Easysticks – by Annie Jo Cain

Since I worked in two different states, both with income tax, I file two state returns plus one federal.  I’m not having fun.

This ridiculous use of infographics on the Rhode Island form makes it all the worse.  It’s mocking me.

I’m doing the pen and paper method.  Does anybody pay a tax preparer or use Turbo Tax or something?

A giant Costco cake can be obliterated with the help of a few friends.

So thank you to all those who pitched in.

Maybe cupcakes next time?

Walking on water.

An experienced icy lake enthusiast.

Katie demonstrates the proper stroke for frozen swimming.

If you live in Mass, don’t forget to head to the polls to vote for Kennedy’s replacement. The ads last night were out of control, back to back insanity. So I’ll be glad when they disappear. At a little after 7am there was an impressive turnout. It impressed me at any rate.

So my civic duty is done for the day.

Yesterday I made yam tacos and they were darn tasty. Similar to the boniato tacos at my old favorite Agua Verde, these had leftover roasted yams cut up into little pieces, mixed in with some sautéed onions, piled into a corn tortilla and sprinkled with extra sharp cheddar.  I see why they add an avocado sauce because mine were slightly on the dry side.

Go vote!  Go make yam tacos!

Now that I’m back in Mass. and the new year has begun, it’s time for a little sprucing up the place.  First of all, I have my birthday present to hang. Marika, see the note about goggles?

Does this look straight?

The Christmas sicks have attacked. I’m down for the count.

Hopefully I can eke out some fun before I have to leave.

Before Oliver and co. arrived, Mom and I enjoyed some fun and games.

Yahtzee! Mom blew me out of the water on this one.

Wii Bowling. I’m pretty sure Mom took the wins here too.

After opening presents, Oliver enjoys his loot.

Thomas and some more Thomas.

May your cookies be delicious and your day filled with cheer!

From Cookies

After moving the kitchen table out into the empty dining room for Thanksgiving, we realized that it was awesome to have a dining table in the dining room for dining at.

The hunt for a replacement in the kitchen led to an island.

I threw out my back trying to get the thing inside and assembly was a pain for sure, but I think the end result might be worth it. Maybe.

I may regret this, but these are the kind of things a dedicated aunt does.

Oliver put himself out there and sang a Christmas carol on YouTube.  So if he can do it, so can I.  Prepare to laugh (at me) and cringe as though you were watching a particularly potent episode of the Office.

Before we get to that, though, here is the adorable Oliver singing Jingle Bells. Excellent!

Here is my response.

Thanks to Run-D.M.C. for the lyrics and beat.  Making rap videos is hard, yo.