So it’s about love, I guess. Love seems to be the point for me these days, for my life, for the blog, for my photographs, my therapy work, for my farm and my books. Even for my fractured country.  Love is the thread. I can’t seem to go wrong going with love. This afternoon, a celebration of love.

I went and got some flowers for Maria – some lilies – to bring to our motel, a simple, $89 one night stand together in a simple old motel in nearby Vermont. Bringing nothing but two books, an earphone, a camera  and my beloved wife and partner. And a couple of lilies. No dogs, Ipad’s, e-mails, messages or computer.

Love is thriving at the Mansion Assisted Care Facility, a new community in my life. Thanks to many of you, there are smiles all down the corridors of a place where there are sometimes too few smiles. Thanks to you, the spirit of Christmas shined. My hope is that we can do it again, keep love going on its holiday,

This year, Valentine’s Day is February 14, a Tuesday. I hope we can show the residents of the Mansion that they are loved and known and cared for on that day by sending them cards and messages and any kind of modest gift that seems appropriate. Many of you have given plenty, and I hope no one will feel any pressure to do more.

But for those who are so inclined – I am in – that would be a nice way of extending the Christmas spirit past Christmas. The address of the Mansion is 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. The first names of the residents who wish to receive your messages and gifts are Jean A., Mary, Gerry, Sylvie, Diane, Alice, Jean G., Madeline, Joan, Allan, Carl, John K., Aileen, Christie, Helen, Connie, Alanna, Barbara, Peggie, William (Bill), Dennis, John R., Bruce, John Z.

I wondered a bit why I rented a motel room just a few minutes from our farm to be with Maria, when I am already with Maria right here. The answer, of course, is obvious. Love, this is becoming a theme of my work and life, and I celebrate and honor it by sharing a simple evening with the person I love and who loves me.

I have not known this kind of love in my life, it is a daily miracle, one I will never take for granted. So we spent a night together with our lilies, reading, talking loving and just being together. In the morning, we wake up and come home. Best bargain ever, and all for $89.  That is the beauty of just being alone together, without the distractions of life.

We both know every day together is a gift. See you tomorrow.