Friends, horses and chocolate

Hubby asked what Simone would like for her anniversary and she told him it might be fun if they went to a fancy dinner with some friends. Wish granted but first, hubby had some surprises in stock: he'd bought some (near the) front row tickets to Cavalia, the horse show spectaculaire. The athletic prouesse of the riders and performers took Simone's breath away and the scene changes were nothing short of amazing. Hubby took a particular liking to the music and enjoyed watching the musicians perform live in a glassed-in alcove over and to the side of the stage. And while the heat that day reached close to unbearable outside, it felt cool under the big top. Following the show, they toured the stables, chatted with the help and even posed close to some of the horses that took part in the show. Ensuite? Dinner! The party of four went to Ruby Watchco in downtown Toronto and feasted on a splendid meal, liberally arrosé with several libations. The only sad note? No chocolate dessert on the menu that night. No problem, said Simone's hubby. And he drove them to the Distillery district where they gleefully approached Soma, the chocolate factory. Unfortunately, that Soma location did not open on weekends. Simone stood at the doorway, inhaling the heady scent of chocolate that wafted through the crack between the locked doors. They all headed back into the car and hubby, the miracle worker, consulted the internet on his phone before driving to another Soma location. They rushed out of the car - the store was scheduled to close its doors in mere minutes. Aaaah! They made it! The ride north felt quieter. Much quieter. Likely the combination of alcohol and chocolate had a lot to do with it: Simone fell asleep five minutes into the ride and didn't wake up until the car pulled off the highway a few moments away from home...