Only a couple of days ago did I realize that the Monday coming up, which is today, would be Labor Day. It nearly slipped by me because, other than the possibility that a business I want to patronize might be closed, three-day weekends no longer exist in my world.
The holiday’s trade-union origins don’t do anything for me, either, and never have. I come from an entirely different place (pictured below).
My grandfather worked briefly in the mills as a young man, I’m told, and he bought the 240-acre family farm right before the Great Depression. He knew what he was in for — no eight-hour days, no five-day weeks and no “time off.”
Never a tractor, only draft horses. Corn. Alfalfa. Guernsey dairy cattle. He and his family made do with what they had and could afford.
I was named for my grandfather. He died at the age of 55, before I was born, so I never knew him. But what he represents is with me every single day, never more so than now.
Let’s talk coffee again.
I’m happy with my decision to switch from pretentious and expensive Folgers Black Silk to Maxwell House Original Blend. It’s a great cup, hits with authority and saves me a little money.
In this unsteady market, however, even Maxwell House prices are inching up. It’s time to resupply, and I shopped around for the best price.
Harps comes in at 65 cents an ounce, and it doesn’t sell the big cans. Walmart does, but its best price is 56 cents.
I checked Amazon and hit paydirt. In a 33.1-ounce can (coated cardboard, not plastic), Maxwell House Original Blend can be had for 45 cents an ounce.
I ordered two.
And what’s that Folgers going for these days? Harps doesn’t stock it reliably. Walmart has it priced at 66 cents. Amazon‘s best deal is a staggering 74 cents.
Am I sweating the small stuff? Sure I am. But money is tight, coffee is non-negotiable, and every little bit helps make ends meet.
Sunday morning’s skies were memorable.
The rest of the day was pleasant, peaceful and productive. There’s not much to tell, really, that’d distinguish it from other wonderful days on The Mountain.
And that’s okay with me. The next few weeks have the potential to be heavy, so I’ll take every moment of weightlessness I can get.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable