Quarantine and chill and kindness chatty clubhouse: Jump in and join the conversation! All is welcome!

[flyingdumbo127]

Hugs and prayers always to all to stay safe and warm! I did call my dentist's office earlier to confirm my Monday cleaning. So far it's a go. I wanted to double check because restrictions this week have already been added and it sounded like more may come down tomorrow. I don't know whether a dentist is considered a service or not. It must not be. I read that any service where someone needs to be unmasked is not allowed. LA is still not doing well at all

I will Google Penzeys, thanks everyone

 

[bobbiwoz]

Pea-n-Me, thanks for the link to the owl story!

 

[lynxstch]

Lynxstch I am so confused by all the supplements. My husband started on Medicare this month because he gets Social Security Disability that was backtracked 2 years from when we applied. I had no idea they would do that. Since we still have 2 years coverage left from his job when he retired we don't need the supplement yet. I did call our administrator to make sure and we are good. They offer 2 plans when he loses his coverage but I was in shock when I found out the price per person. We need to make sure he has a prescription plan because 2 of them would be over $1,000 a month and he still takes 8 other prescriptions. It sucks getting older.

I would love a Black Walnut tree. My favorite ice cream, which is almost impossible to find, is Black Walnut. I have some that I will make my husbands favorite cookie with, hopefully this year as I do not have much of a kitchen at the moment. New kitchen is going to be installed in January, I cannot wait.

We were also very confused by it all. Hubby is still working until Dec 4, when he retires. He has had coverage from BCBS/CareFirst, but I didn't have any. And he started taking his SS payments last November. I get spousal benefits, and I signed up for Parts A and B last year when I turned 65, but never did any supplemental insurance. Just to ease his mind, I agreed to sign up for Plan N today (cost $94 a month for me, $109 for him), drug coverage for me will be about $7, we are waiting for her to call back about what his would be,,she said probably about $40). It's the co pay on his 2 COPD drugs that are going to cost quite a bit every 3 months. I hope you can find him a prescription plan that covers the majority of his.

I wish I could send you the black walnut tree, lol. I am not a fan of them except in baking,,and they are just too darn hard to open to do anything with. We usually just bag them in big deer feed bags and give them away to anyone who wants them..lol. Lucky you with a new kitchen going in, so far the only plan we have made for ours is the new floor!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I was lucky enough to get to Disney World in March for the Flower and Garden Festival right before everything turned upside down. My daughter was a nurse on a Covid Intensive Care Unit at the height of the first wave and I worried about her constantly. Thankfully she is OK and got transferred to her dream job, an OR nurse. Still worry but it is a little safer and she is so much nicer to be around now.

This is my daughter and I too! It is hard to describe how difficult it was, unlike anything any of us had ever experienced. It’s nice that she got here dream job! And we were there at F&G in March, too, just as things were closing. Dolphin lobby was empty as we were leaving. I would give anything to go down next month to see the Christmas decorations but we obviously can’t. Ugh.

The updates we were given this week were that hospitalizations here (MA) are lower as what we have going around is more contagious but not making people as sick, and that it’s shifted from older people getting sick to those under 40. Idk if that’s different for other areas of the country, it sounds like it is if hospitals elsewhere are at capacity. We’ll be getting the vaccine as soon as it’s available. I’m ready today. I am sorry to hear about the death a couple of pages back.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

@lynxstch Thanks for sharing the Medicare information. I don’t look forward to doing that again! I did it with Mom, but things were simpler back then, and once she got it, she never switched it out. She had a nice supplemental plan.

 

[PollyannaMom]

@Pea-n-Me, the owl was on our news this morning (and I was actually watching, which is unusual). He is so adorable!!

I really admire those of you doing ancestry research. I have no patience for it. I would love to have the information, just wish someone else would do the "legwork" Our niece has done quite a bit, but hasn't organized on paper yet, I think she is kind of over it.

My aunt has a lot of stuff organized for my dad’s family, and gave me copies of all of it when DS was born (probably because I was the only one in the next generation showing any interest - but I love that kind of stuff!)

 

[Shellsbutt]

We have the same issue, but with Black Walnut trees. Had the smaller of the 2 cut down from the back yard a couple of weeks ago, but the one in the side yard is HUGE. And they are a mess between the sticks that fall, the walnuts that fall, and the leaves, so I am glad our tree is finally empty and all the leaves have been disposed of. They are the only ones I can't put into the garden or into the burn pile, as they are no good for the soil.
Be safe if you go to volunteer at the library,,do not take any chances with your health!

