Today is my seventh wedding anniversary. And, in another three weeks, it’ll be the 14th anniversary of when Linette and I first began dating… It doesn’t seem like it could have been that long ago that all of this was set into motion. It doesn’t seem that long ago when we first met, just a short walk from where I’m writing this right now. (I’m in the front seat of the car, typing away, as Clementine sleeps behind me.)
It hadn’t occurred to me until just now, but I guess this means we’ve been back in Michigan for seven years now too. Life is strange. Who would have thought, 14 years ago, when I walked into Cross Street Station with my friends, that it would have turned out like this?
Well, it’s 14 years later, Cross Street Station has been mercifully condemned, and Linette and I, now upstanding middle-aged property owners, have multiplied. Life, at least so far, has been pretty good for us both. Things aren’t perfect – Linette would like to devote more time to her painting and writing, and I’ve got a bunch of projects that I’d like to pursue – but, when it comes to the stuff that really matters, I think we’ve made a pretty good life together. I couldn’t imagine having a better friend to go through life with than Linette, and, even though I don’t say it as much here as I probably should, I’m thankful every day for having had the good sense to come to Ypsilanti that evening, become friends with her, fall in love, and put down roots here. She’s an incredible woman – smart, lovely, clever, kind, and generous – and the thought that my daughter might take after her makes me unbelievably happy. She is the biggest-hearted and most trusting person I have ever met, and, while it sometimes drives me crazy, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
16 Comments
M,
I agree with you: Linette is the bee’s knees. While I can’t say I know her well, I *can* say she’s obviously very gracious, bright, kind, cheerful and balanced. Truly special. (And, no, I’m not going to make any jokes on the order of “what is she doing with you?”) You *are* lucky, and it’s good of you to say so. Happy anniversary. Continued blessings on you both.
Congratulations guys! I’m constantly amazed at the twists and turns of life, but I know I also know how great it is to have someone by your side when those twists and turns come at you. Happy Anniversary.
(cue strings)
Wool is the traditional gift for the seventh anniversary which is the only reason I can find that number makes one itch.
I thought the seventh was spinning hubcaps.
The traditional gift is “anything but prawn curry.”
Anyway, Happy Anniversary! And did Clementine ever get her finger puppet back?
Yes, Clementine did get the finger puppet back. All is well.
belated congratulations to you both!
And did the prawn curry give you any tummy trouble? I suppose not; we’d probably have heard all about it.
I’ve never understood the difference between prawn and shrimp. I find it easier just to call them both “Cockroach of the Sea.”
Make that, “delicious cockroaches of the sea”!
That’s the very thought that was my undoing, Doug. After many years as a strict vegan, I started sliding down the slippery slope. First cheese, then shrimp. I justified it to myself by saying that they were only cockroaches. It’s a dangerous notion.
I prefer vegetables to bugs. I’m just funny I guess.
How do you prepare roaches? Do you just sautee them? I bet if you ground them up it would taste like vegemite.
I believe that most cultures where cockroaches are consumed deep-fry them.
Locusts are usually stir-fried, but I suppose roaches are tougher. Still, deep-frying them seems unnecessary, since they’re so oily to begin with.
The Scots batter-fry Mars bars; there are so many roach bits in chocolate and fry batter that you don’t even have to add roaches. Canny, those Scots.
I’ve always thought of you and Linette as a couple that I hope to one day resemble…
For your own sake, I’d suggest that you try to resemble Linette. It costs a hell of a lot to feed and medicate me, and she’s better looking.