Wednesday 2-20-08

Got up at an early hour, but not nearly as early as for Clara’s funeral. Arrived at Center at 9:15 & surprised at how many cars were already there. Crew included: Jonnie Yoder, James & Steph Yoder & Nathan Yutzy. Quite a bit more chilly & a brisk wind to remind us it’s still winter. I think it was an average size funeral. One very nice aspect: no mud!

Those speaking at Evie’s funeral: Laverne & Loren Miller & David Yoder. One of my favorite hymns sung: Face to Face With Christ my Saviour! Oren led the cemetery service. A cold day, but was good to be there. Also read a very touching story of Evie’s life in the bulletin. A very special young lady.

Enjoyed a nice long talk with J Sam and later with Virgil, Mark & then Luke. Heard of a big party headed for town, but had intentions of being in MP at 3PM & didn’t make my way to the car until 2:45PM. More important to catch up with friends. As it turned out I didn’t have the necessary documents so the MP thing didn’t work out afterall.

Completely exhausted by the time I got home & rather relieved to get a message that Church is called off for tonight. Went straight to bed & up later to continue the endless task of tax prep.

Went back to Salina to get the signature sheet that needed a spouses signature before I can send off the efile. Also another drop off with my older hippie friend ( hey mannnnn….). Lonely guy and makes me feel so welcome & appreciated    Wonder what he was like when he was younger???

Another stop to pick up papers including those of her sister/bro-in-law who left their stuff there from Delphos.

mikey

Tuesday 2-19-08

Did not sleep well last night. Mom went to the chiro due to a fall on her knees Sunday. Also had another minor allergic reaction. Taking allergy shots & hope they work. Will prob take a long time.

They also went to a funeral in Clay Center for a guy about my age who was murdered doing pest control work in an apartment building in Leonardville (about the size of Partridge). His mother & my mother went to the same grade school in Stanton County. Glad the newspaper article caught her eye as she would have been disappointed to miss being with her friend at this time.

Finished 3 more tax returns & left for Hillsboro. Took a lot of naps & really not feeling well. Several drop offs & tax info pickups at Hillsboro & Marion. Found out one young guy’s nickname is Buck, doesn’t seem to fit in my opinion. Will continue to use his given name until/if asked to use Buck. One stop will prob be my last as the newly retired couple just doesn’t have any need to file except for food sales tax & homestead & the wife thinks she can handle that.

Plowed thru some scary mud at my last stop, which was planned that way in case my shoes ended up caked with mud there (as has happened prior years). Told to drive onto the cement, so that wasn’t a problem this year. I don’t think I’ve ever been to this place when it wasn’t muddy, so we all get a chuckle out of that.

Hurried home & just followed Mark into the driveway at 9PM and went over his things.

Also a call from Ollie Troyer asking me to help park cars at the funeral & to get my own crew, so made several phone calls on that project & think things are coming together.

mikey

Monday 2-18-08

Up around 11AM & ate some leftover cinnamon rolls & zwiebach from Old Towne & finish 5 fairly easy tax returns. To Salina to drop these off. One couple has FAFSA to contend with, so their fun is just beginning….

Another stop revealed yet one more couple who is divorcing. Wife is gone till tomorrow doing travel nursing since that’s where the real bucks are at. Wonder if that has anything to do with it. Expressed sorrow at their breakup, but husband seemed fairly OK & chipper about it all. He plans to stick around till their son is out of school. So depressing, but so common these days. Son seems to have a blank stare.

Home and organize files, put away completed files back where they came from & remove the rest of the incomplete ones so they’re all segregated. Double check signatures on 8879 signature forms & double check that Fed & State efiles are all accepted. The one recent reject came back accepted after the update & re-efile, so glad that’s all taken care of.

More calls to pick up tax stuff & coordinate which roads are all weather for one place. They don’t always stay the same year after year. Lots of mud these days.

Center message that Evie’s funeral is 10AM on Wed.

mikey

Sunday 2-17-08

Some snow on the ground & a slushy drive all the way to I-135 & not too bad the rest of the way.

