He wore business suits and ties during the week, but really thought of himself as a Biker… on the weekends.

Naturally, a couple of dates in, I found myself invited on an excursion to ride his Honda Gold Wing. I was to wear jeans and tennis shoes and he would pick me up in the morning. We would take the ferry across the water and enjoy a nice motorcycle ride to a small town to explore and have some lunch. Then back home. It sounded like fun. What could go wrong?

Saturday rolled around and I had on my jeans and my tennis shoes. Normally, I am wearing dresses, skirts, and heels. So, this was my best Biker Babe outfit. He picked me up and gave me a brief tutorial on motorcycle safety and handed me a helmet.

I was surprised to see that his motorcycle’s back passenger seat had arm rests. At first, I thought great, comfy for me. However, I soon realized this presented a challenge getting on and off the motorcycle. There was also a tall antenna. This too presented a challenge as you could not swing your leg over the back of the motorcycle to get on. You had to step over the middle of the seat area, like a hurdle. He also needed to be on the motorcycle to steady it. So, for a newbie like me, there was about 10-inch window to get your leg up and over, without kicking your date in his back or kicking his treasured motorcycle. I took a deep breath and went for it. Success! He told me to wrap my arms around him and hold tight. Away we went!

On the way to the ferry, he hit a dip in the road and there was an odd noise. He shared he forgot to put air in the tires, but don’t worry. Hmmm… Mom always said motorcycles were a death trap and now I am flying at mach speeds on one. I hung on a little tighter.

We arrived at the ferry and motorcycles load up first. I noticed the other motorcycles and the people riding them. There was Mercedes motorcycle and a sexy man riding it! There were two couples on their Harleys. The ladies each had their own Harley. They totally looked like Biker Babes! Dew rags, leather coats and chaps, boots, and suntanned wrinkles from squinting your eyes while riding. I smiled and waved at them. No response. However, the one with a pink dew rag, looked me up and down while I was sitting on his motorcycle. Honestly, she scared me a little.

My date suggested we go up on the deck for the ferry ride over. I stepped down with my left foot and my tippy toes touched the floor of the ferry. I started to slide my right leg off and my leather tennis shoe got stuck between the seat and the arm rest. I gave it a couple of tugs and nothing. My date asked what was going on, as he was facing forward and had his helmet on. I quickly told him, and he said to just to give it a big pull. I did and bam! My foot came out of my shoe, and I landed on my back on the floor of the ferry. So grateful to be wearing a helmet because my head hit hard. I opened my eyes, and the pink dew rag Biker Babe was looking down at me and asked if I was ok. I felt embarrassed and a sense of relief at the same time – she was checking on me! She followed up with, “Your first ride?” I laughed and asked, “How can you tell? What gave it away?” We laughed. Then I heard my date say, “Why are you laying down on the floor?” The Sexy Mercedes Biker, replied to him while walking towards me and extending a hand to help me up. “She fell getting off your bike. You didn’t notice?” And at that moment in time, I had my first and only crush on a biker, Mr. Sexy Mercedes Biker! He saved me from the dirty ferry floor and called out my date, who had nothing to say.

The rest of the ferry ride went well and getting back on the motorcycle was much easier the second time around. However, as we left the ferry his bike had a mechanical issue when shifting. Something about a known leak in an air line. He asked if I had a piece of gum. I gave it to him. He chewed it up and then wrapped it around some tubing. His MacGyver tricked worked and away we went.

Once on the open roads in the country, the riding was much smoother. I even learned that when you pass another biker you slightly raise your left hand from your side and do a peace sign pointed down or keep your pointer and middle finger side by side. It is simply to acknowledge the other biker and means “keeping it on two wheels”. With not much to do as the passenger on a bike, I took it upon myself to “peace” every biker we passed. We arrived at our destination and enjoyed the small town. We window shopped, had lunch, and went to the beach. Eventually made our way back to his bike and the first thing we both noticed was the pink bubble gum had fallen off the tubing and was lying on the sidewalk. I just reached in my purse and handed him another piece of gum. It was time to ride this death trap home.

While watching the Summer Olympics, I recalled when I attended the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada! It was a wonderful trip, and perhaps an once lifetime experience too. I traveled with some friends and a man I had been dating for about six months.

