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Domestic Goddess: Pollock Fillets seasoned with Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper, Bush's Best Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans, Green Grapes and Chocolate Chip Cookies that my husband prepared.  Sorry about the previous type error with my last post.

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Domestic Goddess: Pollock Fillets seasoned with Mrs. Dash

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D

Norms Bait and Tackle

Started by dapphne, March 30, 2016, 09:23:16 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Marilyne

No message from Mary Ann this morning, and no sign that's she's been in S&F today?  She was in a lot of pain yesterday, which is worrisome.  I'm hoping that she has gone back to the ER for pain relief, and will be back with us as soon as she feels better.

Mary Ann

Sandy, I was reading something above and I saw something moving at the bottom of the screen.  I was afraid it was a bug but it turned out to be something moving that you had posted.  Good one on me!

Larry, my problem is mostly I sit in a chair with arms and something on my lap to accommodate the computer and mouse would really not leave room for the mouse.   I am using a little of the upholstered seat but there really is not enough room.  I have been using a "former" end table for the mouse but it is quite a stretch for my arm. 

Marilyn, I did not get online this morning and that is why you didn't see anything from me.  I think the pain medicine lessens the pain, but I have only 12 pills so when they are gone, the pain will come back.  The pain medicine does not cure the problem.  Others here have far greater problems than mine and probably I'd give up the computer to alleviate the pain. 

Mary Ann

Lindancer

Good afternoon, I just can't talk about the weather any more, except we are told to day not too try and drive around Riverhead, as  a lot of road are closed because of wind driven drifting snow.

MaryAnn, I am now having sympathy shoulder pain, started this week, I do think it has something to do with the cold and snow. I too, have a rotator cuff problem, and the orthopedic doctor, told me I needed and operation, but at my age 79 at the time he would not do it, as the recovery is as bad as the operation. So I have had to live with it, I cannot pick up 3 lbs even.  I will always remember that golf swing. I hit a driver over the pond and within and inch of the hole. Beautiful shot, but my shoulder was gone. everyone had trouble just trying to reach the pone, or get over it.

Sandy, bet you are glad you do not have to go out.  Yesterday, I had a doctors appointment at the hematologist to get my shot, I did make it to the office, they did a couple of blood test, and said it was the first time in 5 weeks I did not need the shot, I should come back in 2 weeks to double check.

Click for Riverhead, NY Forecast

Marilyne

Mary Ann - Good to see you back, but sorry that the pain pills didn’t help more.  I was wondering if you have a desktop computer also, or just the laptop?   If so, you could try the desktop for a while and see if it helps?

I am assuming that the shoulder pain is on the right side, the same side as the mouse??  I think I mentioned this a while back, but about 10 years ago, I had what was referred to as “frozen shoulder”.  The ortho doc told me he sees a lot of it, and more serious shoulder problems (like yours), since people started using computers.  His recommendation for me, was to put the mouse on the left side, and learn to navigate it with my left hand.  At first it was near impossible, but I practiced and stuck with it, and soon it became easy!  It didn’t take long.  Now my frozen shoulder is long gone, but I still switch back and forth from right to left - when one or the other side gets tired.
My husband has extreme shoulder pain too, and he also learned to use his left hand for the computer mouse,  and many other things as well.   

I know, I know . . . I’m always full of suggestions and tidbits of information! ::) ::)  Sorry about that. From here on out, I promise to keep my ideas and recommendations to myself! :sealedlips:

angelface555

Good afternoon,(12:47); from the Interior! It is nine degrees out but no real change from yesterday. Farrah has settled into her "command post," and I'll try to get a picture.

I just finished delivering those three food boxes which could have fit in a tote bag. People don't seem to care about the unfortunate anymore. It's a ''ME First & ALWAYS" generation re the current climate. I'm lucky in that while not rich; I'm not dependent on others for basics. Although if rent and prices continue as they have been, I might be among those unfortunates!

