I don't know what else to call today. After getting my son Jack to and from school (interesting trip today as he was really tired, like driving a zombie. If he is doing drugs he needs some new ones.)

We got back and Devin was preparing to take one of her horses from the stables to the new house. I was on standby to help with the gates. Antonio (our Foreman) and I were tackling the last few rows of vines.

The vineyard work was hard, and disappointing. The neglect of the vines over the last couple of years did their damage. We lost about another 20 trunks. We need to get some new cab and merlot plants quick.

Dennis showed up and also helped as we tried to salvage the last rows of grape plants. As he arrived, so did my wife and her horse trainer.

About 30 minutes before they arrived Devin called and said she was across the street but having a problem getting Chloe to cross a little stream. (Henceforth-I love using the word henceforth. It is one of the reasons I do a blog- that is why I was on standby.)

Antonio and I walked across the street to find a normally placid Chloe wired like no tomorrow. She did not want to have anything to do with crossing this little stream. Devin, using good judgment took her back to the stable and let Theresa (our trainer) know there was a problem.

Don't get me wrong, Devin is a great experienced rider. She new there was something unusual going on. Fast forward 30 minutes. Theresa is now having problems getting Chloe to cross this one foot muddy puddle.

Chloe JUMPED the creek about 7 times with Theresa doing a good job of staying mounted. They finally arrived on the property and brought horses to the Circle D Ranch (The D is for Devin, don't feel bad I had to ask as well.)  

It was a quick visit and the two pretty ladies and their trustee steeds headed back to the barn. Devin was quite pleased.

Dennis, Antonio and I returned to the vineyard to salvage some cabernet.

Some people are cut out for physical activity. Some people like it when they feel the burn of hard work. Some people appreciate when their body tells them they are pushing it to the limit. They enjoy the endorphin rush and carry well.

I am not some people. When my body talks to me, I like to share what it is saying. My body was telling me I was sweating like a pig. I complained to Dennis and Antonio. My body was telling me I have way to much weight on my puny ill designed ankles. My body does not do well in the sun for 4 hours, even with 11 coats of 45 rated Philadelphia Cream Cheese.

After a while, I had to stop to hydrate. I had a ring of sweat around my torso. Yes I had a torso, not that rotund thing you call my pear shaped body.

When Dennis and I got up to house, I did not want to eat, but had 5 glasses of water. Then we headed to the old house to check on things. When we got back Antonio was out in the filed again and we followed along.

Knowing that we only had about 8 more vines to do, I took it upon myself to begin the deed of picking up the clippings. When you think of clippings you think of cure little blades of grass still moist from the morning dew.

Well let me tellya, vine clippings are like trying to rake and pick up industrial sized slinkys. The tangle and catch on everything and were especially fond of my tennis shoe laces. (HINT: DO NOT PICK UP VINE CLIPPINGS WITH SHORTS AND TENNIS SHOES.) I had one vine do a near perfect prostrate check.

While I was suffering, Dennis was trying so hard to avoid work he tried to cut off his left pinky. He came over to my patch all proud of the big bandage on his hand.

By that time it was Veranda Time. Jerene could not make so we carried on without her. I am struggling to stay awake to do this blog so let's get to the fun stuff.

Could It Be A Distribution Day

Ok boys and girls, remember a distribution day is a down day with above average volume. The NASDAQ did have a distribution day today. It is it's fourth in a recent period of time so it well worth watching.

Not to worry, as you can see, we still have a green flag flying

Oracle dragged the NASDAQ down. They missed estimates and dropped 10% in huge volume.

Bad news out of Germany and unstableness in Cypriot banking systems made us ignore some healthy jobs numbers, the Philly Fed report as well as the general economic indicators.

All of this plays against a quiet back round of our friends in Washington doing what they do or don't. Paul Ryan has ceded some of the absolute dictates of fellow Republicans and as late as 8 hours ago floated a 10 year plan that passed but has no Democratic support assuring no passage at the senate level.

One picture can say it all.

Natural Juices

In an interesting sound clip from the billionair who pays less taxes than his secretary, Warren Buffet suggests that people should stop focusing on what the government is or is not doing and start enjoying the natural juices of the US economy.  

In his letter to investors he has a fairl positive outlook and even suggest AGAIN, we should raise taxes on the wealthiest to help balance the budget.

I agree that the economy is doing better than most give credit. The US government has over inflated this economy with QE I, QE II, and whatever iteration we have now. HOWEVER we are doing with the knowledge that all other major currencies and economies are doing the same. Japan is finally getting in the game, The ECB has been doing a QE shuffle for three years, China has the most effective and responsive QE measure in the world, and the game goes on.

As far as more taxes? As I await the final answer, it irks me that Mr. Buffet suggests we all pay higher taxes. Much of his wealth is tied up in low or non taxable assets. His ownership (though held in trust) is only subject to capital gains. (Currently 20% as of Jan 2013). He does own a lot of municipal bonds that are tax exempt.

If he want to pay more taxes he has a couple of options. Choose investments that result in more taxes or just write a check to the government. (That would be line 60 on the 1040 form Warren.) Heck Warren, move to California, it will fix that "I don't pay enough tax feeling in a hurry." Maybe they can even go retro on you with a Prop 30 incomectomy.

Have a great weekend if I am too tired to blog tomorrow.

  
Since 3/4/2013
Y to R 2/25/2013
G to Y 2/21/2013
Y to G 12/31/2012

I am not a professional investment adviser. Anybody reading my blog and investing accordingly must be out of their minds. I have made more money than I have lost. Except for a nasty VXX trade is 2012.   There are many more qualified people than I to actually tell you how to invest your money.

BAGAKOAA=Boys And Girls And Kids Of All Ages

Salve Lucrum=Latin for Hurrah for Profit.

Brian's estimate :

2013 Year Ending

Dow 14,361

S&P 500

1,610

2012 Year Ending

Dow 13,073

Actual 13,104

S&P 500 1,358

Actual 1,426

Tool Box

Salvay And Lewcrum Explain

Buying Call Options

Market Direction