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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Favorite Times of the Year

And this is one of them.  I love that mid-February feeling, especially in Portland.  I've already spotted crocus in bloom and buds in some bushes.  And the pink trees along the Willamette River in downtown will be in bloom within a week or so.  Those are the first signs of late winter, early spring to me.  The grocery stores now have primrose and pansies stacked in front of them....perfect for pairing with kale in a pot near a front door.  It is still cold, but not below freezing like much of the rest of the country.  I like it here.  It feels comfortable. 

Plus, there's Valentine's Day.  Tomorrow.  Valentine's Day was my due date when Mommy was pregnant with me.  Alas, I needed five additional days of sweetening up in the pot before she pushed me out.  And, unfortunately, the five extra days didn't do a damned thing for sweetening me up.  At.  All.  I like having my birthday at this time of year. 

We are heading to Boise next week on another of our pilgrimage road trips back to Idaho for a family visit.  We're planning a big combination Birthday/Valentine's Day/Niece's Birthday gathering while we're there.  We do have to traverse the Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon as we move along Interstate 84....but, honestly, the winters have just not been what they used to be years ago as far as snow, cold, ice and all of that.  We always enjoy our road trips. 

Tomorrow our taxes get done.  Like clockwork.  It's a little complicated nowadays what with our registered Oregon Domestic Partnership and all of that.  It requires extra pieces of paperwork to be completed.  And of course, the benefits that we get in our own state don't apply on a federal level.  Grrr.  But it always feels good to have them done for the year.  And it goes without saying that it feels good to have the extra cash back in my own pocket! 

So, it's easy for you to see why this is one of my most Favorite Times of the Year. 

10 comments:

Cubby said...

It's just about time for Girl Scout cookies to go on sale. Does that factor in when considering favorite times of the year?

tornwordo said...

I saw that last post. Vanished! I wanted to commiserate. V-day for me has never held any allure. Working in the resto biz fixed that. Just a big ole cash grab. We're staying home and eating taquitos and guacamole in our jammies and watching movies. Ahh, perfection.

Mike said...

May I be the first to wish you a pre-birthday? OK, thanks. "Happy Pre-Birthday"

Unknown said...

In five days we check back on you and see if you've sweetened up any. ;)

Ur-spo said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you !

Greg said...

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you and the Hubby will be doing something extra special tonight.

Anonymous said...

Happy V-Day!

Love, FFB

Rick Bettencourt said...

Your February is our March/April. I'm still waiting.

Steven said...

Happy Belated Valentine's Day! I hope that the two of you were able to enjoy the special day. How nice to hear of the crocuses coming up. Before you know it, we'll be forwarding our clocks an hour ahead. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to Idaho.

Rick said...

Sounds as if you've got spring fever. I hope you got plenty of sugar on Valentines Day. Have a great birthday and safe trip home.