Yes. our Emergency are located in Each of the Hospitals but they say they are not owned by the Hospital itself or are the Dr.and labs owned by hospital.
I don't use a Supplement. Use to have one when first retired. I Retired at 62 . Took SS then. but my company paid me 75% of my monthly salary for next 3 years and carried my full insurance. Until MC kicked in.   but for first 5 years seems like after Medicare paid for what I had done. The  balance would be about 25 dollars and the Hospital said that the don't claim for balances under $29. So I should figure another way of doing Supplement . I talked to the head of both the Clinics , Hospital and for me decided to just go on a type of service they have. Have on Annuity That I have always called Health Account. They know that and I have that and I have done so good on it. Doesn't even cost the 20% difference as  they give me a discount. Never have. (so far) had to use the Health Account.  Had some expensive things done over the past 10 years and it is working out good. Been very lucky health wise. (Suppose was a bit of a gamble) Yet I was going to UK every other year and I came under the Social Security. I knew I could well afford to get the best done for a lot less money than things done here. Think that would work for me in Canada.  We should all be so grateful for Medicare because I see what some people who are not yet on it get charged for by Hospitals and Doctors. All my family have such as Blue Cross etc and I know Texas Daughter pay 1200 a month premium. Soon both Daughters will be Seniors. MC is sure worth what we pay monthly to it. Most people do not realize that  we do pay almost $1400 a year. Think we get it free.  Hope that Politicians don't one day mess up the system.

To old to think of changing anything now. Like the Dr. Say. The worst things could have happened to you by now. I get good check up and still have preventive care done. Some every 6 month and others a year   

Good morning, Buddies.  For some reason, I wasn't able to sleep past 7:00 a.m. this morning, so have had breakfast, read the paper, showered, dressed, and now will be waiting for another hour or so for Olyne to pick me up to go to church.  Our SS teacher is in Europe and we won't have our class until he returns.  He's on a Vantage cruise--his first.  He and his wife are both retired now and finally have time to do this.  I'm sure they'll enjoy it.

Not much else going on today.  It's going to be fairly hot this afternoon and I'm not sure how far I'll walk--might wait until sunset to get that done.  Last night I enjoyed watching "The Quiet Man", my favorite John Wayne movie, on TCM.  The scenery is simply beautiful--I'd love to take another trip to Ireland before my final trip to the crematorium!  I've visited Ireland 3 times and each time was a great trip.  If I could travel now, I think I'd like to go back and spend about a month there, taking local trains to places I remember and love.

I'm not sure if I'll get my walk in this afternoon.  Temps are supposed to be up in the 90's this afternoon.  That's a bit hot for walking outside.

Have a nice day, Buddies.
Sue

Sue...Ray was watching The Quiet Man with you last night! I was watching pre-season football...stars sitting it out, of course.  It is a good chance to see the new guys...and wonder who'll still be there when the last cuts are made.

Jeanne...interesting on how your ER is run.  Our hospital owns ours and for years they had ER docs on a rotation from some group of ER docs, but I guess we have our own now.  We're the closest hospital in about a 25-30 mile radius around so lots of ambulances come flying into town...and have a helicopter pad for those needing to go to Univ. Hospitals.

Have they broken ground for the new Medical School there yet?

Cool here this morning, but humidity is creeping in for me.

Lots of joint pain yesterday and today...no walking possible...so hope the rains come soon.

jane

We got back to my place about 12:30 am this morning - after getting up about 4 am Alaska time (a 4-hour time difference - one hour earlier than Pacific time).  The trip home went fairly smoothly, except there was no wheelchair pusher at the gate in Atlanta.  There were chairs, though, so Margaret loaded me up with the carry-ons and pushed me herself.  Our checked bags arrived safely and the Chattanooga shuttle was at the stop when we got there, and surprisingly, no traffic tie-ups on the way home.  We even stopped for burgers just before getting to my place, so we had something to eat when we got here.

The trip was great.  We saw wonderful glaciers (Mendenhall, Marjorie, Sawyer glaciers up close, plus many others not so close).  We had stops at Skagway (rode the train), Haines, and Petersburg, cruised Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm. We saw lots of eagles, otters, sea lions, seals, a pod of orcas, several humpback whales.  And ate seafood at nearly every lunch and dinner.  The staff, crew, and other 91 passengers were helpful and delightful.  I can definitely recommend the American Cruise Line and this itinerary.

We didn't sign up for another trip though.  We'll talk with the other girls and see what we can work out.  It was great being with Sue and Randy for the first few days exploring Juneau.  I wanted to see how I would do traveling this time.  I'm not nearly as "low maintenance" as I used to be, and I wound up working Margaret a lot harder than I would like.  We'll see what works next.

