Wildflower Blooms

Several years ago we reduced the size of our turf grass in the yard and seeded a bunch of native plants. It takes several years for these plants to establish themselves and we just noticed, yesterday afternoon, that the ‘upland’ location (where the ancient farmhouse foundation is buried) is putting-on its own fireworks display. 

 

I figure as summer progresses more are going to pop. 

 

Here's what we got blooming so-far.  

 

Bee Balm (Wild Bergamot), Black-Eyed Susan, False Sunflower (Ox Eye), Motherwort, Pale Purple Coneflower and Feverfew (Wild Quinine).

 

 

 

Juicy Fruit

Here we go 'round the mulberry bush
The mulberry bush
The mulberry bush
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush… 

Ear worm?  

You're welcome. 

I planted this mulberry four years ago.  Damaged in shipping it arrived snapped in two.  The nursery had no inventory in stock to replace it so they issued a refund and suggested I plant the remaining stump to see if it could be salvaged.

Lo and behold the tree is thriving!

Looking at it the other day we both marveled at the growth spurt it’s manifested. And thought aloud that the branches appeared to be sagging a bit.

Which is because they’re positively loaded with fruit. 

Looking forward to ripe berries on vanilla ice cream.

And sharing with the songbirds….. 

Pants On Fire

In an email I received last Thursday from the Social Security Administration (SSA) I was told - Nearly 90 percent of beneficiaries will no longer pay federal taxes on their benefits.  

True or false?

That claim is false and misleading.

It does not repeal federal income taxes on Social Security benefits.  Instead, it introduces a temporary enhanced standard deduction—up to $6,000 for individuals (or $12,000 for married couples) - for taxpayers aged 65 and older.  This deduction begins phasing out at incomes above $75,000 (individuals) or $150,000 (couples) and expires after 2028.

The White House Council of Economic Advisors cited estimates that roughly 88% of seniors would, thanks to the larger deduction, fall below the taxable threshold on their benefits.  But that is not the same as eliminating the tax - it simply means my total income (post deduction) might result in a reduced tax owed this time around.

The SSA email implied a permanent repeal, rather than a temporary, income-based deduction.

While it may be true that a significant number of seniors (up to ~90%) might not pay federal tax on their social security benefits that tax will not be eliminated.  It is just temporarily offset by a higher deduction, subject to caps, that expires in 2028.

Call it what it is; a one-off deduction; not a repeal.

The taxation of Social Security benefits adds revenue to the program’s trust funds. The taxation of benefits began in 1983, in an effort to stabilize Social Security’s finances.  According to the Committee For A Responsible Federal Budget this deduction hastens the projected insolvency of the trust fund by another year.

Astronomy and Astrology Explained

Maybe you associate the word zodiac with astrology. But it has an honored place in astronomy, too. 

Anyone who spends any time gazing at the night sky is keenly aware of the zodiac constellations, because they contain what’s called the ecliptic, or sun’s path across our sky. 

Why is the sun’s path so important? Join night sky experts - Deborah Byrd and Bob King, aka AstroBob - to find out!

Update From The Oriole Ranch

As per usual there are a couple of oriole feeders out.  And the one on the west side of the porch has a trail camera mounted on the post opposite of its location.  It attracts more than just Orioles.

Male and female Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Catbirds, Purple Finches and a Red-bellied Woodpecker for good measure.  

Some recent photos of feeder action for your viewing pleasure.  This year's crop of fledglings should be arriving in just about a week...

 

 

Faith

 

The dollar is off to its worst start since 1973.  And it has continued its slide even though President Trump has backed down from some of his tariff threats and the stock market has bounced back from earlier losses.

 

What gives? 

It can be a mixed bag.  A weakening dollar, while potentially beneficial for some sectors, generally leads to increased import costs, higher inflation, and potentially higher interest rates.  This can impact consumers through increased prices on imported goods and potentially higher borrowing costs.  However, it can also make American goods more attractive to foreign buyers, boosting exports and potentially stimulating economic growth.

On the negative side of the ledger a weak dollar can lead to increased import costs.  As the US dollar buys less foreign currency it costs more to import goods from other countries.  Consequently this can lead to higher consumer prices in a wide range of imported products potentially fueling inflation.  

If a weaker dollar does lead to higher inflation the Federal Reserve might raise interest rates in an attempt to curb rising prices.  This would make borrowing more expensive for consumers and business impacting everything from mortgages, car and small business loans. 

Is overseas travel on your agenda?  A weaker dollar means your money doesn't stretch as far as it used to and travel becomes costlier. 

On the positive side of the ledger a weaker dollar makes exported goods and services cheaper for foreign buyers.  Potentially this can increase export demand and boost the competitive edge for American businesses.  If there is an increased demand for US exports the can lead to higher production, job creation and overall economic growth.

And just like foreign travel is costlier for Americans the opposite is true for foreign tourists.  A weaker dollar means that overseas currencies are stronger relative to the dollar making travel here more affordable.

Bottom line?  US debt already exceeds $36 trillion. The passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, at a minimum, is going to increase Federal debt by $3.3 trillion; raising the debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio from 124 percent today, raising concerns about long-term debt sustainability.  The mounting annual deficits would rise to 6.9 percent of GDP from about 6.4 percent in 2024.  Confidence in the US continues to erode.

Owing to our dominance in trade and global finance the dollar has been the world's reserve currency.  More than half of the world's exports are denominated in dollars, 60 percent of all bank deposits are denominated in dollars and 70 percent of all international bonds are priced in US currency.  And 57 percent of the world's currency reserves - assets held by central banks - are held in dollars.  All of this is supported by confidence in the US economy, our financial markets and our legal system.

President Trump is changing all of this; further spreading uncertainty. 

Presently, foreigners own $19 trillion in US equities, $7 trillion in Treasuries and $5 trillion miscellaneous US credit; and investors are beginning to realize they might be over-exposed to US assets and their trust is beginning to erode. 

If global investors continue to trim their positions the dollar's value could come under sustained pressure as the US becomes a less attractive place to invest these days.

Trust is like the air we breathe – when it’s present, nobody really notices; when it’s absent, everybody notices. 

- Warren Buffett

 

 

 

Boarding House

This is the third upland retriever we've trained.  And one of the things our doggo really loves is going to doggy daycare.  Better yet; staying there for boarding.  Yes, boarding.  For days and weeks on end.

Early-on we seized-on the opportunity to socialize this dog with other of her species and as a consequence this pooch loves going to Red River Canine LLC to hang with her pack.

Recently,I had to have outpatient eye surgery in Green Bay and as a consequence doggo scored a couple-three days at the Dog Spa to run with her pack.  Topped-off with a pedicure and a coif from the groomer before returning home.

It's a dog's life....