Who Knew ?? I'm A Small Business!!

We had our taxes done today and while we were sitting in front of the tax prepare person, he said to me, "Oh, I see you are a small business owner."  Well, that took me by surprise and I wondered where he got that idea.

Turns out that the W2 I got from Leland Magazine didn't have withholding tax taken out.  Duh, at some level I knew that, I just wasn't thinking long term.  So, I started thinking about the tax ramifications this could have and wondered how I was going to get "tax screwed" this time.  

Well, lucky for us, it turned out well.  We talked about "business expenses" like mileage when I go to places to write their stories and take pictures, phone expenses, computer, printer paper, ink, postage--all of that.  The mission was to go over what I was paid for writing with my expenses so I could declare a business loss.  No problem.  I can't do that every year, but you can be sure I'm going to keep better track.  He was also able to deduct tax preparation, which was great.  So, we got a refund from both federal and state.  I'm happy.

In other news, the Awards Banquet is 26 days away.  I'm starting to freak out....not sure I'm ready.  But hopefully everything will fall into place. 

Our brother-in-law, Joe, was just released from the hospital for surgery related to cancer.  I hope all goes well with him.

Yesterday, Jenna and Jon have been married for 19 years.  Wow, talk about time flying.  

Birdie's second birthday is next month.  She's talking and running and just as big as ever. 

The weather has been downright cold--all right, not Cleveland cold, but North Carolina cold.  We have had frost warnings for the past two nights.  It's funny to see our flowering bushes with ice on them. 

Dixie is well.  We took her for a Dog Park Etiquette class last week.  Actually, I was writing about the class and there was some push back about photographing people without their express written consent, so I took Tony and Dixie and did some staged shots with the instructor.  It was fun.   Dixie was very well behaved and we learned a lot about "dog stress."  Yes, they have it.  Good dog stress and bad dog stress.  We learned that if two dogs are fighting, you never get near their heads, you go behind one of the dogs and lift them up by their back legs.  They will immediately stop fighting and turn their heads to see what is going on.  Now, you have to be quick and "sling" them away from the other dog (which seems as dangerous of getting near their heads,) but hey, what do I know!!  Luckily, Dixie has very short legs. 

Work is going well.  One of my favorite people fell last week and is in the hospital.  Her son made her use a walker and she fell down trying to use it.  Needless to say, he is in the dog house!

Not much else going on.  Tony's last heart check up was good.  We are still on our meds and interestingly enough, my sister, Fritz, and I have very similar symptoms with our shortness of breath and irregular hear beats.  Her doctors can't find a reason why either, so we just do what we can to keep everything under control. 

More later. 

 

Life Gets In the Way

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since November when our neighbor, "Wild Bill" died.  But, as people always tell me, life gets in the way.  Sure does. 

I'm still writing for Cape Fear Voices and Leland Magazine.  I stopped writing for Costal Buzz as they went to a quarterly publication and it just didn't work with my schedule.  I am also still working at the Senior Living facility, 3 days a week.   It is a sad place, but I have made many friends and count myself lucky to have known them when they are gone.  

We are in our early part of the year cycle.  Donna and Bob  are down and we shared Tony's birthday at a favorite restaurant.  David came up to celebrate Tony's birthday and play golf with  Bob and Tony.  Tony Jr., was travelling for work, but Tony did get to talk to him and got a facetime call from the kids and Marie on his birthday.  Jenna's kids sent him letters and cards which he really enjoyed. 

We had another death in the neighborhood--our friend Ken Rogers died in January.  He was in his backyard and had a heart attack.  Very sad.  He was a nice man.  We (the neighbors)  are all of the opinion, however, that death needs to stay away from Palm Point for quite a while. 

Once again, I am working on the Writer's Banquet for Cape Fear Voices and Teen Scene.  We will have more than 90 people attending and it promises to be quite an event.  

Tony went for his cardiac appointment on Friday.  Everything is good for right now.  His doctor is still of the opinion that Tony will need a pace maker soon, but it is still a ways down the road.  His BP was a bit high, but not terrible.   Overall, for a 76 year old guy, he's in OK shape. 

Today, he and David played corn hole.  David leaves tomorrow. It was a nice visit for Tony and I am so glad David could arrange to be here.  I think David got some much needed rest as well. 

Speaking of health, interestingly enough, my sister, Fritz, is experiencing some of the same health issues as I am.  We take some of the same meds and have similar symptoms.  And, funny as well, her doctor can't seem to find a diagnosis--just like mine!  Guess we are "sista's!!"

I am very concerned that something has happened to my friend, Arthur.  I sent him some things that I wrote and he was supposed to get back to me, but it has been several months now and I haven't heard anything.  His cell phone has  been turned off and his landline goes right to voicemail.  I worry about him being all alone and hope he is OK.

