Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy, Bailey, and Taxes

Lucy

“Hey, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. What are you up to today?

Bailey and I just want to know what you are doing?”

“I’m working on our taxes.”

Bailey

“What did you say, Pops?

“Taxes. I’m working on our taxes.”

“Is that why we’ve heard sounds like a wounded wildebeest?”

Lucy and Bailey

“Ha ha ha. You two slay me. I just am trying to figure out where to put things is all. ”

“Things. What kinds of things?”

“Oh, expenses for publishing for one?”

“Hear that Bailey? Publishing. So that is what he does up here all day.”

“Very funny you two. I’ll have you know I take this stuff seriously.”

“We know you do, Boss. Hey, where you going?”

“I’ll be right back. I have this receipt for supplies, and I left it downstairs.”

“Supplies, huh. How about our dog food. Do you have to count that?

“No. The government does not consider your dog food as a deductible item.”

Lucy and Bailey

“Ya hear that, Bailey? Dog food is not deductible.”

“Well, I think it is delectable who cares if it is deductible?”

“What is deductible anyway?”

Bailey

“You are asking me? I’m a dog, not an accountant. Here comes Pops ask him.”

“Hey, Boss. What does deductible mean?”

“I’m not sure you’ll understand, but the government allows us to take away from our income legitimate expenses which are not taxed.”

“Um. Okay, Boss. My next question would be to ask what taxes are but let’s leave it there okay?”

“Smart Lucy. Trust me what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Look the sun is out.”

“Hey, Boss. You are right. Come on Bailey lets hit the sundeck.”

“Coming right up, Lucy. Pops would you open the door please?”

“Such a good dog. Here you go.”

“Check it out, Lucy. The sundeck is repaired.”

“My goodness that seemed like a long time but it looks like it was never damaged.”

“Yeah. Look over here. This end is back on. No more thrills when walking near the edge.”

“That used to get me. It was like a magnet pulling me to the edge.”

“Oh, stop Lucy. You are so dramatic. Feels nice though.”

“Hey, Boss when did they finish the deck?

“Last week, Lucy. You just haven’t been up here.”

“And thanks to the thing called taxes we heard your bellows and came to your rescue.”

“Pay no attention to Lucy, Pops. She is on this drama kick right now. Since I don’t have an opposable thumb do you think you could get the door?”

“Sure thing, Bailey. You guys going to stay a while?”

“I think we better go downstairs. You can never tell if these taxes things might be coming to get mom.”

“Good idea.”

79 comments

  1. LOL! Loved this, John. The fourth photo is priceless. The sundeck looks like to perfect place to do some writing. Enjoy!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Jill. I very seldom go out there to write. My Mac does not like the sun on the screen. To lay my butt down? Now that is another story. Thank you. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I didn’t realize Lucy was such a ‘lil drama mama, lol.
    And my personal favorite? Delectable beating out deductible for the top prize!
    Thanks for making tax time fun-ish. 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Fun-ish is the operative word, Marc. Thanks for the laugh. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    It is Thursday and time for Lucy and Bailey’s Q & A time with their boss John Howell… who is in the middle of doing his taxes and requires their assistance or is that persistence.. #entertaining…. especially if you are doing your taxes too…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Sally. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Gwen Plano · ·

    Oh the dreaded taxes, I’ve just begun the process. Your story lightens the load with precious Lucy and Bailey. And, the view from your newly finished deck is extraordinary. It must feel like you are always on vacation, how sweet! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Well when I want to take a vacation I go into a city and breathe in the carbon monoxide. This is work. 😀 Thanks, Gwen.

      Like

  5. I’m still gathering stuff for taxes. Glad the girls have the sun deck back.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I like the way Amazon got theirs out quickly. The pups are happy to be able to go out there. It has been off limits for months. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Taxes: Another reason I envy dogs who can’t have to worry about such things.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It is so true. 😀

      Like

  7. LOL, Lucy and Bailey keep me entertained.
    Your sundeck is beautiful! Is that your favorite writing perch?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My desk is inside overlooking the deck. I have the shades up for the first time in five months. The sight before was not so appealing. Thanks, Michelle. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Michael. 😀

      Like

  8. Too funny!

    BTW, glad the sundeck is repaired. I hope that was the last of the damage and all is back to normal.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The floors are the last thing. Starting Feb. 19th ….UGH Thanks, Staci.

