By: Libby Gowen
Walking in the Burkhalter neighborhood of Statesboro, blue skies and fluffy clouds set the tone for a fun evening outdoors. The clear weather provided the backdrop for a couple's plans to spend the evening relaxing outside.
Chase Spence (left) and Megan Rivers (right) are hitting golf balls as a way to relax after a long day. "We wanted to enjoy the weather and stay off our phones for a while," said Rivers when I approached and asked what they were doing.
Spence follows through after striking a golf ball in his front yard in Statesboro. "It's fun to compete a little and just be outside together," he said.
Rivers takes her turn, hitting a golf ball in the front yard of her boyfriend's home. The couple often alternates shots as a lighthearted competition during evenings spent outdoors.
Rivers and Spence walk to the other side of the yard to collect the balls they have already hit. "Even if neither of us is very good, it's still a good excuse to be outside," Rivers said.
After hitting balls, the couple decides to sit down and chat in the driveway. The couple said evenings spent outside talking give them a chance to reconnect and unwind after busy days.
An old tire with miscellaneous garbage sits in the front lawn of Spence's house. When asked, he stated, "That tire has been there for years. At least since the people who lived here before me. I honestly don't really know what's up with that."
Spence and Rivers sit and admire the sky while they talk about their upcoming plans for the next few weeks. Rivers stated, "It's really important to me that we spend time together without our phones, because they can be so distracting."
Spence admires his watch and wonders if he needs to reset it. While he was holding his phone in this photo, it was the only time I saw either of them with a phone all evening.
Spence and Rivers laugh while talking about a bug bite on Rivers' toe. "I swear I can see it swelling up by the minute," she remarked.
With the sun peeking through the clouds, warm light spreads across the Burkhalter neighborhood. The couple planned to spend the evening grilling dinner and enjoying time away from screens and other distractions.
The couple decides to walk to the mailbox and grab Spence's mail. Without a word, the couple embraced each other's hands like it was second nature.
Hand in hand and laughing, Spence and Rivers walk towards the mailbox. "We have been dating for six months, and we have found that intentional quality time has made our relationship so much better," Rivers said.
Spence puts his key in the mailbox and unlocks it. He noted, "We always get some junk mail for people who don't live here anymore. Why don't people change their mailing address?"
After getting the mail, Spence notices the mail that is not addressed to him or his roommates. "Yep, we've always got some mail for Stephen. Like, who even is this guy?" Spence joked.
The clouds began to get darker, giving an ominous feeling to the previously sunny day. Rivers said, "It's been storming every night. I hope it doesn't tonight, it has been so nice out today."
As the raindrops hit the ground outside, Spence and Rivers decide to head into the garage to play darts. "We like to hang out in the garage, especially on days when it starts to rain. It's great because we can still be outdoors without getting rained on," Spence told me as we headed into the garage.
Rivers takes her turn at darts after Spence hits a bullseye. "He is way better than me at this, but I try my best. Most of the time, I completely miss the board," Rivers said while laughing.
As the dark clouds rolled into the sky, the couple worried their evening outdoors would be completely over. Within minutes, thunder and rain prompted them to gather their belongings and head inside.
The couple embraces as they head inside the house. Although the storm ended their time outdoors, they said the evening reminded them of the importance of slowing down and spending quality time together.
