I got dressed up, put on makeup, even polished my nails, and I was ready--a whole hour before the gentleman was due to arrive. Like a teenager waiting for her first date with the football captain.
Actually, I had just forgotten that it doesn't take me nearly as long these days to get ready to go out as it did when I was an actual teenager.
The gentleman (Pete is his name) turned out to be a very nice man. (He even brought me beautiful flowers.) We had dinner at a restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama (quite a drive) called The Bright Star. It's a local legend, and I had never been there. The food was awesome. I had blackened snapper and some kind of asparagus and mushrooms that was the best asparagus I've ever tasted. He had prime rib and baked potato (typical man, meat and potatoes).
The restaurant was crowded and we had somewhat of a wait for our food, and I didn't get back home until about 10:00, or maybe later. The phone started ringing almost as soon as I got in the door. It was Andy, checking to see if I was home. Oh how the tables have turned! I remember all those nights, waiting up for her till way way way past 10:00.
We learned a lot about each other and found that we have many things in common--and some things not. He''s a lifelong Republican (although he has recently switched to Independent; he now calls himself a recovering Republican). I lean considerably more to the left than he does--although he's certainly no far righty. His wife passed away three years ago; Vann has been gone two years. He's a Baptist; I'm a Methodist. He has a cat; I'm ruled by dogs.
Pete got along fine with Sophie and Skipper. Sophie gave him the old "What do you mean taking my mama out of the house and keeping her for so long routine." Bark bark bark bark bark bark bark! She does that to everyone that I leave the house with, when we return. Skipper just wanted to get in his lap and be petted--after he played a tune for Pete on his squeaky Blue Toy. (Pete asked if Skipper squeaks that toy all the time. I told him no, just when he wants to entertain a visitor.)
We found we had a lot in common, despite our differences. We're the same age. We know a lot of the same people. We're both Bama Crimson Tide fans. He saves aluminum pop tops for a lady in his church; so do I. We both like the mountains, the Gaithers, and an occasional white wine. Neither of us smokes. He doesn't play golf, and neither do I. We both like knockout roses and have lots of them in our yards. You see, I told you we learned a lot about each other. He's quite a talker.
The long and the short: He asked me to attend an Exchange Club dinner with him on Tuesday evening to hear my cousin Paige Parnell speak. Paige is running for District 45 (my district) state representative. And although Paige is a Democrat and Pete is a recovering-republican-turned-independent, he's helping Paige with her campaign. She's running against a pretty shady competitor who has an equally shady organization behind him. The election is Nov. 29.
Anyway, I seemed to have slipped off topic. Obviously, I like Pete well enough to go out with him again. But I can't see anything developing beyond a good friendship. I'm just not there.
Happy PINK SATURDAY, everyone.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 11/19/2011, Debby Messner said ...
Your post has me smiling. So glad that you had a good time. You sure found out alot about each other. The dogs reaction is so cute. That means alot. I think kids and pets sense the good or bad in someone. Sounds like they liked him as well. Good for you.
On 11/19/2011, terry cortez said ...
So glad to hear that you had a good time on your date and that the evening was not a disaster. The doggies seem to like Pete and dogs are usally a good judge of kind people.
Who knows..... many a relationship started out with a simple friendship at the beginning. And he did ask you out a second time and you did accept. Enjoy yourself... you deserve it.
Terry
On 11/19/2011, Barbara Anne said ...
Thanks for the update! I had a chuckle at Andy's call to check on you! I thought about you several times last night and as I was getting into bed, but refrained from calling.
Sounds like a great start for a new friendship and that's the best beginning if anything more is in the stars for you two. Is Pete handy with tools and repairs? Does he have a good sense of humor? Both attributes would be nice in a new male friend.
Wishing your cousin success in her campaign!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Hugs!
On 11/19/2011, Kentish Keg-Meg said ...
So glad you had a great time. The part when Andy was checking up on you made me smile.
On 11/19/2011, Jacqueline said ...
Hi Susan! I came by to wish you a Happy PS back, and found out about your date nite too! FUN! It actually sounds like it has a lot of potential to me. Even if just hanging out. Thanks for stopping by my PINK! Love the buttons!
On 11/19/2011, michele s said ...
greetings and happy pink saturday! looks like you had a good 1st date. you sound like a lovely lady who is deserving of an excellent man. keep going out and having fun! love to you and yours.
On 11/19/2011, Patricia McDonald said ...
You put a smile on my face too. We (bloggers) care about your happiness...I know, I know...you are content with your life. Along comes someone unexpected and you had a good time. Great!! (I'm doing a happy dance inside my skin.) You are a lovely person and he sounds to be a nice guy. It sounds like the perfect start to a good friendship...and maybe more. Thank you for sharing. Pat Mc
On 11/19/2011, Pesky Patti said ...
