It was a dark and cloudy morning

But I am up, dressed, and halfway through my first cup of coffee and the paper. The season is starting off as it should with a day or two of clouds and rain, a little clearing and a day or two of clouds and rain. I always say I don't mind the clouds and rain, but I am almost euphoric when we travel to places with lots of sunshine such as eastern Washington, western Montana, and down south. I think I like the sense of staying inside and cozy, but it isn't so great outside when it is dark and dreary.

Yesterday was the start of the Tacoma RV show, so we will go today to see what is new. And I do mean see, not buy. I especially enjoy the various vendors who are hawking such wonderful items as 100% vinyl/plastic/manmade material doormats at $75/each and decorated with various gaudy designs!! But once in a while there is a product that generates some interest, and could actually be useful. I'll give a full report later.

Craig came for dinner last night. Now that he has changed jobs and works in downtown Tacoma, we don't get to see him for lunch every once in a while. I don't think he has been able to make much of an assessment about the new job since he has done and seen little so far, and the training phase has not really begun. An interesting note is that Cinda is frequently called as an expert witness for a company that is in direct competition with OSC where Craig is working. Both companies manage L&I claims, but I doubt this situation will have a negative impact on the cousins' relationship.

Another Jetta glitch. We recently found a spring lying on the floor on the passenger's side, and upon inquiring of the VW service department, were told that it is a common failure, a recall, and they have to replace the 'seating system'; whatever that is. Again under warranty. At this rate, the entire car will have been replaced by the time it hits 75,000 miles. So far most everything has been warranty work, but that is going to run out, and then what? I'll keep baking cookies for the service department in the hope that they will keep fixing. When that ends, we'll buy a Honda!

And what do you make of Harriet Miers (I'm not even sure of the spelling, let alone her)? I don't have a problem with the fact that she has not been a judge, but I do have a major problem with the fact that it SMACKS of Bush cronyism and manipulation. His philosophy of selecting folks whom no one knows anything about needs to be put to a stop. Unfortunately, there are more voting Republicans than Democrats.

Back to my paper.

Ciao