I think the year was 1986, we lived just north of Seattle in a waterfront town of Edmonds. I was at a large medical center in Seattle, my wife was just starting a position at UW.
Valentine's Day was an occasion I'd never thought of as a Serious Thing, The previous year I'd shrugged it off, with less-than-optimum results. So fine, this year I'd pay attention. Actually my department secretary had reminded me, but that's not important. I gave it some thought, and decided that Something Funny was in order.
On grand rounds I noticed a pallet of boxes, large boxes, bound for the basement where the service departments were located. They were 50 pound boxes of laundry detergent. The proverbial light bulb went off in my misdirected mind. After rounds I asked my secretary if she could find out where they came from, and if I could order one. I sort of remember her shaking her head and saying something about it being a bad idea. "Nah" I said, dismissing her worry "It'll be funny."
It came, I lugged it home and wrapped it with appropriate gift wrapping paper, put a big bow on it, and placed it on the dining room table, next to a dozen roses in a vase.
Now, in my defense, I also had in reserve a real present, a necklace. But I figured it would just be an afterthought, one she'd open while still laughing about the huge wrapped box.
I remember she got home, the oldest daughter, then 11, came out. The wife looked at the package with a big, wondering smile. "Wow! What is that??" She unwrapped it. I remember the disbelieving stares from her and the daughter. You know the kind, the one that says "what on god's earth were you thinking??"
The necklace was quickly presented, but didn't really mollify the situation.
Recently the youngest daughter gave me one of those refrigerator magnets that says "It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time".
