Food Additives

Have you ever wondered what is in the food we eat? More than 14,000 laboratory-made chemicals are added to our foods to improve quality, shelf life, flavor, and appearance. Many of these synthetic additives and preservatives were developed decades ago.

Many years ago, our family doctor told me that, unless I absolutely could not make it myself, I should avoid processed foods. I generally try to stay away from foods with long lists of additives with hard-to-pronounce names. And, while you may not be able to avoid all products containing food additives, by steering clear of the chemicals listed below, your body will thank you.

Among the most common additives is artificial flavoring -- chemicals made in labs to mimic natural flavors in food. Because so many chemicals can be used to flavor foods, it can be very difficult to determine the cause of allergic reactions.

BHA and BHT are petroleum-derived chemical preservatives added to foods to prevent rancidity. They are commonly found in sausages, dried meats, crackers, cereals, and foods with added fats. The World Health Organization and the Department of Health & Human Services both consider BHA a possible human carcinogen. BHT has also been suspected of causing cancer.

Many artificial colors were developed in the early 1900s from petrochemicals and coal-tar dyes (Yum!).

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor-enhancing additive commonly used in Chinese cooking as well as in condiments, dressings, snack chips, seasonings and bouillon. MSG has been linked to a variety of unpleasant physical symptoms.

The above additives are only the most common in a very long list. I really notice a difference in the way I feel when I do not avoid processed foods with all their additives.

Dr. Seuss Quotes

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."

"Think lft and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!"

"How did it get so late so soon?"

Environmental Responsbility

The major problems in the world are the result of the difference between how nature works and the way people think. Gregory Bateson

Environmental Responsibility

To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival. Wendell Berry

Environmental Responsbility

If we are to go on living together on this earth, we must all be responsible for it. Kofi Annan

Your Child's World

There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all. Jacqueline Kenndy

Apology

Sorry to have had so little to post lately. Since August I have had clients in hospital/rehab/respite -- this has tripled my workload, leaving me little time for doing anything else including posting.

Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife, are in fact plans to protect man. Stewart Udall

I go to nature t be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. John Burroughs

It is our collective and individual responsibility ... to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live. Dalai Lama

The Ultimate Test of a Moral Society

The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children. Dietric Bonhoeffer

Hunger

The world produces enough food to feed the entire population. It's a travesty that anyone should go hungry anywhere. Donnie Osmond

The Best Inheritance

The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day. Orlando A. Battista

What You Do Makes a Difference

What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.

Jane Goodall

A True Conservationist

A true conservationist is a man who know that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children.

John James Audubon

The Greatest Gifts

The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.

Dennis Waitley

Diplomacy

The art of telling someoneto go to hell, and having them look forward to the trip.

Never be afraid to try something new.

Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.

During This Holiday Season...

when we celebrate all the good things in life for which we are thankful, let's not forget those who are less fortunate. Whether it be your local food pantry, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, or any one of the hundreds of other worthy charities, please contribute.

Aging Parents' Issues Surface During the Holidays

If you're visiting aging parents during the holidays you could be in for a shocking surprise. The pristine house and yard of the past may now look shabby and neglected. Dirty dishes may fill the sink and the kitchen table may be covered in crumbs. Are unopened bills stacked haphazardly all over the countertops? Does Mom seem unfocused? Is Dad having trouble getting around? It's clear that help is needed. But what should family members do?

Take advantage of the time when everyone is gathered together to initiate a conversation with parents and family members about "what if" scenarios and health and financial concerns.

According to a representative of Eldercare Link, one of the nation's leading free eldercare referral services, the week after Thanksgiving historically generates more inquiries from worried family members than any other time of the year.

The holidays are a good time for family members to be alert for signs that elderly relatives may need help -- physical, mental or financial. Look for signs of change in mood, health and living conditions. Checking in with people who visit the relative frequently can indicate whether there have been recent changes.

