Today marks my Dad’s 90th birthday. It is possible if things had worked out, that he would still be alive and part of my life. It is hard to fathom that he could still be here. Actually, I’m sure he is!
My rumor mill tells me to brace for a big tax change in 2011. Those of you that work and get a paycheck are issued a W-2 Earnings and Benefits statement at the end of each year. If your employer provides most of your healthcare, the value of that healthcare benefit is going to have to be reported by you as 2011 income. That means you will have to pay taxes on your previously “tax-free” benefit. For example, if the value of your benifit through your employer is $8,000, that becomes taxable to you. I guess when our esteemed government officials pass a healthcare plan consisting of 2500 pages that nobody has read, you should expect surprises.
As I write this, British Petroleum (BP) is optimistic about “plugging the damn hole”. I am for finding new reserves of oil and gas because the world is consuming it so fast. On the other hand, the environmental devestation caused by the oil accident is really tragic. Lots of innocent people affected. Lots of wildlife destroyed. I’m not sure what the answer really is! Maybe just being damn careful when drilling occurs.
I have been “cruising the internet” checking cottages for sale around Crystal Lake. It seems your Mom and I sold way too soon. You don’t get much for $500,000 these days. I counted between 12-14 cottages for sale. I guess there is just so much water to go around.
I’ve been doing my exercise routine outside the last week. It has been around 60 degrees early in the morning, gentle winds and sunshine. The lush growth of everything (even weeds) reminds me of walking to work as a kid at Stokely Canning years ago. Early morning is the best time of the day.
Grasshopper No.1 sent me some DVD’s. One was “Cannery Row”. I’ve always loved the movie. It is a spoof about a small manufacting community with lots of strange (but nice) people running around. It captures the essence of life. Maybe it’s not a spoof afterall?
Memorial Day weather is supposed to be incredible. Nice temperatures. Low humidity. Lots of Sunshine. Enjoy.
Love,
Dad