Giving Thanks

My pastor had an interesting challenge for me in his sermon this past Sunday. It has to do with Thanksgiving. Each morning as you awake think of 5 things you are thankful for. Then before you retire for the evening, think of 5 things you are thankful for.

Sometimes even the smallest of things are overlooked. Like just waking up!

Worst To Come

Terry Taylor and I attended an all day event at the Federal Reserve in Chicago last Friday. It was an all day event in which there was not a lot of good news! Some takeaways: "The worst is to come." "The earliest we can expect the economy to bottom out is 2nd half of 2009." The two indicators to watch for a sign that the bottom has been reached? 1. Stabilizing of home prices; and 2. Level or improving Consumer Confidence.

How about those Badgers and Packers this past weekend!

Be kind and laugh alot!

History Is Made

I am happy that the election season is over with. However, I do not recall so much banter following an election as we are hearing now. This is a great country! And it will continue to be great. Challenges, yes. But people have spoken and it is obvious, right or wrong, that we need to make some big changes in how government operates.

Two years from now we all get the chance to cast our ballot again. If we are unhappy with the way things are at that time, we'll change our government leaders again. So be patient - work hard - and be happy. Life is too short to look backward.

Good News - Bad News

I found it interesting on October 28 that the mainstream news media could find nothing positive about the 900 point surge in the Dow nor the lowest oil prices in almost 2 years.

Schemes in Turbulent Markets

During periods of financial stress like we are currently experiencing, one has to be on guard for all kinds of schemes to take advantage of the market turbulence. Be careful! If you don't understand what is being offered, walk away or hang up. People peddling these products are very persistent and don't like to take "No" for an answer. So be tough and don't buy in unless you're confident about what you are doing.

On Vacation

I'm on vacation until October 14.

Autumn

Despite the temp today it is autumn, my favorite season! I just returned from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin. The colors should be peaking there within the next week or two. Seeing the hardwoods in its flaming reds and yellows is nature at her best. And while at my meeting in Marquette at Northern Michigan University (my alma mater), I once again saw the awesomeness of Lake Superior. She certainly has her own personality!

Electricity in Lambeau

I was at the Packer game last nite. The electricity in Lambeau surpasses Camp Randall consistently.

Did you vote today? I believe the right to vote and the right to a trial by a jury are two of our most important rights as Americans.

Rather than listen to all the rhetoric from candidates for public office, take a look at their voting record prior to running for whatever they're running for. That will tell you what the candidate truly represents.

Politics

I have a suggestion for all when trying to decide which candidate for any office is the best choice for you. Rather than listen to what they say when running for the office, take a look at their voting record prior to their candidacy. This will really tell you more about the person that what they say. Furthermore, you can't rely on what they say, anyway.

Olympics

The tv coverage of this year's summer olympics has been superb, in my opinion. The commitment of these young people is unbelievable. And the time the parents have spent in getting them to this point in their lives is something few of us appreciate. Many have been soccer and hockey moms and dads. I have an idea you could multiply that commitment 10 times and still wouldn't be close to the olympic experience.

Good Start & Home News

I attended the Packer preseason game last nite in Green Bay. The crowd was a little subdued, in my opinion. Despite Mitch Henck's objection about Aaron Rodgers new moniker, I thought A-Rod did a commendable job at quarterback. Brett who?

Most pronosticators see the end of 2009; early 2010 as the bottom of dropping home values.

Are you enjoying this beautiful summer?

Ooops

Wrong again! Jet Favre traded instead of Rogers. (See previous blog.)

30 year fixed rate mortgage loan now at 6.75%. With the steep yield curve, look for higher yields on certificates of deposit. But then again, look at my prediction on who would be traded at Green Bay!

Favre Saga Continues

Here's a gut feeling I have.... the Packers will trade Aaron Rodgers!

Cubs Go For Sweep

Three significant news items this a.m.

1. Cubs win third in a row from Brewers. My comment: Cubs are flat out kicking our butts right now.

2. Favre still in limbo. Packers presumedly offer him $20 million to stay retired. My comment: Brett, take the money and run!

3. McCain comparing Obama to Britany Spears and Paris Hilton. My comment: I wish someone would compare me to Britany and Paris!

Enough bad humor for this day.

I'm Back

Well, by popular demand, I'm back. My iBank manager tells me there are a fair number of hits on my blog regularly. So, while I doubted anyone actually reads this stuff, apparentely a few do.

Went to the Brewer/Cubs game last nite. A playoff atmosphere existed. I still am amazed at how the Cubs fans get so many tickets.

As to the stock market.... I still think there are a lot of bargains out there in the market. If you are still holding a stock whose price has dropped and you haven't sold, why wouldn't you buy it now at a discount? If you don't think the price is coming back, why wouldn't you sell what you have?

Adios

Oak Bank is always looking for ways to improve its delivery of financial services to its clientele. This blog is just a small piece of that effort. But it appears it is adding little value to your overall experience with us. Therefore, discussion is being held regarding whether to continue this. Stay tuned.

Am I Wasting My Time

I often wonder if the time, though brief, I spend on adding to this blog is worth it. Does anyone really read it? I know our security prevents readers from being able to respond on this blog, but you can e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.

Keep the flood victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Stay Positive

Boy, it is tough to keep a positive attitude with all this weather being piled on top of gas prices and rising food costs. This morning a woman was interviewed by one of our local TV stations. Her home was flooded in the LaValle area. While having to cope with her problems, she was able to smile and comment that many people have it a lot worse. Don't we really have to remind ourselves of this!

Americans have a history of pulling through the toughest of times. When things get tough, we get tougher!

No Call

If you have not already done so, you may want to register on the Wisconsin No Call List. You can go to www.nocall.wisconsin.gov or call 866-966-2255 to register your phone numbers, including your cell numbers.

Keep all those folks currently under water in your thoughts.

Dane County Day Trips

In 1996, former county exec, Rick Phelps, wrote 5 articles for "The Capital Times" on Dane County day trips that are off the beaten path. I have copies of those articles. If you'd like a set, e-mail me at rgorsuch@oakbankonline.com.