Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentines Day



 Will you be my Valentine?

I don't have a special someone in my life to celebrate Valentine's Day with so, this year, I'm giving a Valentine to someone here at The Romance Dish.  At the end of the day I'll randomly choose one commenter to receive a prize package from my book (and other goodies) stash.  So tell me...

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day?  What's the best Valentine's gift you've ever received or given?  The worst?  Describe your ideal (real or fantasy) Valentine's Day.  Or, if you're feeling really creative, write a poem about why you should be my prize-winning Valentine!   

~PJ

75 comments:

  1. Happy Valentine's Day. I don't have to celebrate, but it is nice to give and receive a little something on this day. One of the best gifts I got was a cashmere sweater. I hope one day I'll be surprised with a plane ticket for Paris or Tahiti.

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  2. PJ, I think you're everyone's valentine all the time because you are such a sweetie!

    I've received two special valentine gifts, both from my husband. The first one was a poem he wrote the year before we got married. The second was a special bouquet of roses. I was expecting our baby in late April and on that Valentine's Day, he sent me a dozen roses,11 red roses and a pink one in the very center of the bouquet. The note said, "To my Valentine and the little sweetheart that will soon become part of our lives." I still think that bouquet was the most romantic one I have ever received.

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  3. PJ

    Hubby and I don't make a big thing of Valentines Day I usually get a chocolate or card and I give him something small, this year we decided to go for a drive down to Wollongong so as I could drop into Lucy's romance bookstore and pick up some books then we had lunch at the beach it was great except it decided to rain just as we arrived at the beach LOL but there were seats under an awning and we enjoyed fish and chips by the sea in the rain and I loved it.
    I did say a big hello to Lucy from you PJ.

    Happy Valentines Day Everyone

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  4. We are not big on Valentine's around here & I can live with that quite happily. It's just one day. It's the rest of the year that I appreciate the love.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  5. I hope one day I'll be surprised with a plane ticket for Paris or Tahiti.

    Now that's a surprise I could get behind, Jane!

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  6. The note said, "To my Valentine and the little sweetheart that will soon become part of our lives." I still think that bouquet was the most romantic one I have ever received.

    Awwww. Deb, tell that man he has romance in his soul. What a beautiful gift!

    PJ, I think you're everyone's valentine all the time because you are such a sweetie!

    What a lovely thing to say. Thank you! ♥

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  7. Helen, I think taking you to a romance bookstore then sharing fish and chips by the sea in the rain sounds terribly romantic.

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  8. We are not big on Valentine's around here & I can live with that quite happily. It's just one day. It's the rest of the year that I appreciate the love.


    My late husband felt the same way, Marybelle. While I would have enjoyed a little romance on Valentine's Day, I wouldn't have given up all those wonderful, unexpected "just because I love you" gestures the rest of the year to get them. ;-)

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  9. I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!!!

    My youngest son has made something for the hubby and me and has been hiding it in his room for the last several days. Can't wait to see what it is tonight!

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  10. Happy Valentine's Day PJ!
    Valentine's Day has always been a low key event in our house, with it being more about a family event as our kids were growing up. Now we just make a nice dinner.

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  11. Hi Maureen! I like the idea of making Valentine's Day a family event. Lots of love to go around! :)

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  12. While not really a present, I got "custody" of my dog from my ex-bf v-day wknd & she's been my year round valentine for the past 10 years giving me lots of love & laughter.

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  14. Happy Valentines Day everyone!

    I don't have a Valentines this year, though to be honest, I don't tend to really celebrate because I come from a restaurant family, and invariably, I'd be there helping out every Feb. 14th!

    But I remember one Valentines Day when I was in college, and it was me, my pajamas, a pint of Ben & Jerry, and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in P&P. Best Valentines Day ever! And I happen to know I had a better time that night than some of my friends, lol.

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  15. Happy Valentine's Day! My favorite was the first one with my husband. We had just started dating and he bought me a beautiful blue topaz pendant and a huge teddy bear. We were poor college students so I'm sure he had to struggle to afford it.

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  16. Hubby and I do celebrate Valentine's Day, but it is generally low-key. Perhaps because our birhdays and anniversary are also in February, VDay has never capured the top spot of the month!

    My favorite gift came years ago, (pre-email) when I was attending an out-of-state conference. Hubby wrote a poem and faxed it to me at the hotel where I was staying. It was so sweet.

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  17. It's been a long time since I was in a relationship, so I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. When I did, though, the best gift was always chocolate.

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  18. I don't have anyone special to celebrate with either. But I am planning on spending the day reading a great romance book and relaxing. My favorite gift would be anything related to books!

    hmanning[at]bellsouth[dot]net

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  19. We don't really celebrate, although my "rule" such as it is, is that at some point in the year, I should randomly receive flowers :) I don't want him to buy them just because it's Valentine's Day, particularly when the price is so high!

