It’s hard to believe winter is halfway over and Valentines Day is almost here. I know, some of you don’t celebrate the day of hearts, Cupid, and pink and red decorations. But without Valentines to break up the monotony of February, we would be stuck in the middle of winter with nothing more than a random President’s Day celebration. 

I’m as patriotic as the next American but I like to know just which president I’m celebrating. When I was a kid, we celebrated Lincoln’s birthday on the 12th and Washington’s birthday on the 22nd. But Nixon had to step in and ruin it all by combining them and declaring the third Monday of February as a single Federal holiday called President’s Day. Probably so he could pretend he was included in the celebration. He didn’t seem like a guy who got invited to a lot of parties. You know?

Other than Mother’s Day, I think Valentine’s is probably the worst day to go out to eat. Too many people trying to pacify their significant other with a hot meal they didn’t have to prepare. The wait lines are horrendous, servers are run off their feet, and the kitchens are so busy you have a much higher chance of mishaps resulting in food poisoning. Sound fun? Maybe for those who like to live on the edge. Not me. Been there. Done that.

So, I decided to plan ahead this year. I’m taking a card out of Nixon’s playbook and celebrating with my husband this weekend instead of the 14th.  I bought tickets to the new romcom, Solo Mio, because as you know, I like my romance with a little humor. Sometimes a lot of humor. We’ll see.

After the movie we will probably dine out somewhere that has steak. Beef has been so high for the past year that it will be a treat, but hopefully, not so expensive I have to take out a personal loan from organized crime. Or, as it is referred to in Minnesota: The Quality Learing Center daycare. 

I already told him we were going but it will probably still be a surprise because when he’s deep in preparing tax returns this time of year, I might as well speak Klingon. His mind is on a different wavelength. But that’s okay. I don’t speak W2, 1099, 3PO either.

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, may you have a sweet day with family or friends!

Thanks for stopping!

Barbara