DAILY DIRT: Be still your beating heart, Stevie Love returns just in time for Valentine’s Day

Daily Dirt for Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025

As always, the Baron of Carin’ is here to help… Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,201 of The Daily Dirt.

It’s that time.

Valentine’s Day is only hours away and Cupid’s arrows are targeting one and all.

That means it’s time for the return of Stevie Love. You know him, you love him — the  potentate of passion, the emperor of embrace.

While Dr. Love no longer makes house calls — he’s 71, after all — he remains in touch with readers through the cards and letters that continue to pour into The Daily Dirt email box. And once a year he reopens the loveline — and today’s that day — offering the kind of advice that can only come from the ayatollah of affection. 

We have selected four inquiries to share:

Dear Stevie,

I’m dreading some of the recent forecasts that are calling for a lot of snow, which will undoubtedly create all sorts of havoc. My husband, Daryl, seems to think it is my duty to be the sole snow remover for our driveway, which is probably at least a quarter of a mile in length with several nasty hills.

I get so tired doing all that shoveling, which takes hours and hours. My hands, arms and legs are so cold by the time I’m done they are all numb. Am I being unfair in thinking Daryl should offer at least a little help?

Kelly in Kinderhook

Dear Kelly: I think I have a solution for you and Daryl. Just ask him in your nicest way to please provide you with a snow blower. My wife absolutely loves the one I got her a few years ago. Make sure you get an extension cord in case it dies when she is far away from the garage. She’ll appreciate it.

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Dear Dr. Love,

Consider me both a longtime reader and admirer of your keen insight. I’m writing to you today in regard to a problem that has emerged between my husband, Urban, and myself.

“Urb,” as I like to call him, is perfectly content to sit in his favorite recliner and watch hours upon hours of sports. A few weeks ago he sat and watched his favorite college football team, The Ohio State University, beat someone in a game that took four hours. Then Urb watched the replay! And not once during that eight-hour stretch did he even say a word to me. Occasionally, he would break out into a chorus of “Hang On Sloopy,” but otherwise he was content to sit there with his Mountain Dew, Lay’s Potato Chips and just smile.

What’s a girl to do?

Patty in Payson

Dear Patty: First if all, was that game a playoff game or just a regular-season matchup? Unless it was a playoff game, you have every right to be annoyed. Regardless, before he settled in to watch the replay, Urb should have asked you if you needed anything.

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Dearest Dr. Love,

I love my husband, Shaq, with all my heart. But Shaq is not exactly the handiest guy around the house, nor does he seem to see obvious things that need attention. It’s been three years since our gutters have been cleaned and last summer we found a small child living in the high grass in our backyard, which Shaq had not mowed in about three months.

I do a lot, Stevie, but I feel like I need some help.

Ursula in Ursa

Dear Ursula: First of all, I love your name. I used to have a sister-in-law named Ursula. We never got along … but I digress. I think I have a solution for your problem with Shaq. Simply have him get you one or more gift cards at stores like Menards, Home Depot, etc., and that way you can pick out the tools you need to make taking care of the yard and other items much easier. Check out the models of riding lawn mowers, I hear they’re fab! Also, look into a good-sized extension ladder to make it easier to get those leaves out of the gutters. You’re welcome! 

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Dear Steverino,

I notice most of the inquiries you get are from married women, so I’m a little uncertain if I should contact you, but here goes.

I’m a single gal and I have a huge crush on a single guy I work with at a local office. His name is Rabby and he’s a big sports fan I can tell. He talks a lot about hunting and fishing, mountain climbing and canoeing in the Mississippi River.

On the other hand, I’m the kind of girl who likes the fine arts and to be taken out to nice restaurants, and maybe an occasional trip to Springfield to attend a theater production.

I place great value in your opinion. Do you honestly feel there would be a chance for Rabby and I to make it as a couple?

Connie in Coatsburg

Dear Connie: Probably not.

Real issues. Real answers. Got a problem? Forget about Dr. Phil or Oprah, drop Stevie Love a line.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. He’s got the cure you’re thinking of.