Hats off to Men

After my remarks regarding the Waving Woman in Savannah, I must apologize to men in general......We arrived in Elizabeth City NC and although I had read about the "The Rose Buddies", I did not expect to meet Fred Fearing who personally took me over to pick out my rose. The Rose Buddies started in 1983 with Fred Fearing and Joe Kramer. Joe raised roses in his garden as a hobby, so he and Fred would bring them to the ladies on boats that came into the City Dock. They also hosted a wine and cheese party whenever 5 or more ships were in port. Joe died in March 1987 but his rose bushes were transplanted to Mariners Wharf where they continue to provide beautiful roses for their visitors.

Fred had the wine party and he and I were talking and he spent the next hour telling me about his beautiful wife Florence. Seems as though they met the first day of college and he's been madly in love with her ever since. He glowed just talking about her beauty and lovely skin and telling me how smart she is. He asked me if I wanted to see the home they lived in. It was originally a three car garage until Florence had the idea to add two more rooms to it and make a lovely home....they've lived there since 1936. I went to his home, thinking I was probably going to meet Florence. I did see beautiful painting and pictures of her and she truly was a beauty. They have two beautiful grown children now. Fred is 94 years old but smiles like a teenager. He would tear up when talking about Florence....when I asked where she was, he said she died 23 years ago but he's still so involved with her and loves her as much as he did the first time he set eyes on her. Now THAT'S true love!!!!!