
Betsy at Centennial Park. April 7, 2001.
Tuesday, April 7, was the eighth anniversary of my second date with Betsy. We had our first date (a dinner date) on March 29, 2001.
I was working in Nashville at the time, in an office building near Centennial Park. I often walked in Centennial during my lunch hours and knew that the tulips and other flowers in the park were absolutely beautiful. So I invited Betsy to go there on a Saturday morning. She accepted — Mother Nature cooperated — we had a beautiful day in which to enjoy the park. The picture above is the very first picture I ever took of Betsy.
Centennial Park contains a replica of Athen’s Parthenon and we enjoyed viewing the statue of Athena in the main hall. The lower level contains an art gallery and they had an exhibit of paintings the day we were there. I suggested we view the exhibit and Betsy agreed, but she didn’t want me to pay for her admission — she said she could pay her own way. I pointed out that it was my idea and that I would be glad to pay the small price of admission. After more discussion and great reluctance on Betsy’s part, she finally let me pay. We enjoyed the exhibit a great deal.
By the time we left the park it was lunch time. There was a small restaurant near the park which was recommended to me and I suggested we get some lunch. Betsy agreed, but ONLY IF I let her pay. I told her that wasn’t necessary, but she INSISTED and Betsy can be very persuasive when she INSISTS! Since I didn’t want the day to end, I agreed, and we had a very good and enjoyable lunch.
When the check came, Betsy pulled out her credit card only to be told that the restaurant didn’t take credit cards. She pulled her check book, but was told they only take cash. Guess who didn’t have much cash!
By this time I was having a hard time keeping a straight face, but I did a pretty good job of not grinning from ear to ear. But I will admit that I soon asked her out again.