What I Love Wednesday - Groundhog's Day

And the announcement was: 6 More Weeks of Winter,

which doesn't seem so daunting when you have an eternity of love ahead!!!

Call us silly/crazy/loopy/giddy - whatever you prefer - but Bert and I always go out every Groundhog's Day! Every single year! So, when old Punxsutawney Phil is popping out to issue the standard "6 More Weeks of Winter", I don't really care! I am just too excited thinking about spending the evening with my love!

It all started back in 1999, when Bert proposed. It was the most beautiful evening. He had every little detail planned (except for the part where his Grandma almost popped the question before he could - oh how I miss his wonderful, sweet grandma). Although discussions about marriage had been had, and even rings had been looked at, he still caught me off guard with the proposal. I really thought he was waiting for Valentines Day. But that's just not how Bert operates.

So, yesterday, I was going to surprise Bert with a lovely evening planned by me. Then I found out he was trying to do the same. So, the surprise part was put to rest and we went out as soon as he was out of work. We listed a few ideas for dinner, all of which sounded great. However, he was in the mood for a good fresh salad and pasta, and then we remembered a little place we hadn't been to for YEARS:

We headed that direction, and when we arrived, we were immediately greeted by the Executive Chef/Part-Owner dubbed Papa Tucci. He greeted us warmly, showed off the specials and then seated us in a cozy little booth.

The meal was lovely. And Bert and I were able to just talk and talk and talk, and truth be known, we didn't even talk about kids - I don't even know how long its been since we've done that. Papa Tucci kept checking in on us and when it was time for dessert, he brought out a piece of Chocolate Decadence with hearts doodled on the plate with Raspberry Syrup. We told him how fitting it was to have the hearts since we were celebrating an anniversary of sorts.

Then he tells us that he is a good singer and asks if we would like him to sing! Of course I couldn't pass up on that opportunity, and he sang some operatic Italian love song. It was fantastic!!!

I didn't bring my camera (since part of my surprise for Bert was that there would be no mention of blogging or facebooking or interneting that evening). So I swiped this one off the internet, but there is our Papa Tucci in the middle ... he helped us have such a great evening.

But Bert ... well, he's the real reason we had such a wonderful time.

I can't imagine life without him. He is such a perfect match for me, and I for him.

I am grateful for our patience.

I am grateful for our shared and individual quirks.

I am grateful for the trust and love that exists in our marriage.

I am grateful for the safety I feel with him.

It's not perfect, but it's pretty close in my book!!! ;)

I love you Bert!