Congratulations to Shane & Dorcas on their engagement!!!

SS on James 5:1-11 & talked some about farming practices in Palestine as this was referred to in one verse. Reminded the class that Morgan Ave in front of Center is EXACTLY on the 38 degree mark & Palestine appx at 31 to 32 degrees. John spent the time with Kevin (whose sister Evie passed away last night) as Kevin’s parents are on their way home from a wedding they attended in El Salvador. Of course this week we will be praying for Kevin & his family.

Julian had the sermon on “what is my level of commitment to the Church”. One statement that made an impression: is Church important enough for me to be early…or at least on time?

Got acquainted with Gino Salerno & his family who are visiting Center today.

Evie was staying with Rosa & Marian at the time she passed away last night & I spent some time talking with Marian about it all. Hospice was there earlier in the day & there was no indication then that Evie may not be long on this earth. May God bless the Arthur (Evie’s father) Nisly family, and Kevin (her brother who is in my SS class) and also Rosa & Marian.

Had tater tot casserole (one of my fave’s) at Fannie & Willard’s & slept the afternoon away.

Reception for Floyd & Dorcas at Center at 5PM which was more of a program style reception. Ryan sat by me & had a good talk with him later. Also had a fun talk with Steve & Evelyn about various ones they encounter with Lilies of the Field & the Christian influence they have had & do have with customers & seamstresses.

Home later & read in the Salina Journal in the History insert that the Smoky Hill River used to be called the Padoucas River according to a 1732 British map & other early names were: Chetolah, Topeka & Smoky Hill Fork. Zebulon Pike officially named it the Smoky Hill in 1806. Oh such fun trivia to learn!!!!!  

mikey

Saturday 2-16-08

Slept till Noon since I was up so late last night with research (groan). Finished 4 fairly tame tax returns & had only 1 call the entire time.

Parents went to a Sweetheart Banquet at the Baptist Church. Helped my mother with her new red heart shaped necklace that her sweetheart gave her. Such a tiny fastener. About 3-5 minutes, but glad to help out. Dad’s fingers are bigger than mine and would have been even more difficult for him.

Left for my Hillsboro stops shortly after 6PM & came upon a heavy rain. Had a call from the store to check on certain accounting procedures since the regular QB entry lady is off in the hospital. All looks good and went over other things as well. Picked up some more tax stuff & enjoyed looking at old pictures on the wall. One of the perks of my job and going to see them instead of them coming to see me.

Ate at the Hillsboro German Buffet & the only others there were a coworker at HCMC & her family & son was my waiter, so I gave him the run around and asked what he’s doing after school…art at Fort Hays, etc etc and these kind of interactions tend to lend themselves to a higher tip. Came in soaked & the patrons were surprised it was raining as hard as it was. Olde Towne is located in one of the oldest stone buildings in Marion County with its very thick walls. Also brought home some cinnamon rolls & Hillsboro style zweibach to munch on.

Another drop off for FAFSA clients (son in college). Such detailed questions they need to fill out and all due by the end of this month. Discussed pros & cons of selling a rental property. ZERO capital gains for 2008 (at least for lower income persons). Definitely significant to this discussion. Then picked up some RE tax receipts at Durham before getting my self home.

Had a message that Evie Nisly passed away about 8:30 tonight. A 22 yr old young lady with special needs who was lovingly cared for by her family. Quite unexpected.

mikey

Friday 2-15-08

Didn’t sleep well last night and not sure why. Went to my usual 11:30AM chiro appt & doing quite a bit worse today. Had ultrasound on my low back which is quite relaxing & then did the usual electric shock treatment next & the combination did seem to improve things.

Rec a message that a money order is waiting for me in an undisclosed location (to all but me) to pick up. How nice when clients really do pay me for my services, but are unable to at tax delivery. I have learned that a soft response ALWAYS works better than otherwise.

