Because happy news

Paul and I are moving into this space of gratitude. Less ranty, believe it or not.

And today I am celebrating eight years of happy with this 'larger than life character' I hang out with.

We met in 2008 in the Seattle area, dated for 1.5 years before Paul moved to Montana, then visited each other a week out of each month for 3.5 years while my son finished school in Washington state, and now have had three years together at wheaton labs.

The first photo was taken not long after we met, eight years ago today!

The second photo was earlier this year, when Paul was first (and barely!) able to be vertical again after three months on his back. We were both a bit ragged though still having fun being photographed for Missoula Lifestyle Magazine.

As I wrote on that vaguebooking place this morning:  

We've traveled to farms and homesteads, permaculture events, walked beaches, stayed in everything from tents and cabins to lovely homes or fancy hotels, enjoyed fine dining and farmers markets, and then three years ago began stewarding together this amazing property and project called wheaton labs. It's been so many dreams come true hanging out with this guy.

Congratulations...

And please don't take offense as I make this all about me, just laugh at my egocentricity ... Watching your posts I kept thinking the two of you sounded like a happy couple, and feeling like I was being creepy assuming that.  I couldn't pinpoint what made me think ya'll were together. For all I could prove, you just had a very amicable working relationship, and I was making a big leap. Take away from this is that it's clear to even complete strangers halfway across the country that you are well matched.

Congratulations! Awesome story. I see in the first picture that Paul is squirting Magic Juice out of the side of his head onto the top of your head. That's how he got such a great lady, huh? Now that's using your head! Kidding guys.... here's to many more happy, healthy years.

Congratulations!

Thanks you guys! Funny comments on the "magic juice" Karen!

And Casie, no, I didn't take offense. We're pretty private in some ways, so this was a bit of a PDA (public display of affection) for us, which isn't typically our way. For those who listen to the podcasts, it wasn't always clear that we were a couple, though others told me, "of course, I knew that!" just from listening, so it's kind of a funny thing.

As much as I'm a private person, I often wonder about other people. I find the human, lifestyle stories to be more interesting at times than whatever project, sport, or technology is involved. Add in the people background, and I'm much more engaged and interested.

So thanks for reading and allowing me to share our little slice of happy with you all. We had a lovely day yesterday.

10 years today! Woohoo!!

We went to an amazing sculpture park. I hope to create a separate thread for that.

Congratulations!  That's a beautiful place to spend the day!  Thank you for sharing.

I see two, relatively young looking people at the beginning of the thread, and one well-preserved woman near the end. We all age at different rates. I declare Jocelyn the winner. But maybe Paul is the winner, since he's the one who has a very young looking chick. ☺☺☺

A good permie does not run for the Grecian formula, the moment he sees a grey hair. He takes it on the chin and moves on.

Congrats!! My wife and I had our first date ten years ago January. It's amazing how time flies. I wish you two a joyful ten more!

Thanks for the kind comments! And belated happy anniversary to you and your wife, James!

I have more photos of the sculpture park, and we made a podcast on another leg of our little day trip, so stay tuned...