685.

Hello people.

I hope everyone has stayed safe and comfortable over the past several days.

It's been hot here. Scorching.

We're doing what we can to stay cool which usually involves running the central air all day. I turn it off in the evening, as soon as it's cool enough to do so. However it's usually back on by 8 or 9 a.m. because it starts to warm up in here a few hours after sunrise.

Although I don't like my electric bill to be "sky high" (as my grandma says), it's the one bill I rarely squawk about paying. Hot flashes will do that to a girl.

Moving along...

Baby Bliss and I attended the wedding last Saturday evening. The ceremony was beautiful to both my eyes and my spirit. I began crying as soon as the groom appeared, grinning as if he was privy to some exquisite secret the rest of us hadn't caught on to yet.

The reception was a blast.

The meal was tasty enough. There were two meat options, several veggies to choose from. I had some kind of baked chicken, green salad, and a roll.

Aside from my excitement and gratitude at being invited to share in a couple's mutual joy and pending unification, my number one reason for attending weddings is the cake.

It was delicious. I ate three slices, two at the reception and one I brought home. Greedy ole cake-loving me would have eaten more cake but I was wearing a fitted dress and would have looked awful with a bulging food baby in my belly. I also didn't have any apple cider vinegar with me. (It helps regulate glucose when taken before a meal.)

Thankfully I was able to restrain myself.

There were the usual reception agenda items: the bouquet toss, the garter toss, dancing.

I danced quite a bit but not one line dance did I do. I've only become proficient at one line dance in my 40+ years on the planet so when one of the telltale songs begins to play,  I watch and cheer enthusiastically from the sidelines.

The anticipated drunk and disorderly were surprisingly absent. Maybe because it was a cash bar.

We got home after 11 p.m.

* * *

Sunday evening my beau and I saw the new Ghostbusters movie. It was just funny enough but Leslie Jones' role seemed stereotypical in more ways than one, most specifically her dialogue.

The gentleman and I did a lot of smooching and hand-holding during the show. A little leg-rubbing...

By the time the movie ended, there was very little time to hang about because he gets up early for work.

He walked me to my car, we took a few minutes for farewell kisses, then headed to our respective homes.

* * *

Most of my week was spent on mundane chores and errands while waiting for word from a client on an upcoming project.

There was lots of texting with the beau.

In the middle of the week, I had dinner with a childhood friend who recently relocated to the area for work. Lucky him, he landed a plum executive-level position with a large financial institution.

We were in grade school and high school together, he grew up on the other side of the road from me, and one of his older siblings was in school with Mr. Bliss so the roots run deep. Although we rarely see each other, we've managed to keep in touch using various methods over the past 30 or so years.

Thursday evening, my beau and I had dinner down in the big city, then a stroll and after-dinner conversation.

We were supposed to have a date last night as well but I was tired. I hated to beg off at what was almost the last minute but it was necessary.

But we're making up for it tonight.

In fact, we have a date at 7. It's almost 6:15 so y'all know what that means right?

Yep.

If I don't light a heck of a fire under my tail I'm gonna be late.

Have a good one y'all!

684.

Happy Saturday y'all!

Just a quick update:

There were two more dates with the new dude, one Thursday and one last night.

Both were fun and interesting.

Thursday was a long date. Several hours of blissful fun.

Friday night was a short one: a political fundraiser.

We might be on for tonight but it's doubtful. Baby Bliss and I are attending an evening wedding. I'm probably gonna want to get home and stay there after it's done. It's been a busy week and I'm already beat.

It was almost noon when I left my bed today. I dozed off around 2 a.m. but sleeping that long usually only occurs when I'm running on fumes, which happens to be my current situation.

Maybe we'll see each other tomorrow.

Any who, it's my turn for the shower.

I'm outta here folks!

683.

Tuesday's date went well.

In fact, lots of things went well Tuesday. Really well. Unexpectedly well. From traffic to the lines in stores, I sailed through my outside activities.

