I'll Take Romance Trivia Quiz

Answer: Popsicle Toes

Although it has an odd title for a sexy fun song, "Popsicle Toes" will be one of my choices for our romantic background music. The song was written by Michael Franks, musician and lyricist. Franks has created some other odd titled songs which include: "When the Cookie Jar Is Empty", "Tiger in the Rain", and "Monkey See-Monkey Do".

The first line of "Popsicle Toes" is: "When God gave out rhythm sure was good to you". Dancing will definitely be part of our evening.

Answer: The 6th Century AD

In the online Museum of Every Day Life, there is a subsection called "The History of the Match". In this history, Chinese scholars date the invention of the match in 577 AD ( sixth century) by the women of Northern Qi, China. Later in "Records of the Unworldly and Strange" by Tao Gu (circa 950 AD), the author describes the creation of the match book.

I have found a pack of matches; maybe later in the evening I will think of a song by The Doors about lighting a fire. PG rating in place.

Answer: A face cord

Chatting with the lumberyard clerk, I find out that a "rick" of wood is sometimes called a "face cord" or a "tier" of wood. He informs me that because he sells it in 16" inch lengths, it is equivalent to a third of a cord of wood. For my edification, he informs me that in some states it is illegal to sell firewood by the rick since the size can be manipulated by some crafty vendors. He also approves of my choice of apple wood, and recites a verse from an old folk poem, "Apple wood will scent your room with an incense like perfume".
With his assurance that he will deliver a true face cord of wood, I place my order.

OK, seems like the old song "Teach Me Tonight" should be on my playlist.

Answer: paté de foie gras

Made from the fattened livers of geese, paté de foie gras is generally considered the most expensive of patés. The most famous paté de foie gras comes from the Dordogne, a southwestern region of France. Known for its raising of ducks and geese, the Dordogne is also famous for its walnuts and truffles.

When I asked where he purchased our picnic paté, he said, "I did not go to Dordogne, France, for it, but I did go to a well respected charcuterie". Therefore, I too shall go to a butcher shop that specializes in smoked meats (charcuterie) to buy the paté for our appetizer.

Answer: Antoine's

In 1899, at Antoine's restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, the menu featured for the first time "Oysters Rockefeller". With seafood aplenty, and oysters abundant in the area, the chef created this dish. The chef named it after oil magnate John D. Rockefeller because the very buttery green sauce accompanying it was so very rich just like Mr. Rockefeller.

The original recipe for Oysters Rockefeller has remained a family secret. I will add spinach and bacon to my creation of Oysters Rockefeller. Smiling, things are progressing nicely for our holiday evening.

Answer: White Diamonds

Violet Eyes, Black Pearls, Passion for Women, Gardenia, and Forever Elizabeth are some of Elizabeth Taylor's perfumes which she created in partnership with Elizabeth Arden. White Diamonds is my favorite and I shall wear it this evening. The first of Taylor's perfumes hit the market in 1987 with her perfume Passion. Also under her name, Elizabeth Taylor has Passion for Men, first sold in 1989. Should that be my gift to him this Valentine's evening? No...he really prefers plain old unperfumed clean-smelling soap, and I think it is just right.

Answer: Pink

So pink roses are said to be all those lovely characteristics above. If pink roses are his favorites and if intended for me, much hyperbole is also a part of their symbolism, but how charming of him. More factual information about pink roses is that they are of the species Carolinae.

This species is from North America. Carolinae species includes white, pink, and bright pink flowers. As to meanings for lavender roses, enchantment is cited. And for gold roses, friendship. I think both those qualities will be part of our Valentine evening.

Answer: Nebraska

My order for the New York Strip Steaks was ordered and delivered by the online and popular meat company Omaha Steaks. The company was founded by the Simon Family, who in 1898, emigrated to the United States from Riga, Latvia. The Simons chose to settle in Omaha, Nebraska.

After twenty years of working for others, in 1917 the Simon family opened their own business, the Table Company. They provided customers with grain-fed cuts of beef such as loin, ribs, boneless strips, and ribeyes. In 1995, Omaha Steaks went online to sell and ship its meat, as well as other food products. My New York Strip Steaks came in an insulated cooler packed in dry ice. Is there anything left to do for tonight?

Answer: Because it came from combing one's hair

A "peignoir" is a loose-fitting gown. Peignoir is from the French verb meaning "to comb hair" and from the Latin pectin-comb. Once used for utilitarian purposes, the loose fitting cover was worn like a full covering apron while one combed her hair. Today, in fashion terms, the word "peignoir" is used interchangeably with the word "negligeé". Both gowns come in an array of colors, but tonight, I shall wear my RED peignoir.

Answer: Italy

Chilling in my refrigerator is a bottle of Asti Spumante, a sparkling wine made from the Moscato grape. The word "spumante" comes from the Italian language meaning "foaming". We prefer this sparkling wine from the village of Asti in Italy to that of the French region Champagne. Asti Spumante is a champagne type of wine, but no wine outside the region of Champagne, France is to be labelled champagne. By law, champagne can only be made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes.

We shall not need a magnum of Asti; a chilled glass or two will do.