Meet Richard and Frances Bradford

They have been married for 70 years and it was actually love at first sight.

This Des Moines couple met on a blind date arranged by Richard's teenage pal who had designs on Frances that went awry.

When Frances saw Richard walk into the room, her heart did a somersault. So did his. Later when Richard asked his buddy if he objected to the turn of events he said, "No, good buddy. I would never stand in the path of what was meant to be. Good Luck.''

It turned out to be a great match and Friday, the 12th day of February they celebrated their devotion of 70 years. He is 92 and she is 90.

She is a graduate of Queen Anne High School and he graduated from a San Francisco high school.

He spent the war years as a seaman in the Merchant Marines and then went to Bethlehem (now Nucor Steel) where he stayed 30 years working as a smelter till he retired.

The pictures on the wall are just a few Frances has painted.

Richard has given up on his salmon fishing and they both played a lot of golf.

They have lived in Burien and Leavenworth on the Icicle River but their condo overlooking the Des Moines Marina is their favorite of all.

They have three children who live nearby and keep an eye on them, a housekeeper who comes three times a week, and a retired son who provides wheels to the Highline Medical Center campus for checkups.