Lots of time away, lots to write about

I've spent a while away from the blog.  I've been in the hospital part of the time, spent time on a new work for my book shelf, watched the political scene, gotten embroiled in an argument... it's been a royal P.I.P.

The whole time has given me lots to write about.  I guess it's going to be at least 3 or more postings over the next few days.  And although there are some things GNAWING at me, I'm going to deal the one that bothers me the most.  Why?  So I can at least remain civil when talking about it.

A few days ago, I went to the store.  Some shelves were clear -- seasonal shelves, of course.  School supplies are out, the kids (or a lot of them) are already back in school in Florida and Arizona.  Minnesota classes don't start for a couple of weeks yet...

But I get to the store on what is nearly a daily basis.  And the next day...BOOM.  The shelves are fully stocked.  HALLOWEEN Stuff!  My WORD... isn't it still a bit too early to start thinking of Halloween? I mean, REALLY.  Buy the candy now, it will be stale by the time that day rolls around.  Kids don't start thinking of what costumes they want until Mid October...or at least that's the way it was with me.
I realize that promotion of goods is the only way retailers and suppliers are going to get the business, but  it really makes me wonder:  Do you really need to start promoting a "one-night" Holiday more than 2 months in advance?

AS I SEE IT, this goes beyond trouble...In 3 weeks, you're going to see more bare spots.  And then WHAM, it will be filled.  More than 3 months in advance, it's going to be filled with stuff for Christmas/Hanukkah seasons.  Halloween is a superstitious season.  They give it 2 months.  Christmas or Hanukkah -- those are religious seasons which have gone far too secular for me.  Yet, in just a few days, you'll be seeing all that stuff and you'll be slowly and irresistibly drawn in to the fray and hubbub of the secular side.  I, fortunately, have a very strong will and I am able to keep myself out of the crushing crowds and I am able to remember what it's all about.

UGH.  IF you See it AS I SEE IT, you're tired of the hassles.  You're sick of the commercialism.  But you're still gonna get drawn into the whirling vortex of light, spending and debt.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not saying it's wrong to be festive.  I'm saying the way they're doing it -- which borders on subliminal indoctrination -- is pathetic.