Valentines Day and it is the annual time of year that men dutifully run out and purchase the obligatory chocolates, card, and roses.  (me included)

It is not a holiday, just a day halfway between chocolate Santas, and chocolate bunnies in which chocolate and chocolate gift giving deserved promotion – don’t believe all of the Saint Valentine hooey.

Cupid relies less on gifts of chocolate I suspect, than hands-on thoughtful actions of the brawnier sex. My very intelligent son-in-law (TA) plans getaways for himself and his bride when he is not saving for their more lengthy escapes. Definitely an advanced IQ! They enjoy trips and (in a real sense) Valentine’s Day on every getaway.

Hint to men everywhere ; Mini-holidays spread throughout the year are guaranteed to kindle fun, relaxation and romance.  All three are appreciated by anyone and frequently.

Image via Wikipedia

A home-cooked meal and clean kitchen in my wife’s mind shows more planning and consideration than dinner out and gift certificate albeit she like receiving those gifts also.  But it more likely that she will actually eat the dinner, and enjoy the clean kitchen than she will actually use a gift certificate. In fact I believe I read that more than 35% of gift certificates are never used! Yikes!- Cash just given away!

 My wife Sue is trying yoga for a month. She is enjoying it albeit she complained in a funny way about the “darned dog” pose. She has taken my yoga mat and she has informed me that she won’t return it unless I replace it with one the exact duplicate in thickness and color.

Slowly the messages sift into my brain. Clue to me – she wants chocolate (she always wants chocolate, so this goes without mentioning) and yoga mat for Valentines Day this year.  I will pay the ransom for my mat to be returned, purchase the dark chocolate I enjoy albeit at the retailer she likes who charges too much. Voila! my February 14 chores are done early!

Now I need only find my bow and arrows, and trousers before Tuesday!