My old suits/Carlos Pueblo

 My old suits/Carlos Pueblo

Yesterday, I was doing some sorting of my old suits from two closets in the house. I have kept most of my old suits since I lost my insurance agent job in 2001. They are old yet freshly dry cleaned and I love to wear them when I go on board cruises because cruise restaurants are fancy and formal. I am going abroad again next week for a little bit more than a month and I plan to visit my Alma Mater, the National Taiwan Normal University; therefore, I get an opportunity to dress up.

The man's suits can be worn for generations because the fashion code is slightly changed, not like the female dress. A commoner wearing suits can only express neatness and cleanness in his appearance. That is why I always wear a suit to meet people in a formal gathering. I helped my English teach, Mr. Yu-Wen Shen of Shanghai, China sent his suits to a dry cleaner in our sugar factory's residential area. Mr. Shen was my elder sister Amy's English teacher at a girls high school across town. He didn't get along with the lady principal; therefore, he came to our boys high school to teach at a much junior English class of mine. He spoke fluent English with idiomatic grammar all the time. He always dresses up even at our class. I adored him and he was my role model.

I worked study during my college life and my first major purchase was a brand new suit made of the wool material imported from Hong Kong. The tailor was from a small township south of my hometown Huwei on another county. His main job was as a cleaner at our male dormitory in the campus as an ironer to press clean clothes. I continued to have my suits made by his tailor shop after I returned from my conscription and teaching in Taipei. I even brought suits from him to Auburn in 1975.

I started working in Houston and I found suits from department stores. I found what I liked, the inexpensive products from Eastern European countries. I wear suits to schools, work, and visit my clients. At least that I have shown my respect for what I am doing.

Recently, I have earned some compliments on the board of ships. They tell me that I am well dressed up that is the only thing to impress them. I am going to take one of my favorite suits to wear in Taiwan.

舊西裝／莊峻華

 舊西裝／莊峻華

行將遠行，整理行李箱，兩衣櫃內有11套舊西裝，均乾洗完畢，我一一歸套，重新置入衣櫃，有一套上衣袖裡襯脫落，愛美將它縫妥，這是一套西裝我帶先岳母大人所得贈與，都30年舊衣，我仍喜愛如昔。最近，我經常郵輪旅行，都帶西裝上船，出入餐廳酒會，非常整潔，頭帶德州牛仔草帽，蓋住禿頭，和義女義孫女合照，不易樂乎？

我從小就喜歡西裝，先父家貧，未有機會西服，我從初一開始就幫英文老師沈鈺文，送西裝到糖廠乾洗店，沈師系中國上海人，戰前有著西裝經驗，糖廠乾洗店是日本設備，我深有印象。讀師大第一年，我就在外家教，家教費除日用外，省錢訂製西裝，西裝師傅是男生宿舍乾洗店燙衣師傅，當年只有僑生始有送衣服到洗衣店，後來宿舍改建，不再有洗衣店設備。我在虎尾教書，也在台北訂製西裝，師傅曰甚至可寄送到美國。

結婚後，體重劇增，舊西裝已不合身，於是開始就地取材，剛好美國大城市有大購物中心，其中有很多成衣西裝可選擇，這些西裝來自東歐國家，價廉物美，服裝店尚且幫忙修改合身，我就穿西裝上班上學，後來從事銷售業，西裝成為我的製服。我喜愛純毛織品，我甚至遠行到蘇格蘭愛登堡，追尋西服材料大皇冠，當年洗衣店暢銷港貨，愛登堡毛衣店員博學曰，蘇格蘭著厚毛衣物，若輕裘毛衣物，應為義大利出品馳名全球。

中年失業，未曾再有機會著西裝，但我仍舊保存舊西裝在住屋衣櫃，後來子女均長大成人，我開始出外旅遊，郵輪是我最佳機會身著西裝，我很喜歡旅行日本，日本青年著西裝上班，日語西裝為西服，整個國家乾乾淨淨，非常整潔有禮。

The primary/Carlos Pueblo

 The primary/Carlos Pueblo

The primary is usually in March in an election year such as this year, 2024 before the general election in November. There is a National President election this year, both parties must hold a primary to select their representatives to compete in November. We all are aware Biden will represent the Democrat while Trump shall represent the Republican for this year's contest. This primary shall reflect some of voters' tendency toward the general election.

