Mmmmm…

Good wedding anniversary, if a bit low-key. We went down to the big outlet-type mall across the Illinois border from us and spent the day there, browsing and relaxing. Sort of reminded me of our honeymoon, shopping the outlet stores at Myrtle Beach, only with a lot more screaming from one little man who was in serious need of a nap. The fact that I managed to keep my cool through every one of his many temper tantrums made me feel all the more positive about the day, though it was emotionally expensive. Eric decided that my anniversary present would be a further investment into my increasingly baggy wardrobe (didn’t we just do this? Feh!), so I picked up some shorts, a couple of skirts, and some summery tops at H&M. (Then he kept putting me off about the gift I plan to give to him, so that’s still in the works.)

Today, I went for my morning run and discovered yet another gorgeous little neighborhood near us. It is astounding how in this city, a matter of a few blocks can take you from posh abodes nestled in lush glades into scary areas that get featured regularly in the crime column of the local newspaper for shootings and robberies. When we first moved here and I was still exploring the town, getting lost was a far chancier situation than what I’d left; you simply never knew where you’d wind up. This morning, I wound up discovering a secluded, tree-lined pond amid tall manor houses, cherry blossoms and lilac blooms raining down on my head as I ran. Gorgeous! I wish I was a worthy photographer of that moment…and that I was the sort of runner who didn’t get completely thrown off by the weight of carrying anything, let alone a camera. Oh, well; I wouldn’t have wanted to stop running, anyway, not even for pictures.

After I got home, we walked down the street to see a tiny little Memorial Day parade, and now Eric’s fussing over our new-to-us grill; it must be rather old, since the new tank of gas he got doesn’t fit onto it. We’ll need an adapter, maybe? I know absolutely nothing about any of it, except that it smells lovely when it all comes together. Boy, do I hope it does just that tonight!