Death, Taxes and "Just Because" Flowers

You know the old saying that nothing is certain except death and taxes?  With all due respect to Mr. Franklin, I think he overlooked a few things.  For me, thankfully there ARE a few more certainties  in life.  Happily, they come in the form of some simple pleasures that never, ever fail to bring a smile to my face.  I was reminded of this today when I arrived home to my flat to find one of my favorite surprises of all waiting on my doorstep:  A fabulous bouquet of "just because" flowers.

The simple power of "just because" flowers is exactly that--they are not meant to extricate a loved one from the doghouse, nor given as a formality or in repayment for a good deed.  They are simply "because." And thus, they are the most rare of all.  (Guys--take note!)  Needless to say, my day was totally made.

In the interest of full disclosure, however, I feel the need to add that it is entirely possible they MAY have also come as a replacement to this:

Now I realize that the photography above is bad, the exposure quite poor, yadda yadda...but let's just be honest. This is hands down the ugliest bouquet of flowers to have ever entered our home. To have ever entered ANYONE'S home...

I would feel bad saying so if my husband didn't completely agree, and I still laugh every time I see them on the table reminding me of the somewhat confused conversation that surrounded his presentation of such a bouquet:

D: (while assembling the bizarre assortment of flowers above): "I got you these 4th of July flowers because it's July 4th."

M: (trying to stifle confused laughter) "Wow...thanks.  Did you pick these out yourself?  I mean, on purpose?" 

D: "Yep! I know the combination is pretty horrible, and you hate red roses.  But I had to buy them for you anyway." 

M:  "Um, sure.  But you DO know that giving your wife flowers is not a standard requirement for observing Independence Day, right?"

D:  "I know, but I still had to buy them." 

M: ???

D: "Because I really did look everywhere, and I'm sorry, but I just couldn't find an American flag to get you." 

So yeah, this pretty much confirms we will be having a "Holiday Traditions 101" crash course in the very near future--if only to avoid an unexpected flag presentation next year, not to mention I still have no idea what the hell Boxing Day is all about!