The wife just called.

She says they're lovely. Bright, dark red, almost exactly the same colour as the red Valentine's Day card that came with them. Surrounded by Baby's Breath.

And they were a surprise.

Why else send them a day early?

(Besides the fact that '13' is such a nicer number than '14'?)

The florists phone line was busy when I first tried to call this morning. As was their second line.

A mild irritant, true, but a good thing, when you think about it.

Got a new helper on the phone when I finally got through, not one of the proprietors. Actually had to spell the wife's name, and tell them where she worked. But she sounded quite relieved when I asked if they could be delivered today, rather than tomorrow.

Suspect they will be rather busy tomorrow. Another reason to have them delivered early.

But the wife was quite tickled.

I can imagine the conversations when some of her co-workers get home tonight. That Mrs. Grouse got her roses already.

Which may serve as a last minute reminder to any delinquent spouses out there.

Consider it my public service for the day.