I had the "hammer down" as I accelerated my way down the interstate toward Frostburg, Maryland. I had not been this "giddy" since Brady and I had dated. It seemed that Brad had the same enthusiasm for me, and that was the whole reason for my excitement. I couldn't help but see a bright future with him.
I had left Vermont at dusk and that would put me in Frostburg around 2:00 PM. Brad would teach until 3:30 PM, and then he had promised me another dinner. I was unaware that he had picked a restaurant ninety miles away, but I cared not. Spending time with Brad and getting to know him better was the goal.
He was done at 3:20 PM and phoned me. I had already booked a hotel and had planned to stay in Frostburg for the evening. However, Brad had other plans. He ferried me to Frederick, Maryland. Our first stop was a vineyard tour at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards. Brad knew the proprietors by name, as he wrote about wine on a personal blog and had done a piece for them that made it to the Washington Post.
After a tour and a cocktail with the owners, it was off to dinner. A local restaurant just around the corner from the winery was our destination. We would dine at the Dutch's Daughter. We started with Baked Shrimp Bread and Baked Brie in a Puff Pastry. As if that wasn't enough to send us into a food coma, we continued. I charged on with Maryland Crab Soup and he had the French Onion. We seemed to both be in the mood for beef along side our Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, so I had Filet Oscar and he the Filet Mignon.
Not to be outdone, he had booked a room at the nearby Pleasant Springs Farm. Not wanting to waste any time this time...it felt right anyway this time; I agreed. We spent the nite there in an old cabin and he had additionally made reservations for dinner the following day at the Comus Inn. It was all coming together this time; not at a slow pace, but at a good pace. I dreamed of spending mornings with him; bringing Brad coffee and breakfast as he typed away at "the machina" from a desk near the window at Casa Amor. I somehow knew this dream would become a reality.
Monday, October 6, 2014
The morning came quickly after a short snooze. I had wanted to stay in Frostburg another day and evening, but I was committed to going to Vermont. I hadn't seen Liam since just after the New Year, so I was excited to see my son. I would tell him too about Brad, but I first had to make it to Randolph.
I left early after only four hours of sleep. As I started the car and brushed off just a it of snow from it, I wondered if Brad was up this early doing the same. I figured in my mind that he; on the other hand, was probably writing with a nice cup of coffee close to his typewriter or computer. Personally, I pictured him as a typewriter and pipe kind of guy.
After allowing the car to warm up, I loaded my bags into the trunk and off I went. To my surprise at exactly 7:12 AM, my phone rang. It was Brad. He had called to thank me for a wonderful evening of food, wine and conversation. And he was concerned with when we might see each other again. I had a thought, but kept it to myself for the moment. I wanted to see if his enthusiasm would keep him in touch while I was visiting Liam. If so, I would extend my trip a day and spend a day with him in Frostburg on the way back to Asheville.
The nice thing about the financial status I was in is that I had no concern over money. Now, you have heard it a million times before, but Brady's planning put me in a "position to win" in the category of finances. Even Liam and Isabella got salaries thru college and a lump sum at graduation. In fact, Isabella was starting to look at real estate in Baltimore, as she now knew the city enough to make an informed decision about a place. That would be my next trip; to Baltimore to look for a flat or town home.
I made it into Vermont by 4:00 PM. Liam was studying genetics and the effects of early childhood brain development. He had added some psychology classes as a minor in order to get some "development theory" education. I would stay for four days, and Brad called on two occasions and I on one. I had to get back to Frostburg, and Liam fully understood.
I left early after only four hours of sleep. As I started the car and brushed off just a it of snow from it, I wondered if Brad was up this early doing the same. I figured in my mind that he; on the other hand, was probably writing with a nice cup of coffee close to his typewriter or computer. Personally, I pictured him as a typewriter and pipe kind of guy.
After allowing the car to warm up, I loaded my bags into the trunk and off I went. To my surprise at exactly 7:12 AM, my phone rang. It was Brad. He had called to thank me for a wonderful evening of food, wine and conversation. And he was concerned with when we might see each other again. I had a thought, but kept it to myself for the moment. I wanted to see if his enthusiasm would keep him in touch while I was visiting Liam. If so, I would extend my trip a day and spend a day with him in Frostburg on the way back to Asheville.
The nice thing about the financial status I was in is that I had no concern over money. Now, you have heard it a million times before, but Brady's planning put me in a "position to win" in the category of finances. Even Liam and Isabella got salaries thru college and a lump sum at graduation. In fact, Isabella was starting to look at real estate in Baltimore, as she now knew the city enough to make an informed decision about a place. That would be my next trip; to Baltimore to look for a flat or town home.