Yesterday the paramour and I had ice cream after work. Waffle cones. (Dipped in chocolate which I didn't like but those were the only waffle cones left.)

My ice cream was orange dreamsicle with french vanilla (side by side, not mixed); he had mixed mint and dark chocolate.

We sat in a small park area between the ice cream shop and another store.

Good ice cream, good conversation, and yes, some good kisses.

Before we knew it, dusk was settling around us, nudging us towards departure time.

At dark he walked me to my car where there was more smooching.

The hormones were just running amok...

Today we have a date scheduled to start mid-afternoon which is why I should be asleep. (It's after 4 a.m.)

Silly ole me is still awake but drifting off, as I should be. I'll be flipping the "off" switch in about five minutes.

So I bid y'all a most fond farewell and end by saying "more later" because there shall be.

Toodles!

682.

Hey folks!

It's "Tickle My Fancy Tuesday" chez Bliss.

Everything is just rosy and I've been giggling like a school girl at random intervals.

How's the vibe at your place?

Last night my new paramour and I shared a good (voice) conversation.

We talked about the weather, the kids, each other, our next date.

We agreed on Thursday then decided possibly Friday and Saturday too, Saturday being a "maybe" because I have a previous engagement for that evening. But if it ends at a decent hour, we agreed to meet up.

We texted off and on throughout the evening until bedtime.

In between, I had to get Baby Bliss from work. She and I stopped for a bite on the way home.

Once again my suitor texted me about an hour after he'd gone to sleep, to say he was thinking of me. He's plucking my heart strings, this guy.

Have I mentioned that my sleep schedule has gotten really wacky again? At least several nights of every week in the past few, I've been staying up until daylight.

It wouldn't be so bad if I could manage to sleep until 11 a.m. or noon. However, I've only been managing to average 3 or 4 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.

Not good y'all.

It not unusual because it happens to me periodically. But I know it's ultimately a negative.

Back to more pleasant topics...

I'm seeing him at 7:30 tonight.

Yep, we said Thursday but he requested my presence and I said yes.

Time to get a move on y'all!

Ayo everyone! ("Goodbye" in Papiamento.)

More later...

681.

On a much more upbeat note,

I've had two additional dates this weekend with the Friday night guy.

Saturday we went to a movie at a local theater. We held hands and snuck in a few kisses while we watched. The movie was okay. Lots of action. Not too original re the plot. (Independence Day: Resurgence.)

Later we held hands as we walked. We sat to talk; snuck in a few more kisses.

Great conversation, great company.

Close to parting time, he asked if I wanted to continue going out.

I said yes.

Sunday morning he asked me via text if I wanted to have dinner with him Sunday evening.

Of course I did.

We ate at a popular local restaurant, one I'd been there many times in the years we lived in the Big City. Maybe once or twice since we moved away but it had been a while. The food was still good and the ambience remained inviting.

We talked, laughed, ate, held hands, and made goo goo eyes at each other the whole time. After dinner there was more hand-holding, walking, talking, kissing... A lot of talking.

Three great dates in three days.

He walked me to my car where we spent 10 or 15 additional minutes sharing smooches and silly talk. He headed for his car then came back to ask if I wanted to do something this week.

(Yes!)

Day to be determined because I'm expecting a project from a client this week...

Before I got home, I received a text from him. He shared a tidbit about something we'd done earlier. A three-hour text conversation ensued once I arrived home.

We touched on some deep topics, our feelings about the issues, our feelings about each other.

He's already told his best friend about me. Of course my friends have heard about him because they always know when I have a date and with whom.

He and I said goodnight around 12:30 a.m.

An hour later he was texting to say he woke up thinking about me.

Another 45 minutes of really good text conversation...

I am a die hard action-speaks-louder-than-words kinda gal but men who have a way with words (especially the written word) will always have a small piece of my heart for they woo like no others.

Fancy three-dollar words aren't necessary. Only the proper turn of phrase for the current situation, what ever the situation might be.

