In The Know: Debt Ceiling

Most of you have heard of the debt ceiling. But, what is it?

Back in 1917, a law was passed that limited the debt the federal government could carry. (This was designed to protect our country from over spending.) The debt ceiling has been increased over the years. Our national debt continues to grow, because we are spending more money than we have. Soon, we will reach the debt ceiling. If we do, there could be deep economic consequences worldwide.

The politicians in Washington are scrambling to come up with a solution. Some want to increase the debt ceiling. Some want to increase taxes to raise more money. Some want to cut spending to save money. And some are promoting a cut-cap-balance proposal that would cut more than $110 billion in 2012, cap future spending and require congressional passage of a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution that would be sent to states for the lengthy ratification process.

If we do nothing, we will bankrupt our country. What would you do?

Additional reading:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/04/12/135314575/the-debt-ceiling-explained
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_public_debt
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/07/16/gop-voters-as-divided-as-candidates-on-debt-limit-debate/

Lattin's Country Cider Mill and Farm

For those of you who live in the Olympia area, you may have been to Lattin's Country Cider Mill as a kid. They have a petting zoo, toys, and, of course, cider. I hadn't been back in many years, but I kept hearing buzz about their to-die-for apple fritters.

Being a curious eater (which may account for why I currently find myself at the gym every single day trying to rediscover my ab muscles), and with some encouragement from Sweet Peach, my also curious mom, we headed out to Lattin's to taste for ourselves what all the fuss is about.

Lattin's is one of those places you glamorize as a kid. All you remember are fluffy bunnies, clucking chickens, and hot cider. As an adult, you are more "impressed" by the blow up Santa Claus, mismatched nativity scene, and children's toys from when I was still playing with them (a long time ago...).

What Lattin's lacks in ambiance, it makes up for with its tasty fritters. (The bismarks and other doughnuts were tempting as well.) The apple fritters surpassed our expectations. Instead of a big glob of dough like you get at most places, Lattin's fritters were small, little pieces of dough with chunks of apple mixed in. Neither too sweet, too hot, or too fried; these babies were tasty.

If you are in the area, stop by for an apple fritter. And don't forget to take your picture with a farm animal.

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Photograph borrowed from A Kneaded Distraction. A great blog. It is an actual Lattin's Apple Fritter, which I, apparently, was too busy eating to take a picture of.