Date night

Earl and I went out to dinner yesterday. We usually try to go out every other weekend, but wanted to avoid going out next Saturday (Valentine's Day). This time, we actually thought ahead and made reservations at Legal Seafoods at South Shore Plaza.

I generally hate South Shore Plaza, but Legal's is the exception to the rule. Our table was ready right on time and I barely needed to look at the menu, since the crab cakes had been calling my name all day.

Dinner was wonderful, and our water was refreshing. We noticed the price increase on the wine list, and decided we'd rather have an appetizer (Thai-style calamari) enjoy a glass at home after the fact.

How wonderful it was to be able to eat a meal while it was still hot, and to actually sit the whole time. No kids asking for more milk, or dropping their forks, or needing a washcloth. Just grown-up conversation, which we took for granted before children but have to make an effort for now.

We stopped at Barnes & Noble, where I exercised restraint for myself (with difficulty) and just picked up a birthday present for one of Brian's friends, whose party he is attending today. Earl found his coveted Peterson's Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America. We have an abundance of birds at our feeder this year, and Earl is getting all orinthological on me. I recognize the cardinals and the chickadees, and am happy with that, but he needs to know more.

We came home, poured ourselves a glass of Trader Joe's three-buck chuck chardonnay (we figure it's about $.75/glass) and toasted our night out. A good date, all around.