Looks like Tony is calling David and I to dinner.  I will wrap up for now and continue to try to do better about posting updates.  I hope all are well and enjoying the year. 

Cycles: Part 2--Wild Bill

 

Once again, I can't believe I haven't posted since October.  Last month my post was called "Cycles" and I feel that is an appropriate title again. 

As I may have mentioned, Tony's cousin, Alan, died a few weeks ago.  He was 74 and a real health nut.  Not an ounce of fat on him.  And, of course, he died jogging.  I felt bad, because Alan was a very nice man, but then, our neighbor, Bill or "Wild Bill" as he was known, died on November 4.  That really hit me.  He was in his early '60's and yes, had health issues, but was doing so much better.  Just a few weeks ago, he was walking around the Compass Pointe Craft Fair and driving his truck.  He was always the life of the party and made everyone laugh.  

Maybe it hit me harder because he lived two doors down from us.  Or, maybe because of his age.  Maybe it was seeing him recently looking so good.  I don't know, but I do know that we lost a wonderful person who will be missed by many,  many people.  

I'm sorry you are gone, Wild Bill.  I'm sorry that Colleen is alone now.  I will listen for you on windy days and in the cool of the evening because I know you will be looking down on us saying hello and smiling.  I will smile back. You always made me smile. 

Cycles

 

I guess life really does move in cycles.  I'm planning the 3rd annual Awards Dinner for the newspaper and once again, it's taking a ton of time to put together.  The event is in April, 2023, but if you don't line up your venue and food vendor right away, you might end up with nothing. It seems like I just finished up doing the last one.  

I've started working at the Arbor Landing Senior Living facility.  If it kills me, we're going to get the house paid off while we can still enjoy it!   I work 3 days a week from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. as the receptionist.  

As I have told many people, by 7:30, everyone is in bed, so it's not a tough job.  I have met many "characters" there and really like what I am doing.  Today is Wine Wednesday--they meet in the bar in the facility and sing and drink.  I always say they are "boozin" again and they laugh.  Last night, one of my favorite residents, came in with her son.  He will be out of town for a while so he took her to dinner.  I was teasing and asked how she always managed to have good looking dates.  As her son was leaving, he said, "I'll be back soon.  Just try and have a good time and don't get into trouble."  She just rolled her eyes at him.  He continued, "maybe you and Jan can sit down one night and play a board game or cards."  Again, she rolls her eyes.  I said, "hey, that's a great idea--do you play poker?  We could sit at the bar and play strip poker and see if we can draw a crowd."  Well, she just cracked up at the idea and he said, "MOTHER!" Just the way Jenna used to say it to me.  There was an older gentleman in the area--he just visited his 14th great grandchild.  He laughed at what I said and asked if I had heard of the 3 "H's."  I said no.  He said, that's what a man gets when he gets old--horney, hopeful and harmless!!"  Somehow I think my friend's son is going to worry the whole time he is gone. 

It is sad though, to see the shell of people they once were.  This is not a nursing home, but I think that some of the residents should be in a place where they get more care.  We have nurses on staff, and each resident has their own one or two bedroom apartment, but some of the people just can't handle living alone.  

The weather is finally getting to be tolerable.  It's 73 and sunny today.  We got rain and wind after Ian, but nothing like Florida got.  I know people who have their Christmas tree up already and I just laugh.  Nothing like pushing the year to an end.

Health wise, we are OK.  Tony is good.  He had his labs and doctor visit today and his numbers look great.  He still gets light headed, but overall, he's healthy.  I am OK, my skin is still a problem and so are my legs.  Being on my feet at the facility makes them swell and then I walk funny.   How many times this year have I said that it's hell to get old?

David and Brenda are coming up for Thanksgiving and then we will be travelling to attend her investiture as a judge in January.  David and the girls actually get to help her into her robe as she is being sworn in.  

And with all of that said, it's time for me to get to work.  I wonder if I will ever truly retire?

God Bless The Queen

 

Many of you know that Ruth Bader Ginsburg was my hero.   I had the same feelings about Queen Elizabeth.  She was one of a kind.  She was strong, unwavering in her commitments and still an approachable human being.  

We will probably never see another woman in power liker her.  She will be missed, not only be her country, but by people all over the world. 

God Bless the Queen. 

The Stick and the Fire Plug

I guess I didn't realize that I haven't posted since June.  Lots of stuff has been going on and it's sometimes hard to keep up.

We have Coleton and Anthony with us this week and I am quickly realizing that I am way too old to do this!!

