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Teacher is just sort of discovering the ease of Amazon so we have that to talk about! I actually pointed out to her that the main reason I use Prime is for streaming shows and having a little more control over music on the Echo she gave me for Christmas.

We went out with one of her classmates over the weekend heading to a nearby suburb for a music event. We had a great time, but let me tell you, get a couple of drinks in classmates and their conversation got sorta raunchy on the drive home. I just grinned and chuckled and sometimes blushed a little. Good thing it was dark!

My parents are moving from their current home to a much smaller one so I was given a couple of big boxes of photos from my childhood and family as well as tons of pictures of my sons as they were the first and last grandkids so all three have tons of pictures. I pulled out my senior portraits and took some snaps and sent them to her and wowed her with my long curly locks from 40 years ago as well as some baby pictures. I teased her that I would send her a nude and found one of me in the bathtub at about age 3 with my bare buns sticking out of the water. It sure was fun to look back at those pictures and she said when she first looked at my senior picture she thought it was my oldest son.

School is going well. We can't really get together during the week but have tickets for a comedy show at the state fair this weekend and are already planning our sleepovers for the weekend as well. She's started to admit to her family and friends that we are indeed "girlfriend" and "boyfriend" and we laugh at those titles since we're not really a girl and boy anymore but it's fun.

Traffic is horrible on my side of town right now with my route going right by the state fairgrounds. Yesterday I decided I just couldn't deal with it and cut through some neighborhoods on my way home. I ended up driving right by Teacher's new school.

Lo and behold, just as I was coming around the corner I spied an attractive lady in a dress carrying a school bag. As I got closer I knew it was Teacher! So I pulled up in front of her and jumped out and we were able to have a few hugs and minutes together before we both headed to our houses. It was really nice to see her, even if it was just for a few minutes.

Schoolwise, I'm settling into a groove of figuring out middle schoolers. I tell my 6th graders that this is my first year in middle school, just like theirs, so we are all learning a lot. I'm learning to slow down and be much more patient and they are learning how to remember to bring the right tools to class and to follow directions and turn in work on time. I believe most of us will succeed.

We talked tonight and both agreed it would be more enjoyable to be together and working on school stuff side by side (yeah right, if we were together we'd both be ready, willing and able to be intimate and then wouldn't work on school stuff for even a moment) but realize that we need our rest and whatnot. But, I expect we'll have an extended sleepover for the long Labor Day weekend.

I referred to Teacher as my girlfriend at lunch today with my colleagues as we all talked about our plans for the Labor Day holiday. I got the "Ooh, Mr. Dirt has a girlfriend!" teasing from them and we all laughed and enjoyed lunch.

At least you shouldn't have to listen to the

Dirt and Teacher sitting in a tree,
K-I-S-S-I-N-G

LOL.

Glad school is going well do far. Enjoy your long weekend.

We decided to go for a hike today. Well, actually, we decided yesterday to go for a hike today. So we did. I met Teacher at the city park and we awaited our other hiking friend and then drove about an hour and half to the mountains and trailhead. Our hiking friend brought her old one eyed dog so they went pretty slowly and turned around about half a mile into the hike. Teacher and I went on up the pretty steep trail for about 3 miles and found a really neat set of waterfalls and clambered down to get a closer look. It was really neat.

After we returned (6 miles round trip and about 1500 feet of elevation gain) we drove to the nearby town and had a late lunch (2nd cheeseburger in 2 days in memory of Jimmy Buffett). While driving Teacher needed to charge her phone so I unplugged mine and she plugged hers in then mused that perhaps she ought to just leave a charging cable in my pickup. I grinned and said, "That seems like a pretty big commitment!" We laughed.

After we returned to our city and I stopped to drop her off at her car we (or at least I) got a little amused at how long it took her to pack up all the stuff she had scattered throughout the cab of my pickup. She found some stuff from our Yellowstone trip in July on her side of the cab and asked if it was hers. Sure as hell wasn't mine! Laughed some more.

Fun times for sure!

Another fun and neat update. Today (Labor Day in the USA) I went to her house and picked her and her kayak up and we headed to our reservoir for a bit of paddling and fun with more friends. We had a nice time and didn't get sunburned and had our 2nd of twice a year hot dogs (I turned out to be the cook on a borrowed grill).

Later she texted and asked if she could bring over a gift for my son belatedly for his birthday. She arrived in stunning fashion as I finished a bit of cleanup and then we spent almost two hours visiting and laughing with my son. She's pretty crazy about him and brought him a homemade peach and blueberry crisp! He's just at the age that her youngest son was when he died 8 years ago, so she is pretty latched onto him.

