With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, how are you planning to say I love you to the special people in your life? Every year, hoping to say I love you to Greg in a meaningful way, I take time to write down some of the qualities I have come to love and appreciate about him. Putting thoughts into words is a wonderful way to show my gratitude to the Lord and to Greg. And long after a conversation may fade in memory, these written words, in a card or letter, may be read and reread over time.

This year, we won’t be going out to dinner. Instead, I’m going to prepare a special dinner party for just the two of us. I haven’t decided which of his favorite dishes I will cook, but I’m thinking perhaps a trio of fondues: cheese to start with, then a beef tenderloin with different dipping sauces, and to finish, a chocolate fondue with some seasonal fruits. Then again, maybe a lighter, healthier menu of grilled Mediterranean swordfish, Israeli couscous, and baked pears in cream.

Nothing enhances the atmosphere like music. No doubt a few McCartney love songs will be heard, but if you haven’t heard Marty Goetz’s CD, “Songs I Wish I’d Written,” you must give it a listen; it’s excellent!

As for that “something special” to wear, good news for the budget; I came across a pretty red dress I’d forgotten about hiding in the back of my closet. The color would be perfect…and even better, it still fits.

If it’s chilly that night, I’m planning to set a small table in the living room in front of the lighted fireplace. It’s fun changing things around sometimes! For a centerpiece, I was inspired by my friend Mae Wheeler, who created an exquisite arrangement of deep red roses and Gerber daisies in a vintage pedestal candy dish. I think I’ll unpack my pewter candlesticks to use with some tall slender tapers. (Just a suggestion: take care to use unscented ones at the dinner table. Some fragrances can overpower your sense of smell and sabotage your delicious menu.)