First.....AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

"But I know many stay-at-home wives who handle the family's finances, including taxes."

I know many WOH wives with and without children who handle the family's finances, including taxes.

Motherhood did not take away my ability to care about who does our taxes.

My husband does our taxes. He loves it. He looks forward every year to the day he can get the new version of the software and start inputting information. It's like a big puzzle to him. I think he's nuts. (Good thing we're balanced.)

My husband does the taxes. I'm more than happy to outsource that - fighting over that task is like fighting over who gets to do the litter box.

My husband does the taxes because I'm the more effective procrastinator -- and he's the computer guy. If it were me, we'd be sitting down together, with all the (paper) forms strewn all over the table a week or so before they were due. Him, though, wow -- he's out in December buying the updated TurboTax to make sure we don't owe any estimated taxes; then he usually has the whole thing done by early March. Surprised the bejeebers out of me the first year we were married -- I was just starting to think, gee, maybe we should start doing something about taxes, when he came in one evening and said "come look over the taxes so we can file." Sweet!! So I figured, why mess with a good thing?

Husband does taxes. He has a PhD in math, and like an earlier writer, considers it a challenge! I say, God bless him, I am so glad he does them.

I don't feel like I give up control--I'm involved in every other aspect of our financial lives--and it is I who balance the checkbook, pay the bills, etc.all year long. This is truly balance for us, because once yearly he does the taxes.

Either of us could do the taxes, or any other chore, except giving birth. I came out ahead on that score.

This opens up a wider area of communication and responsibility. We review our tax forms together, since we are both liable.

We never make any major financial decisoins without discussing them first.

Do you know what you are signing, or where the money goes to in your home?

Yo, Fred!

Please direct me to the knuckle dragging cave! Can I bring my gun?

I'm wondering if anyone else has had trouble logging onto the Washington Post website this morning (also, onto Yahoo), because I was unable to log onto either one of them for over an hour till a few minutes ago -- our Internet provider has a printed message on its site stating "CRITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT: "Storm Trojan" Email Virus Prompts Emergency Measures - Messages Containing ZIP File Attachments to be Temporarily Blocked Effective Immediately. Visit [our technology help website] for details," and then when I phoned their help desk, the kind person on the other end of the line (nearing the end of his overnight shift)told DH and me that the problem has been nationwide, not just with them, that they had received 5 million emails overnight and had been checking them one-by-one and, for example, of the 2,500 he personally checked only 18 proved to be legitimate (uninfected) emails, and that the reason I couldn't even check my spam filter this morning was because Postini was affected nationally as well -- although obviously now the Washington Post website is available again, and so was my Postini, but you've got to admit that it's certainly odd that there have been so uncharacteristically few posts yet this morning on this blog board, which makes me think that a lot of other chatters were having the same problem earlier today.

Leslie,

I thought that you promised last Friday that Friday would be fun days with no social or fiscal responsibility involved?

So it is off to the IRS cave for you, my dearie! You may come out on April 18. The IRS cave is painted gov't gray.

Would you believe that Frieda, the luddite, does the taxes? No?

I have always done the taxes-with one big exception-for the whole family up until now. This year for the first time, the two daughters have done their own. I took my 2005 taxes (due for me on April 17, 2007) to a CPA since the casualty loss was quite complicated--something about a hurricane and special rules the IRS and the Congress passed for Katrina victims. Otherwise, I use tax software. I did take a bit of accounting in college which helps me understand that no one really understands taxes.

My mother always did our family's taxes because she had formal training as a bookkeeper so was highly qualified for the task, whereas DH does ours (although he likes for me to proofread his work before I sign) -- while on the other hand, a male colleague's wife (who has an MBA) does their tax returns, so I'm guessing that at least in these three cases the decision is more a matter of skill or (like Laura's hubby) temperament than gender roles -- all merely anecdotal accounts I realize, but I'm guessing that others find them typical.

My husband will sign the 1040 whenever I finally get it done. He won't bother to look at it. I do retirement and college, too. Our life isn't that complicated.

On the plus side, I haven't seen a bill in years. (His job.)

Please note:
A strict division of labor works for us. It would not work for a couple for whom living within their means was a greater challenge or whose preferences differed. Relative to our income, our tastes are very, very plain.

Officer Krupke

Of course you are permitted to bring your sidearm. Please make sure that it is properly cleared and safed. You may not bring your 'thrown down' or throw away' or whatever your terminology is.

Would you do me a favor and escort Leslie to the IRS cave? It is next door.

In general, I'm the finance person. But in the case of taxes, whoever gets obsessed about it first will do the federal (usually sometime in February or March), and the other will check it. Then the second person will do the state taxes and the first person will check it.

My wife does the taxes, always has. She also does about 98% of the spending, so she gets to do the bills. In fact, I don't even know the password to our online checking or bill-payer account. She gives me an allowance of $20 at the beginning of the week, then asks for it back by the end of the week. If I have less than $5, she demands to know what I spent it on.

Something interesting. My wife has known my SSN from memory since well before we got married, but to this day, I have no clue as to what hers SSN is. Is this typical? I wunder how many persons know their spouse's SSN from memory.

What? Did we leave all the man-bashing behind us in yesterday? You know, how those males currently breathing are collectively responsible for the countless inequities of centuries past?

Kudos to Leslie for being PC and saying "(or Woman)" in an acknowledgement that women employed by the IRS can now take away hard-earned money and ensure it goes into landfills courtesy of FEMA (just as easily as men, but with more style, no doubt). ;-P

Fred, taxes are not a serious topic. Well, at least Congress doesn't think so...
You know, Transparent Aluminum is real. Thinner than paper, stronger than steel, it can bounce a .50 cal bullet without taking damage. I bet it would be better than the current stuff in the face of roadside bombs. I would wonder why troops are not getting it for armor but I know it's because politicians are too busy lining their pockets. Nope, not serious at all...

Ok, back on topic: I think next year TurboTax, or whatever equiv will work simply because I will have been in the same job and not moved between states. The wife is the keeper of receipts, and is supposed to stick them in a folder by month, but invariably they wind up in a plastic-bag and we spend a day going through them all only to find out we should get the standard deduction instead. I am supposed to fill out the forms by putting stuff from column a in line 15 and dividing by zero (Chuck Norris helps me with this) to come up with some magical number. I did my taxes early this year because I desperately wanted the refund/ and to get it over with. So, to answer Leslie's other question: This weekend I am having friends over so we can grill brawtwursts after I soak them in beer, drink beer (not the stuff the brats soaked in, that's just wrong) discuss the finer points of comic books, and maybe watch an action movie that makes no sense, but will at least be filled with: a. explosions b. sword fights c. guns d. all of the above. ;-P

Father of 4:
I know my husband's SSN from memory. I'm sure he doesn't know mine. My mother was also the finance person and she always knew my father's, mine, and both my brothers from memory.

Totally pathetic here! I'm 40 and have never done my own taxes. My mom did my taxes until I got married and my husband does them now. I pay all the bills and am good about the day-to-day stuff, but never did have any interest in the idea of sitting down with piles and piles of papers to maximize my return. btw - nothing to do with aptitude, I am a scientist, have loads of math background and love numbers.

Hey Chris, sounds fun, may I come over?

I used to do the taxes, then my wife found a computer program that does it and now she does them. This is the first year in a while we've gotten a return from the Fed; yay!

