Another year with my cute family

Another year with my cute family.

2025 wasn’t a great year for many people. For us, I’d call it an “okay” year—and honestly, okay still carried plenty of warmth. When I look back, what stands out most are the wholesome, silly moments: hosting our first friends’ dinner, and Joy and Dyson splashing around in a tiny kiddie pool like it was the best day on earth.

As the years pass, remembering a specific point in time gets harder. That’s why I’ve learned to **keep a few key moments—little anchors—**that can bring you back instantly. Photos help. Objects help. And for me, art helps most.

A Visual Time Capsule: Our Growing A to Z Art Collection

I’m a visual person, so this growing collection of A to Z illustrations has become my way of holding onto the moments that matter. It’s also a gift I love giving Angel—something meaningful, personal, and tied to the life we’re building together.

This year’s piece symbolizes:

The hope I have for our growth in Montour Falls
The love of our puppy babies (Joy and Dyson)
Building our next chapter with the Goldenrod Inn

And yes—there’s an Easter egg in the illustration: can you spot the goldenrod in the artwork?

Why This Matters to Me

It’s easy to let time blur. But I don’t want these years to disappear into a vague “back then.” I want to remember the tiny, ridiculous details—the laughter, the chaos, the small wins, the ordinary days that turn out to be the important ones.

This artwork is one of the ways I’m choosing to remember.

What I’m Looking Forward To

Montour Falls continues to feel like possibility. The Goldenrod Inn feels like a dream that’s turning into something real—step by step. If 2025 was “okay,” my hope is that the next chapter is steadier, brighter, and built with intention.

If you’re building something too—whether it’s a home, a family, a business, or just a better year—I’m rooting for you. 👨🏻‍❤️‍👨🏽🏳️‍🌈🐶

Bastianilkk Sabastian Delgado Illustration - Original

Bastianilkk Sabastian Delgado Illustration - framed

Illustration by Sebastián Delgado

Finally posting our first illustrated family portrait

We’ve been sitting on this longer than we meant to. Today, in the quiet just after lunch, we finally pressed publish. Our first illustrated family portrait.

It’s tender in a way photographs sometimes miss—lines that feel like a steady hand, colors that hold warmth without shouting. Two of us, close the way we are in real life, and a certain dog who insists on being part of every frame. There’s a playful wink tucked inside, a nod to the worlds we grew up loving, the kind that still make us light up.

Our favorite Pokémon of Glaceon, Snorlax, Mewtwo, Chandelure, Galarian Articuno and of course Bulbasaur. We always thought Dyson had the energy of a Bulbasaur so he looks right at home.

Finally posting our first illustrated family portrait: all the best Zach & Angel

— #pokemon #gayswhogallery #loveislove — ‍❤️‍ ️‍A to Z illustrations

Illustration by RICARDO LIRA

A “Basic-B Cosmo” Cocktail

As the weekend gently unfolds, the spirit of relaxation takes center stage with a perfectly crafted “Basic-B Cosmo” Cocktail. This vibrant concoction, nestled elegantly in its glass, embodies the epitome of weekend indulgence—echoing the simplicity and joy found in the small moments that bring us peace.

The mellow pink hue of the Cosmo, reminiscent of a serene sunset after a busy week, speaks to the heart. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a pause button on the rapid pace of life, an invitation to unwind and savor the present. The delicate blend, punctuated by the subtle zest of citrus, is designed to make every sip an experience—a tranquil journey into leisure.

As I sip leisurely, the crispness and tang converge, creating a tactile symphony that dances playfully on the palate. It’s a celebration of the weekend’s promise: time to rediscover oneself, to embrace stillness, and to refresh the soul in the company of familiar joys. There’s something inherently comforting about this ritual; it reverberates a long-held tradition of finding solace in simplicity, a legacy of relaxation that connects the past with the present.

