RED, RED ROSES

My DH surprised me today, arriving home this afternoon with a dozen red roses. I am totally thrilled. This because my next birthday is arriving in a few days and he is getting an early start.
Of course this mean getting into "Flower Arranger" mode, rinsing out a vase, getting room temperature water and beginning to trim the stems.
What, you might ask am I doing trimming long stem roses? Well to be blunt about it, the more you peel the stems and pull off the leaves the longer the roses will last. This due to the fact that leaves will absorb most of the water (like thirsty sponges), leaving the blooms to wither and die. As taught by my dear friend HJ, who once worked after school for a florist, trim the leaves, shave the thorns and clip the stems to reveal a fresh cut. The original cuts have dried, congealed at the end, blocking the much needed water from flowing to the blossom. I find that the kitchen scissors and a OXO-vegetable-peeler are the best tools for this job, leaving the stems raw and ready for the water.
You may pour in that packet of "flower freshener" that the florist sticks in the bundle but it probably will not make much difference. Mostly sugar you will get the same bang from a half-cup of a clear soft-soda. With the stems freshly peeled and the water ready begin to arrange in a tall vase; this one is about two-thirds full of clear, glass marbles (available at craft stores). While holding the stems in place it also displaces a considerable amount of liquid, so you must top off the water each day. Or better yet, by the third day replace with fresh water entirely. These roses should last more than a week. As a result our dining table tonight will be adorned with a lush array of red roses. Reminding me that even if I have to get a year older, my life is filled with much love.

The other item of news is the letter, yes "THE" letter arrived from the CCRC* accepting us onto the "Ready List," for an upcoming residence. DH also called and found that our acceptance contract is 'in the mail,' and will be needed next week when commitment calls will be made - in order of list ranking - to find acceptance for the 'Phase V' development. Yes we have a floor plan selected, lot preferences picked and site orientation and.... we're ready! Of course we have to start clearing out this house and calling Realtors and getting estimates and try to sell this house before we go anywhere but the wheels are in motion.

DH is relieved. I feel bittersweet sadness. I know life will be more relaxed in a care-community but I love this house and I did not want to leave so soon. Face it, the time for acceptance is here, we are moving on. The next phase of retirement is upon us and life goes on, one way or another.
Let's get moving!
The roses were a nice gesture from DH, he knows I am deeply rooted in this house but he wants me to share his remaining years. With more roses in my future I can see better days ahead. What a perfect ending to the day.
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*Continuing Care Retirement Community