I believe that Trump will get less and less votes than his previous 2016 as well as 2020. Voters for Clinton didn't vote for him in 2020 while more and more voters left him in 2020. I am sure again that even more voters will leave him this year, more than 7 millions. He had been impeached twice before he left the White House in 2021. Now, he is facing four criminal charges, one in New York City for the abuse of funds to cover his sexual misconducts; one in Washington, D.C. for his insurrection charge in January 6, 2021 to overthrow a real election result of 2020; one in Miami for an illegal taking and withholding government documents after leaving the White House and refused to surrender such documents when he was ordered to do so; one in Georgia for his harassment of Georgian election officer to change the election results in Georgia. Two of his many civil lawsuits have more than half billions judgement against him, one is about 88 millions for a sexual assault 5 millions while another is for his deformation, or loose mouth to deform the plaintiff. Another one is from the State of New York for his make up of asset values in order to get a favorable treatment for loans for many decades. There are some more lawsuits against him which are waiting in courts to fine him for his misconduct.

Can you believe that we can hand over a nation to this man again? Yet, there are many Republicans who say yes, affirmative. I am sorry that there are many of us in this great nation who think very differently. I am going out for a trip and will come back in June to wait and make sure that I shall help to prevent him from entering the White House again.

美國的初選／莊峻華

 美國的初選／莊峻華

美國政治是選舉官員來治理各級政府，因此有代表政黨的初選，我們德州選舉年是三月初選，十一月大選，一般說來我較重視總統，參眾議員，州長等職位，連休士頓市長我都常常忽略，更何況法官等職位，美國政治非常上軌道，只要按部就班者，在美國都有充分機會脫穎而出。我下週即將出外旅行，德州之總統局初選時，我已經在台灣，我連提前投票初選，都找不出時間，只好先做評論。

這次美國總統局，情勢泰半底定，民主黨由拜登總統出戰共和黨之川普，川普有民刑事訴訟案纏身，能否參選，都尚在最高法院待判，民事案已有兩案，強姦民女作家案兩罪，共判罰款8800萬美金加稅；私人公司造假不實，不法取得利潤，判罰三億五千五百萬加上利息一億，超過六億美金，上訟期間仍需繳利息，一日十餘萬。第一件刑事案在三月二十五日開始選陪審團人，開庭審理；元月六日主使華府叛亂案，開庭日上訴到最高法院，還有非法盜取國家機密文件案，喬治亞州脅迫官員作票案，華府受傷死警官民事訴訟案等等，他想再選上總統，一切都無事。

我的看法是，過去兩次總統未選他的人，絕對不會改投票給他，因為他當總統，我們都撈不到好處，為何選他？華府已經被暴民攻入，國會議員紛紛逃命，警察都被暴民毆打致命，他還在辦公室餐廳吃零食看電視喊精彩，只要一開庭，真相將更清礎。

川普有精神病，選川普的選民也不明是非，這種人可以交給他美國？美國初選如何淪落到如此狼狽不堪？

Rebuilding two small lots for roses/Carlos Pueblo

 Rebuilding two small lots for roses/Carlos Pueblo

During last year's drought and recent foundation repairs, we have vacated two small lots in the backyard for rebuilding our rose garden., Of course, after that we must rebuild our lawn in the front yard and the backyard. Our home site is smaller than a quarter of an acre about 8,500 square feet. A two story house is sitting on it; therefore, some space is left for the lawn and some garden lots. Previous owner planted some flowers and bushes around the backyard. Now, I have gotten rid of debris from bushes and stumps. I get two small lots with the sunshine to grow roses.

We make some cuts from the original rose plants and stick branches to the ground to hope that we'll have some new plants coming out. We also bought 6 new rose plants to plant them outside of Amy's library so that she can enjoy the beautiful roses in the future. There is still space to grow a pair of the camellia. One of a pair does survive in the front yard and is blooming very well this year.

