Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all you sweethearts out there.  I really is a day dedicated to recognizing the people you love.  For me, it is "Singles Awareness Day" as there is no other holiday that puts so much pressure on someone to be in a relationship with a significant other.  If you aren't in a relationship, there is the assumption that you must be sad about it and wish you were.  Like some damaged goods that has to hide in the house for the day to hide  your shame and discomfort from others.  (Courtesy of the media including the 4th hour of the Today show.)

Well I don't feel that way.  Most of you know that while I would love to be in a good relationship, I don't accept "Riff Raff" and that has left me single.  I do find as I grow older, the dating pool is more limited and damaged.  Plus having serious health issues seems to narrow that pool further.  So many years ago, I learned to love being alone and filling my "love" quota with loving family and friends.

Yesterday, I received a delivery I wasn't expecting.  I couldn't imagine what it was.  Much to my surprise, it was a tray of 12 chocolate covered strawberries from Nola and Gregg!!  I was so incredibly surprised!  Thank you so much Nola and Gregg!  Unfortunately, it is fresh fruit so I can't possibly ration them out over several days.  I had to jump right in yesterday and I estimate I will be required to finish them today if at all possible.  :-) (Sarcasm here...I want to eat them all!) I can't let these gems go bad or mooshie.  It really is a reminder to me that love comes in all ways and from unsuspecting places.  Honestly, my Valentine's is better than many I had while married.  Because there are no expectations and each loving gesture is a surprise.

This afternoon, I was working away, enjoying my Taco Time Linner (lunch/dinner) and my uncle John came by with a dozen red roses!  I simply can't believe it.  What a grand surprise.  My cup runneth over.  Thank you Mars and John.

Those of you with significant others, I hope you have a very special day.  I hope you and your "other" are in tune enough to spend the day exactly how you want and regardless how it is shown, you feel the overwhelming love and support from each other and the people in your world.  My day came as a sweet card from my Mom and Chuck, flowers from Mars and John, and a goodie from my forever "Maybe" date and her love, Gregg. 

I love you all and thank you for filling my love quota all year long.

P.S.  What is a Maybe Date?  It is something Nola and I came up with years ago.  Basically, when I (we?) were dating guys, we would be each other's back up plan should the date fall apart.  We called it a Maybe date...but honestly, on the phone, it sounds like "Navy" so sometimes I call it a Navy date because...well I am weird.