Our Flag

 

I wish that we could say "Thank you for your service" to each of those who paid the ultimate price that gave us the freedom that we still enjoy today.

I feel it is a privilege to be able to thank a serviceman or woman who serve or have served in the United States Military.  It would be wonderful if we never had to see a flag draped over a coffin of a returning servicemen or servicewomen again.  But that is not realistic in the world today.  

Today is the day we remember them and the service that they performed

January 31st already??

Where did the month go? I swear it just flew by.

Weren't we just celebrating the New Year?

There are so many things I wanted to get done this month, before the craziness starts. You know, that time where we have to figure out what we owe the government and how we are going to pay them OR if we are really lucky, how we want them to pay us.

I will NOT stress.

I definitely need to put this into practice every day, or it will be a very long year, without getting the things accomplished that I really want to get accomplished this year.

I do NOT want to be looking at December thinking I wasted the year. I definitely will NOT stress!

Happy New Year

 I hope that you all have a wonderful New Year.

I hope that this is the start of some amazing new additions, new adventures and new accomplishments for all of us.

Merry Christmas

 Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Words to live by

Wow it has been a LONG time since I even opened my blog and I know I had said I would do better ... but like everyone else "life" had other ideas.  But I am going to try again and see if maybe 2023 will be better for me and my family so that I can keep up with this.

I was going through my pictures and saw this one and thought oh yes in deed this needs to be shared.

I don't think it has been shared before OR if it has been, it was a LONG LONG time ago and needs to be shared again.

I am committing to at least 80%, not just for today but for the coming year.  I know some people say, don't set you sights too far out, so for the next year doesn't seem too far, does it?

How about you?  

Shall we make the commitment together?

Make each day special

 Good morning.

I just popped in to give you a little hello (yes, I know its been way too long again) and a way to make your day a wonderful one.  Are you ready?

Right now, 

think of something positive

Because just one Small Positive Thought in the morning, 

can change your whole day!

Make sure you are spending time with people

I know we are all super busy and sometimes seem to run from one place to the next...but by the end of the day, we are exhausted and haven't really gotten anything done that really matters.

I saw this one the other day and it really hit home.

I had spent an hour in the bank with my dad, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn't resist myself & asked...

''Dad, why don't we activate your internet banking?''

''Why would I do that?'' He asked...

''Well, then you wont have to spend an hour here for things like transfer.

You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!''

I was so excited about initiating him into the world of Net banking.

He asked ''If I do that, I wont have to step out of the house?

''Yes, yes''! I said. I told him how even grocery can be delivered at door now and how amazon delivers everything!

His answer left me tongue-tied.

He said ''Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends, I have chatted a while with the staff who know me very well by now.

You know I am alone...this is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time, it is the physical touch that I crave.

Two years back I got sick, The store owner from whom I buy fruits, came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried.

When your Mom fell down few days back while on her morning walk. Our local grocer saw her and immediately got his car to rush her home as he knows where I live.

Would I have that 'human' touch if everything became online?

Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer?

I like to know the person that I'm dealing with and not just the 'seller'. It creates bonds of Relationships.

Does Amazon deliver all this as well?'''

Technology isn't life..

Spend time with people .. Not with devices.

Happy St Patrick's Day

 For all who is Irish, whether you are full Irish or part Irish or even just Irish for the day....

Enjoy your day

Have fun, but be safe!

It's Monday Morning

 Just a quick reminder on this March morning

Just in case you needed to see this as the week starts.

For some of us, the cold and dreary wintery day it could be, just requires an additional "nudge" for us to get the week started.

You have been "nudged".

You are welcome.

Happy Valentine's Day

 Didn't want the day to go by without wishing you 

I hope the day is filled with all kinds of wonderful things

because YOU deserve it

It is THAT time of year ....

 Many of us don't want to talk about this BUT it's ... 

TAX FILING SEASON IS COMING!

I know, I know, this is NOT what you wanted to be thinking about BUT you need to start thinking about taxes now, so that you can maximize your potential refund or decrease your potential balance due to the IRS and/or State Government.  Start by making a list of all of your income and expenses you expect, based on your 2020 tax return.

PROTECT YOUR DATA

Do not be fooled by misleading websites or emails.  Any email from the IRS that includes a website will ONLY end in “.GOV”.  They will never send out an email with a URL that ends in “.COM” or “.NET” or even “.ORG”.