      Like

      1. Not long to go now, all things considered. Still praying for all the people affected by the hurricane.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. We just learned that there are another fifty private homes in Port A that have been condemned and will be torn down.

        Like

      3. Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear that.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Sad thing for sure.

        Like

  9. Love it! The new deck is beautiful and at last another piece put back together. The girls are adorable. Taxes? Ugly word!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jan. I agree, ugly word.

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  10. Working on taxes here also. The sundeck looks great – bet Lucy and Bailey missed it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They did. Thanks, Teri.

      Like

  11. I love listening to these two pups, John. Taxes? Wow, you’re getting an early start. I hope it goes well.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Me too. One never knows. (Till the end)

      Liked by 1 person

  12. You’ve already started the dreaded taxes?? I know I need to get prepared, too, but I like to put that sort of thing off as long as possible. Wow, your repaired sun deck looks amazing! I’d have a hard time getting anything done if I had a lovely hideaway like that (and it was sunny and warm outside, to boot!)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It is tempting. Good think I have the will power of a gnat.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. I just gathered my stuff for taxes too. Hopefully, I didn’t make wildebeest sounds in the process (loved that comparison). I like to get the bad news over with early so am meeting with the accountant next week.

    The sun deck looks wonderful. What a relaxing view you have!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It is beautiful. It is what I look at while writing. (Or not writing but looking.)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s what I would do too–both of them.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. John Fioravanti · ·

    Reblogged this on Words To Captivate ~ by John Fioravanti and commented:
    John W. Howell has outdone himself with this precious discussion with his two furry kids about tax preparation. Please share…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, John

      Like

      1. John Fioravanti · ·

        You’re welcome, John. Thanks for sharing Lucy and Bailey with us each week.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. It is totally my pleasure.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
    And here’s some more news from Lucy and Bailey over in Port Aransas – they’ve got their sun deck back! 😀

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you, Jan.

      Like

  16. Taxes, ugh! I think I’d sooner join Lucy and Bailey on the deck 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  17. LOL. This was delightful, John. The deck is gorgeous. So happy you were able to get it fixed. Good luck with the taxes. Hugs!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you , Teagan.

      Like

  18. D.L Finn, Author · ·

    Ick…taxes! I agree dog food should be a deduction:)

    Liked by 2 people

  19. Good one John. lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Andrew.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Aaah taxes, spent most of the day on taxes … It looks pleasantly warm in Port Aransas, John. The new sundeck looks great and your two dogs are very charming. Dina loves the photos of Lucy and Bailey. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes it is finally getting warmer. About 21 Degrees C. Nice sun too. Tell Dina thank you from me.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I will do! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Ahh, it’s a dog’s life I tell ya! 🙂 Beautiful deck!

    Like

  22. Aw, your doggies are adorable, John! Another hilarious episode in the lives of Bailey and Lucy. I’m so glad your sundeck is fixed. It’s beautiful. Your neighborhood is lovely and from what I can see your home is too. 😀 xx

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  23. Love this, John!

    Like

    1. Thank you, Kim.

      Like

      1. My pleasure, John!

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Wow! I love your sundeck! What a cool place to chill and chat to four legged buddies. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. It does provide a peaceful place. Much like your smooth bolder on the mountain. 😀

      Like

  25. I love how these two came to your rescue. And high drama Lucy- that was great. BTW, your sun porch is gorgeous, as is your view. Can I move into that turquoise house across the street? Thanks, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It has a bad leak in the porch but sure. Bring an umbrella. Some day it will get fixed.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Good that those two aren’t accountants! … Cheers to the repaired railing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes it is true. Thanks, Frank.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Too funny, John, and let me know if you hear that dog food is deductible. 🙂 At least it’s delectable so they’re happy puppies. Your deck looks very nice, too! Happy Friday now!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Lauren. Happy Friday to you.

      Like

  28. Reblogged this on mallie1025 and commented:
    This is just too cute!!

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  29. This was just so cute that I had to reblog it on http://mallie1025@wordpress.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Micki.

      Like

  30. Your sundeck looks amazing, John. Such a cute post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Robbie. 🙂

      Like

  31. The Sun Deck looks great. The story was cute.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Haha! Taxes….gggrrrrr….

    Liked by 1 person