Valentine’s Day | Peggy's Little Corner

September 25, 2014

My husband and I found out years ago that the few times we tried to go out together all we did is talk about the kids. St. Valentine’s Day is no exception, with us preferring to celebrate the day as a family. Years ago, when my daughter was still very young, she became interested in everyone’s birthday, including the animals. I was able to supply a date for everyone, except her little dapple-gray pony. Feeling sorry for him, she decided his birthday should be on the nearest holiday to us, and henceforth be celebrated on Valentine’s Day. My husband decided to make a cake from one of my heart-shaped pans to celebrate the occasion, but we persuaded my daughter that her pony would be much happier with some carrots than a piece of cake. In any case, the annual Valentine’s cake is still baked, though the pony is no longer with us, and though the shape is generally a heart, sometimes my husband becomes experimental with the shapes and flavors. It is a nice edible Valentine to us all.

For my own part, I have always liked the old fashioned tradition of getting everyone some potted spring bulbs. I can hardly pass by a flower stand without succumbing to the colorful foil and fragrant blossoms. Being set in the middle of February, Valentine’s Day is within weeks of the first signs of spring, and yet is buried in some of the deepest snow and thickest ice of winter. The many colorful hyacinths, tulips, and primroses are just too tantalizing not to pick up. Once home, the sweetness of the hyacinths in particular makes the entire house smell like a fresh spring garden. It’s a nice pick-me-up this late in the winter and keeps spring feeling near. Later, when the blossoms are spent, I will keep the plants watered, and once the ground is able to be turned in the spring, the bulbs will be planted to add to the many flowers in the garden the next year.

Though my husband and I do surprise each other with gifts from time to time, for the most part it is not a very fussy day for us. We usually splurge on a good meal from a restaurant, so no one has to cook, and at various times we have exchanged homemade valentines. The heart shaped lights I string, and the various pink and red decorations, are a cheery break from the winter gloom. I put out one of the seasonal afghans my mother crocheted for me years ago, and light a rose scented candle or two. As usual, the animals have their edible valentines too. The dogs especially have their favorite Valentine meals, and I think many a year when pasta was the main dish, our Italian loving hounds were party to their own recreation of the spaghetti scene from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. At the end of the day, it is a normal, busy, midwinter day, full of greenhouse activity, and with just a few traditions to keep the day special amongst ourselves.