If we share other sensibilities -- important ones -- and the stars align just right, there's a high probability that he'll win my heart if that's his goal.

How long he keeps it is always the wild card.

But we needn't dwell on such things right now.

I'm enjoying the moments...

From what he's shared with me, so is he.

Stay tuned folks.

680.

How-do y'all!

I hope everyone has lived to tell about the weekend.

Literally.

You never know with the world's many crises...

In light of all that's been happening in America lately, as a woman who self-identifies as African-American, I wonder when those who oppose the existence of anyone who looks like me (dark skin, Negroid features, etc.) will understand that we really are all in this sh*t together.

It's frightening that our destinies are intertwined in ways that can't be imagined by the predators who just can't imagine that possibility.

It leaves us vulnerable to those who prey upon us.

Those hunters fear "different" and "other" so much that they use any means at their disposal to eradicate "different" and "other" without thought of how said action activates an exponentially expanding ripple that eventually engulfs us all.

Black lives matter.

So does every life. I get that.

I also know that black lives in America have been dependent upon white folks' good graces since we were brought here kicking and screaming to do the work white folks didn't want to do.

We did it (still do) and where is the gratitude?

Not only did we pick the cotton, give their babies our milk, watch while our own babies ("half-breed" as well as full-blooded African) were sold away, suffer countless beatings and other assorted atrocities, but we were expected to do these things without ever expecting anything better.

From the comments I see on social media, the news, etc., I know that some white folk believe we've forgotten our "place".

Will colored folk in America ever be safe from the oppression we face because we're black?

How does human being A look at human being B and decide because of the color of human being B's skin, human being B is not worthy of a decent place to live, decent food to eat, the very breath in his or her body?

Daily this occurs, not only to the individual "B" but to Bs as a group. Bs are discriminated against just because they're Bs. No other reason.

Anyone anywhere can treat a B with any amount of disdain, up to and including killing a B, because history has shown a pattern of disregard and derision for the issues Bs face.

A young B man horribly beaten and killed for allegedly whistling at a white woman. An elderly B woman berated and threatened at gunpoint by a storeowner. A Skittles candy-wielding B teen on the way to visit his dad, shot dead by a man who claimed to be standing his ground. B men, women, children killed at seemingly random intervals by law enforcement professionals who have yet to be imprisoned for same.

Statistically, how often do these same events happen to non-B human beings?

A collective form of madness...

Of course we know there are good white people in the world. Oprah's grandmother told us so. Many of us even know and love good white people.

Those are obviously not the people I'm speaking of. Good white people stand with us, have stood with us, in our struggles.

Looks like it's that time again so I'm reminding anyone reading this:

As human beings who care we must stand up for each other. Regardless of skin color, religious preference, sexual orientation, gender, shoe size, hair texture -- when we fail to assist our sisters and brothers in need, we create a space for the same mistreatment to befall us.

If for no other reason, assist in some way big or small, even if it's anonymously.

Your future self will thank you.

One more thing.

Please let us always remember this:

679.

Does anyone remember this post: 542?

Well, we haven't made it to Europe yet. But y'all know that from reading the blog.

And it turns out there's no discernable Scottish ancestry anywhere in my double helix.

However, I am approximately five (5) percent Irish. And one (1) percent Scandinavian.

I'm also (approximately) four (4) percent West Asian.

Hysterical, right?

I was thinking about this because I was at a local mall today and what I saw surprised me and filled me with joy.

There were so many people at the mall, of many nationalities, speaking many languages, and wearing garb that I took to be representative of many religions.

Everyone was co-existing peacefully and it was beautiful.

If the world was like this everywhere and every day...

It brings me to tears to think about it.

Maybe one day.

Amen.

678.

Well that was a cool first date.

I think the band was supposed to play outside but it rained and they had to set up inside. So the music started late but it didn't matter because the conversation was good.

When the date ended, he walked me to my car. We hugged good night and he asked if I would like to go out again.

