Dear Family,

This is a wonderful month. Except for the Monday filing deadline for quarterly returns (because the 30th falls on a weekend), there are no major filing deadlines this month. HOOORAY!

So, we are taking a very long weekend. Please, don't try to call, I've shut the office down because Lulu needs a break, too.

This is a good time for you to take a breather, too. A few days recess from work and stress and quotidien responsibilities will clear your head and lift your spirits.

Since you may be doing some traveling outside the country this month, don't you think it's time to get your passport updated? WomensWallStreet.com has an excellent Passport Resource for you.

Although, if you plan to drive during during your holidays, especially in a new car, beware!

Read - Car Spy (below) to find out why.

Mother's Day is coming up in a week.

Hasn't your mother already told you that she doesn't want anything? Please, don't make a fuss! She says.

Well, how's this for an idea?

DON'T make a fuss on Mother's Day. Arrange to take Mom out, or spend time with on a different day. Pick a day when the restaurants aren't crowded and the wait-staff aren't running like crazy. Take Mom out when you don't have to stand in line, or get pushed to finish so they can turn the table over to the next family.

A nice old tradition is coming back - tea-rooms. Find a charming place and take Mom to one. Or create the same atmosphere at home. How?

Get some mismatched, but cute dishes and cutlery from garage sales or thrift shops. Be sure to get a couple of three-tiered serving trays. Make several of your favorite sandwiches and cut them up using a cookie cutter. Pick out a few ordinary and unusual teas - and brew up two or three of them - and invite a few friends or family members your mother will like - and voila! A home-made tea party!

Hey, why not do it this weekend and celebrate Mother's Day with a May Pole?

Hey, Passover's almost over! It ends this weekend. You could break the bread-fast using finger sandwiches instead of pizza for a change. Start a new tradition!

Oh, don't want to go to all trouble? Sigh. OK, do something ordinary, in a grand way - get tickets to something Mom will love. Order them NOW so you have them by Mother's Day. Yes, it's NEXT Sunday.

Best wishes,
Eva Rosenberg, EA
Your TaxMama is watching...out for you.

President Bush and Social Security
If you want to express your own opinion on Social Security to President Bush and your legislator's, please feel free to use the link at the bottom of this letter.