Almost Valentine's Day

Just a reminder on this day before Valentine's Day.

With the holiday falling on a Friday, I imagine the restaurants will all be filled to capacity.  We went into the city earlier this week for an early celebration.  No big crowds that day.

The restaurant had a lovely patio for dining alfresco.

As it was cold and rainy, we opted for indoor dining.

We both enjoy halibut which isn't always easy to obtain on the east coast.  "Just For The Halibut" caught our eye on the menu and it didn't disappoint.  When the waiter brought it out, at first glance it looked like a dessert.  The halibut was topped with crabmeat and resting on a potato cake with a layer of spinach between layers.  A delicious sun dried tomato sauce was swirled around the bottom.

Yum!

I was able to enjoy it twice as the portion was way more than I could eat in one sitting.  Although I should mention we also had a delicious salad and had to save room to share their famous carrot cake.

Tomorrow we will dine much lighter.

I'm thinking a pot of vegetable soup in the quiet of our own home sounds good.

How do you plan to spend Valentine's Day?

Sending LOVE your way.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetie Pie

Happy Valentine's Day to You, Sweetie Pie!

Sending my vintage Valentine greeting and a virtual slice of cherry pie to you today.

Awhile ago I gave my toy stove and other vintage kitchen items a new home.  Right inside my pantry.  When you open the door there is a little space before the shelving begins.  I think it is meant for tall things like brooms.  One night when I was having trouble getting to sleep I formulated an idea...

The next morning I got up and gave the broom a new home in the garage.  I emptied out a tall, narrow bookcase I had.  It fit into that space perfectly with room to still access the light switch.

Now when I turn on the light my treasured vintage collection greets me.

When I moved to this house, this collection didn't look quite right in my more modern kitchen.  Now I can still see and enjoy it in my secret hiding spot.  The stove still makes it's way to the counter at Christmastime.  

Another night when sleep was slow to come I formulated a new home for my cookbooks.  Until that point they were housed in various cupboards where the weight on some of the shelves was concerning.  What can I say, I love to browse through cookbooks.  Sometimes I even use them for their intended purpose.  Ha!!

Tonight, for example, I will be cooking and baking a special dinner for my Valentine.

Wishing you a day filled with love and a special treat or two.

Outside on These Mild Winter Days

The snowdrops that I planted a few years ago aren't multiplying like I had hoped.  Still, they are a happy little sight to stumble upon in the garden at this time of year.

On one of our recent mild days I spent some time on the patio.

A nice variety of birds kept me company.

A few different woodpeckers enjoyed the full feeder and the suet that Brett had recently put out.

The tree outside my office window has been visited often by the Eastern Bluebirds.  They looked especially lovely with the brilliant blue sky background.

Over the weekend I was at my son's house.  While the guys were busy assembling something in the house I decided to take advantage of our 70 degree day and go for a walk around his neighborhood.  The first thing I noticed were daffodils in bloom at many houses.

At my house they are well out of the ground, but not close to blooming yet.

When I got back to my son's house I took a stroll around his yard to see if there were any spring bulbs sprouting.  The previous owner liked to garden.  In a patch of iris (I think) I noticed something sticking up.

When I pulled it out, a ceramic goose greeted me.

After brushing off the decaying leaves, I gave him a new home near the daffodils.  I think he will be happy once those pretty yellow flowers start popping out.  

Around the corner from the daffodils and iris I discovered a few well marked hyacinths awakening from their winter slumber.

I think the former gardener's grandchildren enjoyed painting rocks.  I've found them here and there throughout the garden.

Back home, the window feeder has been another popular spot with the birds.  This sweet little house finch was patient enough to pose for a picture.  A very fitting visitor for this Valentine week.

💝

Twas The Day After Valentine's Day

The other day I looked out the window to see four cardinal couples hanging out in my neighbor's crape myrtle tree.  Glad my phone was handy to snap a quick picture as not long after I saw them, they were gone.  Their visit seemed most appropriate in the days leading up to Valentine's Day.  Love was most definitely in the air 💘

I had intended to pop in here to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day, but it never happened.  I hope you found a way to make the day special one way or another.

The pansies I was drying in my last post found their way into a Valentine I sent to a special someone.  While sorting through my vintage card collection I spotted this sweet little one with the pansies on it.  Seemed like just the one to tuck a few pressed pansies into.  I'm hoping that it carried the promise of spring along with it.

Speaking of spring, I finally got motivated to change my Christmas themed header.  As we are on the umteenth day of gray, gloomy weather, I am declaring it springtime on my blog :).

I guess my longing for springtime has carried over to the kitchen.

When Publix advertised Florida strawberries last week, the Valentine's Day dessert menu began to take shape.

Fresh strawberry pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

One pie for two people means it will be a very spring-like week.  At least in the kitchen.

I wish I could invite you over to share.  Since that's not a possibility, please accept my belated Valentine wishes along with a virtual slice of pie.

💟

Happy Valentine's Day

~ Valentine's Greetings ~

I hope you are enjoying the day with someone you love or doing something that you love or, perhaps, enjoying a treat that you love.

Maybe all three.

Wouldn't that be lovely?

I loved each of these vintage Valentine's planters for many a Valentine's Day.  But now they have found their way to new homes across the USA through the magic of Ebay.

 It makes me happy to know that they have found new homes where they will be loved.  The first one up there was sold within an hour of being listed.  The buyer didn't even try to make an offer for a lower price.  Well, alrighty then.  

Glad to know that there is a market for my old treasures.

It kind of helps make parting with them a bit easier.

💘

Happy Valentine's Day!

In The Garden on Valentine's Day

 

Because we are bracing for a blast of winter weather and, more importantly, because today is Valentine's Day, I thought you might enjoy a stroll through the garden.  It may be cold outside, but in the garden the sun is shining and the bees are buzzing.  

Feel free to bring your clippers to snip a bouquet for your Valentine's table.

 

 Don't forget to light the candles.

 ♥♥♥

 Happy Valentine's Day from me to you.

♥♥♥

Edited to add:  All garden photos from previous years.  I only wish they were all blooming now. 

Sending Love From My Happy Home to Yours

 

Just popping out of my little yellow house with the blue shutters to send a little LOVE your way this Valentine's Day.

 

I've dusted off my Valentine's Day bonnet and. . .

helped Cupid sharpen up his bows.

Early this morning I wandered into the rose garden (ahem) and selected a beautiful and fragrant rose just for you.

From the warm and cozy kitchen you may smell the scent of the cherry pie whirling and swirling through the air as the tea kettle whistles a happy tune.

We did a little early morning baking just for you, Sweetie Pie.

After all, I couldn't let this day go by without wishing you all a

Happy Valentine's Day.

The little (yellow & blue) bird has it right...

A Valentine for Someone NICE.  You all are so nice and I wish you happiness and love today.

On a side note I learned that one of my blog friends is celebrating a birthday today.  If you have a moment to stop by and wish her a Happy Birthday, I think that would make her smile. I also think you will enjoy your visit as her blog looks just like a pretty Valentine. You can visit her at Leisure Lane by clicking here

Happy, Happy Birthday to Marianne

& 

Happy, Happy Valentine's Day to all.

Looks like it's going to be a happy day all around.

♥♥♥   

Happy Valentine's Day to You

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Looks like there won't be any outdoor picnics today.

 Our southern snowstorm brought lots and lots of the white stuff.

This was the scene outside the front door shortly after Brett shoveled.

The cardinals were grateful for a well filled bird feeder and we were thankful to be enjoying their beauty in that sea of white.

He looks like a little Valentine out there

 

XO,