This is a difficult post.

Our country's leaders seem unable to stop spending. President Obama said that we cannot "cut ourselves into prosperity." and yet, on an individual basis, people do it all the time. If you're in debt...stop spending and pay it off.

My son joined the "47%. Came home from college for Christmas and he's not going back. He doesn't have a job but does get SSI and Social Security benefits because of his blindness.

Our country needs to stop spending, but those who cannot work, or cannot find work...need help. (Note: Tom can work, but between school and LHON, he hasn't.

Then there's the question...when does too much help become hurting?

I don't know if I'm helping or hurting, but

1- the rule has always been if the kid is not in school full time or working...they can't live here
2- Tom is 26. He needs to get on with his life
3- and I need to get on with mine.

Our country is on her way down the crapper. We cannot keep on doing what we 're doing.

In the effort to not raise my taxes...my payroll taxes are going up and I'll talk later about my health care plan...

All in all, I'm sorry it happened the way it did...but I have to admit I'm looking forward to being an empty nester for real.