Catching my breath

Happy Monday, everyone.....it's been a while since I found time to check in here, but have a little while to share some comments.

I've been rather busy with work, lots of travel recently, but things overall are going pretty well, I think.

So since I've been on the road the cost of gasoline is front and center among what keeps me concerned.  The price varies considerably throughout my areas of travel, but right now the price seems to be hovering around an average of $4.05 per gallon.  A little cheaper here or there, even more saved with some discounts from our primary grocery chain, but a touch over $4.00 in the areas where I have been.  

Anyone else find it interesting that regarding the Iran War that there's almost always talk about cease-fires and other negotiated items late each week?  Seems to me this is market manipulation, pure and simple, so that the stock market rises, and oil futures fall a little.  If someone who's untrained in global economics can see this, it's pretty plain that others who have more ability can, as well.  

It's busy at home these days as our two "local" granddaughters both are playing soccer this spring.  We've already sat through cold and wind and Saturday had a game interrupted and cancelled by a sudden hard rain with high winds.  Still feel like I'm soaking wet!

Here in Kentucky we're in the midst of the primary election season.  In our home area we will vote on candidates for Mitch McConnell's Senate seat (thank you and good riddance, sir!) and Andy Barr's House seat (another fond farewell), as Barr is running for the Senate and therefore cannot be on the ballot for both offices.  The Republicans who are seeking to replace McConnell are all fighting to see who seems the most connected with President Trump, which has long been a sure fire strategy for winning, but not as much as it once was.

Baseball season is in full swing, and my Cincinnati Reds are 14-8 so far, with a great record in low-score games and in extra inning games!  This team is largely the same one that stepped into a wild card spot in last year's playoffs, but with some improvements to the relief pitching and a young man named Sal Stewart who had a cup of coffee with the Reds late last year.  The offense is still sluggish at times but they seem to score the runs they need much of the time.  

Last thought--the weather we're all experiencing is something to behold.  I have friends and colleagues in the upper Midwest and they're seeing weather that is almost unheard of there.  Same for the Rocky Mountain states....sunny and warm, then heavy rain and even snow.  And the wind seems ever-present here in Kentucky and elsewhere throughout my work territory!

Here's hoping you have a good week! 

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