Dare I sum this up by misquoting "because she's worth it"? Well, she's put up with me long enough, so I reckon I can get away with it. Yes, these were my wedding anniversary present to my dear wife, Lesley.
And, yes, she deserves these and more beyond. 35 years married to me. Need I say more?
OK, it's not stopped me before and it won't now, even at a tender moment like this.
Neither will it stop me venturing near one of my hobby-horses: the protection of our English language, principally from its incipient Americanisation (and, as timely evidence of such, I find myself unsure as to whether I should have spelt that with an S or a Z, but which latter option you may be in no doubt that I pronounce as "zed").
OK, it's not stopped me before and it won't now, even at a tender moment like this.
Neither will it stop me venturing near one of my hobby-horses: the protection of our English language, principally from its incipient Americanisation (and, as timely evidence of such, I find myself unsure as to whether I should have spelt that with an S or a Z, but which latter option you may be in no doubt that I pronounce as "zed").
I profess to holding some (albeit, grudging-) respect for our French cousins over the way that they fight to protect their language (if not during 'le weekend'), and suggest that we should reconsider that we and the Americans are "two peoples separated by a common language". Despite the normal exchange rate, I would be perfectly happy if someone would give me one of our billions of their dollars in exchange for one of their billions of our pounds.
Heck, the differences between us extend down to the very fabrics our societies, as exemplified by the tokens with which we commemorate our matrimonial anniversaries.
For example, while we appear to agree that silver, ruby and gold are given to signify the 25th, 40th and 50th years, I can't help feeling rather superior over our British choice of linen or silk to celebrate the 4th annum. According to Wikipedia, our cousins appear to favour "Appliances (Electrical)" for that event. And isn't it strange how they appear to propose diamonds for not-one-but-several anniversaries ahead of our requirement to achieve 60 years of marital bliss. Do I detect the bejewelled hand of commercialism waving?
So, given all my preceding posturing, when everyone knows that British tradition is for 35 years of marriage to be celebrated with gifts of coral (you did know that, didn't you), how is it that I sided with the US preference for Jade?
Reason 1: Lesley told me to.
Heck, the differences between us extend down to the very fabrics our societies, as exemplified by the tokens with which we commemorate our matrimonial anniversaries.
For example, while we appear to agree that silver, ruby and gold are given to signify the 25th, 40th and 50th years, I can't help feeling rather superior over our British choice of linen or silk to celebrate the 4th annum. According to Wikipedia, our cousins appear to favour "Appliances (Electrical)" for that event. And isn't it strange how they appear to propose diamonds for not-one-but-several anniversaries ahead of our requirement to achieve 60 years of marital bliss. Do I detect the bejewelled hand of commercialism waving?
So, given all my preceding posturing, when everyone knows that British tradition is for 35 years of marriage to be celebrated with gifts of coral (you did know that, didn't you), how is it that I sided with the US preference for Jade?
Reason 1: Lesley told me to.
Sea turtle, just below the water surface.
Reason 2 (and what lay behind her view) stemmed from 10 years earlier: we celebrated our silver wedding anniversary one of the tiniest of islands in the Maldives. And I mean tiny: the coral reef that surrounds the island of Athuruga lies maybe 50 yards off the shore, and it is possible to swim around the whole reef in about an hour. An idyllic place, hosted by the friendliest people, teeming with fish of every shape and shade, and the coral glowing with every colour you could imagine....... so long as you dream in the colour grey.
This was the year after the Indian Ocean was beset by the ravages of El Nino, and only a few isolated creatures survived to hint at the beauty that the colonies of coral once had been.
While our holiday still rates as one of the best we have ever had, the memories of the smitten coral live with us, and so it was that we opted to go with a more environmentally friendly Jade.
Besides, it's a colour that goes brilliantly with gold. I do have quite a few more pieces of jade left if you fancy some. Looks good with silver, too.
This was the year after the Indian Ocean was beset by the ravages of El Nino, and only a few isolated creatures survived to hint at the beauty that the colonies of coral once had been.
While our holiday still rates as one of the best we have ever had, the memories of the smitten coral live with us, and so it was that we opted to go with a more environmentally friendly Jade.
Besides, it's a colour that goes brilliantly with gold. I do have quite a few more pieces of jade left if you fancy some. Looks good with silver, too.
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