It was the first week of June, and I was panicked: I had two weeks to finish our new website and learn how to blog.  Dave was preparing for a weeklong business trip, and half our third floor was torn up for renovations.

So naturally I did what I always do when I’m overscheduled and terminally stressed:  I started a new project.

“WHAT  DO  YOU  THINK?”

“So, Dave,” I happily called as he dragged his laptop upstairs after work,  “I thought I’d sign up for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival in September.  I already have a funny slide show – the one about wacky tourist destinations from the 1950s and ’60s – so it won’t take any work to schedule some performances, especially if I do them right here in my studio.

“What do you think?”

Now, other men might have hit the ceiling, suggested therapy (for either one of us), or done the sensible thing and headed out for beer.

But not Dave.  And that’s what I love about him, because in 30 years together I’ve never met anyone who was so up for adventure – sensible or not.

DAVE  THE  UNFLAPPABLE

Because with Dave, there’s never a raised eyebrow, an eye roll, or even a strangled sob; nothing but that encouraging smile – even though he surely knew what was coming…

(Wait for it…)

“Of course, they want me to write a program description, and a bio, and a press release, and buy insurance, but I can get that done.”

(Wait for it…)

“And I’ll need a ’50s dress and some plastic jewelry to set the mood, and maybe some decorations and snacks.  And of course, I’ll have to totally clean up my studio and touch up the paint.”

(Wait for it…)

“Oh, and they need a publicity photo, but it can’t be a simple head shot.  Remember those photos I took of the Cabazon dinosaurs in California this spring?  Maybe we can Photoshop me onto one of them.”

And, yes, two nights before the deadline, there I was, looking fabulously Photoshopped in my ’50s dress and necklace, with a palm tree growing festively from my head.

“Oh, Dave, you’re the best!” I told him.  “Head down to bed and I’ll be there in a minute.”

(Wait for it…)

A half-hour later, I gingerly climbed between the sheets.

“Dave? Are you awake?”

“Uhmf?”

“Well, I was looking at my photo, and there’s a problem.  I mean, I know the dinosaur is painted and all, but his teeth are so white they make mine look dingy.  Do you think we can fix it?”

There was a brief silence.

“No problem.  Can it wait ‘til tomorrow?”

“Sure!” I said,  “You’re the best!”

And, I’m not certain, but I swear I heard his eyebrows slide upward in the dark.

KATE’S  FRINGE  FESTIVAL  PERFORMANCE

Kate will present  “Are We There Yet? Roadside Delights of the 1950s and 1960s”  as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 13 at 5 PM.

You can learn more or reserve tickets at  http://fringearts.com/event/are-we-there-yet  or email Kate directly.