Thanks to everyone who voted in the 1-95 construction poll. It was pretty evenly split. Don't forget to take the online survey that I linked to in the "Interesting Bookmarks Entry."
Our new poll question is all about Christmas shopping. With my recent experiences at local retailers, it's first and foremost on my mind.
Remember, your vote counts here!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Back to Normal at Wal-Mart
Being mad at the Constant Friendship Target about the Wii fiasco has thrown off my whole week. I've been trying to branch out to other venues, but now I remember why I was so faithful in the first place.
This a.m. after I put the kids on the bus I ran over to Wal-Mart because I needed to get a birthday present for a party my daughter is attending this weekend. I parked close to the door and believed this was a good sign.
Shopping is much more pleasant since the remodel. The aisles are wider, it's easier to find things. It looks cleaner.
I was even humming a Christmas carol when I lined up at the register.
That's when it started.
I was in a long line. 3 registers were open. A cashier zipped behind me and helpfully told the elderly people at the back of the line she would help them next. This is a pet peeve of mine. Customer service at people at Wal-Mart never speak to me, because I don't fit the elderly demographic. Which, now that I think about it, kind of makes me happy. This happened 3 times while I was in line, but I thought I'd stick it out in my line because I was already committed. 15 minutes later, my goods were being checked out, but wait, the main purpose of the trip, a lovely Sleeping Beauty Disney Princess, was not in the system. It would not ring up. The cashier called the toy department. Nobody called back. She called again. Nobody called back. She called a manager, who ambled over and took the doll to customer service. Customer service couldn't find it the number and spent a lot of time examining the box. This wasn't an obscure item. It was a Disney Princess. They called the toy department. 20 minutes later, they decided to manually input the price.
Then I made the mistake of asking for a gift receipt.
This proved impossible! They couldn't do that! So I said Enough. You got me. I've got to get out of here. I thanked the very patient lady behind me and the cashier. The manager was mean to her. It wasn't her fault.
The woman behind me mentioned the Wal-Mart commercials where all the cashiers are playing Christmas music with their register lights. She summed it up best, "I guess they didn't see that commercial here."
This a.m. after I put the kids on the bus I ran over to Wal-Mart because I needed to get a birthday present for a party my daughter is attending this weekend. I parked close to the door and believed this was a good sign.
Shopping is much more pleasant since the remodel. The aisles are wider, it's easier to find things. It looks cleaner.
I was even humming a Christmas carol when I lined up at the register.
That's when it started.
I was in a long line. 3 registers were open. A cashier zipped behind me and helpfully told the elderly people at the back of the line she would help them next. This is a pet peeve of mine. Customer service at people at Wal-Mart never speak to me, because I don't fit the elderly demographic. Which, now that I think about it, kind of makes me happy. This happened 3 times while I was in line, but I thought I'd stick it out in my line because I was already committed. 15 minutes later, my goods were being checked out, but wait, the main purpose of the trip, a lovely Sleeping Beauty Disney Princess, was not in the system. It would not ring up. The cashier called the toy department. Nobody called back. She called again. Nobody called back. She called a manager, who ambled over and took the doll to customer service. Customer service couldn't find it the number and spent a lot of time examining the box. This wasn't an obscure item. It was a Disney Princess. They called the toy department. 20 minutes later, they decided to manually input the price.
Then I made the mistake of asking for a gift receipt.
This proved impossible! They couldn't do that! So I said Enough. You got me. I've got to get out of here. I thanked the very patient lady behind me and the cashier. The manager was mean to her. It wasn't her fault.
The woman behind me mentioned the Wal-Mart commercials where all the cashiers are playing Christmas music with their register lights. She summed it up best, "I guess they didn't see that commercial here."
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Interesting Bookmarks
Picked up two interesting items at the Bel Air library. The first is an easy way to support the library while doing your Christmas shopping.
At the Bel Air library (not sure if this is available at Abingdon) you can pick up a voucher for the Barnes & Noble Bookfair supporting the Harford County Public Library Foundation.
