Anniversary Date

Part I - Movie

Ahhhh. We sat so long at a small Starbucks table waiting for our drinks that we forgot what we were waiting for and that we had a movie to catch. The theater was two blocks away, so we made it with time to spare, but we had to conspicuously sneak our drinks in with us.

I'd been practically holding my breath to see Elizabeth: The Golden Age. The reviews weren't good, but what do they know. In fact, they did us a favor because the film was slightly better than we expected.

Yes, there were moments duller than the executioner's blade during Henry the VIII's reign, but there were an equal number of gems grander than a royal ruby.

Just when you thought you might yawn or start to daydream, someone would recite an eloquent set of phrases to grab your interest. Or Clive Owen would float into the screen and grab your, uh, attention.

The story turned out to be an old-fashioned one about unrequited love. I won't give it away, but let's just say the "love" scene (between Blanchett and Owen) was the best romantic on-screen moment I'd seen in a very long time. Yeah, I cried.

I can't say much for the battle scenes, and there was definitely something lacking in parts of the script, or the editing, or the direction, I'm not sure. But the sumptuous costumes, attractive leads and swoony, moony romance made up for it.

Part II - Dinner

We saved $4 by going to an early movie, so we took that cash to Edgefield to celebrate our ninth anniversary. This isn't the first time we've celebrated there, and it won't be the last. We got married there after all, and being there feels like being at an old friend's house.

We started in the wine cellar for some wine-tasting, as we always do. We already know (in the biblical sense) most of the wines there, so it's fun to taste the different vintages as the years go by. The cellar is cozy and there are always gregarious folks to chat with. A group of three guys guzzling wine across from us looked like they may have tried and failed to be accepted into a community college frat. I was about to make a comment to Robin when he told me he overheard that one of their parent's owned a winery. I guess that would explain their loud critiques of each wine they tasted. Every time I come to Troutdale I'm reminded of how much more in common I feel I have with its inhabitants. There's something about their easy going lack of snobishness that makes me feel so comfortable. I guess that's why Robin and I got along so well right from the start (Robin's from Troutdale). Anyway, we came home with a few bottles that are now tucked away for "special occasions."

About half the time when we visit Edgefield, we eat at the Power Station. It's cheap and yummy. But this time we received some gift anniversary money, so we splurged at The Black Rabbit, which is actually very reasonable compared to anyplace in Seattle.

We started with our favorite appy - the Poor Farm Platter, a collection of cold cuts, cheeses and pickled veggies that alone could have served as dinner for the both of us. We ordered entrees anyway and saved some of the appy for later.

I had lamb (which I only eat about twice a year, I promise) and Robin had venison. Not bad either of them, but mine could have used way more sauce, and not nearly so reduced. I offered my suggestion to the waitress of course. They packed my leftovers with gobs of sauce.

I think we just wanted to sit at the table for longer and enjoy our talk because stuffed as we were, we still ordered dessert and decaf. I had a sampler of three yummy desserts, Robin ordered a thick slice of apple pie.

It's so very nice to reconnect with no distractions. To have a conversation instead of a daily recap or agenda meeting. The family life can sometimes seem more like running a business than living a personal life. It's nice to be able to sit and appreciate the investment, uh I mean the many years you've put into a relationship. Here's to nine more happy years.