Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Valentine's Day Revisited

Last Friday was not only Valentine's Day ... it was our 38th wedding anniversary   : )   John & I exchanged gifts, then went to Lexington where we had a luscious meal at Red Lobster ending with a visit to the Half-Price Book Store near Fayette Mall.  I know what you're thinking ... a visit to the Half-Price Book Store on your anniversary?  Well, they were celebrating their 1-year anniversary being open at that location. The first 100 people through the doors would receive a tote bag containing a few goodies with 99 of those bags containing a $5.00 gift card & one bag containing a $100 gift card. John said that he'd like to stop by so that each of us would get a $5 gift card & this would give him $10 toward a future purchase. I jokingly told him that would be fine with me but it would be part of his present   : )

When we arrived at the store about half an hour before it opened, there was one couple standing in line & several cars in the parking lot.  We joined the line about 5 minutes before opening time.  We were either the 5th & 6th or the 6th & 7th people in line.  They opened the doors & started handing out the tote bags.  I took mine from a girl that had been handing them out on the right side of the door.  Another girl came up on the left side as John came in & he took a bag from her.  I opened my bag & found my $5 gift card, but when John opened his bag, he found this!      

He couldn't believe it!  He went to the manager who gave him his gift card & they took his picture to place in the store   : )
It's quite amazing really.  We never thought for a second that either of us would get the special card!  I was glad that John got it. He was thrilled!  Of course I would have given him the card if it had been in my bag   : )

It's hard to believe that we have been married for 38 years, & we knew each other for 8 years before that!  We met in high school when I was 14 & John was 15.  Time sure passes by quickly.  Who knew that day we met that we would spend all these years together   : ) 

31 comments:

Karen said...

Congratulations on your anniversary!

I love Half Price Books!

Robin said...

I think it was a perfect way to spend your anniversary. All those years together are the sum of a lot of ordinary days enjoying each other and doing things together. Congrats on being the big winner. (PS you need to add a year to your profile making it 38 instead of 37.)

Tricia T said...

Oh, that's FANTASTIC! Congrats! :) Happy Anniversary!!

jennifer768 said...

Happy Anniversary to a wonderful couple!! May you have many,many more years together.Congrats to John on winning the big gift card! I think it is so cool for it to happen on such a special day.Be blessed,Jen

Robin in Virginia said...

Happy belated Anniversary wishes to you and John, Shirlee! May you celebrate many many more! It sounds like you had a fabulous day out.

Robin in Virginia

CalamityJr said...

Happy belated anniversary. How wonderful that John won the best prize - and I don't mean the gift certificate! :). Congratulations on your many love filled years.

Pam in IL said...

Happy Anniversary!! Sounds like you & John had a nice celebration.

Sarah in Stitches said...

That's such a great story! I'm so glad he won the $100 gift certificate. :d

Ele said...

Wow! That's fantastic!
Congratulations for you anniversary and the special card. It means such a lot of books... what a wonderful gift!! :)

gracie said...

Wow.... how wonderful that John got the winning bag. More wonderful is your many years together...Happy Anniversary.

Mii Stitch said...

Well this made your day even more special! :)

P.J. said...

Happy Anniversary!!! A life time together...that is very special!!
And Congrats to John on his special prize....that's a lot of half price books. :)

Peggy Lee said...

WOW! That's awesome! I think I've seen that book store the few times I've been in that area but never went in. And how wonderful he won it on your anniversary!
Sounds like you had a great time together. Your marriage is a rare thing these days. It's heartwarming to hear of high school sweethearts still so much in love.

Marilyn said...

Happy belated Valentines Day and Anniversary!!!
What a great surprise you both received. Congrats!
Marilyn

Barb said...

Congratulations Shirlee to you and John.Also on Johns win,one can never have too many books.
I know how you feel about all those years ,Martin and I are coming up to 47 argh when did that happen .
Take care and enjoy the happiness.

Trace4J said...

Happy Anniversary!!
How wonderful for John.
Woolie Blessings

Sally said...

Happy Wedding Anniversary to you both! Congratulations to John :)

Vickie said...

When I read your story I thought, "No way!!" So cool! I am so happy the two of you enjoyed your special day. Happy Anniversary! I hope and pray you are blessed with many, many more.♥

Chris said...

Happy Anniversary to you and John! How cool that he won the big prize :)

Natasha said...

Wow that is really neat! And Happy Anniversary. So glad you spent your anniversary doing something that yall enjoyed :)

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Now that's a cool Valentine's/Anniversary story! I'm so glad one of you got the big prize. I can only imagine all the fun you will have picking out books now!

Kathy L. said...

How cool was that. I love books and bookstores (never enough time to read). Congratulations on your anniversary.

Kathy L.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Well WHOO HOO!!!
And a belated Happy Anniversary :)

Maggee said...

What a great story! And I have already said he is a Keeper!! What fun to have that much to spend in a store that is half priced already! Hugs!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Yay! I am so glad your Husband won the card. Awesome.

Sounds like you had a lovely day.

I think it's wonderful that you have been together since you were teenagers.

Wishing you a lovely day sweet friend.

Anne said...

HAppy Anniversary Shirlee! That's amazing that he won the gift card!! What a perfect prize for him. I can't believe that you too have been together since you were in your teens!! How adorable is that?!! Hugs and prayers...Anne

Shebafudge said...

Happy belated anniversary!!! 38 years is a massive achievement these days! Here is to the next 38 year xx

Oh and congratulations to John on winning the biggie! What a lovely treat.xx

Simply Victoria said...

What a very special surprise for John on your special day! Was it "love at first sight" for you at 14? ; )

Julie said...

Happy Anniversary!
Congrats on your fabulous win.

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Happy Anniversary! I like to collect themes for the years that do not have one already (so 35 was Coral and 40 is Ruby but there is nothing in the middle) so now 38 is the Half Price Book Voucher Anniversary. I look forward to celebrating mine in 30 years time LOL.

Catherine said...

How fun!