I have spread many seeds which I have collected throughout the year. I am pretty sure that I shall have some coming out later in the spring. I did have a small watermelon and a small pumpkin coming out last year and I was informed that both were not bear eatable fruits. It is always nice to view some crops growing out of our own yard.
It is not that easy to grow anything like a farmer; however, it is a good life to enjoy. Gardening can help us to be aware of the four seasons in a year.

重闢花圃／莊峻華

 重闢花圃／莊峻華

剛整修地基，庭院有些變化，後院空出兩小塊地，一在愛美書房外，一株老灌木為掘地溝渠拔掉，我們不再補上，原盆栽老檸檬株也枯死多年，地基工幫我們拆除原老天然氣烤肉架，於是我們決定重闢花圃。

我們到大五金行，購買6株插枝玫瑰花，我以前在茶花女街舊宅屋簷下栽培過，非常成功，拍攝許多相片，這些都是小孩們幼年時代。我將原土鬆動，按愛美指令，栽上6株，原地本栽一老屋薔薇，也修葺完畢，這是紅色小花，來自老屋鄰居，她搬家時贈我許多薔薇和喇叭花，我曾移植喇叭花到處去，甚至收集鄰居花子，在家播種如今已開花。

我們鄰居甚能享受園藝花圃之樂趣，社區協會每月固定表揚最佳庭院獎，許多鄰居都請專業園丁，主司其事，我們是最近一年始聘請割草，但因不勤灑水和夏季枯燥，聖奧古斯丁草均枯死，需要重新栽培，這是當務之急。我開始喜歡此屋，整修住屋，令我感覺此屋之價值，房屋格式週全，鄰居和睦相處，交通也方便，到各地都方便。

早上，我將玫瑰花苗種上，愛美找我再到另家大五金行，尋找山茶花，十年前我種兩株於門前，一株已遭病蟲害死，另株成長開花，但樹葉呈現病害，我應買農藥來幫助，五金行尚無貨，需待初春天暖後。

Preparing for a long trip away from the home/Carlos Pueblo

 Preparing for a long trip away from the home/Carlos Pueblo

After finishing our federal income tax returns, I am preparing for a long trip away from the home. I am leaving Houston in early March, 2024 for Taiwan via Japan for my denture repair, then, coming back to Japan to wait for a last minute deal with a cross Pacific cruise deal back to Seward, Alaska. If it is possible, I shall stay with the same ship for additional two weeks in Alaska. Then, I shall continue another last minute deal on another ship back to Japan and stay in Japan for three more weeks and fly back home afterward. Of course, if I don't get the last minute deal, I shall return home early.

I am afraid one of my left teeth will fall soon. This would endanger the structure of my bottom set of the denture. My dentist has alarmed me to prepare for a new set. I decided to make it in Taiwan due to the cost. I also desire to visit Taiwan after such a long time.

In spite of a month-long waiting, I do plan to visit my alma mater, Taiwan Normal University. I have an appointment with the senior executive vice president, Dr. Chen, at the Chemistry Department on the first Monday morning. I shall also plan to visit the president of the University, Dr. Wu in the following week when I plan to stay at the University Inn at the main campus.

 
I shall go back to my hometown Huwei to visit my sisters and brother. My stay in Taiwan shall end at the beginning of April. I have already booked my flight back to Tokyo to wait for my ship, If it's possible, it would be more than a month and a half cruise trip and my first three weeks journey back to Japan in 2024.

準備返台旅行2024／莊峻華

 準備返台旅行2024／莊峻華

再過兩週餘，我就準備返台旅行，台灣是我成年前生長之故鄉，這次闊別十年，不曾返台，我已經老邁不堪，但為做假牙省錢和其他理由，很早就決定準備，剛好遇見住家整修和申報聯邦所得稅，家事纏身，如今諸事告一段落，我可以整裝待發矣。

