Where do I send the thank you note?

For many years it was proper etiquette  for the recipient of a gift or service to send  a  written thank you to the giver. This was particularly true on special occasions. I can remember the importance of thank you notes at significant times in our lives. Those times that readily come  to mind would include our wedding, the births of our children and the deaths of  parents. By the same token it was meaningful for us to receive a thank you note when we have somehow reached out to another whether by a gift or some other means. I am still quite partial to the written (mailed) thank you since it is good business for the Postal Service. ( Always remember the Arthur Godfrey admonition.) Alas, along with many other”proper” forms of behavior, the thank note in almost any form is becoming somewhat rare.

But, something has occurred over the 3-4 weeks that has  created a strong desire to send a thank you note. My problem lies in knowing to whom and where it should be sent.

I have noticed that over this  period there has been a significant increase in gasoline  and heating oil prices. One local statin that I frequent has shown an increase from $3.09/gallon to $3.55/gallon, unless it went  higher today. That included one impressive pice hike of 10 cents per gallon in the space of one hour. The price of home heating oil, which we use, has gone from $3.47/gallon to $4.06 /gallon in even less time.

My problem is in determining where to send the note or notes. Do I send one to local gas station and my local heating oil provider, another to Exxon and BP( the respective brands) another to Gadhafi in Libya for all the turmoil he continues to cause  ( at great harm to his own people, I must say) and isn’t BP a British owned company? Where  would their note go? And least we will not need heating oil to next season, so I have time to work on that note.

Suggestions from anyone versed in the proper etiquette  will be welcomed. Wonder if Emily Post’s website has an answer?

Related Articles

• Is the Thank-You Note a Dying Art? (everydayhealth.com)

What in the name of Emily Post is Happening

I will never be accused of having a great sense of fashion. I don’t  know why. I still think that light blue and white is  always  a great color combination. But there are apparently trends in the world of fashion of which I am unaware that are  far more significant than my favorite color scheme.

I speak of the trend towards sleeveless dresses in the winter. This, according to my wife, is not  anew thing. But, since Obama’s election and his wife’s proclivity for this style, the trend d has rapidly accelerated. Apparently, temperatures and seasons are not a factor. Articles have abounded on te First Lady’s style of choice, sleeveless, sleeveless etc-some 4 times in a week. Even her official White House portrait stays true to form.

Should we care? Shucks, I don’t know. But how does one stay warm in mid winter  unless the heat is kept at a high enough level. As I read on another blog recently, i just cannot afford to keep my  home that warm, even if my wife  wanted to follow the trend;not with my latest heating oil purchase at $3.12 per gallon. Wait, I forgot, it is  all about image, the new glamour couple  etc ,etc.

Apparently the news and entertainment shows got the memo. Their anchors follow the trend as well. Guess I am swimming upstream. Suppose I should  just put on a sweatshirt and deal with it. Still, I bet Emily Post would not be in favor!

Eating and Drinking at the White House

Most of us will never be fortunate to have a meal or an adult beverage at the White House. This week, four people got together  for some brews(one a resident) and last month  4 top business people had what I guess we should call a working lunch in the  President’s private dining room . The “Beer Summit”  as a brilliant commenter wrote on my humble blog, has been well covered so we shall address it second. However, one  does wonder why there was  a fourth person at the table, a surprise attendee, if you will. Guess Mr Biden  had some free time.

Anyway, last month there were 4  business people (we will  presume them to be somewhat important in their fields) had a meeting with the President. I don’t really care what they talked about. What intrigues me is that their credit card numbers were obtained and they were billed for their meal. Who woulda thunk it? We will further presume that  these people were invited to the White House, making them guests. Wonder why they were billed and of course  how much? Were they charged for the ambiance, was a  tip automatically added to their bill and oh yes.They better check that  credit card statement next month to be certain no unusual charges were added. Apparently, this event was part of an ongoing dialogue with corporate chieftains. It was   s pearheaded by Valerie Jarrett, an FOO( Friend of Obama ) from Chicago. She and other Whie House officials seemed  unconcerned about the billing process. No doubt, Emily Post would turn over in her grave at this breach of protocol. Of the 4 CEO’S present  only the    Cola-Cola representative had no comment. Smart  guy, is he  not, cannot say anything nice, say nothing at all.

Now, back to the Beer Summit. Wonder  if it perhaps could be a trend setting event? Wonder if the  brews served will be able to use this fact in their advertising? (Bud Light, Blue Moon, Sam Adams Light and  a  nonalcoholic  beer for Biden; Buckler)

Arms summits, peace summits and now   beer summits – maybe there could be a botox summit and invite Pelosi and Kerry. Only kidding, a little.