For one of the few Februaries in my 31-plus years of marriage, I'm approaching St. Valentine's Day without fear and trembling. Usually, I suffer brain freeze when a day that requires a gift for my sweetheart rolls around. The kids help me survive Christmas by suggesting gifts, if they're visiting from Denver and/or Portland. I'm lousy on me own. The gift this year isn't pricey. But she'll like it. Meanwhile, the Huckleberries Online (HBO) gang offered several suggestions re: what you men can get your Valentine. Blogger Cis/From A Simple Mind sez she'd be furious if her husband brought home flowers to fulfill his obligation on a "commercial" day (although she enjoys flowers on other occasions). The best gift her hubby can give? Himself. Comments Cis: "I consider him the best gift that God has given me 365 days a year." CDA P&Zer Mary Souza and husband, Rick, swap homemade cards with personal messages. And this: "We also write a love letter to each of our children, telling them why we are so proud of them. Some years, these notes include the struggles they've had as well as their successes." I'm not going to tell you which commenter plans to surprise his wife by adding a four-piece singing telegram to his usual romantic night out on the town and long-stem red roses. He didn't worry about telling HBO about his plans because his Valentine doesn't read my blog. For $40, our Don Juan sez, you get two songs by the North Idaho Harmonizers, chocolates, a card and a balloon. And he gets a get-out-of-doghouse-free pass for the next time they squabble.

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