The atmosphere as you walked around the Olympic Village was magical. You could stand on street corner and here multiple languages being spoken around you. Smiles and laughter were plenty. Standing next to the Olympic Cauldron was amazing. We strolled the village, enjoyed lunch, and next we were on a bus to see the Men’s Aerials Final. USA took home the Silver medal!

Soon enough the trip had come to end. We found ourselves at the Canadian / United States Border. We took my car, so I was in the driver’s seat. The Border Agent asked us for our identification. Next, he asked me a couple of easy questions. “Why were you in Canada?” “Where are you going now?” The he asked my date, seated in the passenger seat, an easy question. “What is the nature of your relationship to the driver?” I am thinking, we are home free. What happened next left me stunned.

My dated sounded like the wind had been knocked out of him. He was sucking in so much air. It was an odd noise, accompanied by an even odder look on his face. I looked at the Border Agent who repeated the question. “What is the nature of your relationship to the driver?” Now he was trying to say something, but only low guttural sounds came out of his mouth. After what seemed like an eternity, I turned and looked at my date and said, “You can say: friend, girlfriend, or you can walk home.” He was still speechless. The Border Agent starts laughing and wished us a nice long ride home.

And a long ride home it was.

Saturday night, dinner and a movie in, and my first (and last) visit to his home. I arrived at his condo and he talked me in from the parking lot from his third-floor balcony. Even from down in the parking lot, I noticed he had a dish towel over his shoulder that he was using it to wipe sweat from his forehead.

I arrived at his front door and he went in for hug and tried to go cheek to cheek. Thank goodness he was much taller than me. I was able to duck and dodge his cheek by landing my face on his towel free shoulder.

I walked through the front door and the first thing I see is the living room and it is straight from the 80’s. (The year is 2012.) There was even a painting of President Ronald Reagan 1981 – 1989. I thought to myself, when he bought his condo, his parents must have given him their living room furniture and bought new furniture for themselves. It was not your typical bachelor condo. As I was taking it all in, he says, “Don’t you just love the 80’s?” To which I respond, “I do. I lived them, but you must have been a kid. Why do you love the 80’s so much?” He simply responded, “I just do.”

When he invited me over for dinner: I had offered to bring a bottle of wine, salad, or bread to compliment the spaghetti dinner he was making. He merely replied, this was his one dinner he made to impress, and he had it all under control.

He gave me the grand tour of his condo and we ended up in the kitchen. He was making his famous spaghetti sauce – which turned out to be a jar of plain sauce and noodles accompanied by a fine glass of tap water, no ice. No bread or salad either. But he was cooking. ‘A’ for effort.

He didn’t have a kitchen table, so we plated our spaghetti, went to the living room, and sat on opposite ends of the sofa. He shared he had a video for us to watch and asked if I had heard of 80’s comedian, Andrew Dice Clay. Wow! An interesting choice for a first date movie. For those not familiar with Andrew Dice Clay, Wikipedia describes him as: “He rose to prominence in the late 1980’s with a brash, macho persona known as “The Diceman”. His comedy was very dicey and disrespectful towards ladies.

He started the CD, and we were eating dinner. I looked over at him and he seemed so happy. However, he is also sweating like crazy. I am thinking it must be a condition and felt sympathy for him.

At this moment, his cat walks out from the hallway, into the living room, and sits in front of me. A cute enough cat and do I love animals, but I am allergic to cats and dogs. I asked if he noticed in my dating profile, that I am allergic to cats. He looks blankly at me and says, “I didn’t read your profile. I only looked at your photos. It’s great that you use current photos!”

Before I could say anything else, the cat jumps up on the arm rest of the couch and walks behind me. The cat keeps going towards him and stops when he reaches his head and starts licking the sweat from the side of his head! I look away in disbelief, but looked back when I heard the licking sound again. Ewwww! Finally, he asked me, “Does this bother you?” I replied, “What exactly is your cat doing?” I was not expecting him to respond with this. “He likes the salt in my sweat and is licking it off.”

I would like to think I kept my composure, but I am guessing the look of shock on my face said it all. He picked the cat up and sat it down on the floor. The cat jumped back up on the other side of his head and started licking him again. He said, “I am just going to let him lick the sweat, he really likes it.”

