Congratulations on the coming event of the birth of your first child! Needless to say (as both a Father and Grandfather, and, I have hopes, Great grandfather.) Life will never be the same.

As for the economy, both my wife and I are retired, and our health is holding up. So far so good.

There was a drop in retirement income as part of it is tied up in the stock market, a total drop of about 20%. Hence the new kilt I was going to have Barb make is now on hold. I just put the fabric in an airtight bag with mothballs. No real financial trouble on the horizon for the two of us.

So far (also knock on wood) cars and appliances are relatively new and holding up well. Had to get new hearing aids, $4000+ and of course no insurance to pay for them. (Nobody ever died from being hard of hearing!)

My prayers are with all of you who have lost jobs or had severe cutbacks. I have been through several over the past 50-60 years, and I know it is no fun, and can be terribly stress producing both on the individual and on a marriage.

Best to all of you.

Frank & Katherine