Next Tuesday is Valentine’s Day. I learned many years ago what needs to be done for this day.
I’ve done different things, but there are some basics that have become entrenched in my mind that are a must.
One is, order the flowers early.
Not just any flowers, but roses. There are options to colors. At least for my wife.
By ordering at least a week in advance, I have those options. There are a couple of colors in particular my wife enjoys.
You can’t go wrong with red, but after so many years that color can become a little monotonous.
After all, Valentine’s Day is just one of the days throughout each year that I get to send flowers. There is her birthday, Mother’s Day and of course, our wedding anniversary.
I came close to messing up a number of years ago and forgot to send them on our wedding anniversary day. It was a Saturday and so I had to scramble to make sure it happened.
I now have the flowers sent to our house in the afternoon. In the past, I had them sent to her office. She now prefers to have them at the house to enjoy after she gets home from work.
Experience has taught me to sign the card that accompanies the flowers. My wife knows my handwriting and with me doing it, it’s much more personal.
Picking out the Valentine’s card can be a challenge for some reason. I used to always select something romantic or serious. After being together as long as we have, something funny or on the lighter side is better with her.
Again, Valentine’s is not the only day of the year I get cards for Pat. So, it’s better to spread the serious and romantic side around with the funny and lighter I have found.
For years, off and on, we’ve gone out to eat that night. But making reservations can sometimes be a hassle. Most good restaurants are really crowded that night, too.
The last several years we’ve just enjoyed staying home. With weather permitting, I try to grill steaks that night. Pat always enjoys that.
I have to work Valentine’s evening this year, but at least since I work from home, we can have dinner together.
I may grill steaks, haven’t decided yet.
Not sure about what I’ll get us for dessert yet.
In the past, I’ve also bought chocolates, I’ve even gotten chocolate strawberries.
What I have learned is that going out to dinner now on that night isn’t that big a deal anymore with her. And, after all, that day is really more about her than it is for me anyway.
This will be our 46th Valentine’s Day to celebrate together.
We observed our first one about five months before we were married. I can only hope she enjoys it.