Leslie,
Could you think of a more BORING topic for today????? BORING, BORING, BORING, BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have "a guy." He's done our taxes since we got married, and I'm perfectly content with that. When it was just me, I could do the EZ form, but now I'd much rather hand a stack of papers to a nice older gentleman who reminds me of Jimmy Buffett and just smile when the refund hits our bank accounts.

Father of 4

I know what you mean. I did 75% of the spending, but my husband did 100% of the adultery!!

Now I do 100% of the spending!

Anita, I *heart* you. =)

(Sorry that your husband's a louse!)

My wife pays the bills so she keeps the tax records. We use an accountant that e-files for us. Less than $100 for fed/state taxes and that includes the e-file.

The accountant is bonded & insured plus will pay any penalties that may be charged if a mistake is made. No mistakes (yet) so I can't actually confirm that last part.

Not having to do the taxes ourselves makes this time of year a lot easier to deal with.

Before I married, I always did my own taxes. Then I married a (financially) complicated fellow. Now the CPA produces a maximum opus (about a quarter of an inch thick) every spring. It was mailed 2 days ago.

DH and I long ago memorized one another's SSNs, which occasionally makes it convenient for filling out forms when the other person isn't around. After all, it's only 9 digits, which is one fewer than a phone number + area code.

We have an accountant do our taxes as well. We don't have kids yet, but even without them life is too short to spend nights and weekends calculating how to line the government's pocket. It's also too depressing to think about what a high percentage of our taxes goes to support causes we disagree with entirely.

Mr Bee and I do our taxes separately because we don't share all of our finances--we pay our household expenses out of a joint account, to which each of us contributes 50/50, but we each have our own accounts also, and separate savings. This is a necessity for us because we don't agree on our discretionary spending (he loves expensive stereos, I'm happy to listen but would never spend so much on them; I collect books, which he reads once in a while but wouldn't ever buy). And I just hate the idea of having to get "permission" from each other to spend our own money on the things we need or just want.

Also it's very important to me to be self-sufficient. I need to know that if anything happened to him I would be able to continue on my income alone. Since I make less than he does, I am the one who watches the finances more vigilantly--I pay most of the bills and make more of the decisions. (Mr Bee is not detail oriented and when he pays bills, he sometimes pays them from the wrong account or makes other mistakes, which causes me intense irritation.)

Something to think about for SAH spouses: You need to have at least one or two bills in your name, otherwise you won't have your own credit rating. My mother was denied a loan recently because she had no credit rating, despite 30 years of managing the family finances as SAHM (and she did have her own income for part of that time, it was just that the family bills were in my dad's name).

It's one thing to have daycare during the day while you work, and maybe on a Saturday night so you and your spouse can go out...but do you also need to have places to put your child/ren when you're at a casino, or on vacation?

I saw this interesting article that was posted on cnn.money.com: "Drop-in daycare: business as usual? A growing number of businesses are enticing patrons by offering child-care services."

http://money.cnn.com/2004/03/18/pf/daycare_everywhere/

There are now daycare centers at ski lodges, hotels, casinos, etc. What message are we sending our children when we put them in the care of other people... even when we're away on vacation?

Have you ever used one of these services? Would you? Would it make a difference if you were a stay at home mom/dad...and your kids weren't on daycare on a regular basis. Would you then figure you could use a little time-off from the kids on your vacation?

To me, it's taking daycare to a new...and perhpas "unhealthy" extreme.

I was emancipated early because I transferred to a University out of state (my whole family has this innate fear of living near/in a city or ever leaving the hometown, like, EVER, so naturally they didn't support my choice), but you wouldn't believe the trouble I still went through. FAFSA made me get my parents' financial information even though I was emancipated, and even now at 28, many law schools that accepted me are factoring parental contributions in their financial aid awards. It's driving me bonkers. It's as if emancipation doesn't even mean anything.

On to the topic at hand...I do my own taxes, because, of course, I'm single. It's very simple because I have had the same job for years, and have no assets. Next year will be different, because of school, and more complicated, so I'll probably hire an accountant. If/when I'm married, we'll probably have a professional do them. BF is an engineer, and brilliant in math, but I doubt he'll want to do them, and I know I won't.

I have a question, though: are there tax breaks for married couples without children, AKA DINKs? BF and I were arguing about this; I thought there were, he didn't. Help?

Chris,

Did you say Brats and Beer? You are IMMEDIATELY reassigned to the grilling cave. (next to mine by some strange coincidence)

This German boy has not had a decent Brat since he was in Wisc. last. Cooking and Drinking will commence immediately--I am off today! Officer Krupke may accompany us to provide security against those heathens who do not understand that a bratwurst is the highest example of culinary excellence!

To Balance--on Vacation: Does it count if the parents and child go visit a set of grandparents, then let Grandma and Grandpa watch the kid while they (they parents) go away for a day or two alone? Or is it family values in that case?

"There are now daycare centers at ski lodges, hotels, casinos, etc."

Well, difficult ski slopes and casinos are not really great places to take children, and I assume some alone time is good for parents on vacation. Why would this be a bad idea, so long as it's for a short time and parents don't just dump their children for the entire duration of the vacation?

oh please....

I've always done the taxes, except for those years where we had to file American and Australian taxes. It is soooo easy with Turbotax. I filed back in early February. Refunds came back electronically within a couple of weeks. It took...what?....a whole couple of hours and that was only because I insist on printing it out, understanding all the numbers and such.

what am I doing this weekend? depending on the weather, I hope to be gardening and loving it. Though I also hope to be grilling a nice steak and enjoying a shiraz.

"To Balance--on Vacation: Does it count if the parents and child go visit a set of grandparents, then let Grandma and Grandpa watch the kid while they (they parents) go away for a day or two alone? Or is it family values in that case?

Posted by: catlady | April 13, 2007 09:28 AM"

Personally, I think it's family values in that case because the children are spending time with Grandma and Grandpa... not getting "dumped in daycare" at some resort location so mom and dad can go out, or ski, or gamble, or whatever. Would you agree?

Father of 4: any military spouse or dependent learns to memorize their sponsor's (aka the family member in the service) SSN by heart. It's how you are linked in all of the computer systems for health care, identification cards, etc. I could tell you my dad's to this day but every time I put my mom down as beneficiary for something I have to look it up.

"I have a question, though: are there tax breaks for married couples without children, AKA DINKs? BF and I were arguing about this; I thought there were, he didn't. Help?"

Actually, it's marginally worse for married couples without children [though the 2003 tax changes made it better for those not above the 15% tax bracket]. Married couples pay more than two individuals with the same joint income [regardless of whether the married couple files jointly or separately].

Do a search on 'marriage penalty' and you will find all of the info you could ever want on it...

"There are now daycare centers at ski lodges, hotels, casinos, etc."

Well, difficult ski slopes and casinos are not really great places to take children, and I assume some alone time is good for parents on vacation. Why would this be a bad idea, so long as it's for a short time and parents don't just dump their children for the entire duration of the vacation?

Posted by: lawgirl | April 13, 2007 09:29 AM

Wouldn't it be better to choose a vacation destination where the entire family can participate?

Fo4 - Yes on the SSN and password to banking accounts - husband has no idea. He is basically clueless. I sat him down a couple years ago and tried to explain it all and he said he didn't care. I could clear out the accounts and run off to a cave with Fabio and he'd be none the wiser.

For the record, I use Turbotax. Our taxes are not that complicated and I actually enjoy it. Refund received in Feb and it is gone with the wind.

