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

[lynxstch]

Good morning

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood. Temps in the mid 70's. It's warm in the afternoons, but the nights are clear and cool, great for sleeping.
One of the other managers Don used to work with messaged me last night asking if I still wanted to do a raffle basket with her. Don always went 50/50 with her after he retired. I said I would do it this year, in his memory, but after that, to count me out. We're going to do a Minions themed kids basket (her idea, not mine). I got a Minions Uno card game, a Minions Operation game, and some puzzle and magic ink books. It's up to her to put it together and take it to where they have the fall fundraiser.

2 1/2 weeks later and Summer still hasn't gotten a call from Lily's doctor about the high levels on her last bloodwork. I think that's inexcusable. In the meantime Lily isn't feeling good and had to call and get an appointment with them for 7 this morning, so maybe the doctor will go over them with them at that time.

I just put the portable grill away for the season and washed off the grill mat. Going to scrub the deck later today and then water seal it tomorrow. One more project out of the way.

Have a great day!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good afternoonfriends. Dad, thank God, is safely long home from morning shopping. I took my brief walk early this morning while it was nice and cool. I'm truly grateful to God so deeply that He is further advancing my recovery. Day by day these walks do get easier. By next week at the latest, I will try adding a tiny bit of distance on. Having the living room air conditioner on (it's on now) slowly helps to cool off the back room which is a blessing. We'll turn it on again later tonight to do an evening cool down. No word still from Sonia. Have a great rest of Thursday everyone

 

[flyingdumbo127]

This is a picture that shows our apartment door, the one with the "Gather Here" welcome mat, and the walkway toward the security gate. That's the path by God's Grace I've been walking daily since last Thursday. From our door to the right is more of the common walkway that also goes straight until it curves to the right leading to the staircase down to the small garage to this building. There is another staircase just outside the security gate at the front of the building. The garage stairs are divided into two sets of stairs for about a dozen altogether. One set of a dozen stairs is at the front of the building. Mercy of God, I know in His time, I will be normally able to navigate both sets of stairs again.

Tomorrow morning someone from maintenance to our building is finally coming out to check my bedroom wall and our bathroom wall and ceiling for possible mold. Dad and I are sure praying to get an all-clean. A blessing of a small apartment is that slowly some cool air from the living room does make its way into the bedroom it just takes a long time and of course isn't as effective as the bedroom air conditioner would be. I don't feel comfortable turning that unit on until we know for sure about the wall underneath it. Dad, I think, would be okay covering up the areas which I have considered but prefer to be safe and wait. God willing, I will update tomorrow sometime. Thank you all for your extra prayers always.

Sweet Dreams dear Quacker Family with love.

 

[Snowysmom]

@flyngdumbo127 Each day you are doing more and getting stronger. That is great. I hope that mold is not an issue.

Lynn I hope Lily gets some answers regarding her health issues. It is frustrating when doctors do not follow up.

Good morning. It is 53 here now with temps heading into the 70s again. Yesterday was a bit warm in the afternoon but still nice. So great to be able to work from the condo yesterday. One of the women I work with sent me a funny email about coming in every other week now. She is funny and sweet. I am looking forward to tonight's program. Most of the grandkids like school this year but Ethan is not a fan. He has never really liked school alot but this year with a stricter teacher he is not happy. He is very bright and can come up with reasons why he wants to stay home. I think 2nd grade is a year of changes for kids. They are going from being a little kid to being a kid. There are more expectations for them. I know I had issues in second grade and Kenny did too. Jeff would always watch for me out the window to be sure I was there to pick him up from school.

Have a good day.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Extra grandkid hugs dear Snowysmom. I was not a huge school fan either. I did enjoy the blessing from God of directing and teacher preschoolers and school age kids. God willimg I would love to be involved with kids at church again. Thank you always for you and your kind prayers and words.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Day 4 of perfect weather, 75 and sunny. Calling for same temps tomorrow, but chance of rain.

Dave came last night and put a stop inside the door of the shed to see if it stops rain from getting under the sweep. He also filled the gap between the door and ramp with some silicone. He fixed my dead bolt too. He's going to come back when he has time and take down the new garden fence he put up in May. I'm not going to make a garden anymore, and I want the fence gone so I can mow and not have to weedwack around it anymore. He's also going to rent a stump grinder and get rid of the big stump from the tree he cut down. I've called 4 tree company's and they want almost as much to grind it out (and it's already flush with the ground.) as it did for me to have Dave cut it down. I'll spend the $100 to rent one and have pay him to do it instead. I want to be able to plant grass there either this fall or next spring.

