Mr. President

Food - More goodies from Valli Produce in Rockford, IL.

Food - the one thing that is certain, even in this economically bleak time is: FOOD. A downturn in the economy is the cause of people assessing and ultimately requiring them to change their budgets. What once was a necessity (or it least it felt like one,) has now become a luxury that one can no longer afford. This is true with food as well.

Eating out, becomes sparse, if at all, and the venue may change all together. Our grocery list may go from; indulgences to basics. But when push comes to shove; we all still need to eat! "Milk it does the body good; food fuels our bodies, and nourishes our souls." Our deep love for food does not stop even when our pocket books shrink. We become selective in our indulgences. We become creative in the dishes we prepare. We may be on a budget, but we still have a repertoire of recipes that we have collected over the years to draw from. Now maybe the time to actually stop collecting and start cooking.

To paraphrase from a recent article in the Star Tribune reads: "There is too much inherent suffering during a recession to ever welcome it." They also highlight something good that can come from it: "During touch economic times, people seem to increase exercise, take fewer car trips, reduce smoking and cook healthier foods as home - choosing to control the remaining things in their lives they are capable of controlling."

Dish - Mr. President: "It's time for America to lead again!

A few observations, that I noted, from tonight's address to Congress:
As the President, Barack Obama, was being announced tonight, it was so much fun to see the excitement displayed on all of the members present! In these hard economic times, it is nice to see that many people in one room smiling and cheering loudly! It doesn't matter who you voted for President anymore, this is our new President and he is bringing a sense of hope to those in need.
He talked of stricht oversight, having America lead again and that all eyes are upon us! He spoke of hope: "Hope is found in the most unusual places."
He stated something to the effect that those making under 250,000 would not see a tax increase...and who can't use that? The thing I find ironic in that statement is that the majority of people in the room (Clinton comes to mind) probably have incomes in excess of 250,000 -- what are they cheering for?

All in all, I think he did a wonderful job! And while it is early for everyone to start judging the job he has done so far (at least I think it is too early), so far he is trying his best to lead us out of the disarray we are in.

"OBAMA promises oversight!"


"Day of Reckoning has arrived!"
"We will recover!

Embellish - Hope is having faith when doubt would be easier!