On Valentine's evening, roses (and handmade earrings) say love

On Valentine's evening, stock brokers, boxers and slot machine operators converged at one place: The tent of roses in front of a South Carson City grocery store.

The men waited in line to pay their $26 before dashing off to make dinner dates with spouses and girlfriends. On Wednesday, Raley's received about 96 dozen roses, and sold most of them to last-minute shoppers by 5 p.m. They can't always find the words to describe their love, but they can find the money.

Tim Hartman, a stockbroker from Minden, set down his Palm Pilot before shelling out the cash for his wife of six years, Maria. She had said that she didn't want roses (they were too expensive), but her husband couldn't resist. Hartman declared she is the "most fantastic, loving person" he has ever known.

The red roses accompanied a greater gift to her: A pair of antique silver earrings with maroon stones and hearts. He made them at a ladies event during a Super Bowl party.

Jose Elizondo, an 18-year-old amateur boxer, picked up six red roses for his girlfriend of three years, Zaide Diaz, 16, a Pioneer High School student. He had no shortage of words to describe his amor.

"I love everything about her," he said, while standing outside the tent clutching his purchase. "I love the way she does her cute baby voices, her puppy faces and the way when something is wrong she always talks to me about it."

Stan Williams, a slot operator at Cactus Jack's casino, found his "perfect soul mate" about two years ago at work. Before their Valentine's dinner at the Nugget steak house, Diana Williams will receive a dozen peach roses and an 18 pack of Budweiser. Williams admitted that was mostly for him.

"Why is she the one? She's the love of my life," he said before getting into his truck.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.