兩年前，我在紐約上船，咬蕃石榴子咬碎一片牙齒，兩月前該齒發炎，我知道不久將掉落，於是崩塌底座假牙，這是假牙之結構力學，我曾有過經驗，我裝過兩次假牙，第一次2014年在台北訂製，約是800美金；兩年半前繼續落牙，於是在休市訂製新假牙，要價$4500，而且尚未包括拔除鬆動之牙群，況且耗盡老人牙險$2000德政，效率甚差，沒有台北先進，於是我心準備返台。裝置新套假牙，需要一個月時間，於是我開始購買機票，利用信用卡哩數和點數，買下單程機票，從休市到東京，接機經南韓首爾機場到桃園機場，我無所謂耗時多久。

抵達台北市後，馬上見牙醫，現在尚未預約，但應無問題，然後就是靜候一個月，我只先安排第一個節目去拜訪師大化學系，然後參觀台北市，看看能否拜訪老友，也想回雲林虎尾故鄉，拜望在台家人。

我在四月初就搭機返回日本，準備購買珠寶號回美國，如果買不到最後一分鐘廉價票，我就擇而其次，到另一廉價路線，可能是阿拉斯加遊，我就從東京飛到溫哥華，再搭珠寶號幾次，等候五月的精神號回東京，也是最後一分鐘，如果能持續，抵達東京後，我再逗留日本三週。

當然，秋天珠寶號將再重返日本，我也不想錯過機會。

Two fall chrysanthemum exhibitions at two castles in Japan 2023/Carlos Pueblo

 Two fall chrysanthemum exhibitions at two castles in Japan 2023/Carlos Pueblo

During my second three weeks stay in Japan last fall, I ran into two chrysanthemum exhibitions at two castles, Himeji and Okayama. Japan is a nation of art full of artisans of every kind to present the best of life. The cherry blossom in the spring and the chrysanthemum exhibitions in the fall are two examples.

As usual on my three weeks of Japan Rail Pass tour, I go to visit my favorite castle at Himeji and Okayama not far from my stay at Osaka. I ran into two chrysanthemum exhibitions outside of both castles free of charge to visit. It reminds me that Japan is a nation of chrysanthemums. People have the habit of growing various kinds of chrysanthemum and show them everywhere every year such as temples and castles, etc. I first ran into the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, yet the exhibition was not as large as both Himeji and Okayama castles. The exhibitions have gathered some winners of the year from the local mayors up to cabinet ministers and the prime minister.

I am going to show you some of my pictures.

日本秋季菊花展2023／莊峻華

 日本秋季菊花展2023／莊峻華

去年我搭精神號在阿拉斯加州，徘徊三週然後直奔日本東京港，下船後又在日本逗留三週，就是搭新幹線環遊全國，我稍介紹東京淺草，上野公園，北海道大學校園，釧路之丹頂鶴，然後就到大阪城，還未盡述，又飛羅馬搭寶石號返紐約港，家裡整修地基，室內粉刷，和換地板，天翻地覆，真是戎馬倥傯之際，年初大工程方畢，我又臨時在德州高維斯敦上普莉斯瑪號遊西加勒比海，上下船交通有驚無險，還忙碌不堪，我還想重溫此段美憶，今日介紹日本秋季菊花展覽，我看到的是姬路城和崗山城的秋菊展。我常有長居日本的想法，因為我喜愛日本文化，環境，和禮節氣氛。

姬路城和崗山城，都在大阪市附近，我都曾經親自住過，而且來過多次，兩城秋天都讓當地菊花協會主辦菊花展覽，就是在城外周圍搭棚擺設，莫小看此菊展，作品均擁有獎狀，下自姬路市和崗山市長，上自內閣大臣，首相大臣獎，我不贅言，讓各位欣賞我拍攝之相片。這種菊展，在一般神社廟宇也有，而且規模也相當，可見日本民間賞菊之雅緻。

姬路城出名是德川家康愛孫女千姬，在先夫豐臣秀賴自盡後改嫁到姬路城，崗山市是桃太郎的故鄉，從崗山可搭火車到四國島，桃太浪平妖處就是四國，日本民間故事，也甚迷人。

I can't bear its frightened appearance/Carlos Pueblo

 I can't bear its frightened appearance/Carlos Pueblo

During my Lunar New Year's three family lunch invitations last week, I ran into three exactly crises similarly to once Mencius described 2500 years ago in the ancient China. I read the piece of the philosophy when I was at the senior high school as well as at the college. Mencius explains the cruelty of seeing an animal's frightened appearance to the death to a King in his home country. It's Buddhism that we shall not kill all living things, animals and human beings. In the Buddhist's world, they encourage vegetarian diets.

