THE DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES
Author: Cyndi Crowder
Cyndi has lived in the Quinte region all her life. She co-authored the book “Growing up Quinte” with her father, Jack Evans, and believes firmly in the power of community.
On my old Heintzman piano, there is a tattered Readers Digest Songbook of golden oldies. You may have one stashed away yourself. One of the songs is “The Days of Wine and Roses”, a poignant theme song written by Henry Mancini in 1962 for the movie of the same name. The best way to describe the whole business is melancholy.
I’m aiming for a new perspective! “The days of wine and roses”, is a beautiful phrase. It sounds like a good way to describe February with Valentine’s Day smack in the middle. Flowers should be a necessity in winter. It seems extravagant to buy a bunch of tulips, roses or a small pot of budding hyacinths. But oh, how lovely a sight in the winter’s morning light! How sweet is the scent of spring in their blooms!
We have two flower shops downtown with beautiful bouquets and gifts. My husband Sheldon and I picked up two bunches of tulips (one for me, one for his mom) at Flowers by Dustin. At the other end of town is Barbers Flowers, the “Picky Petal People”. Their orchids are beautiful.
We’ve got the roses down, but what about the wine and a fine meal? There are many great restaurants downtown but for February, I’m focusing on L’Auberge de France with it’s french charm transporting you to France.
L’Auberge has two special dinners for Valentines that you can pick up and bring home to enjoy. Once my husband picked me up to from a ladies retreat. I walked in my door to the table set with candles and a man in my kitchen. Sheldon had hired a personal chef! How nice for a young wife and mother to SIT at her OWN table and enjoy a meal without having to get up for ketchup, milk or whatever. So fellas, pick up a gourmet meal at L’Auberge, get the girl her slippers and sit her down to relax.
Don’t forget the wine! L’Auberge has an amazing imported selection. I want to try them all, but my wallet and liver are against this plan.
Finish off the night with a treat from Sweet Retreat. Their striped yellow awning won my heart, but inside is where the magic happens.
But how do you really make Valentines’ special? You got wine, roses, a great romantic meal. How about something sparkly? Village Gold Works can help you kick things up a notch. Owner Grant has been a goldsmith since 1977. They offer gold and silver trinkets, repairs, custom work and a great supply of vintage jewellery. You may earn a few extra gold stars.
“They are not long, the days of wine and roses: Out of a misty dream Our path emerges for a while, then closes Within a dream” Ernest Dowson (1867-1900)
February is a mere 28 days long. Let’s fill it with wine, roses, love and sparkle.
