Although meeting online carries very little romance, just about everything else in our story does. When I came upon Rick's photo and profile, I was literally taken aback. His smile was ELECTRIC, and I remember saying aloud, I have to meet this man! You scroll and scroll through hundreds of faces and profiles, many of which fade into the background, but WOW, that was not the case with Rick. I needed to explore what was behind the smile that jolted me to my core. (His smile still makes my hearts skip a beat). After talking nonstop for several days about what seemed to be everything under the sun, from our careers and passions to kids, divorce, and everything in between, we met. Our first date, as Rick says, was certainly two dates in one. It lasted from 2pm to 2am and, if I stop there, I can tell you, we've been together ever since. But there's more... We had part of our first date in Rhinebeck, at the historic Beekman Arms, an inn from the 18th century. It's also the place we returned on our two-year anniversary, just moments before getting engaged down the street at Samuel's Sweet Shop. That first date in December, we walked the streets of Rhinebeck amidst the beautiful holiday lights. And despite being so new to each other, at one point found ourselves shedding a few tears. As we sat there at the Inn's restaurant, amidst the low historic ceilings and dim lighting, we realized the connection we had made was not just a fleeting feeling, but a real something to build upon. After walking around town, and enjoying a drink at the Inn, Rick had secured a table at The Tasting Room. It was winter and still 2020 (pandemic), thus ended up having the whole place to ourselves. So, here we are, on our first date, catered by our own private chef. There was a lot happening at the stove and yet, we were focused on our own cozy table for two. After dinner, the chef turned up the music before going upstairs for a while. He left us alone to dance to oldies like Smoky Robinson and Otis Redding; we were in heaven. Who knows how long that moment really was, but at some point, the chef came back down to make us something sweet. Every moment since has been just as sweet, propelled by two 50 somethings getting to try at Love again. We've skipped and giggled through each day, like dewy-eyed teens magnetically drawn to one another, yes, but also as two mature adults grateful for second chances. For our first six months together, I was still living in my lovely Lake community in Danbury, CT and he had moved to New Paltz. We tried to get together as much as possible, but even when we were apart, we had daily facetime dates that were hours long, while we watched movies or worked on puzzles, with tons of silliness and laughter in between. Coming together as parents, sharing news about them and being as present as possible for them has been a regular part of our growth as a couple, let alone a major source of pride. I know when Rick and I met, we were not only thankful for our chemistry and connection but that our position as parents could and would automatically be an extension of all we do and are. And how lucky are we, with Cameron, Becca, and Xavier!? In our day to day, we walk as much as we can, making trails and woods and trees and bridges a special landscape for us, hence the nod to that imagery for our celebration. (If not trees and trails as decor a close second might be knives and sauté pans!) As you all know, we COOK a lot too, and that in itself has become a big part of our story. Just being in the kitchen together dancing, cooking, sipping, and eating feels like a date every time; it's something I believe doctors should actually prescribe. And finally, our Love Story has become all the sweeter knowing you all have been so enthusiastically cheering us on. Now, Let's celebrate!