I didn’t usually agree to blind dates. But my shipmate and good friend since Officer Candidate School, Larry, asked me to join him and his date by escorting her good friend. I acquiesced. We were ready early, so we decided to go to the Officer’s Club at the Destroyer/Submarine piers for a beer on the way to pick them up.
As we were sitting at the bar I glanced over to a room where there was a lot of activity, but more interestingly, and a lot of young ladies milling about. It was the monthly gathering of the “Emblems” club, who were putting on a dance for Junior Naval Officers that particular night.
Sitting at the welcome desk making out name tags was a vision! I asked Larry to excuse me for a moment, strode over, and in my best Sean Connery voice said, “The name’s Hood, Al Hood.” I fumbled around with more small talk for a minute until I summoned up enough courage to ask her to dance. After that first dance I pardoned myself for a moment, walked over to Larry and in one of the most caddish moments of my life said, “I won’t be going on that date with you.”
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Happy 45th anniversary to my lovely wife Patty! I love you.
The Cvillean 
Meant to be ! 🙂
What a beauty!
Sometimes, you just know.
Happy anniversary 🙂
A very happy anniversary to you Al and your lovely Patty…what a lovely uplifting post. Love J x
Many thanks, Jane. It was a fun day and made even better by comments like yours.
Al, I have a question for you but wasn’t sure how to reach you. I didn’t see an “email me” button on your blog. Could you send me an email at work?
That’s a lovely story about a lovely couple. Sending you both my very best wishes
No wise cracks from me on this one, just sending you both lots of love and well wishes for years and years more of happiness. Such a handsome couple! Then and now! 🙂
Aw…a much happier ending than such a cad deserved. Happy, happy anniversary! You have both been very blessed.
I heard that blind date went on to inherits millions of dollars so you can revel in that. And thanks.
Congratulations Al and Patty. I am glad to have met you both in person…..you two and your love for each other are stll as beautiful as what is seen in these pictures :-).
What a gracious comment! We both look forward to getting together again with you and John! By the way, love that picture of you two on the new website.
Awwwww! How sweet! What a great “meeting” story.
You’ll never know how tough it has been keeping her fooled all these years!
What a handsome couple!
For our 40th Anniversary, my husband and I tried to recreate the pose of a photo that was taken of us when we graduated from High School. It is truly disappointing how today’s digital cameras don’t take nearly as flattering a photo as the film cameras of 40 years ago did…
I agree. You’d think with all the advanced technology today’s camera wouldn’t make us look so old. I just hope they’re getting closer on time travel and reverse aging.
Happy anniversary to both of you Al. You’re a lucky guy, and Patty is a lucky lady!
Thanks, Tammy. I feel sure after 45 years, she’ll decide to keep me.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you are one lucky guy. Happy Anniversary. Dianne
No one knows that better than me. And thanks.
To my favorite brother in law and my sister! Seems like yesterday I watched you walk down that isle. Congratulations!!!
You mean it wasn’t yesterday? Oh yeah, that was our special luncheon at your house. Thanks again for that!
I remember when this very tall officer in whites came and asked me to dance. I had never danced with someone so tall. It was a perfect fit and still is!
And I hope the dance last forever.
Sweet 🙂