I see most are focusing on the price of gas, and I find that interesting. I was actually thinking more of the sub-prime morgage mess, the whole thing of big companies laying off large number of employees, and the higher cost of living, and the fact that raises this year seem to be smaller, in the corporate world at least.

I've been contacted about the real estate market being down around the lakes, and have had the chance to buy into the market for much less than I would have expected. Right now, I'm just not doing it. I'm looking at several places to buy condos that can also be rented out while not in use. I figure that will help defray my cost by a huge margine, plus give me multiple places to vacation.

I also agree that those financing boats for up to 20 years put themselves in precarious positions. But hey, I might have done the same if I had to in order to get the boat I wanted. I am blessed that I did not have to do that.

I know there is at least one businessman on this board from down there, and I am sure he will let us know he is booked up, seems he stays that way. But what about the rest of you... any hotel owners on here? What's the reservations look like? I have a friend in the hotel business down there, and I've been advised it could be a very lean year this time around.

Thanks for the inputs... hope to see you all there and let's hope we all do our part to stimulate our economy. That's my excuse... I have to go and spend money to be a patriot. I don't want to be accused of trying to shut down our economy... LMAO