Maria, who rarely buys anything for herself, always asks me not to get her presents on Valentine’s Day or Birthday. Mostly, I agree and then change my mind. I can’t bear not to acknowledge her and my love for her.

I do not plan to exchange presents, but here’s what I think: Maria is the most wonderful person in the world to me, and my love for her has no bounds, not even after a decade of marriage.  That needs to be recognized.

I don’t pay much attention to Valentine’s Day; it seems like another corporate money grab; in a healthy relationship, every day should be Valentine’s Day.

But love is love, and in our greedy, tense culture, we need love badly.

Anyway, I caved yesterday, rushed out to a classy Artisan’s Market in town, and bought her the jacket in the picture above. She squealed and grumbled a bit but loved it. She is not used to getting presents.

I love giving them to her. It always feels good to me, and she loves this jacket.

We had a great Zoom meeting again this morning; our weekly Zoom group for blog readers is lovely, and I’m thankful for it.

The Valentine’s Day card is a present from Maria for me.

 

There was intense sun this morning, and I was ready.

The Valentine’s Day present.

Zip was impressed. He showed up in time for our daily morning meeting.

It’s cold again; the animals are hungry.