Picked up my extra sample rx at the doctor front desk & still waiting for an answer from BCBS on payment for future dispensings. Then to Key Office & picked up some more 8 column Wilson Jones pads which are used as my OFFICIAL tax worksheets for my more involved tax clients. Cashier on the phone the entire time & giving out all kinds of personal info that I wouldn’t dream of revealing to the public at large.

Had the special at Santa Fe Phillies & Subs & really like this unique downtown eatery & hustle & bustle of lunch patrons. Had a shrimp sub which was on special today.

Dropped of a tax return to Ramona & talked CNA shop with this former coworker. Sounds like Wesley CNA work isn’t all that more glamorous than the place I still work at. Certain staff at Wesley rec raises & not others. Heard that one before……

Finished 2 more tax returns & started another one before rushing off to the German Buffet at MP, formerly at Moundridge. What a fun surprise to see Harry & Edith Shenk there for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Exchanged pleasantries then found another area so they could enjoy their time together & found some more people I know in another area. Fun to cut up with waiter Brandon, and when all was said and done, he earned a nice tip after putting up with me

Dropped off Jim’s TF & had a good look at his new trailer located on Lincoln Street. Gizmo adjusting well also. Then Ryan & Ashleigh came over & had me look at their H&R Block prepared forms. Looks like what I would come up with, but discovered I’m not charging nearly enough….

Rec more tax phone calls on my cell. Not just anyone is provided my cell number & I intend to be a bit more discriminating on who has access to this certain number.

mikey

Thursday 2-14-08

Valentines Day & Happy Birthday to Jenna! Age15 today!

Spent the early part of the day starting on various tax returns & Quickbooks EOY transactions. A lengthy 2PM call to get final unposted transactions recorded. These calls wear me out, but are so rewarding when the uncategorized list shows a nice big ZERO!

Then rushed to Hillsboro for more info pickups. A nice cloudy day & not too cold out. One stop provides an enjoyable garden experience that even looks nice in winter. A former coworker who is known for her green thumb.

Then on to Moundridge to see a recently separated couple, on separate visits of course. Listened to both sides & appreciate their graciousness in not FORCING me to choose sides. Another emotionally draining experience, but those things happen these days. Discovered a W-2 with wrong SSN that needs to be corrected and reissued. Always good to catch this right away & hope the final employer copy hasn’t been sent in yet.

Then home & exchanged things in my satchel for another stop at Gypsum, which brings me to some very good news….

Today I rec official confirmation from NATP that the economic stimulus checks are NOT going to reduce next springs refunds. The rebate is for tax year 2008 & estimated using 2007 tax year filings which are going in right now. Those who didn’t qualify based on 2007 will then get to claim a credit for 2008 tax year filings if they qualify that year. Those in the opposite situation do NOT have to give back the rebates they rec this summer.

Also an email from an IRS senior liason stakeholder who teaches at our KSU tax schools to let us know of the update on irs.gov. Still not confirming things exactly like the NATP interpretation, but good enough for me for the time being.

Must mention a good phone call with Ryan on my way home from Salina. Stopped at a hilltop intersection to maintain reception & a good samaritan offered his services of assistance & figured it was time to move on into no cell territory. Thank for the chat Ryan!

mikey

Wednesday 2-13-08

Up at 10AM & called Key Rexall about a med that didn’t pass BCBS & I can’t afford to pay full price. A call to Dr. Wiles & instructed to stop by for more samples till it goes thru. Then a call to Pam, financial advisor, to see if a 1099 might be coming for one client. Affirmative, but that sounds suspiciously like a K-1 form since they aren’t due till Feb 28. Groan!

Left for my 11AM stop at Hillsboro & had an encounter with the friendly sheriff a mile N of Roxbury at the corner of 27th & Svensk. A very nice polite young man & didn’t detain me long at all. Picked up a Jan bank statement at Durham & arrived at my 11AM stop about 11:30AM. A friendly Harley biker couple that I’ve come to appreciate. So much leather….and SO nice on the inside. Active in Patriot Guard & Toy Run, etc.

