Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Arthritis Ask Me Anything Birthdays Bloggers Books Buy More Yarn Charity Knitting Circular Sock Machine Contests Crochet Dyeing Epic Sock Blanket Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Joyful Wednesday Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday March Money Madness Memes Mittens Monday On My Mind Monthly Intentions Movies Museum of Me Mutterings My Backyard NaBloPoMo One Little Word Patterns Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Ravelry Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Sewing Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Style School Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on the Tenth Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography
You are here: Home / That's Life / Strong Coffee

Strong Coffee

June 13, 2013 By Carole


Faded photo of Dale and I on our honeymoon. The backdrop is Mt. Battie in Camden, ME.

Back in the early days of our courtship Dale and I had to spend a lot of time apart. We lived fairly close and worked in the same town but we both had very busy lives. I had Hannah and he had 3 kids, he had the band and I had a house to care for on my own – you get the idea. In addition to all of  that, we started dating in the early summer and I had already planned a 2 week vacation on the Cape with my mom and he had already planned a camping trip with his children. We spent a lot of that time apart writing each other letters and poems and silly little stories. Sometimes we mailed them and sometimes we swapped them when we got together and then saved them to read later, when we were each home alone and settled in for the night. Today, in honor of our 16th wedding anniversary (which is tomorrow) I would like to share with you one of the first things Dale ever wrote for me.

Strong Coffee

When a girl who you are crazy about makes you your first ever cup of coffee too strong, what can you say?

Nothing? No, you can’t say nothing when you’re planning on sharing coffee with her for the rest of your life.

You can grin and say, “this is great” but that wouldn’t be very honest.

You could turn it around (like “cold hands, warm heart”) but that wouldn’t work.

You could go to Dunkin’ Donuts, but then you couldn’t have it in bed.

Or, you could smile and say, “hey, I love you – but this coffee is strong.”

We have so much growing and learning to do together becuase it’s important to us. I don’t want to be on a pedestal and I don’t want to put you on one either. Gentle understanding is the cure for so much. We both seem to be perfect to each other but I know I have faults and I’m sure you do, too. When you told me about your money struggles you were hesitant for fear of what I might think. I can’t tell you that it doesn’t matter because of course it matters, as do my bills, but what matters most is I would never say, “what are you? nuts?” I might say, “that’s a pretty strong cup of coffee” and then we’ll have a new pot together.

If I buy you red wine and you say it’s good even though you may prefer white wine – guess what you’ll get next time? If you cook me an egg over easy and I don’t tell you I want it medium then I’ll be eating runny eggs forever.

As silly as it may seem to you, my darling, that one cup of coffee will be a symbol of our love and our trust forever. The lesson taught so simple and yet so immense. Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.

Even after all these years I get all verklempt every time I read this one. And it’s still true to this very day. I make the coffee too strong sometimes (only figuratively now because we have a Keurig and that solved this specific problem!)  but we always manage to get it down because we do it together.

 

Blog Widget by LinkWithin

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailWords in the Wild Default ThumbnailStill Going Strong Default ThumbnailRally for Libraries! Default ThumbnailNo Cream In My Coffee
« Wednesdays Are For Knitting
Eye Candy Friday »

Filed Under: That's Life

Comments

  1. mary says

    June 13, 2013 at 6:44 am

    I LOVE this! happy anniversary!

  2. Kelly K says

    June 13, 2013 at 6:54 am

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!! And how appropriate 9 Days Before my Wedding 🙂 It is so very true. So far it’s worked for us for 8 years and now we will make it work for the rest of our lives.
    You and Dale are a beautiful couple and one to look up to! You’ve made a perfect example of what LOVE is all about <3
    Happy Anniversary, Tomorrow!!

  3. Ruth says

    June 13, 2013 at 6:59 am

    That is what my father would have called “a good word”. Smart guy, your Dale.

    Happy Anniversary!

