As you read this: it is cocktail hour. Somewhere! 
After work, tonight, tomorrow, this week: do it. Pick or buy some flowers. Just a few. If you do that, our work here is done. Such an ugly political season & it's only going to get worse (sorry but that's the truth). You don't have to know much about flower arranging for simple summer flowers but here's a foolproof, low-tech way to use just about any waterproof container (not just roses) as a vase.
Don't throw out the holly & other holiday greens. First, it's not Twelfth Night (Epiphany) yet. Second, we've held on to evergreens well into late January/early February in year's past with great results. Look at what you have on hand, cull out the very dry, pick off brown leaves, etc. Look for containers or vases or even jam jars for a fresh look. If you want "fluffy," fair-trade carnations look good tucked into holly & pines. Also, poinsettia, amaryllis, & paperwhites are on sale because they're leggy. Snap those up (offer a lower price if you think it's warranted, btw) & use them as cut flowers. 
Alert: GG's editor spotted a first crop of primroses today at the local market. A few dollars for a flowering plant that will keep giving for weeks (if cared for properly) is a must-do. During the day, make sure it gets some light; in early evening, put it where you'll see it regularly. Instant cheer. 
Generous & lovely Paul Lowe is Santa. We're almost sure of it. If you've not visited him before, you are in for a treat. The holiday issue is alive & waiting for you. That is all (for now). 
It's time, people! (Oops, it's past time.) Check shops & online for bulbs to force inside. Catalogue copy will usually indicate if a bulb is suitable for indoors persuasion. If you've never done this before, see Concha's post--with lovely photographs--on paperwhites; here's a good post on the ease of forcing regular old crocus bulbs. Kevin Lee Jacobs has an excellent post on indoor bulbs on Garden Design.
While chasing Giulia (into everything as usual), beginning (!) Halloween prep, & readying for what feels like a sudden cold snap, GG's editor slowed down enough to see deer outside the window early this a.m. The building borders a finger of Rock Creek Park so that makes sense. We know that deer have become a controversial subject in many parts of the country. We're not getting into that now. They are pretty to us.
We usually pick our flowers at the farmers market as we haven't a garden now. But there is a lovely alternative (when it isn't near 100 degrees) & that is a pick-your-own flower farm. It allows you the fantasy of frolicking in a field of flowers, choosing blooms. 
If your evening plans don't include going out tonight (it's too cold here!), the first two episodes of Downton Abbey are online (for US households, not sure about Canada) until 22 February. (You can also buy the episodes through iTunes.) 
For those of us residing in the State of Penury, here is an excellent idea by Sarah of Blossom and Branch, via Design*Sponge. It's a definite upgrade from our parsley-in-a-creamer. This is Sarah's second post in a twice-a-month series, Flowers A-Z. Take a look, you might be surprised by the ingredients.
Though the illustrations & exhortation below are from the archives, we're running it a month early. There are sales everywhere online & in stores on bulbs. GG is sorry that her editor did not buy more bulbs last year (before they ran out...see? Happened to us, too). Giulia likes to lounge in front of floral displays, so as to set off her expensive highlighted fur to best advantage. Oh, & on another note, The Harmless, Necessary Cat is starring on her editor's blog, bricolage, right now. ciao-meow
GG has turned into a feline Pippi Longstocking. She has been so very devilish that her editor has to rest, perhaps for the rest of the month. Maybe until after the Fourth of July; we'll see. (Saving the world is all well & good, Giulia, but get your own computer!)
GG & her editor are back home after a week in exile from a freezing apartment. We're looking to spiff things up around here, mainly through sewing curtains & such. However, this project from design*sponge caught our eye. The idea is made all the more attractive by the impossibility of GG Vandalism. (OK, it was a mistake, those purple tulips all over the floor last night...fume). Go here for all the details. By Lindsay & Tayor of purr design, can you stand it? Wait until you see their logo. It was meant to be, GG. [photographs via design*sponge, by purr design] 
It's time (almost past time) to persuade the paperwhite (& others). Please see here for last year's New York Times article by Anne Raver on forcing bulbs. Also, here on GG's editor's blog. Yes, she does more than cater to GG & (try to) persuade people on other, weightier matters. For instant gratification, amaryllis & paperwhite kits are hard to beat...but branch out. If you don't have a cold mudroom, garage, balcony, don't worry, a fridge will do just fine. You'll be so happy if you do this, trust us.