Gallery

Dinner and cake after a C.S. Lewis production on December 3rd 2021 was Patty's birthday plan. Patrick's birthday one day earlier (and five years later) was a surprise. Thank you Joe for the invite.

Unfortunately, it wasn't until our second meeting (and C.S. Lewis sequel) on May 11th 2024 that Joe & Becky's invite took on a "double-date" feel even with the awkward handshake goodbye.

May 25th we had our first date; golf at Green Hills followed by dinner at Hall's in Clyde. Getting to know each other just keeps getting better. Marriage was on the table from date one.

On July 4th our independence was happily waning as our vision of a shared future grew. She suggested Van Morrison's "Someone Like You" should be our song. I agreed and we listened as we walked.

Joe & Becky just purchased and renovated this new property which will be our Reception venue. I'm calling this feature "Dandy's Shore" but the Dandurand's will have final say on that. Lol

Here is a nice shot from the lake looking at Joe & Becky Dandurand's new home. The yellow house is not theirs. Not yet.

Our shared Catholic faith is the firm foundation we are building our lives upon. Here I got to share an old favorite church in Hilton Head as we traveled for my daughter's birthday/graduation party.

Halloween (or "All Hallow's Eve" as it originated) was great fun in Patty's neighborhood. Especially experiencing the joy that John shares around such occasions. He is Patty's "big strong boy"!

While the proposal will never be featured in a romance movie, I did finally get to surprise her just before we departed for Hilton Head on Labor Day weekend. An eagle flew overhead.

Watching John bowl on Friday nights was a treat this year. He has some real power behind his throw. I almost feel bad for the pins when he throws a strike. Poor working conditions for them.

Whoa! Fun, funny, athletic, smart (like doctor-smart), AND good looking! I am truly blessed and yet she is just as happy that I have come into her life. Thank you Jesus.

I got to join Patty and her friends on their annual outing to Put-In-Bay. Here, I had some fun with a pic taken just after the Buckeyes scored. Her actual reaction when I proposed was underwhelming.

Patty and I had both been alone for five years before we started dating each other. I am so glad we have stepped into the light and now even our shadows look happy.

As the Fall weather came we kept warm by the fire. Yes, it was a "toes-ty" fire that created a nice silhouette of our affectionate feet.

Winter in O-H...I-Owe a debt of gratitude for a woman who can handle a shovel as well as a spatula. Healthy eating and exercise is the plan. Got to keep going to prepare for the eternal wedding day.

As part of our marriage prep we are doing the "Better Together" program from Dynamic Catholic. Part of this Dr. Suess quote was in the book and provoked much laughter as we each identified with it.

July 13th we hit the road. A nice morning 5K run in Huron.

September 7th we took in the town of Tiffin with stops at Jeffrey Jewelry, Benchwarmers for dinner and shops downtown.

Patrick's kids: Jeremy & Gabbi. Patty's kids: John & Gretchen. Last names: Hanna & Heilman. You could say "Initially" we have a lot in common!

Enjoyed dinner celebrating Jeremy's 30th birthday in Charleston, SC at The Establishment.

June 29th I had invited myself to watch John compete in the shotput and 100 meter dash. I have not forgotten that next year we need to get him shorts with a good drawstring tied tight. Lol

This is a great space with many memories already started including my "official" proposal on those backdoor steps. She then noticed a dragon fly almost before saying Yes. Then the eagle flew over.

Visiting Gretchen in UC, her friend Jackson served us all varieties of drink. Not my best moments but certainly a good time. Let's just admit, Gretchen drove my car after the many (not mini) flights.

July 10th we enjoyed live music at the Huron Boat Basin. Just impromptu; always something to do.

No foot fetish but funny how our feet favor each other. We can share shoes! lol

Patty got to spend time with Jeremy and Gabbi in Hilton Head as we celebrated Gabbi's 24th birthday.