Lots of people (and I really mean LOTS, and you’re probably one of them) hate February. I didn’t realize this until just a couple of years ago, when everyone started to get vocal about it at the same time. But here’s the deal: I can’t hate a month that has both Valentine’s Day and my birthday in it. Also, for a very long time (when I lived in more southerly latitudes), February was kind of the pre-beginning of spring. That’s not so much the case in Minnesota (did you know I live further north than Toronto? True.), but I retain that sense of optimism and being over the hump.
Here’s what I’m looking forward to in February: Making Valentines with my kids (and also for my kids). Baking something decadent and wonderful for Valentine’s Day dessert, because it is highly unlikely that we’ll go out, and besides, Michael Pollan tells me that I can eat as much junk food as I want, as long as I make it myself.* My birthday. Tying up loose ends at work as I prepare for maternity leave (I do so love to tie up the loose ends). Soup. Earlier sunrises and later sunsets. Two more Daisy meetings. Fun sewing, which (unlike knitting) doesn’t hurt my hands. Making some space for this baby girl.
You?
* I recently rediscovered oatmeal-raisin cookies. They are perfect for winter and (if, unlike me, you manage not to overbake them, sigh) perfectly chewy and fabulous. Use actual butter; it’s worth it in every way. I also found out just yesterday that Toll House morsels do not have unpronounceable junk in them. Leave your inferior chocolate chips aside and use the good stuff. And then share. 