Tax Vibes

As I filed our taxes yesterday, I was hearing uncertainty about the whole tax process this year. Josie heard a segment on TV where it was suggested that perhaps this not be the year you should file early.  First of all, this entire Trump administration has been filled with uncertainty so why should taxes be any different. Secondly, I always file early so that I can get my refunds earlier. Note: I can't remember the last time I had to fork over more money at tax time. If there are going to be changes in the tax laws at this point, there will be lots and lots of people caught with early filing - not just me. It will be interesting to see - if that should happen - how effectively the government responds to going after money from citizens who have already spent their refunds. I'll take my chances.

It was kind of late yesterday by the time we finished our errands so we rescheduled the RV show visit for today. There are actually two shows that we know about in the area  one at the Glendale Stadium which is the big one, and another at the Mariners Stadium in Peoria. We may try to visit both to see if there are any major differences. We are still up in the air about Jackson this summer and if there is any way we can make a switch on our RV's, we will try. The thought of spending lots of unnecessary money to repair problems on our current RV is not sitting well with me. Time will tell...

Taxes Done

Just when I thought I would have to wait for more documents, the sources came through yesterday with email copies. I was, therefore, able to wrap up our taxes for 2018 this morning. I have to tell you though, if you haven't yet done your taxes, you will not like the new laws. I hate them, and I have to wonder who they help. Unless you don't itemize your deductions and take the standard deduction, you will be paying more this year. We are getting closer to having a flat tax. More and more deductions are being eliminated. Who is kidding who about who is helped with this new tax law? Fortunately, we will still get a refund but it was a lot tougher than before.

Josie is off now for the rest of the weekend so we plan to do some fun stuff. Perhaps a round of golf and a visit to the big RV show that is at the stadium this weekend. Hmm....

Brakes on Taxes

I didn't get very far into our taxes yesterday. I realized that I was still missing some important data - namely, a summary from our rental agent for the first part of the year and an interest summary from our bank we had with the old house. As I recall, it took some extra time last year to get the rental summary. At any rate, I don't like the new tax changes. First of all, the doubling of the standard deduction has the software wanting to have me file without itemizing deductions. As I began to get into the deductions, I discovered that much of what I am used to deducting has disappeared. I will be amazed if we get anything back that is anything near what we got last year as a result of the new tax laws. Thanks, Trump!

We have another cold spell going through today and tomorrow. Just when we think we are past the freezing danger, we get another one. It will be interesting to see how our plants respond to this latest freeze. We will not see the 70's during the day for at least the next week. The high for today will be 57. Where is the AZ Desert weather?

We almost always see coyotes walking along the golf course. Yesterday, one walked right through our yard like he was a pet dog. Late yesterday afternoon, Josie jumped up off  her chair and yelled that there was a coyote chasing a rabbit on our neighbor's yard. We don't know if he eventually caught it or not, but there are lots of little bunnies running around our area...

Tax Time Again

I received the last of the document yesterday that I needed to begin our 2018 taxes. That means the fun begins today and I am especially motivated to get them done early this year as a result of the government shutdown. The word from Washington is that there may be delays in processing tax refunds. It will most likely take a good part of the rest of this week to complete them, but I expect to have them done by Friday. The rules have changed this year so I hope there is no serious impact on my anticipated refund.

We had more rain yesterday and more expected today. There have been some nice sunsets during these weather changes and a couple of the shots are below from last evening:

There is always something special about an Arizona sunset...

Forgettable Super Bowl

There isn't one thing that will remembered from yesterday's Super Bowl except that it was the lowest scoring Super Bowl in history. The Rams offense missed the plane to Atlanta and the Patriots did nothing spectacular to deserve the win, 13-3. It was terrible - including the half time show and the ads - and was the worse Super Bowl game ever.

On the other hand, the Phoenix Open golf tournament ended - in the rain - with enough drama to satisfy any fan. Rickie Fowler won after nearly blowing the tournament with an ugly triple bogie on the back none. It was a very emotional scene to see him pull out the victory in front of his grandfather who was responsible for encouraging him to play golf when Rickie was young. He is a class guy and I am so happy to see him win.

It's back to normal again as we start another week with cooler than normal temperatures and more rain on the way...

Washed Out

The rains came as expected today and we had to reschedule our golf match. It appears that, as a result of work schedules and traveling commitments, we will not play until early March. There is a possibility that we could play during the week sometime if Josie's schedule cooperates and she feels like using up some energy.

We get to enjoy the Super Bowl today and most of the money is on the Patriots. I don't want them to win, but the important thing is that it is a good game and not a rout.

The Phoenix Open wraps up today and Rickie Fowler has a 4 shot lead going into this final round. I hope he hangs on to win as he is a class individual and a fan favorite. The rain probably will not be a factor, but the ground may be a little soggy which could play a part in today's results.

So much for now...

Happy February

February 1 has lots of significance and memories for me. It was on February 1, 1967 (52 years ago) that Patty's mother was involved in an auto accident on her way home from work that changed our lives forever. It was nearly five years later when it eventually took her life. I was blessed that Patty survived and has been such a joy in my life.

It was also on February 1, 1999 (20 years ago), when I quit the ugly smoking habit forever. As a heavy smoker for about 40 years, I feel like I have salvaged my own life and given myself a chance to live a lot longer. I hope so.

We have a golf outing scheduled for tomorrow at our Rec Center miniature golf course with George and Cheryl. It appears that, based on this morning's forecast for tomorrow, that we will probably reschedule that outing for next Sunday, if possible. There is a 70% chance of rain for the mid-day hours that would wash out our game.

The Phoenix Open Golf tournament is this weekend and the weather has been OK but not special. The golf has been fun to watch so far, but the rain possibilities for tomorrow may put a damper on play.

Also this weekend, of course, is the Super Bowl tomorrow. I sure hope that the Rams win, but I don't hold much hope that they will beat the Patriots. I certainly will not bet on the outcome...