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  20. PJ, Will You Be My Valentine? :D

    Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!
    We don't do much for Vday, a card is about as far as it goes. I much prefer the 'just because gifts' Clint(dh)and I exchange throughout the year. Although I did get a sweatshirt 8 years ago that had a red chili pepper on it and it read- Little Hottie. I love that sweatshirt! and I still have it :) That poor thing is falling apart but I can't seem to get rid of.

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  21. When I think of Valentine's Day I want to share this special day with a soulmate. It is rare to find someone who is genuine, sincere and empathetic. I found my beshert many years ago. He is my treasure and I cherish each and everyday.

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  22. My husband and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day, but we do give a little treat to the kids. I will say that the best V-day present I ever received was 11 years ago when my son was born 44 minutes before V-day. :)

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  23. I'm just home from my doctor's office where I got this year's Valentine: three prescriptions for severe bronchial and sinus infections and a fourth to fill if I'm not feeling better in 48 hours. Good thing I wasn't planning anything sexy and steamy! lol!

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  24. gamistress66 said, I got "custody" of my dog from my ex-bf v-day wknd & she's been my year round valentine for the past 10 years giving me lots of love & laughter.

    That's my kind of valentine! My canine buddies give me love and joy each and every day.

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  25. My boyfriend of two months gave me the most unromantic gift ever. A toilet paper rol, yes you read it correctly!, featuring Sudoku puzzles.

    Oh, my. Kirsten, I think that tops some of the appliance/tool gifts that friends of mine have gotten over the years.

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  26. I remember one Valentines Day when I was in college, and it was me, my pajamas, a pint of Ben & Jerry, and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in P&P. Best Valentines Day ever!

    Lisa, I think that sounds lovely. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with Colin Firth...or Ben & Jerry!

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  27. Stacie said, My favorite was the first one with my husband. We had just started dating and he bought me a beautiful blue topaz pendant and a huge teddy bear. We were poor college students so I'm sure he had to struggle to afford it.

    Aww, what a sweetheart!

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  28. LSUReader said, My favorite gift came years ago, (pre-email) when I was attending an out-of-state conference. Hubby wrote a poem and faxed it to me at the hotel where I was staying. It was so sweet.

    Sounds like your hubby is definite romance hero material. That would certainly melt my heart!

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  29. It's been a long time for me too, Margay. Sometimes I gift myself with chocolate! *g*

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  30. JuneM, that sounds very close to how I'll be spending my day. Of course, I don't have much choice since I'm sick. ;-) Still, it will be lovely to snuggle up on the couch with my furry buddies and get lost in a wonderful romance.

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  31. JWZ, I like your rule. My late husband was a spontaneous flowers kind of guy. I didn't get them all that often and never knew when they would show up that made them all the more special when they did.

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  32. Sure, I'll be your Valentine, Okie!
    *grin*


    I love the sound of your sweatshirt. That's the kind of gift I wouldn't want to part with either. Those "just because" gifts throughout the year are wonderful, aren't they?

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  33. Petite, I'm so happy you've found your special someone and the two are enjoying a happy life together. Hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day!

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  34. I will say that the best V-day present I ever received was 11 years ago when my son was born 44 minutes before V-day. :)

    Andrea, I'd say that's a darn good Valentine and a gift that's kept on giving these past eleven years. He's a treasure!

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  35. My cats are my best Valentines >^,,^<

    To celebrate Valentine’s Day, I plan to bake a pan of my best brownies, turn the pages of some very lovely romance reads, and think about love and all its embodiments and implications. Love makes the world go around. It makes fools out of grown men, and makes women who should know better act like school girls with their first crush. Love brings light to dark corners, sunshine to cloudy days, and a joyful heart when least expected. It gives hope when all hope was thought to be lost. People who love and are loved in return live longer, smile more often, and generally make the world a better place. Whether you are enjoying the first blush of a new romance or the golden glow of a lifelong love, I wish you the happiest Valentine’s day ever! If you are without your loved one, no matter what the reason, then I wish you peace in your remembrance.

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

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  36. Virginia, what a lovely, lovely post. Thank you so much for those sentiments!

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  37. My boyfriend and I celebrated Friday along with my son. He took us to eat dinner and while we were waiting he slid a box across the table, the key to his heart. He said I have had it for years but he thought to give a tangible symbol. It was a necklace, a silver key with a heart shaped stone.

    Here is something for you PJ, keep in mind that I read, not write. :-)

    Romance is lovely
    I must declare
    Birds are singing and
    love is in the air.