I made it into Vermont by 4:00 PM. Liam was studying genetics and the effects of early childhood brain development. He had added some psychology classes as a minor in order to get some "development theory" education. I would stay for four days, and Brad called on two occasions and I on one. I had to get back to Frostburg, and Liam fully understood.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Brad's house was a nicely remodeled Victorian. I had made a reservation at the Frostburg Hampton Inn where i would stay for the evening. He had made reservations at Giseppe's, a local Italian restaurant.
Dinner was good, but the conversation better. He talked about his travels through Europe and more pointedly Italy, as he studied Italian and Italian Literature with a focus on the Roman Empire time period. He was definitely self-educated, and I could appreciate his intellect. Over Tiramisu and coffee, the conversation turned to me. He had figured that I had nearly ten years on him and with that came a certain level of knowledge and sophistication.
He was impressed that I was writing and I promised to let him have a look at my book; however, much was still to be finished, but he would be a great start to a good edit. We talked a good bit about my children and his daughter as well. Middlebury college, he explained, was the perfect place for Liam and Savannah. He had named his daughter after the city where he had started and finished his first novel. It took him twelve months of writing and editing, and he had both started and finished the novel at Tybee Island, just off the coast of Savannah.
He spent many a summer there since, and Savannah wouldn't have it any other way. She was a beach girl at heart, after all. I told him about my summer love, Casa Amor, and he promised to make it out to La Jolla and San Diego to see the place in a few months. I felt he would make good on his promise.
His latest novel was about a lawyer turned criminal. He was using wire taps to get into circles of criminals as they exchanged information to launder money. With his expertise of this activity and the law and banking, he was transferring funds to his own account. It was an interesting concept and I allowed Brad to come to the Hampton Inn for a nite cap. There was a lounge in the hotel, so it was an easy transition from the restaurant.
We chatted over a B&B and a Sidecar until 1:00 AM. I don't know what possessed me to do so, but I called Isabella as soon as he left. She had to know about Brad, and the enthusiasm in my heart for him.
Dinner was good, but the conversation better. He talked about his travels through Europe and more pointedly Italy, as he studied Italian and Italian Literature with a focus on the Roman Empire time period. He was definitely self-educated, and I could appreciate his intellect. Over Tiramisu and coffee, the conversation turned to me. He had figured that I had nearly ten years on him and with that came a certain level of knowledge and sophistication.
He was impressed that I was writing and I promised to let him have a look at my book; however, much was still to be finished, but he would be a great start to a good edit. We talked a good bit about my children and his daughter as well. Middlebury college, he explained, was the perfect place for Liam and Savannah. He had named his daughter after the city where he had started and finished his first novel. It took him twelve months of writing and editing, and he had both started and finished the novel at Tybee Island, just off the coast of Savannah.
He spent many a summer there since, and Savannah wouldn't have it any other way. She was a beach girl at heart, after all. I told him about my summer love, Casa Amor, and he promised to make it out to La Jolla and San Diego to see the place in a few months. I felt he would make good on his promise.
His latest novel was about a lawyer turned criminal. He was using wire taps to get into circles of criminals as they exchanged information to launder money. With his expertise of this activity and the law and banking, he was transferring funds to his own account. It was an interesting concept and I allowed Brad to come to the Hampton Inn for a nite cap. There was a lounge in the hotel, so it was an easy transition from the restaurant.
We chatted over a B&B and a Sidecar until 1:00 AM. I don't know what possessed me to do so, but I called Isabella as soon as he left. She had to know about Brad, and the enthusiasm in my heart for him.
Both Liam and Isabella both made it home for long visits for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. At Christmas, I was introduced to Ryan. I, too, thought he was quite handsome, and I was happy for Isabella. He mentioned that he was up for associate and three members from the firm would be given the title on January 5th. He felt good about his chances.
The holidays came and went too fast. Liam wanted a telescope for Christmas, which I thought was an excellent gift. He would spend many a nite looking at the Northern Sky and other constellations and planets. Isabella needed a new desktop with double screens. Her research was getting harder and harder, as the small but profitable biotechnology companies kept their information tightly close to the company coffers.
Both gifts I was able to acquire and both were happy.
