February - generally the coldest month, but this year a mixed bag. Let's get winter over with already! Although I shouldn't complain because really we have been fortunate in Toronto so far this winter. I think I have only had to wear my boots 4 times! The same cannot be said for Kincardine where my parents live. They have been shovelling out, under water alerts and experiencing power outages. Hey maybe we should send the army to them! Or snowplows. I am sure PEI is ready and willing. Ha!

February 5

Well, the February blahs had settled in and Joe and I were curled up on the couch reading the newspaper when impulse struck. Joe discovered an ad for a 2 year old Giant Schnoodle. Now, as a bit of background, we have a bit of a love affair with big dogs. That's not to say that we are not completely enthralled with our miniature schnauzer Buster. (He's my baby!) But when Joe and I were first married I presented him with a Newfoundland pup for his birthday. He had briefly owned a Newfoundland dog when he was a young boy and had always wanted one again. Well Max was a wonderful, loving and gentle dog. He was with us for 13 years when sadly his health failed and we had to make the difficult decision of having him put down. A year or so passed and the kids (and okay I admit Joe & I) missed having a dog. We decided to try something completely different and along came Buster. The benefit is that I had developed allergies and was no longer able to manage having a dog that sheds etc. Buster has been with us for 11 years and is a joy. So... you might be wondering why we felt the need for another dog. Well, I am sticking with the February blah theory. Also you can't discount impulse and sentiment. I mean as we were driving out to see Onyx for the first time through a blizzard, freezing rain etc. And then then she came bouncing up to us with those big brown eyes! We let's just say we now find ourselves the proud owners of two dogs. A giant schnoodle (giant poodle & standard schnauzer cross) and a miniature schnauzer. They both get along quite well although the old fella sometimes finds his sister's energy a little overwhelming. But nonetheless we have all settled in.

February 14

And here I thought as an old married lady the romance would be - well, a spark rather than a flame. And then, Joe surprised me with a mushy card & chocolates. First thing in the morning! Now, generally the consensus in our household is that Valentine's Day is just another Hallmark moment, so I wasn't expecting anything. In fact, generally what happens is a card at dinner or even (gasp) sometimes flowers. Joe had even taken the time to personalize my envelope & make his own wrapping paper for the chocolates. Inside the card was a translation of the word love in languages from around the world. Well, not to be outdone I presented my card & a candy heart with I love you written on it! (Luckily that morning I had picked up the candy heart when at my workout at Curves!) I know, I know, where's the love! Well it was in the fabulous dinner that I prepared for my sweetheart that evening. Topped off with miniature gorgeous chocolate heart cakes.

February 24: Airport Limo Service

I received an email from my sister Kathie asking if I would pick her up at the airport and put her up for the night. I mean how far do you take this family thing!!! And to top it off, where was she going.... to Italy. That's right or should I say "that's amore". My sister is a travel agent in PEI and on occasion goes on trips to explore potential destinations for her clients. Italy was the latest. Now to be fair, she had been asking me to come with her on a trip to Italy. I passed (finances & timing issues) so I couldn't begrudge her the trip. I'll just have to live vicariously through her.

February 28

Received another email from my sister saying she is running away to Italy! I may need to go over there to bring her back! Darn eh?

Well, not much else to report. Busy with work as usual. Not too much socializing as I have recently embarked upon a "fiscally responsible" phase. But don't worry... March is looking more promising.