Snow Day

Winter returned with a vengeance here in mid-Michigan. Over three days and several snowfalls we got about 14 inches of snow.

And it really looked beautiful till you drove around in it!

My journey to physical therapy took me by the Michigan State campus so I made a quick stop at the children's garden.

I think these look like Coneheads!

And no one wants to sit in the Butterfly chair today.

Is this a student who froze or a sculpture? Ah yes, I think I know the answer.

White sheep or tan sheep?

No one was taking a leisurely rest on the benches today.

And whoever was riding this? Bad idea.

All lovely. But it wears thin!

The snow was high on this tree at the physical therapy parking lot.

And even higher at Kroger!

I thought I'd take a quick spin by the Ditch just to show you what it's like in the winter. It's hard to believe that white space on the far side of the fence is water. Or rather, ice.

Pretty white!

No one was sitting on this bench either!

Right now the only ones who can get along the unplowed paths are skiers or snowshoe fans. Cross country skier Rick, on the other hand, is in seventh heaven. Meanwhile, I'm hoping my neighbor got his truck dug out.

 It's a very good time to paint! (By the time this posts, we're supposed to have rain and 40 degrees. I don't understand winter anymore.) And thanks for all the nice comments on my Valentine post! Yes, I'll keep him!

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A Few of the Reasons This Guy is My Valentine

OK, I admit it. This is sappy. It's Valentine's Day. I'm allowed.

But these are a few reasons why this guy is my valentine.

I've known him for a long time. I took this picture below when we were "just friends." My friend Suzanne met him that day. She said "you should hang on to that guy." But there was nothing to hang onto at that point. We were just friendly neighbors.

We met a few years before when I was getting evicted from my apartment because of my illegal cat, the late, great Stimpy. He was renting the duplex on the other side of him, right down the street. I looked at it, loved it (a tall ceiling, great for a Christmas tree; I have every intention to live there when I'm old) but timing was bad. So I moved across the street a few months later. Who knew that he'd be hanging out with Stimpy and walking with me through that grief journey when Stimpy died? (And Gypsy too. And he's pretty smitten with Lizzie, for that matter.)

But, as I got to know him, I realized he had lots of good qualities, lots of interests. Longtime readers know he loves his bicycle.

But not everyone knows he was very much a cycling activist, leading the charge to establish Michigan's  Kal-Haven Trail a number of years ago and supporting cyclists though legislative lobbying and events like the Day of Silence ride.

And thanks to that hobby -- which has taken him on two wheels from Michigan to Ontario, Quebec, Vermont and other spots -- we've also had a few scary moments. (And yes, I freak every time he gets on that thing!)

He's made music, practicing his classical guitar with the relentless dedication of one who has a passion to learn.

And when it comes together, it's magical.

We've been to some terrific places together -- the busy streets and quiet mountains of Japan...

...the beautiful country of the Netherlands...

... and the City of Lights (and Love).

We'll always have bread if Rick is around. Nothing makes him happier than kneading bread!

And we'll probably have wine around, too! It's not a bad combo!

We've danced at more than a few weddings, but not ours because after 22 years we haven't done that yet!

And Rick has shown on occasion he can be a pretty snappy dresser.

Well, on more than one occasion.

Best of all, in introduced me to these guys.

Who grew into these guys.

And who just kept going, adding one more...

And then another!

And this one will be having a little brother soon. But there will be lots of hands to hold them both!

There are a lot of reasons why I feel like the luckiest woman on the entire planet.

But this is a big one.

Happy Valentine's Day!

SWAK!

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More from the Heart

We're closing in on Valentine's Day and so, here's more from the heart!

I love that you can shop after Christmas for loads of red -- and still use it for Valentine's Day! The candle and ribbon were after Christmas finds. I think the small red cake stand was a find last year and that pretty kerchief under was part of a gift package from a friend.

All the trees are down except this one.

With it's pretty red balls, white lights and the addition of a few hearts, it's definitely here for the holiday.

(And given the falling snow that's coming down at this moment, probably for a while beyond that!)

I made a few more valentines. Actually quite a few -- here are some.

For our crafternoon, I dug out some Scrabble tiles and made a few pairings -- I decided to leave them out!

It's time for starlight mints and pink and red M&M's!

I'm not sure these silks look right here but I just couldn't put greens and white branches in a valentine basket!

If I could find a heart, I brought it out!

And it turned out that I had a few!

I always like bringing out the vintage valentines.

This was an early one sent by me as a child, probably to mom and dad.

And here's one I sent to my grandma!

I even have a couple that my dad sent to his mom.

So whether you are coming or going...

...or settling in...

Here's my heart!

Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy the week!

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