Happy Valentine’s Day; a celebration of love and affection.

Today is the day named after Saint Valentine, and while no longer considered a religious holiday, it is still celebrated round the world on February 14th. It celebrates the love and affection between partners, whether married, engaged, living together or apart, or just dating; whether the opposite or the same sex. Love doesn’t care, it doesn’t judge you and your lifestyle, love is just that…love.

Roy and I love each other above all others; that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Roy and I are deeply in love with each other; our souls are intertwined; that’s the way it’s supposed to be. People have commented on how happy we make them, just watching us together; we are examples are what a loving relationship is supposed to be. It took us both a second try at the marriage thing; both our first marriages were hurtful; but we learned from it. We took all that learning and applied it to our own relationship; NASA, we do NOT have a problem.

On the other hand, we have had people comment that it is “not fair” that we have such a relationship. They are bitter and angry that they do not have what we have. They have tried to interfere, break us up, but to no avail; and we have pushed these people so far out of our lives, we’ve forgotten what they look or sound like. We have wished them luck, but have no desire to know anymore about them.

Roy and I give each other little gifts often; we don’t wait for a special occasion. We say “I love you” often, everyday; my son would say “you guys look so cute” when he would see us hold hands. We kiss and cuddle; we sigh at the same time, finish each other’s thoughts; yeah, we’re disgustingly cute at times; and very, very happy with each other.

We decided not to go out for dinner tonight, we want something quiet. I’m going to make something very simple that can be made in the time it takes Roy to get home. No mess, no fuss, so more time for us.

So Happy Valentine’s Day, enjoy being in love.

Crab and Swiss Meltaways

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups crab meat (claw or lump – pick through to remove any loose shell pieces), or flaked imitation crab meat (readily available and money friendly)
4 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp mild hot sauce (mild will not overpower the taste of the crab)
2 Tbsp red onion, diced
1 Tbsp dill
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese plus 6 slices Swiss cheese (Sargento’s Baby Swiss is the best)
3 Tbsp butter, softened
½ tsp garlic powder
3 English muffins, split apart and toasted.

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350F.

In medium bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise, hot sauce, onion, dill and shredded Swiss cheese.

In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic powder. Spread the garlic butter on each English muffin part (6 total).

Take crab mixture and form into 6 balls; press onto English muffins and top with a slice of Swiss cheese.

Place onto baking sheet and bake for 5-6 minutes; cheese will be melted and just starting to brown. Serve while hot.

Makes 6 servings.

Mary Cokenour