Sharon, I'm SO glad you didn't have a heart attack.  I vividly remember John waking me up one night and taking him to the ER with chest pains.  Fortunately, his, too, was GERD.   A dear friend here woke up with chest pain, called 911, took her aspirin, and really WAS having a heart attack.  She has four stents put in the next day.   Always better to be safe than sorry.

Marilyn, I'm glad you're taking such good care of Keith.  I'm sure you'll not only notice smaller things now, but remember things from the past that didn't register at the time.  It's definitely hard, and my heart goes out to you.

Re Marilyn's step-son getting married on Eclipse Day - a Monday.  It's definitely a day they'll remember!  Are any of y'all getting to see it.  I'll be just off totality if I stand on my deck.  But since the line of totality will just be about 30-40 miles away, Margaret is going to come get me, and we're going to drive out in the country somewhere on a back road to just stop and have the experience.  We're excited about it!

I love The Quiet Man too - such a nice movie.  There's 3.5" of rain in my gauge this morning - from the almost two weeks I was gone.  So my plants and flowers are happy. 

Welcome home, Mary!  Glad it was a wonderful trip and you're home safe and sound.  I'm happy to hear you took the train up the pass in Skagway that the 49ers did.  It sure makes you wonder how they did that with pack animals, etc. 

Hi Gals, I'm still having some trouble with gas and bloating despite the small bland meals. It's not bad but not comfortable either. I decided not to go to church this AM. I needed the sleep and just didn't feel up to making the effort. I did go over and visit Ms Frances last evening.  The poor thing needs to be in a nursing home IMHO. She isn't dressing or keeping herself clean and her ankles and feet are at least double or triple their size. The skin has popped open on her ankles and a nurse comes in twice a week to treat them and wrap them in gauze.  I'm sure that her time is limited and I think that will be a blessing.

Jane, how was the car cruise?  Brian likes doing those.  Hope you get your rain and your joints ease up.  Thanks for the tip on the Beano. I never thought of that although I have some.

Mary, just saw your post. Welcome back! We've missed you.  It sounds like you had a wonderful trip and saw some exciting things. We saw some of that but not all. Skagway would be neat to see, I'm sure.

Sue, glad you got  your meds organized for the week. I did mine yesterday too.  Hope it cools off enough for you to get a walk in tonight.  I'm glad you are able to walk a little more each day.  I need to do that too, but just not up to it now.

Jeanne, I've never heard of a hospital not owning its ER, but maybe that is their way of staying solvent.  It sounds like you have your insurance and medical care under control, just different from the rest of us.

Ginny, where are you?  It's time to check in!

Hi to Darlene. Hope you haven't melted down out there in TX.

Hi Marilyn. I'm glad to hear that Keith is getting out and doing things and seems a little better.  Is next weekend the wedding?  Have you bought a new dress?

Bunny's urinalysis came back with signs of the oxalate ?? crystals again, so we're going to have to switch her to the expensive Vet food that prevents it.  At least that is something we can prevent and all of her blood work was good.
Sharon

Sharon...good news for Bunny....bad for your wallet!

I awoke to thunder this morning and some much needed rain.  More to come this afternoon, I guess.

I got out to the grocery and to WalMart to refill my Evista, but they don't have enough for a full refill, so I'll get a partial and go back in a day or so for the rest.  It seems to happen a lot with Evista, for some reason.

jane

I managed to stay awake until nearly 10 last night, and then slept until 7:30 (with the usual potty breaks), so may be getting back "on schedule" in another day or two.  I got out this morning in my old banged up car to go to coffee with my swim buddies, to the bank, and to get a blood draw.  When I had my labs a few weeks ago, my hemoglobin was low, so she wanted that checked again.  I don't know when (or if) I'll try to drive that car again - the trunk won't close completely, and I know the left tail light/blinker doesn't work.  I hope the guy calls me back soon about the car I want to buy.  I think I have the old one sold, too.  We shall see how it all works out. 

Jane, glad you got your rain. We've had raid predicted for most of a week but haven't got more than a few sprinkles. I take Evista generic and don't seem to have a problem getting it filled.

Mary, glad you're getting back on schedule.  I do hope you can get the car thing worked out and have something safe to drive.

I spent a lot of time writing the church articles this morning. Lots new activities for Sept. Anyway, got that sent in and the sheets stripped and did my exercises and have ice on my knee.  I think my stomach is a little better. I haven't had to take GAS-X today so far.  I cooked John a beef stir-fry last night that looked so good, but didn't dare eat it. There's enough left for him to have tonight.

Not much else going on here.  Hope everyone is having a good day.  It was 94 when I checked the thermometer at noon.  No walk, not even a short one for me in that temp.  Sharon

I awoke at 4 am with a horrible cramp in my left calf. I jumped out of bed but couldn't even stand on it for a few minutes. I hate when that happens.