I've just finished my emails, and two of my classes are back online again, my finals in Abnormal Psychotic Profiles came back with a low B. Only two points above a C my instructor noted so I need to get busy still!

I also paid for two more classes;   40 Days of Focus to Improve Productivity and Goal Setting and Brain Washed: 7 Day Mental Detox. The latter course is to learn to retrain your brain such as going from overwhelmed to setting goals. It's official; I'm addicted.

I was joking with a friend about needing a Life Coach to learn how to manage my life, and she surprised me by saying she had paid one some years back, $200.00 an hour and only retained to map out her situations, goals, what not; on paper. I said, "Oh, like graphing!" And she said you just saved $200.!  ;D

MaryAnn, I hope your doctor can find a noninvasive way to help with your shoulder. I think Gloria is on to something about the cold and barometric pressure. I know it affects my sinuses and my arthritis.

Larry, you're right about the four-wheel drives and even hummers. The ritziest places are along one of the rivers or high in the hills. One gated community lies along the Chena which I wondered at as you can go along the river right through their development!

Marilyne, please don't keep them to yourself! I think your ideas are helpful so keep them coming please!

The photo of Farrah's window command center shows all the poles with dangling toys I've rigged for her using my bookshelves.



[attachimg=1]

Mary Ann

Patricia, that is some command post for Farrah and I'm glad she uses it.  Kendrick has a tower that sets beside the slider and that is his command post, however, I think he stays away from the window these days.  It was -13 when I got up this morning and is 6 or 7F now.

Marilyn, the ideas are fine, but I have a chair with arms and there is no way I could put something lap height to use.  My desk computer is Windows 98 so you can see how practical that is.  Thanks for all of the ideas anyway and keep them coming, something will work one of these days.

The pain pills are finally kicking in as far as the pain goes, but I can't lift the right arm far enough to do anything.  I will call the orthopedic offices Monday to see about getting in soon.  Gloria Z who posts in Soda Shoppe had the surgery and it took a long time to heal.  She used the mouse in her left hand and became quite good at it.  I have no place to put a mouse to my left.  And the table I have used at the right is too high and that may have contributed to my problem; I don't know.  I had a nice nap this afternoon and I hope I'll sleep good tonight.  I will take the last pill for the day in a few minutes.  I usually don't have trouble sleeping most nights.

Dot has decided she will try to get to church tomorrow and I have decided I will not go to church tomorrow. 

Now I'll take my pill, feed the cat and head for bed.

Mary Ann


MarsGal

Nice shot of Farrah, Angel. My three seem to shift around a bit, choosing a spot for several weeks and then swapping out or finding a new perch or secluded spot to nap. Often I find that Oscar and Shan quietly follow me to wherever I am, just to keep an eye on me I suppose.

Temp here is 4oF. I noticed that this Mansfield, PA is at -9oF. That is George's other home, but he is down here this week. It will not get above freezing until Tuesday and will stay above freezing until the following Monday. In fact, they are called for Thursday to get up to 50oF.

larryhanna

Hi Everyone.  It was a cold 17 degrees when I got up this morning but suppose to get to 40 this afternoon.  I will be going to Church by myself this morning as Pat's back is really bothering her.  She is up early and using the cold pack on it.  I will bring something back for our main meal of the day.  Yesterday I just stayed home and worked in my office all morning, rested after lunch and then watched the Kansas City Chiefs lose to the Tennessee Titans.  I didn't watch the evening game as it came on too late.

Sue, how far away from your library do you live?  Do you have a large library in Auburn? 

Sandy, you got that heater just in time.  We are going to be much warmer next week and I am ready for it.

Mary Ann, for some time I had to keep the mouse on my desktop and reach over to the right to use it.  So I can feel for you not having the mouse right next to your keyboard.  Perhaps you could eliminate the mouse by learning to use the touch pad.  I sure hope you don't have to give up the computer as we would really miss seeing your postings. Nice to see that Dot is going to get to Church tomorrow as sure she has been missing attending. 

deAngel, at least you know why your shoulder pain started.  The few times I played golf I hated to come upon water.  I am surprised you were able to get to the doctor's office but glad you had such a good report.

