12 of 12

Congratulations to Cubby of Patently Queer who was my 23,000th visitor today!   This blog was started just over six months ago and has had 48,209 page views (not including mine) and 1156 comments (including many of mine as I comment on comments.)   I find it just unbelievable and gratifying that so many people are interested in my story and of course, all the pictures of hot men.  Thank you!

I know that among my readers are a great many gay / bi married, closeted fathers who are following this soap opera to see how it will turn out.   I wouldn't presume to offer anyone any advice, so I will stick to telling my story as honestly as I can, revealing as much personal detail as I am comfortable with.

Overall, my journey so far has gone far more smoothly than I ever thought possible.  One of the main reasons is that my wife, despite having had her life torn apart and despite many challenges in her life, has been remarkably supportive of me in  her own way.  She fully understands that any attempt to destroy me, socially, financially or however else,  would impact negatively on the kids and all our futures.

Another reason my journey is so smooth is among my circle of friends and family, my coming-out as gay has been a non-event. I've enjoyed the strongest possible support from everyone who knows;  my entire family, my wife's entire family, my wife's friends, my children, my mother-in-law and the few friends I've told.  I am certain that Canada's leadership in granting full protections and rights to LGBT folks has lead to this social acceptance.  

I will go out on a limb to say that I think being gay in Canada has become (or is becoming) the "new normal." 
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Blogger Chad Darnell has a project where people from all over the world take 12 pictures on the 12th of each month and post them on their blogs.  Check out everyone's pictures this month:  Chad's 12 of 12  link list.

I zoomed through town snapping pictures on this beautiful day, Friday August 12th.   The hottie summer men were everywhere!   I just wish I was brave enough to take more pictures of them to share with you!

#1:   A beautiful park in the centre of town near my workplace.    I try to have lunch here when I can.

#2:   My shirt is just poofed out;  my gut really isn't that big!  The ice cream cone isn't helping, of course.

#3:  A flip-flopped, cargo-shorted hottie heading into the liquor store.

#4:  Our town's "subway" is just a concrete tunnel running under some railway tracks.

#5:  The subway reeks of urine and is covered with lots of unimaginative graffiti.

#6:  An inner-city park.... the only people who come here are the residents of the nearby homeless shelter.

#7:   Weekend pierogi sales at the Legion Hall, made by old Polish ladies wearing babushkas.    Pierogis are potato / cheddar cheese dumplings, boiled or fried and served with sour cream and fried bacon, onions and mushrooms.  Carb heaven!  A weekly treat for me!

#8:  This small river cuts right through the centre of town.  It's looking a little murky because of recent rains, but it supports a healthy population of rainbow trout who spawn far upstream.

#9:  A successful inner-city community garden, built on a vacant lot.

#10:   Perve Alert!   A ginger-haired hottie, shot from my car window.

#11:  I had to include this Canadian flag!

#12:   A Ukranian Orthodic church in the older part of town.