Have you had the flu this year? The flu season is known to last until May. The flu shot might be your best choice; washing your hands ranks right up there, too. Wash your hands often - wash your hands often - often wash your hands!!!

   In case you are interested - I love my apartment! I look out my window and see a golf course 75 yards away (private one.) In the basement of the building they have a laundry, a meeting room (beano), a pool table, a ping pong table, state-of-the-art weight room, saunas in the ladies' and the men's rooms, and a small storage room. And, finally, my favorite room (although I never use it) - a nice lounge and a library (soft chairs and a large TV.) A sign hangs on the wall: "Stay long, talk much, laugh often"

   In the race for the White House: The males vs the female (one). In the last election for president; 9 million more women than men voted (Source: Hillary Clinton.) That tells you something - the power of the woman.

   Wal-Mart has to get its act together. Working violations are costing millions and millions of dollars! Working off the clock, working during rest periods, not paying the proper rates of pay...If Wal-Mart had a union, this would not happen. Both the company and the union would be working with the set of rules they had both agreed on. UFCW and Local 1445 are available!!!

   In case you missed the news - the rate you pay for a postage stamp has been increased by 2 cents. That's not too bad when you say it that way - "Two cents, what the heck?" When you say "Forty-one cents" it's a different reaction - "What the %#$#**&! is this country coming to????"

   The increase will become effective on May 14, 2007. A new stamp - a "forever" stamp - will go on sale. The new one will not have a price on it. It will say "First Class". The first forever stamps will sell for 41 cents apiece and will remain valid for sending a letter regardless of any future rate increases.

   While a forever stamp will always be valid for mailing a letter, that doesn't mean the price won't go up. If rates were to increase to 45 cents, for example, that's what a forever stamp would sell for. But stamps already purchased at a lower rate could still be used without extra postage.

   Since the weather is turning to the better, the serious golfer is right now digging out his or her golf bag, with visions of Myrtle Beach (or the nearest golf range.) It is an exciting season of the year for those who have the golfer's "bug". I just happen to have a medallion in my pocket with the words inscribed on it, for those who want to do well at the game: "The harder you work, the luckier you get. - Gary Player"

   A little information for you to digest: There are 16 women serving in the United States Senate and there are 71 women elected to the House of Representatives.

   Hmmmmm. A woman running for President of the United States of America? Hmmmmm.

   Have you seen one of the presidential one dollar coins yet? I haven't. They have been in circulation for more than a month, a very large number of them having been minted. Do coin collectors have them all? Errors were made on them. Some got by without the lettering, "In God we trust", some without the date, etc.

   It's a man's world. Wait! Not so fast! The women are gaining ground. The president of the Massachusetts state senate handed over the gavel to the new president yesterday. Her name: Miss Theresa Murray, of Plymouth. She was the chairperson of the "powerful" Ways & Means committee. Miss Murray is the first woman to serve as president of the Massachusetts state senate.

   What a beautiful day! At least it started out that way. I heard someone whistling - it was me! I forgot the tune. What does it all mean? My rehab is working? I'm getting better? I'm at peace with myself? Or all of the above?

   Alright, guys and girls! Lace up your running shoes! The 111th Marathon is coming to Boston town! I am considering entering the race. I'm preparing for it by walking one mile every day. I walk in zero weather, snow or rain. I will decide on April 17 - watch out for me!

   I am confused about the starting time. They have made several changes. I do know they have added 100 more port-o-johns. What a relief that is!! Race on!!!

   This is the last time I will share this info with you. If you did not file a tax return in 2003, you may have some money coming to you! The kicker to it? You have to file a claim using the 2003 Form 1040; the bad news is that you must file by April 17, 2007.

   Non-filers in Massachusetts: 40,000; average refund due: $671.00. Non-filers in New Hampshire: 7,106; average refund due: $709.00.

   The largest category of non-filers is in the military. They should be given an extension because of their military service during the war with Iraq.

   A big and very important event will take place in Boston for two days - May 19 and 20 - the annual "Avon Walk for Breast Cancer." It's a worthy cause. If you are interested in getting involved as a runner or crew member, call this number: 1-800-510-WALK. Or register online. Those who are unable to participate, buy breast cancer stamps at the local post office. A portion of the cost of stamps goes to breast cancer research.

   I must not forget the many coin collector who are out there. The 50 state quarters program coins are issued approximately every 10 weeks, from 1999 to 2008. The quarters are released in the same order as the states joined the union.

   They will be circulated in 2007 in this order: 1. Montana (11/8/1889); 2. Washington (11/11/1889); 3. Idaho (7/3/1890); 4. Wyoming (7/10/1890); 5. Utah (1/4/1896). Remember these dates - I might give you a test someday!

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