Escape to Block Island

I knew that this blog would come in handy when I really needed a procrastination tool!!! The house is full of bags of dirty clothes, toys, shoes, all of the remains of being gone for four days. Josh and I just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with a trip...without the kids. We went to Hartford, CT for one night and the free Ozzfest, then took the ferry from Point Judith, RI out 14 miles to Block Island. No kids, no cars, no stress. As we pulled out of the driveway, saying goodbye to the kids I couldn't help but ask the identity of the man sitting next to me. "Oh, Josh" I said, "nice to meet you. If my kids knew I was alone with you, they would be furious." I have to admit that I, at times, missed them terribly. Although there were moments, for example while waiting for the ferry, that we watched parents wrestling in argument with little people...stress barely hidden on their faces as they tried to have a fun family outing. I felt a little guilty...just a very little.

I'll spare all of the details of how we spoiled ourselves rotten. I do however have to talk about the many layers of deception that my wonderful husband contrived around this trip. Our first day on the island there was a concert at our hotel, (George Thorogood and the Destroyers...ie Bad to the Bone). The plan was to go back to the room and change for dinner, but as the show was coming to a close I suggested heading straight down for dinner to beat the crowds. When we get to the restaurant Josh squeamishly says he's in need of a bathroom. So I am abandoned at the table for almost fifteen minutes. I ordered drinks, wondered if he was okay, and watched the boats in the harbor. Finally he returned, beads of sweat all over. He said that some guy who didn't speak very good english (none of the staff on the island did) sent him across the street and down to the public restrooms. I bought it hook, line and sinker. Now that he had finally returned I could attend to myself and excused myself to the bathrooms just inside the door. When I returned we ordered our meals and talked for a few minutes, when the Host came over and put a little package and card on the table. I asked him what it was and he smiled and told me he found it on the floor. Then I saw the writing on the card and knew I had been duped. It is the most beautiful necklace I've ever had. He had sprinted the half mile, uphill back the the hotel, begged a room key from the front desk woman and ran all the way back...because he couldn't wait any longer. For the rest of our trip he kept remembering other things he had to do to keep the secret, like "forgetting" his wallet in the car, and praying that the kids hadn't given him up, since they were with him when he bought it. The list is long, but I love him for it, even though he made me cry in public and I hate that. :)

We had a wonderful time, as did the kids I'm sure. I have to extend a huge thank you to both my Mom and Josh's Mom for babysitting...now they need a vacation. My mom also deserves a huge congratulations on passing her RN boards!!! I knew you could do it.