6. If you're planning to cook hamburgers at picnic site, shape your meat into patties and freeze before putting into cooler. Take along a meat thermometer to be sure you cook meat to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.

7. An extra zip-top bag full of ice can be placed in top of cooler. The extra ice will come in handy for trip home. If your day is a long one, and ice melts cold water can come in handy, also.

8. Carry your cooler inside your car, instead of in your hot trunk and be sure to place it in a shady spot and maybe even cover it with a blanket when you reach your destination. Open it only when necessary.

9. Instead of bringing whole jars of condiments, pack what you will need into smaller plastic containers.

10. Bring lots of clean utensils for serving as well as eating. Pack pre-moistened towelettes and paper towels for easy cleanup.

11. And remember this rule from U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding leftovers: When in doubt, throw it out!

As funny and point-blank as I am what makes photo poignant is what my newlywed husband is doing. What’s that? Exactly what he always does—he’s taking care of me.

As my attention is elsewhere, he’s standing there patiently picking tiny pieces of birdseed out of my hair. The thing is, he looks like he’s got not another thing in world to do, not one other thing to worry about. Amazing. Us in living color.

Many, many times since that photo was taken we’ve relived that moment. Me taking care of others, me ordering world around us, him patiently taking care of me. Now, twelve years later, during present incarnation of our relationship, I’m one out there trying to learn new things. I’m one out there taking us out of our comfort zone, pulling us in directions we never could have seen or imagined at that moment.

But thing is, I can take those chances, chase those dreams because I know with no doubt that he will always be right there, patiently keeping me together. It’s how we’ve always been. I have proof.