It is Valentine’s Day tomorrow and there is a meme on Facebook I thought I would try here. Feel free to copy such a play along.
Where you first met: Key West, Florida
How did you meet: At ‘happy hour’ at the resort we were attending. He was on a business trip; I was on my annual winter holiday. Neither one of us was looking for such.
First date: There are conflicting stories of what happened and when it did it happen. It is like “Roshomon” without the subtitles.
How many years together: we met in 1997. I had to get out the calculator. Patience above! 24 years!
Age difference: Someone is older by seven years. 24 years ago it seemed more important. As we age the gap decreases in significance.
Who was interested first: Oh, I was. I was a moonstruck idiot.
Who is taller: I am, although we are both well over four feet.
Most obnoxious in-laws: Someone has no relations while I have dozens and most of them have untreated ADHD. They all like to keep in touch with us. Someone should have asked a few logical questions before saying ‘yes’.
Who said “I Love you”first: I did.
Worst temper: Neither one of us is ill tempered. I get cross at times. When Someone is angry/upset he broods. However, he ‘lets it rip’ in the car towards obnoxious drivers. My eyes cross at such awful language.
Most sensitive: Someone.
Most annoying habit: He would say it is my not paying attention/not listening. As for his worse habit, Someone seems incapable at cleaning out the dryer lint trap. This is where I should have asked a few logical questions before saying ‘yes”
Most forgiving: We are both good at this.
Loudest: I have a voice once described as “Wagnerian, without the charms”.
Who has the most useless facts: I win by a country mile.
Funniest: I am. Do not dare to question this.
Who wears the pants in the family: In all matters I defer to Someone. This makes for a happy marriage.
Most stubborn: Someone.
Falls asleep first: Someone can fall asleep in less than five minutes, anytime and anywhere. Amazing.
Most impatient: I am.
Better driver: see “Who wears the pants in the family” response.
Biggest neat freak: Ms. Kondo and I are one.
Most social: Urs Truly is constantly texting, calling, blogging, and reporting to Someone who doesn’t do any of these things.
Least likely to remember to do what the other one asks him to do:
Three guesses. Oh the embarrassment.
Most competitive: Neither one of us is so.
Best cook: I have surpassed Someone in all categories of cooking but chicken pot pie.
Who is the handy-person: Someone is much better with his tools. The challenge is getting him to use them. I find a good way is to do so myself only to make a mess of it, obliging him to do it right in the first place.
Post a picture:
Spo-Reflections 
45 comments
February 13, 2021 at 7:55 AM
Lori
Oh I truly enjoyed this post. It was fun to hear some of the details of your relationship. Amazing photo of the two of you. I smiled that your cooking has the win.
February 13, 2021 at 9:24 AM
Urspo
Shh. Don’t tell Someone.
February 13, 2021 at 8:21 AM
anne marie in philly
I now know more about you and someone than I ever did before. I was always curious about how you met, etc. and you two sound like every other old married couple out there. may you and someone have many years of happiness ahead. SMOOCH!
February 13, 2021 at 9:25 AM
Urspo
Provided the lint trap is cleaned from time to time we should do OK.
February 13, 2021 at 11:09 AM
anne marie in philly
I will publish my answers tomorrow on my blog.
February 13, 2021 at 8:29 AM
David Godfrey
Where you first met: Orlando Florida
How did you meet: A party a Berry Levis’s house
First date: Olive Garden
How many years together: 29
Age difference: 4
Who was interested first: him
Who is taller: me
Most obnoxious in-laws: both were nicer to the other, than the kid
Who said “I Love you”first: ??
Worst temper: Me
Most sensitive: Me
Most annoying habit: ??
Most forgiving: Both
Loudest: We are both quiet as a church mouse
Who has the most useless facts: him
Funniest: him
Who wears the pants in the family: me
Most stubborn: me
Falls asleep first: me
Most impatient: toss up
Better driver: I take the 5th
Biggest neat freak: him, by a mile
Most social: ??
Least likely to remember to do what the other one asks him to do: me, or did I forget?
Most competitive: neither
Best Cook: me
Who is the handy-person: Oh god, he is going to make improvements again.
February 13, 2021 at 9:26 AM
Urspo
Thank you for playing along.
I suggest you to work on shouting more. This works best at 3AM.
February 13, 2021 at 8:28 PM
wickedhamster
What he said, with the following emendations:
–Most annoying habit: over the years I have succeeded in mostly weaning him away from his annoying habits. I, however, continue to talk and sing to myself.
–Loudest: I, in fact, could shout down a 747; but he’s never heard my weirding voice.
–Better driver: I take the 5th; this is eloquent testament to David’s sagacious prudence.
February 13, 2021 at 8:34 AM
Jeffrey
🙂
February 13, 2021 at 9:26 AM
Urspo
🙂
February 13, 2021 at 9:30 AM
Debra She Who Seeks
You two are adorable! Happy Valentines Day!
February 13, 2021 at 9:34 AM
Urspo
Thank you my dear !
