My Class Action Settlement Finally Came In

I received this last week. (Click on the image to see the amount.) I think that I'll pass it along to my grandkids for their college education.

I think this has something to do with my American Express credit card and charges I made outside the U.S. Not sure what I submitted or when. But it was sure worth the trouble!

Interesting Government Action in 2008

The IRS works in strange and expensive ways. A few months after we submitted our taxes in 2008 we received a letter from the IRS saying they had made a mistake and that we were owed 79 cents. Of course they sent two letters, one to me and one to Jane. They apparently can't trust the spouse on large financial matters. The letters also explained that their policy was not to pay amounts less than one dollar unless the taxpayer requested payment.

Being me, I requested payment.

A few months later we received two more letters, one to Jane and one to me, explaining that there would be a delay in payment, but we would receive our payment in the near future. Finally, in September we received our check for 79 cents shown above.

I estimate that letter materials and postage for the 79 cent payment was about 10 dollars. The cost of the labor for IRS employees to process can only be quessed.

Seems they should change their policy to "Just pay it!"

Happy New Year!

Art’s and Jane’s
High Points of 2008
* James and Eli becoming great karate kids!
* Finishing the basement!
* Skiing Aspen and Telluride.
* Beanie and Griffin catching all those field mice!
* Sarah’s 2nd birthday and learning that she’s going to have a sister named, we think, Zoe.
* Nice vacations with Liz and Rick – January in Kauai and December in Tucson (and Jane's correct guess on the "halfway to Hawaii game" on United - got 1st place - off by ONE second! - got a box of nuts!)

* and of course, the positive world happenings - Obama, humor where we can find it ...

Low Points of 2008
* Griffin’s death.
* Barb’s family's health problems.
* The black cloud over Jane’s group at work – death, disease, disability and divorce …
* Art’s poor health in December – in the hospital for 2 days at SJMC.
* Jane’s rotator cuff tear – from yoga stretching – no golf, swimming, or yoga for 3+ months.

Here's hoping 2009 is much better for all of us - better health and more happiness.

Ciao~