Hello to all my family and friends. I hope everyone is in good health and spirits. Hoping you’re having a good pride month!
We had a float in the parade and I couldn’t believe the thousands of people. The parade lasted three hours and with 18,000 marchers alone, which is up 5,000 from last year. Plus the family and friends supporting all of us was overwhelming. Special thanks to my cousins Leora and Seymore who are always at the parade.
Several days before the parade, G, Kelly, and Scott went to shoppers world to buy Moo-Moos. Well, it ended up that about half our staff had on Moo-Moos. EVEN ME! They are so comfortable to wear. No, Val nor Bill were in Moo-Moos.
The children, mothers, fathers, and grandparents who attended was so inspiring, especially the ones with signs saying “FREE HUGS”. Unfortunately, someone submitted a commentary in the Columbus Dispatch, that he thought it wasn’t a place for children. He is boycotting going to any stores, restaurants, banks, health groups, etc. who participated in the parade. Since so many religious sects participate and march in the parade I wonder what denomination he is?
Our former Ms. Southbend 2018, Jennifer Lynn, was riding behind us in Mathew’s convertible, and she looked lovely as always as well as Sabrina Heartt, our current Ms. Southbend and Kari O’Knife our Ms. Southbend Newcomer 2019. Stevie Phoenix our Mr. Southbend King 2019. Plus many close friends who ride the float every year. Roland and his copilot JR (Archie) navigated through without a problem. When we got back from the parade, I and Chef-Boy-AL-Dee cooked up some hot dogs and hamburgers. Thanks, Ed & Jim and Everyone who brought sides.
Later in the afternoon, Val got a text that Southbend was being given an award. We thought it was for the float. Well, it was a trophy for best Local Bar! So Thanks to all our families, friends, and patrons who support us. WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
Sunday, Karen and I, took Mother out to dinner for her 89th Birthday. We ate at Texas Road House. Then mosied down to Southbend. Mother enjoyed her day.
Remember every Thursday, I make blender drinks. I have been bringing in fresh fruits. So join us from noon to 6 pm. For those milkshakes or daiquiris or your choice of many special I make.
The next, Cooking with Connie is Saturday, July 13th. Summer Side Dish is our theme. So have fun with it. Many sides go well with picnics and Bar-B-Qs. Top 3 winners are rewarded. All entries in by 2:30. Judging at 3 pm.
Well, again I will say, the time flying by so fast! One week from today will be July 1st! That means half of the year is already over and Red, White, and BOOM will be here soon!
Thursday is the 4th of July. We will be serving hot dogs and hamburgers along with sides that everyone brings. This year’s grill master will be Chef-Boy-AL-Dee. Join us for fun, food, laughter, and friendship.
My next trip down memory lane was the 3rd gay bar I went into was the Cat’s Meow. It’s the old Flat Iron building downtown. The back side faces 4th St., the front side faces an alley. It recently closed as the “Flat Iron Grille“. In 1972 the Cat’s Meow didn’t serve food. It was a fun gay bar. With a jukebox good friends and drinks, what else did you need?
Charlie was the manager of the bar and six apartments upstairs. In 1974, I won Miss Cat’s Meow. Back then you wore your best frock and whoever looked the best, won! Georgia was runner up. I, Karen, Georgia, Brandy, Charlotte, and Sony Howard all lived in the apartments upstairs in 1974. The Cat’s Meow was the second place I bartended at. I remember so many great times and people that I will be including in my autobiography, “Inside Looking Out”. Which I am in the process of writing. I hope to have it written this year.
The 4th Bar I walked into was the original Tradewinds on North High near the old train station. It was a dark, small, piano bar with older people, except when us young whippersnappers would go in for a change of pace. Hank who owned it was very nice. I remember calling it the Wrinkle Room.
The 5th bar I went to was The New Yorker on East Main St. off of 3rd and across the street from Zettler Hardware. Mary and Jake owned it. They were very caring and loving to the gay community as well as Jane and Ernie who owned the Cat’s Meow. Stations Music Shop was next door until they moved into the old A&P Grocery store. The New Yorker was the 3rd bartending job I had. In 1974, Georgia won Miss New Yorker and I was runner up. It was one of the 1st gay bars to have shows on occasion. It was another fun bar and great times.
Now on a serious note, our friend Jesse is in the hospital in Chillicothe and had his gall bladder removed. He had a stone that was blocking his intestine. So all the toxins backed up causing jaundice. He’s doing better, his spirits are up and he sends his love to everyone. I will keep you updated on Jesse’s progress.
I want to personally thank West and Terry V. for coming on board and joining our Southbend Family.
I will close for now leaving you with this one last thought: We are never alone. When you need someone to talk to, let it out. Tell someone.
Take care of yourself and each other.
Love,
Connie