A very nice anniversary was had last night. For the first time in our history, we celebrated our anniversary and not Halloween.

Lin came home from work bearing a bracelet length red jewelry box. Inside was a stunning garnet, marcasite and silver bracelet. I was wowed. It’s really beautiful.

I wasn’t expecting anything, even though Lin had called me at one point to ask what the traditional gift for a fifteenth anniversary is (crystal), and I informed him I didn’t need any crystal. To say I was stunned when I opened the box would be an understatement. It’s just a gorgeous bracelet.

Then we decided we were going to go out to eat, somewhere different and not one of our usual places. After some haggling about what we wanted to eat, it was determined that a good steakhouse had to be found. A few really great places had to be crossed off the list of possibilities due to being too far downtown and that area being insane on Halloween night, but after searching the internet and reading reviews, we finally settled on Houston’s. It was close to the house, classy, and had prime rib, which Lin really wanted and I had never had before. So off we went.

Even though the place was packed and we didn’t have a reservation, we only had to spend fifteen minutes at the bar waiting to be seated. The bartender was great about suggesting something different to drink. I’ve always ordered Cuba Libre or a Screwdriver, but I’m so tired of drinking those. We both ended up getting Cream Sodas … spiced rum with Sprite. It was very good. Now I have a new drink I can order! After relaxing at the bar, we were called to go to our table.

The restaurant itself is one of those dark and cozy places with gas-flamed lamps on the main walls, little pinhole lights in the ceiling, and candles on the tables. All very warm and inviting … and romantic. The pinhole lights over each table made it feel like you were in a bubble of light cut off from the other tables around you by a shield of darkness. It was like being in our own little world. I liked the feel of the place, and the staff were so friendly and attentive too.

We already knew we were ordering the prime rib, but we had to take a moment to debate whether or not to get wine and how much wine to get. We finally settled on a pinot noir from Marlborough, New Zealand. I wish I could remember which it was, and I may have to call the restaurant to find out. I enjoyed it immensely … a sweet taste followed by a slightly woody, smoking after-bite. It warmed us up and went very well with the prime rib. And the prime rib? I didn’t know what I had been missing all these years! Wow. First off, when they brought the plates, it was the largest slab of beef ever placed in front of me. I was certain I wasn’t going to be able to finish all the steak and my order of Brussels sprouts (with garlic and lemon — yum). Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was how relaxing the environment was. Maybe it was how GOOD the food was. Whatever the reason, I somehow managed to finish off everything on my enormous plate … as well as half a bottle of wine! Anyone who has ever eaten with me at a restaurant will tell you just how unusual it is for me to be able to clear a plate of American-sized portions.

We paid for our meal (and I resisted the urge to feel faint about how much it cost), and then we toddled out to the truck and came home. Now I didn’t mean to fall asleep as soon as we got home, but the combination of a cocktail, a side of cow, a half a bottle of wine, and about an hour of pleasant conversation took its toll, and before I knew it, I was passed out on the couch. I just couldn’t keep my eyes open. I suspect the same happened to Lin as well. We were STUFFED!

So a wonderful evening was had thanks to my wonderful husband, and I am feeling cheerful and relaxed this morning, even though the weather is dreary and grey. In fact, I feel so relaxed I may just lay down with the kittens and take a nap once Lin is off to work. I’m feeling a little bad about not having gotten Lin a gift or even a card. I didn’t even think about it, because as I said, we’ve never really bothered before. I’ll have to think of something today to make up for that. A few things come to mind.