We've talked a bit over the last few weeks about how important it is to find joy in whatever we are doing and how we've had such a joyful summer this year. She told me, yesterday while hiking, how happy it made her to see me having such a good time and reminded her of how happy I've been on our adventures seeing how happy and joyful she's been. That time she said, "Oh Dirt, look at the flowers!" when we were adventuring up near Crested Butte was such a joy to me and today watching her paddle and laugh while we enjoyed the lake water was just awesome.

We're in such a good place right now. Finding joy in everyday is so important!

I have been away for quite awhile but wanted to check back in and see how your posts were going. You have the only kind of relationship I would give up being single for. (maybe) I love how it builds slowly over time and you both keep your own space. Both attracted to each other and compatible on what you enjoy for leisure.

I am happy everything is going well for you!

We had a wonderful weekend and actually a great week last week. We both worked a bit on Friday and then decided to go out Friday night to a local dive bar for some music. I arrived to pick her up and had my sleepover bag with me, but this time with a silly twist. She had told me about reading an interview or book by Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger's longtime companion and mother of 4 children. Jerry said something about the best way to involve yourself in someone else's life was to start leaving things at their home. So, I brought a new toothbrush over and left it in her medicine cabinet.

Anyway, the dive bar was interesting and the music was good and the sleepover was fantastic of course! Saturday we had things to do but also had plans to take Nurse and her sister to dinner and music in a neighboring town. We had a great time with prime rib and top notch musicians. After we dropped Nurse and sister off at Nurse's house we drove over to Teacher's. She said, "I noticed you left your new toothbrush and your dopp kit at my house as well as the rest of your sleepover stuff. Does this mean you are staying again?" I said, "Well, I want to but I need to warn you that I'm really tired and sleep would be really good." So we slept! It was great. Don't worry, we had a delightful wake up before breakfast!

Reality encroaches on a Sunday, so back to lesson planning and holding wonderful memories of our time together. We agreed that since we really can't/don't have much time for each other during the work week that being together on the weekends is wonderful.

I left my new toothbrush there!

I really look forward to your posts, CD. I'm so happy for you and Teacher. It sounds like you're involving yourself in a good way.

You have the only kind of relationship I would give up being single for. (maybe) I love how it builds slowly over time and you both keep your own space. Both attracted to each other and compatible on what you enjoy for leisure.

Exactly this.

I love reading your updates, CD. I admit, I’ve been spending time with a man just as friends for a couple of months. There is potential there, but this is the slowest roll I’ve ever experienced. Not even a kiss yet! I keep thinking of you and teacher, and reminding myself there is no rush to figure anything out. I am living in the moment, one day at a time. Life is very good. If things don’t pan out, that’s fine. If they do, that’s fine too.

[This message edited by WhoTheBleep at 3:25 PM, Thursday, September 14th]

There is potential there, but this is the slowest roll I’ve ever experienced. Not even a kiss yet! I keep thinking of you and teacher, and reminding myself there is no rush to figure anything out. I am living in the moment, one day at a time. Life is very good. If things don’t pan out, that’s fine. If they do, that’s fine too. smile

WTB - I'm thinking back to how things began with Teacher and I. We had a walk once then followed that with a drink and visit - maintaining a safe distance between us. Then we had a hike on some trails and found ourselves walking a little closer together as well as riding together in my pickup. Then an early morning lunar eclipse hike and our arms brushed against each other occasionally. We met for a few bike rides and talked a bit more. Then a kayak day and more time together in a vehicle and when I dropped her and her kayak off, I meant to give her a little peck on the cheek, but she turned her face and captured a smack on the lips!

Over the next couple of months we only made out like teenagers, in the car. Even after we finally decided to be intimate, it took us several more months to acknowledge that we are dating. Now, after 2 years, we are referring to each other as "girlfriend" and "boyfriend".

I have 2 students in my classes that were her students in elementary school. This week one of them asked if I knew Ms. Teacher. I said I did. He said, "my mom thinks you're her boyfriend because she saw you on Teacher's facebook page!" We laughed about that.

In a totally unrelated update, we had another sleepover this weekend. It was really nice. We made food together and then, well, after the news was over...well, you people understand. And after a somewhat restful night's sleep, what with getting cold and having her find the comforter and then me getting up to let little Molly out and feeding her, well, we had had hard time getting back to sleep. So, appropriately, we greeted each other intimately and got up to make breakfast.

