The Loss of a Special Dog

In July of 2013 I posted the story of the miracle  healing of Kasey, our border collie.  Her miracle was documented as such by her veterinarian and it became a permanent part of her health record as well as a testimony to all at the clinic.  She had been diagnosed with 8 weeks to live in August of 2010 but without any treatment survived and lived a healthy life until today.  In May of this year another inoperable tumor appeared near the site of the first one.  Since there were no advisable treatments, we could only trust God to have his way again with her and us.

We wanted God to either heal Kasey, take her quickly without suffering, or let us know without a doubt when it was time to put her down.  Tonight about 5:15 she was outside with Eddie and began bleeding from her right nostril.  When we realized we couldn't get it to stop, we called her vet at 5:25 as they were closing and they referred us to the emergency clinic. By the time we got her to the car she was so weak she stopped to lay down in the yard.  At the clinic, a precious doctor told us her tumor was bleeding and even if we temporarily stopped it with guaze and treatment, it would continue to bleed internally unless the tumor was removed.  He agreed with other veterinarians that such a surgery was impossible.  He said the kindest thing was to have her put down before she suffered more.  We did. We will have her creamated and bring her ashes here to bury in the back yard. 

 

To say we are heartbroken after having her as a part of our lives for almost 9 years is an understatement.  She was a constant companion to this retired couple who spent lots of time at home with her.  She was an integral part of each day and it will be so hard to go on without her.  We are thankful to the Lord for the extra three and a half years he gave us after the first cancer, that he made it crystal clear to us when it was time for her to go, and that we have such good memories of her.  She was a very special dog in so many ways.  She left a legacy of the grace, miracle healing and the mercy of the Lord.  Not many animals have that.  In "Heaven is for Real" the boy tells of seeing dogs in heaven.  We know Kasey would qualify.

Clean Up Your Paper Files!

Yikes, it has been a while since I posted here!   I have, however, been thinking that this would be a good time to pass on what I have learned about keeping necessary papers.  The chart below is one I compiled after searching several accounting sites and the IRS web page.  These are recommendations only and of course you should seek out professional help when in doubt.


That said, you need very few paper documents as almost all financial transactions are now stored in cyberspace and can be accessed by the institutions quickly.  I will share one personal account.  In October of 2007, I purchased a built in microwave to replace our 9 year old model that died.  I charged it to my MasterCard at Lowe's and in the process of installation, lost the receipt.  Of course Murphy's Law lives at our house and the microwave broke after 10 months--less than the year warranty.  A call to Lowe's with the model number of the unit and my personal information was all they needed to locate the receipt, make a copy and mail it to me.  This provided the proof needed to have the repair covered by the warranty. 

 Retention Guidelines for Keeping Important Papers

Taxes--Returns (With accompanying documentation of receipts, etc.) Records for tax deductions taken	Three to Seven years The IRS has three years from your filing date to audit your return. The three-year deadline also applies if you discover a mistake in your return and decide to file an amended return to claim a refund. The IRS has six years to challenge your return if it thinks you under reported your gross income by 25 percent or more. There is no time limit if you failed to file your return or filed a fraudulent return.
IRA contribution records	Permanently If you made a nondeductible contribution to an IRA, keep the records indefinitely to prove that you already paid tax on this money when the time comes to withdraw
Retirement/savings plan statements	From one year to permanently Keep the quarterly statements from your 401(k) or other plans until you receive the annual summary; if everything matches up, then shred the quarterlies. Keep the annual summaries until you retire or close the account.
Bank records and    statements	From one year to permanently Go through your records each year and keep only those related to your taxes, business expenses, home improvements and mortgage payments. Shred monthly statements and keep end of year summaries.
Brokerage statements	Until you sell the securities You need only the purchase or sales statements from your brokerage or mutual fund to prove whether you have capital gains or losses at tax time.  Shred other monthly statements.
Bills/Purchases	From one year to permanently Go through your bills/receipts statements once a year. In most cases, when the canceled check from a paid bill has been returned or statement is reconciled, you can shred the statement.  Keep only those related to tax deductions. Records for big purchases -- such as jewelry, rugs, appliances, antiques, cars, collectibles, furniture, computers, etc. -- should be kept in an insurance file for proof of their value.
Credit card receipts and statements	From 45 days to seven years Keep your original receipts until you get your monthly statement; shred the receipts if the two match up. Keep the statements for seven years only if needed for tax-related documentation.

