Spring Valentine

As I type this is it is 1 degree where I live. A high of 15 is expected for today. But, we can't get too excited. It's also very windy out. It's a feels like of -18 degrees right now. I never know what to make of it when Valentine's Day is this cold. Some people might think "huddled inside all day with the one I love". I just think "Hey...........spring..........pist..........over here..........yeah you, spring. I just wanted you to know you are welcome to come any time you are ready! Sooner is better then later!"

Winter only started getting cold over the last two weeks. I'm trying not to complain this year. On average, winter is a lot colder then it has been this year. That's taking December 1st - now into account. This weekend it's just too cold to shrug our shoulders and say "it was great while it lasted".

I try not to think about spring until after President's Day. Some years that works some years that doesn't. That time between President's Day and March 1st is a very hard time for me. I know winter goes deep into March. But, at least on March 1st my decorations and cloths change. Decorating Day means it feels more like spring inside. Even outside is a little warmer by then.

One thing is different this year. I didn't plant bulbs in the fall. Usually, I do. For the past few years that has meant they were a little sprouted by now. We had just enough warm days over the last few years to confuse the bulbs. I'm glad I didn't plant any this year. We had so many warm days before this cold stretch. They wouldn't have bloomed yet. But they would have been further sprouted then they should be. This cold snap would have damaged them!!!

It's hard to think about it being Valentine's Day this year. It's just a regular day for us. Josh is working but will be home for dinner. I'm cooking. Zach and I will mostly be quietly hanging out at home. It's just too cold to go out. We'll probably visit my parents for a little bit. But, that's it. No valentine cards either. We won't get a day where Josh and I can have a Valentine's dinner. Even at a different time. I wish I didn't have to cook tonight. But, I don't care about the rest.

It's easier to make it through winter when there are holidays and events to look forward to. For me, I try to just focus on what comes next. Maybe that's why I am focusing on spring already. Because Decorating for spring is the next big thing that's going to happen.

I hope everyone is lucky enough to spend Valentine's Day with someone they love. Even if you're just doing what you normally do. Time together is important. I am certain I'm not the only one thinking about spring. I know it's coming. I know winter won't last forever. But, it's something to be excited about this Valentine's Day!