Marilyne, I can't imagine trying to use the mouse with my left hand but glad you and your husband mastered it.  I am fortunate in that I have never had a shoulder problem. I have a little typing table that sits in front of my desktop computer that has a little try to the side for the mouse.  Before the little try I had that pulled out from under the desk wasn't comfortable and had little room for the mouse.  Please don't keep your ideas and recommendations to yourself.  I hadn't heard about switching to the left side before although know there is a mouse setting for that purpose. 

Patricia, it is nice you enjoy the courses you can take online so much.  There are many things you could be addicted to that would be much worse than loving to learn new things.  Farrah looks right at home in her command post.

MarsGal, your cats don't want to miss out on a treat so keep a close eye on you. 

shirleyn

Good morning to all!  As is everybody else, my temperature is very uncomfortable.  I have been in Florida for over 40 years now, so have the Michigan weather out of my system & the 43° we have this morning is almost unbearable.  But, like most, we expect warmer weather this coming week - up to 70°.

I also am suffering from the shoulder pain.  Several years ago I went to the specialist for it.  He said no operation, but sent me to Physical Therapy, plus I got the shot.  This seemed to help, although it still flares up (maybe from the weather?) once in a while & I then do those exercises to ease the pain.  Mary Ann, when I want to raise the right arm, I use my left hand to push it up, which does help some.

I am still enjoying the cat stories and pictures.

I have been thru some stress lately - my insurance from my former employer was discontinued.  What a shock - Blue Cross, which paid for practically everything.  So I went hunting & came up with the Humana program.  Like they say, if it sounds too good to be true, etc., etc.  Well, time will tell if I will benefit or not.  Right now they are paying 100% for prescriptions (which, with Blue Cross I paid a small part of) and they pay $25 a month for OTC stuff.  Plus they will pay toward glasses and dentist.  Like I said time will tell.

Okay, enough for one day from me.   :idiot2:

shirleyn.

Marilyne

shirleyn - good to hear from you.  We also have Humana, and have been happy with it. We don't get 100% prescriptions though, so we must have different plans?  Ours is a PPO. 
Thank you for "liking" the picture of my granddaughter, that I posted on FB!  She's in Chicago for a one week training session for her new job. The cold weather was a shock to her, but she adjusted okay, and loves Chicago!

Patricia - I meant to comment on the photo of Farrah, and her "command center" in front of the window!  I've been trying to figure out what the yellow box is, that's sitting on top?  At first I
thought it was a radio, with the dials to the side, but then realized that there are no speakers, so couldn't be one?

Mary Ann - I hope you're feeling better this morning?  Good that you'll be seeing the ortho doc next week.  I hope he gives you the injection in your shoulder.   

When I recommended switching hands from right to left, I didn't stop to think that everyone's computer desk or stand or table, is different - especially if you use a laptop.  My computer is sitting on a standard size old fashioned desk.  Against that in front is a sturdy table that's 30 by 12 and is approximately 6 inches lower than the desk.  The keyboard, with a mouse pad on both sides, sits on that table. My computer chair is an office chair with arms, and can be raised up and down.  It's all I've ever had, since my first computer in 1996. AJ has a standard computer desk with the pull out drawer.  The drawer is long and wide enough to accommodate mouse pads on both sides of the keyboard also.

Mary Ann

#7480
I can't say I'm better, but I also feel I am no worse.  I did not go to church this morning and I haven't checked with Dot to see if she made it.  I liked the sub minister we had this morning and would like to have heard him.  He was an associate with us many years ago and is now retired.  He also taught criminal (?) justice at Grand Valley University near here.  It also being the first Sunday of the month was communion Sunday and the day I pay my monthly pledge.  So I missed a lot.