I am the guilty one that I do see the struggle of lobsters and king crabs. They were alive when I put them in the pot to be boiled with a can of beer. Both of them kicked the pan cover struggling to escape and showing the frightened appearance. I was so stressed that Mencius suggests keeping away from the kitchen.

People kill animals because they need the food to eat. People including leaders of some sorts go to the war and kill because they have a strong desire to be fulfilled. I prefer the economic sanction than the physical war on the battleground. Of course, we are entitle to defend ourselves and then we can't bear the sight, the frighten appearance.

不忍其觳觫／莊峻華

 不忍其觳觫／莊峻華

今年過農曆年，邀請奧斯汀之琳兒家庭，大哥峻嚴家庭，和球友竇醫師夫婦，分三日來家裡便餐，我提意吃龍蝦和大王蟳，大家均曰可，於是我就分三日上午十時，準時到超市購買生猛龍蝦和大王蟳，首日我就遇到困難，這是我們佛家之忌諱，殺生，在中國孟子梁惠王上篇也提到，不忍其觳觫。

因為龍蝦遇熱爭扎，我剛好在廚房，但已經來不及取消飯局，這段原句是，君子之於禽獸也，見其生，不忍見其死，聞其生，不忍食其肉，是以君子遠庖廚也，當然前段講到牛羊祭祀之觳觫。我甚為難之完成庖廚工作，而且圓滿新年飯局。

佛家主張素食，避免殺生，印度人和猶太人也有類似主張，我曾素食11年以上，不是宗教信仰，而是閱得書籍曰全素食，有益糖尿病，當年失業無健康保險，血糖任其飆高，一直到65歲，自動進入老人健康保險，食素實在非常不方便。

下次，我們就避免生猛海鮮為食材，選擇新鮮魚肉，先遠庖廚一次，眼不見為淨。

Three new benefit on my Medicare Advantage/Carlos Pueblo

 Three new benefit on my Medicare Advantage/Carlos Pueblo

This year there are three new benefit on my Medicare Advantage  coverage, first, $120 for copayment to visit physicians every quarter; second, $120 payment for approved over the counter items a quarter; third, a $225 limit a year for glasses purchase. On the first benefit, I did receive a credit card and activated it without any difficulty; however, on the second and the third benefit, I did run into very much difficulty to get them on board until the insurance sent me an additional email to remind me of such a benefit. I got two good help to get them on registration.

I went on the internet to purchase the OTC items without any difficulty. Now, I am waiting for the mail delivery. For the reading glasses, I did go to an approved eye care center to have my eyes checked. I have picked my favorite glasses; however, it was more than $225. I didn't like to pay extra. After negotiation, such as no other adjustment needed yet for the reading purpose, the price of a pair dropped to $261. I asked the technician to try my co-payment for the extra. We got the insurance company's approval.

I like my Medicare Advantage Coverage. I have both my diabetes and eye issues at my senior age. Medicare takes good care of them. I like to travel to Japan and would like to stay in Japan for a little longer; however, I can't quite solve the health insurance issue to live in Japan. Without proper health insurance, I don't feel comfortable living in other nations at my age.

新增老人健保三福利／莊峻華

 新增老人健保三福利／莊峻華

去年底，我的老人健保公司已經來信通知，新增三項新福利，一，一季提供$120，給付專科醫生之自備款或藥款；2，一季提供$120，給付一些藥局非處方成藥等物；三，給付眼鏡，上限是一年$225。這三款新福利，我都可以使用上。剛開始我需先注冊，但除第一項因公司寄來一張信用卡，注冊容易外，其他兩項注冊均有困難，於是我暫時放棄，一日保險公司，又寄信來提醒新福利，我剛好忙完住屋整修，又請畢三午餐，於是再申請注冊，這次終於通過。

