Oh, what fun Joshua had making his very first Valentines!!!
Valentines Meme February 21, 2009
Here’s a little Valentine meme I stole from the Farmer’s Daughter. Actually, she encouraged me to do it. If you want to try it, too, by all means, “steal” it from me!
My Valentine and Me
What are your middle names?
My given middle name is Susan after my grandmother on my Mom’s side, but I changed it to my maiden name when we got married. My DH’s middle name is David, after his Dad, also a family name from generations way back. By the way, I was delighted to change my last name when we got married: much prettier and easier for everyone to spell!
How long have you been together?
Wow, married 31 years, together for 34 in all, but it seems like just yesterday . . .
How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We first met when my uncle took me on a fishing trip to my future husband’s farm when we were about 12. All I remember is that this cute guy baited my hook because I thought it was gross and his Mom made great cupcakes. He remembers my floppy red hat. We both attended the wedding of that same uncle’s daughter in our pre-teen years, as the two families were mutual friends. But, we really noticed each other when we met again at the same uncle’s pool during our high school years. My valentine remembers a white bikini I wore (that my Mom had made!) and I remember him coming straight from football practice . . . I guess it was destiny . . . it just took a few times meeting!
Who asked whom out?
He definitely asked me out. I had a line of babysitting jobs and actually said no the first three times. No one had EVER said no to him before, so I guess I was playing hard to get. My mom finally covered for me on a babysitting job, so I could go out!
How old are each of you?
Old enough to know better . . . and old enough that 2 of our 3 children are of legal age!!!
Whose siblings do you see the most?
He sees his most, just about every day at work . . . family business. I don’t see his–or mine–nearly enough, due to work commitments and distance.
Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Demands on our time . . . making time for each other!
Did you go to the same school?
Nope. We went to different high schools, and if we had EVER gone to the same school, we would NEVER had hooked up. He was a jock; I was a nerd . . . oh, and did I say I was in the band? And, yes, I’m still in college as well as working full-time, going for a 4th degree, so I guess I’m still a nerd. . . and I believe opposites DO definitely attract!
Are you from the same home town?
Nope, we’re from neighboring towns, though. Now, I actually live in my husband’s family’s town, which is the town MY mother grew up in!
Who is smarter?
I will NOT answer this question on the grounds that it may/will incriminate me! He’s definitely more common-sense smart, though! We’re both smart in different ways, in different things . . . again that “opposite” thing!
Who is the most sensitive?
Me, hands down. I’ll cry at the drop of a hat . . . or when a sad country song is on the radio . . . or an upsetting news story . . . or a happy memory . . . or a touching moment . . . or pretty much any good movie! Although I’ve noticed, he’s growing more sensitive with age . . . or is it living with me?
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Wherever the kids decide that they want us to take them for their birthday dinners!
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
To the wilds of Katmai, Alaska, to walk with the Alaska Brown Bears (his dream); and to the tropical islands of Jamaica, Nassau, and Bimini (my dream!)
Who has the worst temper?
Again, can’t answer this one on the grounds that it may incriminate me, but it’s definitely NOT me! I’m always the one who gives in!
Who does the cooking?
Me. Although our kids tell me it doesn’t really count as cooking if you don’t use more than three ingredients. He does make a mean cheesecake and baked Alaska, though. . . that is, he made each one exactly once in 34 years.
Who is the neat-freak?
Neither one of us and it would probably be a good think if ONE of us were . . .
Who is more stubborn?
Again, I plead the 5th, but I’ll give you a hint . . . it’s the taller one of us!
Who hogs the bed?
The one who’s 6’4″. I just take up less space. The “hogs” used to be our kids and the dogs, but now they finally have their own beds.
Who wakes up earlier?
Me. I’ve gotten into the habit of starting my day at 3 or 3:30 am. I just naturally wake up then. It’s getting harder to stay awake at night, though!
Where was your first date? The Durham Fair–an agricultural fair in a neighboring town. Actually, my future DH went to ask my father’s permission first, who was in the barn milking cows at the time!
How long did it take to get serious?
Once we actually went out on that first date, not long at all! I think my Mom liked him as immediately as I did!
Who eats more?
I cook for three BIG guys with football-player appetites most of the time. They like meat; I don’t. You guess!
Who does the laundry?
I totally spoiled my family when I was a stay-at-home Mom with our three children, doing ALL of the household duties. Even though I’m working full-time now, the division of duties really hasn’t changed. We’re just each better at some things, like I could NEVER EVER mow the law, weedwack, and chop wood as GOOD as him, plow snow, so who’s complaining?