Surrounded by a sense of ease, the world seems to fade, leaving behind only a gentle hum

Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

This classic Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe is a vibrant and zesty drink perfect for any celebration or casual gathering. With a balance of tangy cranberry juice, zesty lime, and a hint of sweetness, this pink-hued cocktail is as delightful to drink as it is to look at.

Ingredients

2 oz (45 ml) vodka (e.g., be basic with Skyy)
1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (e.g., Cointreau)
0.5 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz (30 ml) cranberry juice (use less if organic – trust me)
Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

Chill Your Glass – Place a martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill.
Combine Ingredients – In a cocktail glass filled with ice, add vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice.
Stir – No one wants a watered down drink – stir until the glass starts to frost
Strain – Discard the ice or water in your martini glass, and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
Garnish – Add along lemon twist for a finishing touch.
Serve – Enjoy your perfectly crafted Cosmopolitan cocktail immediately!

I don’t know what we are doing but we are still in love

Sometimes the best moments happen without a plan. This photo captures one of those rare, simple joys—an effortless afternoon spent together at Sparkling Point Vineyard in North Fork, Long Island.

It was one of our final North Fork Line trips with friends, a bright and beautiful day surrounded by vineyards, laughter, and sparkling wine. Angel and I finally did what we always talked about: stepping into the vineyard and taking a photo together. No agenda, no overthinking—just a spontaneous, playful moment that felt perfectly us.

Dressed casually against a lush green vineyard backdrop, we balanced on one leg with outstretched poses, laughing through what turned into a sweet, unmistakably affectionate moment. Not a “boyfriend” moment—something deeper. A quiet reminder of who we are now: husbands, friends, and partners, still choosing joy in the small things.

Sparkling Point felt like the right place for it. Great friends, crisp sparkling wine, a little caviar, and that unmistakable North Fork calm that slows everything down. Days like this don’t need structure—they just need presence.

Our philosophy is simple: love deeply, laugh often, and sip slowly. We’ll keep chasing these unscripted moments wherever they show up—vineyards included.

In Austin, Texan Stars & Lips Abound

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When Angel and I flew to Austin, Texas for Ken and Joey’s wedding, we also took the opportunity to take a short vacation of sorts. We flew to Austin a day before the wedding festivities and celebrations commenced. While in Austin, we took the time to explore, peruse the city, and as self-professed “foodies” are wont to do—try restaurants and Texan delicacies.

(As a disclaimer: while on the trip, we didn’t live recklessly. Necessary precautions were taken and mask mandates were followed. We conscientiously adhered to any and all rules regulated by the CDC in restaurants, public places, and of course at the wedding. Upon arrival, we took a rapid COVID-19 test and continued to receive negative results throughout the entire week.)

After checking in, Angel and I explored the Austin Motel. A gay-friendly hotel, its signage took the shape of a penis set in bright neon lights. (I can’t say that we didn’t immediately buy a matching magnet of its likeness to put on our refrigerator.) The Austin Motel had an old-school motel feeling—a throwback modernized for its 21st-century guests. Full of novel architectural details, it followed the practice of pairing old historical bones with new modern minutiae. To speak to this, I slept in a room replete with lip print-patterned wallpaper, a big leather-bound bed, and a rotary phone.

Now, for food. While in Texas, it was almost an obligation to eat breakfast tacos at least once! Not too far from our hotel was a little roadside taco stand, where we bought and consumed our breakfast tacos on a couple of mornings. And when not eating tacos, we also went to a few restaurants with James Beard award-winning chefs. The first, called the Odd Duck, served several cocktails that were distilled in barrels on tap. With our drinks, we enjoyed a plate of seared scallops and a Wagyu beef burger in addition to some vegetarian turkey bacon. A couple of restaurants were also recommended to us—one being La Condesa Austin, which served huitlacoche quesadillas from fermented corn. A delicacy I couldn’t pass up!