"dumped in daycare"??? What are you talking about? When my kids were little, they loved the kid care places. That is where they wanted to be. It was a vacation for them! There was no dumping at all. Jeez, talk about giving yourself a made up problem.

Personally, I would have been very upset if my parents took me on vacation when I was a kid and stuck me in daycare. I have fond memories of doing things as a FAMILY while on vacation.

Daycare on vacation:

Dinners at fancy restaurant are another appropriate time for daycare. Children are picky eaters and won't appreciate the foie gras.

Bethesda - Are you my twin? I could have written that! Except our opus went out 3 days ago.

worker bee, I'm feeling ya. When I got married, I owned a condo, had paid off my student loans and car, had an IRA, and had been religiously saving since the day I started my job; my husband, who had been out of school the same amount of time and made a comparable salary, had $3K in credit card debt and every toy known to man (tho he had at least signed up for the 401(k)). I remember getting unreasonably mad at him early on for spending $90 on a pair of sunglasses. It had nothing to do with whether we could afford the $90; I just thought it was a waste of money, since you could get a perfectly good pair off the rack at Walgreens for $10.

We did merge our money, but we each also kept separate accounts with what we brought into the marriage -- and then we budgeted for each of us to get an "allowance" deposited into those individual accounts every month. I had to do that for my own sanity -- now, he can be as stupid as he wants with his money, but I know I have to shut up about it, because it's HIS money! A built-in anti-nag device. :-)

Alas, I believe he has had at least as much influence on me as I've had on him -- my last pair of sunglasses cost more than his!

Hey Fred!

Thanks for reassigning Chris to another cave.

Frankly, I couldn't take much more of his prancing poetry.

"It was a vacation for them."

NOW... are you a stay at home mom/dad? Or, do you work? If you stay at home, I can see how it might be a "vacation" for the kids. But if your kids are in daycare during the work week, and they still thought daycare on vacation was more fun than spending time with you...I'm thinking that's not so good!

To Balance--on Vacation: Well, there WAS the time when I was about 5 that my indulgent Grandma let me drink a whole quart of grape soda (because I wanted to), and I wound up barfing purple all night.

Balance-the fact you called it 'stuck' shows you don't like them. So don't use the vacation daycares. But don't bring in the word 'values' because liking/disliking something doesn't equate to values.

except maybe chocolate. I love chocolate and so does everyone in my family. It is our family value...he he he

To Balance on Vacation -- We used the daycare center at a ski resort in Utah in February for my 2-year old. I was a bit hesitant to do so (she's never been in a daycare situation), but she seemed to love it and has asked to go back many times since we got home. We also put my 4-year old in ski school for two days and although he cried the first day when we dropped him off, he also cried when we picked him up the first day because he didn't want the day to end and couldn't wait to go the second day. And mom and dad had a great time skiing for the first time in 5 years!!

Daycare on vacation:

Dinners at fancy restaurant are another appropriate time for daycare. Children are picky eaters and won't appreciate the foie gras.

Posted by: | April 13, 2007 09:34 AM

OR...do you pick a family restaurant since you are on vacation as a family. Is foie gras more important than family conversation?

To TO dotted.
When the kids were little, I was working. So did my husband. We both luckily had jobs then. We've done all combinations of working/nonworking/working but traveling/working in other countries/staying at home/moving/ etc. etc. The oldest is now 26. The youngest is 12.
And just because they loved all the activities in vacation day care doesn't mean they didn't like to also be with us. Jeesh...talk about setting yourself up for disappointment. Life is not either/or. I don't feel, and never have felt, rejected if my kids want to do activities *without* me around.

My child's daycare...which is an after care at school...is now offering parents nights out. So, the children can stay in school from the time they arrive there in the morning until 8-9 at night. Just like daycares on vacation, I think that's taking daycare to a very unhealthy level.

Hmmm-you are being rather judgemental. How many kids do you have and what experience do you bring to the discussion to back up your comments?

hmmm when I put the letters S, T, F, and U all together, it won't let me post for some reason. I was going to give those particular letters to Boring, in defense of Leslie, who could have made the topic about daycare again, but regardless the topic will somehow devolve into being about male-bashing, virtuous strippers, and a limeric about something. ;-P

Generally, I hand all my documentation over to my accountant, he finished my taxes, calls me when they are ready and I'm done - No worries. This year however, his admin managed to lose my completed tax return so we're scrambling to figure out what to do. According to the accountant, if you're getting a refund, the IRS doesn't care if you mail your taxes by April 17. Does anyone know if this is true?

To Hmmm, There are other issues re foie gras, but leaving those aside, I don't see anything inherently wrong with parents having a special fancy meal minus the children occasionally -- and the operative word here is "occasionally." Besides, as other posters have already pointed out, sometimes the kids have fun with the other kids being cared for at the resort or wherever -- no matter how much they love their parents (and vice versa) they don't necessarily think it's fun to be with the folks 24/7, either.

You think taxes is an interesting topic?????

Michele, you have to file an extension if your taxes are not postmarked by 4/17 regardless of whether you are getting a refund or not. Your current tax return could say you are getting a refund, but what if there is something wrong-say some 1099 is missing-with the net result being you owe money? I'm not a tax lawyer but the extension is easy to file and should not require your accountant.

I'm definitely the math geek in the family, so I do the taxes. Thank heavens for TurboTax! And although I'm not sure whether it is a math geek thing or a woman thing -- not only do I know Northern Guy's SS# by heart, I still remember the SS# of the ex-husband I divorced eight years ago.

Did someone say bratwurst? I'll bring the onions and pickle relish!

Balance - on vacation

"What message are we sending our children when we put them in the care of other people... even when we're away on vacation? "

Duh, you obviously don't do it, so what do you care?

When I put my children in the care of other people when I am on vacation, I'm sending them the same message I send when I don't clean bathrooms, do laundry, or scrub floors when I am on vacation.

The phrase "stuck in daycare" is really outdated. The daycare at most resorts and vacation spots is pretty much exciting entertainment for the kids.

I doubt that my kids would choose sitting next to me for 3 hours at a stretch while I am reading a book over a fun time with other kids.

And my husband and I aren't chained together during our vacations, either. Sheesh!

"Frankly, I couldn't take much more of his prancing poetry." translation: "stop that rhyming now, I mean it!"

"Anybody want a peanut?"

--- Anyway, thanks, but no thanks. I have my own cave... it's hours from here, in the mountains, and comes complete with a 520 bottle wine rack, some assembly and stocking required. ;-P Ah, the joys of being a former officer...

Liz-you go girl!

Laura, I just caved on the sunglasses issue too! I've been making fun of Mr Bee for years because he keeps losing his costly ones. Then it occurred to me that since I am not absentminded like my husband, perhaps I could splurge on nice glasses and NOT lose them... ah, it's so good, I am never going back to the cheap drugstore ones!

Wow, lots of stuff already:

Taxes: I always do them, and get them done in January. Yes, it's easier with Quicken and TurboTax. One weekend in January and we're through. If a refund is coming, it gets mailed the next day; if we owe, it gets put in the "outgoing" box with a sticky saying "Mail on April 15". This year, the refund is already received and spent.

