MY FUNNY VALENTINE!

 The sun shone and the weather started to show sign of spring, until it didn't!  Welcome to Austin!  I spend most of Sunday afternoon repotting tomato plants, and then wondering how long it would be before they could be put outside into the garden.  Out of the six, five seemed to be reasonable happy, with two not minding the transplant at all.  The sixth was rather forlorn.  I kept it in the sun for as long as possible, but it did not spring back.  I decided that a kind word might be more appropriate than a strong 'talking to' and told him that his brothers were all doing very well, and knew he could pull through, if only he put his mind to it.  I cleared up the mess and went inside to clean up myself!

It was Superbowl weekend, and the country was a little less ambivalent than last year, and a rise in viewers was reported.  About sixteen percent more people watched the adverts, that had a 'ball game' in between, and the 'half time show' was reportedly 'tame' in comparison with previous years, which was recorded as a plus.  It appears impossible to keep 'politics' out of anything, and I will probably be reprimanded for saying so, (verbally, mentally or in other ways people decide is an appropriate way,) but in my (humble) opinion, most people get along, and it would be nice if teams could just 'play ball' without the controversy.  However, passion is passion, and rights are rights.  We did not watch the game.  It was not for political reasons, nor humanitarian, but for the simple fact that we had no 'dog in the hunt' and gave ourselves a hiatus! California against Ohio, or at least a team from each state. I received updates from my truck driving, trail hiking, kayaking, Buccee frequenter, all things Texas, daughter!  

Back to everyday life, Monday started a new week, and the warm start to the morning was the 'high' of the day.  It became considerably colder throughout the afternoon, and I was glad I had put the new plants back inside!  The wilting tomato had showed some signs of improvement, and further words of encouragement were whispered.  However, there were other things to be taken into consideration, and into consideration, they had been taken not!  The plants were repotted in a mixture of repotting soil, purchased from the store, and said to be 'the best' for all varieties.  The mixture, it appeared, contained a reasonably high quantity of manure, and as I came down on Monday morning, I was transported back to my homeland, and the months where the farmers performed a task, which was quite simply, and aptly called, 'muck spreading'.  The smell, although not entirely unpleasant, was rather pungent.  My kitchen smelled as if it had been part of the farmer's routine.  It smelled like a farmyard!

Dressing in the 'Mary Quant' sixties outfit made me feel good!  I was tempted to put my hair in a pony tail for no other reason than it was easier than twirling it into a French pleat which was perhaps more age appropriate, but did not, and the pleat won.  Dressing in the 'Mary Quant' sixties outfit is exactly that to me.  I digress into a time when I was too young to really enjoy it, but recognised its style. However, when I wear said outfit, one of 'our guys' always says I look like a 'go-go dancer'.  The ponytail would just have reinforced the claim, and despite the fact that the skirt is not of the mini variety, and the top is a polo-neck that not only covers my midrift, but comes down almost a foot past the waist, the comment is always made! As is my way, I just smile!  However, I digress.  I wore my 'Mary Quant' sixties outfit and felt quite invigorated!

It was Valentine's Day, and the same conversation took place, with the same 'guy' as always.  I think sometimes it is intended to compromise me in some way, but I have never quite worked out how! "You don't celebrate Valentine's Day, do you?"  It was more of a statement than a question, but I played along.  "No", was the answer.  "Here in America, it is a tradition".  I responded with, "I am a traditionalist, and therefore, do not take part in the farce".  I was, perhaps a little terse, but after so many years, it gets old!  As you can tell, patience was not shining through on Monday, despite my feeling invigorated!  I had just been speaking to a colleague in Dallas, who shared my sentiments that if her husband only showed her one day a year how much he cared, she would be rather upset! I went into my usual 'history lesson', of who Valentine was, and how it was unrequited love, etc., etc.  A day for secret admirers to send anonymous notes.  I did not feel the need to pad the pockets of the card companies, nor the flower sellers.  I could do that on other occasions! Our 'guy' kept on!  I did not feel attacked, per se, but it all boiled down to a matter of opinion.  "So you don't think we should celebrate?" I was asked.  I told him that it was none of my business what other people did, but I didn't. I realised that this topic was not going to end, unless drastic measures were taken. The conversation continued ended with me being a little sharp.  After a few more,, "But you don't think that....", kind of questions, I decided to stop playing.  "I have no problem with you having your opinion, just as you should not have a problem with me having mine!" I said.  Game over!  I could see why there are some times when it is not possible to just 'Play ball'!

