Those were the days!

I've been watching Scooby-Doo on Cartoon Network lately (an original episode followed by a new series). I happened to notice a commercial for a kids' fruity snack with the chance to win $5.00 inside. "Oh, wow!" I said sarcastically. With inflation, is $5.00 worth much any more? Do children really get as excited as I did when I opened the birthday card from my grandmother with $5.00 inside?

Back in my day, I could buy 25 comic books (before tax) for $5.00 -- not that I ever had that much money at one time, nor that my parents would let me spend it all at once. This morning, I refueled my car and nearly filled my tank with $40.00. I remember my dad handing the attendant a $20.00 bill and getting change back.

I miss the good old days.