Yay! You made it through the initial meeting with flying colors...it's always nice to have a new person to share your life stories with. Everyone else already knows them....
On 11/19/2011, CarlaHR said ...
Glad it went well - sometimes it is good to meet someone new - it doesn't always have to turn into a romance - a friendly relationship is just as good.
On 11/19/2011, Jenn said ...
What a wonderful post. I'm traveling Pink Saturday by links that end in 3, based on the last digit of my link (#123). I was working from the bottom of the list to shake it up a bit and am glad I got to stop by. I'm sorry to hear that your husband has passed. Glad to hear that you can and did go out (huge step). I think it's just fine not to be ready yet, but good to try. I thoroughly enjoyed the way you penned the post. It's like chatting with a friend. I enjoyed the likenesses and differences contrasts. Love your header page. Enjoyed my visit immensely. Take care, hugs! Thanks, Jenn
On 11/19/2011, Jenn said ...
PS love the post photo too, very creative and happy! AND pink! Thanks again, Jenn
On 11/19/2011, Debra said ...
As I recall, you and Vann started out as friends. Enough said! *wink*
It's nice to have a male escort to events. No harm there!
. . . . and if he is from a long marriage, he's probably trained well. *snicker*
On 11/19/2011, LaVoice said ...
Time will take care of this friendship. Just remember, never be out past ten.
On 11/19/2011, Tami Kenner said ...
I really enjoyed your story today. Pete sounds nice and I have to agree with LV...no being out past 10! Boy those tables have turned!! lol
Have a lovely pink Saturday and a Happy Thanksgiving too...xo Tami
On 11/19/2011, Lynn said ...
So glad you had a good time!!
On 11/19/2011, Jan said ...
I'm so happy to hear the first date went well and is leading to a second! It's good to have someone to compare notes with and Pete sounds very nice. Your kid-kid and your dog-kids are so cute checking up on you! You are well loved, aren't you?!
On 11/19/2011, Dawn Heese said ...
I am glad to hear it went well. As for just being friends- we can never have too many friends.
On 11/19/2011, Debbie said ...
Sounds like he was a very nice young man. Now that you've gotten that the first "date" out of the way,everything else is gravy! And remember...it was a date, not a commitment.
On 11/19/2011, Deb said ...
Enjoyed your update Susan. I think if the tables were turned and it were me in your place, your last two sentences would fit me to a tee! Glad you had a good time.
On 11/19/2011, Lisa A said ...
I can't believe you have never been to Bright Star! A good choice on his part. Glad you had a nice time.
On 11/20/2011, Ann said ...
Sounds like there were no laps in the conversation, hate it when that happens. And I love that your son checked in on you--means you raised him right!!! Happy belated Pink Sat.
On 11/20/2011, Kai said ...
Everyone has already expressed my sentiments so I will say this: YAY! LOL!
On 11/20/2011, Laurel said ...
I couldn't wait to find out how things went....although we don't know each other I was sending good thoughts and wishes your way all evening.....
Now, the worst is over....you have met and can communicate...this is good....next is to just let things go in the direction they are meant to go....fate has a way of taking care of us and I think it often has help from those above who love us and still are taking care of us....there are special people - angels on earth - who come into our lives for a reason...usually something we don't understand when it's happening but later when we look back we can see why....some of these "angels" stay with us forever....some for just a little while....but, for sure, we always learn something from them.... so......as I said before....keep your heart open if only just a little bit and enjoy your new friend....
On 11/20/2011, Tracy Grace said ...
How exciting!!! Well Pete is a great name to start off with!!! ...(my dads name) I remember being in the same shoes as you are in now. After 10 years of being alone with the kids,I found my Mr.B. and we have been happily married now for 6 years.
good luck...I am following...need to find out were this goes:)
HPS
Grace
On 11/20/2011, Grace said ...
Oh Man!!!I think I accidentally deleted my comment???
Had to tell you you cant go wrong with a name like Pete...My dads name!!!!
Also I was alone with the kids for 10 then I met my hubby of 6 years...we've been happy ever since...
I will try and follow you,when I did this the last time is when I deleted my comment...
On 11/20/2011, Dawn said ...
A Republican Baptist meat and potatoes guy who has cats.... hmmmm. Bet he doesn't have any tattoos. Would he carry a protest sign with you at the OWS events? Gotta ask the important questions. Good luck! Just know that any man would be LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY to even get to spend time with you!
On 11/20/2011, Ruth said ...
So happy your evening out went so well. Nice to have another friend and sometimes companion. Love that Andy was checking up on you; I wonder how many times she called before you got home! Pete sounds like a good man.
Hugs Ruth
On 11/21/2011, tijden said ...
I think kids and pets sense the good or bad in someone. Sounds like they liked him as well. Good for youYou sure found out alot about each other. The dogs reaction is so cute. That means alot.
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