OK - it's over and it was a great success. Well, there might be something special a little later, but I won't be posting info about THAT here...
First off, we just spent the past few days alone together at a friends' brand new house up in Pine Mountain Club. So quiet it was almost spooky, and not a phone or fax in sight. We did a little walking around in the village, stopped into the club, and then did some four-wheelin' up to the top of a sharp mountain peak with fantastic views all around. We enjoyed the whole time side by side, often holding hands and just smiling a lot. A very nice change from the rush of our normal lives. Came home Monday evening.
Walked into the store this morning and the alarm wasn't set. Sort of got my attention, but it was because a couple of employees had come in early and hung up a banner with 'Happy 25th" on it. They also gave us two dozen roses, but they split them up: one dozen at the store and the other at home. I had gotten a big spray of snow-white orchids which I had delivered Friday - and to my dismay thay were not lasting as long as they should have - so the roses brightened it all up.
I have been putting cards here and there all week, even while we were up at Pine Mountain. I like the response to those things - I may keep that part up a little longer...
After closing we went out to a nice restaurant right on the ocean. We live by the beach but we seldom get near it, so this was a nice change. It also is a steak and seafood place, and I like steak and Hope likes Seafood. Bonus!
Then it was home where all the family was gathered to 'open presents' with so much excitement I thought it was Christmas or something. We sat down as our kids showered us with gifts - Starbucks cards ($25 each of course) a silver plate engraved with the following:
"Mom and Dad
Happy 25th anniversary
Thank you for being an example of a love that always preseveres and remains hopeful. Your commitment to God and each other blesses us. (Their names and the date)"
Wow. I thought that would just about do it, but there was more: and you are going to think I'm kidding - get ready...
A sterling silver mouse. As in computer mouse. Engraved with "Happy twenty fifth" and the date. But the "twenty fifth" was in
binary! My kids have a wonderful sense of humor! And just so Hope wouldn't feel left out they got a nice little sterling mirror which can double as a small picture frame, also engraved - though not in binary....
I presented Hope with the new silverware, and she loved it! Then the gift certificate for the day spa, the $25 gift certificate for Bath and Body works, a seven-page narrative of the highlights of our life together - you all know how I love to write, there was 'Mocha Mudslide' hiding in the freezer, and ... well you get the idea.
Hey, at this rate I am determined: I'm goin' for gold !!
Thanks for your help and ideas.