I knew about using the left side of the mouse because Gloria Z who posts in Soda Shoppe used her mouse that way after her shoulder surgery.  When I saw the orthopedic doctor three years ago he gave me a cortisone shot and I returned two or three months later for another one, but they didn't last the time between shots.  That is when I mentioned it to my PCP and he suggested the arthritis 650 tablets which have worked some, but not 100%.  These pills I have from the ER don't work 100% either.  I am coping and I just hope the arthritis doesn't go to my left shoulder.  If it does, I'm out of business.  I have a computer desk with the drop-down shelf for the keyboard but I don't use the desktop and really should get rid of that computer because it is old, old, old!

Shirleyn, I have an idea I'll be given some exercises to do to relieve my pain.  I remember getting some instructions many years ago for some reason, but I don't remember why I was going there.  All I remember is "walking" my fingers up a wall as far as I could go and I also laid on the floor with one of my dad's canes and moved the cane from side to side over my body.  I'm afraid if I tried that one today, Tom would have to help me up from the floor!

Shirleyn, Tom had a 4x increase in his insurance and I don't know what he's done about it.  I wish I could include him on my insurance.  There is a charge for dependents but I am sure it is not that great.  Of course, he is not my dependent.

Larry, I have trouble with the touch pad in that I can't control it.  I'll put the cursor on a spot, click and the cursor will be far away or something else comes up.  I understand when I disable the mouse, the touch pad works but maybe I must designate it on the computer.  I'll use the mouse as much as I can. 

About 11 am I clicked on S&F and got the message there were no messages since I last signed off.  I don't understand that, since it was 7:30 Pacific time when I went to bed at 10:30.  Tom came home about 11:30 am EST and after I dressed (I'm babying myself) I came here and there were several folders open.  But after 13 hours?  Nothing?

Now I'll see what I can find to eat.

Thanks for the sympathy and suggestions.

PS - Look at Grand Haven - lots of snow on ice.  We are to get to 42 degrees later this week.

Mary Ann



Lindancer

good afternoon, Baby it is cold out side, that is all I am going to say. Next Friday, it suppose to beo over 50, maybe will have to get my bathing suit out. ;D

Maryann, the picture even sounded cold, there were people there, but they soon left. I went for PT for my shoulder for 6 wks. I did the walk up the wall for 20 counts, (I still do that one, if the shoulder starts to hurt.) I have to use both hands to pick up the coffee pot. I also was given  one of those rubber bans to tie on the door knob and excise with that. they also would put hot and cold pack on, the hat pack always felt good.

Shirleyn, I wish I could find and ins. that would pay for dentist and hearing aids. Good to see you posting,wish I was in Fla. right now.

Patricia, I have a library table in front of my double windows in the living room, the table I set my Christmas scene on. That is Taffy's command look out. In fact I have had to replace the blinds a couple of times.  she also set on the cedar chest to lookout the bedroom windows.

Marilyn, keep writing your ideas, once in awhile I put in a few, like putting Vicks on the bottom of your feet, and warm socks. My cardiologist gave  that one. It did help me  .

larry, I watched golf from Hawaii yesterday, and it is on now.  What a hilly beautiful course.  I never have had that much trouble getting over ponds. The one I hurt my shoulder on was a long drive over land then the pond.  That was at Cedars.  At Sandy Pond Course You did not have all the land in front of it, so it was easy, but my friends Ruth never could get over it in all the years we played.  she looked at it as water   I said look at it and just think more land.

Click for Riverhead, NY Forecast

Joy

#7482
Mary Ann,   Just as cold as I am right now,  watching the snow and ice on the lake sure doesn't make me feel any better.  I can't imagine anybody wanting to go out on that ice.  I think it is so neat how you can see the waves moving under the ice.  That is just so unusual looking. 

Glad to read that you don't feel any worse, but sure had hoped that you might be a little better.  Hope you are able to get a quick appointment and get some better relief. 

