------------------> photo by Elaine A. Russell

One of the things I have insisted on over the years... is a weekly "date" with my hubby.

Over the years... it has included movies... games... reading magazines together... taking a walk... as long as we do it together. Even when I have been away from home in PA... we found a way to play Scrabble and talk on-line together for our "date."

This year has been so terribly chaotic... and this guarded/planned/ reserved weekly time gives us a moment to catch our breath and go over stuff together.

I have found that this time is not only essential to our marriage...

...but also essential to my emotional well-being as an individual.

...what are the rituals and traditions that you have incorporated into your life

that have become essential?