I finally broke down and asked someone out. Known her for a while. Same as me. Spouse died. She was friends with my wife. Said I made her day. Been a long time since I have been out on a "date". She doesn't know if it's a date or not. I told her to make her mind up before, during, or after if it was a date or not.
Sounds like you're on the right track.
I just stumbled across the new Queer Eye for the Straight Guy on Netflix.
Last night they did a wardrobe, house, yard, personal grooming, and cooking skills makeover for a redneck man who'd done nothing with his life since divorce many years before, and his house was a dump.
Afterward, with their encouragement, he gathered his courage and called his ex wife, who'd stayed in touch with him over the years-and with whom he admitted he was still in love, and she accepted his invitation to a home cooked meal.
Good luck. Hope you both have a pleasant evening and find some common ground.
Awesome! I hope you both have a great time and it ends up being a date! Lol