Lin, my  niece, her husband and  little 2 year old are in Hawaii watching the golf.  She put a picture on Facebook standing next to the golfer , Jordan (whatever his last name is) holding her little 2 year named, Jordan, also.  She was so excited to be able to get a picture with her little Jordan next to the golfer, Jordan.   They went over just to attend that golf tournament.   Nice that they could afford to go. 


Joy
BIG BOX

halkel

Mary Ann and Linedancer.  You might want to try the Lidocane patches.  Might be a little difficult to apply them yourself but you can leave them on for 12 hours and they do work for me and my old back.  It is an anesthetic, the doctor prescribed the 5 percent but I think you can buy the 4 percent OTC.

I can apply one to my back, but it takes awhile...LOL  I usually put one on in the morning and take it off when I go to bed.


Lindancer

Thanks Hackel, I will try the patch.

Joy, it is a thrill to go to see a game once in awhile.  Of course you do see more by watching TV.  I have been to two US Opens, and my thrill was when we were allowed to walk across the greens in front of Tom Kite and Tiger.  When I went to the senior open we walked the whole course with Tom Watson, when he had to wait he would come over and talk to us.

Click for Riverhead, NY Forecast

shirleyn

Marilyn, the HMO plan is what I have.  I do not know what different plans they have, nor the difference in the plans.  I might have been premature in saying all my  prescriptions were 100% covered.  I only checked out two of my prescriptions & they were covered.

Mary Ann, I had said my insurance discontinued me - actually my $55 premium was going to be changed to $300.00.  I just couldn't afford that.  We checked with Danny's Blue Cross insurance & they wanted $300.00 a month extra for me.  That is why I am so amazed with this Humana and all their promises.

Lindancer, I have one of those rubber bands from when I went to PT.  I also use it when the pain gets too intense.  It sure does help.  What was the reason for putting Vicks on the bottom of your feet?  I know I have heard of applying it to the toe nails to get rid of fungus.

Hmm, Halkel, I have the prescription Lidocaine patches (used for back pain), but never thought about putting one on my shoulder.  They told me the patches send aspirin to the distressed body part.

Hey & Hi to my 'old' buddy  :thumbup: Joan - how ya doin?

shirleyn.

angelface555

Quick note, "Jerry Van Dyke, the younger brother of Dick Van Dyke and longtime sitcom actor who starred on Coach and The Middle, died Friday at the age of 86."   

wjoan

Shirley, I am just fine, cold but staying inside.  :) 
Thanks for asking.  HUGS to you.

Lindancer

Shirleyn, the vicks was for the cough that I had that linger over 6 weeks, and I ask my cardiologist what i could do to get ride of it, and that was his answer: rub vicks in the bottom of my feet and put warm socks on.

when Dennis was little, he had bronchitis every time I turned around, my doctor did not believe in antibiotic so she told me rub vicks on his chest, and put a pair of my old flannel pj around his neck. and it did seem to help.

Jerry Van d was 6 years younger then Dick, just thought I would add.

Click for Riverhead, NY Forecast

FlaJean

A few years ago I couldn’t raise my left arm.  The cortisone shot didn’t help at all but the therapy and excercises were a complete help.  The doctor told me not to lift anything over my head ever, so I’m much more careful especially with my left arm and shoulder which does occasionally bother me.  I used the rubber bands (two sizes) for a couple of years.

It is a little warmer today and will be very nice this coming week.

Mary Ann, you can adjust the speed of the track pad.  Maybe it is needs to be slower.

Mary Ann

#7490
Gloria, you mentioned the temperature and that’s how I found out my temperature thing was working.  When it’s been so cold, it just showed BIG BOX.  We are at 24 degrees which is warm for these parts.  I guess we’re heading for the January thaw.

There are a lot of people on the ice now, two are on the piers and one on the ice by the south pier.  They’re braver than I am although I would go out a bit as long as the ice extends far enough out. 

My insurance pays for dental visits but not hearing aids or glasses.  Since I don’t pay for my insurance, I am happy to accept what they do pay for.  My former company is self-assured (I think that is the term) for up to $1million.  They may have increased it by now; I’ve been retired 31 years but that is what the amount was when I was working.  Plans also have changed and present employees have different plans now.