Who’s better with the computer?
Let’s just say that he fully expects he can go through life as what he terms “computer-illiterate” and I’m blogging . . .
Who drives when you are together?
He does. It’s just easier . . . I get to catch up on sleep!
What’s the sweetest thing he’s ever said to you? (I just added this one because I have a great answer!)
Just a couple of days ago, he said, “You’re my heartbeat!” Awwww……I just melted!
Include a wedding picture or a picture from your early dating days!
We are both not recognizable from those early days, so here’s a more recent one. Notice the bear in the background? My Valentine keeps life exciting for me!!!
PLEASE feel free to answer these questions in the comment section or post on your own blog—and leave a link so we can read it!
Dining Out “Green” February 15, 2009
We had the pleasure of enjoying a Valentines Day dinner with another couple at the first “certified green restaurant” in our little neck of the world. My good friend made reservations at Donovan’s Reef, telling me that she knew I’d appreciate their environmentally-aware techniques because she’d just seen a news story on their green efforts.
What does it mean, exactly, to earn the designation of “certified green restaurant” from the Green Restaurant Association?
Well, Donovan’s Reef has been in business for 20 years, but it recently decided to work toward lessening its environmental impact, showing that even established restaurants can change their habits and implement new practices. Donovan’s began working with the national non-profit (GRA) in July 2008, to incorporate sustainability into the day-to-day operation of the restaurant.
So far, the restaurant has accomplished 11 steps under the GRA guidelines, including installing energy-efficient lighting, low-flow faucet aerators in the kitchen to conserve water, and a full-scale recycling program. The restaurant is now also composting food waste.
I dined on a delicious dinner of Lobster Pie, while my Valentine enjoyed his NY Strip (as per usual: seafood for me, beef for him, when we’re out) and call it my imagination, but I think it tasted even better knowing the restaurant is practicing “green dining.” Also, the price was right in line, if not more economical, than other restaurants serving similar fare in our area that aren’t certified by the GRA.
Oh, and another thing that would please our daughter, the environmental science teacher, is the leftover beef we brought home for Duke and Eddie, was packaged in a recycled, cardboard-type of container, not polystyrene foam (aka Styrofoam) products. They absolutely loved it! I know that Abbie is also interested in how much of the food they serve at Donovan’s is LOCAL, so I’m checking into that as well . . . I might even invite her to join me there for lunch . . .
Goin’ Topless on Valentines Day! February 14, 2009
I took advantage of the lovely weather today (read sunny and above freezing) to go topless—in my ride that is!
OK, I had the heat on— and gloves, too— and people looked at me like I was crazy, but who cares?
The important thing is, I had the wind in my hair, a smile on my face, and I delivered a very special Valentine to my 80-something-year-old mother!
Hope your day was sunny, too!
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!
Hope you’re having a GREAT day! It’s not too late to respond to my Valentines Day Poll.
Jena of “Married to the Farm,” asked what was going on here, so here’s the response I left her in my comment in the Valentines Day Poll, which is the next post on my blog:
As for me, I wasn’t expecting much. I had a great day at school yesterday (with kids who were totally hyped up about Valentines Day, candy, and the ensuing February vacation) where we did Math activities with “Sweetheart” candies, estimating, graphing, finding perimeter, volume, etc. Lots of fun!
To my utter surprise, I can home totally beat to be greeted with two dozen perfect red roses from my husband of more than 30 years who suddenly has turned romantic again! There was a time when we were dating when there were always generous bouquets of roses, then a long dry spell, when I told him “DON’T WASTE MONEY,” especially around Valentines Day when roses are at least double the price! It seems he didn’t listen this year, and I’m enjoying them anyway!
We’re also going out to dinner tonight with two of our best friends who were at our wedding thirty-one years ago and who have also been married for more than 30 years! The really nice thing is the GUYS set this dinner date up! Happy Valentines Day to Pat and Jimmy, too!
Happy Valentines Day to you, too!
Hugs,
Ruth
How are YOU celebrating Valentines Day? February 13, 2009
Please share how you’ll be celebrating this “day of hearts” by responding to this poll in the comment box!
** I’m taking my honey out for a romantic dinner. . .
** I’m creating some fancy culinary delights at home. . .
** I’ll be enjoying a good book at home . . . any maybe some wine and chocolate!
** I’m still looking for that perfect Valentine!
** I’ve got something else in mind! (Tell us about it in a comment, if you dare!)
What Flower
Are You?
Musings of an everyday woman . . . 
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