One in a Melon (and the labor shortage)

 

We drove by one of our favorite farm stands yesterday, hoping to get some peaches and melons, but it wasn't open. 

Hmmm.

I'm guessing they are having the same staff shortages as the rest of the country.  Most of our local fast food restaurants are having to close early and shorten their hours because they cannot find workers.

In the meantime, Mr. Sam starts his first "official" job (other than his usual dog walking) at a major sports retail chain next week. And the pay? Well, I would've been so happy to make what he's making when I worked my last retail jobs not that long ago!

Lots of people are speculating on the root cause of the labor shortage...COVID-related unemployment extensions, stimulus checks, etc. But here's something to think about. The U.S. is experiencing some of the lowest fertility rates recorded. People are not having babies, for various reasons. Marriage rates are low, and people are waiting longer to marry, which causes fertility issues down the line. Other countries are experiencing the same crisis, and are offering monetary incentives for families to have more children. 

I don't claim to know what the answers are, but I do know that babies are always a blessing from God. And if we want future generations to carry on after us, then we better start making marriage and families a priority for our young people. (And I am speaking to you, too, adult sons! lol!)

So here's a melon card I made last weekend using Catherine Pooler products! I gave this one to my nephew for his birthday.

Hope your day is fresh and sweet!