7 years ago this evening, I knocked nervously on Carie’s door. We had a date to make mulled wine. Yes, it’s an odd first date.

We made several bottles of mulled wine, a few of which we still have. I said that one of her paintings was “nice”. Yep, I really did. “Nice.” Sheesh.

Eventually, it was time to go, and I said I’d like to see her again some time.

And here we are. And, seven years on, it just keeps getting better all the time. If there’s a regret, it’s that I didn’t find her sooner. The nice painting hangs over my desk. It’s still very nice.