Lily ended up not going to the doctor because she overslept, you can't force teens to do anything.

My sister in law is taking this 'going to the ER' for every little thing way too far. Last night she went for a toothache! They told her to call her PCP this morning and have him give her an antibiotic until she has her dentist appointment on the 18'th.

I did yard work yesterday, overdid it, and paid for it all night with a sore back. It feels much better today, so I'm just going to put a coat of water seal on the front steps and call my chores done, lol

Have a great day

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Just a big dear Lynn.

Dad and I are most grateful to God that there is no mold. Oscar, a maintenance man, spent a good 4 hours here earlier and did a wonderful job. Dad, I feel badly for, is at the laundromat right now because he wasn't able to go this morning. He will need to also do bathroom cleaning later. I would love to be able to help. I know one day I will be. Enjot the rest of the day, friends.

 

[Snowysmom]

Good morning. It is 60 with temps heading into the 70s. I have already been to Wegman's to get produce and a few other things. Their produce is better than Market Basket and lasts longer. Less to have to throw out. Last night's program on anxiety was good. It was a small group which is what this place does so it is more friendly. I got a bottle of essential oil mix that supposedly corresponds to what triggers my anxiety. I am thinking of getting a more citrusy oil as I love the scent of cirrus so will do some research. Then we had a guided meditation which was very relaxing and soothing. The owner and the people who work with her are always very kind and nice. I am glad I found this place. So far my weekend looks to be quiet and by myself. Kenny works and I am sure Jeff and family are busy. There is always walking, cleaning, and working a bit. I may hem some jeans I bought a while ago.

Have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. We had a little rain overnight, it's cloudy and 60 now, heading for 71. They had said rain all day, but to me it looks like it's trying to clear up. We could use the rain and I want to find out if the shed floor stays dry so I'm hoping for rain.

Did laundry and cleaning yesterday and rested my back.

Sister in law argued with me on the phone last night about Medicare Part D. She said one of her meds went down from $111 to $38. I told her it was because she finally covered her Part D deductible for the year. She says "I thought that would take me like 2 years."
My reply was 'why would you think it would take you 2 years. Your deductible lasts from Jan 1 to Dec 31. In Jan of 25, you will have to meet your full deductible again. She argued with me over and over that you only pay it once, lol. I finally had to find the section in my part D stating that the deductible is for EVERY year. She finally got mad at me and hung up on me. She can call someone else next time she wants to argue a point where I am 1000% sure that I'm correct on, lol

@flyingdumbo127 Mona that's great that you're able to navigate some stairs to take short walks, progress being made!

Off to strip the bed and have some breakfast.

Have a nice Saturday.

 

[Judique]

Good morning. We had a little rain overnight, it's cloudy and 60 now, heading for 71. They had said rain all day, but to me it looks like it's trying to clear up. We could use the rain and I want to find out if the shed floor stays dry so I'm hoping for rain.

Did laundry and cleaning yesterday and rested my back.

Sister in law argued with me on the phone last night about Medicare Part D. She said one of her meds went down from $111 to $38. I told her it was because she finally covered her Part D deductible for the year. She says "I thought that would take me like 2 years."
My reply was 'why would you think it would take you 2 years. Your deductible lasts from Jan 1 to Dec 31. In Jan of 25, you will have to meet your full deductible again. She argued with me over and over that you only pay it once, lol. I finally had to find the section in my part D stating that the deductible is for EVERY year. She finally got mad at me and hung up on me. She can call someone else next time she wants to argue a point where I am 1000% sure that I'm correct on, lol

@flyingdumbo127 Mona that's great that you're able to navigate some stairs to take short walks, progress being made!

Off to strip the bed and have some breakfast.

Have a nice Saturday.

View attachment 892570

Your conversation with SIL is why I act stupid (now) when anybody brings up social security, medicare, or any of our old person things.

I had one lady once tell me when social security pensions were brought up that she would be getting the max when she retired. She was using the number of the highest payout possible which now is $3822 in 2024 for age 67 FRA. She worked for me and earned less than half my salary.

At the time I knew what the numbers were as I was about to retire. So I opened my big mouth. Quickly quieted down as it didn't matter. I truly hope she didn't base her future on those high numbers.

Instead of offering info I try to refer people to their own accounts as everyone can come out a little different depending on their own scenario.

Neighbor was turning 65 last year and started to question me. Too many variables! If they want face to face and reasonable accuracy they can walk into their local SS office and can get medicare advice there as well. Or pick up the phone.

