Serene Karplus, Nederland. Love is in the details in life. It’s not just about the romantic love that couples share. It includes love for our families, neighbors, pets and environment. To celebrate today, why not write a list of what we love about someone or something, an appreciation or gratitude for how they make our lives better?

Love is…

• Saying you’re sorry.
• Taking out the trash.
• Holding hands.
• Cooking her vegetables.
• Throwing the ball. Again. And again.
• Waking up before 5 a.m. to see him off to work.
• A huge smile when she approaches.
• Filling the wild birds’ suet feeder on a subzero morning.
• Tweezing the cactus spines out of her tail.
• Shortening a hike to take him out in his wheelchair.
• Calling Aunt Susie just to say hi.
• Recycling every possible item – or just not buying it.
• Rescuing her data when the computer crashes.
• Reminding him to drink water.
• Serenading her with custom-altered song lyrics.
• Filling Fido’s treat bowl.
• Driving her to swim team practice at 6 a.m.
• Replenishing the toilet paper.
• Reading to her.
• Designing the solar array to keep the elk path clear.
• Heating the microwave bean bag for her cold legs.
• Finding wildflowers in January.
• Installing his windshield cover in a snowstorm.
• Serving her fresh berries for breakfast.
• Angel hugs to protect him before every canyon drive.
• Presenting her with a colorful shiny rock from the trail.
• Squeezing his hand before he wheels into surgery.
• Letting her cry when she needs to.
• Waiting before opening the door to let the herd finish grazing.
• Inflating her car tires on a cold day.
• Listening to stories about escapades in his youth.
• Pulling the cover over her shoulder.
• Shoveling the steps before he gets home.
• Waving good-bye from the window.
• Saying “I love you” at random times throughout the day.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!