Rusty the Shih Tzu goes to Key West-Day One

Rusty here! Well she had coffee by the pool and I played with my Panda. She had hidden it in her luggage ! We just went for a walk. There are roosters walking along the streets ! This is a different place than what I am used to. Met lots of friendly people on Duval Street! Think I will nap now. More than I can absorb!

Rusty the Shih Tzu and his toy reindeer

Rusty here. Wow! We went to Petco today! Could not keep my eyes off all the toys! She bought me a Christmas Reindeer. I had to take a nap after all the excitement! Decided to sleep on him so no one could take him. She even got a collapsible water bowl for my travels! I think I might be taking a trip soon. Will keep you posted with pictures.

Rusty the Shih Tzu-Hair not fur!

Rusty here. I like to be near mom's feet. That way I don't miss anything she gets into. We already did "windface"  in car this morning. It was a little cold but I don't mind . I got a haircut yesterday so don't have quite as much fur! Yes, I am a Shih Tzu so have hair not fur. Mom is glad since I don't shed like some dogs. It also keeps me warm in winter.

Rusty the Shih Tzu-Thanks Mom for Wind Face!

Rusty here! Well she was gone all day. Did make sure I went out regularly! I helped her run errands upon her return. I got to do ' wind face'. That is when she rolls down window and I get to put my face into window ! Wow! Nothing else like it ! That is definitely a rush. You know I am a dog so that makes me feel on top of the world! Thanks Mom!

Rusty the Shih Tzu- Wow this is boring!

Hi All,
It is Rusty here. Rained today. I am bored ! We did walk for three times for twenty minutes each. She has a sinus infection so does not want to play chase around house. Had to bring the yellow panda to her on couch for her to throw! Boring

Rusty the Shih Tzu-When will the rain go away?

When will the rain be over? All I can do is sleep! SHE made me eat breakfast and walk before daylight because there was break in rain. SHE is more concerned with my bowel habits than with her own. Go figure!

Rusty the Shih Tzu-Halloween Musings

Rusty here! Don't I look scary with glowing eyes? That's because she turned all the lights off to avoid trick or treat. Then she took my picture in dark as I watched them out the window . That is why my eyes are glowing. Darn camera flash! She said last year I tried to run out the door so we would sit in dark until over. What a crumudgeon!!! I spelled that wrong. Oh well dogs can't spell. I can still see them walking by. I bark! They think I am big!!!'

Rusty the Shih Tzu -Musing 2

Rusty here! She wants a head on photo. No way. She has been busy all day ! We just now got play time. She did walk me three times for twenty minutes. I do like to play tug of war with toys. We only did that once this evening. I guess overall I am a lucky boy. At least no rain today when I went out to bathroom.

Rusty the Shih Tzu

Rusty here!

Mom is always posting my picture and musings on Facebook.  I decided to take those and start my own blog.  I am six years old but you wouldn't know it.  I can still run fast and look quite handsome.   I live in the mid-Atlantic region and our weather is turning.  She told me that.  We just came in from a walk.  You can see my harness on the right.  I hate it.   I imagine it feels for boys like a bra does to girls.  She makes me wear it since I got out of  my collar when I saw deer in our neighborhood.  Yes, we have many deer. I sit and watch for them out the front window.  She gets a little upset when I bark at them.  Go figure!  I do not want them in my yard.  I have one good friend.  He is Pierre the Poodle. He is black and curly.  I will show off a picture of him in a few days.  I go to his house a couple of days a week when mommy goes out places.  I think she said it was "work".  I used to go with her there but they decided not to let dogs come anymore.  Too bad! The secretary had lots of snacks.  Uh oh!  It is time to nap.  I better get caught up on that.  See you soon.

Do Pets Assist us in retirement?

Wow! It has been a long day! Helped mom with errands ! The cool floor feels good. Hope she wants to rest. Have brought her the ball a lot today. Mom loves to play with my toys!


I live in a neighborhood where there are quite a few retirees including me.  More and more of these forever young people are out at 6:30 am walking a dog.  I now must time or schedule my walks with my dog, Rusty to avoid a dog traffic jam.  What a great thing to have a reason to get out and walk in  rain or shine.  A pet provides a living thing to  talk to, feed, and comfort.  I know there are studies that support the benefit of pets and I usually cite sources.  Today I decided not to.  I will say from experience that I have a purpose because of my pet.  I eat regularly and exercise because of my pet's schedule.  He even lets me know it is time for a regular bedtime.  Some time ago I overheard one of my grown sons say to someone, "Mom got a dog and it changed her life!"
What is your experience?  Please share with us.  

Immigration Reform and the Fair Tax

Allowing Tax Restructure to Welcome Immigration Reform

This is a repost of a blog I published in January.  I felt it was a good time to repost.

I am a believer in working with what one has at the moment.  We now are on our way to immigration reform.  It appears that many are worried about the cost to the state and federal budgets in regards to healthcare and assistance to these new immigrants.  This could be a win-win situation if the changes were linked to Tax Reform.  Tax reform hopefully will be on an upcoming agenda for change.  It could be an incentive to welcome immigration reform.  The tax could be changed to a consumption tax that exempts essentials such as food and healthcare.  I am not referring to a value added tax or VAT such as exists in Europe which is in addition to the income tax.  I am referring to no income tax and other current taxes but a consumption tax only.  Everyone pays but essentials as mentioned above are exempt.  Those worrying about the cost of immigration reform would no longer have an argument.  The new immigrants would be paying for themselves.  There are several suggested plans circulating for consideration.  One is the Fair Tax (Amadeo, 2011).  I have included the reference below with pros and cons for that particular suggestion. Do review.  There are other formats of consumption taxes besides the Fair Tax. I do feel a consumption tax could solve the budgetary worries of the immigration reform better than a flat tax as some are suggesting for tax reform.  Why not solve two concerns with one movement?  What suggestions or leverage could be waged to tie these together?

