Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wine and Roses

They are not long, the weeping and the laughter,
Love and desire and hate:
I think they have no portion in us after
We pass the gate.
They are not long, the days of wine and roses:
Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for awhile, then closes
Within a dream.

Ernest Dowson 1867 - 1900

MTL was determined, chemo or no chemo, this was going to be a good anniversary and it was. Somehow he managed to get flowers, chocolates, champagne and a most beautiful card - without my knowledge.

We had a quiet, lazy, pottering day with plenty of time to spruce up for dinner at the Northfield. MTL wore one of the new shirts I bought to accommodate his more sylphlike figure and I wore the new jacket he gave me. It is very pretty – black lace on oyster silk and I had an oyster top of the same shade. But then there was the battle of the bulge which has appeared from nowhere, so my new black Basler skirt which I bought in Monique’s closing down sale was a touch tight round where my waist should be and the oyster top lovingly clung to every ripple.

Change to plain black trousers, black top plus the new jacket and the wardrobe malfunction was sorted. Maybe if I cut out the chocolate and horlicks I can lose the couple of pounds which seem to have settled round my midriff.

The Northfield Hotel is just round the other side of the hill but we were surprised to see the road lined with cars and just one space in the car park. Apparently it was the Bridge Club night. They were in a separate large room but the bars and dining room were buzzing with guests. Encouraging these days when pubs and hotels are closing down all the time.

I remembered they had about five courses so stuck to melon balls, consommé, grilled plaice, a luscious chocolatey pud and eschewed the cheese course. After coffee and chocs we came home and had some of the port left over from our Christmas hamper. As usual we had spent the evening reminiscing about previous years and some of the lovely places we have visited. We are still trying to remember the name of the place in the Lake District where we stayed at The Bridge Hotel which had a sort of fairy glen where MTL proposed. It has a b in it somewhere.

The nurse comes today to take blood before the next cycle starts on Friday – so this isn't entirely a free week. Still onward and upward.

PS It was Buttermere.

PPS MTL has gained 2 lbs.

24 comments:

Granny Annie said...

It's great when wardrobe issues are solved. What lovely and loving gifts your spouse gave you. Glad you had a wonderful celebration.

Pat said...

Granny Annie: yes for the last 31 years I have been a very lucky lady and I'm truly grateful.

Queenie said...

Great news about the weight gain (his, not yours) and I'm glad you had such a lovely anniversary. I'm sure you'll soon see off your extra pounds. It seems you use the same weight control method as me: when the clothes get tighter, eat less till they fit again. Much easier than obsession, scales, calories etc.

mapstew said...

How romantic, your evening, AND your man! Glad you both had a lovely time. :¬)

xxx

Pat said...

Queenie: I so hope you are right. I like comfort and can't afford to replace my wardrobe.

Mapstew: yes I think romance is ageless.

sablonneuse said...

What a lovely romantic husband you have. So pleased you both enjoyed your anniversary.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Pat, all I'm doing is sitting here, smiling, smiling. This is such a happy, feel-good post, so here I am, sitting, feeling good :-)

Pat said...

Sandy: it was not what I was formerly accustomed to and never fails to delight me.

GG: you often do the same for me dear.

angryparsnip said...

Sounds like a wonderful Day and Dinner.

Congratulations to you both !


cheers, parsnip

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a smashing time. Congrats again!

Cheers.

Z said...

How lovely, to celebrate another year together. Congratulations, darlings.

Lonely Rivers said...

We fret over our outfits, piling the discards on the bed - trying to fuse our conjured vision of the perfect with the reality of the mirrored reflection - when really-the treasured minutes you describe depend only on loving eyes and open heart..wardrobe optional.

Pat said...

Parsnip,Randall and Z: many thanks.xox

Lonely Rivers: true but I just need to give myself a reality check occasionally.

lom said...

ooow get chubby together, I am pleaed to hear you had a lovely time, you both deserve it, I know how hard it is for you both.

XX

Pat said...

LOM: thank you - it could be a lot worse.

AndrewM said...

Congratulations to you both.

Pat said...

Andrew.M: thank you sweetie.xox

kenju said...

What is/are horlicks? I need to stay away from them too! lol

It seems you had a wonderful anniversary - and I am happy to know that!

Pat said...

Judy: it is a malty bed-time drink made with milk. I shall miss it but like all milk drinks it is mucous forming and fattening.

Kim Ayres said...

So glad you had a good time.

If I reach 80 years old, I'll probably live off chocolate puddings, feeling I'll have deserved it...

:)

Mage said...

Again, happy anniversary, and those two pounds are simply wonderful.

Pat said...

Kim: hey - you're meant to be a good influence;)

Maggie: thank you. They are the best anniversary present.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

It sounds like a lovely sweet Anniversary, Pat. Your MYL is amazing...! Getting all those presents without your having a clue! Bless Him! And Bless the both of you!
HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Pat said...

Naomi:it was one of the best and it didn't matter a hoot that we didn't go away anywhere. Thank you:)