    I have my loves,
    (my children and boyfriend)
    They fill my heart with joy,
    how nicely we blend.

    Another love I have
    that's plain as day.
    To all who know me,
    and have seen me play.

    Are my many books,
    so much I read.
    I will confess,
    to an absolute greed.

    New to me authors,
    I have so often requested.
    Friends and family,
    their tempers I tested.

    Then one day,
    I got my wish.
    A new blog was formed,
    The Romance Dish!

    I visit here daily
    my joy to find.
    So many new authors,
    and friends of like mind.

    And so a tribute I offer
    to you this day.
    I love Romance Dish
    Happy V-Day P.J.

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  38. Happy Valentine's Day!! The only gift I usually get is candy and luckily, I've never received a horrible gift.

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  39. Happy Valentine's Day!! The only gift I usually get is candy and luckily, I've never received a horrible gift.

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  40. Happy Valentine's Day.

    The best gift I ever received was a few years ago my boyfriend ordered flowers for me and had them delivered and they came with a teddybear and chocolate. It was special because my boyfriend usually never gets me anything and if he does he can't wait to tell me what it is or give it to me. Usually he just takes me to the store to pick out my own gift. No surprise there. But I love him.

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  41. Dianna, thank you! What a wonderful poem! I love it! I'm printing out a copy to keep with my Romance Dish special memories. ♥

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  42. What a sweet gift, Danielle. Kudos to him for managing to keep it secret and surprising you!

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  43. I love Valentine’s Day, and yet I’ve always spent it single. I think the reason is I love giving little gifts to people to show them I care. Friends, co-workers, family we all like to know we’re appreciated, and it’s the one day I can do it without people thinking I have an ulterior motive :) My best gift was from my little sister who was staying with me while our parents went out for the weekend. She made a homemade necklace & card, hid it under my pillow and said she wanted to take a nap. I thought I’d never heard such a thing?! Thanks for the post!

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  44. Hi Jessika! Happy Valentine's Day!

    I like your way of celebrating the holiday of love. Since I don't have a sweetheart, I usually do the same; make little bags of chocolates for co-workers, neighbors, fellow volunteers, etc. Of course, the little ones in my life (grandnieces, nephews, etc.) get actual Valentines since they *love* getting mail!

    I think homemade gifts are the best and it sounds like your little sister has already learned that. What a sweet and thoughtful gift she made for her "big sis" and I love the way she gave it to you!

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  45. Oh, Dianna, you're poem is absolutely lovely!! Thank you. We so enjoy your daily visits here. :)

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  46. I had my Valentine's Day celebration yesterday complete with flowers, candy, cards, and kisses. The flowers were a discount bouquet that fit the allowances of the under 12 crowd, the candy was a bag of gummy bears, the cards were handmade with crooked letters and crayon drawings, and the kisses were the sticky, after-cake-and-ice cream variety. I've had more romantic Valentine's Days but none that I treasured more.

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  47. Janga, it might not have been romantic but it sounds absolutely perfect to me!

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  48. I don't have a Valentine either. I'll oprobably give my pets extra treats tonight, I usually do for holidays (and when they nag me to death and give me the pitiful "I'm starving" face despite having full bowls of kibble).

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  49. My hubby and I have been married for 44 years so we are happiest just being together. We're each working on our computers for most of the day and then share preparing and eating a nice dinner. So, for us, every day is Valentine's Day. I do send you best wishes for a very happy Valentine's Day knowing you bring such love to other people every day.

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  50. I don't have a Valentine this year, but that's fine with me. One of my two classes was cancelled today so I get a day of relaxation! :)

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  51. I'll oprobably give my pets extra treats tonight, I usually do for holidays (and when they nag me to death and give me the pitiful "I'm starving" face despite having full bowls of kibble).

    LOL! They do know how to employ that "Poor Me" face to full effect, don't they, Anne?

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  52. Connie, congratulations on 44 years with your sweetheart! I love that, for the two of you, every day is Valentine's Day. That's as it should be. Enjoy!

    Thank you, too, for your heartfelt Valentine's wishes.

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  53. Trisha, enjoy your day of relaxation. Sounds like the perfect Valentine for a hard-working student!

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  54. Happy Valentine's Day! My favorite way to celebrate Valentine's Day is with my families annual Red themed Valentine's dinner. RED everything..dishes, table, candles, food, drinks, dessert etc. with little gifts at each of the kids place settings. It's always something we look forward to. My favorite gift is being with my husband and family and seeing the smiles on the kids faces.

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  55. Chris S, what a wonderful tradition! Your kids must be bouncing with excitement by the time you all sit down for dinner.

    My favorite gift is being with my husband and family and seeing the smiles on the kids faces.