 

Amdeo, K. (2011, November 30). Fair Tax. Retrieved January 5, 2015, from http://useconomy.about.com/od/fiscalpolicy/p/Fair_Tax.htm

 

Retiringprof: Arranging Medicare, Supplements and Extras.

Retiringprof: Arranging Medicare, Supplements and Extras.: It was a long winter as I prepared enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B.  That hurdle must be jumped before the pursuit of a supplement or f...

Arranging Medicare, Supplements and Extras.

It was a long winter as I prepared enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B.  That hurdle must be jumped before the pursuit of a supplement or for some an advantage plan can be complete.  Along with that search the Medicare Part D policy is chosen.

For Medicare A, B and D, be aware the Social Security Administration does look at the income from two years previous.  One may receive a letter that they will owe an extra premium for Part B if over certain income.  A trip to the Social Security office with proof one is either now retired and/or has a reduction in income usually will suffice for an adjustment.  The new letter voiding the need for the extra premium arrives in about 14 days.  Most employees at the local Social Security offices are quite helpful in assisting with filing for this adjustment.

Medicare Supplements are quite the same except for a slight variation in price.  There are several plans they most companies feature.  I went with a plan F.  I chose an insurance provider that had carried my employer based insurance.  They also offered a Part D plan that was basic and affordable. Part D is the prescription drug plan. Those on quite a few medicines should talk with their local pharmacy about a plan that covers their menu of medications.  There is a lot of variation in the coverage from company to company with Part D.

Extras comprises plans for dental and vision coverage.  I am not sure if that is cost effective but I took one.   I will make a  different decision in the October open enrollment period if I am spending more on this than I would pay for dental, eye exam and contact lenses.  Some of these plans also offer a gym membership.  I found the gyms were not in close proximity to my home and the gym I did go to is not on the list.
I do recommend getting the materials and reading carefully the items covered.  Compare your own lifestyle to what needs you may have.  An example would be extended travel. Some policies have better coverage for out of area health needs  than others if traveling is  something you plan to do .
Those interested in a Medicare Advantage plan should search several sources.  These plans are all inclusive with the above type coverage.  Many times there is little to no premium but the coverage can be more restrictive.  Another source might be better for that information.

More About a Consumption Tax and Immigration Reform

In my last post, I outlined how we could welcome immigration reform while reforming the tax structure as a buffer to the costs.  I also mentioned a consumption tax such as the Fair Tax.  The Fair Tax was introduced this past week with more supporters in the past (Reed, 2015).  Whether this is the consumption tax that we need or it could be revised, it is important that each of us explore this option.  One could refer to my previous blog post to a link outlining the pros and cons.  Many of you are probably worrying about the percentage of a consumption tax.  Keep in mind taxable items have a built in tax to cover corporate taxes which would go away.  A real consumption tax would rid corporations of most taxes so items would also cost less.  As a member of the middle class we cannot continue to carry everyone’s burden.  One thing that caught my interest was the recent suggestion that we fund free community college for two years for those eligible.  That is a great idea.  Why not fund our children and reduce aid to countries that are not our friends.  Then I thought about the cost to federal and state government.  Again that would fall to taxes on the middle class.  A consumption tax would involve all of us.  Please review the Fair Tax.  I will again include the link for the pros and cons on this blog entry as well.  Please ask questions and offer feedback.  This and all new ideas are a work in progress.

 

 

Amdeo, K. (2011, November 30). Fair Tax. Retrieved January 5, 2015, from http://useconomy.about.com/od/fiscalpolicy/p/Fair_Tax.htm

Reed, K. (2015, January 7). Political Notebook: Fair Tax Introduced With Record Support. Retrieved January 7, 2015, from http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2015/jan/07/political-notebook-fairtax-introduced-wit

Allowing Tax Restructure to Welcome Immigration Reform

Allowing Tax Restructure to Welcome Immigration Reform

I am a believer in working with what one has at the moment.  We now are on our way to immigration reform.  It appears that many are worried about the cost to the state and federal budgets in regards to healthcare and assistance to these new immigrants.  This could be a win-win situation if the changes were linked to Tax Reform.  Tax reform hopefully will be on an upcoming agenda for change.  It could be an incentive to welcome immigration reform.  The tax could be changed to a consumption tax that exempts essentials such as food and healthcare.  I am not referring to a value added tax or VAT such as exists in Europe which is in addition to the income tax.  I am referring to no income tax and other current taxes but a consumption tax only.  Everyone pays but essentials as mentioned above are exempt.  Those worrying about the cost of immigration reform would no longer have an argument.  The new immigrants would be paying for themselves.  There are several suggested plans circulating for consideration.  One is the Fair Tax (Amadeo, 2011).  I have included the reference below with pros and cons for that particular suggestion. Do review.  There are other formats of consumption taxes besides the Fair Tax. I do feel a consumption tax could solve the budgetary worries of the immigration reform better than a flat tax as some are suggesting for tax reform.  Why not solve two concerns with one movement?  What suggestions or leverage could be waged to tie these together?

 

Amdeo, K. (2011, November 30). Fair Tax. Retrieved January 5, 2015, from http://useconomy.about.com/od/fiscalpolicy/p/Fair_Tax.htm