The Gift of a Memory

This year for my birthday my hubby gave me not only gave me the gift of a wonderful evening out but a beautiful memory.  My day started with a phone call from my nieces wishing me a Happy Birthday and can I say that there is nothing quite like hearing little voices loudly shouting a special message through the phone.  My morning was also made complete by a visit from my wonderful neighbor and her son who brought me a delicious pie.  (We are so blessed to have the most wonderful neighbors along our road...it feels like a little family here sometimes.)  And then I got a free drink from Starbucks...a salted caramel hot chocolate truly can warm the soul.  I got to talk with my fabulous mom, got tons of Facebook love from many of my friends and got a few emails from some special people.  But the true icing on the cake came from my soulmate...

...in the form of a evening on the town!  About 2 weeks ago Jamie came to me with some money and said my mission was to find a dress, if I didn't like any in my closet, and purchase whatever accessories I desired to go with because he was going to be taking me out for a nice dinner for my birthday.  I had been looking forward to this evening ever since!  I had no idea where we were going and I didn't care to know.  Finding out that Jamie had to wear a coat and tie...well that was just a clue as to the lengths my husband had decided to go for me.  You have to understand, my husband wasn't always so enthused about the prospects of dress pants, let alone even wearing a tie.  To think that he willingly opted for this just explains how far he is willing to step out of his comfort zone.  (Secretly I think he enjoys dressing to the nines...but please don't let on that I know...I sure don't want this transformation to stop!)  As if he hadn't gone all out already, he presented me with a beautiful necklace he had picked out..."Just something to complete your look"...what a sweetheart.

After getting as dolled up as we possibly could we headed to Charleston Restaurant in Inner Harbor.  Valet parking was also "on the menu" and just added to the flavor of the evening.  Upon entering and giving our reservation, the maitre d' said they were given special instructions to make a big deal about my birthday, and make a big deal they did.  We were escorted to their back room to a table with a view of the harbor.  Not only was the ambiance picture perfect and the food amazing, but we also got to meet Chef, Cindy Wolf, as the menu this evening included bison tenderloin from Gunpowder Bison and Jamie mentioned that he happened to be the farm manager.  She has amazing talent and was so nice!  They made our evening so special with a few compliments from the kitchen throughout our meal.  We got calamari from the chef, wine with our last course from the owner, and a little dessert sampler from the  pastry chef.  It has been an evening I won't soon forget!  I left with a full stomach, a happy heart, and a renewed sense of gratitude for the blessings life provides at the moments I need them most.

To those who helped to make this day a memory I won't soon forget and who showered me with love and friendship, my deepest thanks!  And to Jamie, my handsome hubby, my soulmate and my better half...words cannot express how much I appreciate the planning and hard work you put into making this a truly special day for me.  You are a true gift from God and I'm so blessed to call you mine!  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you....from the deepest part of my soul, I love you!!