I've just been blown back from Sainsburys, which is full of Valentine tat. Horrible stuffed toys, cards, chocolates and (to me), worst of all, Those Roses. They are unlike any other roses. They are tall and straight, stiff and scent-free, and very artificial-looking. Oh, and horribly expensive. Anyone who has ever been given this kind of rose will know what happens. You cut the stems, as instructed, add the "feed" (whatever is that stuff?), place out of draughts in a clean vase blah blah blah. And guess what? In exactly two days, those stiff little heads just droop, as though ashamed (as well they might be) and you have to chuck them out.
Yesterday, when I saw someone reaching for a bunch of these things, I was sorely tempted to tell them not to waste their money, and to do what I did. Today (no, he didn't send me any flowers*) two bunches of daffodils for £1 each (I thought of you, GB). They are real, they are spring-like, they have that lovely faint green daffodil smell, and they will last for a week.
So it's not all bad. Happy Valentine's Day! Oh, and if you've received any of those roses, do let me know how you get on.
*I have to confess, we did send each other cards. Tasteful ones, of course. But we could have spent the money on ...daffodils. Sigh.
