I took a long break from updating this blog. Sorry about that… I ran out of new things to say. The content about my life as a confident gay man remains pretty much evergreen.

I appreciate that some men have told me that they have found the years of content on this blog helpful, interesting, and guiding to their own lives. That means a lot to me!

Also since the chaos that has befallen the once-united states, I have “cut the cord” and no longer engage much on the web or watch television. (Also, I still refuse to have a smartphone, so I am even more disconnected than the average guy.)

So what’s new?

It’s been over five years since my beloved husband died. I can’t believe it’s been that long.

I have settled into my new life, living forward. Not “moving on” as that implies leaving my husband behind. Instead, I live forward with his memory by my side. I still wear the ring he gave me when we married, which makes me feel his presence every moment.

I am okay. I am not interested in dating, sex, or even socializing with other gay men. While I do not like the term “single,” that is what I am and will be for the rest of my life.

My new life involves living part-time in the once-united states comfortably in my home environs where I am well-connected. My home is peaceful and comfortable — and paid for!

I am actively engaged as a volunteer in my community and at an important place where I studied. I will not say more; just know that all these engagements keep me happy, cowboy booted, and even tailored business suited in dress shoes.

I travel a great deal, mostly in my second country — Canada. In 2025, I traveled in eight provinces and one territory over 12,000km for photographic adventures. I have done some things I never dreamed I would, and lived to tell the story!

I still update my website — now known as “Rick’s Website aka Booted Harleydude.” The “aka” is my former self — but different since I sold my motorcycle in 2024 and will not ride again for health reasons. (Hell getting old!)

One new leather item I am thrilled with is a custom-made full leather suit. I had it made-to-measure by Northbound Leather of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (my Canadian home is near there.)

This suit is composed of a leather suit jacket / blazer with red satin lining.

Dress leather pants fit comfortably and stylishly.

The dress leather shirt was made longer so it always stays tucked in without puckering which drove me nuts in previous leather suit ensembles I tried to put together over the years.

And, of course, a leather necktie — usually but not always black.

Footwear with the leather suit varies from black cowboy boots to quality black cap toe or wingtip dress shoes.

As a confident man, I wear this leather suit rather often — just because I like it, it’s comfortable, warm, and is very good-looking.

Come May, I ditch the cold-weather gear and head north to my second home in Canada. There, jeans, t-shirts, and hiking boots (or even sneakers some times) are the norm. I reserve the leather and business suits for my life in the once-united states.

Life is short: welcome me back! Nice to be alive, leathered, booted, suited, and shoed.