Just a moment to encourage you all to think of your family during these interesting economic times.

I just took a present (a cast iron frying pan) to an Aunt and Uncle that lives close by. We don't have a great relationship and only see each other maybe 4 times a year even tho we live in the same small community. They had invited us over for Thanksgiving and during the talking I discovered that they didn't have a single cooking instrument that was cast iron. Being a good ole southern boy I went and bought them one and boxed it for Christmas.

I also bought my 5 nieces and nephews each a day planner for 2009.

Your family may not be the best and you may not get along with them but a kind gesture and some warmth of heart may overcome these reservations for a day (or a lifetime).