I'm glad you all got a chuckle out of CBH's horoscope for my darling Mr. Wonderful. I won't be checking Hisanus for any events, so we'll all have to go on my reports here to see if any of this comes true!
Well, I'm off to do dishes and tidy up the place here, but want to post now about our birthday dinner with Hisanus (oh, I mean Mr. Wonderful).
I got home and he was sitting at the computer (well, actually, a toned down version of Bob Barker showed up with me). My enthusiastic greeting was met with equal enthusiasm from my girls and nearly the same level of excitement from Mr. W. He announced clearly and happily that he was waiting for me to get home because he was hungry.
I asked if he had a few minutes to open up the bag of presents and card first, and he said yes. So we all sat down at the table while he did the honors. Mer, he laughed really hard at my stupid card... this was a good sign.
To all who have survived my gift dilemma, it was resolved in Motor City. You see, my guy is a 1950's car buff. We own a 1951 Studebaker Champion, which is in dire need of restoration.
I bought him a Studebaker service sign, and to say he was THRILLED was a gross understatement. I haven't seen such an effusive display of gratitude and happiness from him since the day I married him (and to all who want to know, he was madly in love with me then and beaming like a ray of sunshine then...).
Next was the classic cars book. Also met with wonder and amazement. (He was truly amazed that I had picked something he would love so much!) Well, geez, I've been married to him for almost 14 years, and I have not rewritten history or forgotten what he loves.
Last was the Model T tie, which he smiled and said he liked, though being a former GM subsidiary, didn't think would go over real well at work. He can wear it to DC comfortably and without repercussion.
Off we went to the restaurant--everyone was upbeat and chatty. Oh, he was wearing the faux suede shirt I bought him for Christmas--and he commented tonight how much he loves it.
Before dinner arrived, I decided to drop a one liner--in the vein of the old crazymaker Betsey but with a new twist. It was a complete 180 for me, and a true 180 over my entire 13+ year marriage to this guy.
He had just taken a sip of his cabernet when I announced that I thought he should keep the Studebaker rather than sell it to Gary's brother. He nearly spit, gasping loudly and saying, "Are you crazy? When the hell would I find time to work on it?"
I indicated that maybe we could juggle some of the vehicles or boat around so it could come back to the garage so he could work on it. He stared at me, making me feel as if I had grown 2 antlers... and I just sat there like an idiot with a smile. I told him it sounded like a worthwhile project and some fun.
I will tell you that this car has been a source of irritation for me since Day 1. When he first gave me my ring, he announced that he could have restored the car with what he paid for the diamond. I have never taken that well... so the car has been a sort of bone of contention between us.
Two months ago, he announced to me that he would probably never find time to work on it and that he was planning on selling it to Gary's brother as soon as he got the money together.
We'll see what happens as he thinks this one through.
Dinner was good--very upbeat and pre-separation normal with a happy twist. The waitress was from Scotland, and we ended up chatting with her about that and having a couple laughs. Then she brought out cake for all of us to share (D6 had most of it, though).
He asked about my trip, asking interested questions and seemed to be genuinely happy to hear about our trip to the Ford museum and all the other tidbits.
He came inside to pick up his mail (all cards from my side of the family) and was giving D9 a hug when I walked right over and jammed myself in his arms... letting him hug me tight... when I gave him a great big smooch on his cheek.
D9 was shocked and he seemed happy. We all wished him a happy birthday again and he said he'd see us tomorrow morning. He took out the trash on his way out the door...
Tomorrow is his actual birthday, so I'm afraid that Bob is going to have to make an appearance tomorrow morning (before coffee... UGH) and give another effusive display of birthday recognition.
Boy, is this one different than last year!
Before I forget, I did read HB's thread on the 6 stages of MLC. Don't know why I didn't see it before, but it was extremely informative. I believe that Mr. Wonderful is in Stage 5 (withdrawal), which explains quite a bit.
That's it from Bob's Denver HQ.
Fish sober still, and have got to keep swimming.
Betsey
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
I won't be checking Hisanus for any events, so we'll all have to go on my reports here to see if any of this comes true! 
