Happy Valentine’s Day!

THE BEAT GOES ON

Finally, the weather has warmed up enough to encourage thoughts of an up-coming Spring!  Superbowl 60 is behind us, and two holiday celebrations are just days away.

The first, this Saturday is Valentine’s Day, which is traditionally celebrated on February 14th.  St. Valentine, the patron Saint of Love, lived in Rome during the rule of Emperor Claudius. Claudius wanted to have the largest army in the world and thought that by making marriage unlawful he’d get more young men to join-up. Fr. Valentine secretly married couples until he was caught and imprisoned, where he was often visited by the jailer’s daughter. On the day of his death February 14, 269 AD, he wrote her a note thanking her and signed it, “Love, Valentine.” Over a billion cards are sent every year, with teachers receiving the most. The first massed produced Valentine’s cards were sold in 1847, then by 1849 the day had become a national holyday. The candy company, Cadbury, created a heart-shaped box filled with chocolates in 1868. Along with cards and candy, flowers are also a way of expressing love, gratitude and joy to those near to us. The red rose, a quintessential symbol of the day, is associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

My cookbook is a great gift idea and will be available online along with my special seasoning salt and “Cook with Love” Salt Wells and Aprons. These recipes from the book, Chicken Isabella and Crème Brûlée, have been favorites of many who have enjoyed them through the years. Maybe a romantic dinner at home???

Then Monday, February 16th is President’s Day. Originally established in honor of our first President’s birthday, George Washington, on February 22, 1732 it became an official Federal holiday in 1971. It is always celebrated on the third Monday of February to acknowledge “The Father of this Country” along with all who have served in the office of the President of the United States. Most schools are closed as is the Stock Market, Banks and the Post Office providing a 3-day weekend for students and federal workers.

Stay Warm, and…
We Wish You Many Million Dollar Days!
XXOO,
Mary, Maddie, Sophia and Galant