SSNs: I'm one of those "retentive" people who remember things like that. As an Army Brat, all records were under Dad's service number which is also, by coincidence, his SSN. Dad's been dead for over 20 years, and I still know his SSN. I also know my wife's, each of my 4 children's, and I'm pretty sure about my mother's, sister's and brother's, too. Don't know his daughters' SSNs, though. :-)

Speaking of "Brat" - Chris, Fred, you guys are mean. Now all I can think of is wurst mit semmel und gluhwein; last time I had them was at the Christkindlmarkt a couple of years ago. Darn it, I knew we should have used the refund on a trip to Munich rather than all those new window treatments! Okay, no gluhwein at this time of year, but the Augustinerbrau will do quite nicely, thank you. (Hofbrau and Lowenbrau are for tourists; those of us who spent a good part of our formative years in Munchen know which is the good stuff.)

Are your kids regularly in daycare? I think that makes a HUGE difference. If your kids aren't usually in daycare, they might think it's fun and interesting to be at a daycare on vacation and meet other kids. But if you're not home with them regularly, I think vacations should be an opportunity for FAMILY TIME...

The phrase "stuck in daycare" is outdated? What makes it outdated?

Northern Girl - that would definitely qualify as a "math geek" thing, it's not gender specific.

And pickle relish on a brat? No, no, no, you have wounded mine heart - get thee to Bavaria posthaste and learn how to do it right!

Anyone may file a Form 4868 to have an extention on the filing of the tax form. If you owe money, you have send it in with the 4868. If you have a refund, just file the 4868.

http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=98155,00.html

DH is/was self-employed and he's Mr. Stock-guy. We gather, he prints off, then it all goes to the accountant.

A woman should always know what's going on with taxes. If hubby should decide to leave and want to take the money you need to know what's there and what's yours!

"I was going to give those particular letters to Boring, in defense of Leslie, who could have made the topic about daycare again, but regardless the topic will somehow devolve into being about male-bashing, virtuous strippers, and a limeric about something."

My virtuous SAH wife
has been a stripper most all of her life
With her feminine wiles
Our tax forms she files
With no hint of marital strife

I knew Fred would know the exact form number to file. Fred is the man.

Army Brat-what does one put on a brat? I would put brown mustard, but what do I know about brats? The only sausage I didn't like in Germany were those white ones...Junior went to Austria last year and loved them. Goes to show taste buds may not be inheritable.

"But if you're not home with them regularly, I think vacations should be an opportunity for FAMILY TIME..."

I don't give a flying f**k what you think!
Why should I?

I do the taxes....in that I get the paperwork neatly organized and bring it to our accountant in February or March.

There's also the issue that I have my own business (a single-owner LLC), so I keep separate accounts for that. Neither of us want to do the extra forms that go along with that.

Too, I grew up with my father as a corporation (he's a doctor with partners), so to me using an accountant is normal. Other than reviewing the forms or their paperwork, I don't remember my parents ever sitting down and DOING their taxes. They may have broken down things into their proper categories for the accountants, but the accountants prepared the actual paperwork.

It may cost a little bit more, but once I moved past the 1040EZ phase, I like that I don't worry about my taxes (that current crop of TurboTax commercials make me giggle). And I have very neat folders with taxes for the past several years tucked away, so everything is at hand if I need to refer to it for some reason (a big help when I set up my business and when we applied for our mortgage).

Oh - and if you itemize? Last year's preparation costs are deductible ;)

"I don't give a flying f**k what you think!"

The Washington Post Guidelines state that "User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site."

Liz, you definitely crossed the line of what is acceptable to post on this blog.

The phrase "stuck in daycare" is outdated? What makes it outdated?

Posted by: ???? | April 13, 2007 09:54 AM

How about the phrase "stuck with their parents"?

Mustard, onions (grilled) and sauerkraut (sp) are the only accceptable garnishments for a Brat!

Northern Girl, you were obviously misled somewhere along the way. Brats are an art that should not have pickle relish dumped on them as if they were some common hot dog. Please pay attention so that in the future you will know how to properly prepare this exquisite mouth-watering delicacy and prepare it with the proper respect:
(I will leave out the obvious things like purchasing them and take them out of the package, as brats are too sacred for this sort of sarcasm)

1. slowly bring to a boil in a dark beer- this allows brats to absorb yumminess.
2. grill until blackend grill marks appear and brat splits a bit... or just char the heck out of it.
3. slather mustard of choice, usually beer-n-brat mustard, or some deli-style, on a thick brat-bun.
4. stick brat in thick brat-bun
5. dash celery salt over brat. Trust me.
6. top with diced purple onions, regular whites will work too...
7. enjoy

"I don't give a flying f**k what you think!"

When forks fly.

I wunder how many persons know their spouse's SSN from memory.

I do. I know he doesn't know mine from memory, as he occasionally has to ask it of me when he has medical issues.

To TO Liz: Liz didn't use any profanity. Nor did she attack anybody. What letters did you put into **?

Army Brat and Chris,
My question is what kind of bun?

"OR...do you pick a family restaurant since you are on vacation as a family. Is foie gras more important than family conversation?"

Well, one of my favorite restaurants in the world is in Taos. When we lived in NM and could go up to ski for a weekend, I'd happily find a babysitter so we could enjoy a special grownup treat. Plus the girl went to bed @ 7, so it's not like we missed a lot of valuable family "together" time.

I'm really excited that she's now old enough to learn to ski herself. Next year we hope to take a week ski vacation out there. And yes, she will be in ski school -- Taos has one of the finest children's ski schools around, and I'm a pretty crappy skier myself, so I want her to learn right from the get-go. And yes, baby brother will be in the kid care, since he'll still be 1-2 years away. But we'll still have a lot more "family" time than we do at home, since I usually poop out not too long after lunch. So basically, morning skiing and lessons and daycare; afternoons family.

To me, it's not a question about "dumping" them in daycare so we can go gallivant. We have a great family vacation planned, to a wonderful part of the world, doing something that my husband and I really enjoy and that we're excited to introduce my daughter to. I guess some people would say that we should just not do that for another two years until everyone can ski. But to flip that -- does everything always have to be targeted to the littlest kid? My daughter really, really wants to go ski, and we want to give her that opportunity. And we do plenty of completely "together" family trips, like beach weekends. I just don't think a half-day apart is such a horrible thing to subject my kids to as part of an otherwise great family vacation.

boil in dark beer? How long? Until plump?..and then grill? I'm getting hungry.

klb- your wasabi nuts might go nicely as an appetiser, in my way of thinking.

"OR...do you pick a family restaurant since you are on vacation as a family. Is foie gras more important than family conversation?"

How much sex are you getting in the family bed?

What IS it with people who include their children in their every waking moment? Do you decline all invitations to parties that state, "Adults only" too?

Wasabi nuts go with everything.

Glad to see others outraged over the pickles... there is hope for everyone here, yet. I am reminded of the commercial where the guy dives to stop the girl from drinking the "light" beer.
Nooooooooo, dooooon't uuuuuse piiiiicklessssss!

Laura,
To me that's a really nice way to use an on vacation daycare. I hope you have fun on your trip!

There is a Brat and a Beer with my name on it waiting in Munich. When are we going Army Brat?

If you are getting a big refund every year, Mr. Buffet isn't doing a great job. This is especially true if your financial life is fairly simple.

You should have him redo your withholding so that less comes out every week, and therefore less is owed back to you at the end of the year.

Your refund isn't a random bit of largesse from the feds. It is the return of an interest-free loan you gave them all year. Perhaps you would prefer to lend less.

Okay, drooling over the brats recipe. Yum. They're served with spaetzle and dark beer in my house and the grainiest mustard I can track down.

