Here it comes again…Valentine's Day; a recipe for contradictions depending on your take. Intellect versus emotion, tenderness smothered in schmaltz, surprise sabotaged by disappointment, and horror of horrors, just as we have recovered from this moral dilemma, along comes…Mothers' Day!

I'm typical of one of my birth signs Gemini (yes, I have two - I was born on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer). We are renowned for our contrary opinions so it's hardly surprising that I am the first to condemn soppy old Valentine and then get in a strop if my letterbox is empty and the florist forgets me.

Back in 270ad a somewhat racy holy man, Bishop Valentine fell in love with his gaolers daughter. On the eve of his execution, the besotted old cleric passed a note to his beloved declaring his feelings. The legacy of this delicious, illicit union is an estimated one billion tacky cards being sent to all ends of the earth by countless star crossed lovers.

Some might read into this rant a sprinkling of cynicism - not me! Just a touch of stoicism before my Cancerian romantic spirit is disappointed. Those who know me understand that I am never as happy as when I am in creative mode, stirring the pots. So at this time of the year, in tune with all you romantics, I'm kept busy by an upturn in demand for Passion Fruit Curd or jelly, Quince & Lemon Marmalade, hot and spicy Red Chilli Jelly, and Fig & Honey Conserve…perhaps thanks to D.H. Lawrence's, Women In Love