Rita and I grew up together, but it was after we were married. Not necessarily a formula I would recommend, but for us it was the necessary road. We fell in love early and weathered the challenges that entails. The fire of early attraction matured into a lasting love that will endure until we are no more. At least in this life. Of that, I am most certain. Not a continuous narrative or even in sequence, but more of a mosaic or a tapestry. A collection of edited blog stories over a dozen years grouped by what defines any life: our history, the people who have affected us and whom we have affected, the places we've been and where we've lived, and our faith. How we got to where we are as we approach our ninth decade, almost six of them with each other. The picture I've tried to bring into focus as we proceed, and in the end you will know us and a bit about our times. Ordinary folks, who I believe, like all human persons have a story worth telling.