Friday, February 22, 2008

More Reading information and a bit of Fluff~~~

Hello Again Darlings,

My Dear Friend Mean Kitty has advised me that I overlooked several publications in my last Blog, and she was so right.

I had overlooked 3 mainstays of business news, and they are Forbes, Fortune and Barron’s. Forbes and Fortune are monthly magazines with some supplements and Barron’s is a weekly newspaper that is tabloid size. Most good size public libraries will carry all of them or at least the two magazines.

Another magazine that my dear friend mentioned is “Essence” magazine, now it is geared to the African-American woman, but as all Diva’s know, any information on savings, investing, finances and job performance is always important and Essence magazine devotes a regular section to just that and it is worthwhile reading, (something that I wish Cosmopolitan would do). This is a magazine that most metropolitan libraries will carry, and again I recommend that you photocopy the information that is in this magazine for your files.

Another magazine in which Diva’s can find wonderful nuggets of information is Ebony magazine, they have wonderful articles, which of course focus on African Americans, but there can be information found that is beneficial to all. For example in the current issue (March 2008) there is an article about “overexcercising” which is harmful to the health; another article about “Dressing the part”, another about “Growing up CEO”, “living with Diabetes”, “how to be a good Christian”, fantastic recipes, and many more.

Now again Darlings I do recommend photocopying the articles, because not every magazine will have wonderful articles every month. Also you can build up your “tickle file” to cover different subjects to refer to. Of course for those magazines that you subscribe to you can always cut out the articles as well.

And if you are a Fashionista like Moi I always purchase the fashion magazines that come out in March and in September of each year, that way you can be up to date on what is the latest fashion trends, but on Fashion, well Darlings I always say don’t follow trends or what is the latest, look for what will look good on you and what is classic. You can always keep it up to date with accessories. And trust me Darlings, classics never go out of style.

Now Darlings for something a bit different and Fluffy; have any of you been following the Hi-jinks on either “Cashmere Mafia” or “Lipstick Jungle”? Well I have been following the latter, and I have to say that although the plot is a bit predictable, there is something that is sinfully enjoyable, I must say that Brook Shields has really grown into being an actress, I find her very believable in the role. And the really interesting promo is the creation of a Bonfire magazine on the web, a “good gimmick” as my friend Michelle would say. But what Brook Shields’ character did to “that woman” is something that I wish I had the nerve to do to several that I have encountered, but then I took my “revenge” on them in a different way and it was much more satisfying. As they say “Revenge is a dish best served cold”. Still the program is a sinful indulgence.

Some of my dear friends are planning an “Oscar Party” for February 24th. It seems to be a developing party event for those who are very into the movies. Everyone can dress in their best clothes or be very James Bond casual, or dress as your favorite movie character, there’s Champagne, hors‘durves, a simple buffet and it seems a ‘betting pool’ on who selects the most winners. All in all a really fun type of evening; some people would use it as a time to raise money for charity especially if it’s well planned.

I must confess I don’t go to the movies as often as I use to, but there is, as I hope, will be winners now that the writer’s strike has come to an end.

So if you want to plan a party this is one where you can go all out, costumes and all, really a great way to kick off the Spring season--- after Mardi Gra, Easter and Mother’s Day of course.

Ahhhh but for now the dreary rain is back, making the days grey and the nights cold, even the ducks are taking shelter under the awning that I have to sit outside when the weather it fine, poor things, but they are use to this type of weather, but still….

And my little Diva Darling is missing her walks; I think I shall have to plan on doing something this weekend to get out of the doldrums, but what I’m not sure. I think it’s time to put on my “Thinking Cap”.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

What to Read to be a Diva

Hello Darlings,

I do not know where all of you live, but if you live here in the San Francisco Bay Area, I do hope you have been enjoying the Sunshine.

My little Diva Darling, Princess and I have been enjoying our early evening walks along the beach, but I do confess that towards evening it still gets a bit chilly.