It was back to work as usual when the New Year came and went. Isabella phoned late in the evening on the 5th. They were at a nice steakhouse in Baltimore, and Ryan had been awarded the title Associate at the firm. They celebrated only until 10:30 PM at the restaurant, and then went on their own to one of Ryan's favourite wine bars in Charlotte to finish out the evening. He had done it!
I was slated to go to Middlebury in March. February came and went. I made the fourteen hour-plus drive in one day on a Friday. I left at 5:00 AM and arrived late that nite around 8:00 PM. The following day, I would follow Liam across campus, as he led prospective students on a tour of Middlebury.
During the tour, I met someone interesting. He was a professor at Frostburg State University in Maryland. In addition to teaching English and Italian Literature, he was a writer himself. Brad had a certain arrogance about him, but I could see his goodness and kindness of heart from behind his glasses. He was specifically educated in Roman Literature and studied at both Yale and Dartmouth. At any rate, he was no dummy.
He paid for lunch for me with a black American Express, so I knew that money was not an issue. He was a New York Times best-selling author ten times over. This was a surprise, but not shocking. He was younger than me by nearly ten years at a cool fifty-eight, and had had a thirty-year teaching career and a fifteen year career as a writer.
He was a good listener and easy on the eyes. I loved the shapes and contours of his face, and it matched his well-built body and his gentlemanly look. Obviously confident, he talked about himself as well, but not too much.
He had started having children late in life, as he had traveled thru Europe studying literature. Somehow I knew; if we made a connection, I would never get an errant sentence or spelling by him, but that in-and-of-itself might challenge me to be a better writer.
At the halfway point in the tour, we managed to get lost and meet back up with Liam at the beginning point. We decided to stay in touch, and would develop a friendship first. He lived at nearly the halfway point to Vermont; so being aggressive, I promised to make the first visit in April.
The holidays came and went too fast. Liam wanted a telescope for Christmas, which I thought was an excellent gift. He would spend many a nite looking at the Northern Sky and other constellations and planets. Isabella needed a new desktop with double screens. Her research was getting harder and harder, as the small but profitable biotechnology companies kept their information tightly close to the company coffers.
Both gifts I was able to acquire and both were happy.
It was back to work as usual when the New Year came and went. Isabella phoned late in the evening on the 5th. They were at a nice steakhouse in Baltimore, and Ryan had been awarded the title Associate at the firm. They celebrated only until 10:30 PM at the restaurant, and then went on their own to one of Ryan's favourite wine bars in Charlotte to finish out the evening. He had done it!
I was slated to go to Middlebury in March. February came and went. I made the fourteen hour-plus drive in one day on a Friday. I left at 5:00 AM and arrived late that nite around 8:00 PM. The following day, I would follow Liam across campus, as he led prospective students on a tour of Middlebury.
During the tour, I met someone interesting. He was a professor at Frostburg State University in Maryland. In addition to teaching English and Italian Literature, he was a writer himself. Brad had a certain arrogance about him, but I could see his goodness and kindness of heart from behind his glasses. He was specifically educated in Roman Literature and studied at both Yale and Dartmouth. At any rate, he was no dummy.
He paid for lunch for me with a black American Express, so I knew that money was not an issue. He was a New York Times best-selling author ten times over. This was a surprise, but not shocking. He was younger than me by nearly ten years at a cool fifty-eight, and had had a thirty-year teaching career and a fifteen year career as a writer.
He was a good listener and easy on the eyes. I loved the shapes and contours of his face, and it matched his well-built body and his gentlemanly look. Obviously confident, he talked about himself as well, but not too much.
He had started having children late in life, as he had traveled thru Europe studying literature. Somehow I knew; if we made a connection, I would never get an errant sentence or spelling by him, but that in-and-of-itself might challenge me to be a better writer.
At the halfway point in the tour, we managed to get lost and meet back up with Liam at the beginning point. We decided to stay in touch, and would develop a friendship first. He lived at nearly the halfway point to Vermont; so being aggressive, I promised to make the first visit in April.
On my return trip from Vermont, I thought about what Ann had said. I remembered a college cheer from back in the day that ran over and over in my head.
"Be Aggressive, Be Be Aggressive, B-E AGG- RESSIVE!"
I couldn't help but think how to tackle my problem.
I phoned Isabella and asked for advise. Here was a 69 year-old woman asking her 32 year-old daughter for advice...but I needed it!
Belle said that it would be ideal if it came naturally. She mentioned that she was talking with the man she had met at the club in Charlotte. They met casually, and both had a common interest in careers. Ryan was in private equity with Seven Mile Advisors. He was fairly new to the firm, but was aggressively aiming toward an associate position and then partner. He was slated for associate that year and then partner would come as slots opened up.
