A Blue and White Valentine's Day

A few months ago, I was on an airplane and flipping through the Sky Mall catalog.  I love looking at the bizarre assortment of novelties they expect people to buy.  But one thing actually caught my eye.  Garden gnomes decked out in your favorite football team's attire.  I love gnomes!  I mentioned this to Jerry in passing one day.

As Valentine's Day approached, Jerry kept trying to get me to guess what he had found for me.  Usually he drops hints, but I couldn't think of anything.  He got me this.

 
I cried a little out of happiness and hormones.

Jerry is tough to find presents for.  Really tough.  Stealing a page from the Book of Cliches, I made him him this.  (Don't read to closely.  There may be a grammatical error or two on the card.)

If you are wondering why the hearts aren't red and pink, it's because Jerry's favorite color is bluc.

And here's our traditional photo in front of what I feel like we can safely call our holiday tree. 

Book Love 2014

Last year, I wrote a Valentine's post about being reunited with a book I love.  As someone who doesn't like to make a huge deal of Valentine's Day, I thought this would be a fun, simple tradition.

Lately, I've been feeling a lot of nostalgia for this little gem.  I remember first reading it as a class in first grade and the rhythm has stayed with me ever since.  I often find myself chanting, "eating once, eating twice, eating chicken soup with rice."  Like the book, I often insert my own participle.

My favorite month, you ask.  November because a whale spouts chicken soup with rice.  I'm so predictable.

Reading once,
Reading twice,
Reading chicken soup
with rice.  

Monterey and Pacific Grove

As one last pre-baby trip, I went to Monterey and Pacific Grove, California to visit a friend from college for the weekend.  Most people know that I do not have a deep love for California, but I have to admit that this area was gorgeous and nearly equal to my love of Sequoia National Park. 

While all the locals were praying for rain, I relished the unusually warm and sunny weather.  This ocean views were just blocks from where my hosts lived.  I decided these towns were perfect for me because they were easily walkable.

The wildlife was up close and personal. 

To my delight, I found that there were depictions of whales all over the town.  I love whales ...

 
... and sea life of almost every sort. 

We drove down Route 1 and enjoyed the amazing views of Big Sur.  On my final evening, we watched the sunset at Asilomar Beach which is perhaps one of the most beautiful views ever.