DISPATCHES FROM THE GHOST MOOSE

Going to play basketball tonight....well, actually, to take up space on the court while other guys play. I used to be ok at the game, and now I am far from it. The years are not kind when the sport demands running and jumping. But, to give it up is like when a shark stops swimming - the sink and die. Work is going well - am involved in the budgeting process now. So far removed from the days when my budgeting consisted of seeing how far I could stretch my unemployment debit card. The press seems to have tired of writing about how slow the economy is, but rather to focus on the Goldman Sach hearings, or the fight between parties on immigration reform....but, it is still bad out there - I still know a lot of folks looking for work, or underemployed. I sincerely hope there is a case against Wall Street. instead, they'll probably pat each other on the back and reward themselves with a 6 figure bonus donated by our grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lost is a rerun tonight. M

Vacation is a distant memory - life sure goes on. The news stories of the state of the economy are a bit less troublesome when you have a job. But, you really can't ignore the fact that things aren't getting better. I still know of a lot of folks looking for work. At work, we have advertised for a part time position, and the resumes we get are from very experienced, credentialed professionals. I look back and ask "what if I had not gotten this job - would I still be looking?". It is a moot point, but still, I wonder... Spring has sprung finally. I played golf last weekend. I bought new clubs a few weeks back, which would have been unheard of if I was not working.....just paying the greens fees is expensive on any course. While shopping for clubs, it was pretty clear that golf sales must be hurting - not many people buying, and pretty much every set is on sale. At a fishing show in January, we were talking to an outfitter who said that last summer, he had a l