We both had plenty of things on our lists to try and get accomplished so I packed my gear (but not the toothbrush!) and headed home. Much later in the day I sent a text explaining that I was pretty tired and thought I would just stay home. She responded with a "Thank God" response. Its sort of difficult to be a horn dog at this age, but, at least we agree! Hell, we both need time to recover!

She did say that little Molly cried when I left, so I've got that going for me. I must be part of her pack!

Have a great time all. You never know what can happen in your New Beginning!

[This message edited by countrydirt at 4:27 AM, Sunday, September 17th]

Teacher had a friend and former roommate and schoolmate visit this weekend for our pretty big foodfest. So, that pretty much squashed our customary sleepover weekends. But, we still had a great time.

We went out and danced at the festival and enjoyed each other. We also went to a nearby winery's harvest fest and both of them saw quite a few class and schoolmates. I'm starting to be recognized and knew a few of their names. We laughed when the daughter of one of Teacher's classmates asked if I was her "date". I admitted that I had never been called that.

Hell, we're feeling old and tried to call off the big foodfest on Saturday after the harvestfest, but we did it anyway. It's crazy to think that we were calling off at 11 pm, regardless of how good the music was. Must be getting old!

Weren't able to connect today except for text. She had to wish off her visitor and then do lesson plans. I was engaged in frisbee golf for our local community's YMCA Corporate Cup (don't think our school district will win but we had a great time!). I proposed a midweek "dinner date" with sandwiches or something because hell, I'm needing more time with her.

I think this is the first time we've kissed in front of any of her people. I think that's pretty big.

I so enjoy your updates. It's getting to be good soup & sandwich weather. Even cheese & crackers would be ok because you'd be concentrating on being together anyway.

What did your foodfest include?

Sorry to say that the food didn't happen, but not for the reason you might expect.

I got a case of the blues this week and just couldn't shake them. Teacher understood, but was concerned. I couldn't play my guitar, watch TV, read a book or even spend time with her. I told her I was shitty company and was really feeling sorry for myself. I was having these crazy thoughts wondering how she would want to be with someone like me.

I was baffled. I talked to a counselor on a telephone consult and worked through some thoughts that weren't valid, but were thoughts in my mind. I talked to Teacher for a long time on the phone and explained what was going on and started feeling better. Then I sat down at my desk and started to write in my journal, but a thought came to mind and I dug in a drawer and picked up some previous journals for the past few years.

Not including last year during my 1 year retirement break, every year for the past 5 or 6 years, I get a case of the blues right around the first of October. It sort of hit me that the adjustment to driving to work in the dark and often coming home after dark and spending almost all day indoors probably has something to do with it. The blues last about a week and then I adjust and move on being my customary happy go lucky self.

Fortunately I had a pre-planned partial solution on Saturday. A local land conservancy organization had their 3rd annual bike ride out in the farms and fields and country highlighting the vital role that irrigation water plays in agriculture in our area and those 12 miles on a nice 65-75 degree morning with 150+ other bicyclists was one of the things I needed. During the ride I visited with quite a few folks from out of town as well as connecting with other friends. One of the "maniac fitness" friends asked if I was coming out to her ride that evening on the other side of town and if I was bringing Teacher. Maniac Friend was one who called Teacher out on trying to simply refer to me as her 'friend' a few months ago.

So I texted Teacher and let her know that Maniac Fitness Friend expected us to be at her ride. Teacher has actually known MFF longer than she's known me, so she knew it was serious.

The conservancy ride was fun and we had a fantastic lunch of locally grown and prepared produce and meat. Once again, I did not win any door prizes, but had a great time.

A few hours later I picked up Teacher, who was curling her hair so I grabbed the key to her shed and loaded her bicycle and lawn chair up. Little Molly helped supervise my efforts then she and I had a raucous game of fetch and not drop the stuffed unicorn.

The evening ride was nice with a smaller group, but it was windy as could be. I hadn't even changed my clothes from the earlier ride (why get more clothes sweaty?). A couple of people recognized my T-Shirt which was a chapter FFA shirt from a few years earlier with the school mascot prominent on the front and back. The shirt generated quite a bit of conversation on both rides. During the evening ride, one of the ladies asked if I knew a particular student at my old high school. Of course I did. She told me that the student told her that the ag program just wasn't the same after I retired and missed me. I just filed that away. Much later, Teacher texted me to comment that every time we happen upon someone connected to my teaching career they mention how important I was. That made me feel pretty good.

