Year 2, Day 279 (Looking Forward To Moving)

I delivered this morning in Conklin, NY, which is just south of Binghamton, with one of those dreaded early morning appointments. This next load has me picking up in Allentown, PA and delivering in Robert, LA for Sunday. After the wonderful weekend that Tikvah and I had in Eureka Springs, AR, we are currently looking at homes in that area. We were completely taken by the culture of that area. Ironically enough, the owner/manager of Lookout Lodge (where we stayed for the weekend) just happens to be a licensed realtor. I am also seriously looking at a career change. After much consideration, I may get back to being a DJ. Though I'm in the planning stage, part of which also includes seeking out some financial backers (the equipment will be a bit pricey). It, more than likely, will start off as a side project, but I'm hoping it will take off as a full time job. Should that come to fruition, I'll be able to leave truck driving altogether.

Well, these are my dreams, my musings. Now it's time for a Starbucks run, to get my "designer coffee" - a grande triple Marble Mocha Machiatto.

Year 2, Day 277 (The Anniversary Weekend Getaway, Part 2)

During our getaway in Eureka Springs, AR, Tikvah and I did a little more sightseeing before we made our way back home. One of the things we paid a visit to was the Crescent Hotel. Built in 1886, it is often known as the most haunted hotel in America, and was even featured on Ghost Hunters. Sometime in the 30's, a doctor had converted it into a hospital and ran it as such for about 3 years. It turns out that it was, basically, just about the money for that doctor. From what the conciergé told me, over the course of that 3 years, there were over 400 people that had died in that hospital.

They have an old pipe organ in the main lobby (and I, like the idiot I can be at times, forgot to take a photo of it) which was originally built to be installed in the Titanic, but the organ wasn't completed in time for the voyage. Also interesting to note is that in December of last year - during their slow "off season" period, they had town out the elevator and have a new one put in, just in time for the "on season". A week after the elevator was torn out, they started getting rooms booked for the weekends... and have been up to 10 rooms shy of full occupancy every weekend since. Needless to say, the new elevator has not been put in yet. The Crescent has daily ghost tours, but if you want to "go solo", you are free to wander throughout the hotel... but the areas that have the signs Registered Guests Only are off limits.

On 31 October of this year, they are hosted a first ever seance (if you're into that) in an attempt to "contact" Harry Houdini.

Year 2, Day 276 (The Anniversary Weekend Getaway, Part 1)

The weekend that Tikvah and I spent in Eureka Springs, AR was absolutely fabulous! We arrived at our motel Friday night, staying at Lookout Lodge. The lodging was quaint and the hospitality we received from the owners was superb. In fact, this is what our room looked like:

and of course we had an excellent view the next morning, right outside our door:

Of course, that Friday evening, we celebrated 20 years in style, with a bottle of Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon that Tikvah had picked up just for the occasion.

What was fantastic about Lookout Lodge was that any issues or problems that may have arose were quickly addressed and rectified. As part of the Always And Forever package I had gotten with the room, we had a voucher for one of the local restaurants, and the best word I can use for our dinner at Ermilio's (we had opted for Italian) was orgasmic. They are only open from 1700-2100 - and there will, more than likely, be a wait - but it is so worth it! The next pictures are of what Tikvah and I ordered, Fettuccini Alfredo and Fettuccini with Garlic & Olive Oil Sauce, respectively.

The thing I had noticed about Eureka Springs is that it maintains a small-town appeal, while still having enough commerce to attract the tourists, with a little San Francisco feel to it. A very artsy atmosphere is also added to the mix. It was like no other place in Arkansas we had ever been to. It had such an allure to it that Tikvah and I are seriously considering moving there instead of California.

There was also a vast array of different food without getting too outrageous. The local restaurant where we ate breakfast Sunday morning, aptly named Local Flavor Café. I had ordered an Eggs Benedict, was is an english muffin with Canadian bacon, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. The difference with the Local Flavor is they offer different options. Instead of Canadian bacon (or ham), you can choose sausage, bacon, filet migńon, or smoked salmon (I chose the salmon). Tikvah is not a big fan of fish, be she took a bite of it and liked it... really liked it; Tikvah had chosen the Quiche for her selection. So, needless to say, we were very pleased with our trip. We plan on spending a week there next year to get a feel for it off season. This was a fantastic weekend. Tomorrow's post will be about the Crescent Hotel (which is haunted) in Eureka Springs.

Year 2, Day 271 (20th Anniversary)

Today, my wife, Tikvah, and I celebrate 20 years of marriage. Though I could ramble on, I'll instead dedicate this post - in the form of a letter - to my wife:

My Tikvah,

We have had a lot of ups and downs over the past 20 years... I don't regret any of the downs, because through each of them, we have only grown closer together. I've enjoyed all of the ups, because it taught us that we were doing something right. Through each of the experiences we have shared, I would think that things could not get any better, only to be surprised with the next experience. We have laughed together, we had cried together, but through it all... it was together. Before we met, we had each sworn off getting involved in relationships (as we had both, as we were to learn, had been burned). The day we met quickly changed that outlook. I do believe in love at first sight, because you've proven that it's possible. Over the years we have become more than just husband and wife, we became "bestest" friends... something I wouldn't change for the world. I love your smile, your laugh, your eyes, your breath, your touch... and your silliness. I am still perplexed as to how you have put up with me all this time, but you did. Most importantly, in a time of fragmented, even dysfunctional, families, we have set a good example for our sons... but I couldn't have done that without you. You are my love and my life, my purpose for being, and a great companion and soulmate from HaShem Himself. My admiration and adoration for you continues to grow each day. I can still remember the day we met, and I cherish each day with you since. We have raised 4 great sons and soon, we will have an empty nest. Imagine the adventures we will have in that next chapter. I am very blessed and honored to have you as my wife! I love you, my Tikvah!

Year 2, Day 241 (One Month Until 20)

On this day next month, my wife, Tikvah, and I will be celebrating 20 years of marriage. In this day and age, that is a big accomplishment, considering there are many marriages that don't survive 20 months. We've had a lot of ups and downs, as many relationships do, but the most important thing that we've had that had given us a strong bond is by putting G-d in the center of our marriage. It was He that brought us together. It was He that has prevented us from a divorce we were facing many years ago. It was He that has strengthened our love, companionship, and respect for one another.

I have already planned a little romantic getaway for that weekend, of which I will be home the day before our anniversary. We will stay at a quaint little place in Eureka Springs, AR, though I have a few surprises lined up for her that she doesn't know about yet. We really haven't had a little getaway in quite some time, so I'm looking forward to this... as is she.

Just last week we were talking about the upcoming milestone. I asked her how she has put up with me for so long. Naturally she replied that I'm not that difficult to live with, and she, at times, can have her moments (though I've yet to see them). Pressing a little more, I asked her how she's put up with me all this time.

"I really don't know."

"Has the wine been any help?"

"A little."

Yeah, we have a really good relationship (no sarcasm intended).