Dear Auntie Rohn

Valentine's Day...For most men it conjures up the image of the Chicago St. Valentine Massacre...and rightly so. Men, for the most part aren't comfortable with gift giving. They worry if they got the right gift. Especially on the high holy day of expressing your love to your wife/fiancee/girlfriend. Men do feel like they are about to go to the wall and be shot if the gift doesn't elicit the happy squeal of joy they expect to hear. If you hear the phases "How very thoughtful of you to remember" and "Mm, that's interesting," you didn't hit the mark and you won't be in the dog house,but you will be talked about to her friends (trust me) . Now I think any man who makes ANY effort on Valentine's Day should be applauded and receive a deep lip lock for remembering at all. I also think it's cool when a man creates something for the both of them as a couple...such as a bike ride to a favorite place...doing all her housework for a week. (I think that's very sexy.)

Speaking of men, I got to talk to one about what romantic places and things he likes to do with his wife. A surprisingly boyish and charming man named Jay Knudtson. You know, trustworthy banker, the little league coach,.ok, ok, our mayor. So listen up, me buckos, and take note. The mayor actually had quite a few good recommendations for around and about town.

Who knew Cape could be SO romantic?!

AR: So Mayor Knudtson, what are some of the places in Cape you would consider romantic for a couple?

MK: There are quite a few places that I think are romantic around Cape. Here are 5 suggestions:

1)Depending on the weather....Go to The Meat Shop and get a couple of the fresh ham sandwiches with the soft chewy bread. Then find a shady spot in the country and have a great lunch alfresco style. If you and your loved one are able to do this during your lunch hour in the mid-week, she will remember it as a very romantic moment. Don't forget the blanket!

2) A quiet dinner at the Royal New Orleans restaurant . Warm lighting, good ambience. We would share a chateaubriand for two. And then afterward go to the Rude Dog Pub for dancing and listening to the band. A real girl/guy night out.

3)Take the "Moonlight River Tour" on the Grandpa Woo Tour Boat and view Cape Girardeau from the river. Cape from the river is beautiful and the view of the new Emerson bridge is impressive.

4)Visit the River Ridge Winery. Great wine and tunes. The winery has a beautiful pavilion where many local bands come to perform. I've listened to a band called "Flood Plain there."

5)Now this is a little upscale, but well worth it. The Bellevue Bed and Breakfast. Rent the entire bed and breakfast, Have Mrs. Toll prepare dinner and enjoy the common area just the two of you!

AR: Good choices, for things to do around this area, but I also want to ask what romantic things

have you done with your wife?

MK:

1) Pack up the Harley Davidson for a leisurely ride to St. Genevieve. Stay in a B+B. Have a great dinner.

2) Get a good bottle of wine with plastic cups and sit up at Cape Rock over looking the river while listening to "Sweet Baby James" by James Taylor. Cape Rock has real meaning for me. It's where I proposed to my wife.

AR: I hope you know I'm soooooooo jealous.

MK:(laughs)....

MK:

3) Spending time alone as a couple. Get a sitter for the evening and make reservations at a local hotel. Most important, don't forget to put out the "Do not disturbed" sign on the door.

4)On the night of my election for mayor I presented my wife with a new diamond ring. What made it really poignant for us was afterward we found out I had been elected mayor. It was a special night.

5)Make a written commitment to do more romantic things with my wife in 2004. I enjoy being the mayor. I love being a dad and coach to my son but my wife does bring out the best in me. She does make me a better person. I am really lucky.

Well it's official boys and girls. Call me Kermit, because I am green with envy.

Happy Valentine's day to one and all!