I want gas prices to go down.  Now, I'm not greedy.  I'm willing to accept that it's a business and some of the people involved in the oil industry are just hard-working people who want to feed their families chicken and rice and not lobster and caviar.  I get that. 

But, can't we just get back to the $3 and under gas?!  I recall last summer when my stomache dropped as the prices reached $2.99 a gallon.  Who ever thought I'd be longing for those days again? 

All right, the chances of real change happening within the scope of the fuel crisis is not likely.  I'd like to see cheaper "Hybrid" cars.  Or how about a better tax incentive for trading in gaz-guzzling giants aka SUV's?

Or maybe if we can't directly change the problem, let's be smart about our gas consumption.  Here are a few links that will make the gas-prices-gone-wild situation a little easier to bare:

Find the cheapest gas near you.

Give the Yakima Transit a try if you haven't already.  They've really expanded their routes and the system is better than ever. 

Yakima Transit

It struck me that politics has become popular.  It's been given a hip and updated look. 

The White House has a new attitude and young people are getting more and more involved.

I was recently in a conversation with some friends about politics.  This wasn't your typical setting for "politico speak".  We were practically screaming our views on the matter over the thumping bass of "Play That Funky Music, White Boy" at a local club.

"Who are you voting for?"

"Obama!"

"My mama?!?"

"Noooo, OBAMA!"

"Oh!  You want another drink?"

And, I've always heard it was bad manners to ask a person who they are voting for. 

But, it seems gone are the days of political privacy.  Young people are so open and honest about whose little black box they'll be filling in on voting day.

It's become fashionable to sit and chat up what the candidates were wearing and to discuss who bumped who's fist over a latte.

Why are we getting involved, though?

Are we really personally vested in the outcome of this Presidential race?

Have we become concerned with the state of our country and the direction it's headed?

Or, does it matter why we're more involved and informed?  Is it good enough that we just are?

Whatever the reason, I've decided to do a series of blogs on the topic of politics. 

It's advantageous, I know.  I'm surprising myself at the level of interest I have in the matter. 

Maybe it's just that the candidates are getting younger.   God forbid, maybe it's a sign of getting older.

What is it about a cool potato salad and a warm day that just seems perfect? 

I come from a long line of potato salad connoisseurs.  I have five aunts and one grandma who have perfected their recipes to a science.  Boil the eggs, peel the potatoes, add the secret ingredients, and stir.  Okay, to be plainly honest, I'm not quite sure what they use to make the "best batch ever" every time, but it works. And they make it look so easy!

I've never wanted to know this black magic they use. I was always content to enjoy the fruits (or potatoes) of their labor.  But, as I get older I realize that the most wonderful part of the potato salad is making it for your family.  I think it's time I learned from all of them, so that I'll be able to pass down the tradition to my children.

Enjoy your summer, your family, and don't forget the potato salad!