 

Paycheck stubs	One year When you receive your annual W-2 form from your employer, make sure the information on your stubs matches. If it matches, shred all but then end of the year stubs. If it doesn't, demand a corrected form, known as a W-2c.
House/condominium records	From six years to permanently Keep all records documenting the purchase price and the cost of all permanent improvements -- such as remodeling, additions and installations. Keep records of expenses incurred in selling and buying the property, such as legal fees and your real estate agent's commission, for six years after you sell your home.
Legal Records Medical History	Permanently
Medical Insurance, Medical Records	Keep insurance records as long as premiums are paid and claims resolved. Outstanding claims records should be kept until resolved. Records documenting tax deductions should be kept with the tax returns.

 

Source:  www.Bankrate.com.   These are guidelines only.  For more information, consult an accountant or the IRS at:  www.irs.gov

Organizing Tips for October



Fall is officially here.  In some parts of our country the weather may not show it, but it is time to get moving towards the season filled with decorating and entertaining. 

Buy your Christmas Cards now while selection is best and send out “Save the Date” cards for any holiday events you plan.  Update your calendar with all the special fall events taking place, put out your fall décor and get your yard ready for falling leaves.

This month we will concentrate on getting the dining room and/or eating areas organized and ready for holiday entertainment. 

• If you have a dining room that is not used often, the table can become a dumping ground for items put there temporarily.  What starts out as the mail mutates into miscellaneous things coming into the  house.  Start today to make it off limits for the temporary put down.
• Inventory your linens and purge what you haven’t used in years.  If some hold sentimental value, see if someone in your family can use them and give them the honor they deserve.  If some are in need of repair, make the decision to take care of that or to move them on.  Remember removing those that you do not use will make more space for those that you love and use.
• Look over your dinnerware and remove pieces that cannot be used because of chips or other damage.  If there are odd pieces that cannot be used with other items, move them out, too.  Complete sets that are stored in boxes and never opened should be sold, donated or given to someone who wants them.   As with your linens, move on pieces that are simply taking up space.
• Provide adequate seating for all those eating together.  Folding chairs can be used and stored in a closet or other storage area afterwards.  Wooden posts located on the wall of the garage can be used to hang them so they do not take up floor space.
• Cloth or paper napkins can be placed in an attractive basket, bowl or tray and serve as a centerpiece.
• Placemats are more versatile to use than tablecloths and can be left on the table as decorations or stacked in the center with a napkin basket.
• Dinnerware, flatware and serving pieces should be located in an area convenient to setting the table and replacing after clean up.
• Special occasion or seasonal dinnerware or silverware should be kept only if used and you have sufficient space for it.  .
• Table cloths can be stored in shallow drawers or hung over a dowel or hanger covered with the empty roll from wrapping paper or paper towels.  Slit the roll on one side and slip it over the rod.  Hang it in a closet.  This will prevent additional wrinkles.
• Additional linens can be stored in the drawers or shelves of dining room furniture such as chests or buffets.  You may also use a linen closet if one exists.
• Consider placing a clothing chest with drawers in the dining room if no longer needed for clothing.  It is ideal for linens.

Additional Activities to make the dining room more functional

• The dining table may be a good choice for homework if the room is good for studying.  A tote with desk supplies may be used and then stored when the work is done.
• It may also used for craft projects or other art activities.  Cover the table with a protective cloth, cutting board or plastic before using it. Portable storage for those supplies make it easier to clean the area when done.
• If the family needs home office space, reserving a corner of the dining room for that activity is a good use of space.  Choose a table or desk that compliments the other furnishings.  Some items can be stored in the furniture already there or in rolling carts and file trolleys that can be moved to a nearby closet when not in use. 
• If there is not space in the family room for board games and card playing, those items could be stored in the dining room for use there..
• When not used, keep the tops of buffets, chests and china cabinets clear and free of clutter..
• Keep the table attractive when not used with a centerpiece and/or tablecloth.
• Use washable decorative fabrics on surfaces to reduce the amount of dusting.

The end of the month also brings Halloween and the Trick or Treat invaders.

·          First you want to be sure the pathway to your door is safe. Remember to clean the driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch while it is still daylight. Fallen leaves can be slippery especially when wet so they should be removed as well as any toys, twigs, etc. Make sure this area is well lit by leaving your porch light and any other light fixtures on during the Trick or Treat hours.

·         It is recommended that you give only individually pre-wrapped candy. Since this is the beginning of flu season, you should not allow each child to reach into your container to get the candy since each one could be contaminating the other pieces with his hands. Rather, you should choose and drop the candy into each child's bag yourself.

