Taxes

Eileen wanted to know why I didn't post today more of our trip to Israel.  The answer - I finished my taxes - YEA!!!!!!!!!  It took a little longer than expected because I used one of the free Federal tax filing programs only to find out at the end they wanted to charge me $39.95 to file my state taxes.  I wasn't interested in spending that much so I found another on-line software program that charged $7.95 for Federal and same for state.  I opted to redo my taxes for the savings and was happy I did.  I liked the new program more because they caused me to put in more information which gave me better paper copies in the end.  The second item was better deductions - I didn't put in anything different but the new program found more for me.  Then as I was finishing the state I wondered why they hadn't asked me a particular question.  I went on-line and discovered there was another Federal deduction neither program asked me about and I got over $250 more back.

Now I am sure no one believes me when I say I don't feel I pay enough taxes.  But it is true - I have written my Congressional representatives several times telling them I am willing to pay more taxes but only on the condition that the additional amount has to reduce the deficit by the same percentage.  I think that is a fair deal.  I am willing to pay more but only to help reduce the deficit by the same percentage.  I don't want my kids or grandkids or great-grandkids have to pay for my lack of paying my share of taxes.  At the same time I don't want to pay more taxes just so the politicians in Washington can think up more ways to spend it and keep the deficit growing.

By the way if you haven't already figured it out, I am a Romney supporter and it was a great night for him too! 

Nazareth Village

Capenaum and the River Jordan

Our Newest Grandchild - #21

I don't normally post twice in one day but a new grandaughter has to usurp Mitt Romney today.  She was born to Heather and Randy in Salt Lake City at 3:04 pm today.  Vitals - 9 lbs 5 oz 20 inches.  She doesn't have a name yet so will have to share later.


Isn't technology wonderful!  Here we are in Chandler AZ and we already have a picture of our newest granddaughter to show the world!

Mitt Romney for President

Sea of Galilee

Zippori

Megiddo

Bet Shean

Dead Sea Scrolls

Masada

A Change of Pace - Mitt Romney Rally

Monday afternoon/evening a Rally with Mitt was held in Mesa.  As a Romney for President supporter, I decided this was an opportunity to see Mitt Romney in person.  I arrived a half hour early to discover all the parking lots were full.  I parked two blocks away.  There was pre-event music that really didn't do anything for me but the couple next to me (same age) said it was their kind of music.  I guess I missed out on that phase of music (thank goodness).  We were told Mitt was tied up in traffic and that was why he was a half hour late.  He arrived to a standing ovation and an enthusiastic crowd.  After his presentation he went down into the crowd, but by that time I was not interested in the crowds anymore and left.  He still has my support and his signs will be in our yard again in hopes of him becoming our President.

Golgotha and the Garden Tomb

The Upper Room and the Palace of Caiaphas

Orson Hyde Memorial Garden

Continuing January 30 - St Anne's and Pool of Bethesda

We are Home (and replaced the computer that died January 29)