I am taking Keith for a hair cut  this afternoon, I made him buy new shoes for the wedding, of course, he only wears Dr. Scholl's  tennis shoes, His sister was here for a visit yesterday and she  laid into him about getting me on his checking account, getting his will done and other business taken care of, and buying some new furniture, plus ripping out these nasty carpets. I have been harping on him for years about that. So I think it all sunk in, last night he suggested getting rid of the old furniture and seeing about getting the carpets taken up.

there is a forest fire 8 miles from the wedding venue, that's all we need. Corey said don't worry about the fire if need be we will all just evacuate. With my COPD I doubt I could handle the smoke, Sandee suggested yesterday for me to bring surgical masks. So I will do that.

Sharon...glad the digestive problems are better today.

Marilyn...hurrah for the sister.  You need to press K on those things before his dementia is worse and they won't let him do those necessary items...like checking account, will, Power of Attorney...esp. necessary with his dementia...so you can handle things.

Looks like rain coming again, which is fine. 

jane

Sharon, glad you're feeling better.  Keep it up!

Marilyn, I know what you mean about those leg cramps.  I find that if I stretch before going to bed, it keeps them from getting so bad.  Like jane said, it's so important to get all that paperwork done while Keith is still able to do so.  It is SO hard.

Morning, Buddies!

It's a very cool morning here again...in 60s...and we're off to Cedar Rapids for some running around stuff and lunch at our favorite place.

Tomorrow and rest of week to have high temps and humidity and maybe T'storms.

Good morning...still hot and dry here..but able to get in a early walk before humidity rises....Sharon..glad you are better..I'm having problems with similar symptoms...excess phelm/ muckus after eating...don't feel bad..just annoying to have to keep clearing your throat..my next Dr appt is Oct...think I will try to get endoscopy done...I am taking omeprozle daily now to see if that helps..anyone have any suggestions ?..I was reading Marlyin post..agree with Jane on the paper work..I had POA when my husband was alive...just wonder if I should appoint one of my kids for that for me....Hi to everyone..time to get busy Darlene

Good morning!  It's 10:05 and I am leaving shortly to vote in our state election.  This is a primary to select candidates for local, state, and national offices.  I'm hoping enough Democrats show up to select a good candidate for the Senate as the 2 top running Republicans are both idiots IMHO!  How anyone could vote for "Judge" Roy Moore is beyond imaginable--and our acting U.S. Senator is not much better.

It's hot and humid today.  I was out walking in my neighborhood when a friend on the next street was in her yard and she is also a Democrat and is coming over shortly to take me to our voting place.

I'll be back later.  I hope everyone has a good day!
Sue

Hi Gals, yes, I think maybe I have turned the corner although I'm so sleepy today. The lack of caffeine, I think, but don't want to change my diet till I see the PA on Fri.

Darlene, it is VERY important for you to get a POA for one of your children and also a Health POA.  We did all that when we did our wills and trusts, setting each other up as the primary and then the children in the order we wanted. You also need to have all your financial info organized for your executor to be.  I keep that on my computer and update it frequently. We never know when our time will come and it is a blessing to our children to have everything in order.

We got a light thunderstorm last night.  Not sure that we got a lot of rain, but some.  Hot and humid today.

Jane, enjoy your day of play before the heat and humidity hits you again.

Sue, hope you got your vote in.  I always say that you can't complain unless you voted.

Marilyn, I have found that taking 250 mg of magnesium helps tremendously with the leg cramps, but it takes a while to build up in the system.  Mary's stretches do help also.  Hurrah for K's sister telling him what he needs to do!  Really push on the paper work too. That is even more important than the furniture and carpet, however much you need them.

Mary, any word on the car yet?  Are you getting lots of hummers now?  We have several at both feeders almost all the time.  Love them.

I have no specific plans for today. I have a new book I started last night that I may dive into.  Sharon

Darlene, after John died, I moved as quickly as I could to get a new will, power of attorney, and medical power of attorney executed and in the hands of my daughters.  The daughter who is my executrix and has power of attorney is also a signator on my bank account and with my financial advisor.  I've tried to make sure that all my assets are properly listed with the daughters as beneficiaries, etc.  That had been done with most of our assets, but John had a couple of pieces that never had me listed as a beneficiary, and they had to go through the probate process.  That was a pain.  It helps so much to have all the Ts crossed and the Is dotted.  Get it done quickly.

Sharon, I've put out two feeders, and have gotten some hummingbirds - not nearly as many as last year, but enough for me to keep the feeders out.

