Did you see in the news where the cost of clothing is expected to increase by 10% this year? For example, a Brooks Brothers wrinkle free cotton shirt is going to cost $88 instead of $79.

Part of the reason is that the economy is turning around (they say), but also the price of cotton is the highest in 150 years, and the exports from the usual countries are limited. Clothing manufacturers have run out of ways to cut corners - the use of synthetic rather than natural fibers and finding the cheapest overseas labor has been maximized. According to the article I read, we'll expect to see fewer color choices in clothing, even more synthetics than we do now, less embellishments in the form of beading, and higher prices everywhere, including Walmart.

So if you were thinking about buying some new underwear, now would be a good time.

The other jolly bit of news is the post office's plans to shut down more of its non-profitable locations, many in rural areas. Naturally, I hope that my post office in Colorado is going to be spared. We don't have mail delivery, so there's no choice but to drive the 10 miles from my house and back. Should they close it, my drive would be 16 miles. Superficially that doesn't sound so bad, but the further town is jammed with tourists in the summer and picking up the mail would be a traffic nightmare. There's a good reason why I avoid that town in the summer.

I suppose we can get used to anything, but that doesn't mean we won't miss 'the good old days.'

Have a good day, and please don't take anything for granted.