Obama, first lady out on Valentine's dinner date

[February 15, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Flowers? Check. A gift? Check. President Barack Obama said he had both and was ready for a Valentine's Day date with the first lady.

Speaking in suburban Atlanta on Thursday, Obama said his wife, Michelle, made him promise to get back to the White House in time for their date.

He did, of course, several hours before they left the White House together for the short ride to chef Jose Andres' restaurant Minibar.

Obama had joked earlier that getting flowers is easier with a Rose Garden right outside the door.

Except the garden was devoid of colorful roses, or flowers of any kind, on Thursday.

The White House Rose Garden, located just outside the Oval Office, was started in 1913 when first lady Ellen Wilson began planting roses there.

[Associated Press; By STACY A. ANDERSON]

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