Dear Reader:

Most of Effie Wilder’s avid reading fans are most familiar with her popular books based (loosely) on daily life at the Presbyterian Village in Summerville for years…books like Out to Pasture, Over What Hill? and Older but Wilder.

But I also adore Effie’s Wilder’s volumes on Taradiddles and Terse Verse. It is in these writings that her quick wit is so evident and just so fun to share.

Monday…after Brooke left following my eye surgery…I rested for awhile and then gathered all my tax information and bravely headed out to get my “taxes done.” My regular tax preparer, Lynette, retired during the year so I had been assigned to someone new…and that always makes me a little nervous.

As it turned out…it was my preparer who was a little nervous…she was just starting out in this field…but she had been taught by the best coach…her Aunt Lynette! Since my tax information is about as simple as one can have…pretty direct…the young girl visibly relaxed and we had the best time together. She was very knowledgeable and was even sharing all the differences that will appear next year under the new tax guidelines…making it simple enough so even I could understand it.

Effie Wilder’s ‘take’ on taxes is full of wit and humor…and even though it was written back in the 80’s some attitudes never change…like Ben Franklin’s famous comment on taxes….

“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

“Many Happy Returns”

I’m busy gathering figures and facts

For the (cuss deleted) income tax

It’s a sickening chore. It’s a pain in the neck.

And the worst part’s coming: writing the check.

The beautiful springtime goes to waste

While you hunt receipts and things misplaced,

And study the tortuous instructions

To dry to dig out a few deductions.

I don’t mind paying my proper share

But so much about it isn’t fair,

And my money’s wasted. It’s all a mess. 

A pox on Uncle and his I.R.S.!

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Truth be told…I am getting back some “Happy Returns” or at least much anticipated “Happy Refunds.” (Ya’s the Boo will actually have some shopping spree money this year on our Late Winter/Early Spring Pawleys Retreat.)

All the way home from my appointment I was “intaxicated” until I remembered the definition of “intaxication”- the great feeling you have until you realize it is simply your own money (you paid in the first place) that you are getting back. (Still money is money)

I saw a cartoon the other day where a slumped over client is looking at the sign behind the tax preparer’s desk. It reads THE IRS….the client glumly reads: It’s all THEIRS!

Kidding aside…I think we are all happy when tax season is over…and for better or worse we can quit worrying about it for another year.

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***But you know what Kristen has learned…that I learned also…that to be alive and able to show up each year to pay taxes and/or receive refunds…is so far superior in the heirarchy of life… over worrying about some random taxes…our priorities change when our lives are challenged.

And today is a challenging benchmark day for Kristen...she has known it has been coming since she and her oncologist discussed the path Kristen would follow with her treatments….today is surgery day…. mastectomy day.

I am sure Kristen and her family have mixed emotions…but the overwhelming one is…to complete this part of the treatments and start the stage back to full recovery as quickly as possible.

Adorable Kristen… that is all of our prayers for you today! *The surgery is at 11:00 this morning…if you, blog readers,  can pause a moment and say a special prayer right then and there I know Kristen’s family would appreciate it.

We are “ALL IN” for YOU! 

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Yesterday I had lunch at Gingi’s house with Sue Anne and Mev…I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. Delicious cuisine and hilarious company. Everyone was a sweetheart friend to each other with Valentines coming. *(As you can see my “special” glasses are  on…still a little eye/light sensitive!)

Next Thursday (February 15)  The Little Cottage (Community Cafe) at 106 Doty Avenue in Summerville is having a drop-in reception from 5-8. Our own Anne Peterson ( along with two artist friends- Susan Baughman and Donna Boerema) will be the featured artists for this event aptly named A Heart for Art. It is open to the public and should be a fun, festive event! Do come out for it!

*Ten Percent of all proceeds will be donated to Dorchester Paws.

My “Happy Beauty” Pick yesterday was this scene on South Main Street while caught in stopped traffic…I looked over at the one of the homes along Main Street…the white picket fence with the magnolia leaves tumbling down…all my sighs of traffic frustration (from the stalled traffic) disappeared and I thanked God for that moment to enjoy this scene.

So until tomorrow…a day with friends, laughter, and natural beauty…doesn’t get much better than this.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

*I loved hearing your own memorable “blankie” memories in whatever form they took…I  want to share some of these with you tomorrow…so if you haven’t shared and would like to…please do.