After the ride we headed over to the city park for the last Saturday music show of the season. We got our food and drinks and had to chase our lawn chairs down from the wind. Just about the time the band took a mid show break it started raining so we decided discretion was the better part of valor and packed it up. We had taken a few selfies or "usies" in Ted Lasso parlance throughout the evening and looked at them. Teacher laughed and said, "Why in the hell did I curl my hair?" since the wind was a steady 10 mph with gusts up to 35 throughout the afternoon and evening. The picture of us that I sent to my kids showed her face pretty much covered by her hair.

Our evening ended with a couple of careful smooches and some great hugging and Molly working her way into the middle. Assurances of love were shared over my absence due to the blues and well, all is good in Dirt Country.

What a heart warming story. I really enjoy your posts.

Do you think the October issue might be tied to the older time change from DST? Now, I have to check Google for dates, but it used to be pretty regular. It might be your version of seasonal affective disorder.

Ah, the things we have lived through.

Life does get in the way, but that's not a problem. We haven't been able to spend as much time together, but all the moments are still precious. Last weekend we decided to spend a day in search of some autumn colors and it just happened that my home town was having an Octoberfest so we loaded up and headed about an hour south.

We had a wonderful time together doing a little shopping and seeing how that town has changed over the years. The backdrop for the small town are two towering peaks so after walking and people watching, we headed out into the country so I could show her where I grew up and she could hear tales of my youth.

We were both simply blown away by the grandeur of the mountains and the stunning beauty of the turning fall leaves. I even took her to the old "Lover's Leap" about 5 miles away from my old home and we were just in awe. I even thought to myself and shared my thoughts that nothing in Yellowstone or the southern Rockies in Colorado rivaled the view I had every morning out of my bedroom window. She agreed.

Later we headed even higher over the closest mountain pass and had a two hour drive over a rough 35 mile mountain road and were dazzled by the aspen and willows turning golden and red. Of course we stopped plenty of times and took plenty of photos (which she promptly shared with several of her and my family members) and we laughed and visited for the duration of the trip home.

Unfortunately, early this week, she realized and tested for, that she had the Covid. But, she is already getting better, but we are remaining apart for a few days, just in case I actually don't have it. Her older sister, who is just recovering from the rona, really wanted to come down and help her, but Teacher convinced her that she shouldn't come since she was still at risk. Older sister said, "But what if you need something?" Teacher responded, "Country will get it for me!" When she told me that, my face almost cracked from the giant grin and I found my eyes leaking just a bit.

All is good here in Southern Colorado!

Sounds like a lovely weekend, minus the rona part. In The Stand, the good folks left after the pandemic went to Colorado. Coincidence? LOL.

As you were talking about the views, I had a mental picture of some of the great yellow/orange and Rockies peaks pictures scroll through my brain.

Hope you both are well soon.

Thanks @leafields! We are doing well!

Teacher's bout with covid seemed to be pretty mild and she is back to school and dealing with P/T conferences this week, so any time together is off the table.

We did have some time to view the eclipse this weekend and had a great time. We also went on Saturday night on our community's "Ghost Walk" and enjoyed that as well. At the end of the ghost walk we stopped into an establishment to warm up and grab a quick drink and ran into one of my assistant principals. I'm not sure she actually knows my first name as she shouted "Mr. Dirt!" across the semi crowded room. We all visited a bit then Teacher and I grabbed a table to sit and visit.

As we were leaving a short time later, Assistant Principal and her table were taking shots of tequila. I laughed and said something along the lines of "Have fun, glad we are leaving before it gets too wild."

On Monday, AP caught me in the hall. AP said she was still hungover from Saturday night. I told her to check the date on her birth certificate or driver's license before she partied. It is harder when you are older!!

Glad Teacher is better. Sounds like your Ghost Walk was fun. I did one in Downtown Seattle once. Gives you a different view on some of the history.

I told her to check the date on her birth certificate or driver's license before she partied.

Ain't that the truth? LOL! I won't drink much tequila when I'm out - I'd rather be home.

Teacher has had conferences and while my school doesn't have conferences, but we had the district middle school championships this week so I was busy running the clock and just watching kids so weren't able to do more than text and talk on the phone. Unfortunately my school ended up 1 and 5 out of the 6 championships decided this week, but it's nice to support them and have something else to add to the relationship we have in the classroom.

After the football game I stopped in at Teacher's house and we had a few hours of talking and snuggling time. We were both tired so I headed home, but not before making some light plans to spend most of the weekend together.

All is well here.

[This message edited by countrydirt at 5:37 AM, Friday, October 20th]