Last night’s sunset.
And then as it got more intense:
It was spectacular.
I was at the grocery store yesterday and as I wandered over to the potatoes (my favorite food) this was staring up at me:
A heart-shaped potato.
It came home with me. Don’t say I didn’t wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Don discovered this little rock a few years back. He promptly gave it to me.
I keep it on the table by my blogging chair.
This photo gives you a sense of all the beautiful markings on the French bistro table in the living room. I should take more closeups of the table – the texture is wonderful.
And this arrived in the mail yesterday. It’s from a certain little guy we know:
It’s on the refrigerator, of course. I spoke with him last night and thanked him for the valentine. He was more concerned with the question, “Why is it so cold in New York?”
After several attempts to explain it, I landed on “Because we’re closer to the North Pole” and that did it. I love that boy.
The battle with the ice continues. I’ve never seen a winter like this one – so many extremes in temperature make for freezing, then melting, then freezing again. Add to that a downhill slope on the parking area and we’re left with a giant slab of ice. I’m over it. It’s going to get quite warm for the next 3 days, so maybe I can get rid of it for once and for all. Crossing my fingers.
Shaun White. That’s all I can say. What an exciting competition! Redemption (at least in his eyes) makes for the best kind of story. Seeing him drop to his knees and cry was truly moving. Bravo!
Don and I have been apart on Valentine’s Day more often than not. It just seems to be that way. Same thing last year. But he’s my Valentine every day of the year.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, dear readers.
And Happy Wednesday.
shanna says
I could get lost studying the marks in your beautiful table. Wonder what made so many circular scars? Fascinating!
Claudia says
I have no idea, but I love that patina.
Tana says
Thank you, and Happy Valentines Day to you and Don! I hope you get that ice pack taken care of once and for all. What a headache.
Claudia says
It’s a pain in the tush, Tana!
Janet K says
I love your table too. It’s so special to see and touch a piece of someone’s life that was used and loved just as you and Don are doing today. Have a happy ❤️ day and I hope its a warmer one !
Claudia says
It is a warmer one – and very welcome, if I do say so myself!
Diane says
I love your explanation as to ‘why is it so cold in New York’. Kids understand the concept of the North Pole. xox Happy Valentines Day!!
Claudia says
Same to you, Diane!
Chris K in Wisconsin says
All we hope for at this time of year is warmth and sunshine. Amazingly, we have both today as the sun is brilliant and the temps are supposed to be about 42*!! Warm is a relative term.
We don’t do gifts or cards here for VD. As you say, it doesn’t take a Hallmark Day!!
My husband texted me a pic this morning. He has a little autistic Kindergarten student in music class. He is not real responsive, but seems to enjoy music. Today he brought him a large sheet of paper he had covered in musical notes. His parents, teachers, and my husband were totally and completely amazed!! One never knows what will cause a connection. THAT was my VD present!!!!! ♡
Claudia says
We have warmth and intermittent sunshine today, Chris. Just chopped a bunch of ice, so it’s a strange sort of Valentine’s Day.
Love, love the story about your husband’s student. Beautiful!
Vicki says
I used to be around kids a lot more than I am in these years and I ‘get’ the short answer; it’s often all that’s needed and I love your North Pole response to the adorable cutie who is your nephew.
The things one remembers about Valentine’s Day. In a life of few regrets, we should be able to sometimes reminisce about the good things of the past – – like when I was a pre-teen and was asked to briefly ‘go steady’ on Valentine’s Day with a rich-red astrology pendant as necklace rather than a ring; he and I are still in touch fifty years later, having known each other since kindergarten. Or the one I thought I might marry in my 20s, who once enclosed carefully-pressed, perfect heart-shaped leaves in a Valentine’s card. Or the one I chose to spend the rest of my life with, who I found almost when I thought it was too late, closer to age 40 than 30, who plants waving daffodils so I’ll have them by Valentine’s Day and tulips so that I’ll see them by Easter; he who has me in mind 365 days a year and who I adore.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too, Claudia!
Claudia says
Don and I often say that every day is Valentine’s Day for us. And it is. So, though we’re apart, we will say I love you several times – as we always do. xo
Monica says
I love the potato and the rock. Perfect!
Happy Valentine’s day to You and your Valentino.
xo Monica
Claudia says
Thank you, Monica!
April Baldwin says
Happy Valentine’s Day Claudia!
Claudia says
The same to you!
Laura says
I was so excited for Shaun White that I wanted to cry too. Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend. xo Laura
Claudia says
It was thrilling, wasn’t it? xo
Wendy T says
How will you cook your heart potato, Claudia?
Claudia says
I’ll bake it, but I’m going to hang on to it for a while.
Donnamae says
It’s been a beautiful day here…sunny and snow melting! It was fantastic to watch Shaun White last night….it meant so much to him. I would love to see more pics of that table…the patina is so unique. Any ideas what caused those marks? Hope you have a happy day…great potato! ;)
Claudia says
It was a bistro table. I assume the marks are from years of smoking and drinking and eating.
Nancy Blue Moon says
Love the potato and the stone…but most of all the Valentine you got in the mail….
Claudia says
Me too!
Marilyn says
That Little Z sure knows how to make a lady feel loved. He is adorable. The potato is a lovely sign of love. The blue rock is so pretty.
HAPPY ST. VALENTINE’S DAY
Marilyn
Claudia says
Thank you, Marilyn!
grace says
Lovely post,perfect for Valentine’s,Love to you
Claudia says
Thank you, Grace.