In the summer of 2020, as each of us was diligently maintaining social distance and reconfiguring routines, we decided to bravely venture into the world (Dolores Park to be specific) and introduce ourselves to a fresh face. If the world is ending, what do you have to lose? Go on the date.

The idyllic Mission District park’s grassy hillside overlooks the downtown skyline and San Francisco Bay and on this day was dotted with even rows of white painted circles six feet in diameter. The chalk paint was an earnest attempt to provide some sense of order or control over the virus that we were all trying to avoid.

Rather than serving as a bleak reminder of the space between us all, the circle we sat in on this sunny July afternoon outlined a special moment of union between two individuals that would ultimately become inseparable.

As Michael pedaled his bicycle toward the park with a front basket full of picnic supplies, rushing to get to the meeting spot first, he tried to will himself from sweating too much.

When he arrived Janine was already seated on a blanket in one of the chalk circles with her bike laying nearby. Michael would go on to learn that Janine isn’t the kind of punctual person that is always on time – she’s the type that’s always early. What a fun surprise.

Some combination of the picnic charcuterie and conversation were deemed acceptable enough by Janine for her to venture on to the second chapter of the date. The late afternoon shadows were encroaching on our picnic spot anyway.

After a short bike ride together (the first of many for us), we arrived at a cocktail bar where the manager showed us to our reserved outdoor lounge chairs and brought us a complimentary champagne toast.

He offered a very enthusiastic “Happy Anniversary” and asked us how many years we’d been together. Michael explained that it’s just been one wonderful year since our marriage, with many more to come. Then we politely thanked the manager, clinked flutes and he was on his way.

At this point, Michael quietly explained that the cover story was improvised in order to secure a reservation – something the establishment doesn’t typically offer. And that bending the truth for his own benefit also is not a typical behavior. Bit of a gamble for a first-ish impression!

Luckily Janine approved of this victimless fib and we continued to chat into the evening hours about our love for our pets (her little black cat and my little black dog), the camping and concerts we enjoy, why we love living in San Francisco, and how apparently our parents went to the same college 2,000 miles away in Michigan.

Then Janine sent Michael on his way for the night but not for good. Thus began years of dates, camping trips, joys, sorrows, new kittens, moving trucks, an engagement on the beach near our house.

With grateful hearts we invite you to join us for a few days of memory making and celebration in Mexico this fall as we continue writing our story together.