Ron Howard as Opie and Richie, for Obama

I saw this today and thought it was worth posting; it's pretty cute. And if Andy Taylor and the Fonz are voting Obama, shouldn't you? You can't really get more American than the "Andy Giffith Show" and "Happy Days."

Agree or disagree - that is the question

This is a perfect example of John McCain flip flopping. First he agrees with Barack Obama, then he disagrees with the crowd, then he agrees with the crowd, and then he just starts grasping at words like "patriotic" and "God loving." And did I mention "patriotic?"

I love the look on Cindy's face during the set up. In McCain's defense he is 80 something years old, and just woke up from a nap. After an episode of JAG and some Werther’s Originals everything will be just fine.

And if you think this post is mean, turn on conservative radio for a few minutes and get back to me. Peace!

Every Dollar Counts

Wal-Mart
Originally uploaded by merfam

In this time of skyrocketing prices the Meredith family is cutting back. We canceled HBO, shop for all of our groceries (except meats) at Wal-Mart, reduced dinning out, got rid of our storage unit, and adjusted our insurance coverage.

We use more coupons than ever, try to buy items when they’re on sale, and we’ve scaled back on most of our frivolous spending. I’m selling stuff we haven’t used in over a year on Craig’s List, and doing some side work (websites) for extra money too.

I’m really worried about our country; foreclosures, government bailouts, watching my 401K dry up, these are scary times for the middle class. I know it will get better, but I don’t believe it will be for several years.

Next on the list – cancel our home phone service.

Things we take for granted…

Wired
Originally uploaded by merfam

The Meredith Family has been without power for almost 5 days due to the aftermath of hurricane Ike. Now we know how Tina Turner must have felt, we really took a beating!

It’s astonishing how reliant we are on electricity. Without it we’re pretty lost, but since we almost always have it we never stop to think about how amazing it is. Little things like turning on a lamp, watching TV, enjoying a cold beverage, and opening the garage door are all things we all take for granted. These are truly wonderful things we all do everyday and never think twice about… but maybe we should.

The next time you see an employee from your local power company, shake his or her hand and tell them we couldn’t make it with out them. Buy them a drink, give them a hug, let them know what they do matters – I know I will.

Happy Birthday Jason

Giant Cookie
Originally uploaded by merfam

I turned 36 on Sunday August the 31st and I have a lot to be thankful for. I’m married to my best friend Amy, and I have a great relationship with my daughter Nicole. I have an amazing mother and step-dad, wonderful in-laws and extended family. I have a very close circle of friends, and a dream-team group of coworkers.

I have my health (minus my two herniated discs), own reliable cars, live in a nice neighborhood, work for a great company, etc… etc…

Yes, life is good at 36; however this will be the last year that I will be in my mid-thirties. Next year I will officially be in my late thirties. And before I know it, I’ll wake up (hopefully) and be 40. Wow, when you’re young 40 sounds old, and now it’s something I strive to make it to.

I’m sure 70 will start to sound good when I’m in my sixties. – It’s all about prospective.

Meet Peanut!

Sugar Glider
Originally uploaded by merfam

This is Peanut, a Sugar Glider that Nicole bought at the Kentucky State Fair last week. He’s very sweet and loving and very active. He loves to climb, leap, cuddle, and eat fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Sugar Glider is a small gliding possum native to eastern and northern mainland Australia, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago, and introduced to Tasmania. - Wikipedia

You can watch videos of these little guys on YouTube, and see more photos of him on our Flickr account. Let us know what you think!

A Smart Solution?

Natural Area (in progress)
Originally uploaded by merfam

We’re allowing the hilly section of our yard to grow-in to become a "natural area." It's hard to mow so by letting it thicken and over time adding large landscape rocks and patches of wildflowers it will eventually establish the look we are going for. Then it will look purposeful - and not like we're too lazy to mow that part of the lawn. Smart, huh?

Also notice all if the leaves? It’s only mid August and our yard has more leaves now than in the fall. There’s a huge tree on the property behind us that starts to loose it’s foliage in late summer, so we have to mow it weekly just to mulch the dry leaves.