things we do together. . .

Almost a year ago my family gave me this lovely blue bicycle. The boys were working at a bike shop and it seemed like the perfect time to purchase one. . .if I really wanted one.

Hmmm, yes. . .a bicycle would be fun! Perhaps my response sounded tentative- John asked me privately, "So, do you really want a bicycle?" I thought hard about this, weighing the options. . . bicycle or KitchenAide mixer? bicycle or . . . .? And ultimately I concluded that indeed, a bicycle is a great choice, especially if I'm going to keep up with this man in the afternoon of our life together.

So, it's a beautiful bicycle-I wear a pink bicycle helmet and capris with a padded seat, Imagine that! My favorite place to ride with John is along the misson trail, bordering the river not far from home; it's an 8-10 mile ride, just about my limit. I can sense John's anticipation when I agree to his suggestion, "Want to go on a bike ride with me this afternoon?" And then I'm amused as he rides beside me and counts how many zealous cyclists speed past us-

So, recently John purchased an accessory for my bicycle, a Toto basket-while my husband bikes long and hard just to do it, he's learned that I prefer my bike route to have a destination. Now I can ride to the neighborhood bread shop and bring home pan dulce in my basket, and soon perhaps even to the knitting shop. . . .

Due to a variety of circumstances, my beautiful bicycle has been propped in the study for about a month, collecting cobwebs in the wheels. However, this is a good week to suggest a bike ride with John, for our anniversary. . .perhaps early Saturday morning we'll bike downtown to the Gunther House restaurant for anniversary breakfast. . .I know he'll order pecan pancakes, eggs and bacon; I'll enjoy coffee and tart cherry strudel and we'll remember 37 good years together.