While perusing the town, being New Yorkers, Angel and I wanted to walk everywhere. Turns out, Austin isn’t a “walking” city. There were periods where we walked amongst other pedestrians and other times when we felt like the last two people on earth. While walking around, we visited the state capitol, an interesting yet imposing building in and of itself. We noticed then, as we had been noticing for days—the Texas star is never far from sight. On our way to and from the Capitol, I took the opportunity to snap a few pictures of the various stars around town.

All in all, it was a great trip—a chance to celebrate close friends and travel!

Ken & Joey, Welcome to Married Life

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My good friends Joey and Ken got married this year around the same time vaccinations rolled out. It was a scary time to be flying, but after doing our part to stay safe, Angel and I flew to Austin, Texas to celebrate our friends’ union.

We had planned out the trip months ago, and while traveling, we made sure to exercise caution and be fastidious with our hand sanitizer. At the airport and on the plane, we wore our face shields, masks, and gloves. In Texas, we rented our own car to keep and maintain that all-important six feet of social distancing.

Though wary, I ended up really liking Austin. During our stay, the weather was perfect each day. We spent a lot of our time dining outside or choosing restaurants still in accordance with mass mandates and six-foot-apart safety measures, though at that time Texas had dropped their restrictions. We still felt pretty safe.

Joey and Ken’s wedding was held at the Austin Motel, a gay-friendly hotel decked out in neon lights. Each room was themed; ours was decorated with lip-print motifs and a bright red leather headboard on the bed. We had rented a red Mustang for the trip, so we definitely fit in at the hotel!

There was a courtyard next to the main building. On our first day, we gathered there for a meet-and-greet cocktail hour. That’s also where the on-site clinic was, where all wedding guests were required to receive a COVID-19 test. The entire wedding party was vaccinated, but since the vaccines had just been rolled out, not everyone in attendance had been able to receive their second or even first dose. Everyone was then required to participate in an on-site test. Without the test results, you weren’t allowed to remove your mask.

Everything was very well thought-out. No surprise for Ken and Joey! The courtyard during that first happy hour was beautiful; cocktails and finger foods were served

The next day, a brunch was held for all wedding guests. Later that afternoon was the wedding. The event was entirely outdoors, at The Contemporary Austin. The ceremony took place under a tree-covered amphitheater overlooking a lake. At the end of the wedding, Ken and Joey ran through a sparkler runway to where a pickup truck driven by a drag queen was waiting. As they stood on the bed of the truck, giant fireworks shot up into the air while monster trucks drove by in a cloud of billowing red smoke.

At the after-party, the Austin Motel lit up their swimming pool with neon lights for a late dip. There was fast food to eat, and time for Ken and Joey’s close family and friends to wind down after the excitement of the day.

It was a great wedding, full of great people. I’m so happy for Ken and Joey and wish them lots of luck and love. Welcome to married life!

Weekend board game Fog of love

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My husband and I got married in September. One of the wedding gifts that we received was a board game from my friend Andrew. We decided to wind down from the hectic work week by giving the game, Fog of Love, a try.

It came with a bunch of colorful cards and chips. The objective of the game is to play out various relationship scenarios, adopt different personas, and go on pretend dates. It also comes with expansion packs to help switch things up. My husband Angel and I had a fun time playing the game. We highly recommend!

Love in any weather on Dysontopia

Rain doesn’t ask permission; it just arrives, soft and steady, turning everything a little quieter. On Dysontopia, two Animal Crossing neighbors sit back-to-back on a green bench, letting the weather do what it does—streaking the air, blurring the distance, making the moment feel briefly suspended.

There’s something honest about a scene like this. No grand gesture, no posed perfection—just companionship that holds its shape even when the sky changes its mind. The rain draws a thin veil between them and the world behind: a bulletin board, softened trees, the gentle rhythm of island life continuing as if it has all the time in the world.

Love in any weather on Dysontopia feels like that kind of steadiness. The kind you notice in small details: a shared pause, a patient closeness, the way two people can face different directions and still be together. It’s a quiet reminder that warmth isn’t always about sunshine. Sometimes it’s simply having someone near while the day turns gray, and choosing to stay put until it passes.

