Country to Country

Following on from my last post about my new foray into the dating world...

And that leaves H...

H is from Wales, with a lovely accent. His dating profile describes a rugged, outdoor lifestyle, with pictures showing a happy, laid back guy with a great smile. Not used to the 'rough and ready' type, there was something about him that caught my attention. Over the last month we have texted every day and he has made me laugh a lot with dad jokes, puns and funny observations. He's travelled a lot, has an allotment and is very handy - all of which appeal. But he was not flirting with me - that's just not his style. So I wasn't really sure how he felt about me. He had mentioned that he was coming north to the Country to Country festival at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow last weekend. Once we had shared a video call he surprised me with a ticket to join him for the festival - a three day country music extravaganza! He seemed easy going enough that we would have a great time whether we hit it off as a date or if we decided we were just going to be good friends for the weekend.

So, on Friday I drove through snow to pick him up from the airport, where he arrived with flowers and a kiss for me, which cleared up how he felt about me quite nicely. We drove to the hotel, dropped off the bags - him carrying mine from the car like a gentleman and opening every door, and he gave me a birthday card containing a poem that he had written for me. We had joked we would both write something for each other - funny or terrible, but actually it was a brilliant, sweet and funny poem - who knew! And then we headed out for dinner, H taking my hand as we walked which felt totally natural. We found a fancy steak restaurant, and he insisted on paying - the surprises kept on coming!

The line up over the three nights was brilliant, with a great variety of styles. I had no idea country music was quite so varied! There were up and coming artists and country legends alike and they were all outstanding. I didn't know all the songs but I enjoyed them anyway, and there were some stand out songs that I need to find online, and when the bands played a cover of one I did know I sang along.

Saturday morning we had a little walk across the river and back and then headed to Maggie's - a country themed bar that was going to show the Six Nations, with Scotland kicking off at 2.10pm. We found a seat and watched people on (or more off) the buckin' bronco and the start of the match, until someone needed the table, so we went to the bar. We spent the next hour, H with one arm round my shoulder, keeping close in to the bar (and each other) as people squeezed past. Then it was time for the concert again, but not before we stopped at a very nice Italian restaurant for dinner along the way.

Sunday morning was spent at the Botanical Gardens. This is H's domain and we both enjoyed a wander round the huge glass houses and the grounds. We had a good lunch nearby (burger and hot dog with shared fries), then headed back to the concert for the final evening.

I had to be up at 5.30am and off at 6am to be back in time for my shift at 8.30am. I had dragged it out as long as possible. But H's flight was not until 9pm so I suggested he come back to Clacheranmor and see where I live in the flesh. I was feeling confident enough about him to believe he would be fine entertaining himself at home while I did my shift, and then we could do something in the afternoon until I dropped him back at the airport. As it turned out it was raining so all we could do was go for lunch at Sandra's, which was lovely. Bumped into Brigid at the cafe and so I'm hoping to hear some juicy gossip soon about the stranger spotted in the glen with me...

We returned to the airport via the ferry, just so H had the full experience of travelling round rural Argyll. I waved him off with a promise to drive carefully and let him know when I got home, and to give him positive reviews to anyone who might ask. So, all in all the weekend was full of surprises, wonderful experiences and being treated like a lady.

Who would have known the weekend would be filled with H: happiness, handsome company and honourable gestures. H may be my Hero.

Yes he's read this post, and that last bit was his suggestion, because H is also for Humour!

A perfect birthday weekend with great company. Even better, we are going to meet up again...