Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry The Conewango Clippers serenade Linda Krespan for Valentine’s Day at Warren Manor. The Clippers, and the Harmony Gals of the Chautauqua Shores Chorus, performed throughout the county on Tuesday.

When I saw the Conewango Clippers gathering at McDonald’s, where I was eating lunch, I thought I had just happened into a photo opp.

The Clippers wander the county on Valentine’s Day singing love songs to usually unsuspecting loved ones. They’re like the Easter Bunny, or Santa Claus, or Johnny Appleseed or something.

But I didn’t need to run and get my camera, they had just built up an appetite with a morning of singing.

Not being opposed to a little publicity, they did offer to let me get that photo by singing for my wife, with whom I was enjoying that fancy Valentine’s Day lunch.

She declined that generous offer.

You see, once, many years ago, I had arranged for a similar organization in a neighboring county to serenade her at a Valentine’s Day lunch date. She was embarrassed (I was, too). She has made it clear that she doesn’t need a repeat of that event, but it didn’t run her off back then. We were engaged a few months later and married not so long after that.

We remember that day. It was fun.

So I like seeing the Clippers in action on Valentine’s Day.

As I was wrapping up lunch, they suggested they had found someone they could sing to, you know, just so I could have my photo opp. That was very nice. And on such a busy day.

After they re-reassured me that they wouldn’t sing to my wife, I ran to my car for a camera. I had to go back for my notebook so I could write down the name of the target.

I hid my camera in my coat so I could sneak up on the situation. It turns out I didn’t need the notebook.

The Clippers gathered in a corner near where we were sitting… without a victim.

I leaned over to my wife and said, “Maybe it’s me.”

So, I was pretty dense, but I finally caught on at the last minute.

It was a beautiful and loving act of revenge served more than 15 years cold.

The Clippers sang songs that had been modified from their original girly versions. I particularly remember “manly and strong…”

I straightened up a bit at those lyrics, while hugging the love of my life. I may have even blushed a little (which, by the way, is a good way to encourage the Clippers to sing additional songs).

Thank you, Conewango Clippers.

Thank you, Casey. I love you.

Happy Valentine’s Day.