The IRS will also NOT call you directly without first sending a letter and setting up an appointment to talk.  They will NOT require you to make a payment via virtual currency or gift cards.  Nor will they appear at your door requiring payment in cash.  If it feels wrong, it probably is.

SECURE AN ONLINE INDIVIDUAL TAX ACCOUNT

You can Create or Access an already created account at HTTPS://WWW.IRS.GOV/ACCOUNT

Once you have created your account, you will be able to see if there are any tax balances, view any payment plans that have been set up, or make online payments.

You will also be able to see what stimulus payments, advanced payments from Child Tax Credits you have received.  Many of the notices received last filing season related to payments received that were not reflected on the tax returns, and ended up reducing the refunds expected.

UPDATE YOUR RECORDS.

Did you move last year after you filed your 2020 tax return?  To be sure that the IRS will be sending all correspondence to the correct address, you should file Form 8822, Change of Address to update your address with the IRS. 

Did you get married or divorced during 2021?  Make sure that you update your records with the Social Security Administration so as to not delay the processing of your tax return.

THINK ABOUT LIFE EVENTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED

Did you get married?  Did you get divorced?  Did you have a baby?  Did you or a dependent start college?  Did you buy a house?  Did you sell a house? Did you lose a job?  Was there a death in your immediate family? 

All of these things and many more could have an effect on your tax return this year.  Make sure you take these things into account when putting your tax information together so that you don’t miss out on some credits that could increase your refunds this year.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Many people have been receiving Unemployment Compensation due to loss of jobs.  Most if not all States, due to COVID restriction, required you to file online.  You will need to go online to get the 1099G form that will detail what unemployment you have received and any tax withheld from the compensation.  Make sure you put this on the list required documents you need to gather.

Direct Deposit of YOUR Refund!

I know that many people have resisted having their refund directly deposited to a bank account.  But I am urging you to think about this so that your refund will arrive quicker for your use, since you are not waiting for the "extra steps" of check printing, envelope stuffing, and then the actual mailing.  And I believe it will be safer since you are not dependent on the mail, since many envelops have gotten "lost in the mail" or "stolen" or just majorly delayed.  I know I have had mail take weeks to just go to the next town...yes I should have just taken it to the company - it would have been faster.

And your tax refund is the same ... so just think about it.  Besides, wouldn't you want to have your money back sooner rather than later?  I know I would.

January 1, 2022 ... Its a new start

I know I have been gone for most of 2021 - not all by choice.

But many of us lost so much during this past year with lockdowns and illnesses and separation from family and friends.  Personally I've ending the last year with a pretty trying 2 1/2 months, but I am going to try and get back to my blogging roots.

I will start with today, wishing all of you a very very Happy New Year.  Lets hope that when the ball dropped at midnight last night it ushered out the bad and ushered in a new beginning of health and happiness and wonderfulness.

Here's to wishing all the best to each of you in the coming year!

Let's hope that we have all become stronger for what we have gone through and are ready to take on our futures with a smile and optimism.  We got this!

September 11th ... 20 years and yet NEVER to be forgotten

Twenty Years have passed since this fateful day that we should never forget.

If I have to post this each and every year that I draw a breath, I will so that we NEVER forget all the beautiful men and women who lost their lives that day.  All the families that have been broken that day, yet have somehow been able to go on.  It is for them and the memories of those lost that we must continue to go on, to prove that we will continue to move forward and be the best that we can be.

God be with us all always, let us feel His presence always, but perhaps most of all in our times of need to know in our hearts that He is with us forever.

 'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.
' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say,
'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK .. I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help.
'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.  'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.


I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, Afghanistan.
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face.
I knew every name - though not all knew Me.
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames;  'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.'
Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do.. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you .
But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.
Seek Me now while I may be found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

During the next 60 seconds, stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it is only 1 minute.)  All you have to do is the following:

Stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him. If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the instructions.

Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of Me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father'

If you are not ashamed, spread this message ... but only if you believe

'Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything. Christ is my strength.'

Happy New Year!

 

I know that 2020 was not the best year in my life or yours ....  

BUT 

I wanted to make sure I was able to wish you all ....

Happy Mother's Day

I know this is not the "normal" Mother's Day for us ...
But that doesn't mean it isn't as special as it has always been.

A mother is a special individual.

Think about it
Where would we be without a mother?

For most of us, she was the first we showed us unconditional love.  Who would do anything for us and probably already has a time or two or three.

Don't forget to spend at least a few moments thinking about that and then thank them for being the best they could be.

