It's a little known fact that I’m a very romantic person. On the inside of this gruff curmudgeon exterior beats the heart of a sensitive caring person who always knows the right thing to do. Case in point, this week was our 27th anniversary. I made a full week of festivities out of it.

It started last weekend. We woke up early and got ready because I had made reservations for us at 8:00. We hopped in the car and drive…to the dentist. Last year I surprised her with it and I could tell she was impressed. It was the way she said, “What the $!@&!!$* are we doing here?” that let me know how happy she was. By this year it had become a tradition. Also a tradition were the results. I got a clean bill of health in every way and Marsha has a cavity and needs a new crown. Isn’t tradition wonderful? Marsha finished first and I joined her shortly thereafter (Because I finished first, I also paid for the appointment. Marsha) and we went out for breakfast. We hit a place called Frankie’s Diner known for good food and the slowest service in all of Nanaimo. It was a magical morning. (I covered this as well. Marsha)

Then later in the weekend I cleaned the house for Marsha. Well, OK I cleaned most of the house. Part of the house? OK, OK, I vacuumed the stairs. All right to be honest, I held the vacuum while Marsha did the stairs. But I did hold the vacuum. And I did the laundry. (He put it in the machine and napped. Marsha)

Then on Tuesday, I took Marsha’s car in for service. I dropped it off before work and then picked it up at the end of the day. It got an oil change, inspection, and two different Service Bulletins done. I feel much better about making sure Marsha’s car is safe. (OK technically it used to be my car. The red Prius is now the one Doug drives to work. He’s even changed the car’s name and gender so I think we can’t really call it “Marsha’s car” any more. Marsha) On Thursday I made dinner (He picked up deli potato salad and fried chicken at the grocery store. Marsha) and Friday I brought home a bottle of champagne which we split over dinner. (On sale Spumante and leftovers. Marsha) But the finale of the week’s events came on Saturday. I decided to take everyone on a family outing. We took everyone out for a day on the town. (We took the cats to the vet and then after dropping them off at home we shopped for new tile for the bathroom. Marsha) And in a special bit of serendipity, the vet told us that the cats need to go in for dental work. I like it when celebrations like this work out in such a symmetrical fashion.

Oh and I almost forgot to mention the special anniversary gift I got for Marsha. You know how each anniversary is associated with a particular gift. First is paper, the second is tin, 25th is gold, 50th is diamond and such. Well, it’s a little know fact that the 27th anniversary is asphalt so I bought Marsha a new roof for the house. (He called our friend Dave to do the work, and I also cut the checks for this as well. Woo Hoo.  :| ).

Now tell me. Do I know romance or what?
(What).
I said, Do I know Roman—
(I heard you…)

Here is to another 27 years of my adventure with Doug, romance or not. (Marsha)