Gloria, the golf on now is yesterday afternoon’s play and I think at 5 pm ET they will show the last phase.  I think I was told at one time that Hawaii time is 5 hours after ours so it is 11 am there (it is 4 pm here).  Joy, I’m not sure but I may have seen the picture of your niece and Jordan Spieth .  Jordan Spieth seems to be a nice young man; he got engaged over the Christmas holiday.

Joy, I think this ailment is one that will not get much better.  I think the big culprit is arthritis but I do think with therapy, things will improve. 

Hal, if Lidocane has aspirin in it, I may not be able to use it.  I am taking a blood thinner and was told to not take aspirin.  That is why I have been taking the arthritis 650 tablets and I can’t even take them until Monday afternoon when my Norco pills are used up.  I do try to take doctor’s directions.  Lidocane does sound helpful.  It’s awful getting old!  But the doctor may have a medication I can take.

Thanks, Patricia, about Jerry Van Dyke dying, I did see it in the news online.  He was no spring chicken either.

Jean, I can't raise my arm too high, for instance, I have to use two hands to take a dish from the microwave.  Tom is not always available, so I have to be careful in what I put in there.

Mary Ann


MarsGal

My insurance company pay for one dental checkup and xrays once a year. They've done if for several years, but this year is the first I put in a claim. My dentist will not submit it, so I had to do it myself. I sent the form, etc. back at the beginning of October and heard nothing so far. I finally called this week and found out that they have no record of it at all, so I must resubmit.

Mary Ann, I don't believe Lidocaine itself has aspirin in it, but there are formulations which include other things, so the best thing is to read the ingredient listing. I was just reading Wikipedia's info on it and discovered that it is not just a topical. That is news to me. Also noted, it is on the WHO's list of essential medicines which lists the safest, most effective medicines "needed for health systems". I suppose that would mean, also, a good topical to have in your first aid kit. Wikipedia says that most of the contraindications for Lidocaine are for uses other than topical. Under contraindications, the header "absolute" throws me a little though. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lidocaine

Mary Ann

MarsGal, thank you for the link to Lidocane.  I will wait to see what the doctor says.  The other doctor at that location did not subscribe anything, but suggested I have cortisone shots every four or five months.  I think I waited three months and the PA suggested I have them every two months.  Since the shots did not last even a couple of weeks I did not go back.  When at my PCP for another reason, he suggested the arthritis 650 tablets.  The Norco generic I m using now relieves the pain as long as I don't move the arm, but if I do move the arm, I have pain.  I am using a Mickey Mouse arrangement for my mouse right now.  And I think I went by my 6 pm pill, but by the time I get to bed, it will be close to 11 pm so I should be OK.  I feel I should not take them too close together.

Mary Ann

MarsGal

I remember when my Mom had cortisone a shot for her spine. The good effects didn't last for very long, and she was told (and I've heard others say the same) that the cortisone shots are limited to a few times a year (I thought two, but I can't quite remember). She declined getting another because she didn't like the discomfort the shot itself temporarily caused. Aside from severe arthritis in her spine, she got a spinal fracture from trying to pull Dad up on his bed; he kept sliding down.

larryhanna

Hi Everyone.  While it is 28 degrees this morning we are to get up to around 50 this afternoon and then the rest of the week will be warmer with possibility of some rain.  Pat thinks the improvement from the shots in her back may be over as yesterday and again this morning she is back to using the ice and taking the muscle relaxants and taking half of a pain tablet.  I just fixed her breakfast and we plan on TV Dinners, which we have in the freezer and they need to be eaten, for our main meal today probably with a little salad.  I have nothing particular on my schedule for today and don't expect to leave the house other than to go to the mailbox this afternoon.  I am looking forward to the Georgia/Alabama college football Championship game tonight and will be pulling for Georgia.  I did watch parts of both of the playoff NFL games yesterday over the weekend.  I was pulling for Carolina to beat New Orleans.  They gave them a tussle but in the end New Orleans won.  However, the Atlanta Falcons won their game on Saturday and will be in the playoffs that start this weekend. 

