After about giving up on the dating pool ever producing someone that either Beth or Rich found compatible, Lexe, a mutual friend, introduced them.

They started to talk via "Messenger" and really hit it off. Beth was leaving the next day for Texas to visit her son, so they just kept talking via messenger. They did this for 8 days before actually meeting in person. But the couple found it very beneficial and refreshing to spend so much time just getting to know each other before they actually met in person.

Beth flew home from Texas on a Friday night and had to fly out on Sunday for a business trip to Florida. Rich had a race on Saturday morning, but the couple was able to meet on Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. They talked for 4 3/4 hours before they ordered, the waiter should have gotten paid by the hour! LOL Beth left the next day for her trip and the couple went back to talking via messenger.

Beth returned from Florida on Friday night and she offered to take Rich on a shopping spree, because all Rich had at the time were shirts with Race Logos on them. LOL.

After some shopping, the couple went back to Beth's house and together, they made dinner. Cooking together would become something they really enjoyed and would do often.

They next day, the couple met and played Pickleball in the morning, then went to a local park (Sidecut) to enjoy a picnic lunch that Beth had prepared. They spent all afternoon talking and enjoying each other's company. So much so that they each developed a bad case of sunburn from setting in the sun all day.

Beth had received her first Covid Vaccine that afternoon, then the couple met to play Pickleball. After an hour or so, they decided to call it quits and go an get some dinner. They met at a local Mexican Restaurant and ordered their meal and Margretas. Beth took a few bites of her dinner and excused herself to the restroom. When she came out, Rich knew she was not feeling well and he imitatively called for the check and quickly took her home.

The couple just barley got home and Beth became sick and Rich was there to hold her hair back and give her a cold washcloth. Rich stayed until after midnight to make sure she was going to be OK.

Beth later said, "I know he was a keeper when he was by my side when I was throwing up."!!!

Beth had booked a trip to Florida before the couple met. Not knowing Rich for very long, she took a chance and invited him to accompany her on her trip.

He was very excited to join her as he had never vacationed on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

They flew to Marco Island for 4 days then then moved up to Fort Meyers Beach for 3 days.

It was an amazing trip. They enjoyed each others company, and they found out that they were great "Travel" companions.

Rich was also able to "check-off" a bucket list item when they both sent "Parasailing".

In June, Beth had to take a business trip back to Florida. She worked Monday through Friday.

Rich flew down on Thursday evening. After Beth finished up work on Friday, the couple drove to Treasure Island and checked into the Thunderbird Resort. They stayed until Tuesday and then flew home together.

Beth was the "Tour Guide" for this trip as she had been to Hocking Hills before.

The couple met up the Rich's cousin Jennifer on Friday night in Westerville, OH.

On Saturday, they hiked many of the trails and explored the many Caves.

On Sunday they both checked off another Bucket List item by going "Zip Lining".

On Monday, they went Kayaking before the drive home.

Another amazing trip together.

In July, the Couple visited Beth's Son Eric and his wife Natasha and of course their 3 dogs, Brady, Henry and Finn.

Rich spent time getting to know Eric and let him know his intentions. Rich knew that it would not be long before he would be proposing to Beth and he wanted Eric's blessing's

On Sunday the two couples rented a Float Boat and spent the day on lake Louisville, which is just north of Dallas.

Later in July, the couple visited Rich's Daughter Adrian, who lives in Elgin, Illinois, which is just north of Chicago.

This was the first time that Beth was able to meet Rich's grandchildren, Maya and Gavin and also his Son-In-Law Anthony.

They spent time with the kids and talked about possibly using Gideon Owen winery (formally Mon Ami) when they get married. Rich's daughter was married at Mon Ami and Beth was adamant about making sure that Adrian was comfortable with is and she was.

In August, the Couple flew to Denver Colorado. First, they drive to Morrison, which is where the Red Rocks Amphitheater is located. Rich had tickets to a concert there and seeing a concert thre was a "bucket list" item for Rich.

After the Concert, they drove to Silverthorn CO so spend a few days.

On Monday, the 9th of August, the couple went for a hike to the Dillon Reservoir, which feeds Lake Dillon. Along the trail, Rich saw a bench that overlooked Lake Dillon, so he suggested that they sit for a while to take in the sights. After a few minutes, he reached into his cinch sack and took out the engagement ring that he had been carrying with his all week. He turned to Beth, got down on one knee and asked her to merry him. She said yes!!!

The above detailed chronology was written by Rich. It has been an amazing journey. As he said, we were introduced through a mutual friend. I expressed my concern to her that I am not a runner, and she assured me that wasn't a prerequisite. Thank goodness!! My schedule was very busy right when we started "talking", but in reality it was a great way to get to know each other and our thoughts, hopes and dreams were shared. Rich said he had some concerns that we wouldn't have anything to talk about on our first in-person date, but that certainly wasn't an issue. Immediately I felt at ease, comfortable, and relaxed in the company of such a kind man. Quickly we realized that we completely enjoyed each other's company and were very compatible. As he detailed in his notes, I knew he was a keeper when he insisted on staying and making sure I was okay after my sickness episode after my first vaccine.

We continued to spend time together and Rich was talking marriage soon into our relationship. Yet I was completely comfortable and confident in this discussion. As we have said, "the heart knows when the search is over."

It's been an incredible journey and I have grown to love and respect this man more every day. He's thoughtful, helpful, appreciative, funny and supporting! We have a great routine down and it's working so well.

I am eternally thankful for the opportunity to spend the rest of my life with Richard Eugene Brown!