Happy Valentine's Day!

 Given that the daughter is currently living at home, she was willing to help in cookie making this year. :-)

We tried some new things (with varied success) - these being chocolate-cherry chews -

 

-and these cookie 'lollies'. (These would be better given a second attempt. There is definitely a learning curve).

And what holiday is complete without a rainbow-unicorn?

Happy Valentine's!

I know I'm late, but I am blogging from a hotel room in Spokane (daughter is playing in an All State concert early in the morning)-

This month has been an embarrassment of chocolate!

From my beautiful birthday cake a week or so ago -

AND - ADDED LATER - my sister sent me this yummy collection of 'dessert flavored' chocolates ("To share, or NOT to share") for my birthday also. (The picture was in a different folder and I forgot to add to my abundant chocolate list! So sorry Maren!)

-to my belated birthday/early Vday box of fancy-schmancy handmade chocolates from Sooz (aka The Laundry Faerie. Very wonderful. The caramels are the best! Thanks again Sooz.)

And my husband got me this huge box of gourmet lusciousness - handmade truffles from Posh Chocolat - which I discovered on a road trip to Missoula, Montana a few years ago. With insanely yummy flavors like 10-year old Balsamic Vinegar with Strawberries, Coconut Curry, and Garam Masala. Crazy sounding, I know, but I must tell you, I don't think I've ever tasted more delicious flavor combinations with chocolate.

And if tiny decorated cakes are more your cup of tea than truffles, you must be introduced to cupcake dog (this courtesy of Loldogs).
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But REALLY, you need to see this poor dog in context! You must go here. I insist.
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Have a great weekend.

Valentine's Wishes...

As you may have noticed, I love to send packages via the mail. Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays to indulge in this compulsion - it's so condusive to treat giving.

I had even commissioned my sister to handcraft cards for me to use in this endeavor a couple of months ago... Alas. My current schedule is leaving no room for more than the bare minimum beyond survival - Valentine card and package sending will have to wait for next year, and I will have to make due with generic, group-blog-entry well-wishing....

Despite my inability to be on the giving end this time around, I have received a number of most thoughtful, delightful and welcome packages myself. Thankyou! Thankyou! sweet treat senders! Mystical aquisitions from Glastonbury, chocolate and a mother-of-pearl-with-pearl pendant from the middle of the country, card from Norway, and an art treat I purchased for myself from the inimitable Rima in Scotland (look at the *blue* skies she's had lately!) I am incredibly appreciative girls! Loving and treasuring them all.

While our Seattle skies bear no resemblance to Rima's Scottish early spring ones, we *did* have some greatly anticipated sunshine today. (I've heard the sun referred to as a UFO in this part of the country this time of year). I feel inspired to write a heart-felt ode to my greatly neglected garden which soldiers on and grows despite me ignoring it in favor of my studio the last couple of summers. The rosemary is beginning to bloom (always the first out in my yard). The chives, fennel and sweet cicely are emerging from the ground in vibrant green, tender shoots. Buds are swelling.... Even though it is still a couple of months before I can properly attend to them all, my heart is with them...

My mailbox is also mocking me - delivering Martha's annual gardening issue today... Soon! I promise!

At the moment, the best I can do is wish you all a lovely day - hopefully filled with hugs, rose petals, early spring garden fairies, and especially chocolate. :-)

Happy Valentine's day.

(Oh, and if you haven't done so, please check out Dr. Galubrious's blog mentioned in the previous post. Currently things look quite dire! Leave him an encouraging note. :-)