Some signs to look for include:
- personal hygiene problems
- home in disarray or needing to be cleaned
- weight loss or weight gain -- check for spoiled food or insufficient food at home
- failure to manage medications or medical appointments
- increased difficulty with mobility (such as climbing stiars or using a bathtub)
- changes in judgent, mood or overall behavior
- increased forgetfulness -- check for unopened mail or unread newspapers
- missed bill payments or other financial difficulties
- unusual or extravagent purchases that are out of character
- decreased social activities or failing to maintain friendships

Don't panic if you recognize a few changes. Some are simpy part of the aging process. Slowing down doesn't automatically mean that your parents re ready for an assisted living facility or to move in with you.

This is a good time to talk about concerns and ask parents what kind of help they would like. Start researching the options. There are many organizations that can provide expert advice about a range of senior services, ranging from home health aides, visiting nurses, Meals on Wheels and adult day care to financial planning and legal issues.

While you are visiting, take a look around and learn more about services available in or near the community where your parents live. Visit facilities, contact senior organizations, take notes and start a file so you will know whom to call when something does need to be done.

When you get back home, check out some of the websites offering devices that can help safeguard your parents and ease your worries. Video monitors, for example, enable you to keep an eye on how your parents are coping, and automated medication carousels ensure that they are taking their pills in the right dosage and at the right time.

If you feel there are legal, financial and insurance questions that need discussion, go to the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging website at http://www.eldercare.gov/ for a checklist of these topics.

One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with aging parents is dealing with siblings, other family members and outsiders. Everybody has an opinion or an agenda. Encourage everyone in your family to really listen to one another, respond with respect, keep a sense of humor, and stay focused on providing your parents with the best possible quality of life.

Hints for a Successful Budget

You've set up a budget, but are having trouble sticking to it. Perhaps you're budget is too stringent.

Are you trying to address too many categories? Try to find two or three areas in which you can combine, reduce or eliminate expenses.

Look at those areas in which you are spending the most money. Can you trim 5-10% from these categories?

Have you allocated money for impulse items or treats. No budget will succeed if you haven't; you'll come to resent your perceived sacrifice and there goes the budget out the window.

Cut out expenses that are not necessities and don't bring you enjoyment. Making your own clothes may save you money but, if you hate sewing, you're wasting time and energy on something you are not enjoying.

With the money you've saved following these steps, rebalance your budget increasing amounts in categories where needed. Use any excess to build your savings account.

Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.

Margaret Mead

Appreciation

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.

Mother Theresa

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Theodore Roosevelt

Awesome!

A deer ran across the road in front of me today. He was beautiful! If I hadn't had cars behind me I would have stopped longer to enjoy.

Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D

Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D is Nov 15-Dec 31. This is the only time you may change your plan. For help with Part D plans, contact your area SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) counselors or your area agency on aging. Your local Council on Aging can provide you with contact info on these agencies.

Drivers License Expiration

If your birthday is coming up, don't forget to check your drivers license expiration date.

Silver Sneakers

Have you thought about joing a gym to get in shape, but decided against it because of the cost? Or, were you put off by the idea of being in a class that's too hard -- or one attended by people much younger than you? If you are enrolled in Secure Horizons, Silver Sneakers may be the answer for you. Silver Sneakers is a program with classes designed for older adults. It provides free membership in many gyms across the country, so you can go to participating gyms even when you travel.

Just When You Think You've Heard It All ...

A Minnesota man pled guilty to driving his motorized La-Z-Boy while drunk. He left a bar, on his chair, after drinking 8 or 9 beers. His blood alcohol contant was 0.29, more than three times the legal limit, when he crashed into a parked car. The chair was powered by a converted lawnmower and had a stereo and cup holders.

