What perfect weather for Easter weekend!  I really enjoyed my remote Saturday afternoon at Home Depot in Vinings.  The place was bustling like mad with folks planning to spend time on their decks and in their yards.  The fun River Crew and I were there giving out prizes, so people were happy to come by to get something free and to give their favorite radio station some love. 

I was touched to see an old friend of mine who came by, Charley, who's been out of work for a while now after being unceremoniously let go from a job he was good at, worked hard at, and had been loyal to for 26 years.  Been there...sort of.  The one and only time I've ever been fired was when my classic rock station flipped its format and nearly everyone in the programming department lost their jobs in a heartbeat.  No warning -- no love.  I especially felt for the moms and dads who lost their jobs and were scrambling to figure out how they were going to provide for their families.  It was a desperate time for many of my friends.  I'm sure it is even tougher to rebound in today's economy.  I know Charley is going to be okay eventually -- he's too good a guy and too talented not to be picked up by some company who appreciates those qualities.  All I can do is encourage him to hang in strong, and keep my ears and eyes open for him. 

I met another loyal listener at Home Depot.  She's pretty young -- 30ish --  and said she was meeting a friend to do some shopping for plants.  We talked a bit and she was genuinely delighted to see us and to have some of our River goodies.  She then told me she was out of work.  But with a big smile on her face she said, "I've still gotta plant my flowers.  You know, it's the little things!"  What a great attitude!   She, like my friend Charley, is going to be just fine.  And what a perfect gem of a thing for her to say to remind me to appreciate those "little things", especially during this time of Easter renewal.