My darling Charles is the only man I know I would give my gun to if we only had one between us, although I would chew him out royally afterwards…for the first time ever, about anything. I have to laugh: one of the things on my list of 20 is a man who shoots as well as I do, preferably better! He also has to be willing to trust me to guard his back. MDC more than qualifies.

The ideal person can hold his and her own with you on the OLD Jeopardy, back when even we learned something occasionally. I stopped watching when they dumbed it down to sixth grade level. One of MDC’s more fantastic qualities is that no matter what the subject he has something interesting to contribute.

Red meat? Absolutely! It isn’t a meal if it doesn’t include meat, preferably beef, and don’t even kiss her good night if she orders it well done. Anyone who wants it more than medium rare has serious problems.

Thanks for the terrific post, and thank you particularly for speaking well of your lovely wife. THAT is a very attractive quality in a man. Linda

Ok, it worked for me and 20 years later I still can’t do without my Bride!!!!

Linda, (or Rancherlady, if you prefer)

If it sets yours (and Charles’) mind at ease, please don’t confuse sincere admiration for infatuation. The two are quite closely related but distinctly different emotions.

You’re advice is sound and true. The only item I would differ with is the Internet “dating”. I agree wholeheartedly that lengthy conversation before meeting a prospect is a wise move, but using the dominant Internet matching sites is little more useful than just introducing yourself to total strangers on the street.

In any case, I will read and re-read your advise. I’ve come to the same conclusions on my own, by and large, but it always helps to here someone else confirm your beliefs.

Best to you, Charles, and all of those that each of you hold dear.

Single but not giving up!

Jack.

So, Linda, sorry if I offended you (no I’m not), but I think training the horse and buggy is a whole lot easier than training that Jag you bought. BRONX cheer, buddy. My cats are impeccable ladies, even if they lock themselves up so that rough hairy strangers cannot touch them. A real sight is a roadside assistance man who doesn’t know that the battery is in the boot but that she’s locked that down so that even a key won’t open it and he has to jump her on a tiny bolt up under the bonnet.

Sounds like Charles and you are having a wonderful life! OH, indeed we do. We never argue, or snipe at each other, or criticize, we never bore each other, and we find amusement in the same things. We have a “pretend” battle over who the dogs and cats belong to, the owner depending upon what the animal is doing. When Smidget misjudged and landed smack in my plate of spaghetti the other night she was definitely HIS cat! In the summer she is MY kitty who sleeps with us every night and gives me kitty kisses, and sometimes wakes me up, the little wretch, brushing her whiskers against me lightly. In the winter she warms HIS feet! We’re content just to be near each other, and at any given time one of us is usually touching the other. It is really very endearing, and the best part is that his 72nd birthday is coming up August 28th. Isn’t that grand, to know that the last really can be the best?!

“Me too and I am still single after all of these years.” Be of good cheer. Just might be that the right lady for you is just about ready to come into your life.

“Your latest article resonates very well and thank you for that, and keep up the corny stuff.” What a flirt you are, CanadaNorth. Seriously…thank you. Linda

What a charming letter, thank you!

If the quality of your life has been enhanced greatly, you have chosen well, both of you.

I’m fascinated by your statistic–is that something you have read, observing the mistakes of friends, what? How truly dreadful! Good grief, to say nothing of unpleasant breakups and feeling like a slut (I am sooooo old-fashioned!), if that involves moving in with each other I think I’d be inclined to stay celibate rather than having to move or throw someone out four times a year!

If you have made it two years you probably have a pretty good chance, which would be wonderful. Particularly if you don’t complicate your lives with children. Don’t get me wrong, I adore children–especially toddlers–but talk about a stress and a life changer…

As for being a Democrat…he’s young! Not discussing politics is a grand idea, although I have long had a rule that ALL discussions in my vicinity will be academic. Nice, polite, no ad hominem remarks, no loud voices…

It will be fun if we can get together sometime. We’re up Waco way from time to time. I don’t actually get your e-mail here even though you typed it in. If you ask Gary he’ll send it to me; just tell him I said I would like it, please. That will be a lot easier for him than searching for this particular e-mail.

What do you and your fellow do professionaly? My darling Charles and I went off and bought an enormous, gorgeous bull yesterday. For the third time we were amused because the seller is retiring from ranching because he and his wife want to travel…and ranching IS our idea of retirement!

Linda