2010 Ends With High Gas Prices

As we wind down the year, the price of gas is trending higher. It's normally a time for lower gas prices. Analysts attribute the higher prices to the recovery in China. We have seen many companies reduce both inventory and personnel in the past two years. Maybe good news will come in the form of higher gas prices.

Locally, I was invited to 3 holiday parties and I was able to attend two. It would be unfair to characterize the menus as upscale but the food quality was very good. At both parties, the hosts splurged on baked goods. There were fewer alcoholic beverage choices. Both parties were served buffet style.

Neither of the two parties required guests to pay for a ticket. I'd guess the menus were priced in the $25 per person range. These were short duration affairs (2 hours). One caterer used very small plates to manage consumption. At the other party, the plates were actually too big for the majority of guests. There were limited seats available at the tables and the plates proved awkward to those left standing up.

I filled up my gas tank just after the Monday night party. The cost was $45 for the tank. Hopefully, the US economy heats up enough to keep the momentum positive in 2011. With plenty of pent up demand in many sectors, the chances are good for a better year ahead.