Joy to the World

According to PNC's Christmas Price Index, the of cost the Twelve Days of Christmas, like cost almost everything (except flat screen TVs) has gone up this year.




Despite rising inflation, recession fears, and a world-class credit crunch, US consumers did their thing. Sales are reportedly on track to be up 3.6% over last year.


However, since the health of the global economy - not to mention the retail industry - is still depending on US consumers to shop, shop shop, this is a good thing.

So deck the halls, Santa's coming - and don't forget the chestnuts (in fact, better get two bags, just in case). God bless us, every one.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,

Sandie

An Auspicious Beginning

Mira's birthday is two days before Christmas, so after I finished studying on Sunday we drove up to Ashish & Anjali's place in the city. The moon was nearly full, and just above and a little to the right was Mars, almost as bright. Too bad Little Miss couldn't fully appreciate the show the night sky was putting on for her special day.






The next day we went to the Marin Headlands, just north of Golden Gate Bridge.



The weather was pretty good (especially compared to the Midwest and East Coast - brrrrr). And the views weren't too shabby, either.


Best of all, we had wonderful company to spend the day with. All in all, a great way to start the holidays.

Cheers,
Sandie