February

February.  Closer to spring, although still fairly miserable outside.  But it does have Valentines day, right in the middle.  Hmm.  You're either in the 'send me over priced red roses and take me out for an over priced meal' camp, or the 'bah humbug, what a load of over priced nonsense' camp.  You can probably guess which one I'm in!  Having spent more than one Valentine's day alone, I'm well aware of just how miserable it can be, if you don't have the prospect of romance on the horizon.  It seems like the whole world has paired up, and that only gooey eyed couples are allowed to venture out on the evening of February 14th.  

Seeing the rows of cards, and stacks of chocolates (do you think I can use the phrase 'over priced' just one more time?) used to send my feelings of general inadequacy sky high, as I'd scuttle past on my way to the 'meals for one aisle', stopping off briefly at the end of the wine aisle, you know the spot, where the half bottles are.  Then I'd head home to sit in front of the TV and watch Bridget Jones.  Again.  Of course, come February 15th, I was back to a perfectly normal human being.  That is, just as soon as everyone else in the office had stopped comparing notes on the night before. 

Although I'm now happily ensconced with Mr Maud in our lovely house, I still baulk at the commercialisation of it all.  I resent being told when I have to be romantic.  And I'm fairly sure Mr Maud would agree with me!  

But however you feel about Valentine's day, it is just a day.  And I hope you have a very good one!

MM