Yippee skippee!! We are definitely on the countdown to spring and Miss MoneyPenny is ready for it, even though we have had a mild winter. A mild winter is not really a good thing because the bad bugs do not get taken out, especially the fleas. I'm just now getting a handle on the pesky devils after just about going broke buying both kinds of the major flea controllers, and switching them out every two weeks.
As you might have noticed by the above graphic, March is National Frozen Food Month. This means that we should see more coupons and store ads featuring frozen foods this month. I'm not real excited about frozen food except, of course, ice cream. I prefer to get my food fresh and freeze it myself so that I will know what is in it, although, I do buy frozen fruit at Costco. Not that I'm a conspiracy theorist or anything, but I just don't trust the big "food" guys, however organic they say they are.
Here is a list of seasonal produce that we should start seeing in the stores, with, hopefully, a good sale:
Asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, carrots, chard, citrus fruits, Haas avocados, peas, radishes, rhubarb, and spinach
QFC has a good sale this week (ending tomorrow night) on asparagus ($1.88/lb), avocados ($.88/ea), and oranges ($ .99/lb). I picked up all three and I'm having the asparagus tonight, sauteed in butter and then steamed in the pan until tender. Then I hit it with a squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper. Simple, pure and delicious food. What more could you ask for??
March is also a good month to take a look at:
Air Conditioners
Boats
Gardening Tools
Gas Grills
Golf Clubs
Luggage
Winter Coats
I did notice last time I was at Costco that they are carrying Sluggo again. They have the best price and it will last all gardening season. I first start out by sprinkling the whole perimeter of my place with it because I have world class snails. I'm the only organic yard in my neighborhood, so they all come to my house. This little trick enables me to actually have a garden.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Update:
I took off the bandages this morning and this is what was underneath. I really enjoyed my shower this morning but my hands really ached afterwards, so will slow it down and put them on ice and watch a Mariners spring training game after lunch. Friday the stitches come out.
Hands looking good! The technology is amazing! Now, QUIT overdoing it!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of slugs... My dahlia border is now full of bulbs starting to grow and bloom. Daffodils are starting to bloom now. I'll try to remember to take pictures. I noticed that something was eating the tops of the tulip leaves as they were trying their hardest to grow. Not having time to research the issue, last week I grabbed some good ol' Sluggo (I also try to do everything organic, but all bets are off when it comes to slugs eating all my flowers and vegies!) and I looked yesterday and the tulips are actually growing, with somewhat blocked off tops. I hope this stops the little buggers from eating the flowers.
Tax tips:
The best way to get your money's worth (and more) from your accountant is to visit with them during the year when they aren't so crazed with IRS deadlines. They have more time to discuss and research your questions. Sure, you may have to pay for an appointment (depending on your questions and research involved and amount of time involved), but it will be worth your time and money. Also, if you are looking for a new accountant, the best time to meet with them for the first time is NOT during tax season. Meet with them months before the end of the year so they can review the prior year's returns and make any suggestions. Also, gives you time to gather documents they may need. I had to turn down a new client the other day because I just did not have the time to review his prior years and discuss his business.
Don't be frustrated by the late 1099 documents you are receiving from the brokerages. They get their information out to you as soon as they are able. They have to wait on information sent to them before they can compile and send to you. Accountants are aware of these timelines and we work around them. Also, we are aware of which accounts will probably receive amended 1099s and are waiting for these before we finish the return for the client.