I know that some of you are wondering what have I been doing for the last week or so, well Darlings, working with my Tax preparer and getting the Taxes filed, such work and making sure I have all the information, but it's done.

On Valentines day my other speical friend Kenneth and I had a wonderful dinner at a delightful restraunt in San Francisco, but I can't remember the name it was such a surprise.

And of course the mundane, grocery shopping with Juanita ( I really let her plan the menus, and shopping with her can be an adventure, if it's not up to par we go somplace else or we will find it at Andronico's), and having some men replace a damaged gutter that the high winds managed to bend, it didn't harm the house but it needed to be fixed.

Now Darlings, I’m going to talk to you briefly about reading materials, yes Darlings reading materials.

Now remember what I said the last time I posted that I use the public library. Well I still strongly recommend the library to save you money, think of all the subscriptions you do not have to buy, the DVD’s and CD’s and books you do not have to rent or purchase when you use the public library. As long as you return it on time it is a savings. Make going to the Library part of your shopping day, that is shopping for things for the home.

I prefer Thursdays myself, all the sales have started.

But there are subscriptions that you should think about getting and these are a few suggestions especially if you plan to invest.

Kiplingers Personal Finance (they also have a monthly news letter called Kiplingers Retirement report)

Money Magazine

Now if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are thinking in terms of Real Estate or businesses there is the San Francisco Business Weekly and the East Bay Business Weekly (one covers San Francisco and the other the East Bay side of the Bay)

Investor’s Business Daily this is a daily newspaper that covers the business investment news

Business Week

The Economist

Now if you want something to cover Society and Fashion I recommend these 2 two of them are local and 2 you can find on the news stand.

The news stand ones are Vanity Fair and Real Simple. Now why those two, well Darlings Vanity Fair has the most wonderful articles much better than Vogue and it is always up to date on fashion. Real Simple has wonderful ideas on almost everything which can be inspiring.

The two that are locals are really for those wonderful Darlings that Live in the San Francisco Bay Area the first of course is San Francisco Magazine, it will tell you all about the Society events and wonderful places to go to as well as some very interesting articles that could lead you to wonderful investments.

The other magazine is a bit trickier, it depends upon where you live this is a local publication that will cover the city or county that you live it and it will have the name such as Oakland magazine or Diablo magazine etc. This will cover the events and list places to consider on your free evenings or days. And it will keep you up to date and in the know about who is who.

Now if you are those wonderful Divas that live outside of the Bay Area such as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Chicago, New York etc. You will find comparable magazines of the same time in your local area, but the ones for investing you will find almost anywhere, unless you are living in a cultural desert for which I can only suggest to get out as soon as you can and only go back there just for mental vacations.

Because just as it is important about what you know it is equally important about who you know. But never forget where you came from and the family and friends that have supported you and have given you solid life values remember them always and cherish them.

Just as a “side-bar” although I have become very wealthy, that for my late husbands sake I cultivated social connections, I never forgot all the wonderful things that my parents did, the hard work my father did to get to a point of financial and social promince, my mother still being an old-fashioned home maker but getting use to the idea of having staff to assist (we never-ever called them ‘servants’ they were Staff always remember that my dear Divas) and still making time to always have family fun together, going to church every Sunday and always being aware that not everyone was as lucky and fortunate enough as us, that there were people for whom fortune did not always smiled upon but that within themselves they were as precious as gold.

My parents were right, there were several young people that I knew and became friends with and because I suggested to my father that it might be a good idea to help them out, one became a successful inventor, another a well-established artist and the third an editor for a publishing company, and we are still friends, even if we are still living in various parts of the world. Always remember that Darlings.

Now Darlings if you do not have the funds to subscribe to all these magazines do not worry, by going to your public library you can see which magazines would fit your needs and just subscribe to a few, while the others you can read in the library or photocopy those articles that will have the information that’s needed even at 15 cents a copy that is far cheaper than paying $4.95 for the whole magazine.

Investor papers such as Value Line, Morning Star, Mergent and the Standard and Poor’s stock guide should be available at your library and again you can photo copy those pages to see about the progress of a stock that may have your interest.