February 13, 2021 at 9:48 AM
Blobby
i’ll play along, but it will be tomorrow’s post.
February 13, 2021 at 12:13 PM
Urspo
I look forward to it.
February 13, 2021 at 9:56 AM
Bob Slatten
Where you first met: In an AOL chatroom; so last century! In person was at the Ft Lauderdale airport.
How did you meet: He commented on something in the chat, and I replied to him, and we started talking.
First date: At a small Cafe on Las Olas in Ft Lauderdale July 11, 1999.
How many years together: We celebrated twenty years last fall.
Age difference: I am one year older than Carlos.
Who was interested first: I think it was mutual while online, but =when we moved to speaking by phone, his accent sealed the deal for me.
Who is taller: I am.
Most obnoxious in-laws: I like his family, and he likes mine, so I don’t think we have obnoxious in-laws.
Who said “I Love you” first: I think it may have been Carlos.
Worst temper: I have the worst temper though I do keep it in check. Carlos is VERY easy-going.
Most sensitive: Definitely me.
Most annoying habit: He doesn’t listen and I talk to much, so maybe our annoying habits feed off each other?
Most forgiving: We are good at fighting, getting it out, and moving on. I think this is a tie.
Loudest: Utterly and always me … even when he plays the trumpet!
Who has the most useless facts: My father says my head is filled with superfluous data so I win this one!
Funniest: I am m ore often funny, but when Carlos gets funny, it’s hilarious because it’s unexpected.
Who wears the pants in the family: We each take control of the things in out little family; one rule we have kind of explains that: I take care of what goes INTO the cats, and he takes care of what comes OUT of them.
Most stubborn: Me.
Falls asleep first: Carlos falls asleep in seconds.
Most impatient: Me.
Better driver: Since Carlos no longer drives because of his vision, it’s clearly me!
Biggest neat freak: Neither and both?
Most social: Carlos. I don’t like people; I kid. But I am more of a loner, homebody person.
Least likely to remember to do what the other one asks him to do: Carlos. I have a fabulous memory!
Most competitive: Carlos.
Best cook: I am a better cook, while Carlos, as I like to say, is a MasterBaker. He’d be MasterBaking all day long if he could.
Who is the handy-person: Carlos is the fixer, while I am the painter in the family.
February 13, 2021 at 12:14 PM
Urspo
I enjoyed reading and learning more about Mr. Carlos; he sound a dear!
I knew you were a dear already.
February 13, 2021 at 9:59 AM
Old Lurker
Given your schnozzes it is no surprise you fell for each other. Clearly you had lots in common to talk about.
It is a good thing you are not competitive about cooking prowess.
Be sure to give Someone a socially-distanced hug on behalf of all of us. He is a dear and has the patience of a saint.
February 13, 2021 at 12:15 PM
Urspo
He sure is a saint. Anyone who puts up with my shenanigans qualifies.
February 13, 2021 at 10:14 AM
Parnassus
You clearly were made for each other. Have a great Valentine’s Day!
–Jim
February 13, 2021 at 12:16 PM
Urspo
Thank you. I think we were not made for each other but over the years we made it us. Say this is a good idea for a blog entry !
February 13, 2021 at 12:26 PM
Sluggy
You know what they say about couples(if you are together long enough you begin to resemble each other). The photo proves that! hehehe
February 13, 2021 at 12:30 PM
Urspo
Indeed. Even the dog is starting to resemble us.
February 13, 2021 at 1:50 PM
Sam
Such fun. You seem cohesive and as people age, a great trait in couples.
February 13, 2021 at 2:14 PM
Urspo
Tomorrow I hope to write on this topic. Follow me for more recipes.
February 13, 2021 at 2:15 PM
Mistress Borghese
Two handsome gentleman!!!!! And I may add how nice it is you don’t look like brothers. So many couples I see, look so much alike, like brothers. It often gives me the whillies. Happy St Valentines💘💌💘💌💘💌
February 13, 2021 at 2:17 PM
Urspo
“I’m aware
We are not very well-matched pair
Still, I’m your Ginger to your Fred Astaire.”
February 13, 2021 at 2:25 PM
Robzilla, Native of Slam Diego
I needed some cheering up, and oooh! I’m going to do this.
February 14, 2021 at 5:08 AM
Urspo
I look forward to reading it.
February 13, 2021 at 2:58 PM
Todd Gunther
Um, that portrait at the top of your blog? Is that suppose to be Cupid as an adult?
February 14, 2021 at 5:09 AM
Urspo
Yes. Eros incarnate and his minion Ralph
February 13, 2021 at 3:01 PM
Linda Practical Parsimony
Where you first met: Online, in person on a street corner. I can explain that.
How did you meet: Online. In person I was picking him up to go to a birthday party.
First date: The birthday party of a friend of mine.
How many years together: We met in December 30, 2006. So 15 years.
Age difference: I am seven years older.
Who was interested first: Maybe him at first.
Who is taller: He is.
Most obnoxious in-laws: Our parents are dead. We have each met one relative.