On Dec. 7 at the Bel Air Barnes & Noble if you present the voucher to the cashier while making your purchase, a percentage of the net sale will be donated to the foundation. It doesn't say how much, but any bit will help.
Two new interesting titles we're interested here at TAA are The Letters of Noel Coward and Options, by the Fake Steve Jobs.
Another bookmark takes us back to one of our favorite topics, road construction. The bookmark asks readers to "Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Maryland" by going online and completing a 10-minute survey. The answers "you provide will be used to shape Maryland's 20-year vision for transportation."
Here's the link.
Take the survey
At the Bel Air library (not sure if this is available at Abingdon) you can pick up a voucher for the Barnes & Noble Bookfair supporting the Harford County Public Library Foundation.
On Dec. 7 at the Bel Air Barnes & Noble if you present the voucher to the cashier while making your purchase, a percentage of the net sale will be donated to the foundation. It doesn't say how much, but any bit will help.
Two new interesting titles we're interested here at TAA are The Letters of Noel Coward and Options, by the Fake Steve Jobs.
Another bookmark takes us back to one of our favorite topics, road construction. The bookmark asks readers to "Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Maryland" by going online and completing a 10-minute survey. The answers "you provide will be used to shape Maryland's 20-year vision for transportation."
Here's the link.
Take the survey
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Road Work
If you're traveling down to Lowe's, Regal or BJ's, be aware that for some reason they've dug a big hole in the road in front of the new mega pet store and it's currently one lane with a big bulldozer in the middle of the road. Traffic isn't bad, but with the size of the hole it seems as if the crew will be there awhile. Maybe they've decided to start building underground, too. Maybe a new storage unit!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Deer Watch
Be careful out there. At Tollgate Road, by the Monmouth Meadows traffic circle, a deer jumped into the road around lunchtime. They must be confused about where they're going and what time it is because of the fog. Keep an eye out for them. I know there are always some around the new Toll Brothers development. We saw a herd run by the library not too long ago.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Early Christmas Spirit
Although the leftover turkey and various other leftovers are still jamming my fridge, the holiday spirit is in full swing in Abingdon. Just ask the lady who was in front of my DH this a.m. at Target who bought four of a very desirable, very hard to get gaming system even though it plainly said it was "1 per customer." She of course, got the last ones, leaving DH emptyhanded. So she must really, really, need the money she's going to get from selling those for exhoribant prices on ebay. She must be taking that money and doing something very worthy with it that others cannot possibly comprehend. So thank you, madam, wherever, you are, and also the concerned and alert Target team member who made it possible!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Thanksgiving Fun
The Abingdon Branch of the Harford County Public Library is having a "Turkey Trot" for kids pre-k through 8th grade every day from now until Nov. 30. Kids who spot a gobbler in the stacks will "harvest" a reward.
The library is also collecting donations of food at all of its branches for FISH and the Salvation Army. While you're checking out all those free movies for Thanksgiving, why not leave a can of veggies?
The library is also collecting donations of food at all of its branches for FISH and the Salvation Army. While you're checking out all those free movies for Thanksgiving, why not leave a can of veggies?
Is it Just the Rain or....
Is that corner where Rt. 924 meets WaWa the trashiest looking spot in the area? The lighted liquor store sign complete with the "Tease Fitness" and the Jim Beam banner hanging underneath. It's really lovely. I may add a photo at some point, so everyone can revel in its beauty.
Which brings me to the need for members for the Abingdon/Emmorton/Riverside Community Council, which reader Brian Bittner has brought to our attention. Call 410-638-3355 and get involved. We really need some help with the zoning -- the liquor store/tease fitness has another spot on its sign for a new business. I can only imagine what could complement that duo.
Which brings me to the need for members for the Abingdon/Emmorton/Riverside Community Council, which reader Brian Bittner has brought to our attention. Call 410-638-3355 and get involved. We really need some help with the zoning -- the liquor store/tease fitness has another spot on its sign for a new business. I can only imagine what could complement that duo.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thanks-giving
With the holidays coming up we've been thinking here about different worthy charitable organizations. Here, our mailbox has already been filling up and our telephone ringing with various organizations asking for money.