There are always books on how to read the financial pages, how to invest, but if you are still unsure about yourself, look for seminars or classes offered by schools or colleges that you can take classes in. It is possible that you can audit a class as a guest without having to sign up for college itself.

Now I have several young friends who are getting established in life and they want to know how they can have the Diva Look while they are still trying to get the Diva Bucks.

The first is avoid using your credit cards, only use them occasionally and pay it off with 3 payments, remember credit cards is a bad debt, whereas owning and paying on a home (that has been reasonably purchased) can be a good debt, now why is that? Very simple Darlings, the interest on a home loan can be taken off in taxes but not the interest paid on a credit card---interest paid on a credit card is money lost. Interest on a home loan is money gained.

There are many other things that you can do and I will cover that in another Blog.

The Sun is out and shining my darling friend Kevin and I are going to an estate sale auction that starts at 2 p.m. and being the hungry man that he is, he doesn’t want to miss out on the appetizers that they will be serving.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Darlings Do you think that Life can be difficult?

Darlings,

Today I went to my local public library. Now I do belive that the library is the most wonderful place a Diva can go to find wonderful information to improve her Diva life. And it can also save you money.

As long as you return the items on time, you do not have to pay a thing. Books, Magazines, DVD's, music CD's and much more.

I love it because sometimes I want a change of pace for my music and sometimes I want to see a different film that I would not buy to add to my collection. But once in a while I do come across something that I know is just wonderful so then I will look for it.

But you have no idea how wonderful it can be-----Unless Darlings ****sigh**** one encounters a person who is ---well ----not quite right in the head.

There was a woman today---I refuse to call her a lady----from the way she was dressed, very nice and neat, you would not think there was anything wrong with her. But just as I was going towards the check out desk, she started spueing a mouthful of foul words and gutter language at one staff person.

There was no reason for it, then this woman, who was behaving like Brittany Spears on a very bad day, began to throw books all over. I ducked back to prevent myself from being harmed but I was wondering if I should use my cell phone to call the police. That was taken care of by another Staff person and the police were brought in.

Needless to say they took care of this person quickly, but I have to say that the Library staff behaved in a manner that was most impressive, no raising of the voices, just quick and efficent work and I do have to confess very steady nerves.

But as I was going home and to have a cup of tea, I began to wonder, what brought this woman to such a situation, why make one's life so difficult when life is difficult enough. There is no need to behave in such a manner.

Then I read in my "People Weekly" magazine what is happening with young Ms. Spears, and then I read that 1 in 20 children are found to be autistic, why is all of that? What makes those many years ago different from today, why are more people having such mental problems? Is it stress, diet, birth defects, something that happened pre-natally? Or are we better able to discover what the illness is? And it is more out there---in one's face so to speak.

I must confess Darlings, and this may seem prejudice, but just before Ronald Regan became state govener, the previous govener (whose name I can't recall) terminated the mental health programs---unfortunately this termination took effect when Regan became Govener of California. So people blamed him instead of looking at who the real culprit was.

But when this happened less and less people were being helped, now here it is 30 years later, and I in a public library have to be careful to not be hit by a flying book thrown by a mentally impaired person.

What is wrong with this? I have to confess Darlings, I do not have the answers, but I do belive that there are certain democrates who would have a lot to answer for.

I'm sorry Darlings, but this situation has upset Moi and my head just keeps spinning on it, when I should realize that I do not have an answer, but I think I will watch to see if anyone comes up with a solution that is feasible.

In the meantime I think I will indulge in a martini for tonight and perhaps Mmmmm Frank Sinatra.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Taxes, the curse of life and Divahood

Oh ***sigh*** well, Darlings, this Diva Must buckle down and focus on putting together her tax information.

What a bore, but it must be done, after all we don’t want to give to the government more than we have to.

