Technically, this is post 1603 on this blog. I just learned how to determine the number of posts via the WordPress platform, to which I changed this blog from Google’s blogger in April. This is an update about this blog and blogging and so forth from the owner/author. (Notice the updated photo header, too? I try to do that from time to time.)
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Monthly Archives: November 2012
One Straight Man’s Perspective on Gay Marriage
This guest post was written by someone who wrote to me after reading my post about marrying my partner. He gave me permission to post his message on this blog.
I read your blog about marrying your partner. Congratulations. I’m glad that will work for you. I also read your post about a low-key event–glad you’re doing it that way. I want to comment on my perspective of the difference between a same sex marriage and a same sex wedding.
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Motorcops and Boots: Your Questions Answered
I am not a motorcycle police officer; never was one, not even a wannabe. But over time, my appreciation of patrol boots, breeches, and the men who wear them has become evident on this blog from the activities I do, such as serving as a judge at police motorcycle riding competitions and befriending local cops who ride with me from time to time.
I received some questions from a fan of motorcops, wanting to know more about how they work and also about their thoughts on patrol boots. With the help of a close friend who is a motor officer, plus with knowledge I have gained from asking cops questions, let me share some answers which may satisfy curiosity of other fans of motor officers and patrol boots.
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My Fiance’s Birthday
Today is my fiance’s birthday. I kinda like calling him that….
He insisted that he did not want any presents, party, or even a pie. (He has never been a cake-eater, but always liked lemon meringue pies. Unfortunately due to his illness, pie is on his “no-no” list.)
But I couldn’t let his special day go by without giving him something. So this is what he finally let me give to him:
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A Non-Birthday Birthday
My partner’s birthday is Monday. I would love to plan a simple recognition for him, meeting is desire for a quiet, reserved, private celebration, as we have done for nigh some 20 years. He never was the type to want a party or even go out for dinner. He has no friends, so there’s no one else but me with whom to spend his birthday.
Back in the day…
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Why Low-Key Marriage?
After yesterday’s announcement that my partner and I will marry, now that our home state became the first in the nation to allow same-sex marriage by a popular vote of the people (Maine was second, but also should be recognized and applauded)… several people asked us about our “wedding plans.”
In fact, I had several elected officials in our state’s general assembly ask if they could attend our wedding.
None of those asking us about our wedding saw the comments in yesterday’s blog post about our intent to go “low key” with our marriage. I gently explained to them why.
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Will You Marry Me?
To my wonderful partner:
Will you marry me? Will you continue to make my heart sing with joy each time I see your smile? Will you continue to walk by my side — not in front, not behind, but right next to me as we take our bootsteps on our life’s journey?
Will you marry me and be mine in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter? All seasons for all reasons, you are my man and I am yours.
Will you marry me? Now that our state’s legislature has passed a civil marriage act, and which was just upheld when challenged by referendum? The law becomes effective January 1, 2013. Finally… legal same-sex marriage in our home state, the state I have called home my entire life.
Will you marry me? Building our life together for the past 7,137 days, each day is a new day of joy, of life, of celebration of deep devotion and love.
Will you marry me? You have cared for me when I have been injured or ill, solidly stood by me as I was dealt some serious blows, and held me close as I grieved for the loss of my mother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. In turn, I have been your champion as you have endured life’s challenges as well, and cared for you during recovery from surgeries and your long illness. In sickness and in health — we care for each other.
Will you marry me? Make my smile, hold my hand, love me, cherish me, as I cherish and love you?
…with all of my heart, every fibre of my being, I love you and feel your love in return. Each day, each hour, each minute.
So blessed, such love, such joy. Thank you, Maryland! We can get married! I am so happy!
Breaking in Dehners for a Cop
I have a close friend who is a local motorcop. His old patrol boots were a mess — dirty, damaged, and the soles were worn thin. He decided to get himself a new pair of motorboots. So what kind of boots did he buy?
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Delivering Votes
The U.S. national election day is Tuesday, November 6, but many states allow for early voting, which allows voters to cast ballots before election day and hopefully avoid long lines and crowds. I am among those who took advantage of early voting. My partner and I voted last Thursday.
I take pride in the freedoms provided by our country’s long-enduring Constitution, which has allowed for open and free elections for more than 200 years.
In the past, I also was among those who would greet voters at the polls to try to persuade them to vote for a particular candidate or a position on a certain referendum issue. However, after getting badly burned in the 2010 election cycle, I vowed that I would not get involved with politics this year. I have kept my promise (both to myself and my partner). However, I couldn’t back off “cold turkey.” Let me explain…
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Enjoying Autumn With My Partner
I enjoy all seasons with my beloved partner, but it seems as if autumn presents more opportunities for “us” photos.
Here is “us” taken yesterday in our back yard. While he is still recovering from his long-term infection, he looks great (despite the sneakers on his feet–he is not the Bootman in the family).
Life is short: show those you love how you love them.