Long Hollow

I've been trying to follow through on my vow to stop procrastinating by thinking ahead to Valentine's Day and wondering what the heck to get my Valentine? I'm running out of time! I need ideas!

He'll frown on spending money, so that rules out tools and clothes. He's always complaining about my collections, my knick-knacks and mementos and objets d'art. He calls them junk (can you imagine?) and would be happy if I boxed up every last piece and made a special delivery to Goodwill. But he's not getting that. Forget it.

But I'll compromise by not getting him another funny Valentine novelty, like the "Horny Red Devil" candle (I'm hot for you!), the grinning Garfield the cat (Be my Valentine), the framed mini-Ziggy (Luv you) that are already gathering dust on shelves in the bedroom…although on second thought, if I find anything with Ziggy on it, I'll snatch it up. He's our mascot.

He doesn't really like to go anywhere, although on occasion he'll put up with the crowds and spend a little money for my sake. But this is a day for both of us, so dinner, movie, dancing…all out of the question. I do remember that one year I bought him "The Notebook" on DVD and he enjoyed it as much as I did (I think, anyway.) Are there any other romantic movies out there right now that men enjoy as much as women?

He enjoys eating – especially sweet stuff (thank goodness Daniel came home this weekend to finish off the Cyclops cookies Tom baked earlier this week!) I'm thinking perhaps a heart-shaped chocolate cake? Maybe a batch of fudge since I didn't make any for Christmas. I'm taking the Girl shopping later today…I'll keep my eyes out for a heart-shaped Reese's peanut butter/chocolate concoction. He loves anything labeled "Reese's".

I wonder what Tom has up his sleeve for me for Valentine's Day? He's full of surprises…it could be something he's been working on for months…it could be a funny card…it might even be absolutely nothing. That's happened before (yes it has, Tom, but I love you, anyway.) I just never know with him!

In the past he's given me heart-shaped boxes of candy, a stuffed Pepé Le Pew and a Pepé Le Pew watch (it plays "I'm in the Mood for Love" – I adore Pepé Le Pew!)

Several years ago he and Tommy were clearing the silt out of our little pond and building a retaining wall where it emptied into the creek. I wandered down there to take a look and he said "Your Valentine is here. Can you see it?" I looked and looked. He finally pointed it out to me – or maybe Tommy did: he had formed the pond into a heart-shape. It has since lost some of it's shape thanks to time and weather…floods, droughts…but when I see it, I see that heart. That's my Tom.

What can I give a man like that? I'm open to suggestions (keep them clean, please!)

And I'd like to hear from you…what will you be giving your Valentine? What is your favorite Valentine memory?