Look what the UPS man brought!

It's the horse I won with the picture I submitted at Five Minutes For Mom. A free rocking horse for my great-granddaughter! Because I'm so happy to have won this lovely item, I put a link on the sidebar to "A Rocking Horse To Love". Feel free to go browse their pretty horses, chairs, and other nifty things they have for babies and toddlers. Once again, thanks for all the people on Facebook and here on Blogger, and most especially to the guys (and a couple of gals) on the Tractor Tales Message Board. You all came through in marvelous fashion and voted for my photo.

I hope I didn't make it sound as though I thought Cliff would be one of the people downsized out of his workplace, although of course anything is possible. Because of this economy, though, we've had lots of discussions about changes we'd make if his job were to end. We've talked about it for months now.

We'd cut way back on home owners' insurance, insuring only the old house (we have to insure that, since the bank holds a lien on it). We'd get rid of Dish and use an antenna; reception is excellent out here on the river bluffs; we receive signal from six or more stations. We'd drop collision insurance on the car and only carry liability. I know how to cook cheaply. We'd both quit buying everything we want, and only buy what we need.

If worse came to worse, the place could be sold. One thing about it, it seems land has held its value while homes in town have fallen badly.

Cliff will be sixty-four in June, so he could go on Social Security if need be. The only retirement plan he has is a minuscule 401K fund; and we have a little money in various savings accounts.

I've found out since joining AARP that the Medicare tie-in insurance I can get (free) through them is almost as good as what Cliff and I get through his employer! My friend Carol actually pays less for her Lipitor than we pay for Cliff's, and all she has is the AARP/Medicare plan. As soon as I'm 65, I may very well drop myself off Cliff's insurance.

I don't think we have to be concerned at the moment, but no matter what happens, we'll survive.

*added at 5 PM: Cliff called from work telling me he still has a job, but fourteen of his co-workers in the plant are out, plus some in the office.

That's all?

Cliff has known all week that there was going to be a meeting at work today concerning the economy and the state of the company.

He just called me on his break and told me that basically, the news is this: There'll be no raise this year.

He and I are both fine with that. If that will help keep the company's head above water, it's a good thing.

Thank God for Cliff's job!

We are still walking in favor and living the dream.