Monday, January 26, 2009

Weekend Forecast: Sunny and 70

No, not here in Iowa, but in Florida! That's right, this past weekend I found myself in Florida enjoying a few days in the sun and on the beach. It all started Thursday when Steve got home from work and told me I had 5 minutes to grab my 'essential' knitting; put on my shoes and coat and get in the car. I was in the middle of cleaning out a kitchen cupboard, but did as he said.




My next series of 'tasks' involved putting an address into our GPS unit and opening a large bag of almond M&M's to be shared with the driver (Steve). I recognized the addressed as a Minneapolis address but was rather perplexed.... Once we reached our Minneapolis destination (a hotel by the Mall of America) we went out to dinner where Steve handed me two handmade tickets to Florida. He had made all the arrangements for a weekend getaway to the sun. I am not easily surprised, but I did NOT see this coming!!



Friday morning we woke up very early and started our trip to Fort Lauderdale. I cannot tell you how heavenly it was to feel the warmth of the sun and to be able to take off my socks and shoes and enjoy being barefoot!









My toes enjoyed the warmth of the sand....













And the feel of the ocean.....













We spent part of Saturday at Las Olas walking along the beach and going in to a few shops... not many, tho, as I didn't want to give up much time in the sun!!










We even spent a little time just soaking in some rays... I can't say enough how I LOVE to be warm!!











Back at our resort hotel (which was in a western suburb) we had time at the pool and enjoying the peace and quiet of of a stroll along the pond across from a beautiful golf course. We walked barefoot in the grass as well, but forgot to take a picture!!













Everything was perfect. At times it was hard for me to not be 'in control' (I am the detail/organizer/planner of the family) but it was so special to feel so incredibly loved by someone. I am so blessed!















We ate out several times and I got all my favorite foods.... Thai and Chinese; pizza; Chipotles; Mexican and some yummy desserts. Here is some of the gelato that we indulged in at the airport. I tried 3 different kinds.. the Tiramisu was my favorite!!








But all good things must come to an end. Late Sunday morning we began our trip back to the reality of winter and subzero temperatures. But it's all good.. I have the memory (and sunburn) of a wonderful warm weekend and the reminder of the incredible love I have being married to my best friend. That's a inner warmth that no amount of subzero temperature can take away. Thank you Steve for a wonderful wonderful weekend and for loving me!!










Until Next Time.....

16 comments:

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

I am so happy you made it down to our part of the world. Just a few hours in the sunshine in the middle of winter gives hope for spring.

Bonnie O. said...

How sweet! You are truly blessed. I'm glad you got a little R&R!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful surprise weekend. I was thrilled with your pictures of "home" as I'm from one town north, and was often on Lauderdale Beach as a kid. Glad you got such a nice break!

rohanknitter said...

That sounds so fun and exiting!! I can't imagine the shock I'd be in, LOL! Dh has an uncle who will occasionally do something like that for his wife, I've always thought it was the sweetest thing ever!

PatQ said...

That is like a dream come true. I would be happy if my husband just came home and took me out to dinner.

Unknown said...

Way to go Dad! I hadn't heard the details of the trip until now, maybe I should be taking some lessons from you...well, at least I'll take notes on this anyway. And then take notes on that. Notes on my notes, as you always say. I'm already learning from the Master.

Unknown said...

Wow, you are a lucky lady. I haven't been married for a long time, but my ex-husband wouldn't
have even surprised me by taking
me to Mc Donalds. I'm glad you
had a fun time and an escape from
winter.

Byrdy said...

Janice that is so great to hear about this surprise weekend!!! Wow I was shocked to see Florida in your post and thought,"No way, for real?" I'm glad you two had a great time, but the part I really liked was about you learning to sit back and let Steve be the organizer. I should be putting up a new post pretty soon.

SwissKnits! said...

WOW!!!! what a wonderful gift to give and receive!! Time with the one you love best.

Good thing you had your knitting ready to go!! LOL

So happy for you!!

Robin said...

Janice, that is so awesome. I admit I love being married to my best friend too.

Allison said...

WOW!!! I want a husband like that. Sounds like a wonderful time. Three cheers for Steve.

Jolynn said...

What a guy! What a great weekend!!

Jknits said...

I feel warmer just thinking about it! Thanks for sharing your trip.

KSee said...

What a wonderful surprise and how cute on how he planned and carried it out.

monica said...

What a wonderful guy. Glad you enjoyed you sunfilled, warm weekend.

Cheryl said...

Oh so cool and romantic!! You are truly blessed