Guess Who Grew A Heart?

The IRS! No kidding. During these hard financial times, even the IRS recognizes that individuals might actually have some money problems.

How do I know? I recently received a letter from them, informing me that I had missed a federal tax deposit. One sentence read, "we understand that during these uncertain financial times, you may have difficulty in meeting your responsibility." What? No threat to levy or garnish wages? Could this beast have an actual beating heart?

Once I got over the shock of the letter, I did research to find the missing payment. I didn't recall missing one, but it wouldn't surprise me if my feeble mind had overlooked one. To my relief, all payments were made and posted on the right due dates. So, I called the number on my IRS letter to ask them what the problem was. They didn't know. They don't handle this particular problem at this particular phone number.

"But it's the phone number listed to call to verify this information," I said.

"Well, those letters are computer-generated. You need to call your Revenue Officer."

"And what might that number be?" I asked, but felt like saying "didn't you receive my computer-generated payment which is as useless as your phone number?"

So, I was given the number for the Revenue Officer and told that any officer who answered would be able to help me. I called the number, which went to one specific officer, and got voice mail. I left a detailed message and have yet to hear from them.

Another letter arrived, more to the tune of the IRS. They don't have much of a heart after all. This letter with the computer-generated phone number is now threatening all kinds of things if this matter isn't handled to their satisfaction. So I have the arduous task of trying to reach someone, anyone, to clear this up. This isn't the first time they have misapplied one of my payments and solving the problem takes years off your life.

I will remain with my initial opinion that the IRS is heartless. Maybe since the computer "generated" that letter, the computer is the one with a heart. It makes more sense.

Three Months Today

Many of us gathered at the cemetery today to see the new memorial marker for Sugar.This is the back, the first side you see as you enter the cemetery. When I saw our family name I told my mother that it looked so out of place in that setting. I guess I thought my strong capable Dad could even conquer cancer.

The foot stone was provided by the funeral home in honor of my dad's service in the U.S. Army

The front of the marker has my parents' names within an open Bible, with their wedding date between them. It's hard to find positive things to say about a headstone. I just know it beautifully identifies my dad's temporary resting place.

Peeps Anyone?

Robin always gives me a little gift for Easter. Usually it's a plush rabbit or chick, something that ends up in the toy room for the grandchildren or on a shelf in the closet. This year he walked in with this box of Peeps. It's a joke since he knows I find these things disgusting.

Now, I don't recall if I've ever eaten one of these little yellow, mushy guys. I don't think I have. My judgment of this Easter tradition is based on appearance alone. They just don't look appetizing to me. I'm not a real fan of chocolate bunnies either. I love sweets as much as the next person, but what passes as Easter candy leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Do kids actually like Peeps? I know they will eat just about anything with sugar in it, but Peeps? I'll stick with my Peanut M&Ms in their pretty Easter pastels. The rest of you are welcome to this box of yellow chick goo.

GNO!

Nothing rejuvenates the spirit like a girls night out! As usual, we had a blast. We laughed so hard and so loud that I'm surprised we weren't asked to leave the premises.Patty, Paula P. and I arrived early enough to browse the stores in the shopping center where the restaurant is located. A few treasures were found, as is usually the case when women shop.

We missed Jan who couldn't attend due to a last minute change in plans. Cristal wanted to try out our group but had seen the physical therapist earlier in the day and was dealing with neck pain. We hope both these women will join us next month as we celebrate Allison's birthday.

Are we having fun, or what? It's such an amusing bunch! We need different things from different relationships. I dare say this big common friendship fulfills each need!

Baylee's Puppy

We had an enjoyable sleepover with Jude, Baylee and Sophia. Baylee, the animal lover, scanned through the towel book and pointed to a puppy she wanted Papa to make. This is the finished product and Baylee was pleased. She hugged it all night until it was finally back into a heap of towels.

We had three sleeping bags on the den floor and three very excited little campers. Sophia just wallowed in the novelty of it all and grinned ear to ear as she sprawled in her sleeping bag. Jude and Papa had fun with their cap guns. They were up and ready for funny face pancakes (my limited art work) by 7:00am. They were thrilled to see their mom, the night nanny, when she came for them. What a good time!

Towel Animal Art

Hi boys and girls! Can you guess what I am? I am Robin's first attempt at making an animal out of towels. His wife, Peggy (yes, he's old enough to be married!), bought this book on towel animals while on her cruise in February. Robin thought it would be fun to master this art for the grandchildren (yes, he's old enough to be a grandpa!). The book includes instructions on how to create many fabulous critters.

Give up? I'm a gorilla! And Robin will be making more creations tonight when Jude, Baylee, and Sophia are here for a sleepover (no, Robin doesn't act his age!).

Appetizers, Dinner, Dessert

We're full! Great evening.

April Fool's Day!

Oh yeah, and happy 11th anniversary to us! We think it's the perfect combination. We'll be celebrating and taking pictures tonight. I don't think I've indulged in a steak since my heart attack, so if my heart will forgive me, I think I will treat the taste buds tonight.
Robin gave me a big bottle of Alien perfume, which is what I asked for. We'll be shopping today at a sporting store for him.

Happy anniversary, Babe. I still love you!