A Quarantine Anniversary

Alan and I celebrated 40 years of marriage this weekend. Quarantine style of course. Those of you in long term relationships know that a canceled vacation is hardly the greatest challenge you’ve faced together, so you simply make amended celebratory plans. Plan B was simpler, which seems to be our norm this past decade anyway. Kaldi's Coffee (after a three month absence), a slow walk along the Missouri River (Alan’s awaiting knee repair), and a picnic dinner with carry out from Sidney Street Cafe (where we celebrated years ago).

May 16, 1980

Plan B was on point until the ominous skies opened as we pulled curbside onto Sidney. God bless the servers dealing with a new food service model AND a thunderstorm, as they maneuvered facemasks, raingear, umbrellas, and bags to accommodate their privileged customers. We took a raincheck on the anniversary picnic.

Plan C included dodging rushing waters while driving around looking for a spot to eat. Did I mention Sam, our stormaphobic dog, was shivering in the car, trying to crawl up into my lap? The food was already getting cold, so we drove home slowly through the storm and Alan set up the picnic he’d packed in the kitchen while I reheated our yummy fare.

40 years later

Paper plates, candles, roses, a clingy dog. Patience and flexibility. Almost everything you need to celebrate 40 years of marriage.