Made in the USA or not

Deliberate purchases of items "Made in the USA" is my goal. Shopping is time consuming these days.

Last year, I wrote an article entitled, "My China Pattern." This was an attempt to resolve myself to purchase local, American made, or as close to home (USA) as possible. With the economy in the USA having an extremely high unemployment rate, citizens loosing their jobs and homes, and social services stressed to bankruptcy, I was appalled at just how many items are "Made in China."

Feeling really angry about previous purchases in my home that were "Made in China," I vowed to break "My China Pattern." I have done this. A couple of things have slipped by me when I wasn't paying attention, but has been minor things like a coat hook for $2.50. But, all in all, I have done a wonderful job of being loud and obnoxious in public about my opinion.

My anger isn't directed at the Chinese people and lately, I have been feeling very guilty. I have nothing against the Chinese people. They are just like you and I. They have families who need food, medical care, housing, education, and clothing, etc. They go to work, and return home tired, just as we do here in the Good Ole' USA.

My anger is directed at the amount of debt the USA owes China. This is a political mess that has been made. Why has industry been sent out of the country?

This is a mess born of greed. Cheaper labor means cheaper prices. Everyone wants more, more, more for less, less, less.

Most recently, I have needed some new cookware for my new glass stove top. I wanted some yellow Paula Deen, but guess what? I passed. Yep, "Made In China." Good old Southern Belle, Paula, uses foreign workers and manufacturers. Okay, skip Paula. On to Wolfgang Puck. Uh, Oh, Yep, you got it - "Made in China."

I have spent several days looking for cookware in Sears, and Wal-Mart, and they ALL were "Made in China" except Better Homes and Gardens which was "Made in Brazil." So, I bought two sets of BH&G stainless steel cookware with glass lids! I love them.

Up next, I'm looking for a lighted makeup mirror. I used to have one years ago, and loved it. I don't remember the brand, but it had a dial so you could choose indoor, outdoor, or work lighting. I saw a few at Wal-Mart, but the Conair, and Revlon were, "Made in China." Guess I need to check out Sally's Beauty Supply. Any other suggestions? Wish me luck!

Disclaimer. (A few of you may jump in and start on me shopping at Wal-Mart. It is a rarity for me to do so. I don't like Wal-Mart, and am a very infrequent shopper. It's my last alternative.)

Book Review: Death Comes to Pemberley

Recently, Jane Austen lovers were given a new chapter in the lives of Darcy and Elizabeth of Pemberley Estate courtesy of P.D. James. Baroness James, a crime novelist, wove a tale of murder and intrigue in the family woodlands. Mr. Wickham, the prime suspect, continues his downward spiral to a guilty verdict for the murder of his best friend.

Captain Denny is dead, and Wickham admits fault. But this admission is due to guilt rather than deed. Young Alveston, the successful lawyer, who seeks Georgianna's hand, and heart, aids Darcy as Darcy comes to terms with the blight Wickham has left upon his beloved family estate. While ever stable, and older cousin, Col. Fitzwilliam usurps Darcy's authority at every chance.

The annual ball is cancelled due to the murder, while supposition and murmurings begin amongst the neighbors. Over the course of a year, the lives of those involved are stressed, and fragile. Will the Darcy family survive? How will their lives be different due to this fall from grace? Has Darcy made the wrong decision in marrying Elizabeth and bringing dishonor to the family name and status? Will their love survive the ordeal?

I enjoyed the book. I was able to piece together some of the clues and figure out some of what was happening, or would be revealed. However, James did throw in some storyline which totally came out of the blue. She did try to write in the old English formal writing likened to Jane Austen, but clearly, the authors were different.

Use your dictionary along with reading this book as there are words I didn't know. I would enjoy another book about Darcy, and Elizabeth, maybe even combining characters between Sense and Sensibility, and some of her other stories.

And, perhaps, the story of Lydia and Wickham in the New World would be interesting. Even the marriages of Kitty and her youngest sister could foster additional stories. Hey, maybe I should write one myself.