Another tax info pickup in town & waved at a client that is patiently waiting for me to finish his TF. Dropped off a deposit at Rox & home to be greeted with my 1st efile reject. Parent claiming a dependent tuition credit. Officially allowed just this past Monday & working for self-claimed tution, but not for dependents yet. Severeal phone calls & a internet update coming tonight (thankful for my new wireless)     

Payroll went well & then to Center for Perry Lee’s topic on Happiness without money. Quite an interesting history session actually & greatly appreciated. Ice cream & goodies downstairs after Church. A pleasant evening.

mikey

Tuesday 2-12-08

Slept well & no messages on my machine. Appears the refund rush is over for now, but I have so much to finish and so little time!!

Went to my appt with Dr. Wiles at 10:50 & got my meds straightend out, and what a pile I’m taking now! All in the effort to keep shoulder and neck pain at bay. Some tingling, and esp at night sometimes am awakened with my arm asleep. Memories of last summer. Glad Dr. Eisenhauer is still in town

Ate a Coyote Canyon, but couldn’t fit in the booth for single diners, so went to a table instead. Another guy had a similar episode shortly after, but stayed there & ate with part of his gut on the table. Didn’t seem to mind at all. Saw the mother of a grade school classmate there & a brief chit chat.

Home & finished another 2 tax returns & headed to Herington for that dropoff. Remember the vivid dream I had awhile back with this house & street being the scene. A very narrow street with cars on both sides & barely enough room to drive through. The stop went well, but stayed quite a bit longer at this former coworkers home than I had planned. Caught up on news with each other. And she gave me a large platter of Valentine goodies. I think visitors are rare at this home & I appreciate how kindly I was treated here.

Then went to Hillsboro for some info pickups & stopped at the hospital to fill out some medical reimb forms, but changed my mind since the date of service was Dec even tho it was billed in Jan. I know better than to attempt this, but hadn’t looked closely enough. A wasted trip, but glad I didn’t embarrass myself by handing this in. Caught up on the most recent gossip at the station & went on home to take care of some more phone calls.

Hope to get to bed soon. Tomorrow is a big day.

mikey

Monday 2-11-08

Went to bed about 6AM realizing I had a 10AM appt in Hillsboro that would be completely impossible to fulfill, so set my alarm at 8:45 to call and reschedule, which I did…and remember little of except that I will now be going there at 11AM on Wed. Back to sleep & up again for my 11:30 appt with my chiro. Swung around by Gypsum to mail another 1099/1096 pkg to MO.

Paid my $800 plus bill at the Surgical Hospital, the staff of which I felt was deserving of a popcorn tin last Christmas since they treated me so well. Then ate a bite at SantaFe Subs & Phillies. Had the special, just the right amt & delicious. Then had a 12:30PM appt with Dr. Siddiqui.

Dr. appt went well & struck up a conversation with a total stranger in the waiting room. Has a spot on his lung & going in for tests. Brought back memories of this past April 19. Told him I would be praying everything works out OK & wished him well, knowing I will prob never see him again.

Went home in a foggy daze, but no time to take a nap. Finished 2 tax returns & organized my schedule. Left for a 7PM appt about 24 miles from here & saw my little friend Blake again. Will be turning 5 in about a month. A fairly lengthy stop there & cancelled another appt that was waiting. Some cousins were over for the night & the boys having a great ol time!

Ended up skipping everything else I had planned except for my stop at Buhler. Also got a bite at MP Arby’s before going to Buhler.

Today is the big day that the AMT delay is over, so the tax returns with education credits can be efiled now…and not a moment too soon.

BIG BIG news: On Sat Dave Ramsey was stating that the rebate checks coming in May are actually a PRE payment for 2008 refunds to be filed next spring. That means next year refunds will be reduced by the 600/1200 checks coming this May. Then, what about people that normally owe every year???? I have considered Dave Ramsey a reliable source in the past, but have seen no other reference similar to this. Time will tell.

The IRS site says absolutely nothing on this subject, however, the refunds are called “advance payments”. This is NOT reassuring!!! Watching the issue closely, Pres Bush is expected to sign the bill some time this week.

Made it home & to bed at a decent hour.

mikey