Light snowflakes swirling in the breeze over a valley of slopes, your honey, and friends. Hats and mittens, and lifts and skis on a couples' romantic getaway.

We all met at our house after church, put the equipment into one car, and the rest of us snuggled in the other on our way to the hill. We got there, got set up and hit the slopes together, all smiles and jokes and expectation. Up we go and on down the hills at every speed and style imaginable, but all encouraging and helping each other along the way.

By closing time we were a bit tired and mostly cold, so we warmed up in the chalet, put our gear away, and relaxed to a Mexican dinner in Wabasha, with plenty of happy conversation.

A long, dark, snowy ride home made most of us pretty sleepy, yet we talked into the night, in subdued voices, until, contented and satisfied, we split up at our house and waved goodbye to the homegoers.

Eddy was a sleep, our things were laid out to dry, and the fire was ablaze. Our day was complete. A Valentine's success.

Okay, so I'm kinda being a copycat (lukasvandyke.com) but my brother had a good idea (and can I help it if I'm 1,000 days ahead of him?). His celebrating 120 years of marriage will probably be written off by most as the natural action of a newlywed, but why can't we oldlyweds be just as celebratory?

So, in the spirit of randomness and love, I'm committing to celebrating this day of marriage in the most elaborate and caring way I can on such short notice =)

I hope I can make your day so much brighter and smoother, Danny. Thank you for always being there for me, and for all you provide for our family.

I'll start by doing the dishes...then perhaps make some much-coveted egg bagels (yum!)...
Tonight is a little sketchy because of a possible group nightskiing outing so I'll just play that by ear...There's sure to be some fun on the spur of the moment...

Thank you, Lukas & Suzy, for being so in love and proud of it. You remind me of just how good I have it. And to the rest of you married folks, show some spontaneity and rejoice in the time you have together!

On a day when we were supposed to be traveling back to home and hearth, my husband and I were swept along with a big group of local skiers to Beaver Creek and my first ski of the season. What memories and joys came alive on the slopes that day! Even a mogul covered black diamond could not stop me on that day, and the snow was good and abundant. In a life lacking skis, a whole day at a first rate ski resort is sheer bliss.