除半年一次眼檢查眼球血結晶外，我目前無需手術，無需看眼醫，因此一年只需交兩次$80手續費，家庭醫生門診糖尿病藥等均免費，因此此福利，也僅能用到六分之一。第二項福利是需要合格之產品始可，我在網路上很快選妥$120產品。第三項是老花眼鏡，我早使用便宜之批發價老花眼鏡，最近老花遠視度數增加，我再增加一放大鏡幫忙，今日我到眼鏡行，配置金邊老花眼鏡，東扣西扣，還是超過$37，於是我請小姐試一下我的第一項信用卡，居然通過。

美國老人健保和貧民健保福利均佳，因此居住美國甚為放心，保險公司要求醫生定期檢查病人身體，預防治療並進，我旅行日本，甚喜日本環境，甚想久留，但就因無健保保護，僅能短期居留。

Observing the Lunar New Year in Houston, Texas/Carlos Pueblo

 Observing the Lunar New Year in Houston, Texas/Carlos Pueblo

This year, the Lunar New Year is celebrated on February 10th, Sunday. Our family is back to observe such a celebration. I had been very fond of the Lunar New Year before I came to the United States. We celebrate such festivals in Taiwan vigorously up to the day. We follow the American custom to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas and gradually ignore the Lunar New Year. It's very different this year. I have invited three families to come for luncheons, on the 3rd with Michelle's family, on the 5th with my brother's family, and on the 6th with my tennis body Tony's family.

I have designed a seafood menu for all three lunches. I provide every one a lobster, share two king crabs every meal, plus a piece of T-Bone steak, some braised beef, and vegetables. The main purpose is to have a long missed gathering with my brother and a return favor for Dr. Tou.

I like this idea to celebrate the Lunar New Year because we eat at a remodel home and I get a better control of the cost. Lobsters, king crabs and Xo are very attractive.

過農曆年／莊峻華

 過農曆年／莊峻華

今年農曆年是在二月十日，除夕夜是在九日，我是天天過年的人，平常不過農曆年，今年特別，提前過三個農曆年，就是邀請三個家庭來家裡便餐，琳兒家庭在三日，因她準備送來一隻調皮之小貓勝君，他在家裡欺負一隻老貓奧利佛；大哥峻嚴家庭約五日，我們許久未聚餐，十二日他們全家到日本韓國旅行，我可以提供一些日本地圖和經驗，關西和關東，主要是大阪和東京；球友竇大夫夫婦約六日，因為我們接受兩次招待，和許多禮物，藉過農曆年回請一次。

我的請法很簡單，就是煎牛排，滷牛肉，滷雞蛋，啤酒龍蝦和大王蟳，壓軸戲為我的法國漢那系極老白蘭地，我從郵輪購買三瓶回家，此酒甚貴，引人注意，客人都不喝酒，但均知我之誠意。我先購買梯骨牛排，幾大塊精細牛肉，早晨開始準備，我平日有煮清燉熟牛肉之經驗，駕輕就熟，醬油加水，蔥薑蒜八角橘皮，德州鮮嫩黃牛肉，不到兩時刻就爛熟，六顆滷蛋也一氣喝成。

上午十時，我上韓國超市，購買生猛鮮龍蝦，大王蟳，和解凍明蝦，這是給元兒添加一份。我家大鍋一次只能煮四隻龍蝦，龍蝦入鍋，加入一大瓶米勒啤酒，這是超市最廉價者也，然後大火煮開十午分鐘，旅行阿拉斯加胡娜島路上小餐廳外擺龍蝦大蟳，就是如此景觀。煮熟後之海鮮產品，置烘烤盤中，入烤箱保溫。琳兒臨時通知一隻愛犬蜂蜜長瘤破裂流血不止，已是生死交界，無法南下休市，所以我們馬上決定兩雙龍蝦大蟳置入凍箱，調整週一購買量，因為材料昂貴。我們品嘗龍蝦，確實好味道，我又多喝兩大瓶啤酒，兩鍋剩熱湯，也是啤酒，我怕浪費，早已喝盡，那是熱啤酒，嘗龍蝦時是冰啤酒，講了許多醉語。半夜醒來如廁，發現元兒之剝畢淨龍蝦肉和明蝦，完全清蒸無酒精者，他一口而淨，非常成功。我嘗滷熟牛肉和滷蛋，根本未浪費到白蘭地，已經非常可口。大哥和竇大夫兩飯局，想當駕輕就熟，豪無問題。

