It’s about six weeks overdue, but last weekend at the gun show, I bought Verna her anniversary present. It’s a hand carved native American style necklace. Other than the kachina figurine, the stones are all carved into the shapes of animals. She has been looking for something like this for a while. We’re both glad we found the necklace. Click on the image to enlarge.

Several months back (a year maybe?) my digital keyboard gave up the ghost. I have been thinking about a replacement, so I went on-line and ordered this one. It’s a Yamaha 61-key synthesizer. It got very good reviews and was priced around $270 USD including shipping and accessories.

I started playing when I was five years old and I have almost always had a piano or organ, so I sort of missed having one. I’m looking forward to playing this nice new shiny rig.

Click on the image above for a larger view.

The old BBQ finally gave up the ghost a couple of weekends ago. Yesterday, we went to Lowe’s and purchased this replacement. I am in the process of assembling it now. I will be posting about the inaugural cookout sometime soon.

Here’s the specs:

BBQ Grillware model GGPL-2100DW

Grill Width (Inches) - 52.4
Grill Depth (Inches) - 23.0
Grill Height (Inches) - 46.0
Porcelain coated cast iron grate
141 sq. in. warming rack
28 1/2 Lb. burger capacity
Porcelain coated lid
624 sq. in. cooking surface
Electronic ignition
Liquid propane fuel system
5-gallon tank capacity standard
3 stainless burners plus side burner

Verna loves Waterford® Crystal, so I got her these tableware pieces for a Valentine’s Day gift: a crystal butter dish and a pair of crystal salt & pepper shakers. Verna took these photos which I combined into the single picture at the right. Click on the image to enlarge.

I was afraid that Waterford was going to go out of business last year when they went into receivership. Fortunately, the crystal is still produced in several European locations even though the original factory in Waterford, Ireland is no longer in operation. She loves the crystal pieces so much that I would really hate to have seen the supply dry up. Now, I will still be able to get Waterford for her from time to time.

These cute little Swarovski Crystal Penguins showed up just in time for my birthday last Thursday. I just love ‘em - click image to enlarge.

Verna and I were in Tombstone, AZ yesterday and today. While we were there, I was able to finally get Verna’s eleventh anniversary gift. According to the anniversary gemstone list, year eleven calls for turquoise. We found a little boutique near the O.K. Corral in town that had this bracelet, which nicely matches her earrings that I got for her at the same time. Click for bigger.

Happy belated anniversary, Baby. I love you.

When I got up this morning there was a big pink present and a Valentine card on my computer desk. This Waterford® Seahorse™ 10″ crystal bowl was inside. Click on the image to enlarge.

p.s. He gets me Waterford every Valentine’s Day - How Womantic!