I am fortunate in that the best way to stay up-to-date on one’s tax information is to periodically file it at least every two week, but it’s better if you do it once a week. So that means that you have an “In-Box” to file such material. This means that you have to be very focused and organized to make sure that it is taken care of.

It is so important to designate a day to do all that filing and bill paying and balancing the accounts. Of course when you come home from a hard day of earning the “Diva Bucks” it is hard to get into the mood to do this, but in the long run I have found Mondays to be very good, just think of Mondays as “money days” and it will all make sense, and if you do it every Money day it won’t be so hard or difficult.

My dear friend ‘Mean Kitty’ says that she also ties it in with doing laundry, Mondays for all the underwear, Tuesdays of all the nice outerwear, Wednesdays for the rough outerwear like jeans and sweat suits and Thursdays for sheets, pillow cases and towels, with Saturday mornings for the weekly drop off and pick up at the dry cleaners. I like the way she has that organized.

But one thing to remember if your bills are pretty stable in that you have an idea how much the bills will be then you should be able to budget for any grocery shopping or entertainment over the weekend.

Budgeting is always very important.

Now Darlings do you remember all that information that I posted earlier on my Blog, well remember it will come in handy for you.

Now getting back to doing Taxes---Darlings you must do your taxes no matter what. Until someone or some group comes up with a fool proof lawsuit to show that taxes are illegal we have to pay them.

But never pay more than what the law requires, which means you have to see if you have any tax deductions---don’t think that just because you are renting or living with your parents (until you are Diva wealthy-independent) that you don’t have tax deductions and therefore can only 1040 and 540 EZ forms. There maybe deductions that you are not aware of.

Now it’s too late for this year, but for the year to come, write down and keep receipts of all your expenses, especially if it’s for work. Do not be afraid to ask a tax preparer (after the tax season is past and things have calmed down) what you can take deductions on, spend the money on an appointment with a very good tax preparer to learn what you maybe overlooking.

Remember in some profession if you are required to wear a certain type of clothing that you have to buy or a certain type of style is expected of you because of an image to present you may be able to take that as a tax deduction, the use of your personal vehicle for your job may also fit into that category (so do keep a mileage log as well as repair and maintenance log).

You maybe surprised, and instead have a longer form to do, which could result in more money coming back to you

But always, Always have a good tax peparer do your taxes and confirm if what you have is a legitimate deduction or not.

Of course one of the best tax write offs is owning your own home, I know of two girl friends who went in together to buy a duplex and each live in their own part of it, and it worked fine until one of them got married and wanted to sell off her half, so her girl friend bought it and rented it out, using the rent to offset part of the monthly payment, insurance and property taxes as well as any maintenance..

Sorry Darlings, I did drift off the subject here, but what I want to make clear to you is that there are deductions you may not be aware of, even those that those computer tax programs may not show up.

That is why having it done by a live professional tax person is very important. A really good one will ask you questions, guide you through the process, find all those little savings you were not aware of, by keeping your receipts and cancelled checks you then discover all those little things.

That is why it’s important to do that for at least a year it will give you a guide line to watch for.

Now the second reason to have a live professional tax person do it for you is that they also have to sign their name to the tax form, so if there is a mistake they are responsible as well.

Of course if you are honest with your finances you do not have to worry about being audited.

Also it pays to have a tax preparer be one who can go before an IRS investigation person to argue your case as well. Not all of them can do that, so ask that of your tax person if they have that capability to do that.

My tax person has always said to never take a greater tax deduction than what is legally acceptable unless you have proof that you can take it. The reason is that this would send up “Red Flags” to the IRS. If you increase your deduction you MUST have documentation to back it up---receipts, photos, an evaluation from the receiving agency, cancelled checks, anything to back this information.

Also be consistent each year with your deductions, and spread them around to different charities, for example if for the last two years you’ve been donating to Salvation Army change and donate to St. Vicente de Paul.

This would also apply to cash donations, but if possible always write out a check, it is proof of donating; any change that you drop into the bucket or donation box that’s loose cash will be hard to rove if it’s too much. Or you may not be able to take that deduction at all. So if you want to buy Girl Scout Cookies always pay by check.