·         As an extra precaution, you may want to use disinfecting wipes to clean your doorbell or door handles if you keep it closed between visitors. This can be done periodically during the evening or at the end when Trick or Treating is over. Keep hand sanitizer near the door and use it yourself as often as you think necessary.  It is a shame we need to be so careful, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and we want to do our part in keeping our homes and neighbors as healthy and safe as possible.

If you have the splendor of seeing the leaves changing colors in the fall, get out and enjoy it as much as you can.  It is one of the most beautiful times of the year.

 

 

Organizing Tips for September

Family illnesses are just one of the things that can get our routines messed up.  It has happened with one of my husband's family members and travelling plus has caused me to adapt my schedule and other things.  While it can be difficult to manage, taking a step back and thinking through our priorities can make the difference in being frustrated and overwhelmed or at peace.  So even though it is long overdue, here is the update for September.

This month marks a shift in the thinking and planning for many of us.  Summer vacations are behind us, we look forward to cooler temperatures and we plan for the upcoming holidays.  Below are some strategies to help us make in organizing clothing, bedrooms and closets.

Most of us have attachments to our clothing, especially those that were expensive.  I have had great success with a local consignment store and recommend them.  It is less hassle than a yard sale and you will get some return on your financial investment. 

Of course, I also recommend donating to worthy charities.  Not only will you make your space more livable, but you will be helping those who simply cannot afford purchasing clothing otherwise.  It will be a double blessing!

o       In the closet, remove all empty hangers first.  Look at each piece of clothing and make a decision to sort as follows:

o       It fits, I wear it—leave it in the closet

o       It does not fit—donate/sell pile.  It will probably be out of style when it does fit.

o       It needs repair--if it is useful, place in a repair pile.  If not repaired in one month, remove it.

o       I do not wear it or like it—donate/sell pile

o       I am not sure--place in separate pile, label and date.  If not worn in one year, donate/sell.

o       Clean the closet area, and reconfigure the rods, shelves if needed or desired.

o       Additional hanging space can be made by installing an adjustable hanging rod.

o       Replace wire hangers with more suitable ones but save a few if needed in garment bags when traveling.  Orderly Places has a tip sheet on types of closet hangers.

o       On closet shelves, clamp on dividers can be used to separate clothing or they can be placed in suitable containers.

o       Use hanging racks for the backs of doors or on rods to store bulky or specialty items.

o       As you return items, sort the clothes you will wear and keep by type-blouses, pants, dresses, skirts, etc. Sub sort these by colors as much as possible.  Place items worn together with each other.  This makes it easier to know what you have and find items easier.

o       Look at what you have and make a list of items you really need but are not there for future purchases.  Determine to buy only what is on your list.  One suggestion is to limit the number of prints and multi color designs and use mainly solids.  This allows more flexibility in creating outfits and using accessories.

o       Clothing in drawers or chests or on shelving should be organized with the same process as with closets.  Use dividers or containers to separate categories, colors, etc. in the drawers.

o       Some clothing can be rolled rather than folded to make sorting and access easier.

o       Shoes can be stored on hanging sorters or under shorter clothing in racks or shelves.  If they are stored in boxes, use clear plastic or label with pictures or descriptions.  I also recommend sturdy under the bed containers for off season shoes.

o       Evaluate the accessories you have to determine if they are still usable.  I had quite a collection of scarves back when Oprah made them popular and finally gave them up after taking my own advice.  If they ever make a comeback, they will be different, I am sure.

Additional unrelated tips:

In the next month or so, stock up on cold and flu products.  It is often difficult to find those you prefer when they are needed most.

This is a good time to purchase a calendar/planner if you use the write in type.  I prefer one that shows a week at a glance with the days divided into hourly spaces.  This is one of the best ways to schedule, plan and use time to the greatest use since you can see available hours in each day.

As much as I hate it, now is the time to plan for the holidays.  Pencil in some activities, gifts, meals, etc. in your planner.  More tips will follow in the months to come.

Organizing Tips for August

 

This month we are concentrating our organizing on Toys and Electronics

But first:

Back to School items are now on sale and families are getting kids ready for a new year at college or school.  Take advantage of great bargains on those supplies not just for the kids but for you home and office, etc.  In Virginia we also have a tax free weekend the first weekend of August on many of those items. 

With that in mind, we need to make space for new items.  Here are some tips to guide you along the way.