I'd like to highlight some local charities here, and although this one is a national forum, it allows you to help those nearby in a unique way.
The site donorschoose.org is filled with requests from teachers across the country, including Maryland, who are looking for funding for various projects. They map out their proposals and then you get a chance to donate as much as you want.
On the homepage you can click on a subject you'd like to give to, or your state. You can even donate in honor or your favorite presidential candidate. (Stephen Colbert's faithful have already contributed more than $60,000.)
Many of these proposals are for schools in Baltimore, in some of the poorest neighborhoods. The cost of these range from $100 (for dry erase boards) to a thousand for audiovisual equipment. Take a look. Some are just heartbreaking to read.
I'd like to highlight some local charities here, and although this one is a national forum, it allows you to help those nearby in a unique way.
The site donorschoose.org is filled with requests from teachers across the country, including Maryland, who are looking for funding for various projects. They map out their proposals and then you get a chance to donate as much as you want.
On the homepage you can click on a subject you'd like to give to, or your state. You can even donate in honor or your favorite presidential candidate. (Stephen Colbert's faithful have already contributed more than $60,000.)
Many of these proposals are for schools in Baltimore, in some of the poorest neighborhoods. The cost of these range from $100 (for dry erase boards) to a thousand for audiovisual equipment. Take a look. Some are just heartbreaking to read.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Disenfranchisement--Education Version
It's American Education Week and I could not be much less hopeful about education in my part of Harford County. Don't get me wrong -- Abingdon Elementary where my children attend is a wonderful school. The teachers are great and the test scores are among the highest in the county.
I guess this goes back to my earlier column about being disenfranchised. I've seen photos of the new high school where my children will not attend. Instead, I'm looking at a 29.4 assessment rate for 8th-grade math at Edgewood Middle School. I see Jacqueline Haas named superintendent of the year for Maryland while the middle AND high school my child is slated to attend have not met the Average Yearly Progess goals for consecutive years. So instead of a plan detailing what the school board is implementing to improve the situation, we're treated to a "rally day" at the high school featuring the Ravens Busboys.
A rally day does not take the place of a comprehensive plan to improve the schools. We're not idiots. Cal Ripken, Jr. memorabilia and some balloons aren't answers to these problems.
At the rally day, Haas is quoted as saying, "You are the model for the rest of the county because of the close connection that already exists among Edgewood-area schools, this feeder system was chosen to pilot the program for the rest of the county. I know you are proud of your schools and the work done by your teachers every day."
Speaking for myself, I feel as close to the Edgewood community as I do to the Fallston community. I don't. I'm in Abingdon/Emmorton. My community is on this side of 95. Districting our school into another community doesn't make us part of another community.
I've been asking for answers about a comprehensive plan and so far have gotten none. I know there are great kids at Edgewood/Edgewood Middle. I don't think it's unsafe or a drug haven. I think they deserve more than just being safe. They also deserve the education that we are paying all these taxes for. You know, the same education that the kids at C. Milton are getting.
I guess this goes back to my earlier column about being disenfranchised. I've seen photos of the new high school where my children will not attend. Instead, I'm looking at a 29.4 assessment rate for 8th-grade math at Edgewood Middle School. I see Jacqueline Haas named superintendent of the year for Maryland while the middle AND high school my child is slated to attend have not met the Average Yearly Progess goals for consecutive years. So instead of a plan detailing what the school board is implementing to improve the situation, we're treated to a "rally day" at the high school featuring the Ravens Busboys.
A rally day does not take the place of a comprehensive plan to improve the schools. We're not idiots. Cal Ripken, Jr. memorabilia and some balloons aren't answers to these problems.
At the rally day, Haas is quoted as saying, "You are the model for the rest of the county because of the close connection that already exists among Edgewood-area schools, this feeder system was chosen to pilot the program for the rest of the county. I know you are proud of your schools and the work done by your teachers every day."