About 130 million cell phones are discarded each year in America. Only 5% are recycled. This represents about 65,000 tons of e-waste. Many non-profits, as well as your cell-phone provider, participate in cell phone recycling programs.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women. It can affect both men and women. Age, obesity, genetics and family history are factors that can contribute to the risk of developing this disease. You can help reduce your risk of breast cancer through regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. Treatments are most effective when breast cancer is detected early.

10 Great Reasos to Play Table Tennis

Fast & Fun for Everyone

The following list was adapted from one develped by USA Table Tennis (www.usatt.org).
1. It gets your heart pumping. A fast-moving game can burn up to 300 calories an hour. That’s the equivalent of a 27-minute power walk.
2. The quick hand and eye movements sharpen reflexes.
3. It’s a gentle, low-impact sport that’s easy on your body.
4. Almost anyone can play, so families can enjoy it together.
5. You can play it all your life, and you can begin playing at any age.
6. Since it’s usually played indoors, you can play in any weather.
7. Because it requires thinking, planning and strategizing, it keeps your brain mentally sharp as you age.
8. If you want to put one in your home (and have the space), tables are fairly inexpensive.
9. It’s a workout for your upper and lower body.
10. Table tennis clubs give you a way to socialize and meet new people.

I attended a quasi-school reunion on Sunday. A gentleman asked if he knew me. Turns out he graduated the year I was born. Does he think I look 80 or does he think he looks 60?

True Mom Story

My sister, Peg, recently received a phone call from a woman looking for Peg's husband Chuck. The woman said she had tried the other number listed in Chuck's name and sounded a bit confused. Peg didn't think too much of it and continued about her day. Later that afternoon Peg visited Mom, who told her some woman had called looking for Chuck and, since she had pronounced his last name correctly, Mom had assumed the caller knew Chuck and told the her, "Oh, I divorced him years ago, but if he wants to keep paying my phone bill, that's okay with me." No wonder the poor caller was confused! I guess, when you're 93 and in a nursing home, you take your fun where you can find it.

Boycott Hyatt Hotels

Three Hyatt hotels in Boston used to pay their housekeeping staff over $15 an hour plus benefits and health insurance. Last month, after telling them they were training holiday fill-in staff, the hotels laid off their entire housekeeping staff (196 people) and outsourced duties to an outside firm which pays its employees $8 an hour (with no benefits).

In a statement issued by a Hyatt representative, it was reported that "Hyatt is committed to treating our employees with honesty and respect." This action was neither honest nor respectful!

I do understand that the current economic times sometimes call for "budget adjustments" but, surely, another more humane solution could have been found. No other hotel chain in the Boston area has found it necessary to take this drastic step.

Former employees, interviewed on local television, stated that, if given the opportunity, they would have taken a pay cut in order to keep their jobs.

Hyatt has declined to say whether they are considering similar moves in other locations across the country.

Local politicians have called for a boycott of Hyatt hotels throughout the country. I'm just one voice, but I support this action fully. And, with the support of others, we can send a clear message to corporate America that this type of "adjustment" is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

If God brings you to it, god will get you through it.

Let go - let God

Every day matters.

Change

Attitude
Thinking
Behavior

We can't control the wind, we can only adjust our sails.

Expect Miracles

Dare to Dream

Fear is the thief of dreams.

Anonymous

Freekibble on Twitter

For every 1,000 people following freekibble on twitter (www.twitter.com/freekibble), an additional 1000 meals will be donated to an animal shelter.

Divorce

My sister saw this on tv & passed it on to me --

My husband & I got divorced because of religious differences -- he thought he was God; I didn't.

Life's Tragedy

The great tragedy in life is not death -- it's what dies inside of you while you are living.

Author Unknown

Making Ends Meet

Kids are heading back to school! Insurance costs are rising! Energy prices are soaring! Everything else, in turn, is getting more expensive! And, to top it all off, the holidays are just around the corner!

Many financial advisors roll out their "how to make a dollar stretch further" talks and articles in January to help you get started on your New Year resolutions. By developing a plan now, you'll have a head start on your New Year resolutions and may actually be able to enjoy the holidays because you planned for them and don't have a cloud of debt hanging over your head.

