It’s a mad, sad, bad world

What is it with the world?  I go away for one month, and everything goes to Hell in a hand basket?!  Can’t I leave the world alone for a second without having to worry about things?

Apparent not.

Let me state unequivocally, though, that I had nothing to do with the London riots, which started more than three weeks after we left those shores.

More seriously, I feel as if, back in early July, I left a country that was in much better shape than the one to which I returned in early August.  Aside from the dreary Drudge headlines, a trip to the grocery store was deeply depressing.  Prices have soared.  For me, the food sticker shock was merely irritating; for someone living on the margin, however, it must be devastating.

The only good I can find in my Safeway run is the strong belief that, if the price of chocolate doubles during a president’s administration, that president will not be re-elected.  That’s really a campaign ad that someone needs to make:  “Obama — the man who made chocolate unaffordable.”

As you’ve probably guessed by now, I’m seriously jet lagged and more than a little loopy.  I promise to do better tomorrow, although I’ll still be dragging, as I’ve got a bazillion things that I need to do to get my life back into gear.

Before I sign off, though, I have to thank Don Quixote, Danny Lemieux, Charles Martel and Sadie for their stellar contributions to the blog in my absence.  It was such a relief to me to know that they were not only keeping an eye on things, but also ensuring that the blog continues to be a rollicking, fascinating place (probably much more under their aegis than was ever true under mine).  Also, thanks to all my readers who so gracefully transitioned to a slightly different (but truly wonderful) blog, during my absence.  You guys are great!