About vacation: Sometimes, the kids have more fun without the parents when they're on vacation. I don't mean 24/7, but my son absolutely learned more from his ski instructor than he would have from his parents. There are many situations where parents are NOT the best teachers. I can think of several for my own children: soccer, swimming, skiing, ballet, theatre. With the exception of swimming and skiing (and maybe theatre because I've got a flair for drama according to my husband), I could not possibly be considered a qualified teacher. But even so, I am happy to hand over the task to someone else. My kids whine less when it's not mommy and daddy doing the instruction. It is this way with most children I've known.

Zeigler's white hots get MY vote.

Are Johnsonville acceptable?

Laura -- I hear absolutely great things from many people about family ski vacations at Snowmass. That's our next destination.

"Mustard, onions (grilled) and sauerkraut (sp) are the only accceptable garnishments for a Brat!"

I beg to differ -- saute the onions in a black skillet with thick-sliced bacon before adding to the Brat...

You're a bunch of nutburgers. Even a BOOORRRING topic like taxes brings out the flaming. Jeez, people, get a life. FWIW, I take my tax papers to Jackson Hewitt. They're done in 20 minutes and I get my refund in 2 days (Maryland) and 7 days (Federal). Not a big deal.

slowly bring to boil, that's all- don't let them sit boiling... Take them off and grill them.

As far as the bun, a thick brat bun. think short hoagie roll or something like it. I like to carve the top out in a trianlge like subway so the brat is snug as a brat in a bun.

Dang it, now my stomach is growling and mouth watering... and I have to wait for tomorrow!

to 10:09,

I have not had them that way! I will try it!

About the only thing we get down this way is (sometimes) Hebrew National Knockwurst. Not bad at all.

But then again, New Orleans is noted more for its shrimp.

"Laura -- I hear absolutely great things from many people about family ski vacations at Snowmass. That's our next destination."

Also highly recommend Solitude in Utah for kid's ski school -- fantastic instructors, small classes, great beginning slopes. We had our 6/9/11 year-olds there for 4 full days of ski school this winter and they had a blast.

*laughing at the Brat talk*

I live in Wisconsin now, but grew up and spent most of my 30+ years on the East Coast (NYC and DC).

I've been here almost 3 years...and I've had exactly two brats.

They're tasty, but oh my god, they do put my digestive system in an uproar. Just a lot of fat in those things and my pre-Wisconsin eating habits of sashimi, pho, grilled fishes and tapas just didn't prepare my system for that ;)

When we serve them at home, I always have a package of Hebrew Nationals for myself...and they usually go because one or two other people have the same physiological reaction to those monsters. (Though they usually tart them up like Chicago dogs, not NYC dogs, and that's a whole 'nother thread ;) )

But yes, we learned brat-cooking at the hand of one of our neighbors, a several-generation Wisconsinite. You simmer the brats in beer and onions and then basically flash-grill them. This lets them keep all the lovely fats and juicyness inside while making them crispy on the outside.

"motherhood took away my ability to give a hoot about who did my taxes"?

Huh?? What does this mean?

For the uninitiated - The Bratwurst Pages.

http://www.bratwurstpages.com/brats.html

KLB, ein semmel! See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semmel

(if you're adventurous, go to the German site at http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Br%C3%B6tchen#Regionale_Bezeichnungen
they have a picture of a kaisersemmel)

It's a thick, heavy German roll or Brotchen (sorry, can't do umlauts) - usually potato, although sometimes wheat. There are a couple of places around DC I've been able to find them, so that's a special treat.

What do you put on a wurst mit semmel? Thick, spicy brown mustard; grilled onions; and sauerkraut.

"Wouldn't it be better to choose a vacation destination where the entire family can participate?"

My parents took me skiing all the time. I went to ski school during the morning, which I loved, and skied with them in the afternoon. Those were some of my favorite vacations. It's ridiculous to insinuate parents are being selfing by arranging some time alone during a vacation.

Yes, we also went to places that had casinos, where I was not allowed to go. But spending one evening with other kids doing kid-friendly activities while my parents had some fun on their own hardly means it wasn't a family friendly vacation.

Alone time is good for marriages, and I would never begrudge my parents that time. It is assinine to accuse parents who want some time away from the kids on their vacation of not being family oriented. Frankly, I find it offensive.

Other stuff my kids have done while "stuck in daycare" at resorts -

Put on pretty good abbreviated versions of Broadway shows

Met a lot of interesting foreign kids (that will never happen in my hometown)

Took excursions around town

Copy and paste: Brötchen München
ä Ä ö Ö ü Ü

All set, now?

Family vacations in my family meant going to the cottage, which was actually a string of cottages all owned by family members. I didn't see my parents for days at a time because I and my cousins would be up at dawn watching the deer feeding in the meadow, we'd spend all day at the beach under the supervision of one of the aunts or uncles, and at night we'd play hide and seek in the woods.

Time with parents was all very well but Mum & Dad were too darned instructional to be considered vacation.

Balance on vacation does NOT mean living and breathing munchkin activities 24/7. Balance means finding time for mom and dad, too.

Fred, we're leaving as soon as I can convince the 18 year old that her college fund was really intended to pay for a trip to Munich all along! (For me, not for her!)

"When I put my children in the care of other people when I am on vacation, I'm sending them the same message I send when I don't clean bathrooms, do laundry, or scrub floors when I am on vacation."

Interesting how you equate caring for your children to cleaning bathrooms. Yep, that's a great message to send your children.

go look at OffBeat today for an off-balance discussion. Should kids be allowed to read Rowling's Potter series...? Or will such exposure be a fast track to a life of Satanic degredation and sin for all muggle children with these tomes in the school library?

Army Brat:

"There are a couple of places around DC I've been able to find them, so that's a special treat."

Have you tried Binkert's Meat Products in Baltimore -- if I remember you are near Columbia -- if so, Binkert's is well worth the trip.

"There are now daycare centers at ski lodges, hotels, casinos, etc."

Sorry but this is NOT new. I did this with my parents on vacation in Disney World, Hilton Head, Ski resorts and it was AT LEAST 25 years ago. Where have you been? Guess not on too many resort vacations...

I have not read the Harry Potter series yet, as I am waiting for the last book. My pet peeve is readin a book and waiting a year for the follow-up... Anyway, I was raised reading sci-fi and fantasy, of which magical wizards and dragons played a huge part... these books teach more morals, and how good should always triumph over evil no matter what, than almost anything else in society today- including some church lessons (depending on where you are). The only bad thing I gained from these novels was a very cheesy sense of humor- but I and some few others enjoy it. ;-P

A recent divorcee after 14 years of marriage, this was the first year I so much as looked at a tax form, save the year I graduated from college and used the 1040EZ method. I have to say, it was very empowering--but more so in my case because these were my own taxes on my own wages. I had been a SAHM for 8 of those 14 years, and during that time it was a big deal if I earned $10,000 in a given year. To this year have an income high enough to support a family (but low enough to get significant tax breaks I couldn't have gotten were I still married and in a two-income household) was a very good feeling. Yes, struggling with the balance issues of working full time after years of never having worried about it as a SAHM with a husband who earned enough that I didn't have to work, is tough and presents its own issues, but knowing I am capable of supporting myself and my kids definitely makes all the juggling more palatable.

Interesting how you equate caring for your children to cleaning bathrooms.

Changing diapers isn't too far removed from bathroom cleaning.

Don't forget Halloween.

Chris:
Three cheers for kids reading fantasy! I think the whole buzz around Potter is one of the best things to happen in years--it's really rejuvenated interest in reading among kids, and almost more important, it's convinced publishers to keep publishing good quality & exciting kids' literature.

