AIDS 1. Down the Shore. 1984-1987. Two Lives Continue.

These photos are all tied to multiple entries telling my story through my high school years. Please takes a few minutes and first read and view: Being a Junior,  Summer 1986. Part One, Summer 1986. Part Two, Senior Year Part Two and you may also wish to read and view: Senior Year. Part One,  It Gets Better and Brett Kavanaugh to get a more complete "picture" of my journey through this period of mine in the 80s. I promise you'll find it at least somewhat entertaining, sometimes perhaps a bit surprising or even shocking and even possibly insightful.

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Our vacation rental, though we used terms like "beach house" or "summer home" was in the tennis community, which was across from the high-rises on the ocean at the Sea Colony. This picture wasn't ours, but almost identical and on the same street. Like any development, there were only a few varying styles. These are typically 2 bedroom, 2 bath units with a deck. They are one floor units. There are some townhouse units with lofts that are two stories. We stayed in the same place on Round Robin Way from 1984-1987 in one of these one story, 2 bedroom units. The final couple years that my family went and I wasn't there as much, they moved up, somewhat ironically since I wasn't there, to a larger townhouse which had 2 bedrooms and a loft on a 2nd floor. Stay tuned for some of that story in an upcoming blog entry...

The Sea Colony. Bethany Beach, DE.

This group became my summer "congregation" at the Sea Colony in the summer of 1985. I was there for 3 weeks between July and August that summer. My mother, brother and Nana were there throughout, my father would come and go for a few days at a time. Some of our congregation would meet during the day to play volleyball, which I did from time to time. There were a group of sun worshippers. There was a group that hung out, philosophized and smoked pot most of the time.

But we'd all meet in the early evening, collect funds and go buy beer and wine coolers and then find a location off Sea Colony property to party for the evening. None of us that I can recall were ever of age. I often was the one buying as I had a good fake ID.

(I am all but hiding in the very back of that group to the left next to tall guy, dark hair, big pecs, 2 in- one w/o cig)

Sitting on the sofa at our "tennis villa" at the Sea Colony.

It was also in the summer of 1985 that I met Laura, who became my girlfriend, pre-fiancee (if that is a thing) for nearly 3 years. Laura and I enjoyed great times together. I introduced her to a lot and pushed her into college, but she also, though it was years later for me to realize it, made me get out of my bubble. She wasn't "dirt poor", just a shore girl who had parents that didn't split well and her mom's new husband died leaving her a home, but also endless medical bills after insurance. I grew great appreciation for how screwed the true middle class seemed to end up much of the time. Her mom wasn't particularly sophisticated, but incredibly devoted to her family, honest, and humble. She found it hard to accept doctor's writing off medical bills. It frustrated me, but only because I realized for the first time why our healthcare system is so unfair. My Father explained to me how they needed the write offs and I tried to explain it to her. I think she finally felt elated when she talked to her boss. More importantly, I think we should want to pull our "own weight" and probably thought that way all the more then, but sometimes you can't do it all on your own and that is OK. Someone, something should be there to help. I have been very charitable. I have sought assistance for various things at certain points along my journey.  Laura and her mom potentially could have ended up homeless or at the least scurrying for housing while her mother was a full time (I think) Dental Hygienist when the intention was to secure them with a home. Her Mom had a T-top and I can't remember whether a Camaro or Trans Am. But I loved that car. My Mom had her Le Baron Convertible and it was very nice, but Laura's Mom's car kicked ass; made a statement.