Goodbye, Farewell and Amen
If anyone can identify this reference, you are way too old and have my admiration. A hint, February 28, 1983, the most watched television show to this day.
I have said this was my final such group gathering, Keystone, Erie, whatever. That is my intention for various reasons. I reserve the right to change my mind as life circumstances change, but I am trying to put behind me the amazing joy that these events are, counterbalanced by the huge guilt, the expense and the way too much alcohol I consume at these events. I did have the time of my life; my wife could not have cared less that I was gone, but I still feel the guilt and I consumed gallons of alcohol. I felt like dog meat for a good five days afterward. Our beloved friend Ashley, by virtue of being the single most frequent cruiser on the planet, had essentially a free fully stocked bar. And you know, I am not shy…
March 22, 2025, was a blast. I just went around seeing friends, then spent quite a bit of time as Cristy’s personal photographer. We easily took well over 500 photos. This pleased me greatly. Cristy lives in Guatemala and can only be Cristy at Keystone. Plus, she was unable to be there last year. She arrived very early in the week and took many, many photos to post on her Flickr and Facebook pages, keeping Cristy alive in her heart.
After the shoot, Cristy, our friend Olivia and I had lunch. We had a lovely time and a very nice waiter. After we were done, I asked the waiter to sit down. I told him I had a question and wanted him to be honest. I asked what he thought about all of us. Isaac could not have been kinder, so sweet. They love us at the Hilton. We do spend a lot of money, drink a lot of alcohol, tip well and don’t get into drunken fights. Then Isaac said to give him a minute, he had something for me. Apparently, he had purchased a few items to hand out as gifts and he gave me the Bob Ross plush doll you see above. I was touched and it also sparked my evening’s mission, more in a bit.
As I was hanging out at Club 1330, Ashley’s full bar, I told the story and said I was going to take as many selfies as I could at the gala with Bob. The entire evening was simply great, great fun. You will see photographic evidence in a future post of the effect the kindness of a stranger had that evening. But first, here is me in my gala outfit.
6 Responses
Sounds like such a wonderful time.
That waiter sounds like a great guy
Wow that yellow dress just pops
Very cute
Love you Rach!
Kandi,
Only you can decide the rights and wrongs of future visits to Keystone , I know the dilemma only too well .
The option instead is to spend the money on a special ( surprise) holiday for you and your wife she deserves it .
Is asking outsiders what they think a good idea or not ? Again I’ve been there and ask those questions , validation is wonderful but how useful ? Many at these events go back to a male world possibly until the next Keystone event , there’s no denying they can be so much fun , A transgender event can make a hotel buzz for weeks after , unlike many other events they are always remembered and talked about .
Teresa, I write what is on my mind at the time I write a post. Things change, life evolves, we’ll see. One thing I never do is ask anyone’s opinion. As you well know, my life is my life, yours is yours, all so very, very different. Thanks, as always for being so important here!
Dearest Kandi,
As I mentioned several times during our photo sessions and sharing meals, I respect your decision and understand the motives very well. You will be missed at future events but, I, for one, will find a way to see you again in the future. We also have this wonderful place, you have created, to stay in touch, as well as other virtual means. You have touched my life in ways that only a few have and I am forever grateful, for that. The fun and laughter we have shared since we met are unforgettable memories, many of which are documented in images!
Isaac was very kind, indeed and I mentioned him by name when filling the Hotel survey. I can’t wait to see how many selfies you took with Bob Ross and one of us. Once again, thank you for making my KS25 a very special and memorable one and for helping keep Cristy present for one more year 🙂
The Bob Ross festival runs tomorrow!! Check it out.
You are one of a small number of people who I would not know otherwise that have enriched my life immeasurably!