Thoughts on Valentine ❤

A quick walk around the estate in the sunshine before the storm arrives over the weekend. The fritillaries are just coming out, these ones an unusual pale pink. 
And it's Valentine's Day ❤ of course. Did you know and I bet you can't wait to know that several countries claim to have relics of the poor chap, beheaded for his faith and because he secretly married Christian couples against the Caesar's wish. Should you wish to see his skull you need to go to Rome, a shoulder blade is in Prague, an identified bit in Madrid, a fragment of the skull in Poland, some bones in Glasgow, two more unidentified bits in Missouri, USA and Roquemaure, Frances, and a bit of bone and a soupcon of blood in Dublin! There is even a holy well dedicated to him in North Cork but it's a very sorry muddy puddle today.
I once went out with  chap called Valentine. My mother did not approve on several accounts:
he was Irish (!!)
he lived in the wrong part of London
he wore red cord trousers
he looked a bit like an elf
Sadly, it didn't last long.
We're off for a pizza and then on to see Emma : sweetness, spite and barred bottoms according to the Guardian review! Hope you're having a good day wherever.