As I'm helping the Easter Bunny put the finishing touches on a basket for my daughter, I came across some interesting numbers:

The Associated Press reports that we Americans will spend $14 billion on everything from candy to eggs to Sunday-dinner trimmings this weekend as Easter typically ranks fourth behind Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day for spending. And next to Halloween, Easter is the sweetest holiday as each person will spend $17.29 on candy alone.

I've done my part to help the E.B. and the economy, filling several baskets with treats, though mixing it up a bit this year with sweets as well as other small gifts that will be inedible, but unexpected. Tonight we'll color the eggs in anticipation of Sunday's festivities. And, by the way, if you don't know what to do with all those hard-boiled eggs, keep in mind that April 5 is the beginning of National Egg Salad Week. We should all have plenty with which to celebrate!