FEBRUARY

This month we celebrate the feast of Saint Valentine. Notwithstanding that it is slightly tainted by commercial abandon, and the fact that it is an obscure legend rooted in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Nonetheless, a candlelit meal, an after dinner stroll along the Boulevard and a stolen kiss will suffice to inflame the anticipation. Otherwise, the month of February, historically, is oppressed with the burden of escorting King Winter back from whence he came. Something he never does graciously I‘m afraid. Hence, February is anything but dull.

I am so looking forward to Spring this year. I already have the Blueprints for the garden rooms (in my head), and I can’t wait to get started. Last year I earthed a potpourri of flowering plants, not knowing what would survive the winter here. But now that I know, having lost a few in the freezing temperatures, I am marching forward in full dress armor. No more casualties for me.

Plans for another arbor, a picket fence and a Birch tree in the front yard are on the top of my to-do list (is Keith touching his chin to his chest yet? I‘m afraid to look). Poor fellow. He is such a good sport about it all. And, through the ranting at all my little projects, he is the first to get his hands dirty in compliance, looking forward to the joy on my face when he‘s done. Ah, l’amour!

The Kiss

by Harrison Fisher

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