Speaking for myself, I feel as close to the Edgewood community as I do to the Fallston community. I don't. I'm in Abingdon/Emmorton. My community is on this side of 95. Districting our school into another community doesn't make us part of another community.
I've been asking for answers about a comprehensive plan and so far have gotten none. I know there are great kids at Edgewood/Edgewood Middle. I don't think it's unsafe or a drug haven. I think they deserve more than just being safe. They also deserve the education that we are paying all these taxes for. You know, the same education that the kids at C. Milton are getting.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Plumtree Update
Thanks to reader Charlene for sending the link to the Plumtree zoning. This information must be from the original hearing, so it's unclear if the hearing this week is for public comment.
I'm confused at the need for this, when another gigantic Walgreen's is probably 3 miles away. There is also a relatively new gigantic Walgreen's on 24 in Forest Hill.
People that I talked to were very excited about a Wegman's possibly coming here. The closest one is in Hunt Valley, and Trader Joe's is all the way in Towson. I'm surprised this area doesn't have any similar stores.
Here's the link to the Walgreen's info:
Another Walgreen's
I'm confused at the need for this, when another gigantic Walgreen's is probably 3 miles away. There is also a relatively new gigantic Walgreen's on 24 in Forest Hill.
People that I talked to were very excited about a Wegman's possibly coming here. The closest one is in Hunt Valley, and Trader Joe's is all the way in Towson. I'm surprised this area doesn't have any similar stores.
Here's the link to the Walgreen's info:
Another Walgreen's
1-95: Interchanges
If you've been wondering what that map is down at the right, it's the "visioning" by the Maryland department of transportation as to what our exit at 1-95 will look like in a few years.
I received a flier last week detailing the Section 200 (the name of the project) changes, and chuckled out loud at the description of the express toll lanes on 95 which will have sliding fees depending on traffic volume. This was the funny part: "Drivers would have the option of paying a toll to drive in the relatively congestion-free ETLs (express lanes) or in the GPLs as they do today."
My question, what if the majority of drivers decide to drive in the "relatively congestion-free" lanes? I'd pay a few dollars to get somewhere faster, and I imagine many drivers would. How can the MDTA promise that these lanes will be faster? I don't really understand. Will there be a rebate if you're stuck in traffic?
Of greater concern to me is the new exit configuration with 1-95/MD 24. I would describe what they're proposing for this section, but I don't think I could even paraphrase it. I do know that they've already started clearing trees on both sides of 24 (by WaWa and Wal-Mart), but nothing's happened in a few months.
There will be a public hearing from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13 at William Paca Elementary where the public is invited to comment. The MDTA is also accepting written comment until Jan. 21, 2008.
I'm providing a link to maps of the project. If you can figure this out, please let us know.
Section 200 Project
I received a flier last week detailing the Section 200 (the name of the project) changes, and chuckled out loud at the description of the express toll lanes on 95 which will have sliding fees depending on traffic volume. This was the funny part: "Drivers would have the option of paying a toll to drive in the relatively congestion-free ETLs (express lanes) or in the GPLs as they do today."
My question, what if the majority of drivers decide to drive in the "relatively congestion-free" lanes? I'd pay a few dollars to get somewhere faster, and I imagine many drivers would. How can the MDTA promise that these lanes will be faster? I don't really understand. Will there be a rebate if you're stuck in traffic?
Of greater concern to me is the new exit configuration with 1-95/MD 24. I would describe what they're proposing for this section, but I don't think I could even paraphrase it. I do know that they've already started clearing trees on both sides of 24 (by WaWa and Wal-Mart), but nothing's happened in a few months.
There will be a public hearing from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13 at William Paca Elementary where the public is invited to comment. The MDTA is also accepting written comment until Jan. 21, 2008.
I'm providing a link to maps of the project. If you can figure this out, please let us know.
