I Wanted To Remind You Of Home

So as you all know (because I share mostly everything that happens in my life), I had a date last night.  All I knew going into it was that I had to wear something that I'd typically wear to a pub on a Saturday night, and he was taking care of the rest.

I mean this was a tough request - do I wear what I'd normally wear with my girlfriends to a bar to mingle and meet new people i.e. men (skirt, heels, etc)? I decided against that, since I'm going on a date already (not looking to meet someone else tonight), and I followed his advice - casual - jeans, cardigan, cute sequined tank with flats.

I felt cute, felt good, felt a little nervous. But that's normal.

Sidenote: This is the same guy I met at speed dating. Reminder: We chatted for hours, grabbed sushi and a martini. My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so much at the end of the evening.

So...back to the night...

He lives in WV, and since he drove to Pittsburgh last time, I felt it was my turn to drive there. It was a really pretty drive with all the leaves changing colors and the crisp smell of leaves in the air. (Yes, I drove with sunroof open so I could smell them).

I got to his house, we had a glass of wine and chatted for a bit, then he asked if I was ready to head out. I was kind of like a kid at Christmas, because I had NO CLUE what we were doing next (and I love surprises).  He said "we're going to a local party - one of my patients has a big party 3-4 times a year and tonight's one of them".  My response "Oh that sounds like so much fun, but I wore casual clothes, not a party dress!"  He said "Adrienne, this a party in West Virginia, that's why I told you to wear pub clothes". And then he laughed.

Come to find out, I was perfectly dressed - he was right.

As we drove to the party, it was getting dark out and we were heading up a very large hill (the locals call it "the hill"). I told him that it reminded me of where I grew up.  We had talked about Gasport, NY on our last date - I told him about how the people were so kind and genuine, the air was always fresh, you could see umpteen stars in the sky on any given night, and I loved to listen to the wind in the pine trees.

We arrived to the party, and as we pulled up it was pitch dark. We were so far out into the country that there were zero street lights. All you could see were moon and stars, all you could hear was live music coming from inside the house, and all you could smell was fresh BBQ and crisp, Fall air.

It. Was.Perfect.

His patient's name was Gary.  He was about 55, jeans, brown button down, turquoise neck pendant and cowboy boots.  Gary had purchased an old barn, and renovated it into a house (as a temporary home until his REAL house was done).  Ten years later, he hasn't even started his REAL house, but his barn home is absolutely breathtaking.  It's 5 stories tall - the 1st floor is where the party was. My jaw dropped when I walked in, it was so beautiful.

Christmas lights, wooden floors, 55ft solid wooden beams on the ceiling that connected the new barn to the old.  A hang-glider hung from the center of the ceiling (Gary used it a few times in Arizona), different pieces of art and knick-knacks from his many travels were spread around the house, there were about 40+ people mingling, a handful dancing to the live band on stage, a huge smorgasbord of homemade goodies and a self-serve bar.  It was so welcoming that I didn't even feel out of place - I felt like I was blending right in!

We walked around and I was introduced to 1/2 the town I think - the town dentists, a few of the nurses that work with my date (who all said very nice things about him), a couple patients, a veterinarian, the mayor (I think?), and all of their spouses.  Everyone was so kind and genuine - again, it reminded me of Gasport, where I grew up!

Then Gary stopped over to make sure we were having a good time, and gave us an official tour of his place.  One of my favorite spots was on the 2nd floor, the view from the balcony - he just has to put the railing in still...isn't it gorgeous?!

Another favorite spot in the house was (don't be weirded out by this, but it's gorgeous), was the 1st floor bathroom ceiling - I wouldn't even have the forethought to think of this stuff!

But the spot that takes the cake above all others in the house, was an area I couldn't take a picture of, the very top floor - the 5th level.  It was a huge open deck with hot tub, grill and picnic table area.  We stepped out onto the deck and were greeted by a very cold breeze that smelled like Fall and the noise of wind whipping through the trees.

I looked at my date and said "Wow, I love this! This is perfect!  How did you know I'd love this?! This is perfect!" He said "I remember what you said about where you grew up - the things you loved were the wind in the trees, stars in the sky, and the people being so genuine.  This place has all of those things and I knew you'd appreciate it more than just dinner and drinks out. I wanted to remind you of home."

I melted.  Right then and there.

He'd listened and put so much thought into this date about what I'd like and appreciate. I admit to getting a bit teary eyed (just like I am right now as I typed this).

We walked back downstairs, Gary pulled me onto the dance floor and threw me around to some old-fashioned music, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.  I had NO idea what kind of dancing we were doing, but he was a great leader, so I followed.  Then I went back to my date, had a bit of food, and thanked him again.

Before we left, we shared a really sincere moment with the guests - we all stood at the bar, and everyone did a shot of some apple liqueur and said a toast.

It was an amazing evening.

After the party, he drove us through town so I could see the downtown local hotspots (which were all closed down because everyone was at the party).  I had a good giggle about that.

We headed back to his house, had a glass of water, chatted for about an hour and then I headed home.  Seriously, what a fun night.  I don't think I've ever had anyone plan such a thoughtful evening.

I'm definitely looking forward to our next night out - we're going to dinner and dancing in Pittsburgh. His idea and I'm totally happy to oblige.