[JayR]

What we are seeing comes straight from Econ 101 -- demand outstripping supply, forcing upward pressure on prices.

Our lake isn't getting any bigger but the U.S population is, and there will only be more and more people with the means to escape to somewhere beautiful, and enjoy some or all of the creature comforts and luxuries they are accustomed to.

When I was a kid, we ate at the cottage every day of the summer. Every day! Maybe we would go to Summerfield's once. The grownups would go the William Tell on New Year's Eve. Paugus Diner a rare breakfast treat. Pizza was nonexistent. Now we want to eat out much of the time. Guilty as charged, hee hee.

I'll complain about prices along with everyone, but it is the new normal. And after I bitch about taxes, food costs, gas and the rest, I remind myself that it still does not cost anything to sit there and stare at the water, the mountains, the sky, and FEEL that feeling. Long live Winni!