at the coffee shop Pat received a phone call from his real estate agent. She told him he had a buyer for his lot! So, it looks like this quaint, little coffee shop in downtown Milton won't be Pat's regular coffee hangout after all. Oh well, Toronto has plenty of coffee shops. Bid adieu Pat.
This evening I had a very pleasant early dinner at the Bay Leaf Restaurant in Milton, Delaware. I like to dine out occasionally. However, I've never gotten used to eating alone even though I've been the "lonely guy" many times during my long tenure on this earthly pane. My high school friend Ed is down this week from his home in Pennsylvania. When he's down at his home in Rehoboth, we usually do dinner once or twice. However, I just didn't feel up to traveling the dangerous Route One to his home in Rehoboth Beach to have dinner at one of those loud, expensive and stressful Rehoboth restaurants. When I go out to dinner I like it QUIET which is doesn't happen during the Season in Rehoboth. I remember a time a few years ago when I met my friend Ed for an early dinner and the table next to us was the typical extended family: Mom and pop, three kids, grandmom and grand pop plus a Baby in a Basket which they placed on the table right next to us. Oh lovely. Please don't misunderstand me, those folks are what keeps our economy going but I prefer not to stuff my face with a Chicken Caesar Wrap listening to a two month old baby cry. Just not my thang, you know?
I suggested to Ed that we have an early dinner in Milton. The restaurant is called the Bay Leaf Restaurant. I've eaten there several times and never been disappointed. Milton doesn't have a whole lot of restaurants. Three others that I can think of which will remain unnamed. I haven't been impressed with the other three. Been disappointed every time I've eaten in them so I haven't returned. I was surprised when we went into the Bay Leaf this evening. There was only one other patron in the restaurant. A middle aged woman who was eating by herself. I don't mind so much eating by myself as long as the restaurant isn't crowded and I feel like I'm taking up a whole table and thus depriving the restaurant of paying customers. However, I prefer to dine with someone. I like to talk, which should come as no surprise to any of my regular followers. This evening we had a delightful meal. My friend Ed had a pasta and spinach dish.
I had a Chicken Caesar Wrap and fries. I didn't get a dinner because I just can't eat that much anymore. I ate half of my wrap and I'll keep the other half for lunch tomorrow. I splurged and have a Triple Chocolate cake (topped with a cherry) for dessert. It was licentiously delicious. I really shouldn't of.....but I did. Pangs of guilt are sweeping over me now. As I so often say after Going For The Dessert After the Meal, I'm telling myself "Never again!" But I will.
Strawberries Sauvignon - a Bay Leaf Chef Special
After finishing our meal and wrapping up exchanging information on our latest medical adventures, Ed and I checked out. At the cashier's station the owner asked me "Aren't you the guy with the blog?" OMG! You know folks, I'm encountering this situation more and more often. I've had my blog going on seven years now and apparently I am becoming quite well known in certain quarters. Of course the first thing I thought of "What did I write in my last blog?" Even more I thought "What pictures did I post?" Ah yes! I did post a picture of Channing Tatum in his, well um....undies. Oh my.......oh well.
Lauren - the owner who asked me "Aren't you the guy who blogs?
One of the first things that went through my mind was that she would ask me "Do you practice the gay lifestyle?" as was the question my ignorant, homophobic North Carolina distant cousin asked me when I was on vacation in North Carolina in March and who, when I affirmed I was gay, growled to me "Now get this, if you set foot on my parent's land (I was going to introduce them to another cousin and his wife) you'll have to deal with me, you got that bud!". Yes folks, I have been permanently scarred by that accusatory question. I was prepared to be asked not to "set foot" in that restaurant but instead had a very pleasant conversation with Lauren about how slow business was for her restaurant on Monday nights. I wasn't in Kansas North Carolina anymore folks. I was in the First State which (mostly) welcomes diversity....and marriage equality.
