Five years

Every year, we take turns planning our anniversary.  The other person is always surprised.   Martin planned the first one, and it really set the bar high.  It was his turn to plan again, and I have no idea how I am going to top this one!

One good thing about a January anniversary is that, unless you like skiing, it's off-season

 everywhere.  Lots of great deals or extra special touches are available for the off-season shopper!  This weekend, we were the only guests at the Claramount Inn in Picton.  We had a suite, which was both charming and amusing; the king size bed was so large that we needed steps to get into it, but the chairs were so short that we couldn't sit in them without having our knees at our chest.  The tv was hidden in an antique armoire, facing the bed--but it was so low that you couldn't actually see it.  None of that really mattered, since....well, it just didn't matter. 

Picton is a lovely little town in the middle of Prince Edward county,  which in turn is a newer wine growing region in Ontario.  We were quite interested in that, and a good part of our day was spent exploring the area (by car, because as always on our anniversary weekend, it was darned cold).  We came home with a case and a half of wine for our collection, including one that we will save for our anniversary in two years (next year's wine was purchased last year, and this year's wine was purchased last year as well). It's becoming a new tradition, trying to find a wine to put away for a year, so that we are reminded again of the year before.  It is always fascinating to ask the merchants why they picked a particular name for the wine, and this year one of our favorites was from the Grange--a wine called Trumpours Mill.  It was to honour the family who originally held the plot of land. 

We ate very VERY well.  Some of the more memorable things included a cheddar and apple cider soup (local cheddar, local cider!) from the Waring House (Amelia's Garden Dining Room)  and the eggs benedict by which all other eggs benny should be measured.  For breakfast both days, we were the only guests in the little dining room which has a mere ten tables.  We had 'Clara's blend' coffee, and we were served by the wonderful Candace.  For me, the most amazing moment involved salad (and those of you who know me well will realize how improbable that is).  This salad was inspired.  It was savory, and sweet and bitter, and balanced; it was neither overdressed or underdressed, and it was quite simply, perfection.  I actually asked for the recipe.  And I was turned down very politely, but you see, Chef Lili makes her own mustard...required for the dressing.  We spoke to Chef Lili later (because you see, she made breakfast too) and she was explaining about the mustard but she was also kind enough to offer me a few hints in making salad dressing. 

I hope I remember it. 

I can't imagine how I couldn't!  We had the best time!