Recession in US - What do you think?

I try to be optimistic about the economy in the US and I want to have faith in our elected officials to "do the right thing" for the people that they serve but sometimes it is difficult.

As I watch the nightly news I find myself wondering how the downturn in the economy is effecting other families across the US. It seems that at least weekly I hear of another manufacturing facility that is closing or laying off workers. Here in the south these closures have made a drastic impact on the local rural economies. Many laid off workers are now returning to school for retraining. The mortgage crisis is effecting real estate prices and driving sales down. I notice each time that I go shopping that grocery prices are higher and I am sure that everyone notices the rising price of gasoline each time that he/she makes a stop to fill up at the gas pump. I continue to read about tentative deals on tax rebates to help stimulate the economy but I wonder how long that this band-aid will remedy the problem. In the meantime we the citizens will reap either the benefits or consequences of the politicians actions.

In trying to regain optimism about the situation at large my best bet is probably to turn off the TV and quit watching the nightly news for a while!!!

SNOW DAY

A Snowy Day in Western North Carolina means many things -
(1) School Cancellations/Delays
(2) Grocery Stores with empty shelves where bread could once be found
(3) Warm Fires, Hot Cocoa
(4) Snowball fights
(5) Four Wheel Drive Rides in the Snow
(6) Frequent updates from checking "The Weather Channel"


Today I spent some time outside enjoying the views, playing in the snow and taking a walk in the cold. I enjoy the snow when I don't have to venture out in it otherwise it is quite a nuisance at times. I don't know how often I have listened to Friends from the North laugh at the reaction of WNC when the snow arrives. I always like to remind them that we have curvy roads here in the mountains that are unforgiving if you make the wrong driving move. Sometimes I think that it is good for things to slow down a little and give people a chance just to "be still". Tommorow all the snow will melt away and life will return to normal but we got a chance today to enjoy the beauty of the handiwork of the creator.