Goodness And Graciousness

Well, it is sweethearts' day and although it is a concocted holiday I can't help but love seeing big burly guys in Publix, picking out flowers and cards and chocolates for their Valentines. To my mind, there is nothing wrong at all with a day for lovers and friends, young and old, to take a moment to say sweet things and exchange tokens of love. 

I was in Publix today. I did my weekly shopping there and at Costco. I got ingredients to make that cake, which is called a Chocolate Almond Tiger cake. I picked those flowers from my yard, of course, and the card came from my darling boy. He also bought me coffee and chocolate. It's like he knows me. I have ordered him a Cuisinart ice cream maker and it will be here this week. Lis got one from her sister-in-law and says it's her favorite kitchen thing and Mr. Moon does love ice cream so much and so I thought, well, why not? And ordered. 

I have two Valentine's dates tonight. Lon is in the county and is coming over for dinner. That is going to be delightful. The men are going to cook us steaks outside as men do, and I will make the rest. As you can see, the cake is done. All I'm going to do is bake some potatoes and make a salad. Never too much salad around this joint. And bake a loaf of bread that I have rising. And make a little appetizer plate with some salmon I got at Costco, capers, goat cheese, and mustard. Probably some apples or pears, too. 
So yeah, that's all. 
Do you think that whipping some cream for the cake would be overkill? 
Nah. 

So that's what I've been doing on this beautiful day. I just went to the dump and got a very nice...bookcase? 

It is quite sturdy. When the attendant saw me eyeing it, he said, "Take it." I told him that one of my children could surely use it and indeed, within seconds of posting a picture of it to the kids via text, Hank had said that he would take it if no one else wanted it. 
I do love the dump. 

I actually saw Hank today, very, very briefly but long enough for a hug at Costco. He was on his way to do something that he needed to do immediately so we didn't get a chat but it sure was good to see him. 

The one truly not good thing that happened today is that my earbuds appear to be dead. Dead, dead, dead. 
I cannot believe this. 
And yet, I have used them for hours on a daily basis for over a year. Since listening to audio books and podcasts is my life, I may be back at Costco to buy another pair tomorrow. Don't even talk to me about built-in obsolescence. I KNOW! But. Sometimes one has to just go along with the game and when it comes to earbuds, I am a grudging player. 

Here's a picture I like that I took last night when I put the chickens up. 

Chickens can be sweethearts too. 

Here's the card I gave Mr. Moon. 

It is one of Lis's cards, of course. And by the way- she is doing very well with the card business. When she was here last week the gift shop at a local museum AND the eternally cool and funky Quarter Moon shop wanted them. 

Happy Sweetness Day to all of you. I would gladly be your Valentine if you would have me. 

Love...Ms. Moon