34 Years

October 20, 1990.  That's when Tricia and I were married in Corpus Christi, Texas.  It's been a long time.  My wife happened to be out of town on the day of our anniversary as she was visiting her Mom in Corpus Christi and her brother who is in the hospital in Houston.  We agreed to celebrate the day after.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  Blue skies, brilliant sunshine, crisp air with almost no humidity - a rarity in our locale.

We are creatures of habit, so we decided to do what we've done for the past 3 years.  It's simple, but enjoyable, and in these inflationary times, affordable.  After my work was done, we drove from Jennings to Lafayette at around 3pm.  There's a grocery store there that we like called, The Fresh Market.  We get a little shopping cart and push it around looking at all of the gourmet food items.

The store markets their specialty items well, and you are hard pressed to not throw everything in your basket.  Our goal was to put together a nice picnic basket with some items that looked good.  We got some Olipop Soft Drinks, strawberry vanilla and orange squeeze and a non-alcoholic Ginger Beer from Australia.  For appetizers we got shrimp cocktail and a container of Kalamata olives, feta cheese and marinated artichoke hearts.

We each got a bistro meal with sides and for dessert, a chocolate tuxedo napolean.  We spread out the picnic blankets, kicked off our shoes, asked a blessing on the food, made a toast and enjoyed the afternoon.  So good!  All of it.

We made our way to Girard Park.  It's next to the campus of University of Louisiana.  Cypress trees line the edge of ponds and people walked on walking trails.  We settled in the St. Augustine grass under a live oak tree.

We exchanged cards to each other and talked about lots of things, taking a long time to eat and enjoy the food, the weather and the time with one another.  Many times we rush through meals, but not today.

We talked about plans and goals and life in general.  We counted our blessings, thankful for what the Good Lord has given us.

We were so full when we finished eating!  We probably should have brought half the Napoleon home rather than finishing it off!

At last, knowing there were eggs to gather, chickens to put up, goats to feed, and a cow to milk waiting for us, we packed up and headed home.  What a nice day!