It's a Date!

Looking across our park

        Relationship experts tell people, that to keep their relationship fresh, an important activity for couples to do is schedule regular date nights.  For people with nine-to-five, Monday-to-Friday schedules, it is a much easier task to accomplish.  But My Maverick works shifts; seven days on, four days off, seven days on, three days off—with a mixture of early and late starts.  So achieving a “fixed/regular” date night for My Maverick and me is difficult.  Basically, this Woman has to grab any opportunity for a date when she can!

        Thursday, 2^nd May, The Maverick was on one of his three-days off.  I had planned to spend the afternoon at home, sewing, making progress on the quilt top I’ve started for the soft-furnishing class I’m currently taking.  My Maverick found me in my office/studio.  “Do you want to go shopping with me when I get back?”  Now it had probably been months since I’d done any grocery shopping.  Our usual method is for My Maverick to do the shopping and bring it home and I put it all away. 
 

        “Yes, I’d like that!”  I was actually thinking that we might have a cuppa at the Tesco cafe—something we’d not done for a while.

        When My Maverick returned from his errand-running, he found me changing my blouse and putting on my shoes.  There was no time for lunch—but I didn’t ask what he was thinking. 

        Sun blazed, white clouds traipsed across the blue sky; but the wind has a slight chill to it.  A cardigan would have been appreciated by me.  My Maverick, still hot from his bike ride, thought the temperature was perfect. 

        Holding hands, we walked across the park then crossed the London Road to the bus stop.  I was getting hungry, but didn’t mention it.  Within five minutes the bus came, and on we climbed.  The bus takes about 10 minutes to get into town. 

        While My Maverick went down to get a trolley, I took the escalator to the top floor and dug out the shopping list.  Were we going to have tea before shopping or after?  I was hoping before; I get nasty when my blood sugar drops.  Wearing a big grin, My Maverick pushed the trolley off the lift and joined me by the service desk. 

        Finally he asked: “Tea now,or after?”

        “Now please.”

        I had expected My Maverick to draw money from the auto-teller when he went for the cart.  But no—we were at the entrance of the cafe.  “Do you want to wait ten minutes?”  he asked, pointing to the sign.  “Special cake £1.50 with a cup of tea after 2.30 pm.” 

        “Is it really 2:20 pm?”  I was shocked.

        It was at this point he asked if I had any cash on me.  I rarely do, unless I’ve made a withdrawal for a specific purpose. 

         
     "I'd prefer lunch, say a sandwich."  

     With that, he went off once again.  So, I sat at a booth, waiting for him to return and deliberated about which sandwich I wanted.  In the end, I had a chicken club on wheat bread and shared a plate of hot chips (fries) with my husband. 

        It was worth coming shopping, as My Maverick found a great “I love you” gift—an electric toothbrush.  Isn’t that just romantic?  Truly I was pleased though, because I’ve wanted an electric toothbrush since I was a child. 

        And to top this wonderful date off, we took a taxi home.  Having to walk or depend on the bus, taking a taxi is a luxury. 

        Now some people wouldn’t call grocery shopping a date.  But as I said at the top, I take advantage any opportunities I get.  The Tesco Coffee Shop now serves Costa Coffee, so it’s a touch of special without being financially extravagant.  We had a nice chat, sitting by the floor-length windows, the sun shining on us.  And the chips—excellent! 

        I believe that it isn’t how much a person spends, but rather the person with whom you spend time that is important.  We still enjoy talking to each other—chatting about our dreams, challenging each other. 

        I am a very blessed woman. 

        Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”