Section 200 Project
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Family Holiday Event
The holidays are closer than you think -- if you've been shopping you know for some, they're already here! Here's a family event for New Year's -- perfect for the smaller reveler. Note that the registration opens on Nov. 15.
"Noon" Year's Eve Celebration
Monday, December 31st, 2007 10 am to 1 pm
Count down to noon at a special "Noon" Year's Eve family celebration hosted by the Bel Air Athletic Club (BAAC) and presented by Harford County Kids Magazine. The celebration begins at 10 am and features a NOON Countdown to 2008 when "snowballs" will be dropped from the ceiling. Balloon sculptures, demonstrations, and crafts will be offered to guests under 12 years of age. Refreshments, a DJ, BAACyard Treehouse, and special activities will make this a fun way for parents and kids to celebrate the New Year together and not be up too late. Participants include the Bel Air School of Art, Bel Air Bakery, The Greene Turtle, professional DJ Frank Spears, BAACStage Dance Company, and more! Cost is $5 per person (children under 2 are free) and advance registration and payment is required. Registration opens November 15th, 2007 and is sure to be sold out! Call BAAC at 410-838-2670 to reserve your family's spots before they are gone. BAAC is located at 658 Boulton St., Bel Air, Maryland.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Feeling Disenfranchised
I've read with envy all week accounts of voters, a few at least anyway, heading to the polls to vote in Bel Air and Aberdeen. Here in Abingdon we got to vote on, let's see, nothing.
Given the lackluster turnout in many races, including the Baltimore mayor's race, maybe I'm in the minority. I know sometimes the candidate choices are not the greatest, but to just have the opportunity to possibly have your voice heard, what that must be like. Here in Abingdon, I can only imagine.
Given the lackluster turnout in many races, including the Baltimore mayor's race, maybe I'm in the minority. I know sometimes the candidate choices are not the greatest, but to just have the opportunity to possibly have your voice heard, what that must be like. Here in Abingdon, I can only imagine.
Plumtree/24 Rezoning
After a little digging, we found what the rezoning signs were about on Rte. 24 near Plumtree Road. It was called to our attention by an advertisement in The Aegis, placed by the Klein Family, owners of the Klein's Family Markets, stating that they had no zoning responsibility about this 52.392 acre parcel. It helpfully added a a rezoning case number.
The ad said that the hearing was scheduled for Nov. 7, but it's apparently been moved to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19. This is what I found on the county Web site:
CASE NO. 170:
KLEIN / TURNER LIMITED JOINT VENTURE - 1921, 2001 & 2014 Emmorton Road, Bel Air
Rezoning, proposed for the First Election District, 1921, 2013 & 2014 Emmorton Road, Bel Air, BY KLEIN / TURNER LIMITED JOINT VENTURE (PROPERTY OWNERS: 1921 EMMORTON ROAD LLC; 2001 EMMORTON ROAD LLC; AND EVERGREEN BUSINESS TRUST) (CONTRACT PURCHASER: EVERGREEN DEVELOPMENT LLC). Appealed because rezonings, pursuant to Section 267-12A of the Harford County Code, to rezone 18.46 acres from B2 Community District to R3 Urban Residential District, rezone 30.45 acres from R4 Urban Residential / B3 General Business District to B3 General Business District, and rezone 3.482 acres from R4 Urban Residential District to B3 General Business District, requires approval by the Board of Appeals.
This wasn't really an answer to my question, but it appears that something's coming.
The ad said that the hearing was scheduled for Nov. 7, but it's apparently been moved to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19. This is what I found on the county Web site:
CASE NO. 170:
KLEIN / TURNER LIMITED JOINT VENTURE - 1921, 2001 & 2014 Emmorton Road, Bel Air
Rezoning, proposed for the First Election District, 1921, 2013 & 2014 Emmorton Road, Bel Air, BY KLEIN / TURNER LIMITED JOINT VENTURE (PROPERTY OWNERS: 1921 EMMORTON ROAD LLC; 2001 EMMORTON ROAD LLC; AND EVERGREEN BUSINESS TRUST) (CONTRACT PURCHASER: EVERGREEN DEVELOPMENT LLC). Appealed because rezonings, pursuant to Section 267-12A of the Harford County Code, to rezone 18.46 acres from B2 Community District to R3 Urban Residential District, rezone 30.45 acres from R4 Urban Residential / B3 General Business District to B3 General Business District, and rezone 3.482 acres from R4 Urban Residential District to B3 General Business District, requires approval by the Board of Appeals.
