Happy Love Day

Valentine's Day is not my favorite day of the year. There's just too much pressure to be romantic, to purchase something, to do something to express appreciation for each other. I do believe it's important to express appreciation and love, but not to make such a big deal about it on this day. This year, my husband and I both agreed to each think of two or three things that we would like to do and we'd choose one or two of those. Ideally, he was supposed to offer ideas HE would enjoy, not what he thought I would enjoy.   And I was to do the same.  One of my suggestions was that I'd pull out my paper craft material and and we'd make cards for each other.  The response was.... well, um..... definitely not in favor! Was I surprised? No! It was a long shot, I admit! 

After all was said and done, we agreed on a drive out to the Shuswap, about an hour away, stopping at a little independent coffee shop in a small town along the way. That was my idea, but he was game.  It was lightly snowing when we headed out, but nothing to be concerned about (I don't enjoy driving in snowy weather!).

The cafe was housed in a very old building with lots of character, located on the main strip. The barista was so friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed a little chat with her after I ordered, and then Dave and I shared a date square and our specialty drinks.  We headed out to the Provincial Park, and enjoyed a quiet tromp through the campsite we have often enjoyed during the summer. We surprised a parcel of deer, which quickly but gracefully pronged through the woods to avoid us. At the lake, a pair of beautiful swans, as if in a synchronized  dance, were gracefully swimming, then alternately dipping their heads in water, with bottoms up. The surroundings were quiet and beautiful. 

 A little getaway, nothing fancy. Just time away together enjoying nature and some good conversation. We tried to keep it light, avoiding some topics. You know what I mean, if you know what's happening in Canada (God keep our land glorious and free!). A few times I veered off course and raised my voice a bit too much, but I reigned myself in quite well, I thought. I'm trying. 

Happy love day to all my readers! Hope you have someone in your life who you can squeeze today!