I don't think it's okay, but I think it's inevitable. It's a result of a world where people are too short-sighted to vote for taxes that fund their own public services. So utilities and fire departments resort to charging fees. And when people don't pay their fees? They get no services. I was actually happy to see this fire, ONLY because I hope it gets people talking about the mentality of wanting everything yet paying nothing.

I've been keeping up with you through the various outlets over Christmas break, and my heart goes out to you. It's like a transition time for everybody. I'm sure your thoughtful attitude will help you both come out the other side as friends.

Darling, I thought we agreed, no more off-topic blog comments!

I love it. When my daughter was in fourth grade, it seemed a shame to have her merely construct a mission from a prefab kit at Michael's, so in January we took a 3-day road trip to see a few up close and in person. It was a trip that meant a lot to us both (but probably for different reasons). Mission Impossible sounds like one of those non-holidays that family hotel chains could capitalize on.