By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
My sweet Valentine a.k.a. the Clever Cupid – always full of surprises!
Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy. I get the concept. I raised my babies on these fictional yet fun principles. After all, everyone appreciates a fun yet thoroughly anticipated surprise, right?
The past couple of weeks Mr. Kaminski has taken this concept of holiday hoopla to an entirely new level. Now I’m not certain what the catalyst is, and I must confess, I’m a bit worried. I appreciate knowing the rhyme or reason behind certain actions, especially when they are extraordinary, unexpected and repetitive.
It all started when I went to Vegas. I suspect lots of interesting stories begin with those words. It seems that every time I take a trip, the actual getting on the trip takes a lot. I’m typically right up until the last minute with the packing, prepping, planning – you name it. I’m coming in hot departure day.
I departed from San Antonio, which meant I was in the Hill Country fighting the clock on getting out the door. So that meant that with my January departure, Christmas was still on full display at Casa Kaminski. A girl can only do so much.
I was somewhat chagrined over the fact that I couldn’t get Christmas canceled before I left. I just figured I would deal with the Christmas chaos when I returned.
Not at all on board with taking this tree down. It will be on display the entire month of February – it’s just that fabulous!
Lo and behold, when I returned home from the airport late in the evening, Casa Kaminski had been completely transformed. Christmas became Valentine’s Day with hearts and flowers and pink and red everywhere – even on what once was the Christmas tree! It was a delightful surprise complete with dinner – warmed, but who am I to judge – and wine. It was absolutely precious and very much appreciated, all courtesy of Mr. Kaminski. He was pretty tickled with himself, as he should be.
I had weeks before Cupid’s big day, and I was already love shack fancy ready. I admit, I was pretty tickled, too. I returned to Green Acres a few days later for dinner with Mr. Kaminski and the gang. LC picked me up so we could secure an indoor table during the frigid freeze, and Mr. Kaminski was to meet us.
Mr. Kaminski’s arrival time came and went, so the texting commenced. He indicated he had to stop at the house to get a more substantial coat what with the weather and all. He arrived, and we had a lovely dinner.
Upon arrival at the house, I discovered that the Clever Cupid had struck yet again. Through the house, to and fro, Cupid’s arrow had landed with love. It was adorable, and once again, I was smitten.
As the days passed, I began to notice subtle additions around the house. A candle here, a trinket there, a velvet heart-shaped box on my bedside table. It was empty. Y’all know I checked. It seemed as if every day Cupid had struck. I expressed my gratitude and surprised delight for the gaggle of gifts until about day four.
“Are you sick?” I demanded of Mr. Kaminski. Y’all know I’m somewhat direct.
He looked at me like I was delusional. “No.”
“These little trinkets keep showing up on the daily, and that’s sweet and all, but now I got questions. You got a side piece? Because you know I’ll cut a B, but I’ll cut you first.”
He laughed. “Honey, I don’t have the time, temperament or death wish to deal with a side piece. All I am capable of dealing with at any point and time is you.”
“Good. I like that,” was my retort.
He laughed at me. “Do you want me to stop?”
“Ummm, no,” I replied.
“It’s just hard to surprise you after 30 plus years. I thought this would be fun and keep you on your toes.”
This morning it was a tiny white Christmas tree decorated with hearts that light up – in the kitchen. Not sure what the actual day will bring, but I’m certain I’ll be surprised. Guess I’ll need to stay married for another 30 years to see how this all plays out.
Happy Valentine’s Day porch sitters – and an especially sweet Valentine’s Day wish for my sweetie who’s probably at a store right now buying another themed treasure. See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
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