Perspective

I write this while waiting for a plane in the Grand Junction, Colorado, airport. Such a nice town, such nice scenery, such nice people. Wineries within biking distance of downtown, a sweet little main street with sculptures (some that move!), great little restaurants, funky little antiques stores, and some of the best of God's Country within a 10 minute drive. I'm here less than 24 hours at a time usually, for hearings in the old courthouse (that I can walk to from my Main Street hotel), and always promise I will come back for a longer stay, yet never seem to get around to it.

Anyway, here are today's observations to lend perspective:

Rented a car here, total cost with tax, fees for this and that, and basic rental totaled $30.

Refilling the gas tank with the 6 gallons of gas I used, almost the same amount, $28.

Meanwhile, I read in the paper that gas in France is setting those fine folk back a whopping $10 a gallon (best not to ask what it is in Euros). Had I been buying my 6 gallons there, I would have spent $60, twice the cost of the rental of the car.

Last week, filling up my van's gas tank, (a vehicle which I hardly ever drive anymore due to its relatively low gas mileage), cost $61, which means that if I worked for minimum wage, I would have had to work 10 hours (more than that if you are counting taxes) to buy that tank of gas.

Whew! Solutions, of course, include more public transportation, more efficient cars, etc., etc. We know what to do, and have known for many years, but now that the economics are in place, perhaps we will finally get serious.

Love to all from the High Desert,
Ann