  4. Jo-Ann says

    June 13, 2013 at 7:19 am

    What a wonderful thing to share for your Anniversary! Letters are such a great way to get to know one another … sadly, today’s young people won’t have these types of touching memories. Happy Anniversary to you and Dale, and may all of your cups of coffee be perfectly brewed <3

  5. Manise says

    June 13, 2013 at 7:58 am

    So true! Happy Anniversary to you and your smaht Sherpa Dude Dale! 🙂

  6. margene says

    June 13, 2013 at 8:24 am

    You two have the best relationship because you are honest with each other and it’s because it started in the early days. May your love go on and on as you’re perfect together!! Happy Anniversary!! xoxo

  7. Robby says

    June 13, 2013 at 8:40 am

    Happy Anniversary!

    We had a similar conversation one evening when I had cooked a dinner that was OK, but not great. On about bite 3, I told my dear scientist he should be careful about giving me a ‘false positive’ about my cooking, or the logical result might not be what he wanted. His reply was, “This is not bad, but you wouldn’t have to make it again, just for me.” I loved him for that.

  8. pam says

    June 13, 2013 at 8:41 am

    happy anniversary! you got yourself a good guy there.

  9. Kim says

    June 13, 2013 at 8:45 am

    Happy Anniversary to you both!!

  10. Debbie says

    June 13, 2013 at 8:51 am

    Wonderful! Happy Anniversary!

  11. Susan says

    June 13, 2013 at 9:00 am

    Happy Anniversary! Dale really has a way with words, as do you. I’m so glad you’ve saved (and shared) things like this – they’re more precious than anything that can be bought in a store.

  12. Kym says

    June 13, 2013 at 9:20 am

    Oh.
    That Dale!
    Happiest anniversaries to you both!
    XOXO

  13. Kym says

    June 13, 2013 at 9:22 am

    Um. That plural just slipped in. Happiest anniversary to you both! 🙂 (Although I can just go ahead and wish you many MORE happy anniversaries through the future, too.)

  14. Daria says

    June 13, 2013 at 9:35 am

    Wow! I don’t know what else to say. Happy anniversary!

  15. Tina M. says

    June 13, 2013 at 9:46 am

    I just… wow. You married a wise and wonderful man. This much is achingly clear. May you both ever blessed be.

  16. Jo says

    June 13, 2013 at 9:56 am

    Awwww! The two of you are so cute, both 16 years ago and today. Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful combination of challenge and joy your story is. Thank you for sharing it with us.

  17. Beth S. says

    June 13, 2013 at 10:29 am

    That’s a keeper. 😀

  18. Donna says

    June 13, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Happy Anniversary to you and Dale! Hope you have some fun plans this weekend.

    And that was the most adorable and one of the smartest items I have ever read.

  19. jill says

    June 13, 2013 at 10:59 am

    Smart words. Wise, wise man. Happy Anniversary!
    (Going to find Kleenex to wipe eyes now)

  20. Teyani says

    June 13, 2013 at 11:06 am

    gotta love a man like that one!
    Congratulations to you both on another fabulous year.

    oh, and PS> you look JUSt like you did then!

  21. bonny says

    June 13, 2013 at 11:17 am

    That is one incredible bit of writing! Today is our 32nd wedding anniversary and even though we’ve never met, you’ve both helped make it a wonderful day for my husband and I. Thanks to Dale for writing and you for sharing. Happy Anniversary and may your years be filled with much happiness, love, honesty, and trust!

  22. Barbara S says

    June 13, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Wow…great guy. Congratulations on your anniversary…and your wonderful life together.

  23. Kathode Ray Tube says

    June 13, 2013 at 11:49 am

    I’m getting verklempt reading this. You two seem like such a wonderful couple. Happy Anniversary!

  24. Jen says

    June 13, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Wonderful, wise words of wisdom. Thank you for giving us a peek into your special relationship – reminders of true love are too few and far between these days! Keep on making that coffee, you two crazy kids!

  25. Doris says

    June 13, 2013 at 11:52 am

    What a great thing to share! Happy Anniversary.

  26. Erica says

    June 13, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    That is so wonderful! What a great couple you make – have a lovely anniversary, and many more to come!

  27. Beverly says

    June 13, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    That Dale sure is special…just like you are! Happy anniversary!!