Spending less than you earn, throughout the year, is fundamental to a happy holiday season. Most of us feel we can't get by on a penny less but, if you apply yourself, you can find ways to cut corners painlessly. Some ways to save money include:

Clip coupons (and use them), buy only what is on sale, and shop at stores that offer double or triple coupons. You can save a hefty amount each week and still eat very well. While you're at it, cut out the junk food and eat healthier. You'll save money on both your grocery bills and your medical bills.

Cut down on convenience and fast foods and start cooking from scratch again. It doesn't take long if everyone helps and it's a fun way to involve the family. Growing or picking your own fruits or vegetables, farmers markets and food co-ops are other inexpenive ways to reduce prices and provide another opportunity for inexpensive family fun.

Give up that nightly dish of ice cream or other dessert and go for a walk instead. You may only save a few pennies, but they add up and your heart will thank you.

Consider taking on a second (or third) part-time job.

Are you eligible for assistance paying your fuel and utility bills, food stamps, etc.? Many people mistakenly think these services are for "other people" and not for them. If you are eligible, don't be too proud to use these services.

Many towns have set up food pantries for those having trouble making ends meet.

Renegotiate terms on credit cards. Try to eliminate using your cards and running up the balance. Contineue to pay the minimum on your outstanding cards and accounts, but use your grocery savings to pay more than the minimum each month on the card or account with the lowest balance. Once that card or account is paid off, apply the amount you were paying on it to the card or account with the next lowest balance. Continue like this and, before you know it, all those accounts wil be paid off or significantly reduced. Then you can start working on that mortgage ...

If you've been putting money aside throughout the year, holiday gifts wn't be such a budget-breaker and you won't still be paying for them in the new year. Consider setting a reduced limit on each person. You can be quite creativeon a budget of $25 or $50 per person. Keep your eye out for bargains and sales. A $75 sweater that you got on sale for$30 is going to keep the receiver just as warm and the recipient will be touched by your perceived generosity. Regift (just not to the original giver). Get crafty. It's not the price but the thought that counts. And shop yard sales, craigslist and ebay. You'd be amazed at what people are selling dirt cheap -- clothing with the tags still attached, games in their original shrinkwrap, cosmetics and perfumes (Mary Kay and Avon representatives -- as well as PartyLite, Tupperware and others -- often dispose of their excess inventory through these outlets).

Visit consignment shops when shopping for clothes. Many items still have tags.

Got a weakness for bookstores? Many book cafes encourage patrons to sit and read. The library now offers DVD's to borrow. Borrow a book from a friend (and don't forget to return it when you're done). If you absolutely must own a book, shop yard sales, discount tables at bookstores, and library sales.

Services that you just can't do without -- haircuts, manicures & pedicures -- can be less expensive (and just as professinally done) at trade and technical schools. Or, do it yourself -- well, maybe not ...

Pretend you didn't get that raise and, instead of spending it, use it to set up a savings account for unexpected expenses.

Pay yourself first. If you put just $10 a week in a savings account, at the end of a year you'll have more than %500. And, thanks to the magic of compound interest, your money will condinue to grow even if you don't put another cent toward savings. But, you're going to keep on saving --right?

Most of us have way too much "stuff". Clean out your closets, attics, cellars and garages once or twice ayear and have a yard sale. Or, put your "treasure" on craigslist or ebay. Put the money you earn into paying off some of those bills. Your home will be neater and your debt reduced!

Every town has an assortment of free and inexpensive events for every age and interest.

Instead of going out to the movies, rent a movie & pop some popcorn.

Institute a "game nigjht" and share those games you enjoyed as a kid with your own youngsters. Coupled with a pot-luck dinner, this is also an inexpensive, fun evening for adults.

Increase your insurance deductibles and lower your premiums.

