In a couple of weeks time it'll be Valentine's Day. I'll be buying a card and some flowers for my wife, and maybe even a small gift?
I really don't know what to buy; maybe the two things'll suffice? Heck, I'll be second-guessing myself with that one until the day. And afterwards.
The problem is simple: I peaked in 2006.
We found a bona-fide Scottish castle* to spend a couple of nights of romantic whatever-we-used-to-do-before-the-girls-arrived at. A typical utilitarian design externally, set in extensive grounds, with its own lake.
The Honeymoon Suite. You know?
I rang, booked, sat back looking at my wallet. Easy. Girlfriend-as-was was happy.
Then the phone rang.
"Hello Mr Turner, we made a terrible mistake with your booking…"
Me: "?"
"Well, we completely forgot you booked for a stay including Valentine's Day and, unfortunately, the room rate is double for that one night."
Me, hand over phone, looking over at my girlfriend after a brief summary which ended: "Do you still want to go?"
Her: (big doe eyes, soppy smile)
Me, back on the phone: "Are you ready to take my credit card details again?"
"Yes, and can we say how sorry we are for…“
Me: (sighs)
It was worth it.
*Culcreuch Castle, Fintry, Stirlingshire, Scotland.