The Yeti and I had a busy life working, raising kids and navigating a long distance relationship.  Our time together was always so precious and sometimes, it was difficult to get together!

Occasionally, we were able to make arrangements for our children, and spend special time away with each other. The Yeti was more of a “fly by the seat of your pants” kind of guy, so the planning was left to me.  After we checked our respective schedules, we would plan our time away.  I would book our tickets and hotel rooms, make dinner reservations and get ready for our date!

As a rule, we were careful to manage our money, budgeting to cover the usual expenses as everyone does. There  usually was little leftover for extravagances.  Together, we decided this special date was a time not to pinch pennies  With this in mind and money being no object,  and we made our weekends away extra special.  Decidedly ignoring the expense of it all, we dubbed it our Million Dollar Date!

This special date weekend usually included a trip to “the city”, a concert, dressing up and dining at exquisite restaurants. During the day, we would take advantage of local attractions and play tourist for a few hours.  We cherished each minute of these special getaways, and made memories to last a life time.

These dates were all about memory making.  Navigating the downtown core on foot, there was always a special little hidden away shop or pub that would have been missed if we were in a hurry or in a car.  Together, we loved to experience new sights, sounds and flavours!

Some of my favourite memories with the Yeti on our million dollar dates were when we visited the Muttart Conservatory, the Telus World of Science and when we took in the Matisse exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

How wonderful to watch him marvel at the artwork with such an appreciation and study the displays at the world of science with such inquisitiveness. He loved to read and absorb all that the exhibits were teaching him.  It was as if every moment was an opportunity for education. Just imagine the discussion we had as we guessed about how Henri Matisse convinced those French ladies to pose for him!

During those times, we experienced the best dates two people could have.  I remember us together, as we relaxed while taking in the view of the river valley. Trying new cocktails in the hotel lounge, we just enjoyed each others presence. Our conversation in those moments was so light with no expectations, no pressure, no disagreements.   Just simple and uncomplicated,  dotted with laughter and smiles.

Take the trip, see the concert, spend the money.  The memories that you make with your loved one will be priceless in the end.

We aptly named it “The Million Dollar Date”, because now, in my mind and my heart, those moments that live on are worth much more than a million dollars.  I am so grateful for those days, for they were some of the best days of my life.