Easter Sunday, April 8th - And the Thaw Continues

Steve and I had a wonderful anniversary day. The day started with a surprise bouquet of 15 red roses (one for each year) which Steve brought home with him when he returned from running an 'army' errand.

I wanted to get a photograph of both of us and the flowers, so I set the camera up on the tripod, set the timer, and we played the 'run and pose' game. I had to take five shots to get one where we were both looking into the camera lens and both in focus. As you can tell, my smile is forced, and Steve's is barely there. Oh well...

I did take a few photos of my beautiful roses. They're a deep crimson color. From the internet: Red is the most commonly given color of roses. Red signifies love and passion. True red is the rose for lovers. Fiery red roses signify passion, while cardinal red symbolizes desire. Fully bloomed red roses best convey the message “I still love you,” while red rose buds are a way to express love for the first time. There were only a few fully bloomed roses, but many buds, so I assume that Steve still loves me as if it was the first time. *grin* After I took a bunch of rose photos, Steve wanted to take a photo of me enjoying the aroma of the roses. I like the photo he took, and I think it's obvious by the look in my eyes, that I love him even more so today, than I did the day I married him. I do plan to keep him around forever!

I resized this photo for computer wallpaper (1024x768) Click here to download..
		“The rose is a flower of love. The world has acclaimed it for centuries. Pink roses are for love hopeful and expectant. White roses are for love dead or forsaken, but the red roses, ah the red roses are for love triumphant.”

We had another pre-retirement briefing at noon (we didn't plan it that way), and decided that we'd go out for a delicious late lunch or early dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant - Gambardellas. Before heading out, I checked online to see if there were any coupons on their web site. There was a coupon for a free cup of gelato with any meal. That's all the excuse we needed to save some room for a little dessert.

We arrived at the restaurant early enough to be able to order off the lunch menu (which is less expensive, but just as delicious) and I opted for grilled chicken over fettuccine alfredo, while Steve chose chicken and spinach sauteed in olive oil and served over pasta. Some cheesy garlic bread completed our delicious meal. We had a seat at the front window, where we could people watch. Everyone was wearing spring clothing; capri pants and blouses and only thin jackets. It was a gloriously sunny day and the snow and ice were quickly melting and turning to slush.

After lunch/dinner, we decided to make a run to Fred Meyer to buy some fruit. Steve and I have made the conscious decision to stop buying chips and dip for snacking, and instead fill the fridge with fruit and veggies. While the commissary has better prices than Freddie's does, the quality is lacking most times. To say we got sticker shock is an understatement. Here's an example of what we bought, and how much it cost:

Throw in two bags of whole wheat bagels, a gallon of milk, 3 bags of romaine and mixed lettuce, and two bottles of low fat/low carb salad dressing, and we spent a grand total of $65.80. For the price of that honeydew melon, I told Steve he better eat it with a silver spoon and savor every mouthful.

When we came home, we sliced up some strawberries, popped open a bottle of champagne and toasted our fifteen years together. Then we watched a few movies together, enjoying each other's company. It was a lovely day.

Every day, we open the sliding glass door in the living room. Both furkids lay in front of the door, watching the birds and squirrels come up on the deck to enjoy the sunflower seeds I keep supplied for them. One day, a squirrel actually came within 3" of the screen, looking right in at the cat, as Airborne went nuts trying to get at him. He scampered off, and I could imagine him laughing at her. I can't resist photographing Airborne when she's all stretched out in front of the door. She loves to sunbathe in the warm rays that stream into the room.

Yesterday, Steve and I had to run a few errands, and I asked him to take me to Pioneer Park. I was in search of puddles - a favorite pastime of mine during "break-up". There were plenty of them at the park, and I took great pleasure in seeing the reflections of the buildings in them. Soon, the puddles will be dry, new leaves will be on the trees, and spring will officially arrive in Fairbanks. Who would have thought that puddles could excite a person. But I'm not the only one enjoying this major melt. It seemed like the entire town was out and about, sans winter coats, enjoying the sunshine and the 53F temps!

My friend Donna emailed me and let me know she bought her airline tickets. She'll be arriving on Saturday, June 16th and staying until the following Saturday (23rd). She's interested in doing a bear trip to Katmai if we can get three seats on the plane. I emailed Emerald Air, but haven't heard back from them yet (most likely because it's Easter weekend). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they have an opening, but if they don't we'll have a great time anyway.

Steve and I plan to ready the camper for the season at the end of the month. We'll have it 'de-winterized', clean it up, stock it up with supplies and linens, and have it ready for road trips. We plan to take it when Donna comes to town. Towing the camper saves a lot of money in hotel costs, as well as dining costs. And there's nothing like salmon and New York strip steak cooked up on the BBQ. I can't wait!

Happy Easter to all of you!

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