Children’s Toys

• Children learn from their toys but there should be limits on how many they own and how many they can have out at one time.  Decide what that will be ahead of time and stick to it.  Encourage relatives and friends to give clutter free gifts to your children.
• Toys should be more difficult to get out than put away.  Books that are stored upright on a shelf are easy to pull out and more difficult to put back in order.  A better choice would be a dishpan, bucket or basket that makes the child look for the book he wants but will be easy for him to drop it back in when he is done with it.
• Depending on the age of the child, most toys should be kept in open bins arranged in cubes or shelves and labeled so that clean up easy.  Picture labels can be used for toddlers and large word labels for children learning to read.
• Some special toys or games can be stored on a higher shelf where only a parent can reach it as a reward or incentive for cooperation, responsibility, etc.
• Hanging pockets and plastic stacking drawers are good choices for small toys such as doll clothes, matchbox cars or train pieces.
• Puzzles should be kept in their original box.  The corners may need to be reinforced with clear tape.  Another choice is zip lock bags with the picture included.  Color code the backs of the pieces for each puzzle with markers or crayons. Then the correct pieces can be returned to the proper box if more than one puzzle is out at a time.
• Other storage options are over the window shelving to display some collectible toys, corner nets to hold stuffed animals and totes on wheels to transport toys that can be taken to other rooms temporarily and under the bed roll out containers or drawers.

Electronics

     Most families have electronic gadgets all over the house.  We even take our cell phones with us out of the house.  Here are some tips to help manage and organize  those.

• Label each end of cables and cords that they use.  A label maker or write on tape can be used to place the name of the electronic.  This makes it easy to identify when many cables are attached to power strips or if they are stored together when not in use.
• Donate unused electronics with their cables, power cords, etc.  Best Buy and other stores will give you a receipt for tax donations purposes.  If you are concerned about privacy, have the in-store geeks clean them while you watch.  If you can locate and identify the storage disk in them and know how to remove the data, you can do that yourself before donations.
• Resist the urge to have the latest and greatest technology.  In a few months it will be replace by yet another upgrade.  Try waiting until your current gadget is no longer usable.
• Contain remotes in one room to one basket or box. Since many televisions are used for VHS, DVD, and several electronic games, label the remotes with the name of the item they control. 
• Store the manuals near the electronics if possible.  Other manuals, receipts, etc. should be filed in the household reference files until the electronics are disposed.
• Control the accumulation of cables for one device in baskets that can be secured under the device.  Some will attach under the table top, shelf or desk.  Look online for specific models.  This makes cleaning around the device much easier, especially if they touch the floor.
• For the ultimate challenge, eliminate the TV, electronic reader and games, and the cell phone for anything but calling for one day.  You may have extra time to do the things you never had time to do.

The Healing of Kasey

There needs to be a record of significant life events to pass on to future generations.  God thought it was important and instructed the children of Israel to place stones as monuments for what God had done for them when they crossed the Jordan River into the promised land. Like the Israelites, it is important that we include in these life events those where God performed miracles.  Kasey is one of these.

Kasey is a border collie.  We bought her in December 2005 at 7 weeks of age.  She became a healthy, active, gentle and intelligent pet.  She was especially loyal to Eddie who spent time grooming and exercising her, mostly on 2 mile walks around the neighborhood.  We have concluded more than once that she is one of the best pets we have owned. 

In the summer of 2010, Kasey's nose began to drain thick bloody mucus.  At first we thought it could be a nasal infection due to allergies, but it did not stop after a couple of weeks.  We took her to the vet at the beginning of August 2010 and she concluded Kasey did not have an infection but there appeared to be a mass that they could not accurately detect with their x-ray equipment.  Kasey's gamma goblin levels were high indicating it may be cancer.  The vet referred us to a critical care clinic in Richmond with a specialist and special equipment to examine Kasey.

After extensive testing, scoping the nasal passage with a camera and biopsy and care overnight, the specialist in Richmond said she found a tumor in Kasey's right nasal passage that appeared to be cancer.  She confirmed what our vet concluded but added she would send the biopsy to a lab for further examination.  That lab came to the same diagnosis adding it was aggressive cancer and gave Kasey only 8 weeks to live.  The specialist had researched treatment options and related to us that surgery was not an option and the only treatment was radiation therapy.  This would have to be done out of state and would only give Kasey 2 more years.  We chose not to do it. 