This wasn't really an answer to my question, but it appears that something's coming.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Speeding - Part 2
Reader Holly on my previous post about driving fast mentions an accident last night on Rte. 24 in Bel Air. I was wondering if anyone had any information about it. I can't find anything about it online.
A few days before I wrote the original post about speeding, in the space of about half a mile I saw the aftermath of two accidents on Tollgate Road -- at the first entrance of Crisfield Drive and another at Sunray Court. The Crisfield/Tollgate accident had three cars involved. Looking at the vehicles I tried to decipher how it could have happened. I guess that was on my mind with the tailgater behind me a few days later. If I had stopped short with someone pulling out in front of me it would have been a three-car pileup -- with my car in the middle.
I've tried -- without success I might add -- to get drivers to slow down in my neighborhood. One similarity I've noticed when talking with people -- they don't think they're the ones responsible -- even though when I see many of these people driving down my street, they're driving well over the posted 25mph.
Instead of yelling at people to SLOW DOWN, I've now tried waving to people. This has been more effective, because even people I don't know will slow down to see if they recognize me. As one of my neighbors pointed out, this will probably only be effective for a short time, but I'll take it while it lasts. And it feels more neighborly.
A few days before I wrote the original post about speeding, in the space of about half a mile I saw the aftermath of two accidents on Tollgate Road -- at the first entrance of Crisfield Drive and another at Sunray Court. The Crisfield/Tollgate accident had three cars involved. Looking at the vehicles I tried to decipher how it could have happened. I guess that was on my mind with the tailgater behind me a few days later. If I had stopped short with someone pulling out in front of me it would have been a three-car pileup -- with my car in the middle.
I've tried -- without success I might add -- to get drivers to slow down in my neighborhood. One similarity I've noticed when talking with people -- they don't think they're the ones responsible -- even though when I see many of these people driving down my street, they're driving well over the posted 25mph.
Instead of yelling at people to SLOW DOWN, I've now tried waving to people. This has been more effective, because even people I don't know will slow down to see if they recognize me. As one of my neighbors pointed out, this will probably only be effective for a short time, but I'll take it while it lasts. And it feels more neighborly.
Monday, November 5, 2007
How Fast Are You Driving?
To the driver of the black SUV tailgating me on Tollgate Road, listen up: I drive the speed limit. Swerving back and forth behind me will not make me go faster, in fact, it might actually make me drive exactly 35 mph. If you want to bump my car's rear end, it really won't upset me because it could actually use a new bumper. So go for it!
If you'd like to drive faster, why not try Rte. 24 where the average speed hovers around 70? Even with the stoplights, you will make it to wherever you're going faster. Please consider this option.
Did anyone see the directional sign in the traffic circle on Wheel/Tollgate Road that was knocked over? On Saturday it was directly underneath a large SUV. I assume that some speed was involved because I'm not sure how you could wedge an at least 8-foot sign underneath your vehicle without noticing.
I hope the Harford County Sheriff's department continues its patrols near Abingdon Elementary. That revenue alone could pay for the entire state's deficit.
If you'd like to drive faster, why not try Rte. 24 where the average speed hovers around 70? Even with the stoplights, you will make it to wherever you're going faster. Please consider this option.
Did anyone see the directional sign in the traffic circle on Wheel/Tollgate Road that was knocked over? On Saturday it was directly underneath a large SUV. I assume that some speed was involved because I'm not sure how you could wedge an at least 8-foot sign underneath your vehicle without noticing.
