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Nothing says “it’s a festive Memorial Day weekend” like a bunch of gay bloggers congregating in Central Park on “Bear Hill” (near the Sheep Meadow) for the sweet sounds of disco and the likes of Roller Grandma, Bladee and Bottlehead.

“Bear Hill” is situated over what looks to be the impromptu roller rink. Many guys get together Saturday afternoons throughout the summer, today a bunch of us out-of-town bloggers joined in the fun.

The festivities included chatting, eating (let’s hear it for cheese in a can!) and socializing with the guys. I really like talking face to face with those that I peer into the life of via their blogs. I find it all so fascinating.

Earl was kind enough to take a picture when we were doing group shots. There’s quite a few new guys on the blogroll (to your right), you’ll probably see more additions to the list over the weekend.

Stickers.

Originally uploaded by bluemarvel.

Tonight was the kickoff of NYC:GB4 in the Big Apple. We went to the get together at “Therapy”, a newer gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen. I don’t know why I get nervous about these things, I chatted with folks that I’ve been reading about (via blog) for years and had a grand old time.

Here’s Earl with Glennalicious and Mike. Earl had to remind me about Mike’s name. Blame the beer.

En route to NY.

Originally uploaded by bluemarvel.

Earl and I are situated in our hotel room in stunning Secaucus, New Jersey. We are staying at an Embassy Suites that is currently under reconstruction, so we were able to stay for two nights for the price of one.

I am so excited about this weekend in The Big Apple. We just ate supper at a nearby restaurant called Cheesburger in Paradise. We’re now getting ready to drive into town so that we can stalk other bloggers at Therapy.

Good times.

Lilacs.

Originally uploaded by bluemarvel.

The lilacs are in full bloom. It’s currently 92 degrees.

What a perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend.

Jeep Ride.

Originally uploaded by bluemarvel.

Earl and I went on a ride through the snobby sections of town looking for landscaping ideas. The topsoil arrives next week!

Such excitement.

Dairy Goodness.
Originally uploaded by bluemarvel.

Earl and I made the first run of the season to a very popular ice cream stand. We bundled ourselves up (it’s still chilly at night in these parts) and made the trek to the Ice Cream Factory, located in the little town of Chadwicks, New York, just southeast of Utica.

The Ice Cream Factory is one of the more popular ice cream stands in the area with a 1/2 hour wait or more on hot summer nights. Tonight there were just a few in line before us and only one window was open, but at 52 degrees it’s really not full-tilt ice cream weather yet.

Tonight’s selection was Adirondack Brownie Ice Cream from Mercer’s, which is vanilla ice cream with a fudge swirl and chunks of chocolate brownie strewn through it.

It’s yummy.

If you’re in the area, The Ice Cream Factory is definitely worth a visit for a summer treat. You can e-mail me for directions.

Inspired by Joe. My. God.’s “Morning View” blog entries, I’ve decided to try something similar and share little bits and pieces of Central New York from time to time.

Proctors Theatre Arcade.
Originally uploaded by bluemarvel.

Earl is in the Capital District tonight on business and invited me to join him for dinner. I love these last minute road trips. We’re just getting back to his room in downtown Schenectady. We’re going to watch the season finale of “Heroes” and then I’m going to jump on the Thruway and head home.

Here’s a picture of the arcade at Proctor’s Theatre. I find these older buildings to be fascinating. We don’t build them like this anymore.

I love these last minute trips.

There Fore Art Thou Patio.

Originally uploaded by bluemarvel.

The patio crew finished putting in our patio today. This weekend Earl and I are furniture shopping and doing lots of landscaping work.

I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Spring.
Originally uploaded by bluemarvel.

Spring is for sitting on the front porch and napping with your friend.

Dandelions.
Originally uploaded by jp2.0.

I’ve always been a fan of dandelions. While it seems that everyone I talk to wants to eliminate them from their picture perfect yards, I don’t think a lawn is complete unless it’s dotted with dandelions.

They’re a natural part of spring!