In the month of celebrating relationships, we added a new family member!

Joan and I took a short anniversary vacation earlier this month to Solvang, where everyone, it seemed, had dogs. The trip was a lovely way to celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary.

We stayed at a wonderful Airbnb conveniently located in the center of town … right where all the activities and shops were close by. We hiked, walked, shopped, ate, and looked at sites.

And, speaking of dogs, we got lots of doggie loves and licks while we were there, too. That’s when we decided we were ready to adopt a rescue that needed a home.

We wanted an adult female dog, from a shelter, a good traveler, friendly, and compatible with other dogs and children.

And, that’s just what we got.

Joan and I have taken a new step in our relationship. We have adopted an 18-month-old female Australian Kelpie mix named “Eldred”. She is an amazing dog; energetic, loving, smart and house broken. She is a welcome addition to our lives after losing our last dog, Lexi, in early January.

We have found wonderful ways to celebrate the month of relationships. Travel and a new family member.

How about you? What one way could you celebrate your relationship? Could it be to get your Fix-It projects done? Then, we’re just a phone call or email away.

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How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Here’s what it means to us!

Joan and I celebrate our 38th year of marriage today, February 14th. It has been a wonderful journey. We travel well together. That is, once we get in the car and stop bickering about what to pack, where to pack it and who is going to pack it!

We have shared life’s ups and downs; honeymooned on Maui, cruised the Caribbean, and visited my heritage and family homeland, Madeira. It has always been about the journey, not the destination.

The journey of living several places in the Bay Area. The journey of raising a daughter. The journey of swinging a hammer with our grandson. The journey raising furry loved ones.

We have had dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. Yes, we have had a Silva’s Zoo.

I look forward to sharing more amazing adventures with Joan, and what is the next thing we will share together.

Speaking of swinging a hammer with my grandson, I definitely use my years of handyman and electrician skills when we build stuff together. His favorite place, when he comes to visit Papa, is the garage.

Over the years, since he was old enough to hold a hammer, we have used our imagination to build many things. A mini-pool table, a marble race track, a fort, and a golf course … to name a few of the many.

On this day, Valentines day, where I share with you my relationships, are there ways you may want to honor and support your relationships?

Just give us a call if we can help smooth out any pot holes or bumps on your “Honey Do” list? And, make sure your Valentines Day is a happy, loving one.

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