Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Dogpound. Well, the good news is that I have completed my tax forms…well…my CPA did them…I have long since gave up trying to do what they call… “any sixth-grader can master.” Really? Not only are they done, I have received both my refunds…state and federal. So now the inflow starts to become the outflow.
Poor Betsy… my CRV… now at the grand old age of 220,000 miles and counting… is not doing very well. I had to take her back to the Honda dealership to get the passenger air bag fixed…why they did not do the recall at the same time as the driver side…I will never know…but anyway..they did a routine once-over and came back with a whole page of things that are leaking or need replaced. I’m not surprised…however, just to be sure, I took that hit list to my local mechanic [he is good and far way less expensive]to look it over. He determined that there were really only two items on the list that had to be done since I do have plans to look for another car before the end of the year [by the way…that is just between us and the pack…I have not broken the news to ‘ol Betsy yet]. There is an oil leak and the engine cooling fan needs replaced…fortunately my CRV has a secondary fan, so coupled with the colder weather I have not had a meltdown. That will run just shy of $500. In the long run cheaper than paying a monthly car payment but I am sure it is the sign of the times.
Another big expense…although in this case…it is not related to having to fix something, it is related to giving someone a wonderful gift. My oldest daughter Tina has been trying to get pregnant via in vitro-fertilization. Several tries without any luck, so she is on her third and final attempt, and has started a GoFund to raise enough money to become a “Mom.” So part of my refund is going to help her try to achieve her ultimate dream. Due to her age it is kind of a long shot but she has my support and my prayers.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love.”
– Mildred B. Vermont.
NOT FROM A STRANGER
As I left the grocery store, I noticed two little kids, maybe six or seven years old, selling candy bars in front of the store to raise money for their school band. “I’ll buy a chocolate bar on one condition,” I said to the boys. “You eat it for me.” I bought one and handed the candy back to one of the boys. He shook his head. “I can’t,” he said. “Why not?” Looking me in the eye, he responded gravely, “I’m not supposed to take candy from strangers.” [Rules are rules!]
Need to stop…feeling a little green, so happy St Patty’s Day! Speaking of green….Spring is just around the corner. My roses are starting to send out little buds…so it won’t be long now. As always be good, do good, play safe, and remember we all need a bit of help now and them.
JR
