On the eve of July 2, HG/BSK watched a dramatic sunset in the skies above HG/BSK’s Prince Edward Island home, lifted glasses of good Argentine Malbec and toasted the 53rd anniversary of HG/BSK’s marriage. Lucky duo. Still enjoying life with each other; their rewarding family (the grandkids add new luster), and of course, art, music, food, wine and the other pleasures of life. All savored by the sea on Prince Edward Island and on the high desert near Santa Fe, N.M.. Anniversary dinner was crisp skinned, roast spatchcocked chicken with lush juices enriched by tarragon, garlic, cumin and Goya Adobo. Smashed PEI potatoes (BSK roughly mashes the spuds with chicken broth and chopped green onions.) Green salad. Lebanese Halvah for dessert. Among other things, HG/BSK recalled how inexpensive wine was in 1963 when HG/BSK began their marital journey in a one bedroom (small), high ceilinged, big windowed art studio (very big), kitchen (adequate), bathroom (giant tub) apartment at 27 W. 67th Street (Rent: $140 per month). The building was inhabited by many famous artists, photographers, writers and musicians. There was an ornate, creaky elevator and a dour doorman. With their summer meals, HG/BSK drank good splits of champagne ($1.50) from the convenient 67th Street Liquor store. Drank half bottles of Chateau Margaux or Chateau Mouton Rothschild with the dinner finale of camembert, Liederkranz and Zito’s bread. These world class wines cost about two dollars. Yes, this was in 1963 dollars. But, still… HG/BSK can no longer afford these wines (these days they can only be sipped by oligarchs). No complaints from HG/BSK. The long marrieds make do with lots of love and the tasty wines of Chile, Argentina and Australia.
¡Salud! ¡Buen aniversario!
Thanks, Dave. Miss you guys.