I think part of the school system's problem is that it does not encourage sci-fi and fantasy reading, but instead pushes dry boring stuff that kids, and most adults even, would rather not read. It creates a dislike for reading, which leads to poor comprehension and writing skills...

I think anything that keeps kids from watching trashy TV is a good thing. And the Harry Potter books are actually pretty good.

to anon at 10:31: Yep, I'm in HoCo. Binkert's Meat Products? Nope, never tried it. Might have to look into it. My favorite used to be Wurzburg Haus on Muncaster Mill in MoCo. Our German au pair in the mid-90s used to swear that it was as authentic as anything she found in the States, but I understand it closed last year.

(My favorite German restaurant in the US remains the Edelweiss in Colorado Springs, just off the northern edge of Fort Carson. Even the steins are authentic!)

"Three cheers for kids reading fantasy! I think the whole buzz around Potter is one of the best things to happen in years--it's really rejuvenated interest in reading among kids, and almost more important, it's convinced publishers to keep publishing good quality & exciting kids' literature."

Interesting note -- last night I attended a middle school function [oldest starts middle school next year] and one of the things that was highlighted was a county-wide middle school reading group originally organized by the kids [and supported now by Barnes and Nobles]. The intersting part is that over 80% of those in the group are male -- completely at odds with most of the research on girls being more into reading at that age. The administrators were extremely happy to see so many boys that age into reading -- and gave credit to the Harry Potter series and many of the other fantasy books that have followed it...

I'm just amazed. Years and years ago, it was not necessarily the thing for parents to be around the kids 24/7. Parents made sure they had care (many times other family members, but not always). Why is it not okay for the same thing these days? Why if parents aren't around their kids all the time they are considered bad? If you ensure that your children are safe, what is the problem? And, anyway, for the most part, they would prefer to be with the other kids.

The words "taxes", "bills", "money", and "finance" appear in 3766 posts by 1033 contributors.

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we did taxes together for 18 yrs ... i was the 'rough draft' guy who knew the rules and she was the 'neat handwriting' gal who did the final copy and had all the stuff we needed neatly organized in the big manilla envelope ... 2 yrs ago we broke down and went to a CPA because i got really afraid of the AMT and not wanting to screw up - we had a couple of oddball, tax-ramification situataions crop up that year ... we both have masters degrees in engineering, so we arent stupid people ... the tax system is just too scarey to screw with any more ...

chasmosaur - Doesn't simmering the brats get the fat out? My mom always poked them with fork, simmered then grilled - they were not too fatty. Disclaimer: I am not a Brat expert but I like to eat them especially when some one else prepares.

My neighbor is a brat expert, being an actual army brat (not THE Army Brat) and being stationed in Germany. He loves cooking/grilling and the rest of the neighbors loves eating (and drinking) so everyone is happy.

Oy, and I with some Jewish blood failed to make the cut. So much for that stereotype too... and gasp... look at all the women on the list!

"Years and years ago, it was not necessarily the thing for parents to be around the kids 24/7. Parents made sure they had care (many times other family members, but not always). Why is it not okay for the same thing these days?"

Because "years and years ago", one of the parents (the female half) was with the kids on an everyday basis, and it was accepted and understood that she would have her own/adult time on vacation.

Today's women seem to feel it's necessary to not only have their own/adult time every weekday from 7-6:00, but also while they're on vacation and every Saturday night to go eat foie gras.

with regards to the "to dlm79" comment... I've been married for 2 tax cycles. The first time, we owed money due to some finagling we had to do to pay off bills and pay for closing cost on our house. The second time, this year, we got money back because of the interest paid on our house.

I see no reason to change the way we're doing things... if less money were taken out during the year (which is about to become moot because I'll be a SAHM starting in July), we'd spend it on nothing - a cappuchino, a movie, something. Bit by bit, and it would just be gone. This way, getting a lump check, we can do things like re-carpet our house and buy nursery furniture without having to put it on plastic.

I don't mind "lending" the gov't money. Having taxes come out of my check doesn't bother me one damn bit. It's the price of being an American citizen. *shrug*

As for all this talk about brats... Now when I see "Army Brat" I'm pronouncing it like the food. LOL

I boil the brats first and then grill. I swear they're less salty that way.

Fred - I'm patching drywall first time today - any tips besides go easy on the joint compound?

"we both have masters degrees in engineering,
so we arent stupid people"

I'm not convinced!

We do our taxes all year long. By the end of jan, we have a spreadsheet set up and a folder and deal with things as they come up. At the end of the year the accountant gets it all and he gets to worry about it.

I got an accountant when I couldn't figure it out one year(I had sold some stock). Way too complicated for me to worry about these days. And we have a small business these days.

We both know what is going on globally-but I (the dw) take care of daytoday bill paying. I know *his* ssn but he has mine written down somewhere cause he forgets.

For a 2006 tax return that shows a refund due, you have until Apr. 15, 2010 to file it (3 years, 3.5 months after the close of the tax year).

"Because "years and years ago", one of the parents (the female half) was with the kids on an everyday basis, and it was accepted and understood that she would have her own/adult time on vacation."

Are you talking about the U.S.A.? If so, what decade??

Doesn't sound like any common trend in my lifetime.

to go eat foie gras.

Posted by: | April 13, 2007 10:55 AM

What's your obsession with foie gras? Would you object as much if they were eating steak, or fish, or spaghetti? I don't personally know anyone who eats foie gras.

anon at 10:55
Both my husband and I remember our stayathome moms one particularly humorous way: as children, if she saw us during the day, that meant we were shortly going to be given chores. Neither of us wanted to be 'caught' by our moms. So we weren't around...and that was true of most all kids in our respective neighborhoods in the 50s and 60s. Our moms didn't want us around 24/7 and we didn't want to be around her 24/7.

Honestly, do you, now that you are an adult, want to be around your parents 24/7? For a short time, sure, but not 24/7.

'Changing diapers isn't too far removed from bathroom cleaning'

Hey! My babies were much cuter than a toilet!!

I don't mind "lending" the gov't money. Having taxes come out of my check doesn't bother me one damn bit. It's the price of being an American citizen.

I DO mind, so I guess that makes me unAmerican, right?

I love the Harry Potter books, so do my kids. I would also like to put a plug in for the Walter R. Brooks authored "Freddy the Pig" series.

Yes, they are being re-published thanks to shameless persistance on the part of adult children, such as myself. Yes, our little group also donate money to libraries in need, along with the books.

Join us on the dark side, we have cookies! And a yearly convention! No--no one hits anybody. Unlike the group of people whom Harlan Ellison has slugged.

Fred - I'm patching drywall first time today - any tips besides go easy on the joint compound?

Posted by: moxiemom | April 13, 2007 10:58 AM

Let it cure all on its own--do NOT hit it up with a hair dryer. (That was a lesson learned the hard way, once.)

"Yep, I'm in HoCo. Binkert's Meat Products? Nope, never tried it."

As another in HoCo resident -- I highly recommend Binkert's for getting your brats and other german foods -- give them a call and get their price list -- we make a big order from them every Oktoberfest.

I just can't seem to shut up!

"Yep, I'm in HoCo. Binkert's Meat Products? Nope, never tried it."

As another in HoCo resident -- I highly recommend Binkert's for getting your brats and other german foods -- give them a call and get their price list -- we make a big order from them every Oktoberfest.

Posted by: | April 13, 2007 11:12 AM

You could also try the butcher shop in Mt. Airy, they get all sorts of things in there. Come the autumn, plenty of people lug their deer in for processing. They make the BEST peppered deer jerky around.