They are in constant motion with their voices on high alert.  I took them to Walmart with me today and told each of them they could buy one thing.  I went there because I needed some supplies for the paper.  As soon as I told them they could buy something I kept losing them.  I'd find one in a toy isle and then go looking for the other one.  I'd find him in the game isle and then lose the first one.  By the time we picked out their stuff and got home, I realized I had forgotten to get the supplies I went in for.   

They eat like linebackers and quote sports statistics like they are the pledge of allegiance.  I made scrambled eggs for breakfast this morning with sausage and toast.  I used 6 eggs and Coleton asked if they were all for him.  Yesterday, we went to lunch and Coleton ordered off of the adult menu--steak.  He ate his and part of Tony's and then helped himself to Anthony's french fries.  The funny part is, he is so thin.  Anthony weighs more than Coleton does.  Coleton is just a stick.  Anthony is a fire plug.  Go figure. 

On Saturday, Tony Jr., and Marie are picking the kids up.  Owen has had them all to himself since we've had the "big boys."  

Marie made a birthday box for me.  She wrapped up 4 presents and I'm supposed to open one each day the kids are here.  We have fun deciding which one is the prettiest and what might be in it.  I don't know how she had the time to do all of that, but it was a very nice thing and we are having fun with it. 

On Labor Day weekend, we are going to Carolina Beach to babysit Coleton, Anthony, Owen, Alexandra and Elizabeth.  I think I'll take Owen and Elizabeth, they are by far the easiest to manage!!  Tony Jr., Marie, David and Brenda are going out for dinner.  I hope they plan on McDonald's drive thru!!

At any rate, it's wonderful to have the kids here.  This is something we always wanted to do with Ben and Sam and it just never happened.  They are funny, smelly, messy and loud and I wouldn't have them any other way.

The "Kids"

 

Well, it looks like no Cleveland trip for us this year.  Jenna, Jon and the kids rented a place in Myrtle Beach, SC., so we were able to meet up for breakfast.  Time flies quickly by--the "kids" are huge.  Ben is over 6 feet tall, has a job, a girlfriend and is driving.  He showed me a picture of his girlfriend, she is really cute.   I still remember holding him for the first time in the NIC unit when he was born.  He is looking at colleges for Astronomy or Chemistry.  Wow.  

Sam is starting public school this year .  He has guitar lessons now and he says he is improving a lot over trying to self teach.  He is doing very well.  He laughed and I could see Jenna's face.  Of all of them, he looks the most like her.  

Ellie was a bit sad.  Jon said she woke up grumpy, but she was coloring and starting talking.  I sat with each one outside after breakfast just to make sure I spent some one on one time with them.  She is excited about school and seeing her friends soon.  

Zach is so funny.  He "cut" his hand on a pancake.  Go figure!  But he was talkative and entertaining.  He will be the only one left in home schooling so he is not happy about that, but since Jon is working from home, he promised Zach that they would do some fun things together. 

Jon looks well.  Hard to believe he is in his 40's.  They are loving the beach and they all got sunburned.  Later this summer, they are going camping with some friends and the kids are all looking forward to that. 

Tony are I are still busy.  I got a bonus from Leland Magazine that was unexpected, but appreciated.   I am starting to plan the next Writer's Dinner for Cape Fear Voices in April, 2023 and have a Zoom call coming up for Coastal Buzz writing topics.  Tony is still working at the golf course.  This is the time of the year when he spends time in the yard.  We got a green pepper plant and a tomato plant growing in large pots from a neighbor that are doing very well (11 tomatoes and counting + 2 peppers and counting), despite having a heat index of between 102 and 110.  We had a bird's nest (Carolina Wren's) in our flowering plant on the front porch and Tony found a dead baby bird below the nest a few days ago.  He gave it a nice burial.  We think there were 2 other babies, so I hope they are OK. The Humming Birds are starting to arrive in our yard and taking advantage of Tony's special concoction of sugar water.

Dixie is well.  She went to her spa today and came home looking 10 pounds lighter.  She is still barking when I try to read in bed and have the light on.  It keeps her awake so she let's me know it's time to stop reading.  It's a good thing I can call her a little bitch and be correct!!  

Our old TV bit the dust, so we got a new one.  It's bigger and "smart."  All we have to do is tell Alexa to turn it on and what we want.  I swear, we won't need arms at some point in the future.  Isn't that like the song, 2525?  

Well, I am waiting for our new lead designer to send me his first draft of Cape Fear Voices for the July issue.  Check out our new website, www.cfvts.org.  It's changing every day and we're excited about what it can do.  

Here are my babies.  I sent some of you these already, but I just enjoy looking at them!

Elizabeth

Zach

Ben

Ben, Sam, Tony, Me, Zach, Ellie

Sam, the mini Jenna!

Enjoy summer!