The journey to September 29th, 2010 was over 5 years in the making.
As of this day Gabrielle and I were married in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Why Las Vegas?
Long story, so sit back and read.
Our intention was to wed in Berlin. Our intention was to
holiday in Venice, Italy. But, sometimes plans change. That life.
A couple of months ago, we went to the marriage bureau in Berlin. The
gentleman there was not the friendliest. He kept telling us due to my
two divorces, that I would need not just the recent divorce papers which
I gave him, but he wanted the wedding certificates from both, and the
divorce papers from the first marriage.
Jeez! Basically he said it was easier to be married in Las Vegas.
The first was back in 1965, and I divorced her in 1983. But, it wasn't just
having to supply the documents, he said we had to have them translated
into German also. In other words, maybe next year some time after all
papers were in order. We had our heart set on September 29th of this
year. He said, "go to Las Vegas, it is legal everywhere". He also told us that
after we return, that we have to submit the marriage license, an Apostle, and then
after a few weeks, the state of Germany would recognize us as a married
couple. Funny, everywhere in the world we are now husband and wife,
including Germany, even if we have to wait till the documents are on record.
Strange system, but we decided at that point to take his advice and go
to the United States to get married. For me, I had no intention of being
back in the states this soon. But we discussed it and it was a mutual
decision. This was after I had announced on Facebook that we were to
be married in Berlin and go to Italy. But hey, the man said it was easier.
Next, get plane tickets to Los Angeles. Done. Then hotel. Done. Find a
chapel online. Not easy. So many. But finally we decided on the "The Little
White Chapel" on Las Vegas Boulevard. Done.
Next was the hardest decision. Since this was Gabrielle's first marriage,
she wanted a very private ceremony. No family, or friends. Just the two
of us. With my past history of marriages, I readily agreed to this.
At this point some of you reading this might be angry, or unhappy I
never let on about Los Angeles and Las Vegas, but try and
understand our wishes of privacy.
Yes, we did see a few of my friends in Los Angeles, and I told no one
from Arizona about our plans. Not even my daughter, or my son. She
knows now, because we had a phone conversation before I left the
states, due to an e-mail through Myspace she sent asking what is up.
I will let my son know also by voice when we finally speak. I didn't want to
explain all this on an e-mail. I believe he will understand.
The friends I chose to see were very long time true friends. John Easdale
came to our hotel the day after we arrived and took us to lunch at the hotel.
My golf buddies came by that evening and took us to
dinner at the hotel. That was Monday September 27th.
The next day Gabrielle and I drove to Las Vegas. Very romantic. I
had never driven to Vegas.
First thing we did was drive right away to the Clark County
courthouse to the marriage bureau and register.
We checked into the Luxor in the early evening of the 28th.
We were groggy from the drive, but our stomachs
were empty, so we ate the most rockin' lamb chops with truffle mashed
potatos at Tender. We then went up to our room and relaxed, with
the excitement and anticipation of Wednesday, September 29th.
At this point I should let you know why that particular date was
important to us. It was one year ago on that date when I stepped
off the plane at Tegel Airport in Berlin, and we met face to face
for the first time after almost 5 years, at that time. It was instant
love and has never changed. Hence that date.
The next morning we checked out of the hotel and drove to the
chapel. This chapel is very famous, but that wasn't the reason why
we chose it. They were the friendliest and most informative from the
beginning. In a brief time, but romantic setting we were married in
the chapel by Minister Diana Alba. She was so sweet, and showed
us a lot of caring and love. It was a great ceremony. Our Hungarian
photographer was our witness. He was a great guy with a sense of
humor, and he spoke some German.
We then changed into comfortable clothing and left Vegas and headed
back to Los Angeles. On the way back we stopped at
Peggy Sue's Diner in Barstow, California.
What a great thing to do. Built in 1954, it was the real deal.
Had a slice of blueberry pie and coffee. Nostalgic. Very. I highly
recommend stopping there if you are in the area.
On Thursday we drove all around Hollywood, and
visited Marc Kordelis at his home.
Then that evening we were taken out to dinner by Felicia Swerling-Suslow
and husband Artur at the Stinkin' Rose in the Wilshire district. Garlic
heaven. :-) Always great food there.
On Friday we relaxed most of the day, and had lunch at Poquito Mas.
Always the best tacos. Gabrielle had a chicken Tostada.
Early that evening we drove over to Dodger Stadium and met
up with Shawn Alexander and his lovely wife Lisa,
who bought tickets to take us to the Dodgers game as a wedding gift.
Gabrielle loved the stadium, and all its flashy signs and the whole
experience. That was great.
It will be a long time that I will ever get to see my Dodgers again.
On Saturday we relaxed most of the day, and then in the late afternoon
went to Felicia and Artur's house for a home made meal of special
fish tacos that Artur cooked up. Yum.
On Sunday morning, we got up early and drove out to Malibu to
Zuma Beach, so Gabrielle could be on the ocean.
Kenny Ryback met us there.
We chatted a bit, and then bid farewell to Kenny, and
then drove down the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) to meet up with
Geordie and Jenny Gillespie for lunch at the Reel Inn for a great
fish lunch. Gabrielle had grilled salmon, and I had grilled swordfish.
We relaxed all the rest of Sunday, and Monday we flew back to Berlin,
arriving at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. Very happy to be home.
So why only these people? Because they were trusted long time
friends, that I knew would keep our secret. Why no one in Arizona?
Sadly, because my ex keeps sending me threatening e-mails, and now
has other's sending me e-mails. I wish that she will move on with her
life and understand that I have. I have no hard feelings. I have none.
I have a new life in a beautiful city with the person I will spend the
rest of my life with. I am happy, and nothing is going to change that.
Part of life is understanding why some people want
their privacy on some matters.
I think you will understand.
Much love to all of you.