I hope the Harford County Sheriff's department continues its patrols near Abingdon Elementary. That revenue alone could pay for the entire state's deficit.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Black Friday on Saturday
Festival in Bel Air was mobbed with shoppers on Saturday morning. The apparent cause was Kohl's early bird sale. Checkout lines on both sides of the store snaked back with at least 20 deep. Someone behind me commented that it looked like Black Friday instead of the first Saturday in November. And it did.
This answered my previously posed question about recession in Harford County. If Kohl's can bring out that many people on a cold Saturday morning, it certainly makes the Christmas season look more optimistic.
Also, driving through the parking lot in Festival while always a challenge, was even moreso with all the bargain hunters (and the ambulance in front of Kohl's where a woman was taken to the hospital). I guess a lot of people were overly anxious to get to those sale prices by the driving methods on display. Honking and lewd hand signals were thankfully missing, however. But I guess maybe drivers were saving those for Black Friday.
This answered my previously posed question about recession in Harford County. If Kohl's can bring out that many people on a cold Saturday morning, it certainly makes the Christmas season look more optimistic.
Also, driving through the parking lot in Festival while always a challenge, was even moreso with all the bargain hunters (and the ambulance in front of Kohl's where a woman was taken to the hospital). I guess a lot of people were overly anxious to get to those sale prices by the driving methods on display. Honking and lewd hand signals were thankfully missing, however. But I guess maybe drivers were saving those for Black Friday.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Sign of Development
Driving north on Rte. 24 this a.m. I noticed a "To Whom It May Concern" development sign just north of Bertucci's in the wooded area before Plumtree.
I've always liked that little stretch there because it's still so wooded. I'm not sure what the development is for because it's impossible to read the fine print while driving!
Just wondering if anyone knows what that will be. Another self-storage, perhaps?
I've always liked that little stretch there because it's still so wooded. I'm not sure what the development is for because it's impossible to read the fine print while driving!
Just wondering if anyone knows what that will be. Another self-storage, perhaps?
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Signs of Recession?
Is it all the candy I ate yesterday or is it the latest news making me sick to my stomach? We're still trying to recover from Halloween here in this part of Abingdon and we are more frightened by our breaking news e-mail alerts than anything that happened last night.
The AP is reporting that the Dow dropped 360 points by the time trading ended today.
With foreclosures and homes sitting empty, is what's happening a recession or just a correction? Will the effects be long-term or short-term? Dare I look at my 401k again for the next several years?
It seems just driving around the neighborhoods and shopping, I can't find much evidence of it here. I still see a lot of big vehicles that must eat lots of expensive gas and people buying and buying and buying.
Just wondering if any readers have a different perception. I know our unemployment rate here in Harford County and Maryland is still under the national average, around 3.5% (don't quote me on that), but that many aren't getting more than cost of living raises. And I mean a raise like we're still living in 1988 raise.
The publishing industry is especially susceptible to any negative thinking. Advertisers pull out of print at the first hint of trouble, so we're watching this all very carefully.
I guess for now, we'll just have to wait and see, turn down our heat, switch off the lights, not drive as much and hope for the best.
The AP is reporting that the Dow dropped 360 points by the time trading ended today.
With foreclosures and homes sitting empty, is what's happening a recession or just a correction? Will the effects be long-term or short-term? Dare I look at my 401k again for the next several years?
It seems just driving around the neighborhoods and shopping, I can't find much evidence of it here. I still see a lot of big vehicles that must eat lots of expensive gas and people buying and buying and buying.
Just wondering if any readers have a different perception. I know our unemployment rate here in Harford County and Maryland is still under the national average, around 3.5% (don't quote me on that), but that many aren't getting more than cost of living raises. And I mean a raise like we're still living in 1988 raise.
The publishing industry is especially susceptible to any negative thinking. Advertisers pull out of print at the first hint of trouble, so we're watching this all very carefully.
I guess for now, we'll just have to wait and see, turn down our heat, switch off the lights, not drive as much and hope for the best.
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