January is usually the longest month ever, but this year tried to be different. I mean, hey, we are already in the middle of February! I think it may be because I’m really hoping that General Beauregard Lee was right. Yes, I said it.

I want more winter. I’m not ready to see temperatures rise and pollen fall. Not to mention those bugs playing kamikaze pilot into your eyes, ears, nose or mouth whenever you go outside.

There is one bug that does appear this time of year, ready or not. The proverbial Love Bug starts showing up around the 14th. It becomes soon apparent that people have been bitten. Ready or not, here it comes!

Jimmy and I actually went out on our very first date in February many years ago. I think that our first date, a blind one at that, should have been a sign that we must have had some fate working in our lives. After all, we went out on a date during basketball season. If you know Jimmy, nothing can really take his mind off basketball season. We sometimes discuss our paths in life and smile when it comes to talking about those paths crossing. God had to have a complete hand in it for it to have unfolded in the sometimes fairytale manner that it did.

When it came to our year long engagement, we had plenty of people to discuss our relationship prognosis. My favorite one? “I give Jimmy and you no more than a year.” WOW! Talk about taken aback on that bit of advice. It helped though. If there was any time I wanted to prove someone wrong in my life, it was then. I have to admit that it did help that I knew I wasn’t just marrying Jimmy: I was marrying basketball and all other sports. Our family extended into those wearing the uniforms of players or cheerleaders. If I had not accepted that facet, I would have a different story to share, I’m sure. However, it was the most awesome times of our lives. People would ask me if I was glad basketball or baseball season was at an end. No…. I would find myself actually in a form of mourning. I loved going to those events and knowing the players and parents.

So, this Valentines weekend, I want to thank all of our family and friends….including the fans and players… for all of the wonderful memories that have been made through our community and lives together. Thank you to the keeper of the stars, for seeing Jimmy and me as a great adventure. It has been a wonderful life.

What’s cooking for Valentine’s Day?

Extra treats to share with family and friends! Enjoy!

Better than Sex Cake

(Yes, that’s the real name. No, I couldn’t resist. You can use other chocolate flavors for cake, including German chocolate, but devil’s food is my favorite.)

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix

• 1 ¼ cups water • ½ cup vegetable oil • 3 large eggs • ½ (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 8 ounces caramel ice cream topping, divided

• 3 ¼ (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered toffee, chopped (like Heath bars) • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions:

1. Preheattheovento350degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom of a 9x13-inch glass pan, like Pyrex.

2. Mix cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until well combined. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut shallow slits across top of cake or use the handle end of a wooden spoon to create “pokes” making sure not to touch the bottom of the dish.

3. Meanwhile, combine sweetened condensed milk and 6 ounces caramel topping in a saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Slowly pour mixture over top of warm cake, letting it soak in. Set aside 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped chocolate toffee for decorating; sprinkle remaining toffee liberally across entire cake.

4. Cool cake completely ,then top with whipped topping. Decorate top of cake with the reserved toffee and drizzle with remaining caramel topping.

5. Refrigerate until chilled through and serve right from the pan.