Black Friday

Today is the day they call Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving when the official Christmas gift buying kicks off with a huge bang. Stores open early, some even opened on Thanksgiving or at midnight! Even the online merchants got into the act, offering internet deals today only.

Me -- I spent most of the day raking leaves. I did not "save" huge amounts of money by going to the stores early and buying bargains. Call me crazy. I know people who do nearly all their gift-buying on this day. I am not that kind of shopper.

I think we have gone a little overboard with this whole holiday shopping thing, but maybe it will help improve the economy.

Peace.

Penn State or State Pen.?

It is early in the investigation, but things at Penn State are not good. It is difficult to determine where accountability lies, and who knew what when. One thing is for sure, there are susceptible young people in our society who need advocates and who need protection.

I hate to see Joe Paterno in a bad light. I am not a Penn State football fan, but I do admire Joe for his accomplishments over many decades. To still be coaching a major football program at age 84 is just short of a miracle. But that run may come to an end soon.

It is all about consequences. Every action, and every inaction, comes with a set of choices, and each of those with a consequence.

My turn to take care of Mom

Mom fell and broke her hip. Evidently it was not a bad fall, but it was a bad break. She had replacement surgery on Halloween, and much of the family came together in South Boston to wait for the procedure to be over and to hear from the doctor. I felt so bad for her coming out of the procedure late in the evening in ICU and not even being able to have a drink of water.

They say what goes around, comes around.

How many times late at night was she up taking care of one of her 5 children who was sick, hurt, or had a bad dream?

Now it is my turn to take care of Mom. I hope I can do as good a job as she did with us.

Peace.