Getting 'take out' was not the plan on Monday night, but we were later home than expected, and for some reason, I had lost motivation.  We headed out to the Greek restaurant, and it was very busy.  I knew that restaurants would be more crowded, but were surprised that our haunt was so packed!  It was rather heartening to see the queue, as business was obviously good.  I stood in line.  "Oh wow.  I love your nails" said the girl at the counter.  I thanked her.  "Is your hair real?" she asked. I said that it was.  "It looks fake.  Not in a bad way, but it looks like it can't be real.  It looks too good!"  I could do nothing but beam.  Here I was, with my 'Mary Quant' sixties outfit, without the 'Mary Quant' bob, but getting a compliment nonetheless!  However, as it was cold, I was wearing a coat, which covered all but the black and white boots!

There was a slight response to the 'smooth talk', and the wilted tomato showed signs that it might just bounce back, but it was obviously still sulking.  I knew how it felt.  Being uprooted from your home and placed somewhere else, leaving family behind, and having to start afresh, can be quite daunting.  I had had to separate it from a 'sibling' during the 'transplant' process, and perhaps that was causing a problem.  I empathised!  

I received a call from one of our colleagues, in Corpus Christi, as she had an update on a paper she was serving for us.  "Those plants look great.  I can't believe you have a tomato already!" she enthused.  I had taken pictures after she had given me some very helpful advice last year, when I was boring everyone with my newest whim.  I told her of the repotting process, and the current dilemma and the aroma now hovering around my extended kitchen area.  Her laughter said it all.  "Hey, what's that you are cooking.  Smells like....!"  I could not help but laugh.  She assured me it would subside.  I was hopeful!

Typical February weather continued.  Typical in as much as no one knows what it will be like from one day to another!  Thursday night saw the 'covers' come out again, and the outdoor children were put to bed.  It was going to freeze.  I was concerned for the strawberries, which appear to have no fear, and have started to turn red and seem not to be bothered by all the commotion!  I am not quite sure what I did right with them, as they showed no sign of life last year!

Sad news reached me on Friday, as one of my oldest friends lost his battle against illness and passed away.  He would comment on my posts, more frequently in the earlier days.  He was a hero to many and I was privileged to have known him, and to have him call me his friend.  A death is never easy, but when it is someone with whom you started school and have known since you were four, it brings home one's mortality, and how short life really is!  Rest in peace, Ian.  

It was not meant to freeze on Friday night, but it did.  I did not realise that planting a potted garden in a handkerchief could take so much time and effort, but it seems to be more of a problem in the winter than the summer!  Admittedly, I had no idea that the plants could live in the pots for so long!  I thought of how fragile life is, and although they appeared to be none the worse for the weather, felt rather guilty at not taking more care!  

Samantha and I 'did the rounds' on Saturday morning, and returned home to a glorious sun filled afternoon.  All things Valentine were either cleared away for Easter products, or on sale.  Would they mean the same given on a different day?  Probably not!  It was not hot enough to sit by the pool, but seemed to be too hot to waste indoors.  I pottered for a few minutes with the intent of doing something, but then just gave up!  Sometimes it does not hurt to sit still and do nothing! (So I am told!)

We have a 'long weekend', as Monday is Presidents' Day.  As of yet there are no plans.  I have so many 'things to do', on my list, but I am not sure of how many I can accomplish.  It is possible that I will get up on Tuesday morning and think, "I should have ...." but I aim not to go there!  The sun is currently shining, and it is perhaps warm enough to take a book poolside, but I emptied the filters this morning, (as they were quite clogged with leaves, following some high winds,) and the water was freezing.  Of course, that stops me not from sitting and reading, but there will be time enough for that come the spring...the real spring!

Perhaps I shall surprise myself and get all my tasks done over the next week.  The list is long, and appears to be never ending, but then again, that is life!  Thank you for listening to my abridged diary for the week, and who knows, perhaps there may be something new and exciting in ........... another story!