Blissful Romance

Daniel never ceases to amaze me. He keeps me smiling, loving, and always challenges me to look at things in different ways. I am greatful to have such an amazing partner. Our relationship is one that is timeless and well traveled, as I imagine we have been united throughout our souls' journeys. Today, after a weekend of bliss, I can only revel in the sea of selfless love my partner bestowes upon me.

After the aforementioned trying week, I began a Saturday with a surprising shift of perspective and inertia that propelled me through to today. I cleaned out 4 1/2 years worth of computer dis-organization at work! I accomplished so much in record time that I would have never believed it possible! I had a rescheduled massage appointment from the day mentioned below. When I arrived, my therapist informed me of two lovely things: in regret for her having missed our Thursday appointment, she had a gift certificate for a half session waiting for me, and, Daniel had been there the previous day and had treated me to my appointment! Wow! I proceeded to enjoy yet another transcendental, 2 1/2 hour massage. Fabulous.

When I left, I stumbled upon a message left on my cell phone. My sweet love had informed me that no matter how I felt, how I looked, or what I had planned, I should drop it all and meet him at Auberge, our regular "neighborhood bar and grill," Relais~Chateau style. And so I did. With a pleasantly radiant greasy face and body, and in my jumpsuit, I applied a little MAC liner and lips and sauntered through the bar to meet him at the deck. A beautiful night it was, stars out, twinkling in the oddly warm January splendor. Always reading my mind, a half bottle of bubbly was being cradled in the bucket alongside the table. Nicolas Feiullatte, a special selection of which I cannot reiterate, was poured into my glass. Its noble and yeasty bouquet met with the pre-orderd oysters on the half shell and tuna tartare with a splendid affinity. Sneaky, sneaky, man!

He toted with him a bottle procured on our recent trip to Oregon; a 2006 Archery Summit Premier Cuvee. To show it in its best light, we ordered our favorite gnocchi with wild mushrooms and parmesan nage. Next was delivered a new york steak with more mushrooms and thinly chiffonaded brussels sprouts. Perfect.

Off we went. It was still early. Any thought of going home to collect my "necessities" rolled away with the previous week's tribulations, and we entered his house to continue enjoying one another's company. We opened a fun, unassuming standby, Graham's Six Grapes, and he played for me some old Enigma while we took a hot tub. I'll allow you to surmise your own conclusions for the rest of the evening!

The morning greeted us with equal enthusiasm, and we headed right back to the Auberge to enjoy an unseasonable warm Sunday morning on the very same deck. With another bottle of Feuillatte, a glass of Billicart-Salmon, the day was already off to an amazing start. He read the paper,and my mind traveled in its usual, deeply inquisitive ways.

We opted for a four wheeler ride, and I continued drinking champagne as I read The Mists of Avalon on his sun filled deck.

Later, I made braised Chicken with mushrooms and homemade fettucini. We enjoyed a bottle of Dave's wine, a 2004 Craven Lattin Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Yum.

Tonight I made a good ol' standby with left over braised pork shoulder...split pea soup with generous chunks of full moon butchered estate pork.

This morning I came home to a magnificent holiday of spring welcome. And, in a decision to start a blog to which Daniel does not have to feel responsible, I created a new blog. For those who enjoy my crazy rantings, you may access it at the link provided...

Bon Soir!