I purchased Middletown Florist & Gifts in May of 2006 and have made it a priority to serve Lake County's floral and gift giving needs.

I say this with enormous gratitude: Wow and thank you!

Yes, thank you for making Middletown Florist & Gifts' fifth Valentine's Day a huge success!

I am once again impressed by the generosity of this county. I ordered 25 percent more flowers this year than last and only had 24 red roses and 24 white roses left at 8 p.m. on Valentine's Day. I had a wonderful time assisting men and women with their needs.

I would also like to thank all new fans of Chic Le Fleur.

Julie Hoskins, of Chic Le Chef and I are overwhelmed by the incredible embrace our tea and edibles shoppe has received in its first three weeks.

Thank you, Lake County.

Tina Chiotti-Stewart is owner Middletown Florist & Gifts and co-owner of Chic Le Fleur in Middletown, Calif.