Folks, this is a fine restaurant. You want to get away from the traffic, the crowds, the noise of Rehoboth? Travel six miles north to the historic, quaint town of Milton and the Bay Leaf Restaurant. They are open for business seen days a week including Mondays! Comfortable seating, good service, large menu, freshly prepared food, reasonable prices and FREE PARKING. What's not to like?
Me in the front of the Bay Leaf Restaurant this evening. Plentiful, free parking folks!
Yes, I do plan to go back on Monday nights. Now to send out my invitation for dining companions. Wish me luck! I prefer not to eat under a spotlight.
Trimming this evening - yardwork in the late afternoon - my Zen time
Today was one of those rare treats....perfect weather. The rains fell just about all day yesterday. This after a long, hot dry spell. After yesterday's rain, everything seemed to "pop" up. The greens were greener, the colors were brighter. Yes, the plants love a big drink of water from the heavens. I can water them with my water pail but nothing sets newly transplanted plants in the ground that a good soaking from JC. So what is going on in my world? Well, I had to work today. Normally I work two nights a week, 3 pm to 11 pm. Yesterday one of my full-time co-workers called and asked if I could take her 7 am to 3 pm shift today. I consented. Working day shift is totally different that the night shift. For one thing I open the hotel, set out the breakfast, collect the newspapers, and put my hospitality personality on full display for the manager and owner of the hotel, who are in during the day. Yes folks, working the day shift is totally different and I am exhausted.
The lobby at the Inn in the early morning daylight - a rare sight for me
Why am I exhausted? Mostly because of my continuing radiation treatment (seed implants). I've been following discussions on the medical website Inspire.com which is a group discussion of folks like me who are dealing with cancer and other medical issues. I've been involved the past two weeks with a couple of discussion groups of other men like me who underwent the brachytherapy surgery. There is good news and bad news. The good news is that I'm not the only one having these after effects. The bad news is that I am having these after effects which could continue as long as 18 months or as long as the seeds are radioactive. What are the after effects? You know but if I have to remind you, bowel movement, urination, fatigue, burning sensations, all the "fun" stuff. Oh well, I guess it's better than the alternative.
Today after work I asked Bill if he wanted to go with me to the Rehoboth Diner. Since I didn't have lunch (very difficult to eat lunch at work so I skip it) I was hungry and thought a good, greasy Eggplant Parm would hit the spot. He acquiesced (Bill hates to go to restaurants) and we had a 4 o'clock dinner. I'm still digesting it at this hour of 8:04 pm. Be careful what you wish for.
The eggplant, fries and roll were good. The cup of pea soup awful. Bill's milkshake good but expensive $4.50. We won't be getting that again. We'll get a half gallon of ice cream and make our own milk shake (or two, or three, or four)
I'm not watching much TV these days. I used to watch MSNBC but since the Repugs are on a "It's worse that Watergate" witch hunt and the news media are all getting hard ons eager to oblige, I have no interest in following that phony drama. I'm more interested in following the real drama of our local Republican politicians who got elected to office with the promise to "stop the gay agenda" and all five of them voted against the Marriage Equality act in spite of the fact that their county (Sussex) has the fourth large gay couple population in the United States. Yessiree folks, we have some work to do right here in River City Gayberry, Delaware.
See here for today's column by Dan Flood recent our recent local election for state senator and state representative where both gay candidates lost to the straight "family values" candidates. Those darn gay candidates, they should leave there gay agendas at home.
The much anticipated Bloggerpalooza is almost here! Can you believe it? Get on your dancing shoes baby because we're going to party!
Just a reminder to everyone, that this wonderful event will take place this weekend in Lewes, Delaware this Saturday, March 23rd.
The Lewes-Rehoboth Canal with rainbow from our hotel (I took this picture)
The event will be catered by Nage of Rehoboth Beach. The cost is $25 per person which will be collected at the event when name tags are handed out.
Me at the hotel front desk, I won't be at the front desk this Saturday, my co-worker Robert will. He will direct you to the Parkview Room where the Bloggerpalooza will take place
Meet and Greet will take place from 5 pm to 6 pm at the Waterview Room. To find the Waterview Room just enter the hotel, Robert the front desk clerk will direct you to the event.
