The "OURTIME" dating App. photo of Dan with his granddaughter, Kali, that Karen fell in love with and which helped to prompt her to text him.

The "OURTIME" dating App. photo of Karen (her first ever "selfie") that Dan found "intriguing".

Backyard campfire night at Dan's neighbor's. Spending time talking and relaxing around the many backyard campfires became one of their usual dating pastimes during the 2020-2021 pandemic, along with perfecting their joint omelet-making and miniature golfing skills.

Dan introduced Karen to one of his favorite local bands, BON JOURNEY, at the outside venue of JB's Roadside Bar & Grill. As it turns out, Karen knows the one guitarist and his wife. All three used to work at Vocollect in Penn Hills, PA. Dan and Karen still attend BON JOURNEY's performances anytime they are able to. In fact, Karen and Dan were able to see the band here in SC at Murrells Inlet's Dead Dogs Saloon on October 2023.

A special date night was spent at the T.I.G.E.R.S. Animal Sanctuary located in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. This first long distance trip together provided Karen the opportunity to introduce Dan to her favorite local SC band, MIRACLE MAX AND THE PET MONSTERS, who they go to see quite often now that they have settled in Myrtle Beach.

Karen grew up in a family where camping was the constant norm. Therefore, it was inevitable that Karen would take Dan camping at some point. So, they went camping for the first time together at Cook's Forest in PA. Cali, their Labrador Retriever, also went camping for the first time! They were joined by friends and family for what was ONE of the "coldest camping weekends" ever! The SECOND, with steady rain, was during Memorial Day Weekend in 2021. Needless to say, Dan had sworn that he would never tent camp again....However, he has since mentioned that he probably could try camping here in South Carolina.

Having similar political beliefs (Karen is a Conservative Republican), Dan surprised Karen with a date to see the TRUMP House in Latrobe, PA.

First New Year's Eve together!

White Oak Park in McKeesport, PA. Celebrating one year of dating! Since their first "Meet-Up" at White Oak Park!

4th of July at Point State Park in Pittsburgh, PA

Since learning of French impressionism paintings/artists in High School, Karen has developed an appreciation of the art form. So when the opportunity arose, Karen treated Dan to a date night of immersive art at the Vincent Van Gogh exhibition in Pittsburgh, PA.

Attending a New Year's Eve party at the Irwin, PA ELKS for their second New Year's Eve together!

VIP floor seats at the concert of JOURNEY at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

White Oak Park in McKeesport, PA. Celebrating two years of dating! Since their first "Meet-Up" at White Oak Park! "Representing" Penn Hills School District with their matching hoodies! Both Dan and Karen attended the same elementary school (Wm. McKinley Elementary) through to the same High School (Penn Hills Senior High School)! However, they were a few years apart in graduating.

PNC Park Pittsburgh, PA

"Starting Over" is the title of one of Chris Stapleton's songs, and that song pretty much describes what Karen and Dan decided to do. After living together since the sale of her home in July 2021, Dan helped to pack up Karen's closet full of casual and business clothing; several pairs of shoes; jewelry; purses; laptop computer; pillow; cooler; beach blanket; and bathing-suit, to move her to Myrtle Beach, SC for what would be the Accounting position she now holds with The Jackson Companies. Dan then flew back to Latrobe, PA, but joined her in SC two months later when his job transfer was completed.

Third New Year's Eve together!

Engaged!!! Dan proposed to Karen after a dinner at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in South Carolina. The dinner was a special one celebrating 3 years of dating to the day. Dan's Facebook post announcing their engagement read: "Three years ago today I met this beautiful lady at White Oak Park! My life has never been the same since! I am happy again and have hope in my life! My smile is back because my heart is happy!! She is everything I could have asked for and more! She is the piece to my puzzle that I have been searching for!! She is my soulmate and my best friend! I love doing life with her! Tonight I asked this beautiful lady to be my wife!! I am such a blessed man……Karen said yes!!!!"

New Years Eve #4 at Shakerz in Murrell's Inlet, SC. Enjoying the musical talent of "Band on Fire" (another one of their favorite local bands) with their neighbor Liz and friends from the "Ladies & Lords of the Inlet", Audrey & Kevin.