She stated he was tall, dark and handsome. He grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and had attended the University of Alabama prior to graduate school; which he had just started online thru Northeastern University. The firm was "footing the bill", so he had no worries on how to finance the additional education. He was coming to Baltimore in two weeks, just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday to see Belle.
The advice that I was given was to first, be patient; and secondly, to not be too aggressive. It would come, she had faith in this.
At my local spot on Friday nite, I had been conversing with a few men, but none of them quite piqued my interest. I was going to an open house in the spring, and perhaps I would meet someone in Vermont.
My prospects in Asheville seemed bleak.
"Be Aggressive, Be Be Aggressive, B-E AGG- RESSIVE!"
I couldn't help but think how to tackle my problem.
I phoned Isabella and asked for advise. Here was a 69 year-old woman asking her 32 year-old daughter for advice...but I needed it!
Belle said that it would be ideal if it came naturally. She mentioned that she was talking with the man she had met at the club in Charlotte. They met casually, and both had a common interest in careers. Ryan was in private equity with Seven Mile Advisors. He was fairly new to the firm, but was aggressively aiming toward an associate position and then partner. He was slated for associate that year and then partner would come as slots opened up.
She stated he was tall, dark and handsome. He grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and had attended the University of Alabama prior to graduate school; which he had just started online thru Northeastern University. The firm was "footing the bill", so he had no worries on how to finance the additional education. He was coming to Baltimore in two weeks, just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday to see Belle.
The advice that I was given was to first, be patient; and secondly, to not be too aggressive. It would come, she had faith in this.
At my local spot on Friday nite, I had been conversing with a few men, but none of them quite piqued my interest. I was going to an open house in the spring, and perhaps I would meet someone in Vermont.
My prospects in Asheville seemed bleak.
Thursday evening I packed every last sweater that I had in my closet. I knew it would be cold and blustery with plenty of snowfall. There was already five feet on the ground at Middlebury, despite the roads being clear and passable. I hoped the roads on the way to Vermont would be the same.
I decided to take two days to make the trip since I knew I would be staying for a week. I booked a Bed & Breakfast; and decided to stop just northwest of New York. Perhaps I could add to my sweater collection and find some appropriate attire for Vermont.
On the Creek Bed & Breakfast would be my home for the next five days. The trip would be nine days in total with four days of driving and five days to visit with Liam. As mentioned previously, he had taken up skiing and snowboarding. Why the snowboarding, I don't know, and it is incredibly hard on the feet and ankles; where skiing is much less so. We did drive to Killington and stayed at the lodge for two days there. I decided not to try my hand at skiing and preferably stayed in the lodge where I could enjoy the spa and hot chocolate by a fireplace.
Our room had a fireplace as well, so I stayed cozy for those two days. The main topic of discussion for the weekend was Liam's major. Preferring science, he decided that he was going to study genetics and food science. I had done some research on the internet while he conquered the slopes and found that he might enjoy taking some additional classes at Vermont Tech. The had excellent classes to take from craft distillery to craft beer making. I knew it would spark his interest.
At Middlebury, the food in the dining hall was surprisingly fit to eat. While we ate lunch there, we preferred restaurants in the evening. Even with his allowance; where Liam was already spending to much of it on craft beer...as I could tell from his trash can, the cost of going to nice restaurants sans Mom's American Express was out of the question.
We did have a great five days together. Despite the fact that I did not ski at Liam's request, he was thrilled to have my visit. I promised to return in the spring, as both he and Isabella would be home for the holidays. Another summer at Casa Amor, and I would be seventy. Seeing how grown-up and mature Liam was brought back thoughts of Brady that I had not had in a long time.
I was happy for Liam's choice of majors, and wondered how he would use it for the greater good.
I decided to take two days to make the trip since I knew I would be staying for a week. I booked a Bed & Breakfast; and decided to stop just northwest of New York. Perhaps I could add to my sweater collection and find some appropriate attire for Vermont.
On the Creek Bed & Breakfast would be my home for the next five days. The trip would be nine days in total with four days of driving and five days to visit with Liam. As mentioned previously, he had taken up skiing and snowboarding. Why the snowboarding, I don't know, and it is incredibly hard on the feet and ankles; where skiing is much less so. We did drive to Killington and stayed at the lodge for two days there. I decided not to try my hand at skiing and preferably stayed in the lodge where I could enjoy the spa and hot chocolate by a fireplace.