Robert - on duty Bloggerpalooza Night
Meet and Greet in the Parkview Room
We will have an open bar of wine or sparkling beverages (for those of you less adventurous) available at the Meet and Greet.
The open hot buffet from Nage will be available from 6 pm to 8 pm. I've had this menu before folks and believe me, it is delicious! Here are the items available for your pleasure:
Roasted Porkloin sliced thin and served with natural sauce
Broccoli Rabe
Roasted vegetables with roasted Garlic oil
Tarragon Potato Salad
For dessert:
Mini dessert tray - Pecan bites, mini Brownies, and Key Lime Squares
This is a list of the bloggers (and a link to their blogs) who are planning on attending this fabulous Bloggerpalooza:
For those lucky few who elected to stay at our wonderful hotel you will have access to the historic town of Lewes, which we proudly call "The First Town in the First State." Lewes was originally settled in 1631 by Dutch settlers. Unfortunately the local Indians wiped them out but the good old dependable English came by a few years later and made Lewes (pronounced "L-E-W-I-S", just like Jerry Lee "Great Balls of Fire" Lewis) Delaware a permanent English settlement. The wonderful thing about staying in Lewes is that the beach (Delaware Bay) is less than a mile within walking distance and the Atlantic Ocean is but a short drive (less than two miles) away to Cape Henlopen, a Delaware State Park.
Cape Henlopen
While you're in town do make it a point to visit Cape Henlopen and watch the waves from the Atlantic gently wash up on our pristine beach.
Breakfast at the Inn
Also for those of you staying at the hotel we offer a compliment breakfast with everything short of homemade gravy and biscuits, we can go out for that if you have a hankering for scrapple (which I am going to take Dr. Spo and Someone out for to sample one of our local "delicacies").
The "Golden Sentry" outside Dr. Spo's and Someone's room on the fourth floor at the Inn
After the festivities are over hotel guests can retire to their heavenly beds and go to sleep with visions of a day well spent of camaraderie with old friends and new friends.
Well folks, the date is fast approaching for the "March Bloggerthon", also known a the "Spotacular" or more conservatively known as the "East Coast Blogger Get Together". This is your chance to meet Dr. Spo and Someone and other East Coast bloggers. For those of you planning on attending please click this link for more information about The Inn At Canal Square, in Lewes, Delaware; the site of the Bloggerthon. Please click our new video on our website to discover the unique charm of our quaint inn on the canal.
So far we have about twenty bloggers (and spouses) attending this event which will be held on the weekend of March 22nd and 23rd. Saturday night, March 23rd we are having a meet and greet catered by Nage from 6 pm to 8 pm. The cost per person is $25 which includes food and an open bar. Yes, you heard right, an open bar. Music will be supplied as well as a few surprises, including a visit by our nationally renown humorist writer Fay Jacobs. For more information please e-mail me. Hurry, if you're planning on attending, that time is fast approaching. You don't want to miss this.
I work at a small hotel in the little coastal town of Lewes, Delaware. One would think I was in a backwater where nothing happens. One would be wrong. A LOT happens in Lewes. Of course I can't talk too much about the guests who check into our hotel. Maybe that gossip is fodder for a book in the future. But here is the latest that happened in our little town of Lewes. A blogger buddy sent me this information. Sam Donaldson, the former ABC news reporter was pulled over for drunk driving. Sam, how could you? I wonder what hotel he was staying at. After all, we are THE HOTEL of destination in Lewes, just saying.
Nothing spectacular to write about today. Just a daily update. I didn't do my "Weekly Update" last week so this will have to do. The weather was very mild today. We'll take it! Bill worked out in the backyard cutting down the last rose bush practically to the ground. I keep telling him that he prunes them too much. Our backyard is outlined with knockout rose bushes. This year they were over eight feet high. Some trimming was in order. This morning I full filled two Find a Grave photo requests. One was at the Rehoboth Presbyterian Cemetery at Midway by the busy Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach. Man, you're taking your life into your own hands going into that cemetery with the traffic whizzing by.
