It's Monday, and I'm Back

It is Monday, Valentine's Day, and I am back to blogging . . . 
but my camera is missing.

This is when I regret not learning how to use Howard's digital SLR.

I found an adorable, funny and romantic Valentine's card this morning, placed by my husband in a spot he knew I would not miss -- the bathroom vanity.  Alongside, a tiny wrapped box of sugar-free chocolates.  I'll share them with him tonight.  He will get one.  I will get two.  After all, I'm the girl.

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 Today is a day for Red.

Mr. Snowman seems to be offering me his heart.

What a sweetie.

If I could find my danged camera, I could show you the Snow Family that has taken up residence

on the fireplace mantel in the parlor.  They are so happily goofy in that serious room.

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Now that life is getting back to normal here, it's time I tackled long-put-off projects.

This is a major red project:  new draperies in the dining room.

 I've got the bolt of fabric.

 The bolt spent the holidays leaning up in the corner of the dining room.

I wonder what our guests thought of that?

Next time we have people come to dinner, I'd like the fabric to be hanging from the rods instead.

I offered my daughter Anne and her roommate the 2-year old gold draperies hanging there now,

for their nekkid-ish living room windows.  That's a good 18-yards of fabric.

If she and Gennie don't want it, it might become dining chair seat covers.

Waste not, want not.

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There was just a knock on our sunroom door.

A dozen Valentine's red roses!

Oh Howard, you romantic fool.

I may actually cook dinner for you tonight.

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It is still distinctly winter around here.  Despite today's mild mid-50s temperatures,

the snow and ice remain, with just glimpses of muddy grass near the edge of the driveway.

Much to Dion's delight.

 I'm going to focus my energy and time now on daughter Alida's upcoming June wedding,

and on tackling myriad neglected projects and chores here at That Old House.

She is beginning to complain of neglect, my house, and she can be one cranky old bat.

And while winter does have its majesty and pure beauty, and I don't want to rush through time,

 I'm looking forward to April and May, when these reds will be the ones we celebrate:

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I want to thank the many dear people who wrote,

in comments and privately, after my post of February 2.

Your kindness and sympathy following the loss of our dear Pop was priceless and much treasured.

Our family gathered in force, right down to the tiniest ones -- 4 month old twins Calvin and Luke,

the newest of Dad's 9 great-grandchildren -- to celebrate two rich and much-blessed lives -- my father's and my mother's.

Together we remembered, laughed, wept, hugged, ate, laughed again, ate some more,

talked endlessly, and took strength from one another . . . 

realizing how very lucky we are to have had them, and to have each other still.

Good lives, well lived.

And much missed.

May 2009, Anne and her Pop-Pop, at her college graduation dinner.

Alida and her Pop-Pop, visiting, 2009.

Now . . . I really do have to find my camera.
I want some pictures of those beautiful roses!  My best wishes to you all -- Cass