I haven’t written about traveling for a few weeks, so to get back on the subject of travel, how about a column on one of my favorite cities in the world – Hong Kong! The official name of Hong Kong is “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China”. Population is 7,670,674 as of Sunday, May 14, 2023, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. Hong Kong measures about 30 miles long north to south and 45 miles east to west, much of it mountainous. Comprised of 18 administrative districts, it can be divided into four distinct geographic areas: Hong Kong Island in the south, Kowloon Peninsula to the north, the New Territories, and the outlying islands. According to Google, the New Territories “is a region of wetlands, parks and mountains north of Kowloon. It also encompasses outlying islands,including Lantau Island in the southwest, home to Hong Kong Disneyland theme park. Also, on Lantau is Tian Tan Buddha, a giant bronze statue overlooking the gardens and restaurant of Po Lin Monastery. East is car-free Lamma Island, known for its laid-back beaches.”

Clock ticking on moving bills The clock is ticking on getting bills out of the House and to the Texas Senate, Lt. Gov.

Remember when we took water for granted? It was the first thing served in a restaurant. The waitress put it down about the same time she handed you a menu.

Your own decisions and actions typically determine your financial strategies. But outside events can affect your choices, too. And that may be the case with the recent passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act. This piece of legislation covers many areas. But here are some changes that may be of interest to you, depending on your situation: If you’re a retiree …

Don’t you hate those articles that start with “There are two kinds of people in the world …”? Bear with me on this one.There are probably layers in between, but for most of us, regarding being early or being late, it seems there are only the two camps on this subject …those of us who are always early, and those of us who are always late. Whether it’s a business meeting, a doctor’s appointment, a deadline for work, or catching a flight, it seems some folks are always early and some are always late.

Now that we’ve put winter behind us — at least on the calendar — it’s time for us to think about sprucing up our homes, inside and out. But it also may be time to do some financial spring cleaning.

Dueling tax proposals in the Lege The Texas House passed a bill promising $17 billion in tax relief, a measure that is at odds with the Senate’s tax break plan, ac c o rding to the Austin American- Statesman. The House bill would lower by half a home’s cap on appraisal increases. It passed overwhelmingly, 141-9. However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, said that body will not approve it, preferring its plan to raise property exemptions from $40,000 to $70,000.

There are many reasons to travel. Historic sites to experience, different scenery to see, exotic cultures, customs, and languages to learn about, friends to make, memories to store and share,and last but not least, enjoying the best foods from different regions.

Many people would agree that preparation is the key to success in many areas of life. Yet, when it comes to being ready for a financial emergency, a sizable percentage of Americans are feeling distinctly unprepared — and that can lead to problems.

From around the globe and ending in Texas, some questions and words of wisdom… The author of this one once asked an elderly man what it was like to be old and to know the majority of his life was behind him.He told me that he has been the same age his entire life.He said the voice inside his head had never aged. He has always been the same boy.