danajohnhill.org | Hard Times Come Again No More

Today is Miriam’s birthday, and although I want it to be the most super-special day ever, the reality is that she and I are both at work.  On this date in previous years we have been in Venice (2001) or Miami (2006), or even in honeymoon bliss. It’s a sorry testament to the weak Dollar ($.64 to the euro) and the unprecedented high price of gasoline ($4.01 in Gainesville this morning) that we are unable to make as many pleasure trips on our own dime.  Miriam’s work, fortunately, is making up the difference, and later this month we’ll be in Chicago for a few days.  Later this year we may go to South Carolina and Washington, D.C. 

On the plus side, however, we are among the very fortunate who have been unaffected by the housing crisis, or the recent budget cuts at the University of Florida that have cost many their jobs.  We can still afford to have dinner out with friends and if I wanted to I could probably have the good root beer that comes in glass bottles.

So, Angel, happy birthday.  I promise that on some future birthday I’ll give you a kiss atop the Arc de Triomphe. 

Filed under: Cost of Living, Special Occasions, Travel on June 2nd, 2008