and lurkers. Happy Mayday-the International Workers holiday. And speaking of May Day, I don't think the consumer can take any more of these 'helpful' FED rate cuts. Finally, they are signaling something good for a change. That's probably why the markets reacted the way they did. The FED's have been acting like Doc administering chemo to a cancer patient. The chemo killed the patient in the end but by God the patient died cancer free. That may sound crazy but if I had a nickle for every patient that died cancer free-I wouldn't have to wear scrubs ever again.

The 'Recession' and yes it is a recession is widening and deepening. Businesses that aren't housing or finance related are taking hits now and the only folks doing well are the debt collectors. I heard that the auto leases will reset in June and July so that should be another event. A Nursing instructor once told me that a human can only stand so many shocks to the system and that once you start getting a cascade downward-it's impossible to reverse the course. The death certificate may read cause of death-respiratory infection (cold), but the immune system weakened by chemo, diabetes, and heart disease assisted.

We've had increased unemployment and underemployment for years now (chemo) but we were getting B12 shots (easy credit) so we looked healthy enough. We caught a cold (inflation) and it's about to put us in the ground (depression).

I hope those of you on the SWT had enough leeway to prepare as best you can in your circumstances. I sleep better each night knowing that I have done what I could to prepare. Hubby and I may not have much by some folks standards but we are relatively healthy, have food clothing and shelter, and a tad set aside for a rainy day. We have a great support network of friends and family and are able to help our friends in need. I figure that makes us very rich indeed. I hope this holiday finds you well and counting your REAL wealth,

Happy hunting and watch out for the bears.