Might as well close down a bunch of them. Won't bother me a bit. They're not producing, they shouldn't be open. No legitimate business operates that way. And they're paying for a postmaster and other duplicate staffing to keep open small operations. Might as well consolidate. It only makes sense but they way they seem to operate that explains why it's not done. I do as much online as I can and have cut postal costs to the bone. I buy stamps at the grocery store. Why should I stand in line at a post office watching 3 people in back leaning on a wall doing nothing when I can buy stamps at the service desk or from a machine without the long wait? Volume down over 10% and $7 Billion loss last year alone? It's crazy. The other thing that needs work is school districts. They should consolidate smaller districts. It's ridiculous to be paying all the duplicated staff. Paying for a superintendent, asst. superintendent, and other staff for each district when they could easily consolidate some of the small districts into one and also give them some buying power for discounts. But that's another thread. And remember folks, as they stressed, just because an office is on the list does *not* mean it's closing, and just because an office is *not* on the list does *not* mean that it's *not* closing either. It's a potential list, subject to change.

In Ontario, it's a provincial holiday-Family Day. This is only the second year for it. The stores are closed, and my office is closed, but there is still mail, as that's federal.

Did you buy my old house? It had exactly that same setup, and I hated it for exactly that same reason. That and the 12 foot ceilings, which always made me feel 'exposed' and never 'cozy'. Actually, I know you're not the one who bought that house because the buyers DID something pretty much like you're describing, and it REALLY imporved the way the house lived. I think your concerns about resale are justified though, since that whole style of huge over-open spaces is kind of a hallmark here in Texas. But I think more and more people are gradually beginning realize how uncomfortable those spaces are, though many can't quite put their finger on it yet. In other words, they know it doesn't feel right, but don't know why. (It was only when I moved into a house that got that aspect absolutely right that I realized what was wrong before. When buying, I considered our house's slightly less-open spaces a bit of a negative.) I'd try moving the TV OUT of the family room for a start and into the upstairs game room. Then maybe mock up a 'faux wall' with some large sheets of cardboard and try living with that for a few days. You'll be able to tell very quickly how it feels --

What's up with you guys? Up here - it's Thanksgiving (too darn cold, by late Nov.). Don't tell me that you guys have wisened up as to the proper date to celebrate? ole joyful