it's on my list

When I first moved to Orlando, I heard about the jazz strolls at Leu Gardens, and I thought it sounded so romantic. A moon-lit evening with requited love and live music under the stars sounds lovely, doesn't it? There are even candles lining the sidewalks!

Ten years later, I still haven't had the planets align and actually be dating someone at the time Leu Gardens was hosting its little love fest. Now, I have the opportunity (oh joy!) to add to my list of wonderful ideas to, if I may quote Kool & The Gang, cherish the love here in O'do.

Here's one that will be just as tricky -- having a date on the same day as a shuttle launch that won't be scrubbed because of astroaut intoxication.

A Day Away Kayak Tours offers outdoorsy couples the chance to paddle up a canal to a site that's only seven miles from the launch pad and offers an unobstructed view of the shuttle's ascent. Yes, it's a two-person kayak, and, yes, ou might even see a manatee. It's $30 a person.

I better get my Match.com profile ready because the next opportunity is on Aug. 7. If it all works out, I'll be at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge with someone who's a lot older and heavier than their online photo.

There's also something called "Moonlight Paddles." I'm not sure what that is, but if my online match also spends time in the S&M chat room, then my stock is gonna skyrocket.

By the way, the Leu Gardens Annual Fall Jazz Stroll will be held at Leu Gardens on Nov. 3 and dates are not required. Instead of walking hand-in-hand, you can pop a squat on the lawn with your picnic basket and declare your independence.