Always, always check with your tax preparer with what is safe that you can donate or take a deduction on what will keep you “under the radar”. Some years you may be able to donate a lot and some years not quite so much, so always keep it reasonable.

If you go to the same tax preparer every year, they will send you a checkoff form each year to see if you have the same type of deductions, this is a good model to follow as well as a good reminder on what to watch for the upcoming year. Simple things like the tax you pay on your car license plate may be a tax deduction depending on the tax laws in your state.

And there are many, many more hidden ideas, so ask your tax person.

Oh just the thought of all this makes my head spin, Darlings forgive me but this Diva is going to take an aspirin and focus on her paperwork.

Until Anon Darlings, Happy Deduction Hunting.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Just an update

Well Darlings,

I just heard on the news that several trains have been stuck in the snow and had to be sent back to Reno and the passengers will have to stay in Motels or take the buses.

Darlings I know I have been toutting train travel and I personally feel that it is the best way to travel, why what if you were driving in all that snow using your expensive gas to keep warm.

At least on a train you are warm and comfortable so don't give up on it. It's much better than a drafty airport.

Until Annon Darlings, it's time for beddy by.

Back from my Winter Vacation Darlings

Well, Darlings I am back!

And such a wonderful whirlwind vacation!

I’ll give you all the highlights in just a few paragraphs, but first, I know that some of you wonderful Darling Pet Lovers want to know how my little Diva Darling fared while her “Mommy” was gone.

Princess did remarkably well, I phone Betty every few days and it seems that Princess and Jezebel were have their own little vacation. The two of them would play for hours on end until they were exhausted and then they would sleep together in Princess’s little bed. My little Diva Darling even used the kitty litter box, like a little lady.

This surprised Betty, but seeing as they were getting along so well and Princess appeared to be happy it was no cause for concern, but it seemed that each wanted to try the others food, fortunately no tummy upsets.

Of course when “Mommy” came to pick her up she was just jumping for joy and is back in her own home and into her regular routine, first checking out everything in the house to make sure all is well.

I know some of you would have asked “why didn’t I have Juanita watch Princess,” well I would have except that we had made arrangements prior to my going where she could visit her family for a few extra days and simply check on the house from time to time.

And Betty prefers to stay home as much as possible during the winter time; she is not one for the cold outdoors, it makes her joints ache painfully and considering how cold it’s been and still is, with snow on Mts Hamilton and Diablo I’m not a bit surprised. So it was a perfect arrangement and Princess and Jezebel’s antics did give Betty much laughter, especially in light of the horrible weather that everyone here in the Bay Area is suffering from.

As my dear friend “Mean Kitty” would say “…and I do mean suffering!” Poor dear is down with a nasty cold, all coughing, wheezing and sniffling. Not much one can do except bed rest, plenty of fluids, and cold medicine to at least make it bearable and lots of Kleenex with a very soft ply for a very sore nose. As soon as I found out she was sick I sent a Care package to her, her “hubby” was very grateful for it, poor soul was all thumbs caring for her.

Now Darlings about the trip; we finally made it into Reno, it was a bit of slow going because of all the snow, but the “upside” as my dear friend Michelle says is “We don’t have the headache and tense nerves driving in it”

And she is so right, how lovely it was to sit back, relax and leave the “driving” to the train and enjoy the view, it was like a Christmas postcard or a Thomas Kincaid painting unfolding before us.

We arrived at the Station a bit behind time and again gathered our luggage and took a taxi, although the station is only 4 or so blocks from the Legacy, considering the weather and all the luggage we had again it was best to take a taxi and again we paid the driver very well so he wouldn’t feel that he did a lot of hard work for nothing.

Remember that My Dear Divas, when you travel anywhere, if it’s a short trip from the station or air port and you have a lot of Louis Vuitton or quality Samsonite luggage be sure to tip generously. Everyone works hard for their money.