As they would have said in the 80’s: Barf Me Out! Gag Me With A Spoon!

I graciously finished my dinner, said goodbye, and then “Booked” out of there.

February has plus one and we all know it as, Valentine’s Day.

Love it or hate it, we can’t escape it, so embrace it. Celebrate with your sweetie or celebrate with your “Fringles.” Friends + Single = Fringles

A friend recently exclaimed she’ll be single forever. I assured her neither of us will be single forever but until then, we’ll be “fringles”! She burst out laughing and I realized I coined a new word.

If you find yourself single this Valentine’s Day, plan and throw a Fringles party. Be happy, celebrate your accomplishments, have fun, and envision your fabulous future. Treat yourself to a bouquet of roses and splurge for the chocolates.

Valentine’s Day and roses go hand in, as I was pondering which Last Date story to share with you, two different dates with roses came to mind.

Slightly Smooshed

I exited the secured entrance of the condominium and there he stood, underneath the carport with the passenger side car door opened for me. Chivalry! He reached out and pulled me to him, giving me a hug and kiss. Then I heard my elderly neighbors say hello and introductions were made all round.

As I was saying goodbye to my neighbors, I backed into the car and sat down. He closed my door, walked around, got in, and we were off. We began chatting, and I noticed he kept glancing over at me with a curious look. Eventually he asks, “Did you put it in the backseat?” “Put what in the backseat?” I asked. He laughed and said, “I left a red rose on the seat for you.” I scooted forward in my seat and much to my dismay there was red rose, slightly smooshed. Thankfully, he had stood it up against the back of the seat, so I didn’t officially sit on it. I am sure the outcome of the rose would have been different.

How does one recover from this? Giggling comes naturally to me. I smelled the rose while keeping eye contact with him and then gently laid it on the back seat. I thanked him, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and held his hand. His great sense of humor helped too.

White Sterling Roses

We had a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner (our first) at an elegant Chinese restaurant. He reserved a private room with a glass floor, and a pond full Koi swam underneath. Waiting on the dining table for me were two dozen white sterling roses, with white silk ribbon, red hearts, and little cupids. It was magical.

After dinner, he carried the flowers out to the car and as we neared his two-door convertible Mercedes, we noticed a four-door sedan Mercedes parked next to his. Then we noticed the older couple walking ahead us was going to the other Mercedes. We slowed our pace and waited while he settled his wife in their car.

My mind began to wander. I wondered if that would be us in 30 years. I started daydreaming of a future wedding with white sterling roses. I was brought back to the moment when I heard, “Hello.”

When he turned around, after shutting the car door for his wife, he saw us. He saw the roses, the convertible Mercedes and a young couple patiently waiting. He smiled big and said hello, as he walked by us. He looked at me and said, “Honey, if he snaps one rose bud off that bouquet of flowers while putting them in the car. Find yourself another man.” And then he looked at my date and laughed.

Oh, my goodness! Why do men do that? Put each other down. They are not even competing against one another in this situation. Maybe the older man was missing his youth or maybe he was just a cranky curmudgeon?

My date was a class act. He gave a polite laugh, smiled, and responded he would be extra careful. I reached for my dates arm and nuzzled him. Reassuring him all was well.

And then… his wife rolled down the window and said, “Leave the kids alone and get in the car.” Bless her heart! She put him in his place!

May Cupid’s bow and arrow be a straight shot to your love interest and a deep love follow.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dating Status: Happily single and enjoyed the holiday!

This is a great feeling! And as I enjoyed being content and happy, I found myself thinking of dating Christmases past, present and future.

Holidating dating during the holidays, can be fun and exciting. Bright lights are everywhere providing a magical glow that floats through the air and anything and everything seems possible. Meeting that special someone could be just around the corner, while picking up your next cup of Christmas coffee or even the next swipe right on your dating app. However, dating disasters have a way of sneaking in and can leave you feeling like the Grinch stole your Christmas dating spirit.

Dating Christmas Past

Date one and two went well, there were shared interests and laughter. However, I noticed he did sweat some. Okay, a lot. During the first date he explained he was nervous and on the second date he cooked dinner for us, and he stated he was simply hot from the heat of the stove. Fair enough.

