on financial matters:

the earnest money on the house is paid! construction is really humming along; pics to be posted soon.

filed my tax returns today. owed federal and got back state--I ended up being a little over $100 to the good. so much for a grand refund. but at least I'm not in the hole.

in light of my adventures making my car payment, a haiku:

the check must be mailed
scowling bankers lie in wait
buy stamps? pray, with what?