Well the grey skies seem to be clearing a bit, literally and figuratively. The sun is out and shining over the lowlands today and all of the windows in the house are open to let in the fresh air.My head cold seems to be getting better and I’m not quite so dependent on the Kleenex box today.

Yesterday, I spent the day with Lady Di in Antwerp and picked up my slides. Despite them being mounted, when I specifically asked for non-mounted (which equals twice the scanning effort, as I can’t batch scan them now) I’m happy to get them and memories of our Tour Daze France are already flooding back. I think our lunch of guacamole and pita chips had medicinal properties as well. Despite the two of us sniffling and moaning yesterday, I’m feeling on the road to recovery today.

Yesterday, for Valentine’s Day, I was a pretty sorry sight though. Our supper ended up being Indian take-out and a movie on the couch but it was just what I needed. My darling husband struck again with a beautiful new Dior perfume and some Limoncello from Milan. I wasn’t expecting anything however, because a few days ago he informed me of my birthday present.

I knew he had taken the week of my birthday off, which frankly was enough of a present for me, and I assumed that we would putter about Belgium a bit. I should have known however, that the king of birthday presents would not be content with that. So, after a few days of dealing with my depression he felt I needed something to look forward to.

Drum roll please…

We’re spending next week at La Benjamine! If you don’t remember, La Benjamine was the fantastic B&B we stayed at with Bill and Helen in Pau. I also realized this morning that this is the first real vacation we’ve taken alone together here that wasn’t work related and is for more than a weekend.

So today I am frantically scanning the slides that I shot there in the fall, to have something to present our hosts with. Just looking at them is making me more excited by the moment.

I’d also just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who commented on my Singing the Blues blog. The support was very much appreciated and it is wonderful to know that I’m not singing a solo. I am so blessed with the family and friends (virtual and non) that I have.