Come to the Light It is always startling to hear that a $3 trillion dollar segment of our economy has learned how to make people (even recalcitrants) enjoy spending money. I don't reckon consumer indulgence on "non-durable" goods would amount to $3 trillion if everyone hated it as much as I do.

So as an antidote to the slippery slope that will ultimately lead my dear friend to the Mall of America or the Galleria I want to tell about a big time on the old town of Columbus.

My brother and his wife are due to have a baby in 5 weeks, my sister had one 6 weeks ago, and my good friend Frank had a baby girl Monday. We took the confluence of auspicious beginnings as an opportuity to explore the funner side of gift giving. Julie handled the dirty work of buyin plain white "onesies" and fabric paints. A few days later, Julie and I stayed up until 12:30 AM (that is late for people with 1 year olds) stenciling our love and affection onto plain white cotton. I don't know how much it cost to make and can't bring myself to care. What I revel in is that the latest night Julie and I have had in months was "making" gifts for our loved ones.

Oh, and by the way, you get homemade jams and jellies from us for Christmas.  ¶ 8:19 AM