My new snazzy sweater

There’s something quietly thrilling about a new sweater—like stepping into a slightly different version of yourself.

This one is snazzy in the way good winter things are: soft, sturdy, and a little unexpected. The knit is thick and pale, scattered with blue like weather moving in over an empty field. It doesn’t try too hard, which is exactly why it works. The kind of piece you throw on without thinking, and then later realize you’ve been wearing all day because it feels like a small shelter.

I caught myself looking down at it and smiling. Not because it’s “new clothes” new, but because it carries that calm, settled feeling—like something that can live alongside you. Like the familiar creak of boards in an old house, or the way winter air changes everything into a softer version of itself.

There’s no big story here, just a simple upgrade to the everyday: cuffs rolled, collar peeking out, the world a little brighter and bigger for an afternoon. Sometimes that’s enough.

If you’ve ever had a piece of clothing turn into a season—something you reach for when the light gets thin—then you know exactly what I mean.

Friday Night New Husbands Date

Friday Night New Husbands Date felt less like an event and more like a temperature change. The week finally unclenched. We followed the glow into a big room where the ceiling curves overhead and the curtains gather in heavy folds, like something theatrical holding its breath.

Onstage, the screens flashed bright and familiar, and the crowd settled into that shared hush—strangers stitched together by the promise that we’d laugh at the same moment. The light was warm enough to make everything feel a little softer: faces in silhouette, a few blue chairs waiting, sound rigging hanging like quiet punctuation.

Being newly married is a strange kind of ordinary magic. You start noticing small things because they’re suddenly yours to notice: how he leans when he’s listening, how you both look up at the same time, how a simple night out turns into a memory you’ll carry like a ticket stub in a coat pocket.

We didn’t need anything extravagant—just a reason to leave the house, sit close, and let the night make a little weather around us. A date doesn’t have to prove a love is real. Sometimes it just gives it room to echo.

Mini Honeymoon Cocktails

Two small glasses sit on a white table, the kind you cradle with warm hands while night presses against the airport windows. Outside, a plane rests under floodlights; inside, the room glows magenta and hushed, like a waiting place trying to be gentle.

Mini Honeymoon Cocktails isn’t really about mixology. It’s about the pause you make in transit—before the next gate, before the next city, before the world asks you to be practical again. The first sip tastes like sweetness cut with something sharp, like realizing you’re married and it still hasn’t fully landed.

There’s a particular tenderness to celebrating in an airport. Everything is designed for leaving, but you can still build a small island of staying: two seats, two glasses, and the soft roar of other lives rolling by on wheels.

If you’re planning your own mini honeymoon moment, keep it easy. Order one drink you both actually enjoy, ask for water alongside it, and let the clink be the ceremony. No grand backdrop required. Just the shared look that says: we’re here, we’re together, we’re going.

Small drinks for a big beginning.

Countdown – 1 day – AtoZ

There’s something quietly electric about the last day of a countdown. Not loud, not frantic—just a small hum under everything, like a house settling at night.

On the table: two low glasses with “LOVE IS LOVE” catching the light, clear and simple as a promise. Behind them, sunflowers lean in, bright and a little oversized, like they’re trying to witness the moment too. And there, spread open like a breath, a sunflower-patterned fan with names written across it—Angel, Zachary—dated for a day that’s almost here.

It’s the kind of scene that feels ordinary until you look again. A tabletop, a few objects, a room with books and afternoon light. But in the midst of the mundane, meaning gathers. The fan isn’t just decoration; it’s a marker of a future hour when people will stand, smile, and realize the waiting has turned into arrival.

Countdown – 1 day – AtoZ.

Tomorrow is the day the details stop being details and become memory. The glasses will be lifted, the flowers will droop, the fan will fold closed. And what’s left—what matters—will be that steady warmth: love, spoken plainly, and meant.