I Seem to have read somewhere that only New England uses salt - the Upper Mid-West states don't - are there alternatives - what do they use in Minnesota - North Dakota etc?

My best friend brought her 5 year old to the fair Tuesday night. She said 'never again'. Not only did it cost $5 to play 1 little game, it would have cost her $11 to ride the merry go round with her daughter. Above and beyond that, the 'carnys' running the rides scared her to pieces. A creepy clown in a dunking booth was hollering perverted comments to the young girls walking by and her daughter got to hear it all. Another one called out to her sister in law with a sexual innuendo that was not received very well. All in all, she said it was expensive and made her uncomfortable.

I have to agree that the #1 thing people can do in preparation for the upcoming winter is PLAN AHEAD! It is no surprise that fuel prices will skyrocket and the economy will be in a mess for some time to come. What did you did with your stimulus check? If you heat with fuel oil, try saving it and start a fuel oil savings ( if you have payroll deduction to your bank or credit union, set up an acoount just for future fuel costs). It won't kill your kids if you skip the summer vacation this summer. Look around you, this is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Take the kids to Ausable Chasm, ECHO, tour Ben & Jerrys and the teddy bear factory, High Falls Gorge is great or do a day picnic at Fish Creek and canoe the lake. Visit the Wild Center in Tupper Lake. There is so much to do around here. It's all about priorities. This is the time to cut back and plan. We all know winter is coming.

This is my new site to visit every day! I love it. I think being able to vent about anything you want is a great idea - and I like knowing that "local boys" run the show and know this city and what we need . I expect great things in the future for this site. Great job guys!