This bleak, frigid landscape outside Kongo’s office window in Moorestown, New Jersey underscores his simian feelings caused by a Valentine Day spent away from his heart throb.  It’s not the first time this has happened. Hopefully it will be the last.  You see, despite the monkey’s best intentions the Pax Storm ( who names these storms anyway.  This Nor’easter was anything but peaceful) AKA the Valentine Storm trapped Kongo on the East Coast.  Instead of an early flight out yesterday morning to rendezvous with Mrs. Kongo and a special dinner reservation, sheets of ice trumped valor and Kongo was stuck.  

Two dozen long-stemmed roses quickly went speeding across the internet but did little to assuage the “I knew this was going to happen …” reaction from Mrs. Kongo.  The monkey, who was going back to 80-degree weather in San Diego  for another “Slam Bam” weekend was going to fly back here on Monday anyway.  Now he gets to spend the weekend here as well. Naturally it’s a holiday weekend.

So, in further damage control efforts Kongo dredged up these appropriate quotes to help frame the moment:

Robert Dodsley, an 18th Century English poet wrote:

One kind kiss before we part,
Drop a tear and bid adieu;
Though we sever, my fond heart
Till we meet shall pant for you.  

Or how about this one from Francois de la Rouchefoucauld, a French prince and courtier from the 17th Century:

Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones, as the wind blows out the candle and blows up the bonfire.

And Kongo’s favorite from the immortal Khalil Gibran

And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

Travel safe.  Have fun.  Love the one you’re with.