Hot Potatoes Log — Saturday 1/8/05

5:30 p.m. Just returned from walking with my wife three times around Person Field for exercise. Usually, we go four times around, but the deep snow tuckered us out after three. Should I look to see who won the Seahawks game. Or take it for granted that the ‘Hawks blew it at the end?

2:30 p.m. I had a Doug Burr moment at Taco Bell on Appleway this p.m. Remember? Doug said he’d like to buy a quality pizza from a place in town where didn’t have to depend on a 14-year-old for taking his order and service. At Taco Bell, I ordered lunch for three from a cashier who was more interested in gabbing with a co-worker. Result? He short-changed me a buck — and a double-decker. Yeah, I know he’s probably making minimum wage … and with this approach he’ll probably be pulling in $5:15 for some time.

10:15 a.m. During a pause in the snow removal, I griped about my insurance premiums jumping over $400 per month next year, with a $1,000 deductible (although the company chips in quite a bit, too). And my neighbor trumped me by saying he pays over $600 per month (with company participation, too). Yo, Eagle Eye , mebbe Michael Moore should tackle the HMOs as well as the drug companies.

10 a.m. My world, indeed, is perfect. My neighbor took care of my sidewalk and entryway. And I hand shoveled the driveway.

9:30 a.m. What a gorgeous morning — sun shining brightly on new-fallen snow, and the fireplace popping in the background. All I need to make this winter’s day perfect is … a snowblower (or my neighbor to use his on my sidewalk).