Binkert's is good too.

if less money were taken out during the year (which is about to become moot because I'll be a SAHM starting in July), we'd spend it on nothing - a cappuchino, a movie, something. Bit by bit, and it would just be gone. This way, getting a lump check, we can do things like re-carpet our house and buy nursery furniture without having to put it on plastic.

Why don't you grow up and learn to SAVE, like an adult? You need to spend more time over at Michelle Singletary's columns and chats.

Both my husband and I remember our stayathome moms one particularly humorous way: as children, if she saw us during the day, that meant we were shortly going to be given chores. Neither of us wanted to be 'caught' by our moms. So we weren't around...and that was true of most all kids in our respective neighborhoods in the 50s and 60s. Our moms didn't want us around 24/7 and we didn't want to be around her 24/7.

Honestly, do you, now that you are an adult, want to be around your parents 24/7? For a short time, sure, but not 24/7.

Posted by: dotted | April 13, 2007 11:03 AM

Geez, my mother worked outside of the home (strange hours, so we had plenty of opportunities to see her) and she had the same philosophy. I learned early-on to skulk away and find something to do. Otherwise there was plenty of cleaning to be done, amongst other miserable chores.

That was in the 70's & 80's.

"Why don't you grow up and learn to SAVE, like an adult?"

It works for them--so why don't you give it a rest? They aren't complaining, I see.

Thanks Mdmother, I was actually considering that since it takes so bleeping long to dry and I've gotta do several coats. I will soldier on bravely in my home improvement journey!

"Why don't you grow up and learn to SAVE, like an adult? You need to spend more time over at Michelle Singletary's columns and chats."

Yeee-ow! I guess it's pick on Di day. Ok.

#1, I do save, DH and I have quite a nice savings account built up. My point was that the extra whatever the heck it would be that would be in my check if I were to change my witholdings wouldn't really be noticed as much if it were just bi-weekly. You get a better sense of it when it's in a lump sum.

#2, I think it's actually QUITE American to be unhappy that Uncle Sam takes a chunk of your paycheck - I never said that not minding makes me more American, I just said that taxes are the price we pay. (Literally)

#3, It's Friday and I'm in a good mood, so neener, neener. ;-)

I do the taxes, always have probably always will. I handle everything financial or administrative because i'm just the one who's better at it. I love my husband, but when it comes to being on top of things like various taxes, he just has no idea what needs to be done. Meanwhile, to fill out a completely itemized return for both Fed and State it only takes me an hour.

Moxiemom wrote: Fred - I'm patching drywall first time today - any tips besides go easy on the joint compound?

Moxie, when it comes time to sand be sure you wear a mask and googles, and cover your ears and hair, otherwise the dust gets into all those places. It's so gross to blow your nose and have spackle-dust thickened snot come out.

What is the obsession on this blog with cleaning toilets? Don't you people flush? A simple wipe with a spray cleaner on the toilet seat then a swipe with a bowl brush ought to do it. Good grief, it's not rocket science.

Fred,

shop here for your Wisconsin sausage. Delivery is quick too!

www.usinger.com/

catladay - thank you for lessons in home improvement and hygiene! I'd also like to thank you for helping me to stick to my diet with that so very vivid discription! haha. Really, I appreciate the help. All the online stuff makes it look soooo easy and seems like it takes 15 mins so I'm happy to learn from those who have gone before me. meow

I do the taxes, handle all the finances, pay all the bills. I took over entirely almost a year after we were married. DH and I filed separately that year since we hadn't yet combined bank accounts and such, but when I took a look at DH's returns I saw that he had filed as "head of household" rather than "married filing separately"--which made a HUGE difference in the amount of taxes owed! He didn't see what the big deal was. Then when I realized he also didn't see due dates for bills as a big deal either, we combined all financial stuff and I started taking care of all of it. Turbotax makes my life easy--just plug in all the numbers. Takes maybe an hour.

That said, I haven't yet filed this year. I filled out the forms, but because we owe money I'm waiting until the last minute to actually pay!

About social security numbers--I have DH's memorized, but he doesn't have mine memorized. Heck, he doesn't have our phone number memorized! Mr. Dyslexia (as he calls himself) simply can't memorize numbers.

RE: daycare on vacation. I've never had the luxury of going on a vacation that offers a daycare program, but I imagine that if I did, I'd take advantage of it at least for part of the time. From what I've seen of "daycares" at resorts, it's less like daycare and more like summer camp--lots of fun, age-appropriate activities and no hanging around with the boring adults.

What is the obsession on this blog with cleaning toilets? Don't you people flush? A simple wipe with a spray cleaner on the toilet seat then a swipe with a bowl brush ought to do it. Good grief, it's not rocket science.

Posted by: | April 13, 2007 11:26 AM

I'm with you. Here is a list of things I like cleaning less than the toilet

1) the shower
2) the baseboards
3) the windows
4) that little trench that the sliding glass door sits in
5) The tubs
6) Mopping

I could go on and on.

Moxie - #4 is the pits. Silly little area!

In an attempt at levity I would like to take this opportunity to query the readers of this prominent periodical as to their individual perceptions of the appropriateness and the eventual likelihood of a significant reduction in our taxes in a manner akin to that of Lady Godiva, an Anglo Saxon woman who resided in Merry Ole England during the 11th century, who made a contractual agreement with her husband Leofric (the Earl of Mercia), to reduce the exorbitant taxes currently being levied upon the denizens of the town of Coventry if the fair Lady would agree to ride her steed in all her resplendent naked glory all throughout the cobblestone streets of the peaceful little hamlet.

Geez, my mother worked outside of the home (strange hours, so we had plenty of opportunities to see her) and she had the same philosophy. I learned early-on to skulk away and find something to do. Otherwise there was plenty of cleaning to be done, amongst other miserable chores.

That was in the 70's & 80's.

LOL! I made myself scarce too, and it was the late 60s and tbe 70s for me. Once, my mom took me to her job, which was located near some woods. Since she was on a major picking and canning kick in those days (specialty, blackberry jam), and was allowed to pick and keep fruit grown on the property, I knew I was in for picking duty. So as soon as we got out of the car, she turned to see me running into the woods. Her version of the story is that I liked nature and trees so much, I couldn't resist running off. I do like nature, but I hated chores. But I never told her the truth.

KLB, My eyes are watering!

cmac,
Jealous?

I don't know why I found this particular Thai-Po so funny... but here it is again just for the fun of it:

"wear a mask and googles, "

LOL

Wow, lots of hatred for those who might want to spend one minute away from their precious bayyyybeees! Chill out. Even if you WANTED to spend every waking vacation hour with your children, what makes you think they want to spend it with you? Kids' ideas of fun aren't the same as adults'. The kid wants to go down the waterslide. Are you going to put down your book and tanning lotion to go down it with him, or are you going to insist he sit next to you for four hours while you bake, staring wistfully at the water slide?

There is nothing wrong with vacation day care. Parents need a break, too.

Chris - you and your Thai (and Tae) Pos! I told my DH about you last night. His response? "D'oh!" LOL Hey, I think you're punny. I mean funny!

I have a blackberry story for you:

We went out riding and picked blackberries along the way. Filled up a couple of canteens. Took (most of) them home and baked a blackberry pie for my dad's birthday.

We all got ONE slice and went out to do something. The pie was put into a cake holder, put on the counter, shoved to the back and we left.