I said yes and gave him a peck on the lips.

(Insert girlish giggle here.)

I texted him shortly after I got home, to tell him I enjoyed the date and I'm looking forward to more good conversations.

He said he enjoyed it too and he's looking forward to getting to know me better. He also said my pictures don't do me justice.

Now aren't those just the nicest things to say to a lady after a first date?

I guess the fairy dust did its job tonight.

And now I'll bid you all a fond good night. I'm tired. Not going to bed yet but I need to unwind.

Sweet dreams everyone.

Back with more soon...

677.

There was no swimming yesterday.

It began to rain before I could find my bikini top. Then along came thunder and lightening.

Ah well, we'll swim another day.

In other news, barring any unforeseen circumstance(s), my Friday night date shall commence at 7:30.

I'm a bit excited about this one.

He's not the kind of guy I usually date so it's a toss up as to how it will go.

I think I'm just happy to have plans to see live music again so soon. (Fingers crossed that the musicians are good.)

I've shampooed my hair, given myself a pedicure, and taken my shower.

The venue is close by so I should be on time. (Which I'll try very hard to do because I saw in his dating profile that he's averse to late arrivals. *sigh*)

However we did have a brief conversation about it and he said something like he's getting over being a stickler about it.

Still, I'm planning to arrive early. No sense starting off badly.

Well y'all, it's now 6:10 p.m.

Knowing how I always think I have more time than I do, I think I should r-u-n-n o-f-t now.

I have to find an outfit, do my hair, and spritz on a bit of fairy dust before I commence to dazzling the masses.

À bientôt folks!

676.

Before I forget, there was the possibility for a "first date" this past Saturday. But I had other plans (Steely Dan and Steve Winwood with the daughter) so the date has been postponed.

There is a date scheduled for tomorrow night, with a different guy. Live music at a local venue. Should be fun.

I'm debating whether or not I'll do a Saturday date with the first guy. We've been talking and texting for a few weeks and it's past time to get the first date out of the way or I'll definitely lose interest in meeting him.

But I have been busy. There's also the fact that he's a bit "young" for me. We were born the same year, he seems like a nice guy, and we have a lot in common but to put it politely without divulging any of his personal business, he's very green. I also suspect he might be a virgin. (Gasp!)

A long time ago I would have gobbled him up like a slice of key lime pie. These days I need a lot more to hold my interest. In other words, I'm not interested in teaching to the extent that I suspect I would need to with him.

But then again, I don't really know this guy. Although we've had a lot of conversations about a lot of things, there is usually more to the story.

More importantly, I know better than to believe everything I think. He could be the reincarnation of Casanova.

In the meantime, my daughter and I are heading out to swim at a friend's.

Ciao for now folks!

674.

My dearly departed Mr. Bliss would be 56 soon, if he were still here with us.

He held me in his arms many times as we danced to this song.

This one's for you darling.

Happy birthday!

I miss you...

673.

Bon dia y'all!

We are still celebrating my birthday chez Bliss.

Tonight's fête will take place at the Steely Dan and Steve Winwood concert down in the Big City.

My life wouldn't be a life without music and seeing my favorites artists perform live transports me to a realm of ecstasy so intense, words just can't explain...

It's been decades since I've been to a Steely Dan concert; this will be my first time seeing Steve Winwood live.

Baby Bliss is attending with me.

We're getting all dolled up for this one.

I am so excited.

Happy birthday to me!

672.

Bon dia y'all!

We are still celebrating my birthday chez Bliss.

Tonight's fête will take place at the Steely Dan and Steve Winwood concert down in the Big City.

My life wouldn't be a life without music and seeing my favorites artists perform live transports me to a realm of ecstasy so intense, words just can't explain.

It's been decades since I've been to a Steely Dan concert; this will be my first time seeing Steve Winwood live.

Baby Bliss is attending with me.

We're getting all dolled up for this one.

I am so excited.

Happy birthday to me! 🎂