Fred, we have a big artificial tree but it looks real. Larry's helper and I put it back in the box and I will get a smaller one next year. It's too much work carrying it up and down the basement steps. I had about 8 containers to drag back to the basement also but I had help. Our trash and recycle pick up day is Thursday also, but with the holiday, it will be pushed to tomorrow (Friday). I still have the lights around the door and the live wreath someone gives us every year. It's been so cold here, so I am waiting for the warm up coming this weekend to take down the outside lights. The holidays are nice but I am happy to get back to our normal days.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year

Julie

I didn't know this til last year, after I lost my job, but there are places to go to get your taxes done for free. My bank for one, and you don't have to be a member, they do it for anyone who shows up, after hours. That's what I did last year, and this year I am trying the local library, they have two choices, either low income or AARP but you don't have to be a member. The library is a better deal because you make an appointment, the bank was first come first served so you had to get there early. I got back more last year than in awhile, and no questions asked, so she did a good job. I used to pay an accountant $400, but it was a little complicated since I was in sales with lots of deductions. Now with all the government stuff I wouldn't know where to start anymore. You can google your area and see if they have it by you too, just for future reference.

Hi Fred,

We took our tree down yesterday and it sits at the curb. The cleaning lady came yesterday at noon so we wanted to get it down before she came so she could do most of the cleanup. LOL. We have decided to get a real tree as long as we can manage putting it up. We do get a smaller one than we used to. This one was taller than me, but not too much taller than I am. I always enjoy seeing the ornaments every year. I have been collecting for years now. Also we have some that our mother used and even some that belonged to our grandmother. So, it is nostalgia lane around here during the holidays.

As I understand it federal taxes will not increase for individuals making less that 400,000 or couples at 450,000. I imagine that misses most of us. Of course other taxes are going up -- state, local, property, sales, etc. Just depends on where you live. Also I understand there is some change in payroll taxes. Since I am not working I didn't pay much attention to that part.

Of course, in the long run of things we probably will all have to pay higher taxes. Too much deficit. Two wars did not help. I sure hope Obama and friends are able to hold the line on spending, especially on things like medicare, food stamps, etc. People depend on these programs. There has to be another way.

I have two friends in the medical world who have recently been hired (one by the state other by county) to work on how to get more people into the medical system. This is good news.There jobs include how to make it cost effective.

Have a good 2013!

Lin

Yea Sting,

Me being military I can get taxes done free on the military base but doing them myself feels better! Now year before last I had H&R Block give me that second chance free look and they came up with the exact figures as Turbo Tax had so I was impressed!!

I had a tax pro doing my taxes when I had my business but with Turbo Tax I get the same service for much less!

Just left Walmart where I once worked and their tax people Jackson Hewitt was sitting up shop near the bank and they have been there for many years now! They must have some happy tax clients!!

Lin,

I think Medicare will increase for sure and like you said other services will too! I'm so glad I just got a hand full of years left on my mortgage and it belongs to me not the bank!! This will be the first time ever I paid for a home!! Just last week the home prices went up in my area so I got to see what mine is listed for now!! I have had it since 2000 at a great rate for FHA and VA!!

You all have a great year too and God Bless!!

Some days I get the feelings I want to work again but that feeling don't last but a few minutes and don't come very often!! I would never get that money back they take out for social security!!