How Cool is That?

One of my favorite comic strips is about an ordinary couple living an un-extraordinary life. Arlo and Janis hit a chord of remarkable similarity to the life Bob and I lead. In today's comic strip Arlo asks Janis if she minds staying home on Valentine's day. She responds that she can't think of anything better than a cozy evening spent at home together. Arlo tells her that they do that most nights. Janis replies, "I know. How cool is that?"

How cool is that? It hit home. In our marriage it is difficult to leave our home at night. We both enjoy being home together more than anything. Long ago we agreed that we would not go out on those special nights when restaurants are filled. Those were the nights when Bob pops pop corn and we turn on the TV or read and curl up by the fire.

This Valentine day was different. Bob knew that I was exhausted from weeks of planning a Polar Plunge event for our community municipal pool and he said, "I think I should take you out tonight. You are too tired to cook and if we go out early we will avoid the crowds."

We went out early, avoided the crowds, had a lovely three course Valentine meal, talked over the success of community teamwork in making our Polar Plunge a fun-filled success and came home to a clean kitchen....no dishes. After reading, some TV and sipping hot chocolate, I have the energy to write this blog. I feel renewed. There are times when a vacation is nothing more than an early dinner, and a quiet evening by the fire with the one you love the most.