Valentine's Day

 I need to write about the Highland Games - but I was still tired yesterday (and went to work anyway) and today, well, I had to deal with it being Valentine's day.

Fortunately, we never did make a big fuss over the day.  I always thought it was over-commercialized (and it is now a billion-dollar industry just in candy and flowers).  I thought it was a holiday that made you feel obligated if you were with someone (and it seems that it is a day that many couples choose to call it quits), feel bad if you didn't have a relationship, and really awkward if you had just started dating someone.  A day to give (or get) low quality chocolate in a heart-shaped box.

But we did quietly celebrate it.  We never went out (not a big fan of overcrowded restaurants with overworked staff) but I would make a nice dinner and he would get me some good-quality chocolate.  And we would wish each other a happy Valentine's Day.  Low-key, but sincere.

Today I got up early because I had an appointment to get my teeth cleaned.  When I was driving into town, "our" song came on.  Not your typical bonding song - this one is "I Need A Lover Who Won't Drive Me Crazy."  And whenever it played we would point and poke at each other.

After my cleaning I treated myself to a latte and a bit of reading at a coffee shop.  Quiet and enjoyable, but I can't help remembering what it was like having him sit across from me.  I always liked watching him read, especially at home when he would let his hair loose from his usual ponytail and look like a druid.  When we read at coffee shops, sometimes he would look up at me and smile, or one of us would reach out to touch the other's hand.  We always enjoyed just being together.

Otherwise, I just did some catching up.  Putting away my display materials, doing laundry, cleaning the chicken coop.  In a little while I'll go make my Valentine's dinner (seared duck breast in a spiced wine sauce, smashed potatoes, and shredded Brussels sprouts sauteed in the duck fat), give the cats some extra treats, maybe watch a little TV.  But it seems a little lonely around here today.