Candy Crush

If you believe the Wall Street Journal (and some other news outlets), “No One’s Making Sweethearts This Year, Crushing Lovers of Valentine’s Day Candy“. NECCO (New England Confectionery Company), the manufacturer behind the confection, closed its doors in 2018. Sweethearts’ new brand owner, Spangler Candy Company, hopes to have production lines ramped up for Valentine’s Day 2020, but existing supplies are limited for this year. Hehe, good thing this stuff has long shelf life.

Given the Sweethearts shortages, I was surprised to see a bowl of the candies strategically placed between the cosmetic and jewelry sections inside Macy’s Fashion Valley. Shouldn’t there be a security guard to protect these precious commodities from smash-and-grab robbers rushing the bowl? I imagine a sitcom plot where an attempted jewelry case robbery is merely a distraction for stealing Sweethearts instead. 

On Feb. 11, 2019, while my daughter shopped for lipstick and makeup (to receive a free tote bag), I hung out by the Sweethearts, which surfaced repressed third and fourth grade memories of sharing Valentine’s cards with elementary school classmates. I also shot three quickies, using Google Pixel 3. Vitals, for the Featured Image: f/1.8, ISO 56, 1/40 sec, 4.44mm; 4:59 p.m. PST. Companion is same except for ISO 93 and 1/60 sec.