to all of our new members and all those who are reacquainting themselves with GF.

It's still hard to believe, for me, that six years ago I found this remarkable site and have been (sometimes more, sometimes less ... ) a part of it ever since.

As many of you may relate to... I was feeling very alone... and ending a marriage to someone whom I still respected and cared for, but we both knew it was no longer healthy. Unlike many, I was an openly gay man when I got married... but being a father was the most extraordinary gift I had ever received... so, being a father that was taking the steps to end all that mutual misery left me feeling very guilty. But, I wouldn't change a moment of it. I had a good and happy marriage for many years... and it wasn't my being gay that caused the rift between my wife and myself.... that was a total breakdown in communication and her complete lack of financial acumen (don't get me wrong, she's a wonderful woman... but she's still having money problems... ) But, then I found GF and, frankly, it profoundly changed my life in the most positive way.

At any rate, it's been such a busy holiday season and with my working two jobs and trying to be with my husband as much as I can, I don't get a chance to post here nearly as much as I would like... but, rest assured, I read every post and try to keep up with what's going on with all our dads almost obsessively!!!

HouTX - I'm really glad that some resolution has happened for your son and the outrage that that teacher inflicted on him...

Handsome and Loving Dad... thanks for all your sharing... and don't lose hope... there are great men out there... I know, cuz I'm engaged to one who considers my daughter, his daughter...

Justjeff!!! So glad to see you here and posting again!!!

Dado1... I don't know that I'm that familiar with you (I'm getting old, ya know... ) but I sure appreciate hearing your thoughts as well...

To those I have missed... sorry!!!! In a coupla weeks I'm hoping to be less busy and more active here again... but, ya know, I got a kid to get through her senior year of college, they updated our case management system at work and NOTHING works anymore, I have a staff of nincompoops that I have to step through everything with baby steps, we won't even bring up my neurotic lesbian boss... jeez... Shows to do, that wonderful husband (well, fiance, we won't be married until David [sonofwalt] performs the ceremony because ONLY my best friend will do that... and, go figger, he started this site... )to enjoy...

Whoops... I meant this to be a quick "hi" and thanks for being a part of GF... ummm... so and thanks for being a part of GF!!!

All the best,

Smokey

P.S. Am I a moron, or what?

Smokey,
Ya your a moron. C'mon, lay more on us. Thanks for the welcome. Are you gonna be a June bride this year?

No, not a moron... you have to rise above the level of imbecile to graduate to moron. Right now I think you're only at idiot stage. tee hee... I forgot, I've got to get myself ordained, don't I?

Love, your little brother...

Bride, Handsome? Ain't no brides in my wedding party!!! Just me and the greatest guy in the world... Though I plan to have my daughter be my attendant (looking at it as her giving me away seems just a little wierd... hee hee... and my Dad is cool with the whole thing but might draw the line at walking me down the aisle... On the other hand, he has three sons... this could be his only opportunity!!! )

The date is still up in the air... I want it to be the 10th of something, as that is the anniversary of our first date... but I could be convinced to change that... and a dear friend of mine has already offered her gorgeous country ... well, estate is probably too much... but it's a very nice, country setting with a pavilion and lovely grounds all around...

But, I get ahead of myself here... on a more political note, I try to help out with Equality Maryland - a group that is fighting like crazy for same sex marriage in my state... I think I'd prefer that Bob and I are married when we are actually recognized as being married... though, maybe we won't wait that long... because, as far as we're concerned, we're already married....

And, my dear little brother, David... yes, get your ass ordained, okay?

And perhaps I'll forego moron, imbecile and idiot and just be happy being the dumb blond that I am...

All the best,

Smokey

That works too.

Hey, guys, did you notice how far he towers over me in that pic. It wasn't staged, and he was not standing on a chair.

No, not a chair or anything... but I did have to stand on my tiptoes a little, little bro... ya ain't THAT short...

Ah, it ain't easy livin' in Munchkin land...

Hmmm? You guys speak perfectly blonde alright. Love to see a photo of Smokey tossing the bouquet. I think there should be a category of wedding photos on this site.

I totally agree, Handsome... and I promise to litter the site with wedding photos when it happens...

LOL... but, as Bob said to me tonight, and not in a joking manner... "We're already married... I'm not your boyfriend, I'm not your fiance, I'm your husband." Course, then we had to tease each other about where the rings are...

And, Handsome, I will specifically carry a bouquet.. just so there's a pic of me throwing it... once my daughter is a mile or two away!!! I'm not ready for THAT one yet!!!

All the best,

Smokey

Smokey,
Okay then...Let me see, oh yes....that's the bouquet with the bungee cord. No problem. Now about those rings......are you telling me your not already sporting a huge diamond engagement ring?

Well....thanks so much for the shout out !!!

Personally, I can't wait to see the Wedding Pics?

Where are you going on the Honeymoon?

Jeff

LOL... there will be no huge diamonds with Bob and I, Handsome... he's already picked out our very classy and understated rings.... and I like them alot... I just wish I could gather the cash to buy him one...

And no honeymoon, Jeff... at least not in the planning at this point... it would probably be something like visiting friends for a coupla days... we're very boring....

But I want to thank you guys for your sweet and fun thoughts.... this is the best guy in the world and I'm only sorry that you all missed out on him...

Oh... wait... No, I'm not sorry you missed out on him... cuz he's all mine...

All the best,

Smokey