At times I’ve heard, “God watches over children and drunken Sailors” uttered over the past years.  I was both at different times, but am neither now although admittedly I’m really prone to have too much wine on some days and behave like a hyper active  child in the yard with our dogs on most.  Recently, we celebrated Bridget’s XXth birthday and languished over the decision to share news we’ve kept secret for some time.

Fortunately, the IRS will soon know (as will you) that the tax man cometh in a big way over previous years.  Unexplained income tends to trigger government tripwires which otherwise may go un-noticed particularly when you have a security clearance and are located at a communication facility where a sudden change in affluence could indicate something amiss.

Some readers are inclined to guess that we’d acted on a hot stock tip – but this is untrue.  I’ve been burned badly by the stock market before (thanks GM!)  Our sudden cash windfall will net well North of six figures, and just shy of seven and even now our killjoy CPA is running amok trying to determine the tax implications on our recently acquired income.

Let me explain —

On a whim in early January, and while sipping an espresso at a small cafe bar, I purchased an Italian lottery ticket for €20.

We’re not rich, by any means, but we will be living considerably more comfortable as we ponder if this stroke of financial luck will be followed by something equally bad.

Life is funny like that, and it is even funnier when you realize you’ve been had!

Grey Poupon anyone!?