Two hours later we come home. The dog is slinking up to us with "that" look on his face...it was a fabulous pie that he had enjoyed.

It took us 3x as long to get enough berries for the SECOND birthday pie, because the blackberries were really "done" by the time we got out riding again.

The dog was cherished despite the fact that our hands looked like we had run them through a meat grinder after the second attempt. But we WERE upset!

I hate that damned little trough for the shower door too. The MOST disgusting things collect and fester there...eww!

On the subject of taxes, I get someone else to do it. What with the side business and all, I don't want to screw up and have to face a potential audit. It's worth the money to me.

Wow, lots of hatred for those who might want to spend one minute away from their precious bayyyybeees!

Helen Lovejoy, "But who will think of the chillldrennnn?!"

Anyone else want to admit that they've found their kids drinking out of the water bowl, once anyway?

*raises hand*

Maryland Mother,
I had a friend whose daughter loved dog biscuits. She would let her have one on occasion figuring it wouldn't really hurt her.
One day in the grocery store her daughter pitched a fit in the pet food aisle when her mother wouldn't get her a box screaming "but you ALWAYS give me dog biscuits!"

To Moxiemom: Also, several thin layers of spackling dry faster than one thick layer, and you can be more precise that way. Even though the application takes longer, it's really worth the extra trouble. Best of luck on spackling, and the diet.

Using a tax preparer is the same as using a nanny. I raise my own kids & do my own taxes.

Hey to those of you that soak the brats in beer then grill them, what is a good dark beer to buy to boil them in? I don't usually buy beer so I am not familiar with what would work...

P.S. to Moxiemom: Try to keep any house animals out the room where you're working, because they don't generally like to wear masks, goggles or bandanas - -plus, they'll track the dust from your sanding all over the house. I'm not the catlady for nothing!

And just keep thinkin' about that snot-paste.

Bethesdamom - just wondering about the comparison... care to elaborate?

"Wow, lots of hatred for those who might want to spend one minute away from their precious bayyyybeees!"

Not really. Just a couple of wacko,out of touch, homely, shapeless women badly in need of a makeover.

Maryland Mother,
I had a friend whose daughter loved dog biscuits. She would let her have one on occasion figuring it wouldn't really hurt her.

KLBSS,

I can remember sampling dry cat food as a child. It wasn't bad, overall. But I certainly did understand why they preferred OUR food.

Okay Fred, where's my invite? I have more funny stories that I'd rather share with a smaller, more intimate group. Plus I want to hear yours!

MdM

"Hey to those of you that soak the brats in beer then grill them, what is a good dark beer to buy to boil them in?"

Find a boch beer. Stock up, they only appear in the spring.

Honestly, who wants to see some old congressperson's old spouse riding around nude on a harley (today's equiv of a horse)? But did not this blog go the way of discussing the problems associated with the paying of someone to be nude yesterday? Ah, if only problems could be solved so easily...

However, I think something, eventually, must give on our taxes, and it should not be the citizens! Someday people are going to get sick of Congress wasting their money... Taxes are supposed to be levied for the benefit of society as a whole, not corporations and politicians. Mismanagement and corruption winds up costing us 2/3 as much more on just about EVERYTHING the government pays for.
Tea party anyone? But what shall the good townspeople pollute the coastal waters with this time, if not crushed and dried leaves?

"Tea party anyone? But what shall the good townspeople pollute the coastal waters with this time, if not crushed and dried leaves?"

Politicians?

Can we start in Anacostia, while chanting, "No taxation without representation"?

It gets my vote (and I have one)!

Chris wrote: I don't know why I found this particular Thai-Po so funny... but here it is again just for the fun of it:

"wear a mask and googles, "

Glad you liked it, Chris. Whatever floats your boat...

1554 is a decent dark beer, and one of the oldest recipes- thus named because it had the date "1554" on it when the brewers found it. Any stout or even a porter will work too... but I often find myself taking the cheap way out. I tend to like trying new things and my adventurous spirit leaves me with many bottles of beer that are "not quite good enough" for drinking, but make a great cooking tool. I hate the thought of throwing away beer, even if I don't particularly care for it. You can't go wrong with Sam Adams, which you can drink, or cook with. Dominion Winter Brew was a good drink I just discovered- unfortunately I found it as it was on sale, and took the last 6-pack.

Anyone find that they drink different beers in the summer than they do in the winter? I'm not a beer drinker, but DH prefers dark lagers in the winter, and lighter pilsners in the summer time. Anyone else?

I liked the blackberry pie story, MdMother. Despite my tortuous canning experience, the blackberry is one of my favorite fruits. Go figure.

BTW, I have an accountant do my taxes, and I do drive out of my way to go to her. It's one less thing for me to worry about.

I also married a man with complicated finances, and he's self-employed to boot. We have an accountant and DH does most of the tax prep.

Daycare on vacation -- Why is all or nothing with you people? I don't know anyone who leaves their kids in daycare for the entire vacation. I don't see anything wrong with making a vacation a mix of family time and private time. When we visit family on vacation, we usually take an evening to go to a nice restaurant alone and leave DD with Grandma/Aunt. Other days, we're together as a family. I believe this is called BALANCE.

Last summer, I took DD with me on a business trip. The convention I was attending had a kids program and attendees frequently bring their family. I spent the day working and DD went on field trips all over Nashville and had a ball. In the evening, we went to family events sponsored by the convention or had dinner just the two of us. We stayed at the Opryland Hotel, which is much swankier than our family's usual travel accommodations, and she loved getting breakfast room service every morning. DH had a week to himself at home alone, which he enjoyed as well.

Fuuny thing about blackberry-picking. When my parents would leave me with my grandparents (who lived in the wilderness, without electricity) for a few days during summer vacation, Grandma and I would go out berrying around 7 AM, then bring our haul back to the house, where she would build a wood fire in the kitchen stove (having already laid the fire the night before, with old newspaper and kindling wood), and once the fire was hot enough we'd cook up and mash the berries, strain the pulp through recycled cheesecloth sugar sacks (which she'd saved from back when sugar was sold that way, rather than in paper bags, like now), add more wood to the fire, reheat the juice with 1½ times the amount of sugar till boiling, then pour the liquid into recycled jars and glasses that she'd boiled in a dishpan on top of the stove (to sterilize) -- and finally she'd melt some paraffin in a washed-out tin can (as the wood fire in the stove burned down) and pour a thin layer over the top of the jelly and lay a loop of recycled string in the wax so it would be easy to pull off when she was ready to use the jelly weeks (or months) later. I thought all of this was just the MOST FUN!!!

Hey, did I stumble onto one of the food blogs by mistake? :-)

To Vegas Mom: And absence makes the heart grow fonder, too, right?

"Daycare on vacation -- Why is all or nothing with you people? I don't know anyone who leaves their kids in daycare for the entire vacation."

But you see, if you state that that is exactly what people are doing, in addition to leaving kids at rest stops along the way, then the blog trolls get their vital attention needs met.

catlady

"When my parents would leave me with my grandparents (who lived in the wilderness, without electricity"

That reminds me of all the places my parents left me where there wasn't nary a telephone for miles around.

I didn't hear from or receive any mail from my parents for weeks at a time, and it was the same for a lot of other kids.

Wow, have things changed!!!!

Absolutely Catlady! :>)

"I didn't hear from or receive any mail from my parents for weeks at a time, and it was the same for a lot of other kids."

Funny, I get the impression they might have been trying to tell y'all something... (or not tell you as the case may be) ;-P