With myself, medicare has a twist as far as the deductible goes: I have 2nd insurance (I pay a small premium for) as a retirement benefit through my former employer, so I pay no deductibles, but I do have copays on medications. All this stuff is complicated.

This was in my mind on Thursday as I suffered a fall at home the week before where I hit my head/face into the footboard of my bed.
My cheek had a big egg and still has some swelling. And then the bruising started. Still have some of that.

Anyway, eventually I got around to seeing my doc who immediately wrote out orders for ct scan and xrays. Did that all Thursday, got my results yesterday and I'm okay. Still have a minor headache and the ugly bruise but it's lightening up.

Anyway, I double checked that the providers were in network for my 2nd insurance which is not a medicare advantage program, as I don't want any unexpected bills.

 

[Snowysmom]

I understand how you don't want to be the advice person for those looking to get on medicare. The information out there about medicare and social security is sometimes difficult to understand. A couple of years ago I met with a person who worked as an advocate for seniors seeking info and guidance with choosing the right plans. In our state they are specially trained and volunteer for the towns. She was invaluable with what I needed and wanted. I now know what I need to do before I retire as I am still on my employer plan as well as Part A and Part D. In January I will start the Part B and supplement process. I highly recommend finding someone with the knowledge who is well trained.

 

[lynxstch]

She called me this morning and I didn't answer. It's common sense that if you have a deductible, it's not just a one time thing, it's an every year occurance, lol

 

[Judique]

I understand how you don't want to be the advice person for those looking to get on medicare. The information out there about medicare and social security is sometimes difficult to understand. A couple of years ago I met with a person who worked as an advocate for seniors seeking info and guidance with choosing the right plans. In our state they are specially trained and volunteer for the towns. She was invaluable with what I needed and wanted. I now know what I need to do before I retire as I am still on my employer plan as well as Part A and Part D. In January I will start the Part B and supplement process. I highly recommend finding someone with the knowledge who is well trained.

People get especially confused about Part B. There is the penalty if you don't pick it up right away when you are eligible, but some people have an extension period for some months past age 65 due to work.

It happened to a friend's father. He didn't catch that Part B was going to balloon in price and skipped it at the time. Now, he does have VA benefits but that's also not a walk in the park and I don't think it covers quite as well.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Afternoon hug dear friends. Dear Lynn, thank you my friend so much. No stairs yet for me--getting there. Since a week ago Thursday, yesterday was the only day I have missed walking outside because of not getting much rest due to Oscar being here and also noise from workers in the building next door. I did walk a little extra early this morning. I have been practicing getting up every day more. I pray to be much further along by the time Vivian comes at the end of the month. By God's grace and in His time, I will get there, one step at a time to and with Him. I thank all of you always for all of your love, prayers, and care.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@flyingdumbo127, so nice to learn just how/where you are doing your walks! I am happy you are getting outside!
We travel to FL tomorrow, for DCL cruise and a Halloween party at MK.
Gus did get additional meds in his ears, one was worse than the other. He’ll go to the kennel on our way to the airport!
Bobbi

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Hug dear Bobbi and as always thank you. I wanted you and everyone else to see the outside walk you each kindly pray for and cheer me on as I take it. Gus always prayers and have a wonderful trip!

 

[lynxstch]

Have a safe, fun trip @bobbiwoz

 

[tazdev3225]

Good evening. It got chilly here today with some rain.

Jim's birthday was today so we went to Lancaster with his best friend for breakfast and made a day of it. I found sneakers for the winter at the New Balance outlet, so I was happy about that. Bath and Body Works had their 3-wick candles for $12.95 so I got 2 of the Vampires Blood. I love the scent as does my daughter so one is for her. Then we headed to the outlet with the Disney Store and for once I was happy. I found some Halloween things for my trip. Ella and I leave in 10 days, and I am looking forward to it. I also found some cute Halloween earrings at Kitchen Kettle Village, so it was a productive day.

I came home and made pasta salad and a carrot cake for the luncheon at church tomorrow. I was volunteered while I was on the cruise. My mother is so thoughtful that way and the priest's wife demands a carrot cake at all functions.

I ended the day with this wonderful sight outside my house




I love a rainbow. Ella called and told me she saw it and she is looking for the end of the rainbow with her friends. I told her to share the pot of gold if she finds it.

Hope you all have a wonderful evening. @bobbiwoz enjoy your trip, I won't be far behind.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Happy Birthday to Jim dear Taz and always a hug to dear you!

 

[lynxstch]

Good Sunday morning

Another beautiful 70 degree day ahead. Going to get a few early fall chores done outside.

Have a good day.