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As usual, Crystal had something to add on this month’s post. Enjoy!
Crystal’s Corner
Ron’s right; never stop dating. When we were first dating at Bradley University in Peoria, Il., we walked and talked a lot in Bradley Park, attended APO parties and dances, and went to coffee shops at night to listen to guitar playing folk singers. Even when we had very little money to spend, we found ways to enjoy our time together. At Bradley University which is on a hill, couples would go to tall buildings and up to the top floor or roof to watch the beautiful sunsets.
While we were engaged and early in our marriage, we played tennis, miniature golf, bowled sometimes and participated in church activities. We noticed sometimes that other couples, especially after becoming parents, were not having couples time together.
Fortunately, both sets of our parents had set the example of continuing to date during their marriages. My mom would dress up to go out with my dad; and he would wear nice clothes too. My Dad would tell us, “I’m taking your mom out to dinner or a movie or some event; and I expect you kids to be good for the babysitter.” The next day we would get a report usually from Mom about what happened. As a child and teenager I always thought about the future of having a husband like my Dad who would be taking me out on dates. My Dad also would buy my Mom a gardenia corsage for special occasions. Sometimes he would buy her candy or a present.
Ron and I have continued our dating relationship during our marriage. Just like at school, whenever possible we still love watching a nice sunset together while holding hands or cuddling. Both of us also enjoy photography and we go to many parks, gardens, etc. to take pictures. On our recent trip to the Alpaca Farm bed and breakfast, we first went to a garden in Zanesville to see the spring flowers. We didn’t take photos there, but we did at the Alpaca farm. I know about Alpacas and their wool because I am a knitter and crocheter. We always look for Alpacas and llamas while driving. There seem to be a lot of them in Ohio.
We encourage both of our married daughters and their husbands to go on dates with each other and even have getaway weekends together. Sometimes we give them gift cards for restaurants. Sometimes they return the favor. We are glad they are following our example. Life can be difficult, really busy and exhausting. You get worn out with work, housework, child care, etc., so it is important to plan time together to just concentrate on each other. I always have told the girls, “Your Dad is my husband, but he is also my boyfriend.” And they say something like, “Oh, Mom.”
I’ll never forget Michelle and Elizabeth, when they were little girls, watching me get ready for a date with their Dad. They were fascinated with my makeup, jewelry and dresses. Sometimes they would ask me, “Are you going to wear the red shoes?” These were my red high heels which were very uncomfortable that I only wore for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. If I said yes they would have big smiles, and tell Ron that this was a special date because, Mom is wearing her red shoes.
I can say after 41 years of marriage to Ron that he is still worth wearing the uncomfortable red shoes. He’s the best boyfriend I’ve ever had.
I know the picture has nothing to do with the article, but isn’t it nice that, earlier this month, Lisa and Liz dropped everything in their lives to support their sister Michelle for the birth of new baby girl Ripley. Great kids!