Put off purchasing that new car. They lose half their value the minute you drive them off the lot anyway. By delaying that purchase for a few years and then purchasing a newer model used car (for cash of course), you can be saving a bundle.

If interest rates drop below what you are currently paying, consider refinancing. In today's market, though, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain financing even with stellar credit.

What ideas can you come up with?

DUI in MA -- What Your Attorney May Not Have Told You

In addition to having my own small business bookkeeping/admin, daily money managment business, I also work at a DUI clinic. I have noticed that a lot of second offenders, whose first offense was many years ago, are unaware of the laws governing second offenders, so I asked one of the instructors to give me a quick run-down of the details. She then reviewed this piece to ensure that it is correct.

That DUI you got when you were seventeen may come back to bite you when you're forty-seven and get your second DUI.

While the courts may treat you as a first offender, the Registry considers you a second offender and treats you accordingly.

If you take the breathalyzer, an additional two years will be added to the usual 45-90 day loss of license. However, if you refuse the breathalyzer, it's an additional three years loss of license -- for a total of five years.

You will be required to take the first offender drug and alcohol education course ($567.30) and will receive two years probation.

In addition, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device ($200 for installation). This system requires you to blow into it to start the vehicle and then every 10-25 minutes to measure your blood alcohol content. The information is downloaded and sent to the Registry. The device must be checked every month ($85). You can only drive the vehicle which has been fitted with the interlock device. If someone knows of your restriction, and allows you to drive their vehicle, they can be subject to stiff penalties. If ayone else drives your vehicle, they are bound by the same restrictions as you. No motorcycles; no rental cars.

People who drive for a living may face job loss.

Amounts quoted in this blog are in addition to court and attorney fees.

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.

Mother Theresa

Develop an Interest

In my work as a daily money manager I often meet senior citizens who, in their younger years, have never developed hobbies or interests. When they age, and health problems curtail their activities, these people find themselves just sitting. If you don't develop hobbies or interests while you are young, you are apt to become too self-absorbed as you age and boredom will set in. Your main topic of conversation will become your health. How sad when the only thing you have to look forward to each day is the tv schedule! No matter what your age, it is not too late to start developing hobbies or interests.

Money Saving Tips

You've probably heard or seen these before, but maybe you've forgotten. In these economic times, everything helps.

1. Instead of buying lunch ever day, prepare a little extra for dinner and bring leftovers for lunch.

2. While paying bills, look for ways to save money.

3. Make minor purchases with cash.

Family Fun in Massachusetts

If you're looking for great ideas for family fun, check out www.bostoncentral.com. No kids or grandkids – this website still has good ideas. Sign up for their weekly newsletter to keep informed on what’s happening and where.

You Are What You Eat

Research shows that the foods we eat have an enormous impact on our health. Diets high in fruits, vegetables and grains contain less fat and cholesterol, promote long-term health, fight disease, and help save the environment.

If, like me, you can’t live without meat, be sure the rest of the meal includes servings of fruit and vegetable.

Bedtime Snacks

Knowing what bedtime snacks to avoid can make the difference between a good night's sleep and tossing and turning all night.

Foods to avoid include chocolate or greasy foods, which are difficult to digest. Spicy foods cause heartburn. An alcoholic drink before bed may, initially, help you fall asleep, but you may experience night sweats and nightmares.

Milk and other dairy products, bananas, oats and honey contain tryptophan, a sleep-promoting substance. Turkey also contains tryptophan, which could explain why we feel the need to nap after Thanksgiving and other holiday dinners.

Carbohydrates help the body absorb tryptophan, so whole wheat toast or crackers with a piece of cheese, or low-fat yogurt with granola are ideal snacks.

Chamomile tea aids muscle relaxation. Add honey and you'll be asleep in no time.

