Recalling a heart-warming love story

This New York City couple came to Italy's Amalfi Coast to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. It was a second marriage for both of them, and in fact, they knew each other's deceased spouses from the medical world.

He was 93, and she a shy bit younger at the ripe age of 92.

There was nothing lagging about their energy and enthusiasm, though, and immediately they became a popular couple everyone in our tour group enjoyed spending time. They drew fellow travelers to them like magnets. My husband and I recall several pleasant dinners and strolls back to our hotel. They were excellent conversationalists, and they were sincerely interested in getting to know you better, too.

I asked them once what their secret to longevity and both replied that they walked every day in Central Park along with attending theatre, opera and the ballet. They went to art galleries, museums, lectures and street festivals. The wife remarked, (I'm paraphrasing here from my fuzzy memory) "Life is great and we are taking it all in."

At the end of the trip our whole group organized a surprise dinner party for the two to celebrate their actual anniversary date. To this day I vividly recall the image of two lovebirds dancing together holding up glasses of champagne while the rest of us clapped.

That was twenty years ago.

You can tell by their faces that love is in the air.

Viewing a rural scene with my camera

It's a scene worth a photo and from different angles, too. Now, in the editing I have a decision to make: to leave or eliminate the power lines.

Sometimes it takes getting into the weeds to get the shot.

Travel tip: finding the right shoes

I'm serious when it comes to determining what shoes to take along on a trip. There is nothing worse than tired, sore feet that will push everything else to the background and take the fun out of an adventure. You'll be on your feet a lot I would assume and you need to be sensible. Ignore the urban locals in their high-heels or elegant Italian loafers. How do they do it? That's a conversation for another time.

1. Don't cost-cut on purchasing shoes as you get what you pay for in most cases. Watch for off-season sales from your favorite companies, and strike.

2.. Break a pair of shoes in ahead and waterproof if need be.

3.. Consider the conditions - weather-related, cobblestones, uneven paths, special event.

4.. Keep to a minimum of pairs, too, and shoes that can do double-duty.

5. If you are traveling by plane, remember that ease of slip-on shoes is helpful at TSA. Also, on long hauls, you will want to take off your shoes to give your feet ample stretch time.

A supportive pair of sneakers is a mainstay in your suitcase.