Christmas Is Past

A few weeks before Christmas in 2008 this Cactus bloomed. As Christmas came there were still a few spent blossoms hanging on. Today as this picture shows, it is blooming anew - probably only two months have elapsed between blooms. I am suspicious that there are two different plants in the pot, as I seemingly get a different shade of blossom from time to time. Never-the-less these are gorgeous full blooms. It makes me happier when it blooms. This plant is so copious and prolific with so little care. It is a blessing.

This passed week, one day, I got two notices from the Utah Tax Commission. They are asking questions about the years 2005, 2006. They told me to make some copies of my federal returns and mail them to them. I have done so. Now the ball is in their court once more. I am not optimistic that they won't want to adjust my returns. Taxes seem to get complex any more and it is busy work to fill out the forms. Today I preliminarily figured my Utah state tax for the year 2008. Utah is going to a "quasi" flat tax. The rate is now basically 5% instead of seven. They certainly calculated the change to favor the state as my taxes are roughly 50% higher than before, and they are more complicated to figure. (I might say I expected as much. I am not very enamored with politicians of any ilk.) By and large they are selfish, petty, unstatesman-like and always asking for some one to contribute to their "war chests." So much for the "sour grapes." gwh