    That's a very precious gift and I would imagine there are plenty of happy smiles to go around!

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  56. Happy Valentine's Day! Sadly, I'm not celebrating it with anyone. And I'm not as lucky as Trisha since I had classes until 8 PM. A nice book will help me relax, though. :D

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  57. Karyn, sometimes the simple gifts are the best and a hug and kiss are always special.

    I love the name of your town. It always evokes visions of Northern Exposure for me. (Do you remember that TV show?)

    What a sweet and wonderful giveaway PJ!

    I love giving gifts! :)

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  58. Happy Valentines, Antonia. I hope you enjoy your book. What are you reading?

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  59. Happy valentines day! I decided years ago to abolish the standard thinking of valentines day. My daughter (3) and my friends celebrate the fact that we still love through the year. married or single as long as your heart is open it's reason to celebrate. we do like a secret Santa thing with gifts and have a brunch or supper depending on what day the 14 fall on. due to the weekday it's supper tonight. I also received the best present ever this year. my daughter woke me up with a big hug and told me she loves me for ever and ever. the part that makes it great is since she is so young she was simply letting me know, not understanding that today is valentines day. I hope of all you have a good day with friends and family you love too!

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  60. "Happy Valentines, Antonia. I hope you enjoy your book. What are you reading?"

    I'm reading "The Shadow and the Star" by Laura Kinsale. So far, I'm loving it. :D

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  61. My BF & I always exchange funny romantic cards and a small gift.
    It always makes me smile in the dead of winter.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  62. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I always loved the gifts my kids made me in school when they were little. So sweet!

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  63. P.J., go to this page and you can just print the picture.

    http://hrdwrkdmom.com/dish/dish.html

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  64. Alishia, what a fun way to celebrate. Sounds like you have a great group of friends. A good-morning hug and an unsolicited "I love you" from the little ones in our life is always a precious gift.

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  65. Pamela, I'm for anything that brings a smile to the dead of winter! Happy Valentines!

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  66. Dianna, thank you so much for that link. It's lovely!

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  67. Not celebrating V Day here. Sitting home alone. Going to watch a little TV.

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  68. PJ,

    This was, beyond a doubt my best Valentine's Day ever!!! We had a delicious supper, we laughed, we danced, we crawled and rolled around on the floor, and then we had a bottle... I spent my Valentine's Day with my 10 month old niece Zoe! It was FANTASTIC!!! Lol!!!

    Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

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  69. Runner, me too. I'm spending mine with Alex O'Laughlin and another episode of Hawaii 5-0. :)

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  70. Aww, Monica. What a great way to spend Valentine's Day!

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  71. Happy Valentine Day PJ and the rest of the ladies at the Romance Dish!

    I really don't care about V-Day. I finally convinced the hubby this year that I won't be mad if we don't do anything! He finally gets it!

    Although the previous V-Days he did get me a Nook so that was nice.

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  72. Happy Valentines Day!
    I don't usually celebrate, my hsuband and I ahve been married 12 years now. He did bring me a single red rose today. I can't tolerate a whoe bokey, sinuses, but I love them and he knows it.
    I had a car accident and fractured C-6 in my neck. I had the accident on Nov. 1 and have had a brace on since then. I had the surgery on Jan 12. Since then Tom has had to do everything that I do and his chores too. He helps me shower, washes my clothing, cooks dinner, grocery shops, changes the bedding , takes me to appointments all of this and things like snowblowing, getting ice off the roof that kind of thing. He has done this before as this was the 8th surgery since we've been married. He's loving and kind. He does get tired but really tries to just go and rest, and doesn't take it out on me. He jokingly these days calls me "princess". I've had as good a Valentines day as possible. I have about 4 more weeks before the brace comes off.

    dancealert at aol dot com

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  73. We celebrate Valentine's Day, but not always on Feb. 14. My husband was in the military 25 years and we were often apart for special days. We learned then, it is just a day. It is what the day and the person represent and mean to you. We learned to celebrate when we could. This year we are celebrating our birthdays (Jan. & March) and Valentine's Day with a trip to New Orleans.

    My best Valentines gift - I got pregnant for our oldest daughter on Valentine's Day (I also got pregnant for our son in February).
    Worst gift - I went into labor for our other daughter on the evening of Valentine's Day. Actually it was a gift, I was more than ready to have her.

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  74. I know I am probably too late for this, but I'm writing anyway.

    The best gift my DH ever gave me for Valentine's Day as a diamond necklace.

    The worst gift I have ever gotten was when my DH was taken by ambulance to the hospital yesterday with extremely low blood pressure. He was in the ER for 4-1/2 and they used 4 IV bags on him. Luckily they got him stabilized and he was able to come home.

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