postcards from my plate
Postcards from my plate
There is always a scene in some movies or books about a quaint little Italian place that is so romantic, serving up delicious handmade Italian dishes. Well, it so happened I was fortunate enough to visit such a place, and let me tell you, it was so cool to actually have this experience. The place is called Cucina Italiano in San Diego, nestled into a little strip mall, of all places.
The evening is a little on the cool side. Still, the linen-covered tables outside are inviting and sporting covered umbrellas with propane infra-red heaters, along with the candles, the ones with the flickering battery-powered flames, ok, so not everything is perfect. Inside, it’s dimly lit with just the right amount of light to enhance the ambiance.
The waiter informs us about the night’s specials; flattened veal wrapped around spinach and stuffed with exotic cheeses. My friend and his son ordered this, but I opted out for the filet mignon with cracked peppercorns and a red wine reduction glaze of some sort, which turns out to be soooo yummy, I want to lick the plate. The creamy garlic whipped potatoes and exotically spiced vegetables make this meal even more delectable, and how is that even possible?
The paintings on the walls remind me of the paintings I coveted when I visited Cuba. I want to take them home and hang them in my condo. I want this meal to never end, so I ordered the crème Brulé and three spoons. The dessert arrives in a heart-shaped dish, and it’s delicious. My tablemates only taste and leave the rest to me.
I lick the dish, ok I exaggerate, but I wanted to lick it, and I also wanted to take home the waiter. He is so handsome, dressed impeccably in all black with a long black apron wrapped around his waist. Alas, he is much too young, ah, well, isn’t there a saying about licking your plate and having the waiter too? Hmmm, too bad.
Little did I know then that I would end up in a relationship with someone 15 years younger than myself, 8 short years later. Life is always full of surprises for me. I’m not sure why that is, but what’s not to love when we are in love? That trip opened up many options for my life going forward. It was that trip that led me into the singles life down south, although I didn’t know it at the time.
I should clarify that before my divorce, we had owned a home down south, in the same place. The Ex got it in the divorce, and I got our lakefront property. This memory came across my feed and took me back to when I dated older men. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write about today, but that memory has sparked something inside me.
It’s an age thing, I’m not sure why, but younger guys seem to be attracted to me. The one 15 years younger was a total surprise, I knew he was younger, hell, he was still working. But I honestly didn’t realize he was so much younger. Anyways, this brings me to a newfound piece of knowledge or lack of … about myself. My interest is drawn towards the personality of the opposite sex; age doesn’t really figure into it.
A great smile always draws me in, as does a good sense of humour; it’s a must-have. An optimistic attitude is also on my radar. Being a good person is a no-brainer. I’m learning a lot in my old age. There are a ton of guys out there that love us older gals! Did you know that? Neither did I until I started my podcast a few months ago.
I have been dating younger men, but not intentionally looking for them; it just happened. Maybe if I acted my age, whatever that means, it would be different? I have no clue what I’m talking about, but let’s just say these younger ones are fun and yes, they turn me on. Apparently, we older women do not lose our sex drive as we age. Studies are coming out that it increases as we get older… omg!
So here I am with a podcast attracting all sorts of guys. Interestingly enough, most are in the over sixty-five (50%), 55yrs to 65 (24%), 45yrs to 55 (11%). These are from my analytics on my site. Another interesting fact is that they are very respectful, and we are learning from each other. I’m loving this new phase in my life, which also happened quite by accident. (a rogue answer to an innocent question, going viral)
I finished my book and started my podcast with thoughts that the forty-to-fifties women would appreciate what I have to share. But life doesn’t always work out the way we plan. So here I am with one thousand, one hundred and 86 subscribers. Over two hundred and forty-eight thousand views. The best part? These guys are loving me, I know… go figure?
I’m honest and let them know I’m not an expert on anything; I’m just sharing what I know. I also know I’m not beautiful, but they keep telling me I am, so I guess I’m outnumbered (okay, so I’m kidding). But dang, this is so much fun, and it’s keeping me out of trouble. And isn’t life what we make of it? So there’s my answer to whatever it was I thought needed when I sat down here to write.
Have a great day, everyone.
Copyright Feb. 22nd, 2026
picture is of me at a craft fair here, selling my books : )
on Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/Life-XXX-After-Sixty-Margerate/dp/106997370X/