Monday, February 16, 2026

And, just like that, Valentine’s Day is behind us! Let’s link up with Holly and Sarah to share!

Last Wednesday I had my second dose of the Shingles vaccine, so I didn’t plan much for Thursday until well over 24 overs after the dose. I had no problems with the first dose other than a very sore arm. I am happy to report the second one was fine, too. I drank tons of water, electrolytes, and a probiotic soda. I again had/have a very sore arm and a big bruise, too. My sister got actual Shingles this summer and she was miserable. She had only just turned 50 and had not gotten the vaccine yet.

Do you remember my pink consignment pants I got this winter? I put this outfit together for a Thursday night Galentine’s event.

All the stores in the shopping center where the event was held were open late and there was some free swag at many of the stores.

There was so much spring stuff out!

Puppies up for adoption:

And, a random lady with two baby goats?

I went with my friend Jessica and we ended the evening at Steak and Bourbon at the bar and I got a delicious lemon drop martini:

The famous butter candle has experienced “shrinkflation”. Now it’s only 3 rolls instead of 4.

We had some spinach and artichoke dip, too. We called this girl dinner. That’s the only thing I bought while out!

Friday morning the clouds were so fluffy and pretty. Eddie Otis and I walk every morning before I get ready for the day. I listen to podcasts or talk on the phone.

We had 40s and 50s and a lot of sun but there were still so many patches where the sun hadn’t hit.

I had a Kroger pick up for my Valentine’s meal. Look at that blue sky!

And, I had a Target pick up and did a drive-up return for the first time. I ordered a “set” that I didn’t love on me that I returned, and I picked up a darling sweater. I still want a set, but the pants were too long, and the sweatshirt was too cropped. It was a very nice scuba material but $70 for a Target set seems like too much. The sweater is so cute! I hope it softens up a bit after the first wash. I still want a set and might try Aerie.

Friday I had no other plans other than a friend stopping by to drop something off for Tom. Tom had helped their daughter with her internship application in architecture. I also had to start my Valentine’s red cabbage.

I decided to put on my cherries shaped like hearts with bows tee.

My probiotic soda in my lobster glass:

When my friend arrived she wanted to sit on the porch and I made us the best drink if I do say so and even better in the heart glasses, no?

She is a dog whisperer and when EO barked she did a trick on him and it worked!

We chatted for quite a while and it was really nice. I miss having my patio hangs!

For dinner, I decided to do my Trader Joe’s blooming onion from the frozen section – meh, I won’t buy it again.

I even made the sauce.

veg, twice baked potatoes, and fake chicken minis (idea from Jen) with Bare nugs and Sister Schubert’s:

Valentine’s coffee in my Love mug:

I tried to make Tom heart toast. You press your fingers to form a heart and then toast it. MIne does not look like the example!

I finished this – very cute and fans of The Bachelor would enjoy!

I decided to start this, and I was even able to read outside a bit!

I went to Haymarket to see what they had for Valentine’s Day:

Then, Tom and I ran a couple of errands together. It started raining late afternoon and I had to get serious about my meal!

I had marinated the red cabbage for 30 hours at this point and then it had to cook for 1.5 hours.

This is the Ziguener schnitzel sauce:

Pork schnitzel:

Tom’s favorite German meal! I did it!

Our other Valentine had a face-off with Tom because he wasn’t getting enough attention!

Sunday Tom took Eddie Otis to Home Depot after his walk:

I went to Trader Joe’s for a few things and brought home white hydrangeas for my mantel:

I put my V Day away and put up my St. Patrick’s Day, but I swear I have more! I can’t find it. I do usually find green books to add.

It rained but some snow is still holding on. The big piles of dirty snow are still in the parking lots and still taking up parking spots.

It was so nice to see my rain chain going like crazy:

Yup, I managed to read a bit:

I told Tom I was reading the sequel to “The Last Thing He Told Me” and asked if he watched the show with me. By the way, season two starts on February 20 which might be this book? He wanted to know if the sequel was called “The Next to the Last Thing He Told Me”.

After all of my cooking Saturday and heating things up on Friday, I was done. We had mediterranean for dinner last night!

How was your weekend?

Amy