Around the turn of this century, my husband began a delightful tradition - taking me to some mystery location for my birthday. Not exotic, faraway places, but places nearby. And just for an afternoon, dinner, overnight and home. Each is etched clearly on my heart.
In the last several years, the tradition gave way to other events around my day and we sorta forgot. This year he suggested its revival. The result was a 24-hour period that sparkled with delight!
At 11:00 a.m. Saturday we left Reston. At 11:00 a.m. Sunday we pulled into our home parking spaces. Between.....ah. We headed toward Leesburg for lunch at a funky little place called The Wine Kitchen and were greeted at the door by one of his college colleagues who helps run the place. Lunch amid an ecclectic group of Leesburg residents included a fabulous glass of Domaine de l'Hermoniere sauvignon blanc paired with a savory citrus red beet/goat cheese/arugula salad. Heavenly pot de creme and espresso for dessert. Then a bit of antiquing and early Christmas stocking stuffer shopping and back in car.
With much circuitous driving around, pulling into various hotels, turning around, etc. etc., we finally pulled up to our Marriott destination in Herndon. A rosemary lamb dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant and the coup de grace, after-dinner drinks across the street at Russia House, a charming old-world restaurant that we had never visited before. The cinnamon liquer was the perfect.
Next morning, breakfast and 10 minutes to home. As we drove into our street Frank Sinatra crooned "Love Me Tender" - talk about finishing touches! It was all perfect down to the salmon rose and box of Chesapeake chocolates on my pillow.
Cheers to birthdays and husbands who know a thing or two about the way to a person's heart.
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