Opinion

Dear Rusty: I called the Social Security office, as well as went with my husband when he went to collect his Social Security. 

Because I work full-time (at about $800/week), they said I could not file for my Social Security. Yet I seem to read articles all the time about people doing so. 

My husband just filed for his benefits and is now collecting them. Out of the two of us, his Social Security will be larger. Please advise me. 

Signed: Wanting my Benefits 

Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis announced on Dec. 21, 1926 that Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker stood accused of betting on a fixed baseball game. 

With the lifetime banishment of the “Black Sox” by the stern commissioner still fresh in their minds, fans wondered whether the Georgia Peach and the pride of Hubbard, Texas would ever play or manage again.

The shocking revelation shed light on the biggest mystery in sports. 

A career diplomat told President Andrew Jackson on Dec. 16, 1829 the inside story of how the Sabine River became the dividing line between Louisiana and Spanish territory -- a political bombshell Old Hickory waited 15 years to drop.

The 1803 treaty that closed the sweetest land deal in American history -- the Louisiana Purchase -- failed to set hard and fast boundaries. Negotiations with Spain remained at an impasse until 1819, when an obliging secretary of state gave up a long-standing claim to Texas in exchange for Florida. 

Dear Rusty: I am almost 57, divorced after a 14-year marriage. My former spouse is 15 years older than I and made significantly more money than me. I am required to retire from my job at age 60 but expect to keep working in some capacity.  

I have a girlfriend of a similar age to me. She did not earn as much as her former husband as she mainly raised their children. 

 
If all the COVID-19 stories were laid end to end and submerged, it might be a good thing. Most of us think of this acronym (Corona Virus Disease-2019) in negative terms.

However, just as some first century Christians wondered if anything good could come out of Nazareth, surely Jesus smiled and cut them much slack. Maybe even the pandemic provided an ill wind that blew some good.

Infuriated by the General’s defense of the Cherokees, Col. Sam Jordan grabbed an ax handle and took a swing at Sam Houston on Dec. 9, 1840. Adolphus Sterne alertly blocked the blow saving the intended victim from serious bodily harm.

Dear Rusty: I’m trying to figure out if I should change my IRS filing status to “Married – Filing Jointly” prior to getting reviewed for my Medicare Part B and Part D. My current IRS status is “Married – Filing Single” and I noticed this filing status is more stringent. I will be turning 62 this year (2025) and I’ve read that Medicare will review my income 2 years prior to turning 65. Any input would be appreciated. Signed: Uncertain Senior 

Since when do I feel the freedom to “lump” more kinfolks into the bin already spilling over with “we-should-have-known-better” contents? Regrettably, we must make room for one more--my wife’s cousin. 

Paula Ward--wedded to Jason Ward of Christchurch, New Zealand, 13 years ago--is a native Texan. 

The couple resides in his homeland, almost halfway around the globe where he’s an independent paint contractor. With dual citizenship, she arranges trips periodically to visit relatives in Texas. 

Jose Maria Jesus Carbajal waited until the guards were sound asleep before walking out of the Matamoros jail on the night of Nov. 28, 1835. The native Texan reached Goliad in time to sign the first statement of independent intent of the Lone Star rebellion.

The Carbajal family tree was full of bold adventurers, whose exploits spanned two continents and three centuries. Antonio migrated to England and served as an advisor to Oliver Cromwell. Francisco and Luis conquered Peru and Mexico for God and king, while Geronimo was among the earliest settlers of San Antonio de Bexar.

Thanksgiving is much more than a big meal with family and friends. It’s a time to reflect on, and be thankful for, all of the good things you have. It’s important to be grateful, not just on Thanksgiving, but each and every day. 

Rather than lamenting what you feel is lacking in your life, begin each new day by developing an attitude of gratitude. Take inventory of your blessings and you will be surprised at just how much you have to be thankful for.