ShirleyN, I have a couple of friends who have Humana in Georgia and have been very satisfied with the company.  I don't know what his subscription plan is however.  I hope that HMO works as well as Kaiser did for us as we weren't bombarded with a deductible on each medical event but did have to pay a co-pay on medicine, usually $10.  We now have Blue Cross/Blue Shield and constantly get small bills for deductible of 15% of the allowed cost.   

Marilyne, your granddaughter had a bad week to be in Chicago for her training as the weather has been frightful there as well as in many other places.  What type of work is she going to be doing? It sounds like your computer desk is set up similar to mine with the extra table for the keyboard and mouse.

Mary Ann, it seems that criminal justice and being a minster is a strange combination.  A 4X insurance cost is shocking.  I hope Tom can find something he can afford.

deAngel, I also wish my insurance paid for more than two teeth cleanings and some x-rays each year.  There is no vision benefit at all but since both Pat and I have had the cataract surgery that will be just an annual checkup.  Pat has prescription glasses but there was no change needed on her last exam and I don't expect to have to wear anything other than reading glasses that I can get over the counter. How did you keep Taffy from getting into your Christmas display if that was her table that you used? After football season I will start watching Golf again.  I see that Dustin Johnson won yesterday's tournament.  My mother was a big believer in using Vicks. 

Jean, PT helped my wife recover from the knee and hip replacements she had but did nothing for her back, in fact some of the exercises hurt her back more. You have been retired about 8 years longer that I have.  You have a big benefit not having to pay for your health insurance.  Our premiums are over $5,000 a year for the Federal BC/BS plan. 

MarGal, it is aggravating when you find something you sent in cannot be found by the company.  While we have to pay the dentist upfront they do submit the claim for us and then we get a small reimbursement check.

Joy, it must be nice to have money to be able to fly to Hawaii just to watch a golf tournament.  Do they follow Jordan Spiet to other tournaments as well. 



Mary Ann

#7495
Larry, you were colder than we were this morning.  Your post was at 9:01 ET and I came to B&T at 9:09 and we were at 34 degrees.

Tom’s son, James, has driven from Holland to San Diego the past four days to deliver a car and a dog to their former minister who has just moved there.  He sent me 158 pictures, some of them video, of his trip.  I have not been to San Diego, but I have been to Denver and Utah and he went through those areas.  He was to stay with a friend in Iowa the first night, another friend in Denver the second night, stay in St George UT the third night.  The fourth day he reached San Diego.  I know the dog was good company and required James to stop occasionally.  I think the dog is in the lab family.

Larry, I am sorry to hear Pat’s back is bothering her again.  I am afraid I’ll have the same results with my shoulder.  I’m going to call for an appointment after I finish reading S&F.

My dental insurance pays for two cleanings a year plus two bite-wing x-rays.  If I went to a periodontist, I would have a third cleaning paid for but I did not like that dentist so I convinced my regular dentist that I would rather pay  him than go to the periodontist.  That may be foolish on my part, but it was my choice.  My dentist submits the claim.  As far as I know, the only increase in my insurance costs is what I pay for my meds and the costs have risen about $10 on a couple of them, $5 on the others.  I get a 90 day supply every three months.

Lake Michigan is frozen beyond the lighthouses. 

Mary Ann


angelface555

#7496
Good morning from a still dark, it's only 5:51, Interior. My balcony thermometer reads minus twenty, and we will have a high of minus seven. We seem to be warmer at the end of the week and colder during the week. However, January and February are traditionally our coldest of the year.

MaryAnn, I use an adjustable, wide, tray table for my laptop while my desktop is on a small table about half the size of a card table. That might be an idea for you, using an adjustable height table rather than a lap table. I hope something is doable on your shoulder and pain.

