A View of the Valley

by Linda Schwanke I can’t count the number of stories I’ve seen recently about supply chain problems and with them a push to do holiday shopping early in case, gasp, stores are out of the gifts you need – need – to get for your loved ones. While I do recognize that there are problems in the supply chain because there have been several products we tried to buy and couldn’t get recently, I don’t think it’s time to panic. And I think making it about gift giving is just plain silly. Holidays are not about gifts, are they? They’re about loved ones. Food, family, friends, time spent together, health and happiness, it all ties together to make holidays special. And hopefully it will be safe for us to gather – I haven’t seen a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yet and our family hasn’t talked about it because it’s too early.  But. If you need to start your shopping for Christmas now, think about what’s important. My dad’s birthday was Saturday. October 16 has always been my reminder that I’d better get my butt in gear to finish handmade gifts. Mittens, scarves, hats, etc., that I love to crochet and knit for people go pretty quick and if I get them started by mid-October I know I can have them done by Christmas. And if, heaven forbid, I run out of time, I know I can go to my local shops and find everything anyone could need or want. Our Valley is filled with artists who don’t have a supply chain problem – they’re right down the road. No need to worry about a ship stuck full of goods at the coast. Painting, pottery, pens, jewelry and more. Our friends and neighbors who run the shops here have all that we could wish for. Including yarn and fabrics and craft items so if you’re planning to make a quilt for a grandkid, it’s time to get started. Don’t forget gift cards and certificates. With the price of so many things going up, that might be more than welcome. At the end of the day, remember that it’s about love. Shop local and support each other every day in every way.  Stay in touch. My phone number is (608) 574-3159 – call or text me anytime. You can also email me at homenewseditor@newspubinc.com or write to me at the Home News, P.O. Box 39, Spring Green WI 53588.  Visit our website at homenewsrv.com