For the best part of a decade we (my family) dutifully placed our red recycling totes on the curb - filled with stuff that we didn't want that might possibly be used again. Before that, we dutifully loaded that same stuff into our cars and brought it to the rear of Village Hall.  There, monthly, there was a set up of several large dumpsters to sort and collect the same recyclables.  It was something we felt that was needed to be done.  We happily obliged in the spirit of conservation. Our family collected, loaded, drove, emptied, thanked the recycling volunteers, and then then went on our merry way.

Times have changed.  Not only do we now get curbside pickup, but in the future, it will take a device that my wife claims is almost the size of our car.  I'm guessing that the old red bins held about 15 gallon volume.  Our new wheeled totes hold nearly 100 gallons.

I'm happy that the Village has our community recycling costs in mind and chose to switch to an every-other-week collection.  But, my gosh, do the new containers have to be 6 or 7 times bigger than before?  Mrs. W has noticed that these new containers are verrry heavy.  They do not fit into the previous space occupied by the red bins,  In fact, they do not fit into the garage at all. 

So, from August first I am going to keep a log to find out how long it will take to fill my 96 gallon tote with recyclables.  Remind me to give you the date if either of us can  remember that far back.

 I can't remember the last time I felt that I was able to choose for myself how to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Perhaps it was when I graduated from primary school in the 6th grade.  It was about that time that I first read 1984.  Ever since then I have noticed our Big-Brother Government adding ever-increasing restrictions on to my diminishing abilities and freedoms.

 The largest all-at-once loss was shortly after the 9/11 attacks when Congress passed the Anti-Terrorism legislation. We, as citizens, gleefully gave up many rights to the government with the assurance that these "few" restrictions would make everything right again.  Baloney!  Those laws must have been written well earlier because they are very complex and could not have been knocked out in such a short time following the attack.

Today I am on surveillance camera nearly everywhere I go.  Metal detectors surround the entrance to most public buildings.   My phone calls are being monitored and my prescriptions are entered into a government drug database.  I have to show a photo ID to board the Amtrak to Chicago.  Perhaps they expect I might hijack it and order it to go to Duluth.

The latest attempt will soon be debated in Congress.  Diane Feinstein has authored a bill creating a nationwide fingerprint databank.  Don't worry!  They only want fingerprints of anyone having to do with issuing mortgages - nobody else.  Just lenders and sales agents. Until next year that is.  Something is sure to come by creating the need for every person's prints in the bank.

I will resist it and be very uncooperative if this comes to pass.  The government will have to do without this bit of my uniqueness until the unlikely case that I commit a crime.  Be aware of your freedoms being taken bit by bit.  Do you ever get the feeling that it is all just a waste of our time and money?