At the Silver legacy we settled in, and I found out that Michelle had booked us through Sunday with an option for staying one more night or two depending upon the weather. Of course we would return by train. So we took our time to unpack and unwound ourselves. We were fortunate to have Spa Suites, definitely for a romantic get away or just to relax, and feel pampered; the “I’M QUEEN OF THE WORLD!!!” type feeling.

And what a view of Reno and the mountains with all that cold, cold snow, which I’m sure many ski bunnies, appreciated.

After we refreshed ourselves we decided to talk a walk around to see what is being offered, do a little gambling, find a bite to eat and maybe take in a lounge or cabaret act.

And we weren’t disappointed. Since we were unwinding from traveling after a more than 4 hour trip from Sacramento to Reno, we relaxed and had a drink at the Sliver Barron Lounge where they had live entertainment, I thought the act was very good and Michelle said that she was familiar with them and was glad to see them doing so well.

Now on the entertainment---We saw Forbidden Broadway, very funny and very enjoyable and much of the “In-house” entertainment was very top notch, comedy acts, dueling pianos, a sort of Tiki act, singers too much to even begin to relate but I can tell you this you will not be disappointed. There was something different each night and with the Legacy, the El Dorado and Circus, Circus being linked with sky walks you can walk from one to the other and see something different each time.

Of course reservations are a must with the large name acts and a number of the cabaret acts. And each theatre or lounge had a different theme.

The same could be said of the food, so many choices so little time, we both were grateful for the workout rooms and spas massages that was offered, even so I did put on a couple of pounds---Got to work it off Darlings, can’t afford to have it all go to the hips.

And each restaurant with a different theme and specialty, from Steak to Tuscany and everything in-between. I cannot even begin to tell you which was my favorite.

But I do have to say that starting the day’s adventure at SIPS coffee and tea was the perfect way to begin. Michelle arranged for a chauffeured vehicle for us and we went to the Nevada Museum and took in the antique slot machine exhibit as well as paintings and everything. Another day when the weather wasn’t so bad we simply were driven around Reno to see how much it had changed over the years, and we had a chance to visit with some performers that Michelle was familiar with and see them do their acts.

I have to admit Reno is not the same as when I was a little girl to young lady, it’s all gone, Harold’s Club and the Mapes and the Primadonna, there was something about it that was just a bit gritty and edgy and a bit dangerous back them. The “Rat Pack” feeling now it’s a pizzazz and glitter and Disneylandish for adults.

I remember one time I was walking with my Father through one casino, he held my hand we were going to meet my mother at a restaurant at this casino and I can’t remember which one, and there was this table that was roped off and men and one woman were playing a high stakes game and everyone was gathered around with the ropes keeping the distance. There was one old man playing at this table. My Father stopped to watch briefly so I watched with him and there was something about this old man, he looked at his cards and then looked at everything on the table, his face revealed nothing, he said something to the house dealer, and another man laid his cards down and then the old man’s eyes seemed to take a sparkle at what he saw, and with that he laid his cards down without any flourish but with a little smile on his face.

All the chips were given to the elderly man and he shook hands with the fellow who had lost. People quietly applauded as if at a chess match. I heard my Father say “He’s still good” and who that man was I never knew, because we had to meet my mother for dinner.

I also remember staying with my parents at the Mapes Hotel and Casino many years ago when it was still in its Hey Day and I had my own room connected to my parent’s room. I remember it overlooked the Truckee River and that the drapes, bed clothes and everything being gold and white, at least that was the impression I had. Marilyn Monroe stayed there when she was filming the Misfits, if she had this room I cold understand the feeling I had being there, I felt like a princess. Ahhh so many years ago---now all gone.

But now with the Legacy, the El Dorado and Circus, Circus being connected by skywalk ways you don’t even have to go outside to get to a Casino. It feels a little disconcerting, like losing all track of time. That is why it’s very important to wear a watch.

