I am concerned, too, Mustang. I think about retiring, and then, as much as my job just isn't doing it for me and as much as my love needs me at home, I am not sure that we can afford it right now.

But, in all fairness....I've been in DC and a $15 salad probably isn't very much. I can get away with a cheap lunch - a school lunch can be purchased for 3.50 - but most cannot. I have to think that most of these DC people are doing working lunches and brown bagging it most days won't cut it.

The housing market has hurt so many. Around here, it is beginning to rally a bit, but only on older homes. We have built up the new housing and condo and townhouse phenomenon to adnauseum. The area has built up far beyond capacity.

Your step dad has not worked? I am sorry your family has been directly affected by this slump.

I wonder what it will take to change our forecast? I do know that everything is cyclical, and that it will come around. But, just how will it affect each of us and all of our loved ones?

I wonder what each of us could do to affect a change in the current events?