我不喜歡餐廳之小費15％，地方稅9％，還有開瓶酒費$10等等，若要上餐廳，我就上郵輪，何況寒舍剛整修完畢，美侖美奐，而且股市也上揚，我藉過農曆年，一舉償還多年人情。

How do I know the National Economic?/Carlos Pueblo

 How do I know the National Economic?/Carlos Pueblo

It's very popular now about the U.S. National Economic because of the upcoming Presidential Election in November this year. All numbers are good for a booming economy in the U.S. I think that I am aware of it much earlier and you want to know how I know it.

I check on my portfolio when the stock market is up and ignore it when it is down. It's been up most of the time since Biden became President and I am much better off than before. I increased my leisure vacation spending budget and also engaged in major home improvement recently. I feel good about myself and I am lucky.

The U.S. is still the world locomotive engine to lead the world economy. I see most airplanes are full and cruise ships. As an individual, I spent more for the last three years and paid more federal income taxes. Amy tells me that her savings are up plus Arthur's W-2 numbers are all up, meaning the company has raised his salary plus the benefit. I am always alert and know ahead of the time.

As a matter of fact, the market has been on the bull side for a very long time. Of course, we do see some bear markets once in a while. The Federal Authority, the White House and the Federal Reserve know how to manage the National Economic and this is why the U.S. is the most powerful nation in the world. I have taken the most advantage of it, and of course, I also have contributed to the nation on my part as a citizen.

個人家庭經濟和國家經濟／莊峻華

 個人家庭經濟和國家經濟／莊峻華

這幾日美國政論有線電台，幾位主持人均再三指出美國經濟狀況，我常觀看此台節目，因為此台專門評論分析川普，而且邀請法律專家給觀眾上課法律，時時分析國家經濟。我曾是一般證券代理人，專門出售退休基金，對一般證券有一般性之了解，美國在小布希總統時代，2008年股市崩盤，當時我們在夏威夷可愛島渡假，可愛島有一大海耶特大飯店，電視前的我們臉都綠了，股市資產蒸發70％，非常惶恐，美國汽車公司，通用和克萊斯勒均宣佈破產，比1987年雷根時代之崩盤更加嚴重，近代第三位共和黨總統之股市崩盤是在川普卸任前的武漢肺炎爆發，股市也一度崩盤，我已經很習慣，安慰自己，股票上上下下，只要沉著，終有回升之一日，領導美國經濟回升之三位民主黨總統，分別是克林頓總統，1993－2001；歐巴瑪總統，2009－2017；和當今之拜登總統，2020－迄今三年餘，他們三位都降低利息，不准浪費公帑，變像貪污，而不是為富人減稅。

股票崩盤，幾萬倍兇悍於所得稅。我在拜登初期任內三年，每年退休基金成長均在20％－40％間，年增值比年支出，高出甚巨，因為拜登延聘商務部長雷夢多，財務部長葉倫，國防部長奧斯汀，留任央行主席鮑維爾等人，為何奧斯汀也有關？因為奧斯汀行武出身，孔武有力，震赫中國席近平和其未有戰場經驗之國防部長，畏懼和他見面或熱線，當然不敢真正攻打台灣，俄羅斯普汀不信邪，武力侵略烏克蘭，直接幫助美國國防工業，幫助美國經濟，這就是美國經濟遙遙領先之故，再舉一例，美國現在石油年產量是世界第一，和俄羅斯，伊朗，及委內瑞拉石油禁運，很有關係，當然間接影響到我的石油股票投資。

這過去的兩年，我已開始增加消費，郵輪旅行，經愛美請求，我也看開整修住屋，這一下來是七萬美金之支出，增加家庭消費，直接幫助美國經濟，接下這些整屋工程者，完全是講西班牙語之移民技工行號，美國人早已無此建築能力。