We brought Kasey home from Richmond, placed her on our bed, laid hands on her and prayed for God to heal her.  After that every time Eddie cleaned up her nose (several times a day) he would thank the Lord for healing her.  We gave her only the regular dog food and no other vitamins, medicines, etc. Kasey progressively got worse and displayed several symptoms the specialist said we would see including bleeding from the tumor spreading to the left nasal passage.  Eddie found a place in the yard to bury Kasey since the situation appeared to worsen, but several times a day as he attended to Kasey, he continued to thank the Lord for healing her. 

Sometime in about the 7th of the 8 weeks, Kasey's symptoms disappeared and never returned.  After 12 weeks, our vet called "to ask about Kasey".  I thought she was so diplomatic and gracious in the manner she asked.  I told her Kasey was symptom free but she needed to talk to Eddie.  They never were able to connect, but 3 months later he took her in for her regular check up, shots, etc.  The vet was so shocked to actually see a living Kasey that she could not contain herself.  Eddie shared the entire story with her and she labeled her "our miracle dog".  She was declared perfectly healthy and had even gained a couple of pounds.  It was documented in the vet's  notes and she shared it with everyone in the office.  Each time we have taken her in for shot, etc. the vet shares Kasey's story with all those there once again.

It has been 3 years now that this story began and Kasey continues to be healthy, active, gentle and intelligent with no signs of any illness.  We don't understand all about miracles and healings or why God choses to heal some we pray for and not others, but we know He can and does heal. This event is once again proof that God's love for us is so great and that He cares about the things we care about.

Organizing Tips for July

 

      It is July and it is hot and humid as always.  I wonder if we spend as much time in air conditioning in the summer as we do the heated rooms in the winter.  Since we are enjoying our living rooms, family rooms or dens, let’s get them organized this month.  Here are some tips that might be helpful to you.

• Arrange electronic items such as televisions, CD and DVD players and video games in one area so the wires and cables can be contained together.
• Label each end of cables and wires related to the computer and other electronic equipment.  It will save much time in connecting or reconnecting
• Use wire baskets that can be mounted under shelves or cable ties to contain wires.
• Purge videos, CDs and DVDs that are no longer used.  Sell or donate them to a local charity, nursing home or hospital.  If you want to locate one again, they can be rented or borrowed from local libraries.
• Renting or borrowing movies and games is an excellent organizational choice and sets a good example for your children in managing finances and spaces.
• Store CDs and DVDs in their case vertically on shallow shelves or if space is limited, they can be removed from the case and placed in notebooks or cases with plastic sleeves.  Sort and arrange by category.
• Videos can be stored vertically on shelves or in shoe box type containers.  Do not stack flat as accessing those on the bottom is more difficult.
• Remotes and game joysticks should be contained in a basket, decorative box or container designed specifically for them.  Keep them within easy reach of the chair or sofa.
• Place a table or shelf near every seating area.  Large coffee tables can take the place of several small end tables.  Choose one with storage shelves, cabinet doors or drawers.
• Provide an area for playing with toys if you allow that activity.  A lower cabinet can be used to store those items or they can be taken back to the bedroom in a tote box or rolling crate.
• For reading areas be sure to have a comfortable chair with adequate lighting and a place to store books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
• Books should be purged from bookcases.  Keeping fiction books that you have read serves no purpose except to prove you own them.  Sell or donate them knowing you can borrow it from the library if you have time to read it again.
• Non-fiction books should be grouped by category.  Since information is always changing, using older books as reference many not provide recent findings.  Let them go and use the Internet to find the latest information.  The books are not your brain and letting them go will not cause you to forget what you have learned.  (Old age, however, may cause you to forget.  I speak from experience once again.)
• Sets of encyclopedias are dated the moment you get them.  Use the Internet or library for research.  Use their encyclopedias if you want to teach your children how to use them.
• Make friends with the library.  It is a wonderful place of knowledge and entertainment for your children and prevents book clutter from residing in your house.  Most offer excellent programs for adults and children.
• Mix books, plants, attractive storage containers or photographs on bookshelves for more interesting arrangements.
• Upper bookcase shelves and over the window shelving can be used to display collectables and photographs.
• Collections of similar items are more attractive when grouped together in displays.
• Keep an attractive container with pens, pencils, note pad and scissors in a convenient location in case they are needed.
• Card tables can be used for board games, craft activities or other projects.  When you are finished it can be folded and stored under the sofa, behind large furniture or in a nearby closet.
• If the family office is located in this room, reserve a space for a table or desk.  A drawer or attractive containers can hold desk supplies. 
• If a computer will be located in this room, consider placing a wireless system in your home to eliminate having to connect all of the components with cables.