Oh Valentine, Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day.

Thought I'd post a quick one today, in anticipation of the next couple of busy days. 

Kids have half day of school, then parties to go to, and finishing out the weekend with a hockey game.

     I like Valentine's Day.  I like it like a kid does.  The bright reds and hot pinks are festive and help to shake the cabin fever.  The flowers remind me that someday spring will spring.  And the candy is well, great!  I'm happily married and got 2 great kids, so I guess these days it's also all about the love, as well.

     Thinking back to my younger days,  I recall 2 Valentines who decided that was the day to end our relationship.  Seriously?  Cheapos.

     To be fair, I can also remember one Valentine's Day where I received a very sweet card and flowers, only for me to call and leave the message, "Thank you for the card and flowers; we need to seriously talk."  He got the message.  Never heard from him again.  They were pretty flowers though.

     From working in the restaurant business, where it's a given that you will work on Valentine's Day; it is sometimes viewed as a sort of amateur night.  This comes from witnessing at least one of, if not all of the following during a Valentine's Day night.  
It's the pressure.

-Dates where it is obvious that it is one of if not the first date.  Both participants resemble deer in headlights, desperate to figure out what the other is hoping/anticipating, all the while making careful,...staggered,... conversation.

-Dates that are eager to impress, by either ordering the most expensive dish/wine, or something they have never tried before.  Oysters and escargot are two first time/last time culinary adventures.

-Dates who have obviously "lost that lovin' feeling."

-Dates who are obviously hungry; but not for food.  All over each other, drawing attention of all others within earshot and view.  There's really no nice and easy way to suggest that they may want to take their activities elsewhere.  That is if you can even get their attention.

-Proposals.  Sometimes sweet.  Sometimes awkward.

-Parties of more than 2, not on dates, not happy about that status, and determined to let everyone else know it.

      Keep in mind, guests that are not happy, even if the food and service are great, generally do not show monetary appreciation to their server.  Thus, amateur night.

      Yes, there are nice couples who are happy to be together as well.  Nice to be one of these, and nice to take care of in a restaurant.  No matter what day of the year.



     Hope you get to celebrate the day no matter how small, how big, with a smile and a laugh and those you love.
 

 Happy Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day, I decided to get my crafty on...

I have been workin' on Sadie's about every day, but haven't posted in a week.

So, I decided just to stop in and let you know if you are stoppin' by, what's the latest.

The newest addition is The Recipes.  As described, these will be recipes that I find to be easy and great.  The first one is Best Cake Doughnuts.  If you have never had a homemade doughnut, I strongly suggest you give these a whirl.  I grew up with them and along with the yumminess of them, they pack a lot of great memories.  I lost my mom in 2005, and it took until this year for me to attempt to make these delicious treats.  I admit, working with hot oil was a little daunting to me, so I covered myself with clothing along with 2 oven mitts, to protect myself from potential popping oil.  I also had on hand the salt container to put out a potential grease fire (NEVER USE WATER!)  I am happy to report, neither precaution has been needed in the 3 times I've made these.  The recipe makes 18 to 24, and between, my 2 daughters, husband and self, the doughnuts are gone within 48 hours.

I will try to add one new recipe a week.

As I have mentioned before, I am still trying to figure out what, how, and if I can do all that I have imagined for Sadie's Gathering.

I have tried to keep up with the month and keep ahead of the holidays... lots of fun and funny days to celebrate.  Also, as promised there's been a couple of additions to Words of Wisdom  and Liste des Bete Noire.
 
So, back to the gettin' my crafty on-

The heart pictured at the top I made with cardboard, glue, and tissue paper.  It was something I had in mind, so I sat down a few evenings ago and went to work.  It was a little time consuming, but I just put some good music on, had a nice glass of wine, and voila!  Needless to say, it was done after bedtime was complete for my kids.

My other craft was Crayon Hearts done with crayon shavings and wax paper.  I saw these on Martha Stewart's website, and thought it sounded easy and fun.  I thought they turned out cute/good enough for a first time, but I will probably do a little more research before doing them again.  I'll probably try to do shamrocks, for St. Pat's, and Easter eggs, and flowers for Easter.

Here's my attempt-

If you go to www.marthastewart.com, you will find the directions for how to do these.

If you are interested in how to do the Tissue Paper Heart, leave a comment here, or send me an email at sadiesgathering@gmail.com, and I will add directions.  I am thinking of adding a "Get Your Crafty On" to the lists.  Please let me know your thoughts on this.  Thank you in advance.

I know from my group of friends, family, and acquaintances, Valentine's Day holds many meanings.  For me, it's always been "all about the love".   I can't say that phrase without thinking about an Ed Burns film, (Brothers McMullen or She's The One).  Whether, it's a lover, friend, parent, or child, it's about taking the time to connect with and enjoy one another; regardless if you live close to one another or thousands of miles apart.  It's about that connection we feel with the people that matter most in our life.  Take the time to let them know.  Take the time to enjoy the day.

Then...

tomorrow is Singles Awareness Day;  and that's a whole other ballgame.

Speaking of which,  pitchers and catchers have reported in most cases, and I for one can't wait to hear that sweet, sweet phrase, "Play Ball!"