But I could see the advantage of these walkways in both Reno and Vegas, and being connected to all the casinos

I remarked to Michelle that what Reno and Vegas is doing feels like a forerunner to the city of the future. Imagine being able to walk around Chicago and New York with being in the snow or heat. But it also feels a bit isolating as well. Hmmm that is something for future thought.

Well besides touring, eating and taking in the shows we did gamble a bit and I need to warn you Diva’s do not lose more than you can afford, that is the best advice my Father gave me, so for years I’ve always set aside a “Gambling Fund”, any lose change in my purse plus a certain amount goes into that fund, and that is what I recommend.

An acquaintance of mine does that as well but she goes one further, she’ll save cans and bottles and such, so when she goes on her walks she takes and old canvas bag and any cans, bottles she finds she collects and once a week takes it to the recycling. She plans about several trips a year and always when one of her favorite performers is appearing.

I asked her about the Indian Gaming Casinos and she told me it was the same policy, only if one of her favorite performers was appears and the roads were really bad to Vegas or Reno.

So keep that in mind Darlings so you won’t have to use and Max the Credit cards.

One of several habits that Michelle and I have is when we are in our rooms to have the television on at certain times to the news and for me, stock reports; we each have our own personal preference depending on our interest.

Imagine our surprise at seeing the Monte Carlo on Fire, but so far as we understood it no one was hurt. Michelle said she wasn’t a bit surprised about the situation, as she had heard of someone trying to set fire to a hotel that was in the process of slowly being renovated while it still maintained its tenants, she was wondering if it was some sort of arsonist trend. And taking into consideration the age of the Monte Carlo that was another factor. Michel I know will be looking into this considering her interests in the entertainment industry.

Another habit we both have is to listen (without appearing to be listening) other people’s conversations, there are different reasons for the both of us; you never know when it’s someone who is affiliated with some aspect of finance, industry or trends. It gives the both of us what to consider on our various investments. And on the lighter side it also made for good gossip for us after the other people leave, much more fun than soap operas. And on some occasions with our eaves dropping a bit more dramatic than “Dallas” or “Falcon’s Crest” or that other high society soap opera that had Joan Collins in it.

Michelle and I have set our Televisions to Tivo “Cashmere Mafia” and “Lipstick Jungle” so well has something to laugh over. I’m sorry Darlings I simply cannot get excited over “America’s Top Model” or “Survivor”, who wants to see sweaty, insect bitten, undernourished contestants bickering and that’s just “America’s Top Model”.

Well Darlings considering the weather we weren’t able to leave Reno until the following Tuesday but that was no hardship for us since we did have that planned. So once again we took the Capitol Corridor back into the Bay Area and then Taxi to my home. Allowing ourselves a bit of time to unpack and for Michelle re-pack I had her stay with me for a couple of days until she caught the train to Los Angeles and I have to admit I will miss her, we had so much fun together. Now she says that we'll have to plan a trip to Hawaii!!! I asked her if we could hold off on those plans for a while. And she laughed, and said I'd have to plan on staying with her for a week or two and do some serious shopping with her.

Juanita had all my mail sorted and stacked and ready for me to go through, she transferred messages from my answering machine so I do have people to call back, which I have been doing.

Oh just when things were so wonderful I have to make an appointment with my Tax Preparer.

My Father use to say, “January, February and March is really the time to get once house in order for the New Year, January especially you really can’t plan for fun until after April 15th.” And he was so right.

So now Darlings, the sun is just about to set I still have an hour of daylight, so my Diva Darling and I are going to take another walk to the Beach, I find that it gives me inspiration. Then a nice quiet dinner and we will curl up in front of the fireplace with a nice warm fire burning, and plan our next set of adventures.

“Hold me close and hold me fast
This magic spell you cast
Is La vie en la rose.

When you kiss me Heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see la vie en la rose

When you press me to your heart
I’m in a world apart
Where roses bloom

And when you speak
The angels sing from above
Everyday words that turn
Into songs of love

Give your heart and your soul to me
And life will always be
Le vie en la rose”

So until Annon Darlings, La vie en la Rose.