Valentines Day

Valentines Day has become a rip-off par excellence. Dodgy restaurants make great point of special menus at much inflated prices. The special gift shops come up with themed gifts at, again, unrealistic prices. Florists gather long stemmed red roses from around the world and sell them at British Airways prices for an Easy Jet product. We had long resisted the allure of all these special arrangements but one year the guard slipped and I decided we would see just what was so attractive to so many other people.
Reservation at a top hotel was out of the question. We were starting too late and the cost was totally unjustifiable. However, Norma did a lot of looking around and a lesser hostelry was found where accommodation was reserved at not much more than the cost of a small car. Further expenditure ensured that the proper smart and only slightly informal clothing was ready.
The hotel room was all that one could wish. Conveniently situated within the building yet away from likely noise pollution. Discreet lighting in the bedroom but film star dressing room lighting in the very well appointed bathroom. Bath big enough for too. Smelly soap and lotions. Monster super-fluffy towels. The bed was super king-size with proper blankets and not a continental duvet. A large TV screen set up for viewing from the bed.
Pre-dinner drinks were partaken. The service was attentive but not overpowering. The meal was selected at leisure with good advice from the obviously experienced waiter. There was a sommelier to advise on wine to accompany the food we had chosen. All without any rushing or hassle.
Dinner was served in a fine old dining room. The best china and silver cutlery with snow-white and substantial napery. Courses were served at our pace. I called for a pause between the main course and the refresher and this caused no problems. Coffee was taken in another room where a five piece combo played jazzy classics at just the right volume.  Instead of brandy, a fine old Armanjac provided at the correct temperature in a glass of the finest crystal. Petit fours.
Then a good cigar overlooking the floodlit garden before adjournement to the bedroom. I’ll skip the rest.
After a slow drive home I felt totally relaxed. All that money had been well spent. Great value.
However, Norma was looking a little out of sorts. Not as happy as I would have thought.
“Norma dear” I said, “What is the problem?” I asked.
“Oh – just that I would have liked to have been there as well” she said.