My grandfather on my mother's side, R.V. Chrane, spent 27 years in the Navy as a nuclear weapons inspector and instructor. Even after retiring from the Navy when I was a kid and as I grew into adulthood, he carried himself with a posture, punctuality and purpose that any sailor today would take notice of.

I was his first grandchild and his only granddaughter; we had a very special relationship that I could tell dozens of stories about. But one of my favorite Grandad stories is one that my grandmother tells: They were stationed in Albuquerque when they learned of my impending arrival. As Grandad shared the news that his first grandchild was on her way, fellow officers and neighbors would often ask him, "What is the new grandbaby going to call you?" Without missing a beat, his answer was always, "Lieutenant Chrane. Just like everyone else does."

I miss him on this Veterans Day, and I offer my sincere thanks to all who serve and support them. It's an honor to be able to work with clients who share our appreciation and support of our men and women in uniform -- past, present and future.

I'll be out of the office Oct. 6-9. If you need immediate assistance, please send an email to nfib@hammock.com and someone will be happy to take care of you while I'm out.

No email. No Twitter. No blogging while I was gone. But I did do some gambling and got a new iPhone.

I'll be out of the office Monday, July 14, dropping nickels in the slot machines and celebrating the upcoming nuptials of a good friend.

While I'm out, please feel free to contact Laura or Megan by emailing nfib@hammock.com.

I'll be back checking email and counting my winnings Tuesday, July 15.

Valentine's Day is a great day to support local small businesses.

I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day. I don't want to buy (or receive) the same card that 102,593 other people will also get. Red roses are so overdone. Lingerie is too easy. But when I ran an errand during my lunch break today to pick up some chocolate-dipped cookies from our favorite little local bakery, it made me think about the other ways that local, independent businesses could be a great resource on Valentine's Day, or any other day.

• Instead of the red roses, go for a native plant at a local nursery.
• Go to your independent bookstore and find a romance novel written by a local author.
• Get a beautiful bottle of wine produced at a winery two counties over.
• A personalized bracelet from a local bead shop would be a great alternative to earrings from a big box store.
• Pick up a meal from your local sandwich shop and enjoy a picnic outside in the sun instead of eating at a chain restaurant.
• Get away close to home by spending the weekend at a locally owned bed-and-breakfast.
• Take in the art and talent at a local gallery or theater instead of a blockbuster movie.

Since Americans expect to spend $17 billion, BILLION, this Valentine's Day, why not keep that money local? I did, and I'm proud of it.