Was there more than the usual number of real estate ads in the Bulletin this morning? Or was I just noticing? Some of the homes are just so over the top, to me, that I'd be embarrassed to live in one. I'm just a puritan, I guess. Really just too too much.

Meanwhile, what can I say about the guest editorial in the Bulletin this morning? I don't know the guy, I don't want to attack the guy, but my god, could he have been any more smug about his "sweet" mcmansion and his "promised land." I don't have "envy" for he and Heather and their like minded ilk; I won't express what I feel. Actually, he said it himself. (At the same time he said "we don't care" and "leave the rest for someone else." By the rest, I think he meant picking up after him...) )

"Our middle-class counterparts initially viewed us with an animosity that was difficult to put a finger on. It was as if were getting away with something, they thought. We definitely rubbed some folks the wrong way at first. Still do sometimes..."

You think?

I don't think the guy has a clue why people's hackles are raised. He thinks we're envious. And, yes, I'm fascinated -- by the sheer arrogant self-absorption exhibited.

My wife says, don't attack the guy, address the message. If the message was, we moved to Bend for the small town life, better schools, safer streets, I wouldn't have had a problem with it. It was pure smug 'I got mine and the rest of you can eat my dust' attitude that got to me.

I guess I didn't realize the message of 9/11 was to hurry up and play more golf.