  28. Trista says

    June 13, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    There you go- communication is the key, and you two had that down from the beginning! Wishing you both congrats on your anniversary, and many, many more!!

  29. DebbieB says

    June 13, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    That’s beautiful, Carole. And oh so wise. My guy isn’t the poetic type, but he would nod his head if he read this – it’s how we live our marriage as well. Our 34th anniversary is next week. 🙂 Isn’t it great to be married to your best friend?

  30. Cathy says

    June 13, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    I’ve been divorced for almost 30 years. Never did meet that special someone. Reading your blog today made my eyes well up with tears. You are very fortunate to have met and married someone as special as Dale. Here’s to the next 16! Happy Anniversary!

  31. Suzanne says

    June 13, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    Happy Anniversary!

  32. Judy says

    June 13, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    Happy Anniversary to you both! I loved reading the letter, so sweet.

  33. Rhonda says

    June 13, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    How very lovely!

    That note is one I have sometimes imagined. But know I will not receive.
    My husband, a handsome Japanese man, is a good man. But from a culture where feelings are not put into words.
    Over the last 20 years, we have learned about each other and bridged some cultural divides.

    And each day, he says he loves me.

    Happy Anniversery!

  34. Rhonda says

    June 13, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    How very lovely!

    That note is one I have sometimes imagined. But know I will not receive.
    My husband, a handsome Japanese man, is a good man. But from a culture where feelings are not put into words.
    Over the last 20 years, we have learned about each other and bridged some cultural divides.

    And each day, he says he loves me.

    Happy Anniversary! Ours is next week .

  35. Susanne says

    June 13, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    Happy Anniversary. A wonderful note. All the best to both of you.

  36. Rebecca says

    June 13, 2013 at 8:30 pm

    This is beautiful. The true essence of a respectful and loving marriage is encapsulated in these words. Thank you for sharing this. It made me smile and took me back to the days of courtship with my own beloved husband. I can remember many conversations along these lines.

    Just lovely.

  37. Marcy says

    June 13, 2013 at 9:14 pm

    What a beautiful note to receive……and a beautiful picture of you both. The love shines through! Happy anniversary.

  38. Evi says

    June 14, 2013 at 6:45 am

    I’m an old lady and have been married to the same man for 40+ years. You are one lucky woman!!

  39. Cheryl S. says

    June 14, 2013 at 9:45 am

    Sweet! Happy anniversary!

  40. Jeanne E says

    June 14, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Carole, I am just catching up with your blog from yesterday. Hopefully you will see this. Thank you for sharing your beautiful note from Dale. That set the foundation for what is obviously a beautiful and wonderful marriage. Happy Anniversary and wishing you many, many more happy years.

  41. Hillary says

    June 14, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    That is just the sweetest, best, thing. That Dale is so smart.

  42. Catie says

    June 14, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    It’s no wonder you married that man! Happy anniversary to you both. What a beautiful sentiment.

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2022 Reading Challenge

2022 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 70 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
70 of 75 (93%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

