Valentine’s Day 2015…

I hope this special day is turning out well for you.   I’ve spent most of mine preparing for the winter weather forecast to smack the southeast on Monday.   There are citrus plants to protect after I strip off much of the fruit,  and seed pots of various veggies,  and last year’s pepper plants,  still bearing, to be stuffed amongst the other cold-intolerant plants which are taking up temporary residence in my house.

Big Girl is very curious about the intruders,  inspecting each and every one.   She has a phenomenal memory for the placement of objects  —  if I move one just an inch,  she will notice it and re-inspect.   She doesn’t like having the front hall full of plants,  and she isn’t sure so many need to be stacked up next to the kitchen windows,  so that she can’t just gallop full bore in there,  but I am certain none of them will be getting up to any mischief with her on guard.

I have bread baking,  a crock-pot full of soup simmering,  and a rack of ribs in the oven.   If the power goes off,  I’ll have good food easily reheated on my gas grill.  I am prepared.   If you’re in any of the danger areas,  I hope you are as well.

Now,  for this Valentine’s Day,  let’s start with Debby Witt’s charmingly eclectic  collection   of links,  shall we?   Then take a   small dose  of cynicism from Megan McArdle.   Molly Dodd  wonders if  love is still a factor in sex and relationships,  but there’s an effort to  bring dating  back on college campuses.   That’s a good sign,  as Valentine’s is full  of Christian  connections.

Lighten up with a  cute puppy  with a curious birthmark.   Look to Dunkin Donuts for something  even sweeter,  or perhaps you’d like  something stronger.   NRO has a  nice symposium  on love stories.   The last is the best  —  a  cherished letter,  returned to its author after many years.

Stay warm,  and be safe.