. . . This Sunday will be Valentine’s Day, a quiet, calm and fun day. In the middle of a cold and bleak month, this day comes like a breath of fresh air. The cards, candy and flowers bring a ray of sunshine to challenge the clutches of freezing temperatures.

So

thank yo u , “holiday committee,”

for giving us a refreshing break from the gloom of winter.

Then I remembered, there are other fun days to enjoy in February. For example, Feb. 2, was Ground Hog Day. The length of our winter depends entirely on this poor little creature coming out of hibernation long enough to check for his shadow. Thankfully he survived this rude interruption.

And, oh yes, the Super Bowl was Feb. 7. Since the wrong teams were playing, it wasn’t quite as exciting as I had anticipated. I found solace in junk food and visiting with friends about possibilities for next year.

But, wait, we aren’t done yet. Mardi Gras happens on Feb. 16, - one last gala before the somber season of Lent begins on Feb. 17, with Ash Wednesday. Did you know Lent means spring? Yes, winter, you will meet your match and you will lose.

The XXI Olympic Winter Games, the American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Race for outdoor enthusiasts, and an indoor Home & Garden Show are also in February.

On the political side, we have President’s Day on Feb. 15, celebrating Lincoln’s (Feb. 12) and Washington’s (Feb. 22) birthdays.

All these action packed activities spell “Fun in February.” However, my heart belongs to Valentine’s Day.

May your day be filled with candy and flowers, and fun with winter games as we enjoy February.