In the Feels

Wood & Co.

Saturday, Valentine’s Day was sunny and blue skied. Wore a leather jacket instead of the down coat. I dropped off goodies to my granddaughters and then met with a banker in full adult mode.

Dreaded grocery shopping was the remaining to-do. The entrance had a large display of cutesy arrangements, flowers, candy, and popcorn. The smell of hyacinths and mirth of tulips in the air. Inside, florals to the left was crowded with people and overpriced bouquets. Narrow paths and bending customers resulted in a butt bump or two. Music was blaring and unrecognized. A pop- up canopy was a Willy-Wonka dipped strawberry extravaganza. It was festive. The mistress of ceremony had a flowing azalea pink caftan, and all kinds of bedazzled jewelry. I had to skedaddle rather than watch this real-life reel.

I spent more laps, time, and money on more than I need. Bagged, wheeled and packed ready to roll. This consumer holiday, love theme, excitement, excessive purchases with a dash of premature spring fever got me thinking. Then a niggling of feelings. Was it memory dipped in bittersweet? Not sad or lonely, I felt a bit tender, aware and solitary. Perhaps I was nostalgic needing to recall last Valentine’s Day.

Gary was a romantic. He wrote poems, was a terrific giver of gifts. He sent roses no matter the ridiculous cost and in spite of my crank shaft practicality and crustiness after he retired. He had not been able to drive for a couple of years and walking into a grocery was impossible last year. His only outings were doctor visits.

I wanted to do something special for Valentine’s and recognize my husband and treat him like a lover. We missed the opportunity to dine at Chef Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill in Chicago. Bayless is a James Beard Winning Star Chef. I used a food distributor and ordered Oaxacan Mole 3-Course Dinner Kit for 2.

It was an at-home tour of Oaxaca! It started with green almond soup (garnished with roasted chayote squash & potato) and continues with grilled chicken breast topped with their famous mole negro. Black beans and chile-laced green beans complement the chicken, and for dessert, chocolate pecan pie bars! Also included are handmade tortillas made with organic heirloom corn from Oaxaca, Mexico.

Two deserts are better than one. I splurged on JFK’s Wedding Cake a handcrafted recreation of the elegant confection first served at John F. Kennedy and Jackie’s 1953 wedding. Made by Montilio’s Baking Company, a third-generation, family-owned Boston bakery founded in 1947, this iconic cake has also graced presidential inaugural balls and the Pope’s table. A simple, beautiful layer cake of vanilla sponge, layered with raspberry frosting and preserves, and finished with buttercream.

I was excited. I set a formal table with flowers, photos of both sets of parents. and candlelight. We both wore date-like clothes. We relished and discussed every course of the meal. We lingered at the table like civilized adults. Cell phone was only to take some photos. We had a nice time. A special evening. an hour of elegance. I can remember and recall the mood. Illness be damned. Now it’s time to pack away feelings and return to doing.