Understanding the Tax Codes is Similar to Learning a New Crochet Stitch

Whew! The Tax Season is now over and my taxes are filed and on its way.

I've got to admit that it was a trying and challenging year for me, when it came to preparing my tax forms. Thankfully, the software that I'd purchased, helped me out tremendously. God Bless the companies that created them.

Have you taken a peek at the Internal Revenue Codes (IRC), lately?

Why are there so many codes? ....and, Why do they keep adding more, each year?  ...Is what I'd like to know

Here's a sampling of the "helpful" abbreviations that was offered on that site. Now remember, this is suppose to help us, while reading the actual IRC.

Contains special information as follows:

◦"nt" means note.
◦"nt [tbl]" means note [table].

◦"prec" means preceding.

◦"fr" means a transfer from another section.

◦"to" means a transfer to another section.

◦"new" means a new section or new note.

◦"gen amd" means the section or note is generally amended.

◦"omitted" means the section is omitted.

◦"repealed" means the section or note is repealed.

◦"nt ed chg" and "ed chg" -- See the Editorial Classification Change Table.

◦No entry or "nt" by itself means the section or note is amended.

It's just unbelievably amazing, to think about the time and money spent on writing and publishing these codes.  Is this how are tax dollars are really working for us? I tell ya, I could have finished crocheting a sweater in the time, that it took me to try and understand the tax codes.

Crochet Abbreviations

Anyway, I'd much rather try to figure out how to decipher crochet, knit or sewing patterns.  My time spent on figuring out the pattern abbreviations, will be well worth my efforts.

At least, I'll be able to create something that I can keep for myself.

As Seen on TV - See what I couldn't live without

There's probably a dozen items inside my home, that I've purchased from those wonderful "Infomercials" on TV.  They do an excellent job enticing their viewers, but really,  how many of those counter top "cookers", do I really need?

Here's some of the "treasures" that we've purchased over the years, while watching TV:

• Remember the Original Ginsu Knife: We still a few of these.

Watch the Original Infomercial by clicking here

• Our first Purchase:  The Ronco Popeil Food Dehydrator , somehow we felt, that we needed one of these:

• The Pasta Pot Strainer- My husband bought 3 of these Pasta Strainers., 2 were for Christmas gifts, however, they were on backorder and they arrived 2 months after Christmas.

The wonderful, Pedi Paws.  Again, my husband, who really doesn't like to shop, thought that this would be just perfect to trim the nails of our Kitty Cats.  Our kitties were not very pleased with the new gadget.




And yes, the Electric Pasta Maker, is another gadget that I'd bought.  I did like this one!

The Pet Zoom Brush gets "2 Claws Up" from my kitty cats.  We really like this one:

And let us not forget about the "Clapper".  I did buy one of these for my parents, but somehow, I feel I could use one today.



These infomercials are actually entertaining. Each time we see one, we shout out the price, before it's even mentioned.....and you can almost bet that it'll be $19.95.

Brunswick Stew Without the Squirrels

Yes, I'm correct to say that this version seems to be much tastier, minus the Squirrels.   My all time favorite "Farm Journal's Country Cookbook", has a fun article regarding, "One-Dish Meals for a Crowd".  They write, " You are certain to be in the South when you find this tempting and famous stew, but there's no reason why it can't be made in other areas.  If squirrels are scarce or your hunters have no time to go after them, chicken makes a good substitute....."

My husband remembers how his Mom would prepare squirrels.  It was a regular part of his meal and he said they were very lean and tasty.  I think I would prefer Chicken in my stew.

Read more at Southern Belle Shoppes

Source: http://www.southernplate.com/2011/01/bbq-joint-stew.html

Enjoy! I love this stuff.

BBQ Joint Stew1 bottle bbq sauce

2 cans whole kernel corn, drained

1-2 cups baby lima beans (or whatever beans you want to use)

1 whole fryer

3-4 medium sized potatoes, peeled and chopped (use more potatoes if you need stew to go further)

1 onion, chopped

salt and pepper to taste (I start with a teaspoon of each but always end up adding twice that!)

Place fryer in stock pot and cover with water. Add chopped onion. Cook over medium heat for about an hour, or until fully done and fall apart tender. Remove chicken from stock and set aside to cool. Add all other ingredients to stock and stir well. Debone and shred chicken and add back to pot. Add in Salt and Pepper. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat to simmer, stirring often, for about half an hour or until vegetables are fully cooked. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed (I like a LOT of pepper in mine).



*This is excellent with a bit of hot sauce.

Easter and Eggs

As we enter the beautiful Easter Season, I truly enjoy seeing the lovely colors that it brings.  Although, where I live in Southern Virginia, we are still waiting for Spring to roll through.  It's been cold and damp, and it's a bit confusing for the poor 'lil flowers.  They don't know whether to pop out or continue to hibernate for a while. Somehow through the dampness, a few Tulip flowers have managed to surface.

Amazingly, this time of the year, is also the time to focus on eggs. Hmmm. I never did understand the connection of eggs and Easter, however, I do enjoy seeing how creative some folks can be, when decorating eggs.  You many already know that I have a passion to work with anything stitching related.  I also enjoy sharing works of others.   

I've just discovered these "Crocheted Green Eggs and Ham" at Foodiggity.com created by Neotorama.com


By John Farrier in Art & Design, Crafts on Mar 2, 2011 at 4:18 pm

Craftster user The Izz writes:


I will crochet them in a box.

I will crochet them with a fox.

I will crochet them in a house.

I will crochet them with a mouse.

I will crochet them here or there.

I do like them anywhere.

I will crochet green eggs and ham.

For I do love that Seussy Man


Knit these Chicks
Kat at Kat Knits has a knit pattern to make your own little Peeps! Make a few and get your duckies in a row

 

Click here for the Pattern

So what do you do with all those eggs?  Well, my all time favorite are my fabulous deviled eggs!  Yes, I am proud to claim that my recipe is the best, as it was well received by some serious picky eaters, that I know. My recipe is included with my "Culinary Crochet" version.  Another nice thing, is that these Crocheted Deviled Eggs will surely last you a lifetime.




Order up!