A few months ago I wrote a column about how I was going to do my part to preserve the planet by saving and using bacon grease. I was quite surprised by the number of folks who had a similar affection for bacon grease and the memories that it dredged up from their childhood. I received e-mail from a variety of people of who still enjoy a big platter of "taters and onions" fried in those delightful drippings from a pan of crispy bacon. The notes came from campers, hunters, fishermen and grannies scattered across Northern Michigan and even from the Upper Peninsula. It was a joy to hear from so many people who, like me, wanted to patch the hole in the ozone and free us from global warming. I was hoping for a few thank you notes from some of our local cardiologists but they were silent on the matter.

Does anyone ever wonder what happens to all the bacon grease? I doubt if many ever ponder this question for very long. In the current economy, our leaders, as well as environmental "experts," are encouraging us to "go green." We are looking for ways to save gas, and soon we’ll be encouraged to buy little electric automobiles that look like roller-skates on steroids. Imagine trying to drive one of those down a two-track in a Northern Michigan winter! I wonder if the hybrids will be available in a 4-wheel drive version with a Hemi? Can you imagine a hunter trying to load a ten-point buck into the back seat of one? But then we were discussing bacon grease weren’t we?