Thank goodness it is not Winter yet. Winter doesn't begin until Dec. 21. I can hardly wait!
As you know our plan was to cleverly avoid the chaos of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by having a celebration at our house early (Dec. 20, and Dec. 21). It sounded like a good idea. Someone forgot to tell the weather gods. Nobody should put themselves or their families at risk with bad driving conditions. There are lots of alternatives.
I was programmed to go out to the mall to do my exercise this morning. I have always felt comfortable driving in the snow and navigating bad conditions. The plowing at the Mall has been so bad lately that I'm not sure I could find a place to park without getting stuck. So this morning I had my cup of coffee and did the "treadmill thing".
Grasshopper No.3 has been taking good care of me by plowing the driveway during or after each snowfall. I've counted 7 plowing events. It is only mid December. A sincere thank you to my favorite Grasshopper. Yep, my driveway was open this morning.
I see that "W" (President Bush) announced this morning that bridge loans will be extended to the auto industry to keep them viable until March of next year. Merry Christmas! That is $17 billion we will never see again. I actually agree with keeping the auto industry viable until a better solution can be reached. There are just too many jobs that our economy doesn't need to eliminate right now. A viable auto future holds lower rates of pay (and salaries), less ridiculous benefit programs and most important, "cars that have appeal". We can make cars that people want.
The good news is that crude oil prices have dropped from $140 per barrel to $35 per barrel. That is a drop of 75%, Come on, admit it! Isn't nice to fill your gas tank and be pleasantly surprised by the amount you have to pay.
As the pressure of making everyone happy during the Christmas season increases, take time to remember the real reason for the celebration. It is to commemorate the birth of the God Child. Santa wasn't even in business at that time. We have brought the "gift giving thing" on ourselves. So take a breath. Have a flavored drink, hug a loved one and stay warm and safe.
See You Soon!
Love,
Dad