Short, sweet (pun intended) post. Couldn't leave the Grand Canyon State in the copper-colored desert dust without remembering that it was admitted to the USA on Valentine's Day: February 14, 1912. See? If I hadn't started this project, I never would've known that. Makes it all worthwhile.

One other non-Arizona, Valentine's Day factoid: according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. How tough is it to turn a card over first to be sure it's been made in the USA? Unfortunately, American brands like Hallmark and Papyrus increasingly make their cards in China. The imported greeting cards are easily spotted: see the ones with faux jewels on them or a musical component or ribbons and other decorative embellishments? Most likely made in faraway factories under who-knows-what conditions. Okay, I'm stepping down off my CAMJ soapbox.

Besides, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day--and give a heartfelt (because everything today is about hearts, right?) shout-out to Eileen Spitalny, David Kravetz and the magical elves over at Fairytale Brownies in Arizona. Your yummy brownies and cookies arrived safe and sound and fresh as can be. The hardworking team in Don's office are going home with oodles of delicious treats to share with their friends and families...

Fairytale Brownies

Don's office manager Cheryl

Jocelyn

Have a relaxing evening, everyone. And if you have a tip on Arkansas...help!