Free Cell Phone & Service for Low-Income Subscribers

You may be eligible for a free cell phone if you receive food stamps, are on Mass-Health, or have an annual income of less than $14,000. SafeLink Wireless offers free cell phones to low-income subscribers. Service includes limitless E911 and access to 80 minutes of free talk-time per month.

Go to http://www.safelinkwireless.com/ or call 800-977-3768 for more information.

Scam Warning

Never give your credit card information over the phone unless you have initiated the call. If someone call you promising, if you give your credit card number, to credit money back to your account , it is probably a scam.

MA License Renewal Reminders

The Massachusetts Regisry of Motor Vehicles is no longer sending out license renewal reminders. You are, however, permitted to renew your license up to twelve months early.

Handicap placard renewal reminders will still come in the mail. Remember, it is illegal to drive with your placard in the window.

Baklavah Ice Cream

All you baklavah lovers in northeastern Massachusetts --

Head for Meletharb's on Lowell Street in Wakefield. Their baklavah ice cream is fantastic!

Contribute Painlessly

Money may be tight, but you can still make charitable contributions that won't break the bank and, often, have a little fun in the process.

Fight hunger. Go to http://www.thehungersite.com/. Corporate sponsors contribute each time you click (once/day). When you visit http://www.thehungersite.com/, please click on the other tabs -- breast cancer, literacy, child health, rain forest & animal rescue.

http://www.freekibble.com/ offers pet-oriented trivia. Correct answers receive corporate donations to feed shelter animals.

Choose the correct meaning of a word to earn free rice for the United Nations World Food Program at http://www.freerice.com/

Amy's Corner

Says Amy, "Let me tell you why all the neighbors think I'm crazy ...

A little after midnight the other night I was talking on the phone with my significant other, who is working in Massachusetts (I'm in Florida). I became aware of the deafening drone of a helicopter overhaed; it's spotlight was illuminating a nearby house. Said house was surrounded by police cruisers.

My seven year old son was sleeping over at that house! Still on the phone & in my pj's, I hopped into the car and drove right into a roadblock. I jumped out of the car babbling about my baby being home alone and my son spending the night at the house they had surrounded. Turns out the police had been engaged in a high speed chase and the fleeing felon had crashed into the house and the occupants of the house were safe."

Stubborn Stye Saga

I'm disgustingly healthy. Over the years I've managed to pretty much avoid doctors (except for medical necessity such as broken bones), but have spent more time & money in the last three weeks on a !@#&* stubborn stye! First visited a local eye doctor who tried for two week, unsuccessfully, to treat this thing. Some improvement but no cure.

He sent me to an ophthalmologist who prescribed a steroid ointment and a super antibiotic. The warnings on the antibiotic were scary -- stay away from dairy products, vitamins & sun. Do not take within two hours of a meal. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Then we got to the really nasty side effects. All this for only $80 (with health insurance!). Doctor also requred a referral from my primary care physician (PCP), whom I'd only met once two years ago.

PCP yesterday prescribed yet another med. His office staff is also trying to rope me in for a full physical -- along with a full battery of tests (they say it's a requirement of my health insurance!).

In the meantime, being a fan of natural medicine, I looked online for a natural cure. Interesting results! Along with the usual concoctions one would expect is the suggestion to rub the eyelid with a gold wedding ring (Does it have to be a wedding ring? Does it even have to be a ring? Would any piece of gold do?). My favorite suggestion was to grind a garlic clove into a paste and apply it to the eyelid (don't think I'll try that one). Settled on brewing a nice cup of tea and applying the tea bag to the eye while sipping the tea. I do see an improvement (couldn't have anything to do with the steroid ointment I'm also using along with the antibiotic -- could it?).

Printer Problems

I've always used an inkjet printer but, over the years, my volume of printing has increased to the point I've been purchasing a black in cartridge every week and a set of color cartridges about once a month. In addition, the printers have only been lasting about six months before reaching the end of expected lifespan for parts. So, I'd decided, the next time this happened I'd go the laser printer route. In the meantime, a company I was connected to was giving away their inkjet printers -- and I got one.

