Curmudgeon's Corner: Date Night

Written by Sanford Begley

Rather than ask someone to take a photo, we took turns with the camera. Date Night is a whole new concept for me. I just had my first one as a husband and I must say I am pleased. We didn’t do anything special, not really. The fact that for a few hours we were just us and not the family really worked though.  I feel energized and a renewed feeling like there is something in life besides being a parent and provider. It has only been my life since mid July, but it feels longer. Stepping aside for an evening was a good thing. We must incorporate this into our everyday life and ensure many repeats.

Through the Curmudgeon's eyes... All we did was take a drive across country looking at the houses and landscape. I took her past my present contractor and showed her the plant. Then, at loose ends, we went to a greasy spoon diner that I spent a lot of time in during my youth. After that we discussed dinner plans. Our first choice was closed and after much checking of what was open we went with her preferred alternate, a Vietnamese place. The food was quite good, we ate heartily, sampling each other’s meals, then came home to resume the mantles of parenthood.

Linh's Bistro in Fairborn, OH is excellent for Vietnamese fare, and open on a Sunday unlike our favorite Korean place. This is Boneless Catfish in a Clay Pot (it wasn't boneless. It was delicious). Like I said, we did nothing special, and it was all special. I love time with my beautiful Lady and it did not have to be split with three others, four if you count the dog. A chance to talk of our plans, our dreams, and our enduring love for each other made both of us feel special. We have determined that this must happen at least every other week, I am already eager for our next “date”.

The number 50 - recommended to the Curmudgeon by the waitress, we have no idea what it was, other than tasty! I don’t know when the concept of date night arose, it may have gone on all my life and I just never noticed, I can be dense that way. It may have only arisen the last couple of decades, I don’t know. I know my parents almost never went out without us, and when they did it was to go to something we wouldn’t have liked. Of course just because my family didn’t indulge doesn’t mean it wasn’t common for others. I actually hope it was. Date night is proving to be a good thing. I would even recommend it for childless couples. You see, as big a part of it that the opportunity to connect was, a bigger part was taking the attitude that it was a date, with all the consideration for you date that that implies. I am very happy to be dating again, it is even better knowing that the most wonderful woman I have ever known will be my date.

Sun setting on our drive home