It is time to link onto last week’s shout out to Cupid. Remember “brownie points”? Let your imagination wander as you plan your lodging and dining itinerary for your Valentine’s Day romantic getaway weekend in Alexandria. Best dates: February 10 through 12. This allows for a Friday arrival and Sunday departure. No worries on not having enough relaxation and fun time, with Alexandria as your destination you have chosen a quick trip on one tank of gas. Before you know it you and your darling will be unpacked, settled in and ready for dinner.

Okay, first apologies for over listening at the grocery store; but in my defense, those two men were talking awfully loud. What actually caught my attention was the repeated phrase “brownie points.” Anything chocolate gets my total attention. I heard it pushing past them with my cart and twice more when over in the next aisle across from them. They were really excited about their plan. “You have got to take advantage of this winter,” the tall one urged, “plan a Valentine’s Day romantic getaway weekend that will help you stockpile brownie points.” “Yep, you are right we need to take advantage of the fact that nature seems to be against us” was the other’s reply. “Just click on ‘Explorealex.com’ – they have got a full list of hotels you can pick from – it is so easy,” was the tall one’s advice. What was I witnessing here? Cupid’s arrow landing in the heart of a beloved or in the heart of next summer’s all guys fishing trip?

His vacation week had been posted on the calendar for months. The anticipation had begun back in November with the tune-up of his sled; only be to ramped up at Christmas when his kids gave him a new ski-doo X-Team jacket. His winter getaway took further shape when he restrung all of his tip ups and jig sticks. Four guys could make it for three of the vacation days and his best buddy was onboard for most of the week. The two of them had even scored some major deals at the end of season sales at both Scheel’s and Cabela’s.

He is one of the funniest guys I know. A man with a personality that is bigger than life. You know the type . . . sees humor in everything and does not hold back from dishing it out to everyone. He is passionate about his family, his friends, his appetizers and beer, and his favorite sport – snowmobiling. And I did not make this up – his nick name is “Old Man Winter”- really. Naturally, Minnesota’s lack of snow cover so far this year (so far because they say we are going to get dumped on in the first months of the New Year!) has not made him happy.