I also noticed he wore the same outfit on both dates, although he did lose the college tie for our second time together. I thought, “That’s okay. It could be laundry day”. Hindsight is 20/20.

When he called to confirm plans for our third date, he expressed his excitement to go to the sky tower deck, as he had not been there before. I had a $100 gift card for a nice restaurant and one complimentary admission to the sky tower deck. He offered to pay for the difference of the gift cards that I had offered to use.

He was 30 minutes late picking me up for our Saturday night date and when he arrived, I noted he wasn’t wearing a coat. Since it was the middle of December and we were going to the sky tower deck, which can be windy, I asked if he had a coat in the car. He simply replied, “No, I’m a big guy and I don’t need a coat. We are late, let’s go.” I should also note here, he was NOT sweating.

He walked me to his 1980 something Green Jeep and asked me if I recognized it from the 80’s movies. I did. His obsession with the 80’s was strong, even twenty years later, although he was kid at that time in history. As he opened the passenger door for me, he said, “Please be careful. I was off roading recently and the passenger seat broke. The back of the seat lies flat. You’ll need to hold yourself up.” What?! We had an hour drive ahead of us. I offered to drive, but he insisted on driving. The passenger side did have a seatbelt, but I wondered if it would work since the back of the chair was lying flat. This turned out to be a core workout, holding myself upright for the long drive.

Since he picked me up late, I called and moved our dinner reservation while we were driving into the city. As we pulled up to the restaurant, we saw police activity in the parking lot and he said to me, “Why don’t you hop out and buy our parking permit, while I try to find us a place to park.” Fair enough, I paid $20 for parking.

We walked into the restaurant and he immediately excused himself to the restroom. The hostess sat me and brought him to our table later. We chatted for a bit and the waitress came by for our drink order. He placed his wine order and then left the table to go to restroom again. He was gone for a while.

When he came back to the table, the waitress appeared to take our order. He had not yet looked at the menu, but he opened it up and with his index finger, ran it down the column with the entrée prices, landed on the most expensive item and stated,” I will take it”.

I assumed he was picking up the difference and it was the holiday season after all, so go for it. After placing his order, he excused himself to the bathroom again and this continued every 15 minutes throughout the rest of the night. Looking back, I wonder if he took some type of water pill so he wouldn’t sweat so much, and it sent him to the rest room often.

The conversation over dinner was enjoyable. He talked about his excitement to fly home and visit his family for the holidays. He clearly thought the world of his older brother, who through his eyes, had the best teenage years growing up in the 80’s. Over the next hour he consumed four glasses of expensive wine, ate his $50 entrée and side dishes, and visited the bathroom four more times – seriously every 15 minutes. I had one glass of wine and a chicken entrée and we shared a dessert.

The waitress brought the check in the leather holder and she began to set it down on the table in front of him. In one brilliant, fluid motion, he stood, extended his arm and with the back of his hand, gently pushed the check to me as he excused himself to the restroom.

Left with the check, I place my $100 gift card in the leather holder and noted the check with tip would be approximately $275 and waited patiently for him to come back. While I waited, I looked over and saw clients from work seated nearby and we exchanged hellos. My date finally reappeared and laughing said, “Did you think I left? Did you take care of the check yet?” I politely remind him he was going to pick up the difference and he responded with, “I’ll get it next time. I’ll go get the car now while you pay the bill.” And he walked away. Not wanting to make a scene with clients a work a table away, I paid the $275 bill and left the restaurant to find him in the car waiting.

I hopped in and started to fall backwards. I had forgotten the seat in the Jeep didn’t have a back. I was ready to go home, but he was already talking about the sky tower deck. We previously planned to park at my work where there wasn’t a charge for parking and walk over to the sky tower deck.

As we were walking, I came up with a little preemptive move to assure myself that I would not be buying his ticket to the attraction. I handed him my ticket and said, “Here’s my complimentary ticket. When you buy your ticket, please hand my ticket to the cashier.” He smiled and placed my ticket in his shirt pocket.

Arriving at our destination check in, I noticed with surprise, my neighbor was there taking photos. The next few minutes simply left me dazed. My date handed my ticket to the cashier and said, “Here is my admission. She will pay for hers.” And then walked over to the “x” on the carpet for the souvenir photo and told me to hurry up and join him.

