After a six month recovery from Mitral Valve Repair surgery, my husband Blake and I were ready to re-kindle the romantic side of our relationship. We did it in the kitchen.

"Let's cook," I said, encircling Blake's neck with my arms and kissing the top of his head.

Blake's hands left the computer keyboard and took hold of mine. "I thought you'd never ask," he said.

No more work today. We soon stood together at the kitchen counter, arms around each others' waists, surveying the cornuccopia of ingredients.

Spread out on the counter was everything we needed for  a romantic  roast chicken dinner for two. Together we trussed the bird, prepared the vegetables and set a colorful table. The aroma of fresh herbs permiated the air. As the chicken roasted, we had a half hour to fill with love. (You get to write the next paragraph--so grab your partner.)

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Afterwards, back in the kitchen, we leisurely finished meal preparation and uncorked the wine to breathe. As we sat down to eat we paused and said our form of grace. Clinking our glasses of wine, we smiled and said in unison, "Thank you, God."

P.S. Come join me at the new AARP Group: Heartfelt