Last Sunday my old printer announced it was on its last legs. No problem, I thought, I've got the new one. So, bright and early on Monday, ventured out to the local office supply store to purchase ink for the new machine.

When the old printer ran out of ink on Wednesday, rather than invest another $20 in an ink cartridge and have old printer give up the ghost immediately after, I decided to install the new printer. Unfortunately, my computer couldn't recognize the new printer (which came with no driver), so I called the manufacturer. An hour later they gave up, saying it was a Microsoft problem. Microsoft first told me I probably needed to upgrade my operating system (I erroneously thought it was Windows NT) and gave me a choice of Windows XP or Vista. Since I've not heard good things about Vista, I opted for Windows XP -- only to be informed that Microsoft no longersupports Windows XP! Four hours later, after talking to half the technicians in the world, my new printer was up and running.

The next morning I discovered the paper sensor on the new printer wasn't working (I bet that's why it was being given away!) and I trudged back to the local ffice supply store to pick up a really new laser printer -- which I love!

Amy's Corner

Can I just tell you how much I love my kids --

First, my three year old discovered the fun one can have with crayons -- all over my newly painted walls.

Sunday, after spending the day at the beach, I decided to make one of the kids' favorite dinners - fully-loaded baked potatoes.

I had all the ingredients except sour cream and shredded cheese, so I ran quickly to the store down the street to pick up these two items. Thirty dollars later, I returned home, only to realize I had forgotten the sour cream. I threw the potatoes into the microwave and put the steak on to cook. Leaving instructions for my fifteen year old to turn the steaks after six minutes, I raced back to the store.

Upon my return home, I discovered the steaks burned to a crisp. My son had forgotten he was cooking and became involved in something elsewhere in the house.

While cleaning up, I asked my son to get me something in the other rom. He returned with the news that there was water all over the room we had just finished redecorating. Yep, that's right, the main water line burst (this is a slab house).

We cleaned up the mess and opened the windows to help dry things out. I didn't think too much of it when my on announced that the window had fallen out (15 year olds are prone to exaggeration). As the evening progressed and it started getting cooler (and buggier) in the house, I asked my son to close thewindow. "I can't," he declared, "it fell out" -- and there it was, on the ground outside.

In the midst of all this chaos, my seven year old announced that his school was having an awards ceremony the next morning at nine o'clock, and would I please, please come because I "never go to any" of his school events. (Evidently seven year olds are prone to exaggeration too!) I'm not a morning person but, at nine o'clock I'm sitting at the school watching several other grades get their awards and struggling to stay awake. I finally went to te office to see if I had possibly missed my son's award ceremony and was informed that his awards were scheduled for one o'clock in the afternoon!

I do love my kids!

Amy's Corner

My daughter, Amy, has three children and, as you can imagine, a number of amusing stories about raising them. Amy doesn't have a computer so, from time to time, I'll post some of the best, in Amy's own words. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

What Do They Do?

It seems tht every magazine, newspaper, etc. today has suggestions on surviving the economic crisis. My question is, what do people do who are already following all these suggestions, who are working two or three jobs, who don't have health insurance -- or have health inurance but can't afford the copays. What do they do to survive in this economy?

Words to Live By

Use it up,
Wear it ot,
Make it do
Or do without.
Old Yankee Adage

Groupon

Found a great website www.grouponboston.com. it offers a different deal daily with discounts fo 50-75%. There is alo a groupon website for NY, San Francisco & Chicago.

Long hiatus

I'm back! Tax time took longer than expected, then life threw in a few detours. Before I knew it, it was tax time again. But I have not been idle! Signed up for Facebook & Twitter. Still learning how to use them & undecided as to whether I should link them. Facebook, for me, is friends & family, Twitter is quasi-business, blog is a combination of both. While I decide, please follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dailymoneyexprt