Oh, my husband would kill for the wood from those Black Walnut trees, lol. He's an amateur woodworker and they are supposed to make beautiful furniture, I've heard. My neighbor across the street has one and the squirrels are constantly burying the walnuts in front yards. I'm with you on the trees though, as much as I love them and their fall colors- they can be an absolute pain in the butt. We did have a pecan tree that we had to remove because of how messy it was too. I wish I liked pecans or walnuts. I will definitely be safe at the library-these shifts are before the library opens(8am-10am) so we won't be interacting with any patrons and obviously I'll have my mask on. I'm just glad to be back, it's my happy place.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Hooray for more posts again today! Truly is so important to me to know each of you are safe and well, thank you

I just finished watching Picture a Perfect Christmas--so sweet!

Hugs to all dealing with health care choices, it sure can be confusing!

Glad to hear that Shelley!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Thanks to your guys recommendations and @flyingdumbo127 telling when it would be on, I just watched The Christmas Doctor and enjoyed it.

 

[tazdev3225]

We were also very confused by it all. Hubby is still working until Dec 4, when he retires. He has had coverage from BCBS/CareFirst, but I didn't have any. And he started taking his SS payments last November. I get spousal benefits, and I signed up for Parts A and B last year when I turned 65, but never did any supplemental insurance. Just to ease his mind, I agreed to sign up for Plan N today (cost $94 a month for me, $109 for him), drug coverage for me will be about $7, we are waiting for her to call back about what his would be,,she said probably about $40). It's the co pay on his 2 COPD drugs that are going to cost quite a bit every 3 months. I hope you can find him a prescription plan that covers the majority of his.

I wish I could send you the black walnut tree, lol. I am not a fan of them except in baking,,and they are just too darn hard to open to do anything with. We usually just bag them in big deer feed bags and give them away to anyone who wants them..lol. Lucky you with a new kitchen going in, so far the only plan we have made for ours is the new floor!

I'll start researching it all next year as I turn 65 in august. I'll apply for benefits at the same time. I was truly spoiled by our medical coverage. His prescriptions right now cost us about $75 every 3 months with the mail order we need to use and his diabetic supplies are free. Wish he could have worked a lot longer but sadly 2 strokes did him in when he was shy of 59. Even the cost for that was close to one million and it cost us about $200 out of pocket and that was just for drs. visits. I don't think I will get anywhere close to that coverage sadly. That is why keeping him on his meds is so important. It's scary.

The kitchen wasn't something I necessarily wanted to do but I had a horrible January. First the dog and cat tripped me in the shower, don't ask how, but I wound up with a couple of cracked or severely bruised ribs. I had a walk in shower installed to replace the tub. I love it. There is still a seat for my husband built in but so much more room for me. I am actually steady on my feet and the fall was a real wake up call of what could happen to him since his balance is off. Two weeks later I was putting some Chinese takeout on plates and the one cabinet fell out of the wall onto me. It was comical looking back. I am supporting the weigh of a 25+ pound cabinet and all the dishes on my chest and thumb while my husband moved one plate at a time. Then when I went to Urgent Care for X-Rays my husband called and said he was just going to eat while I was gone did I want him to put my plate in the fridge or microwave. He has very poor vision and he was "picking the glass" out of his food. I told him to order a pizza I didn't want a side of glass with my food and to throw his out right away. Thankfully my son and grandson stopped by and threw his food out.

I was really lucky and just had a crushed soft tissue injury to my thumb and some bruises on my chest. We had the kitchen all set to go and then Covid hit. My grandsons boss went out of business, he was in the home remodeling business. So my grandson is going to do the kitchen. His new boss will help him and the cost will be nowhere near the quote I got. My grandson can use the money with a baby on the way.

2020 has been an interesting year for sure.

 

[easyas123]

2020 has been an interesting year for sure.

You can say that again!

Welp - I've got a review for my first Instacart order:

#1 - with the tip & the delivery fees, it added about $15 to my order BUT I never had to leave the office, drive to the store, and take that time so it was very, very convenient. And I placed the order about 2 1/2 hours before delivery, so quick, too.

