We talked back in April about how things were and I was just wondering how things were going 4 months later.

Things here in the Peoples Republic of Michigan are about the same. Unemployment is still leading the nation. We have fits and starts, where it looks like things are picking up, only to have them grind to a halt again. My inspection company (read: side job away from the one I drive to in the "big city") just picked up another township which, surprisingly, has quite a few permits coming in. Not enough to live on and quit working in the city, but enough to help the company out. There are still an awful lot of electricians laid off here in the state, including my son, so although I'm glad I'm not still wearing the tools, I worry and pray for him every day. That's the thing that has me both puzzled and worried. Generally speaking, the trades seem to do fairly well during down-turns such as this. Not so this time. At least in my son's case, his boss has told him they want to bring him back as soon as they can. But, a lot of the electricians I've talked to say their shops have been laying people off telling them they won't be back. Ever. A pretty sobering thought.

So, how're things going for you two? Has the work picked up any out in Vermont Ben? Hopefully your phone is ringing a little more. And, how about you Butch? Is your wife still working, and you still delivering mail? How are the kids doing?

I still stand by what I said back in April. It ain't gonna stay like this forever, and if we all keep our heads about us, (and as Ben said, keep our chins up), we'll get through this. We're, by God, Americans and we don't let things like this keep us down!!!

By the way Ben, have you straightened things out with the BPD? Maybe it's just the times, but I don't think I could have held my tongue in check the way you did.

Maurie,

I have kept my employee employed so far this summer. His work hours are shorter and I had him feed the chickens and sheep while we went to D.C.. Where everyone seems to be gainfully employed. I do not think those politicians know what a struggle it really is for some people when they see the hustle and bustle of a city. They have pushed the bums back from the White House and the Capital a couple of blocks. One little square around the corner from our hotel had 30 guys with garbage bags or shopping carts sleeping in it and I am sure there are many more around. We have 80 homeless children in Bennington most in foster care and some are still sleeping under bridges. But back to employment you are right we are starting a downturn again. I still have a big house to finish ( been on it over a year ) and we are now working on a habitat for humanity house but they have bought all the materials and I agreed to install it for minimal labor. This winter could be rough but I have plenty of fire wood and lamb and chicken to get us through the winter I do not know how the mortgage or the taxes will pan out yet. I am not counting on a bail out like our huge financial institutions or car manufactures have. My employee may have a second layoff coming.

As for the BPD his boss is a scout leader with me and like good policemen they stick together like glued brothers. I will casually ask him someday to interpret the law on farm tractors, then I will give him my opinion. It was just the way he treated my question that got my rear end.


Ben

Glad to hear you have been staying somewhat busy Ben. You're absolutely right, guys like you and I and your employee and my son won't be getting any bail-outs. We'll need to tighten our belts and make do. Fortunately for me, there's no mortgage to worry about, but the rest of the bills come due every month and the taxes have to be paid. I'm one part angry and two parts sad to see tradesmen, such as ourselves, struggling to get by while McDonalds introduces a $4.00 hamburger to their menu, and their stock prices and market share continue to rise. That thinking may not make sense to a lot of people, but I'm betting you understand it. Why on earth can people not bat an eyelash at paying that kind of money for a hamburger, and yet, believe that the economy is in shambles? Why would they think that a $4.00 burger is a deal and yet think they don't have the money to pay an electrician, or plumber, or tin-knocker to do work for them because it's too expensive?

What the heck has this world come to?

Oh well, I've got a freezer full of fish, and still have some venison in there. Hopefully I'll add some more of both this fall and maybe some squirrel and rabbit to boot if the Good Lord's willing. We'll get by one way or another. They can knock us down, but as long as we keep getting up, they can't beat us. Hang in there Ben!