[MadLuv]

Wow!! So much going on. I also like you included your relationship with KA talks on things that you have to work through.  I think one thing that we definitely are more aware of is just how important communication and ones feelings are in a relationship. I like how you explain your thoughts but reflect on how you can do better. Good update!

[STP]

Thanks for your comment MadLuv!
Journalling

Well kayaking season 🚣 has begun and I lead a group of (up to) 28 paddlers each week June-Sept. Monday nights, after work, we go out on the water. Afterwards some of the group go out to dinner. We seem to be plagued with bad or slow service and often times I dont get home until after 10:30.

This past Monday I told my gf KA that it was my hope by being off the water at 8pm, I could be home by 10pm. At almost 11pm, while driving home, she called me upset I was still out, knowing less sleep... would impact our Tuesday date night with me being tired. I slept well and it didn't (whew) as we went on a hike by her request! While waiting for me to get home she did a short nearby hike herself and posted online she was hoping to relieve anxiety and negativity. I asked about it and is has nothing to do with us, but her life adulting and the pressures of selling her house. Shes looking to buy a new construction home in the fall. She feels like she has no time for activites and to make friends. With a 12 yr old, she has awhile before freedom from daily parenting. Way I see it, she had her fun time, not becoming a parent until 42. I've done my 24 years of having kids under my roof. I did ask KA if she'd like more of an online presence with me, less or was okay as we've been doing. She wants more of the smaller things we do posted, explaining one of her friends asked her if we were even still together.

TPB brought her S24 this monday to kayaking and afterwards the kid sent me a Facebook friend request. I still haven't accepted it and mentioned it to KA. I also joked to TPB that it would make us one step closer to being a family. She thought it funny and knew I was kidding. She has a friend with benefits but not interested in a relationship with that guy.

Her bestie, JKR sent me a long text that she was backing off coming to my events because she felt pressure (from me) to try and befriend KA and it wasn't working. I told her I am ok with them just coexisting and the next move would be from KA to try and get to know her. KA had indicated she would like to attend one of my Sunday group hikes but her schedule and mine don't meetup until perhaps November. I think her walking with my hiking friends will get them talking and more friendly. Most of my friends were made from hiking groups.

Last Friday S25 eloped and married his live in gf. The only ones present were her mother, his best friend and XW who apparenly is an officient and performed the quick service in the nearby courthouse. KA thought it sucks for me to not be included but I really didn't care. S25 said it was mainly to get her on his insurance. As far as I know, they still have a public wedding planned for fall 2026.

Also last Friday I was invited to disc golf with four friends (three women and one guy). It was nice to be invited to something for a change! One of the women (first time mentioning her here), an older black gal DB considers me her best guy friend. She said another of the women BB (last mentioned in Oct '24 for winking at me) was hitting on me. I know she's a flirt. She has good energy but I am imprervious to her friendly gestures.

Fathers Day was very, very fun with S32, S25 and S23. Unfortunately S30 had to work. We played 18 holes of disc golf, ate pizzas out, tossed nerf football around in the 60º water at the beach and played 4-player Mario soccer on their Wii U. A great day!

This weekend KA and I are going out Friday to see a band at a brewery. I saw on Facebook DC was 'interested' in going. Would be nice, yet awkward to see her. We haven't texted in three months and I don't expect that to change. Saturday is my Tie-Dye summer party. My original theme was vampires but KA said she wouldn't come, so I changed it. I have just over 20 attending atm, including buddy JS and S25. Looks to be mid 70s at night, great for a fire.

[OffRoad]

Tie Dye sounds more summer anyway. Summer is beer. Vampire should be part of a wine party  JK, you do you.

I am confused.

JKR sent me a long text that she was backing off coming to my events because she felt pressure (from me) to try and befriend KA and it wasn't working.

What events did they attend together that was a problem? Just not understanding.

Also, LOVE the church. I love abandoned places and am always glad when I go because invariably someone shuts them down rather than make it so people can go visit and NOT damage the remains.

[STP]

Thanks for the comment OffRoad.

JKR has been coming to my parties for about two years but really only in the last several months have I asked her to try and be friends with KA. I told her don't push it, let the friendship happen, if it does.

My tie-dye party was very low key with about 25 coming. Buddy JS brought a women he met that day at another friends afternoon birthday party and she was a very friendly and welcome guest to have. I think having the music too quiet made it more relaxed, as typically I get dancing and had none. It was also a very hot 90º+ night so noone went outside to light the fire. Thus a lot more sitting & talking. Late in the night I actually sat down and was talking to JKR with TPB next to her and KA found me and stood there rubbing my back. KA and TPB actually talked and watched a phone video together.

In my Nov 12 post I mentioned a new guy friend FB, I met whose been going through his divorce and I've been counseling him. Lately he's been having difficulty with his rebound gf of four months. They've broken up twice but weak willed him keeps getting drawn back in. This third breakup she even called the police on him for staying at her house too late when her cleaning lady was coming over. I casually was talking to him and mentioning snippets of my relationship with KA and how sometimes she gets jealous and he threw out "TBP" Where'd that come from? I don't feel like I outwardly give her any noticeable attention. I have seen her more than any other woman friend at my events this year, tho. She is quiet when her pal JKR is around.

Kayaked yesterday in 93º heat which was fun and saw lots of wildlife including these eagles. I paddle with my canon camera around my neck.



Thursday night, I'm hosting a group to see a Metallica tribute band. This is the start of the summer weekly concerts. S25 will be there as well as JKR and TPB. The weekend will be at KAs house with friday fireworks and pool time on Saturday. Sunday is my hike which I lead every 4 weeks.

MM texted me shes back in MI, 1hr10 mins away, staying with her old man bf. We will talk tomorrow. I wonder if she plans to go back to FL?