Yesterday and Taxes

Yesterday, my Mom and Dad came up for a visit. We played for a while at home and then we went out to eat. I suggested a drive-in restaurant which isn't really just a drive-in anymore... but it was in the 50's and 60's. Edward's Drive-In at Raymond and Sherman..... I had been there once to meet some buddies of mine who worked with me at the flower shop. It was fun and the root beer float I had was yummy. So, I thought my Dad would appreciate it... and it is cheap, too... Dad gave the keys to the caddy to Scott so he could drive us to lunch.... I snapped a photo of him...

Then, I snapped a couple of photos of Hayes and his Grandma and Grandpa in the back seat. I promise Hayes was having a good time...you just can't see it here...

Here is Hayes at Edward's..... the food was okay. Dad and I were disappointed in the onions....instead of rings (slices), they had minced (and unfortunately, somewhat fermented) onions to add to sandwiches.... The root beer was good--I am not sure that it stands up to good ol' Mason's Root Beer, though.

Onion ring! Yum. The onion rings were really good.

So, after lunch, we went back to the house and got Hayes ready for his nap. Mom, Dad and I went to Manor House Antiques to look around and give Hayes some time to rest. That place was pretty neat... I found this amazing belt--St. John--it didn't have a price so I had one of the boys working the counter to call the dealer--ya, she wanted $80 for it-- but she had a sale going on--50% off -- um, thanks, but no thanks....Even though, I just looked up St. John.... and found newly designed and fashioned belts for $175.00.. but I did just find someone on ebay selling their St. John belt starting at $19.99--soooo, all the more reason to keep on walking--I am a gal that is about real deals--that just wasn't a real deal.

So, we had seen it all at Manor House (we think... that place was huge!!) and we headed back to the house....Mom and Dad were off to B-town to visit with my sister and her husband before heading the rest of the way south.... Thanks for coming to visit, Mom and Dad!! We had a great time visiting with you. (Thanks, too, Mom, for bringing the rice sock, sling and advil for Scott-- all have been put to use already.)

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Hayes and I went to H+R Block to do our taxes a couple of weeks ago. (Every year, after going to H+R Block, I tell myself, "I am going to do our taxes next year." I don't know why I haven't yet--I think if I just let the professionals handle it, it gives me peace of mind....and a dent in that refund...I think I want to avoid that dent next year... we will see.) It was a little encouraging to know that some money will be coming back to us soon... in light of all my negativity so far this year about our lack of funds....well, this money won't last long-but, it will help us, I know. I snapped a few pictures of Hayes running around the office being a good boy and I happen to really like the photograph below. That lady did not prepare our taxes--she just happened to be

there working, er, sort of.... I am so glad that I don't have to worry too much when it comes to taking Hayes to various public places... like an office environment. If I come prepared with a snack, milk and a toy or two, he is good to go... and when the snack runs out, I am confident that he will behave. Yes, he wants to get down and run around and play with his toys on the floor--but he doesn't destroy anything or act out loudly... yet..

Here is Hayes playing with his stacking cups on the floor at H+R Block...