Happy Valentine's Day!

I have always loved Valentine's Day. When I was little, it was a family day. Mom would buy my Dad a couple of car magazines and a bag of his favorite candy orange slices. And there would always be a little heart-shaped box of chocolates next to my place at the dinner table. I've heard more than one person over the last week complain bitterly about Valentine's Day being a commercially-manufactured holiday...and I've heard more than one woman talk about it as if it were a national day of mourning because they didn't have a sweetheart. I think both complaints may have some merit, but it brightened my spirits tremendously yesterday when I saw a woman struggling to get on the train with a bouquet of red roses that was almost twice as big as she was. And I may be completely crazy (no comments, please! You know who you are.) but isn't it nice to have one day in a year set aside to remember that along with everything else that is going on in the world, there are kittens, baby animals and rainbows too. I think that's reason enough to celebrate.

When you're alone and life is making you lonely...

I spent last night in the waiting room of the local urgent care. It was filled with little kids who were coughing and wheezing with assorted kinds of creaping crud. If I don't come down with consumption after two hours breathing their germs, it will be a miracle.

• While I was there, the Westminster Kennel Club show got on without me. The WKC dog show is the bright light in every frigid February. And if you miss the first night, no worries, things really get going on the second night. It is not to be missed. And this year, a scottie won the terrier group, so things are going to be sweet in the final round. Her bloodline includes the Anstamm kennel -- and my first dog, Angus, was an Anstamm on his father's side. So I'll be cheering tonight for a family member. The top four finishers in the terrier group (seen clockwise above from left): Scottish Terrier: Ch Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot. Female born Apr. 2, 2005. Sealyham Terrier: Ch Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice. Male born May 19, 2004. Norwich Terrier: Ch Skyscot's Poker Chip. Male born June 17, 2006. Miniature Schnauzer: Ch Earthsong Remedy For The Blues. Male born Dec. 21, 2006.

• Last night was President Obama's first White House press conference. While his performance is getting mixed reviews -- I still can't get over the fact that we have a guy running the country who properly uses the word, 'bellicose.' Unbelievable! Gobama!

• Here's the antidote to Valentine's Day. What kind of crazy dude runs away from Sandra Dee?

• Have you seen Captain Cool on television? I love this guy. My favorite quote: "I was sure I could do it." I would kill for that kind of confidence.

THIS JUST IN: Betty, who currently cohabitates with a white Scottie named Primrose, checked in this morning with this information: "Sadie, the 'real name' of the little Scottie who won the best of the terrier group, is owned by the people who own the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. She is the granddaughter of Bardene Bingo, who was imported from England and won best of Westminster in 1967. Sadie wore the lead worn by her grandmother last night at the WKC. Our Angus was the grandson of the same dog, and I think most of the Scotties in Michigan have a little Bingo in their blood."

Cinderellavision

I'm under the weather on this Monday. Fortunately, I received this video from a reader in my emailbox this morning that is guaranteed to make you smile. Thanks Kay!