PM, what nasty news that is. I am so sorry. It's a shock for sure. I always TRY to think the one door closes, another door opens...sometimes I'm more successful than others. Here's hoping for a smooth transition from one job to another more wonderful job.

Rant: Kopps home and hasn't done a trip report. I'm eagerly awaiting.

Rave: three day weekend...can get some things done I've been wanting to do, and can have time to read the paper in the morning instead of just glancing at the headlines.

Rant: going to be hot again...mid 90's..yuk. Looking forward to fall.

Hope every one has a wonderful and safe weekend.

I think mikemo still speaks Doctor speak
I am proud to say that I figure it all out most of the time

crefloors, if I give you my journal, will you write it for me? Who wants to hear the boring details of a six week trip? I don't even know where to begin.

Hello again.

As I was reading through your posts I was sniffling and wiping away tears. I am sad but that's not why I'm sniffling. I am so very touched by your kind words and thoughts. Sometimes life seems so unfair, then your friends come to your rescue and everything seems a lot brighter. You all are the best, really!!

Now for the stuff that really matters:

April, I am so sorry to hear about the cat. I can only imagine how upsetting that was, but it sounds like the cat is OK. But I don't blame you for feeling bad, I would too.

Ani, Scarlett is right, they are only staring because of your glow.

StephCar, your post about the Magna Doodle gave me a much-needed laugh!! I drive in a lot of traffic, so I must get a Magna Doodle.

mms, you're going to the the space shuttle launch, how exciting!!

bonniebroad, how silly of that doctor to put the wrong sized knee on your sister. Sorry she has to go through all that again. I wish somebody would replace that knee at the bottom of this page.

OWJ, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I would move heaven and earth if I could help you to fulfill your dream.

seetheworld, as you know I love Portugal too. If you buy a property there, just think how many Fodorites will come to visit. We might even have a surprise GTG at your place.

OWJ, please do not read the next paragraph. Thanks, goodbye OWJ.

(Hey everyone, remember last year when we planned a surprise GTG at OWJ's house for Rosh Hashanna? Are we still on? shhhhh.... )

Thanks again everyone, you are the finest people in the world. Love to all.

P_M,
I'm sorry to hear of the job loss.
I also went through that after twenty five years with a major retailer. It was rough for a while, but we made it ok.

To you other shoe wearing Sand Heads, welcome to the club.

Abreviations allowed me to "see" many more patients, provide high quality care (never sued, nor named), and earn a living practicing medicine over almost 40 years.
Unfortunately, that is no longer possible for many, and they, like I, are retiring in their 50's.
US SS is what you all hope to get from your elected fools in DC - Social Security retirement benefits.
INSEN is a variable discount card (up to 50% off busses, flights, hotels, groceries, etc.) for seniors here in MX.
I care less about the pros and never see any, but college football still has a place. Go Horns!
M

jorr,
Did you see the really negative feature in the on line NYTimes today re: E-85?
Taxpayers are getting screwed!
M

Aww Scarlett, you are so sweet! However, I believe this is a whole different animal as I've spoken to many other pregnant women with the same complaint. Thanks anyway!!

P_M,

From the "for what it's worth" category...five years ago I, along with hundreds of other employees, were laid off. Every one of my beloved co-workers ended up in a happier place, with a job they love more than they thought possible. For some this took awhile, up to two years in some cases, but everyone I know and have talked with is happy and better for the experience. It's scary, things may get rough for awhile, but there is hope for the future. Blessings to you and yours.

Rant: All our dear Fodorite's here that are having worries, dissapointments, stress etc. May all of your lives get better. OWJ, you know what my prayer is for you and OWJ2 and that precious little one that WILL be in your arms. And P_M, I am devestated to hear about your husband's job!! I truly hope you two can work it out to take your trip to Hawaii. If there is anyway possible I think the break would do you both a world of good

Rave: The goose hunter at jorr's door, at least he DID ask, lol. My grandfather use to chase hunters who were trespassing on his land with his own shotgun, lol..Hi jorr!!

Rant: Those of you having issues with spouses or children. I am sure we have all dealt with that at one time or another but it never gets easier. May you all get your relationships back in order and may everyone remember how much they love each other.

Rave: All the Fodorite's here that help make each day more joyous. So many of you are like a ray of sunshine no matter what difficulties you are dealing with. And you all know who you are!

Wishing everyone a safe, happy and fun weekend. And many thanks to those that work during the holidays, your contribution to our society is so appreciated even if we sometime forget to mention our gratitude.

PM, I don't know what to say....I feel so incredibly bad for the both of you...sending you mail. Warm hugs to you from me...

Mikemo, "your elected fools in DC". Mexico this, Mexico that. For somebody who moved to Mexico you sure have a lot of political and social views against the country you abandoned in your own words to - avoid taxes. Don't lecture us about American grown E-85. You Left America. Until you move back to Texas and pay taxes you no longer have a say in what we in America do.

Even if he has dual citizenship?

yes. He left, pays no taxes, but has some papers that say U.S. on it.

In order to live in Mexico, one can get a permanent visa. This does not require giving up ones American citizenship, and depending on ones income/SS, US taxes still have to be paid.
I do not, nor does anyone else, know Mikes personal financial business so I am not speaking for him, just what I know from research we have done ourselves when contemplating living outside of the US.

P_M--I am so sorry to hear that. I hope he is feeling as well as can be expected.

An American citizen living outside of the US is not relieved of paying US taxes if the income is derived from the US (rental income, interest and dividends, social security income, salary from a US company etc).
The percentage of the taxes depends of course on the amount of the income just as if one was still living in the US.

I don't know about Mexico but in Italy a permanent resident of Italy that is a US citizen would not pay taxes to the Italian government UNLESS income was earned in Italy, a person who has a job in Italy working for an Italian company for example and consequently earns a salary. Than there is all kinds of laws and regulations regarding some kind of credit regarding taxes paid to each country. I don't remember the details because it wouldn't apply to me.

I DO wish though that this FFR&R's would not get political as so often when it does Fodor's than either freezes or delete this thread which is not fair to all of the Fodorite's that have posted here.

So please, NO politics..thanks Mikemo!!!

Ooooooooh PM, sweetie I am sorry. I so hope everything works out for you and your DH. Will there be anyone to assist your DH with placement of a new job? I do so hope he will find employment right away. Also, with regards to Hawaii, you still may be able to go, most new employers will honor a vacation that has been booked already, especially when they know that this is the situation. I feel for you very much and hope you will be saying Aloha soon, sweetie!

LoriNY & Enzian ~ Lori, you were THERE????? Did you know our enzian here on Fodors has her daughter and husband there too! Once there was a young girl with an 'I love Andre' sign and I thought, Uhhh, is that enzian's daughter, LOL. Ridiculous I know, LOL, I don't even know how old she is, but she was cute with her sign.

cmcfong ~ thanks for your kind words, doll. And I must say that when I read your post about going out ot buy the Magna Doodle, I was laughing out loud! You brighten many days too!

Everyone have a safe and lovely weekend!

oooh, I'm poster 100! hehe...the things that amuse me!

I want to thank everyone for their positive messages to OWJ2 and I. We're trying to keep the faith but I have to tell 'ya, it's hard! It's really tough, but knowing there are so many people rooting/praying/hoping for us gives us strength.

Thanks again!
The OWJs

And I am # 101 !! Just checking my son's computer. Don't tell him, I like mine better