Eight years, day two

It was cloudy and grey on our anniversary.  We awoke to ice fog on the lake, and a chill in the room since the fire had gone out.  This was quickly remedied by a hot shower followed by a leisurely coffee in the restaurant.   The continental breakfast that greeted us did so with baskets of croissants and chocolatines-that-had-absolutely-no-calories-or-guilt-attached,  colourful bowls of berries, and plates of salty, sharp or creamy cheeses.  House granola and thick yogurt rounded out the buffet table but we could also order from the menu.  My buckwheat crepes were beautifully presented with a confetti of finely diced fruit salad and a shiny drizzle of honey.  It was a lovely way to begin the day.  We talked about what it was like, 8 years ago:  how people in our church adopted us and made it special, how bitterly cold it had been, how much fun it was to have Amy and Brodie as the flower girl and ring bearer.  We talked too about what we would do to celebrate our 25th and our 50th.  Dreaming, appreciating, loving the moment.

The cabriolet took us to the top of the mountain afterwards, making it easy to poke through stores as we meandered back down.  It was too foggy to go to the summit, but we did enjoy watching the skiers come down in lyrical fashion  (I never had that kind of grace when I tried to ski.  I was the girl who forgot that you're supposed to swerve left, swerve right on the way down.  True to form, I chose the most direct approach straight down the hill, with less than desirable results).

The stores at Mt. Tremblant are expensive, but there are some lovely things to look at.  We however, limited our purchases to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company, where we indulged in chocolate covered strawberries.  Quite accidentally, they have become another anniversary tradition and we took a half dozen to go.

We   I decided that we were going to indulge in one of the spa services that the hotel offers.  We  I chose a couples massage, right in front of our fireplace in the room.   We  I chose the music (The 6 Suites for Solo Cello, Antonio Janigro) and we  I loved every single moment.  There is nothing so wonderful, in our my opinions as a person who really understands muscles and tension, and more importantly, how to relieve them.  We I gave in and relaxed as many muscles as would give their permission. ***

Afterwards we sat in front of the fire, each of us reading.  There is something comforting about experiencing each other's quiet and being okay with  it.

Every year for our anniversary we enjoy a tasting menu so of course we knew that there was a great meal to look forward to.   We were surprised however to be taken through the kitchen into a small round room. Our dinner was going to be completely private, lit by candles in each of the windows while we looked out on snowy paths warmed by lanterns and white lit trees.  We listened to familiar jazz melodies sung beautifully in French, and our meal was delightful.  We started with stuffed mushrooms, a salmon tartar sushi-style roll, and a perfect scallop with the most whimsical presentation.  It was followed with a barley risotto, then grilled fish on grilled salad.  The dessert was a Neapolitan Trio:  mini chocolate lava cake, strawberry sorbet, a white chocolate stick and a smear of caramel.

It was a quiet day.  I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.


***it is entirely possible that HE did not enjoy it as much as SHE did.