Happy Happy Mother's Day Mom

Don't give up

I know this has been difficult for you....
It has been for everyone, just some have it worse than others.

The essential workers who don't have the ability to stay home.
The doctors, physician assistants and nurses, firemen and women and EMTs, as well as our police, who are in the thick of things EVERY day and night!  We need to be thanking them for all they are doing or trying to do.

We need to stop looking to put blame on someone, God knows there is enough blame to pass around.  We need to start taking some responsibility for our own health and well-being and start (or hopefully continue) doing those things that may help to combat the current issues.

But for a little inspirational help ... 

I am hoping that you and yours will continue to be safe and healthy and those that are effected, I hope that they recover speedily.

It's that time again ...

Don't forget ...
It is that time of year again, so before you go to sleep tonight (or tomorrow morning)

We wouldn't want you to be late!

How you make others feel ...

I've been seeing/hearing a lot of "disagreement" over the half-time show during the Super Bowl.

Now I know that everyone has their own opinion and that we have the right, at least in this country, to our own thoughts and opinions about everything.  We also have the right to express them.  
And of course I am ok with that.  It is part of what makes this country great.
Silly me, I thought that others were good with that too.

I have never heard so many unkind comments, many were rather vulgar and/or vicious, when someone expressed how they thought the performance was not "family friendly" or didn't show the performers in the most favorable light, among other things.  

Have we gotten to the point where no one can have an opinion that may be different without being told just how stupid or idiotic they are or ... well even worse comments.   
Some of those comments were pretty vulgar and some reminded me of those from high school cat fights.  And I have to ask myself .. how old are these people??

And then after those types of comments, folks actually noted that this was really no different than what can be seen everyday in school or on the street or and I loved this one ... it's just like the rest of the Super Bowls of the past few years so what's the big deal?  

Really??  That makes it ok and your comments abusing the original commentor is also ok?
I really felt bad for those folks.  

Now I bet you thought I was feeling bad about those folks that were being called those horrible names.  And I did.
But in reality I was feeling even more for the folks making those comments.  

Think about this ...

How bad do they have to feel deep down to have to try and make someone else feel bad about themselves?  Does that make them feel better?  Does it make them feel happy because they upset someone else.

Have we really become a nation that believes there is ONLY one way to think and if you don't think like them on EVERYTHING then YOU are the one that is wrong?

I hope not ... cause I may just have to be wrong constantly.
How do you feel about it all?

It's Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog Day

Yes this furry little guy's day.

Did you see him?

Did you watch as he proclaimed what was going to happen for the next 6 weeks?

Unfortunately for me ... I will be watching, maybe, because well even though it is Sunday and I could have slept in (at least for a little while), its also Super Bowl Sunday.  

So I will have a ton of things to get done before we go party with everyone, whether it is to actually watch the game or check out what all that money bought in Super Bowl Ads!

Anyway ... that is for another post.

Do you have a "Phil" where you live?
We have the infamous Punxsutawney Phil in Gobbler's Knob, but I know they have had comments of so many other's around the country.  If so what is his (or her) name?

What is the weather suppose to be like this year? 
Do you believe it?
Are you happy about it?

Happy New Year!!

Just wanted to jump in here and wish you all a very 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Can you believe it is now 2020?
I can't believe that we are now in another decade!  
I know this is going to sound pretty lame, but WHERE the heck did the time go?  

Did you get to celebrate with a bang and lots of people?

Did you get to see the ball drop wherever you are?

This one?

I know now its more like this one in Times Square ... but was it white or colored pieces like this one?  Or did it have the pieces that had pineapples etched into the glass?

Or this one?

Or was it another one from another part of the world? 

My 2019 was filled with lots of pretty wonderful events and I can't wait to see what 2020 will bring.
Hopefully it will be equally as exciting as 2019 was.

How about you?
How was your 2019?
What are you hoping that 2020 will bring?

I do have to apologize to you all.  The last 2 years my blog posts have been limited, very limited.  I know, I know I had said at the beginning of last year that I would do better than 2018 ... and I did, sort of, but I will definitely, I PROMISE, do better in 2020.  

I'm going to see about finding more things to write about and not just events of the day.  I'm going to go back to finding things that will bring a smile to your face (and mine) and get back to doing reviews of products that I have used and liked (or not).
I have missed doing this, so although I don't do New Year's Resolutions anymore .. I will resolve to do more blog work in the coming year.

Thanks for staying around these past 2 years with so many things going on in my life that weren't blog worthy.  Hope to see you here more often too!