Albany

Who knew Albany, New York could be so romantic?

Bob and I had made plans to go to Jerusalem Mill in Maryland for a reenactment but it was cancelled due to the ground being saturated. We were disappointed but decided to go ahead with our plans to get together.

We booked a room in Albany through Priceline and met there on Friday after work. We had a nice meal at Smokey Bones where I was able to satisfy my Mojito craving. If you ask Bob, he'll tell you it's more like an obsession. And don't mess with my Mojito. The only true Mojito is one made with a simple sugar solution, rum, seltzer and fresh mint. Please leave all the girly berries and other nonsense out, thankyouverymuch.

We enjoyed sleeping late on Saturday morning, a luxury neither of us indulges very often. While he was in the shower, I surfed the 'net looking for something fun to do. St. Sophia's was having their Annual Greek Festival so I mapquested it and announced our adventure to Bob as soon as he came out of the bathroom. I wasn't sure he'd like it but he was game and we were off!

We stopped for a quick bite to eat at a diner (a roll for me, french toast (of course) for him) and started driving toward the site of the festival. We were early so we scoured the area for garage sales.

Now, what I ever did to deserve a man who enjoys garage sales as much as I I'll never know. We found such treasures! Bob bought me a mink stole for $2. A good one too with heads and tails at both ends! I bought a cheap necklace for myself for fifty cents since I'd forgotten to pack jewelry. I also scored a complete set of good knives for $2.

By this time it was time to head to the church. We lucked out with a parking spot right in front, paid our $2 admission and started looking around. I finally found what I was looking for....food! Gyros, cheap wine and honey soaked fried dough. Mmmmmm!

I got adventurous and tried Metaxa for the first time. The bartender let me taste some and it was pretty good so I ordered it. A little old Greek lady standing next to me said in broken English, "Metaxa?" When I nodded she said, "You drink Metaxa, you don't drive." Yes, ma'am. It turned out to be good advice as I nursed that little cup for the rest of the afternoon.

We watched the dancers for a while and I was very impressed that there were so many young people interested in preserving their heritage. The best part for me was when a little old Greek man dressed in a suit got up to dance with his teenaged granddaughter. He had the time of his life though at times I was worried they'd have to call an ambulance. I have a soft spot for seniors.

We left the festival late in the afternoon and went looking for a WalMart. On our way, we saw the "Big Dog" in downtown Albany. This is a dog that looks just like Nipper from RCA Victor and is perched on top of a building. You can see it from the highway and we pass it all the time. Every time we're apart and pass it, we'll send a text saying, "big dog". In my best whiny voice, I told Bob I wanted a picture of it. Bless his heart, he drove right up to the building so I could get some good shots.

We finally found a KMart where we picked up chips and salsa for dinner. I think we were still full of the honey balls so the thought of going somewhere to eat wasn't very appealing. Upon arriving back at the hotel, we headed to the pool to soak in the hot tub for a while. Bob loves hot tubs but I can only take them for so long. I was happy to keep him company while he enjoyed soaking.

We spent the rest of the night eating chips and salsa and watching HBO. It was so relaxing and fun especially watching a stand-up comic. I have never heard Bob laugh so hard and it did my heart good to witness it. He's been working so hard and this break was just what he needed. It's wonderful that we're so compatible and enjoy just spending time together.

We left the hotel around noon on Sunday and went to Crossgates Mall. I treated him to lunch at Houlihan's where we watched people and talked about our future. I always hate Sundays when we've been together all weekend and Bob knows it. We save all our serious conversations for this time and I start to get quiet and sad knowing we'll be saying goodbye soon. He cheered me up by suggesting we pick out a tie for him to wear to Lindsay's wedding. Off we went to Macy's where we found the perfect tie to complement his suit and my dress.

I'm sure this post sounds boring to a lot of people but it shows how the simple things can bring so much happiness. We didn't need to spend a lot of money or go somewhere special to feel re-connected and re-charged. I know all relationships aren't like that and really feel blessed to be in one.