Spring is here! Thank, God. Is there any place more beautiful than Kentucky in the spring? The azaleas, crab apples, pears, and dogwoods are giving us their annual show, and the fresh air and spring breeze are exactly what the doctor ordered.

Things seem to be turning a new leaf over in our world as well. Thanks to some tough and often contentious decisions, we may have laid the ground- work for the recovery we are all hoping begins soon. It's hard to wait for: we are all so impatient and think everything happens as fast as it does on a reality TV show, but it will take time. The recession has been devastating for everyone and it will take time to rebuild the damage. And yet, just like spring, the cycles of the economy need to be cleansed and born again. I think we have all learned a great lesson from this correction, and perhaps like the squirrels we will spend the summer stashing a few more nuts for the next lean season.

Spring also marks the run up to the Kentucky Derby and the festivities that accompany it. If you'll be heading to the track this spring, you should check out our box lunches. We have flyers on the tables, and at both registers so pick up a copy. I assure you that even with every upgrade to the track, you will not find a fresher or better lunch box. Be sure to get your orders in early.

Mark Stevens