#2 - I didn't realize I'd need to be by my phone! I'm up & down and around the office and don't usually pick up and take my phone with me...so I missed the first text. Evidently the 'picker' - person who picks your groceries and delivers them - will text you if something needs to be substituted or is not available, so I had to respond to a few of those. And they were flat out out of some things - but that would have happened if I went so no big deal.

#3- I'd do it again!

#4 - I had my car parked by front door, and they loaded the groceries into my open trunk easy peasy.

 

[gwynne]

I always appreciate the Hallmark Christmas movie suggestions.

Our pandemic situation is quite serious. Omaha recently has had daily new case numbers of 700 ish to over 1000. Today's number is 976.

Turning to a much happier subject...
Our granddaughter turns 5 soon. She loves all things princess. Macy's had some great prices on a pretty dress, tights and a child's tiara so we mail ordered and sent it. Everything has arrived just fine, mom and dad will keep it hidden till the day.

I continue to be thankful for this kind neighborly thread. Hoping you all are having a nice day.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Glad you enjoyed the movie, Carol. For me it started off as iffy but truly grew on me a lot!

TazDev, many prayers 2021 is a much healthier year for you and your family! So glad you joined us here

I'm glad you had a good Instacart experience, Easyas123. Pickup and/or delivery services certainly are more important now than ever!

Happy upcoming birthday to your granddaughter, Gwynne! What a thoughtful aunt and uncle you and your husband are.

 

[easyas123]

Eldest came over and made fish tacos - mahi I think he used - that he & his buddies caught out in the bay? maybe I'm wrong there...its something... - cilantro rice, grilled peppers, some sort of coleslaw and a corn relish, plus a aioli w/ some sort of spices in it. Was pretty good! First time I've ever had them, mostly because I usually see them on menu's and I don't care for coleslaw so I never order out.

And we didn't have to make dinner

Yawn - looks like I'm going to make it till 9 and not much after this evening!

 

[sparkle78]

Not my house, I saw on another Disney page and thought I would get us started with some images

 

[flyingdumbo127]

You get some rest Easyas123!

Aww, that's great, thank you for posting that Sparkle! I love that the shelf is semi Christmas Tree shaped. I'd love to have one day a mini village scene including a church of course and Christmas tree, some carolers, something M&M mouse, etc.

Have a good night everyone!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Tina, aka @lovemygoofy , the OP of this thread, last posted on the Dis on Sept 22! Tina, if you’re reading here we hope you’re doing ok and we love and miss you! Hoping you’re just taking a break from the boards and nothing bad happened.

 

[AuntieMe3]

I can't remember if I said it on here, but I've been doing some genealogy stuff.

I love hearing about genealogy stuff. Love that show Finding your roots on PBS and Who do you think you are? which I don't know if its even on anymore. Luckily for me, I have a family member on my moms side and another on my dad's side who are into genealogy and share all their info with us. Both family lines go back many, many years in New Mexico before it was even a state, both eventually ending up in the Los Angeles area when it connected to make me....LOL Knowing that I was actually surprised when I did my DNA last year that I had about as much Spanish/Portuguese in my DNA as Mexican, like I had always thought. LOL

Stopped at the Costco yesterday afternoon around 3:30 - it was a zoo! I couldn't believe it.

Its been like that for a few weeks now. There have been a few times, hubby and I just take one look at the parking lot and we'll decide never mind. Usually we like to go in the evening before they close but sometimes that's doesn't work out.

Just signed up for COVID tests Saturday at the UD Star campus. DD and I were both looking to sign up and they showed nothing available. Looked like website issues. Then I checked and they were available and going fast. I texted her and we all got spots.

They have been doing them out at the Fairgrounds out here, and they have had something like 500 people show up for testing. We also read in the paper this morning, that there have been 10 deaths in Allegany County since last Friday, that is not a good sign

Hubby and I got our test this morning....it was really bizarre sitting in the truck in a long line of cars waiting for our turn. I haven't looked at our numbers in quite awhile but I just did and we had 1723 new cases in our county on the 16th, the highest we've ever had. Its a large county but still...our high before that was back in July and it was 980.

We’ll be getting the vaccine as soon as it’s available. I’m ready today.

Us too. Hubby reads about the vaccines updates almost every day, he even wanted to sign up for a trial with the VA but ultimately decided against it because he couldn't miss work if he needed to. Of course, since we were exposed he's missing work anyway, well physically, he's still doing meetings and doing other stuff over the computer and phone.