I have trouble lifting items due to my arthritis and worsening muscle weakness due to my disability. I can't hold or fill a ten cup coffee pot without shaking and must either use two hands or brace it somehow. My Wordsmith's daily word was senectitude which means old age and I'm certainly full of senectitude anymore!   :)

That must have been a nice break for James, doing that drive and the photos and videos will make a nice memory.

MarsGal, Farrah follows me about the house but also has various sleeping spots.

I use Medicare, Humana and Denali Care for Insurance and reading about your plans sound like mine are very similar.

Hi Shirley! It was nice to see your posts.

Larry, I am so sorry Pat's back pain has returned. Barometric pressure exacerbates a lot of injuries and could be a contributing factor. I know I am affected by it during seasonal changes and rapid temperature fluctuations.

Marilyne that is my printer on top of the shelf above Farrah's command center. I think she feels as if she is hidden in some bushes while she uses it to spy on various winter birds and owls.

I wanted to give a heads up about some insurance companies tricks to avoid paying out on claims. Both Allstate and Etna are famous for this and have repeatedly been charged and fine for these practices dealing with elderly. One of the biggest is saying papers or claims were not received and saying to resubmit.

This is often done repeatedly so that the pensioner gives up. Check online or with an ombudsman to see if your insurance company has been either fined, charged or notified of possible charges. I know of several personally who had to use lawyers to recover monies from claims.

Since I don't watch or follow golf or football, I'll end with the wish that everyone has a beautiful day!

wjoan

My knee Dr. gave me a shot of something  in the knee.  It lasted one day but he could only give it to me once a month.  I told him I did not want another.  When it wore off the pain came back with a vengeance.  We settled on pain pills till Medicare kicked in.

Mary Ann

Patricia, I have had only two occasions with Aetna where the provider had not provided a code.  One was with my dentist; I called the office and she said she had sent in the code that morning.  The other is with my PCP and I have not heard since my message to him and I also have not heard from the hospital so I figure it has been taken care of. 

My computer room is full of furniture and I have room to move, but no room for others.  I don't even have extra room for the cat.  I use my laptop on my lap (where else!) and I have arms on the sides of my chair.  There is no place beside the chair nor in front of it to put any type of table.  I wish I could put in a wider chair so the cat could sit in it with me, but there is no room.  I like all of the suggestions, but I can't use them because there is not enough room.

I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor next week; the first opening they have.

Mary Ann

Marilyne

Patricia - I also get Wordsmith's, A-Word-A-Day, and chuckled this morning when I saw Senectitude!  Yes, the definition certainly does fit. ;D When I first looked at your photo of Farrah's perch, a radio was the first thing that popped into my mind . . . but then on second look, I realized it was impossible.  There was something about it that brought to mind one of those bulky old tabletop radios from long, long ago. 

Speaking of mechanical devices, my Mr. Coffee, bit the dust this morning.  We couldn't figure out why there was a burning smell coming from it, the past couple of days.  On close inspection, AJ found a hairline crack on the bottom of the carafe, and it's been slowly leaking hot coffee as it drips, and finally burned through the plastic platform.  So, I'll check Amazon this morning, or maybe will just go to Bed, Bath & Beyond.

The flu has reached epidemic levels here in the Bay Area! All news reports warn that the shot we all got in the Fall, is worthless against this new strain, that has so far caused the deaths of dozens of people here in California.  That sure gives you a warm cozy feeling!  I went to Safeway late yesterday for a few things, and did see a couple of shoppers wearing masks.  They say it's bad in most of the heavily populated states, and will continue to spread.   

Mary Ann - That will be a long trip for James, to drive all the way to San Diego. Maybe not the best time of year for a road trip, but will be different.  I've been to Denver and most cities in Utah, including St. George.  Salt Lake City is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen.  We stayed there a couple of days, and went to all the Mormon tourist places.

More later .. . a couple of questions I want to ask Larry.