After a stressful morning of learning NOT to play After a stressful morning of learning NOT to play with momma’s knitting, these two are taking a well deserved rest. The squirt bottle is doing wonders and I can see their internal struggle of wanting the yarn so badly but also hating the spritz of water. 🤣 We’re definitely making progress and I’m so glad. #fredandgeorgethecats #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecats #siamesecorner
Oh hey, FriYay. #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrack Oh hey, FriYay. #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #cheeseboard #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #happyhourathome #tgif
We’ve social obligations the last few Friday nig We’ve social obligations the last few Friday nights and that was fun … but I’ll just say this … there’s no place like home. #fridaynightsnacks #theresnoplacelikehome #martinitime #eastbridgewaterbicentennial #eastbridgewaterbeer #blackhatbrewworks #cocktailhourathome #friyay #mycozyhome
New Year’s Eve at home with music and food is pe New Year’s Eve at home with music and food is perfection. Oysters to start and a dinner of steak and baked potatoes and lobster, easy and delicious! Happy New Year to all! #happynewyear #newyearseve #justthetwoofus #steakandlobster #dinnerathome #welcome2023
It’s the most wonderful DAY of the year! The wor It’s the most wonderful DAY of the year! The work of Christmas is over, there are no lists of things to do, my heart is full from gatherings and gift giving, fridge is loaded with delicious leftovers, and I’m reading in bed with a hot cup of coffee. Hurrah for Christmas vacation! #thedayafterchristmas #christmasbedroom #godjul #readinginbed #wintersolstice #christmasvacation
When your husband is a kid at heart you make him a When your husband is a kid at heart you make him a pancake snowman for Christmas breakfast. Merry Christmas, everyone! #christmasbreakfast #pancakesnowman #pancakes #foodcreations
When Christmas Eve eve meets Friday Night Snacks! When Christmas Eve eve meets Friday Night Snacks! #fridaynightsnacks #christmaseveeve #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #cheeseislife #bestnightoftheweek
I may be a shiksa but I make pretty good latkes! H I may be a shiksa but I make pretty good latkes! Happy Hanukkah to all! #latkes #hanukkah
Just one week until Christmas Eve! #christmas #chr Just one week until Christmas Eve! #christmas #christmastree #jeweledchristmastree #christmastree2022
Fred & George and Santa Kitty have the right idea, Fred & George and Santa Kitty have the right idea, snuggled on the couch on this rainy Friday. #fredandgeorgethecats #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamese #siamesecorner #christmaspillow #snuggledonthecouch
The pictures you find when you look at old photo a The pictures you find when you look at old photo albums: a bunch of Wheaties from 37 years ago.
We were supposed to go out tonight but our friends We were supposed to go out tonight but our friends had to cancel at the last minute due to Covid. (It’s not over, friends.) As much as I wanted to see them, having a bonus night at home is also wonderful. Good thing I always have cheese and crackers on hand! #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #christmasnapkins #christmasdishes
Morning yoga is better with cats and a Christmas t Morning yoga is better with cats and a Christmas tree 🎄 #morningyoga #findwhatfeelsgood #yogawithadriene #siamesecats #yogawithcats
I dare you to resist rubbing that furry belly! #si I dare you to resist rubbing that furry belly! #siamesecat #siamesecatsofinstagram #catsofinstagram #kittybelly #siamese #siamesecorner
Pies are done! #thanksgiving #thanksgivingpies #ho Pies are done! #thanksgiving #thanksgivingpies #homemadepies #givemeallthepie #pumpkinpie #applepie #mincemeatpie #cranberrypecanpie #imadethemmyself
Just a little snack, I’m making pizza in a bit, Just a little snack, I’m making pizza in a bit, but I wanted to show off the napkins. We’re on to Thanksgiving. #fridaynightsnacks #martinitime #pimentocheese #gobblegobblegobble #thanksgivingiscoming
There’s the potential for a hard frost tonight s There’s the potential for a hard frost tonight so I picked all the dahlias in bloom. There are still loads of buds so this might not be the end, but it very well could be. I’m so thrilled with my first season growing dahlias and I’m excited to expand next year. Stay tuned for 2023 featuring more varieties! More color! More bouquets! #dahlias #dahliaseason #dahliabouquet #octoberflowers #flowersaremagical #dahliasfordays
Friday Night Snacks with a spooky twist, we’re r Friday Night Snacks with a spooky twist, we’re ready for the last weekend before Halloween! #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #charcuterieboard #halloweencharcuterieboard #friyay #helloweekend
My mystery bag from @themossyapothecary arrived to My mystery bag from @themossyapothecary arrived today and it’s full of magickal goodness. #magickalherbs #mossyapothecary #witchyvibes
Today’s picks - I had to fight the bees to get t Today’s picks - I had to fight the bees to get them! The dahlias are still coming thanks to this great fall weather we are having. I know their days are numbered so I’m savoring every blossom. #dahliaseason #dahlias #flowerfarmer #flowersaremagical #igrewthis
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Monthly Intentions Movies Museum of Me One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in