We’re celebrating by going out on date night Friday. There are 6 cruise ships in port today and the island is full of "fritters." (Fritters = Tourists, who come here and eat Conch Fritters). Just too many people to fight for a good night out, so we’re going to wait until this weekend.

Valentines Day brings out red roses, the sappy love poems and Hallmark cards. Here is something I found in a magazine awhile ago. It may not be terribly romantic, but I think it’s sentimental and true, without the sap, and it describes how I feel about my Valentine.

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"When the last speck of fairy dust is gone, and you are married to exactly the person you married and not any fantasy of your own, you find out whether you have what it takes to make it through a few more decades of togetherness. It takes commitment, it takes forgiveness, it takes resignation and compromise, but with all of this, you still have to feel tenderness. The person you see in those eyes that meet yours across the pillow, or the dining room table, or over the head of the child whose hands you hold– if that person still touches something wordless in you, you can imagine that there are still good parts left, still surprises in the story. You can only find out what happens when you believe in love if you believe in love. We choose to believe."

Believing then, still believing now…

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***A quick adoption bloggerland note:  CONGRATULATIONS TO LAUREN & MARCO WHO BECAME PARENTS TO LUCIANA TODAY!  Also, congratulations to Susan & Wayne who received their release letter!  Let’s hope for a quick court date!  Great news!***