Welp - I've got a review for my first Instacart order:

Glad you had a successful Instacart order....everyone I know who uses it, loves it. You can even do Costco.

Our granddaughter turns 5 soon. She loves all things princess.

Happy birthday to your granddaughter. My niece is 5 and I just love her to pieces...this year she's totally into Barbies and has quite a few princess ones.

Eldest came over and made fish tacos - mahi I think he used - that he & his buddies caught out in the bay? maybe I'm wrong there...its something... - cilantro rice, grilled peppers, some sort of coleslaw and a corn relish, plus a aioli w/ some sort of spices in it. Was pretty good! First time I've ever had them, mostly because I usually see them on menu's and I don't care for coleslaw so I never order out.

Mmmm....I LOVE fish tacos. My dad makes the best fish tacos, might need to talk him into making us some after our quarantine. LOL

As I said above, we tested this morning. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting....they did a throat swab and a nose swab. We still have no symptoms so we're hoping we have a negative result and then we will test again next week just to be safe. Hubby is really upset we got exposed so he's saying, aside from work, we're going to keep to our own bubble for the rest of the year. LOL He's going bonkers having to stay home....not getting anything done around the house like he could/should though.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Hugs and prayers always to all to stay safe and warm! I did call my dentist's office earlier to confirm my Monday cleaning. So far it's a go. I wanted to double check because restrictions this week have already been added and it sounded like more may come down tomorrow. I don't know whether a dentist is considered a service or not. It must not be. I read that any service where someone needs to be unmasked is not allowed. LA is still not doing well at all

I will Google Penzeys, thanks everyone

I did some checking for the DLR board because there were questions about the new mask mandate and, if I read the CA state regulations correctly, dentistry is allowed because it falls under the exemptions. Services that require a mask to be removed, e.g. medical procedures to the face or teeth, are allowed. However, I'm not sure that something like cosmetic dentistry would be allowed because that would not be considered "essential" right now. But services which require a mask to be removed but are non-essential, e.g. facials or cosmetic procedures, are not allowed under the current regulations. Since your dental procedure is non-cosmetic and is considered essential, and since your dentist will be masked, your appointment should be allowed. Hope that all goes well!

 

[easyas123]

Good morning all -

Just thought I'd pass on some info, in case it helps anyone.

In another thread a poster mentioned ordering a at home Covid test, and that their insurance covered it. Test gets sent to you - and you send it back to their lab for results in a day or three. There are several at home testing kits it would seem. In any event - another poster indicated that anyone with health insurance would have the cost covered 100% by their insurance company. I was going to order one (test place would take my insurance info, no up front costs, would bill me after the fact if my insurance turned it down) to have 'in case'...seemed like a good idea. I did call my insurance company first to see if they covered it. They did not. So - for anyone considering ordering one of these because the testing firms says they will bill your insurance company - you may want to consider checking first w/ your insurance to see if it's covered. Tests seem to be in the price range of $100-$150, and I'm not sure if that cost includes the lab costs as well, or is just the test itself.

Luckily there are plenty of places to get tested w/o Dr. order around here. I just thought it might be good to have on hand just in case, eliminating the need to go out for testing. Oh well.

Yesterday morning I hit the powder room and master bedroom bathrooms with Lysol. I must have been rather heavy-handed with it as I could smell it when I walked into the bathroom at 5PM!

We've got a 'thing' this evening, it's 2 hours away. Trying to look forward to it, and normally I would. But driving 2 hours each way on a Friday afternoon/night down roads surrounded by fields in the middle of the rut when I'd rather be at home having a glass of wine in front of the fireplace w/ the mutts sounds better to me right now. We'll go, we will have fun, we will be tired when we get home! Tomorrow I'm dragging out all the Christmas decor/lights. It's my goal to get up all the outside holiday lights Saturday Sunday is Thanksgiving grocery shopping & a stop at Michaels ($10 off coupon & 20% off coupon!) and Lowes (zip ties, never have enough zip ties and command strips when it comes to holiday decorating!) and breakfast out at the local diner. Next week promises to be a quiet week in the office. Wednesday I've got to go to Breezy Carol's farmers market to pick up my bakery items for dinner on Thursday. I've ordered yeast rolls, pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll and I've got to grab a cheesecake as well. I think I'll send everyone home from the office around 3:30 to start their holiday weekend.

Have a good day everyone -