Does it make sense to work free to keep up skills?

With the economy in the shape it's in and many people out of work, does it make sense for out of work people to work for free to keep up their skills? Also, does it make sense to work extra hours without charging? Many people feel the pressure to work extra hours to stay ahead of the pack and to keep their jobs. Companies that are taking advantage of this fear need to be aware that it is illegal for commercial companies not to pay workers.
Government and non-profit agencies are not covered by the labor law restricting non-payment. If you're unemployed or need to add much needed skills to your resume, volunteer for a non-profit, preferably one that is recognized and whose director is willing to write a letter of recommendation. You will find it rewarding in many ways, not just resume building.
With the local, county or parish, and state budgets suffering, there are many government funded projects that could use your assistance such as schools, libraries, parks, museums, and childrens' programs. You never know...you could be setting yourself up for a pleasant career change. In the very least, you are increasing the size of your network and you never know whose brother-in-law or neighbor may be looking for a new hire with your skills!

This blog was triggered by reading an article:
Crisis spurs people to work for free by Michelle Nichols -- Reuters | 07/14/2009 8:09 PM

Sunday Morning Drives

Sunday morning drives are my favorite way of relaxation no matter where I am. My husband and I load the dog and head out. We check the map and decide or choose our route somewhere along the way. I'm going to post about these drives each week. I have photos and catching up to do but after that it will be weekly. I hope they interest you enough to try some exploring on your own. Get a good map and don't be afraid to turn off the main road. You'll be amazed at what you see.

One of my favorite places really close by is Hwy 29, east of Llano Texas (about 1.5 hours from Austin, Texas). Along the side of the road is an eagles' nest that has been in the same tree for nearly 10 years. Every year, the same eagle couple winter there, hatch eggs, get the eaglets ready to fly and then head north. It's an awesome sight to see.

On down 29, you have a choice of direction. At Fuzzy's Corner, where Sam's Dam Ranch is located (nice plants), you can go to the left past Lake Buchanan (pronounced Buck-an-un) to the tiny community of Tow (pronounced the same as Cow). From there, you can go to Fall Creek Vineyards located on the banks of the Colorado River where it meets the lake. They have some nice wines, a picnic area and kids play area. It's a nice stopping spot.

If you decide to continue on, you'll cross the Buchanan Dam over the Colorado where Lake Buchanan ends and Inks Lake begins. Inks Lake is a great place to swim and boat. Lake Buchanan is better for fishing. Inks Lake State Park, located on Inks Lake is a popular family camping spot. Up the park road, you'll see Falkenstein Castle, a real castle and private residence. It is available for weddings and there are a few spots you can take pictures of it along the park road. On past the castle, is Longhorn Caverns State Park. A nice place to tour on a hot day. They also have Sunday brunches, reservation encouraged, as well as concerts in the caverns.

Usually by then we circle back home to get chores done and think about where we want to go next Sunday.

Catch on Film and Release

The wildlife around here is just awesome to view. Although we own guns, we don't kill animals; we target shoot. The only kind of wildlife shooting we do it on film or digital camera. We have deer that feed on acorns in our back pasture and drink from our stock pond. For people who have problems with deer in their gardens, fertilize with donkey manure (horse manure works, too). Deer won't feed in areas where there is donkey or horse manure.

We had two hawks that roosted in one of the oak trees by the pond. It's really cool to watch the birds and nature interact. I hope the hawks eat moles. They burrow a lot. They don't damage gardens but create soft spots in which large animals can sink.

I have put away the hummingbird feeders till spring, am cleaning up the birdhouses and storing it all until spring. I've pulled out the bird feeders and am cleaning them up for the migrating birds. There are less insects as the weather gets colder so, I put out feeders for the winged critters.

As the weather gets cooler, I look forward for the changes in nature. Each season has wonderful things to enjoy. The bald eagles are here, nesting in the area. It's a great time to do some photo-hunting. There is a nest outside of town that has been the winter home to a couple of eagles. Each year, they give birth and teach their young to fly before heading north mid-spring.

Oh, well. Better get ready. After a week of traveling, we'll have to be ready for the crowd coming at Thanksgiving. Bonfire, hayride, food, food, food and playing are what we do Thanksgiving weekend.