I gave him a look and heard my neighbor ask, “how would you like to pay for that”? There goes another $30.

I walked towards the elevator and heard my neighbor say, “Don’t forget your photo.” My date reached out, put his arm around me and snap! Yes, now we have a commemorative photo together we were to pick up on our way out.

Reaching the top of the sky tower deck, we stepped out onto the deck and within seconds he said, “I am so cold! I need to go inside! I guess, I need a coat after all!” He went inside, and I kept walking. I took my time walking and enjoying the holiday lights and view of the city. I wondered if he would leave me here. I thought to myself, what’s an $80 taxi ride home on top of everything else? After I walked around once, he came outside and walked a quarter of it to see the city. We made our exit and of course, we picked up the souvenir photo on the way out. He looked happy. Me, not so much. I cropped myself out of that photo the same night.

Back in the car once more, I fell into the Jeep because there is no back to the seat.

When he pulled into my driveway, I hopped out before the Jeep had completely stopped. He said, “Wait, I’ll walk you to the door.” I blurted, “Oh, not necessary. Have a nice Christmas with your family. Bye.” He said, “I’ll call you!”

I woke up the next morning sore from my “core workout” and out $355. However, the laughter I shared with my friends is priceless. And… don’t let the Grinch steal your dating spirit! Bustle up, befriend the Grinch, and keep dating! Which brings me to the present…

Dating Christmas Present

2020 was a crazy year and many people can tell you social distancing simply did not blend well with dating. My Nana and Papa met during World War II, he was an American Soldier and Nana was a young lady in England. My Nana and Papa were happily married for 73 years until Papa passed. Surely if they could meet and marry during a war, I should be able to find a nice man during COVID-19. So, while it might not be easy to date during a pandemic, it’s not impossible.

Nana is still with us and I treasure every moment I have with her. She is my cheerleader and even at 95 she thinks of subtle, creative ways for me to meet men, because a lady as she says, should never be bold. Nana surprised me with the following suggestion. She simply said, “You need to start winking at every man you meet. One will stick.” That’s pure genius! What could possibly go wrong? I wink. They wink back, say hi, or move on.

My December winking game was strong. I left the house with my eye make up on point, brows brushed, lashes lush, wore masks in pretty colors to match my outfits and to make my eyes pop. I gave out winks while Christmas shopping, grocery shopping, filling my car’s gas tank, picking up to go orders, walks on the beach, and even while stopped at a stoplight, a gentleman rolled his window down and ask me for my phone number after receiving a wink. And while one has not “stuck” yet, I found it an energizing thing to do during the day. I received winks back, helped one man pick out bed sheets for his son and engaged in a few fun small conversations.

While most experiences were rewarding, things can still go a little awry with a wink and a smize – smiling with your eyes.

It’s not an easy task performing a wedding ring check with six feet of social distancing guidelines or if they are wearing a winter glove. While shopping in the meat department at my local grocer, I winked at a man over breakfast sausages. He said “hello” and a woman came up behind him, placed an arm on him and the other on their shopping cart and said, “He is with me.” He gave a laugh and I followed up with a quick “Merry Christmas” and moved on to the produce department.

As I was selecting a bunch of bananas, a man strolled by on the other side of the banana aisle. As I winked at him, my contact popped out of my eye and landed on my mask. I reached for it and it fell into the bananas. I looked back at him and he was laughing, so I laughed. He wished me good luck and kept strolling. So much for chivalry.

Decision time. Do I try to find my contact lens in the pile of bananas and if I do happen to find it, do I put it back in my eye? Can I successfully drive home wearing one contact? I decided that in the name of love, my contact lens would take one for the team. I walked around the grocery store filling my basket in permanent wink mode so I could see.

I purchased my groceries, made it home safely and learned an important lesson. From now on I will carry a small bottle of contact solution in my purse. The winter weather and winking can really dry out your contacts.

Dating Christmases Future

My winking & smizing adventures will continue, after all as Nana said, one will stick. I am a firm believer in taking responsibility for creating and maintaining my own happiness and while we all have probably wished for a glimpse into our future, our lives are ultimately up to us.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and if you are lucky, may winks and smizes be in your future!