Our room had a fireplace as well, so I stayed cozy for those two days. The main topic of discussion for the weekend was Liam's major. Preferring science, he decided that he was going to study genetics and food science. I had done some research on the internet while he conquered the slopes and found that he might enjoy taking some additional classes at Vermont Tech. The had excellent classes to take from craft distillery to craft beer making. I knew it would spark his interest.
At Middlebury, the food in the dining hall was surprisingly fit to eat. While we ate lunch there, we preferred restaurants in the evening. Even with his allowance; where Liam was already spending to much of it on craft beer...as I could tell from his trash can, the cost of going to nice restaurants sans Mom's American Express was out of the question.
We did have a great five days together. Despite the fact that I did not ski at Liam's request, he was thrilled to have my visit. I promised to return in the spring, as both he and Isabella would be home for the holidays. Another summer at Casa Amor, and I would be seventy. Seeing how grown-up and mature Liam was brought back thoughts of Brady that I had not had in a long time.
I was happy for Liam's choice of majors, and wondered how he would use it for the greater good.
Ann, my psychiatrist, was happy to see me. It was unnecessary to make a change to my medication, but I needed an ear.
She was happy to listen, and I gave her an update first on the children just to get myself talking. I was; however, feeling a little depressed at the current moment. Isabella was great, Liam was great, and I was just so-so. I needed a change. I was still writing creatively which was my only outlet. I was nearly halfway thru my book, and I had given a copy to Belle over the weekend for her to have a look. She was so used to reading financial analysis, that I thought she would enjoy the change. I was sixty-eight and I wondered if I would ever find love.
I explained to Ann that while I wanted to look for love, what I really wanted was for it to find me. Mother was getting old, and she was now ninety, and it seemed that in the blink of an eye that I might be ninety also. Ann was happy to listen, and encouraged me to be a little more aggressive. I had made myself so busy with the children after Paul, that I made no time for myself. There was baseball for Liam, and the professional world for Belle.
The most recent shopping trip is what prompted my visit to Ann. While Isabella and I had a great time in Tennessee and North Carolina for a few days, the evening at the club made me weary and sad. I had wished for a man to be with me. Just a nice fellow who would enjoy the fine food and fine wine that I do, and that would love, appreciate and enjoy my children. It had also been a while since I thought of Brady. "Was he really in the back recesses of my memory at this point?"
What I did know; was despite the weather, it was time to visit Liam at Middlebury. It had also been a while since I had visited mother; and although I kept her in notes, I knew her health was declining day by day, and it would soon be time for an assisted living community to enter the picture.
Once I finished with Ann, I gave myself a month to "be aggressive". I promised to continue with my medication, and she advised adding 3 mg to my Abilify, bringing the dosage up to 5 mg. Tis would hopefully give me an added boost.
I would leave Friday for Vermont, and be there for a week.
She was happy to listen, and I gave her an update first on the children just to get myself talking. I was; however, feeling a little depressed at the current moment. Isabella was great, Liam was great, and I was just so-so. I needed a change. I was still writing creatively which was my only outlet. I was nearly halfway thru my book, and I had given a copy to Belle over the weekend for her to have a look. She was so used to reading financial analysis, that I thought she would enjoy the change. I was sixty-eight and I wondered if I would ever find love.
I explained to Ann that while I wanted to look for love, what I really wanted was for it to find me. Mother was getting old, and she was now ninety, and it seemed that in the blink of an eye that I might be ninety also. Ann was happy to listen, and encouraged me to be a little more aggressive. I had made myself so busy with the children after Paul, that I made no time for myself. There was baseball for Liam, and the professional world for Belle.
The most recent shopping trip is what prompted my visit to Ann. While Isabella and I had a great time in Tennessee and North Carolina for a few days, the evening at the club made me weary and sad. I had wished for a man to be with me. Just a nice fellow who would enjoy the fine food and fine wine that I do, and that would love, appreciate and enjoy my children. It had also been a while since I thought of Brady. "Was he really in the back recesses of my memory at this point?"
What I did know; was despite the weather, it was time to visit Liam at Middlebury. It had also been a while since I had visited mother; and although I kept her in notes, I knew her health was declining day by day, and it would soon be time for an assisted living community to enter the picture.
Once I finished with Ann, I gave myself a month to "be aggressive". I promised to continue with my medication, and she advised adding 3 mg to my Abilify, bringing the dosage up to 5 mg. Tis would hopefully give me an added boost.
I would leave Friday for Vermont, and be there for a week.
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