Irritated

I started my cross stitch over the weekend, it was lovely to be stitching again, but I did not get the results I wanted. I started using almost all the correct colours, I decided I would prefer a lighter blue and went with a matching shade, as you can see in my top photo it does not work for this design. So I started again, this time on the edge of the bigger design, Lilly was very interested in my work and I did not pay attention to the pattern and the top darker orange section is one stitch out, unpicking happening and with these tiny stitches it's not easy.  

 I love The Pickles as does hubby, we often show unseen cartoons to each other, I did chuckle at this one. The start is repeating what Billy Connolly always said. 

Another author I enjoy, occasionally she writes a book I don't enjoy, this title is on my good list. I like the way opinions change as the narrative grows, views changed through out the story, is Grace good or bad, or is there more to her than that. Book 20 read this year.

A new author to me, I don't normally read spy books, this is set in London, the story is mainly focused on one night, I enjoyed the plot, quite simple, I think it was her first book, I will look for the second title with the same spy. Book 21 read this year.

I got an email from tax office this week, asking me to check my account, I am already mindful of tax issues, last November I had 50% removed from my very small private pension, checking with the company pension department they confirmed it was tax issue, since then I have paid tax each month, my private pension amount is just under £70 per month. On checking my account I will now have to pay tax, the tax takes away most of the increase given earlier this year.

I have no issue with paying tax, but to tax anyone on their state pension is wrong, there are loads of people who are just managing, the prediction is if we have a triple lock next year, the basic amount paid will be over the taxable start limit, they are sticking to the previous governments plan to hold the taxable point until 2028, it is now really low figure, which catches anyone on such a low income. Hubby has paid tax on every pension he collects, which is OK, not everyone had the luxury to be able to save private pensions, so many women (like me), took years off to ensure their children had proper care, and are left with low or no private pensions, once again we have done what we were asked, saved and now we are being punished. I understand the country has gone to the dogs, everything everywhere is underfunded and suffering, there are benefits to help low income, but so many pensioners are too proud to apply. Is it me, should our government help keep more money in the pockets of people and reduce the welfare budgets, it's costly to take taxes and then issue welfare to those same people.