I think most men are like a fine wine, they mature with age. Except some are corked right from the beginning and this is why, I have dating stories to share.

I know you are curious, who is Suzzie London?

I believe there is more to romance than flowers and chocolates. I am attracted to a man with a great smile, a sense of humor, warmth, and sincerity. There also needs to be that “magic” called chemistry. This “magic” warms your heart, brings a blush to your cheeks, and makes you feel vivacious.

My personality is best described as vanilla with a side of sass and no one knows what types of adventures this sass will take me on.

I thought love, marriage, and a family of my own would come naturally as I went forward creating a happy life for myself. I do believe the best relationships begin from a combined happiness. Yours, theirs, and the blending together for a happily ever after. No Prince on a white horse needed.

As I’ve dated here and there some people have asked if my standards are too high. Take a look at my list and you tell me.

• Single – Completely
• Humor and Quick Wit
• Affectionate
• Work/Life Balance
• Own a Vehicle
• Long Term Relationship and Open to Marriage Wants Kids | Open to Kids | *No Kids* or Grown Adult Children Living on their own
• Open to Cooking Together
• Likes Family/Friends Gatherings
• Wants to Travel
• Celebrates Christmas
• Prefers Beaches Over Mountains
• No Smoking or Drugs
• Social Drinker

Now you know a little about me and that I am hoping to find and go on my “last” first date. As I share my Last Dates with you, I invite you to laugh with me because laughter with friends is the best!

As I write this, the Thanksgiving Holiday is near, and I found myself thinking I am grateful for all of my dating disaster stories and the sweet stories too. I recently watched The Queen’s Gambit, and this brought back some sweet memories for me. So, let us begin this adventure with a sweet story first.

Suzzie’s Gambit

I was in the sixth grade and my dad taught me how to play chess. I played chess with my friend “Justin” at school. Not his real name, but it is close to justice and honestly this is spot on for him.

I asked our teacher if I could join the school’s chess club and was informed that girls cannot join. I asked Justin and later my dad if this were true and my dad said he would call the school.

When I arrived at school the next day, I heard that Justin had already been campaigning for me to join the club. He informed the teacher and the other boys already in the club, that I played very well.

Later in the afternoon the teacher called me over and “quizzed” me about the rules and playing chess. Justin was right there beside me and after I finished answering the teacher’s questions, Justin exclaimed proudly, “I told you she can play chess.” Reluctantly, my teacher agreed to let me in the club.

The school year moved along quickly and my friendship with Justin grew. One day while playing chess, Justin popped the question.

Justin: “Will you go with me?”

Me: “Go where?”

Justin: “No, will you go with me?”

Me: “Go where?”

Justin: “No, Suzzie I am asking you, “Will you go with me?”

Me: “Justin, I can’t tell you if I want to go with you, until I know where you want to go.”

At that point Justin simply sighed and told me to forget it.

Later at dinner, I told my family about Justin’s odd question during our chess game. My little sister and mom laughed. My dad, on the other hand, thought I handled the conversation well. My little sister blurted out, “He wanted to go steady with you. He wanted to be your boyfriend.”

Wow! How could I have missed this and why didn’t he just rephrase the question? I couldn’t wait to go to school the next day. I thought he would ask me again and this time and I would say yes! Much to my dismay, he never asked again. (My first dating lesson.)

We continued our friendship and played chess every school day. In fact, when the big chess tournament came, the two finalists were Justin and me. Our teacher and the chess club members gathered around us for the big game. We were well matched, but there could only be one winner and as the game neared its end, Justin grew uneasy.

When I called, “Checkmate.” Justin’s reaction surprised me. “That’s not fair!” he exclaimed to our teacher. “What’s not fair?” the teacher asked. Frustrated Justin said, “She doesn’t play with a strategy!” Our teacher responded, “Maybe that’s her strategy.”

I was happy I won, but I also felt sad my friend lost. I also was very curious about strategy. What is it? Can it help my chess game? My dating game? I better ask my dad or better yet, my little sister.

I will always remember Justin. He stood up for what he believed in and at the time, what he believed in was me. He was a great friend and probably would have been a great first boyfriend too. I hope every lady has a supportive father and a Justin in her life. They make the world a better place.