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Ask Me Anything!

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for . . . it’s the day I’m sharing the first installment of the Ask Me Anything Series!

I’ve given some thought to how to approach this and I’ve settled on grouping the questions by subject. There were quite a few about work, some about food. Some about knitting and books and movies and routines. And a few that fall into the trickiest category of all . . . deep. You know, the questions that will take some deep thought on my part to answer.

I’m going with the low hanging fruit for this post and I’m going to answer questions about Dale.

Mary K. asked: how is Dale’s lower leg?
It’s almost exactly a year since he was hit by a car while mowing the lawn and the simple answer to this question is that his broken bones have healed nicely. The more complicated answer is that he continues to struggle with swelling in his ankle and foot, it aches frequently, and he walks with a slight (and probably permanent) limp. He only recently stopped physical therapy as they felt they had helped him as much as they could but he still does exercises for the leg at home just about every day and he rides the Peloton, too. When I think about last summer it feels miraculous. When I think about the future it feels manageable.

Bonny and Pat both asked: how did you and Dale meet?
You all know Dale sings in a band, right? Or, well, he sang in a band before COVID. So the short answer is that we met because I was a groupie! But the explanation will take a little longer.

Way back in January 1993 my friend Diane, who was also my boss, (she was the Director and I was the Assistant Director) and I went to see Dale’s band play for a local fundraiser. Now, I had been aware of Dale’s band since I was a kid, seeing them play at outdoor concerts and in the park, but this was my first time going to see them as an adult and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Diane and I both liked oldies and classic rock, though, and as we sat at the table and listened to their first couple of songs I clearly remember Diane looking at me and saying, “I think we’ve found our people.” I actually won the door prize that night and I recall going up to the stage to collect my prize winnings, a t-shirt from a local radio station and a key chain, and gushing to Dale how I’d never won anything in my life before. Of course, I was married at the time and that was the extent of our interaction, but technically it is how we met.

Fast forward a few years and I had separated from my husband and Dale and I had become friendly, due in part to Diane and I continuing to go out and see the band over the years and also because Dale was a pretty regular library user. He saw me at a parade with Hannah (and not my husband) on the 4th of July and asked afterwards why he wasn’t there so I told him I was getting divorced. Next thing I knew, Dale was calling me every night. We had long, long chats on the phone nightly for weeks before we went out in person. In fact, we had talked so much and about so many things that our first date felt sort of anticlimactic – but in a really good and comfortable way. What followed was a whirlwind romance and we were married in less than a year.

And that’s a wrap on this installment of Ask Me Anything. Feel free to ask questions in the comments, I’ve got an on-going list and I promise to get to all of them.

This Post Has 11 Comments

  1. I was actually thinking about Dale’s accident recently and thinking about the challenges of recovery. I’m sorry it’s not more complete, but thrilled it’s had a mostly happy ending. And that story about how you met and got together is sweet and somehow unsurprising.

  2. I was thinking exactly what Robby said… how you and Dale met is beautiful and yes… unsurprising… seems exactly how it was supposed to happen!

    I am sorry that Dale has some lingering issues, but boy, I am so grateful it was not worse!

  3. I’m glad Dale’s leg has healed, even though I wish and hope it could be 100%. But like you say, it’s really nothing short of miraculous. And the story of how you met is wonderful. I especially love the part about Dale calling every night once he knew you were getting divorced. That’s a great way to really get to know each other and it’s clear you two were meant to be together!

  4. I love romantic stories, and it was obviously fate and desire that got you guys together. Thanks for sharing that lovely story! I think it is normal to have continuing swelling and a less than perfect outcome from Dale’s accident, but that doesn’t mean that it is not difficult at times. I hope he continues to improve over time. I’m just so glad he is still here with you!

  5. Such a great post Carole! I love the story of you and Dale. He must have had a huge crush on you! From a little experience once he passes the year mark he should see even more improvement. Fingers crossed.

  6. Sounds to me that Dale had a bit of a crush on you before he found out you were getting a divorce. But of course, being the gentleman that he is, didn’t try to act on it because you were married. He sure didn’t waste time after he knew you were free though. I love the story….you two were meant to be a together.

  7. I love the “origin story” of you-and-Dale! Talk about . . . meant to be! (I love you guys.) And I am so happy he’s doing so well after that devastating accident last year. I’m sure the lingering issues are frustrating for him, but if anyone can manage the discomfort . . . it’s you and Dale, together! XO

    What a fun series, Carole! I can’t wait for the next installment.

  8. I love this post, Carole! I ‘listened’ to how you and Dale met as though I was listening to a story ‘live,’ with my chin resting in my hands.

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