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May 16, 2005
Garden State
We took the train up to New Jersey to see our buddy Dave over the weekend. He moved there 3 years ago so we thought it was probably a good idea if we paid him a visit.
He made the move to be close to a new job (and to get away from the crazy gay party scene that can sometimes be DC). He moved to a small conservative town called Pennsville (right by Wilmington, Delaware). Pennsville is well known for being close to a nuclear power plant, having no more than 3 homosexuals living there (including Dave) and for being one of the spots Andrew Cunanan decided to murder someone. Dave's place is right on the Delaware river. He's done a lot of renovations to his home. It's beautiful.
We just wanted to chill out and spend some QT with Dave. We had no agenda so we just ate, drank, went to a park and watched a movie ("Bad Education"). FYI: Not a good idea to request watching a movie with subtitles after many beers. At the park, we walked up to the cemetary outside the house where Cunanan struck. That was joyful.
Dave used to be our neighbor across the hall at the Wardman (a condo building in Dupont with all one-bedrooms). It was such a great place to live. So many memories. It was definitely like living at Melrose Place. So many different characters. Some drama. We all knew our neighbors and we all got along. There was a great sense of community. We all kind of miss it. Rob and I were there for 5 years in a one-bedroom so it was definitely time for us to move on. Most of the other Melrose Placers have also left.
Dave has stories. Lots of them. He grew up in Tennessee (and still has that deep southern accent). He served in the Navy for 15 years (mostly on a submarine). Again, lots of stories there. He would have served longer but the military chose to discriminate. Their loss. Bet they're kicking themselves these days. He's a great guy.
Despite living a couple hours away he still keeps updated on what's happening in our neighborhood. And boy does he know some things. Especially about high society (and I do mean high ;-) I could post some scandalous things that could shake up a few lives but I will keep my mouth shut. For now.
Posted by durban bud at May 16, 2005 07:58 AM
Comments
The Wardman was my home for years - well not directly so, as I lived far far away in Annandale (we'll call it Anandalay to make it sound less depressing) yet found myself on a certain couch owned by Durbanbud and Mr. M weekend after weekend. It became my home moreso than the place I was renting. I think it was because that I became part of the Melrose that the Wardman easily facilitates. After a while, people just assumed I lived there since I was so often walking in the building by myself (I had keys) or sitting on the stoop with a certain beagle and his real owners. I love my new place in the city, DBud's new place, but I can't help but miss the Wardman life - well maybe not when Marla would set off the fire alarm with her smokey fireplace but that is another story for another time.
More recollections about the Wardman (Dbud has been making me nostalgic of late...) on my blog.
Posted by: TOS at May 16, 2005 11:18 AM
Dave's cute!
You're ALL photogenic. (Take a pill.) Glad you had a nice time!
Posted by: Ken at May 16, 2005 03:43 PM
Yeah, Dave gets that a lot. Nice guy, too.
Do you have any pills to offer? I do enjoy percocet.
Posted by: durban at May 16, 2005 03:54 PM
God, 2 days ago I barely knew what a blog was. Day 2 and this is my second blogmentary (I'm sure there is some computer geek term for it). I love TJ and Rob...and I'll leave it at that. I'm also thankful that this article didn't include the word "WILD".
Wardman Recollections could be a very lively topic. I sure hope the walls of 105 don't talk!
Posted by: Dave at May 16, 2005 10:35 PM
Rob, why didn't you let TJ and I know that we were "matching" in the ferry picture?
Posted by: Dave at May 16, 2005 10:36 PM
The walls of 105 could not talk even if they wanted. They were entirely coated with some thick white-like film that kinda smells like bleach a few years ago. The walls have been rendered mute.
Posted by: durban at May 17, 2005 08:04 AM
you sure it's not something else??? oh wait, i'll keep my trap shut now.
Posted by: TOS at May 17, 2005 08:49 AM
Ahh the Wardman, so many fond memories. We made many good friends there. Most of them have moved elsewhere and some to a strange and distant land called New Jersey. It is a testament to our friendship that we have remained friends despite the distance. We love Dave and though we have slowed down, just hanging out is about the right speed for us. Besides sitting on Dave’s deck overlooking the river is like being on vacation and he’s a good cook and a gracious host.
Posted by: rob at May 17, 2005 02:19 PM
T-jaaayy. You're not going to believe this:
http://www.legacy.com/sunbeam/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=3558622
Posted by: Dave at May 19, 2005 06:02 PM