Who said “I Love you” first: I did.
Worst temper: Him by a mile.
Most sensitive: His feelings are easily hurt and mostly he is insensitive to mine.
Most annoying habit: Wanting to keep things from 40 years, like old plastic and broken cups.
Most forgiving: Me. he loves a good grudge.
Loudest: HIM
Who has the most useless facts: Both of us.
Funniest: I am. He lays no claim to humor.
Who wears the pants in the family: Me. but I let him think he does. It keeps him happy.
Most stubborn: Him
Falls asleep first: Him
Most impatient: Me.
Better driver: Me. He follows no rules most of the time and does not see red lights.
Biggest neat freak: Me. He does not care what happens or where it lands
Most social: I am by a long shot!
Least likely to remember to do what the other one asks him to do: Him
Most competitive: He is competitive about things like who said what. We are both competitive about games and such.
Best cook: He does not cook.
Who is the handy-person: I am, but he can fix stuff I cannot handle because of his greater strength.
Okay, we emailed for several months after meeting online. Then, we talked on the phone. Then, the present bf got mad and left in a huff when we had planned to go to a birthday party of a friend in Birmingham. Tommy said he would go and we arranged for me to pick him up near UAB near the party site. So, he came to my car, got in and away we went up the hill to the party at friend’s house. The hostess asked us where we met. I replied, “Oh, I just met him on the street corner–8th Ave and 14th st and picked him up. Tommy almost choked.
February 14, 2021 at 5:09 AM
Urspo
Good reading! Thanks for playing.
February 13, 2021 at 3:30 PM
larrymuffin
I would love to make comments to your list but you know me, so polite. Though if I did it would be picked up by National Enquirer next to the column on Meghan and Harry. Remember I know a lot of things. LOL!!!! Both of you are adorable.
February 14, 2021 at 5:10 AM
Urspo
You have three very admirable assets: You remember a lot of things; you are adorable; you are full of balloon juice.
February 14, 2021 at 4:15 PM
larrymuffin
As a public figure you have to remember things for the BON MOT which is so important in salon society.
February 13, 2021 at 3:36 PM
Robert
Marvellous ❤️❤️
February 14, 2021 at 5:11 AM
Urspo
it is fun thank you
February 13, 2021 at 3:36 PM
Moving with Mitchell
Someone would win me over with the chicken pot pie.
February 14, 2021 at 5:11 AM
Urspo
He doesn’t cook much, but he makes chicken pot pie ~ once a month. It does’nt vary yet it is scrumptious.
February 13, 2021 at 6:02 PM
Steven
Many of these answers were expected, but I was shocked that Someone is actually shorter. I thought he was taller. Maybe it’s what I remember from how you two pose in photos, like the one above. I also fall asleep quite fast. Husband takes about 30 minutes
February 14, 2021 at 5:12 AM
Urspo
He’s a bit shorter by a few inches, yes.
February 14, 2021 at 12:57 AM
Autolycus
I don’t actually have anything to offer the meme, but just to say well done for staying the course.
February 14, 2021 at 5:12 AM
Urspo
I always appreciate a comment from you my friend.
February 15, 2021 at 1:46 AM
Moving with Mitchell
Where you first met: Chaps Bar Sunday Tea Dance, Boston
How did you meet: He squeezed my elbow as he walked by.
First date: Real date was that Wednesday at La Groceria Italian Restaurant in Cambridge.
How many years together: August was 39
Age difference: I’m 5 years younger, which seemed like a lot at the time.
Who was interested first: Mutual
Who is taller: I am, but we’re both over 6 feet.
Most obnoxious in-laws: Although obnoxious is not the word I’d use, mine are by far the most difficult.
Who said “I Love you”first: I honestly don’t remember.
Worst temper: I have a rage that I sometimes have to bury. He pouts.
Most sensitive: Toss up.
Most annoying habit: None. We’re both perfect (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it).
Most forgiving: Depends.
Loudest: Depends. Probably him.
Who has the most useless facts: I suppose me. His facts don’t seem useless.
Funniest: I can be a wise-cracker. But he is most often entertaining — intentionally.
Who wears the pants in the family: We both wear pants.
Most stubborn: Definitely him.
Falls asleep first: That’s a toss-up. We can both lie awake for a long time.
Most impatient: Depends on the situation, but usually him.
Better driver: Since my Cali license expired in 2013 and I still haven’t gotten my Spanish license, I’d say him. Anyway, he learned to drive on a tractor.
Biggest neat freak: No contest. ONLY neat freak? Me.
Most social: It used to be him. Now it’s me.
Least likely to remember to do what the other one asks him to do: He would say me. But I’d say it’s a toss up.
Most competitive: Him. No contest.
Best cook: Cook? Best doesn’t even come into it. Him.
Who is the handy-person: He is when it comes to the crafts. Plumber, electrician.
February 15, 2021 at 1:48 AM
Moving with Mitchell
As for “Funniest,” I mean to say UNintentionally (not intentionally)