Rehoboth Presbyterian Cemetery - Rehoboth Beach, DE
The other photo request was at the Bethel Methodist Cemetery in Lewes, right next to the Beebe Hospital. I still can't get over that a HUGE cemetery is right next to the hospital.
Bethel Methodist Cemetery - Lewes, DE
As if often the case when I visit cemeteries I come across "stories." This is one such story. His name is Scott M. Emory. He was only 34 years old when he died. I did not know anything about him when I saw his marker. I'll search the Internet now and see if I can find his obituary. What stuck me is how young he was when he died.
It is at a time like this, when I am feeling a bit melancholy because I know my time is running out that I get one of these wake up calls and realize how lucky I am to still be here, alive and well. The old hour glass may be running out on Ron but I do know that I am one of the lucky ones who are still here. I just did a search for Scott M. Emory at the funeral home. I could find nothing. I also searched the Internet, nothing. Well, at least he will be remembered here. He was here once, he mattered. He will not be forgotten. Update: I just found out who Scott M. Emory was. He was killed while walking across Route 1, the same Route 1 I mentioned earlier in this blog that you take your life into your hands. As a matter of fact, where he was killed with his girlfriend was right near the Rehoboth Presbyterian Cemetery on Route 1. He and his girlfriend were finishing working their shift at a local restaurant on the strip of stores and restaurants that lead into Rehoboth Beach. This is really strange isn't it? I just left that cemetery next to the road where he died and then I see his grave.
Dr. Spo will be appearing IN PERSON at The Inn At Canal Square in Lewes, DE on March 22nd and 23rd. See here for more information about the Inn.
View of Lewes-Rehoboth Canal from the Inn
Dr. Spo, of "Spo Reflections" blog has informed me that he is initiating this "Spo Shirt Tour", only this time he will be in his Spo Shirt. See here.
Cubby
Many thanks to Cubby for suggesting this EL GRANDE idea! Here are the particulars folks. If you're making the trip to Lewes, Delaware call me or send me an e-mail for your hotel reservations. I have secured a 20% discount of room rates that weekend. We have VIP suites that sleep six. They are a complete apartment with two full bedrooms, each with its own bath. A living room, half bath and a deck right on the canal. Fabulous! Split the expenses between six (or even four) and it's not that expensive.
The Inn at Canal Square on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal
We also have individual rooms. King size beds (most expensive) and queen size beds, less expensive. Also two mini-suites that rent as one room but are actually two room. They rent as one room because they only have one bathroom. I'm starting to sound like a commercial so I'll just say now contact me by e-mail for more information. ronstales@aol.com.
Ron at your service!
Dr. Spo and Someone. Yes, can you believe it? SOMEONE is also coming.
Dr. Spo and Someone
will arrive on Friday, March 23rd. Saturday, March 24th we will have a catered dinner by Nage from 6 pm to 9 pm in the Parkview Room. I have secured the room and the booze (including Mark and Fred's champagne from their visit two years ago, it has aged nicely fellas). For those attending the dinner the cost will be between $25 and $30 (to be determined, haven't talked to Nage yet) per person. See here for more information about Nage.
Lewes, DE waterfront - The Inn At Canal Square to the right
Lewes is the first town in the first state of Delaware. It was settled first in 1631 by Dutch settlers who were promptly wiped out by the local Indians. Subsequently the English came in and settled our lovely coastal town and the rest is history. See here for more information.
Cape Henlopen, Lewes, Delaware
The photo above I took yesterday on my iPhone when Dr. Spo called me at the hotel to confirm these plans. Of course he did not know I took this picture so I cannot promise you that he will show up in that same alluring outfit. Make your plans folks. This truly is a Once In A Lifetime Opportunity to meet the great Dr. Spo in person!
