Fifty years ago, David started a phone conversation with, “How’d you like a Mediterranean Honeymoon?”

It was his way of easing into the news that our wedding, scheduled for 12 December 1975 would have to be rescheduled because he had just reported to his new duty aboard the USS Dace SSN 607 and they would be leaving 25 November for a six month Med deployment. If we got married before he left, as his wife, I would be able to visit him in La Maddalena, Italy. (Things were very strict in those days!). So, I accepted his offer and six weeks later on 13 September we were married.

It has been a grand adventure!

I followed him to New London, CT… to our hometown of Philly… to Nova Scotia… to New Hampshire. We have 2 beautiful daughters and 4 “perfect” grandchildren, wonderful friends, lots of photo albums from amazing vacations. But, that Mediterranean Honeymoon ended up being lots of time in La Maddalena in the cold off season during January 1976 and one 24 hour leave. NOT what I was envisioning.

I was not going to let him forget about his original offer. Now, 50 years later, we are about to head off on that Mediterranean Honeymoon…

Barcelona; Turkey: Istanbul and Ephesus; 3 Greek Islands; then back to Italy for some time in Tuscany.

I’m hoping to chronicle our journey here. Stay tuned.

It has been such a long time since I have been “here!” We’ve added grandchildren to the family; Covid happened; we moved from Nova Scotia to New Hampshire. Three years ago! Such a journey! These days have been filled with lots of family adventures and slow progress making new friends, but we are finding our way and enjoying the days.

From Spring through Fall, we’ll pack a lunch and load up the kayaks. We have a little island in the middle of the lake where we pull up to eat our lunch then continue on around the lake to the beach for a swim or a cold dip.

In the winter we have found a little nearby ski hill to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and a little exercise.

I have found a nice walking route that is about a 3 mile loop with lots of trees, pretty houses, and opportunities to chronicle the changing seasons.

Still one of our favorite moments is sitting on the patio with our morning coffee or a glass of wine as the sun is setting.

As we have come to call this place “Home,” we are also ready to head out on some new adventures. This September we celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. And to mark the occasion we are taking that long promised “Mediterranean Honeymoon.”

Stay tuned for an update on our travels in Spain, Turkey, Greece and Tuscany.