Not completely out of the woods

Yesterday was supposed to be L-Day at James' workplace, as in layoff day. The chosen ones were going to be told at 9 am, but 9 am came and went with no news, no action, no anything. Finally at 4 pm, the CEO held a company meeting and announced that he would not layoff anyone for at least two more months, but that everyone will take another pay cut. So, good news: James still has a job. Not so good news: less money for our already stretched budget.

It is hard to know how to feel in a situation like this one. All over the country, people are losing jobs or taking pay cuts, pay cuts much larger than what James is taking. On one hand, we are grateful that he has a job and is still bringing home a paycheck and benefits, but on the other hand, we are a bit resentful that he is not being rewarded for his hard work, talent and documented value to the company.

Times are tough all over. And when we want to feel sorry for ourselves, we
absolutely have to remember that we are far better off than many people, that we can still pay our modest mortgage, still eat three square a day and still meet our obligations. There is no wiggle room for luxuries or travel or emergencies, but we will weather this economic mess.

And it's Election Day, which means just 77 more days until That Man leaves the White House for good! Yippee!

Hugs in the mail

Last week I gave the United States Postal Service some deliveries. I finished one of my "practice" scarves, this one for my Uncle Vernon and sent it off along with the scarf that I finished some time ago for his daughter, my cousin Jill. I made Vernon's scarf out of a lovely alpaca/silk blend in a yummy cinnamon color. I think it is manly without being boring:


It felt good to send my creations off to the recipients in time for cold weather. Jill sent a thank you email message to me today, saying that both scarves are beautiful. Yippee!

I also sent the three Special Olympics scarves I made off to Boise, Idaho. Although I did not like the yarn (and it was the reason I did make more than three), it was still an honor and a thrill to make something that a Special Olympics athlete will wear in February. I will check to see if the opening ceremonies will be televised, because I want to see that sea of blue and white, and know that three of those scarves are mine!