Yo, dudes, maybe you've noticed the little notes duct-taped to the inside of our Xtra-Tufs. You think that might explain why those boots don't fit right? Someone is droppin' ya hints. In case you need a clue-by-four upside yo head, check out Monday's date. That's right. It's the Big V Day, guys — Valentine's Day, when loving couples are s'posed to get all gushy and romantic.

Yeah, sure. And maybe Monday's City Council meeting will end before midnight, and there will be reasoned and intelligent discussion, too.

Like who has time for romance. You come home after a long time flippin' fish. Your back aches. The kids want the mac-and-cheese now. Your Subaru blew a gasket. Last week's snow turned to slush. Romance? Feh.

Forget about the fantasy. Celebrate those cosmic relationships Homer-style. Go for the small touches, like tender kisses while your S.O. washes the dishes, foot rubs after a long day pounding pavement or sappy love notes hidden away to be discovered months later. Oh, and chocolate. You can't go wrong with chocolate. And when you're planning something special to do with that someone special, how about some of these Best Bets?

BEST HANDS ACROSS THE OCEAN BET: It will be a long time coming before the tsunami victims' lives return to normal. We Alaskans living in tsunami-ready towns can easily sympathize with our brothers and sisters across the sea. Want to help? Friday from 7 to 11 p.m. there's a fund-raiser for the Red Cross to aid tsunami victims at the Homer Elks Lodge. Too Fat to Fly plays, with a potluck dinner and auctions.

BEST IT FEELS LIKE SUMMER ALREADY BET: Feeling a bit puckish? Confused about which solstice was most recent? Yeah, that would explain "A Midsummer Night's Dream" showing in Homer at 7 p.m. Friday night. The classic Shakespeare comedy is performed by Edgeware Productions at the Mariner Theatre. Tickers are $15 general admission, $10 for Homer Council on the Arts members, $5 for youth 18 and under.

BEST AND NONE OF THAT FREAKY DANCING BET: Yo, kids, you really wanna shake up your elders? Forget about freak dancing. Do the tango. We're talking sensuality here — cheek to cheek with style. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday night you can try the classic dances at the Dance Studio on Bunnell Avenue. Or, if you're feeling a bit more folksy, check out the square and contra dance at West Homer Elementary School.

BEST DON'T BLOW OUT YOUR KNEE BET: A little wine, a sneaky mogul, and next thing you know, your knee doesn't work as intended. OK, the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club hopes you'll drink responsibly and ski safely at its annual Wine and Cheese Tour at noon Sunday, either at McNeil Canyon School or Eveline State Recreation Site on Alpine Meadows Drive, depending on snow. Wine, cheese, crackers and juice is served at two locations on a seven-to-15 kilometer route. A $10 donation is requested. Call 235-6018 for updates.