Maybe I'll redate this later, but things recently have put me in the mood to thank my lucky stars... or lucky charms... or trix or kix... or... the mercy of the cosmic giggle. *amen*

As April approached we had to look back as well. It was tax season. Since we were OWED money, we were not bound by the April 15th rule. Nevertheless, we looked back at 2007... and looked for deductions for several weeks until we actually filed with Joe Tax.

Then we began to look ahead to the return. Hmm, a turn he tot re-head... *phew~dizzy* Then we got the check.

Then we split it and spent it. Mine was converted to gold dollar coins.

and some small change.

Incredible shrinking dollar. Never underestimate the power of good cents.

To review and preview:

Judge W.W. Black was destined to leave a judicial rather than a political legacy. As a politician various historians have described him as a conservative, moderate, and progressive-- a bit of conflicting opinion emphasizing his vague stand on the issues. In short, he was perhaps too cautious for his own good. He attempted to be a moderate in an age of extremism, but his background as a corporate lawyer failed to give him that all-important connection to the voters and their issues. Political junkies should note his unsuccessful path to elective office does have some oddities that are fairly unique in the electoral history of the Evergreen State.

William Wilson Black was born Jan. 19, 1855 in West Lebanon, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, the oldest of 8 children to Solomon and Mary (Russell) Black. Solomon was a blacksmith and carriage maker who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

W.W. (as he became known), climbed the academic ladder and attended Greenville Academy, the State Normal School, and Allegheny College. At some point, perhaps in the early 1880s, he moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he "took up up the study of law with William Dill," according to the History of the Puget Sound Country (1903) by William Prosser, and "diligently pursued his reading and was admitted to the bar in 1883."

Also in 1883 he married Mollie Neil in Leavenworth.

Prosser can fill in the next few years:

Please try to make it!

Fun-draising Tea Party for the whole family!

Sunday, JUNE 8th 2-4 p.m. Traditions, 300 5th Avenue SW $5 (kids free!) for tea.

Live music! We'll also have a dessert auction and silly tea hats for sale.

http://www.oly-wa.us/power/

http://www.myspace.com/parentsorganizing

POWER is an organization of low-income parents and allies advocating for a strong social safety net while working toward a world where children and care giving are truly valued, and the devastation of poverty has been eradicated.

photo by enpen
mouseover photo by enpen
mouseout photo by enpen

Full article here...

PROVO, Utah — For years, Kevin Jensen carried a pistol everywhere he went, tucked in a shoulder holster beneath his clothes.

In hot weather, the holster was almost unbearable. Pressed against his skin, the firearm was heavy and uncomfortable. Hiding the weapon made him feel like a criminal.

IMHO the article is a little shy on meaningful information, and it cites Utah law, but is still interesting to see open carry hit mainstream news and presented in a favorable light. 

In Washington, you can open carry anywhere you can carry a loaded handgun, although you need a concealed weapons permit to carry in a vehicle, but there is no obligation to conceal.