Barbara J. Hamby

News Fit to Print (or Not)

Even though I have little nagging feelings of guilt about not working outside today in the gorgeous weather, they’re not as sharp as they once were. Maybe it’s because I’ve become accustomed to living with pain in the joints and elsewhere, that the pain of guilt or shame is dulled also. There should be some rewards for getting older. I can think of others, but won’t elaborate so that those who are coming behind me can learn for themselves.

Tomorrow my tax lady will help me figure out what I owe Uncle. I guess I should be grateful that I have enough income in my old age to pay taxes. Do I sound like I’m smiling? My usual tiny first-of-the-year pension increase was a net decrease this year. Health insurance, Medicare Part B, etc. etc., provided the increases, in expenditures, that is, not income.

I think I would be happier about paying taxes if any of the money were spent as I might wish. It’s fairly certain I won’t live long enough to see that happen. I will keep voting, anyway, whether or not it seems to help.

Cheerful emails from relatives today were a very bright note. My cousin and her husband are touring the South, y’all. My son’s fledgling business is growing by leaps and bounds. My daughter reported by phone that she is adjusting slowly to the loss of her father, and my son-in-law is happy with his new job.