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Finding love after 50. The website for middle aged singles and senior singles, providing information and dating advice for middle age dating and senior
dating. This column's topic: The importance of love and family.
Love and Family
My partner Greta and I have been a couple for five and a half years. We feel it's important to get away together-even on short trips--which we did
over the Veteran's Day holiday.
Our purpose in going wasn't only to enjoy a romantic outing, but to celebrate my Mom's birthday, which falls on November 11-the same day as mine.
Our trip turned out to be special in many ways.
Greta and I are often reminded that the treasure we share isn't just about us, but about how our families are intertwined and care for each other.
Greta loves Mom and Mom loves Greta, so visiting Mom is always special. She lives in Oakmont, a tranquil community in the Valley of the Moon, near
several Sonoma County wineries.
Dining at Syrah in Downtown Santa Rosa
On Saturday night, Greta's brother, Peter, and his partner, Barbara, who live in nearby Petaluma, took Mom, Greta and me to dinner in the downtown
Railroad Square section of Santa Rosa. We ate at Syrah, a unique and charming restaurant, in a dining room that serves as a florist shop during the daytime.
Peter, Barbara and Mom have developed a close and strong friendship, so when all of us get together, it's like a family affair.
On Sunday, my brother Bill flew in from Dallas and my sister Chris arrived from Mill Valley, bringing a fresh Dungeness crab dinner, including a double-double
chocolate birthday cake. Sitting around Mom's dinner table was like old times, eating from the plates we dined on as youngsters, sharing memories of growing up
in Jackson, Michigan.
Our week-end wasn't all play and no work. Mom has lived in her home for 27 years. On my last visit, we realized the water heater had never been replaced.
So, on this trip, we had a new one installed.
To clear a path for the water heater, three bookshelves holding more than 600 of Mom's treasured books had to be moved. Greta handled that project while
Bill and I helped the plumber lift and jimmy the water heater into the cubbyhole built for the smaller heaters of yesteryear.
With Bill living in Dallas, he and I don't see each other much. We worked side-by-side on a few minor repairs for Mom, which reminded me of doing stuff
together as kids.
On Monday afternoon, Greta and I got away for some time alone. We went to the St. Francis winery gift shop-a couple of miles away-to pick up a present for
Mom.
A walk in Annadel State Park
And then we took a romantic walk through Annadel State Park. The trees were bursting with bright yellows, reds, and oranges. Greta took my arm when a
bobcat dashed across the trail in front of us. Seven wild turkeys seemed unconcerned about the nearness of Thanksgiving and gray squirrels were catapulting
through oak trees like the flying Wallendas.
That night, Mom prepared a birthday meal. Family and loved ones were together for another special evening. Across the table, I looked at Greta, thankful
that she is such an important part of my life. And then I looked at Mom six hours shy of her 93rd birthday-and reminded myself of how blessed and fortunate I am.
It was my best birthday ever.
Reader Comments
Jeanne Fleming, Murray, Kentucky, "If you go on a date for Japanese food, stay away from the wasabi. If you don't know what wasabi is, imagine
stuffing a tablespoon of horseradish up each nostril. There I was, sitting across from my date with tears streaming down my face and my nose running, thinking, "Why
didn't I order the tempura."
Janet B, "I was separated two years ago and have been divorced for one year. I haven't dated in 27 years and have no idea where to begin, but I'm
ready. Is there any hope?" Response: Of course, there's hope. Don't expect too much too soon, but reading this column for information is a beginning.
Xmas shopping made easy. Need an Xmas gift for a friend or a new single? Order one or both of my books at www.findingloveafter50.com. We can ship direct to your friend.
No hassle for you. See the other products page to order an audio cassette of Tom's AARP speech.
Steve, Dana Point, Ca. "For my wife's birthday, we are headed back to Sonoma County and to Santa Rosa for another meal at Syrah! We have excellent restaurants in Dana Point,
but not as unique and interesting as Syrah!
E-mail Tom at TPBlake@aol.com
Website: www.findingloveafter50.com
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