WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024 - APRIL THOUGHTS - PART II

 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024 - APRIL - PART II

If you live farther north than Texas, you know that April is spring than March.  Yes, in March, Texas had Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, and other wild flowers.  The upper midwest gets some nice days (temperatures in the 50s - warm enough to go through the car wash).  But, in April, the Earth is warming enough to send up shoots.  By the end of April, the folks in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and other places will have tuned up their lawnmowers and mowed their grass at least once.  Flowering trees will be blooming by the mid to end of the month.  

A friend in Minnesota mentioned that she was worried about her rhubarb plants and daffodils with the late snowstorms. 

Simon and Garfunkel sang “April, She will come”.  

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But some other business first

Eclipse 2024.  The path goes from Texas diagonally to Indianapolis, Toronto, to Quebec City.  Here in the Austin area, the start will be Monday after 12:16, totalility about 1:36, and end about 2:56.  News reports suggest that a horde of people will descend upon Texas to see this grand event.  Many of the counties near Austin have declared “emergency status”.  

I might compare it to watching the Super Bowl on television or being at the Super Bowl.  On TV you will get some great shots of the eclipse, but in person, you can watch for the entire duration-and mix and mingle with others watching the event .Some are having Eclipse Parties (that sounds like a pretty good reason to party!!!)  [Note, if you are watching get some of the special glasses!!]

The next total eclipse in the United States will be in 2033 - but that might be only in Alaska!!!

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TAXES ARE DUE

As a senior citizen, I can get tax preparation help for free through the AARP Foundation.  I went yesterday, and they did my taxes quickly.  Okay, my taxes are easy.  One (small) W-2 from helping at the nursing home, Social Security income, South Dakota Retirement income, and two small bank interest rates.  

In the past (like in Connecticut), I also had State Income Tax, Personal Property Tax (cars), regular Property Taxes (home ownership), and Home mortgages.  I bought Turbo Tax.That package guided me through the process.  The AARP Tax Help is free for seniors and some low-income people. 

The former Governor of South Dakota said, “The only good tax is a tax I don’t pay.”  I am in favor of putting a $100 tax on each package of cigarettes!!!  (Since I don’t smoke). And … maybe since I no longer own a home, property tax should be increased.  (Except that would mean the apartment complex would be charged more - and they would pass on their cost to apartment residents!!.

SOME SONGS WITH APRIL IN THE TITLE

“April In Paris” By Ella Fitzgerald And Louis Armstrong

 “April Come She Will” By Simon & Garfunkel

“April Fools” By Aretha Franklin

“April Again” By Dean Martin

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APRIL LOVE

My sister is three years older than I am.  In the 1950s she was listening to Pat Boone and other singers.  I remember seeing the “April Love” movie

Lyrics:

April love is for the very young.
Every star's a wishing star that shines for you.
April love is all the seven wonders.
One little kiss can tell you this is true

Sometimes, an April day will suddenly bring showers
Rain to grow the flowers for her first bouquet
But April love can slip right through your fingers.
So if she's the one, don't let her run away

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Enjoy the month of April (including April 15th - Tax Day).

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, ©, April 3, 2024

(Happy Birthday, Becky (White) Laswell - age 46)