I thought I had all the car stuff almost settled, and now it turns out that almost nothing is.  The guy who was going to buy my car is really looking for a small truck.  He thinks one of the other maintenance guys is interested, though, so I hope that works out.  On the "new car" front, that may have fallen through.  I talked to the guy this morning.  He decided to talk the sale over with some of the other family members, and some of them have expressed an interest in the car.  He may get back to me in a day or two, if none of them really do want the car.  Sighhhhhh!

AND, just to keep things interesting, the ceiling in my living room started flaking off last night, with pieces hitting the floor.  Maintenance was here quickly this morning.  Turns out it's the popcorn-y paint that hadn't been properly primed and was flaking off in big pieces.  He scraped a bunch of it off, and has put on a first coat of something.   I guess nothing ever goes smoothly, does it.

I do have updated will and medical POA. And my son who lives here is on my bank acc....so he can write checks if needed...I will look in to  the other POA...thanks....Darlene

I keep telling Keith what needs to be done and he laughs and says, he can make those decisions. It really pisses me off and frustrates me to no end.

Marilyn, sorry for your frustration.  I don't have any sage advice for you.  Tough stuff!

Darlene, The general POA gives your son (or whoever you designate) to make other decisions, should it be necessary - sell your property, make legal decisions for you, etc. - not medical - that's the other one.

Marilyn, can you get one of his boys to talk to him about it? Maybe he would listen to them.

Mary, I think you were very wise to jump on everything immediately.  I'm glad you have some hummers at least. We didn't have many last year but a lot more this year.  My nephew posted a pic on FB of his mom's feeder on their porch in Colorado with about 7 hummers fighting to get a seat to eat!!  I really think they have  a lot more out west though. I'm sorry the car stuff is still up in the air. Will your ins pay for a rental?

Darlene, I think you would be wise to get that POA done immediately. We never know the future. Dismal as that sounds.

For you mystery readers, I read a great one (till 2:00 AM) called THE FIRST PATIENT by Michael Palmer.  John had found it and liked it and passed it to me and surprisingly, I loved it too.  Quite a page turner.

Hi to Sue, Marilyn, Ginny, Jane, Joy & anyone else I have missed that didn't post today.
Sharon

Sherry, His boys did talk to him and so did his sister. I am just going to make an appointment with the lawyer that his college roommate recommended her locally and take him to get it done. He asked me if I wanted the house, there is no way I could take care of the big house, pay the taxes each year and get rid of all the stuff he has collected over the years. He doesn't get rid of anything, not even old clothes. I have thrown away mail that has sat and collected dust for months that he never bothered to open, Old clothing has gone to the thrift store and he doesn't even miss that stuff. I don't want the house his kids don't want the house either Discussing these things yesterday is why my day went down hill after coming home from the nail salon.

A Late Good Afternoon, Buddies.  My computer Geek arrived about 1:00 to check out my computer as I had a suspicious e-mail supposedly from Microsoft telling me I'd been hacked (and I had by whomever sent that e-mail!)!  He spent several hours cleaning things up, eliminating unnecessary junk and making things fresh and new.  I didn't even have a Microsoft Account!  I am so thankful for him.  This is not the first time he's had to clean up my computer, but I hope it's the last!

This morning I spent time doing much needed paper work, plus some laundry and taking a long walk outside.  Not much else accomplished today.

I updated my will and my POA sometime this past year--Tim took me to visit a lawyer over in Opelika.  She did a thorough job explaining things to me and I'm hoping thats the last time I'll have to update it.  Neither Bill nor Tim have children of their own (except Bill's stepson who is now 25) and I have arranged for Alex and Nick to get Jon's share and Dawn and Kris to get Bill and Tim's shares.  If Jon predeceases the boys, I'm sure they will share with Stacie if she's still living.  Dawn will probably share hers with Andy if Bill predeceases her.  I should be long gone by then, so it won't matter to me!

Before Ryan arrived, I wrote checks for outstanding bills and ordered a new packet of check books.  I'm almost ready to start on the next check book and the packet will be here next week.

Not much else to report today.  I hope all are well, happy, and having a good day.
Sue

I have told myself that I have to get back on that putting my Estate in order. Don't know why I keep putting it off. I need to call the Attorney that I sat with for a hour . Its has been 2 months now since she sent me all the forms.

Marilyn. Now did you ask his sons if he had already some work done regarding his will and such.   They should be in their middle ages by now arn't they.? Doesn't he want to just sell the old big house now and get it out of the way as they say they don't want it and you sure don't. I would like to just have a Estate Sale early and get rid of everything. I have seen just how much work going into taking care of things when the Children involved live in far away states.





We had such great weather for the past week. Changes my whole disposition. So hot and Humid as this summer has been is not for me. It is warmer again  today but trying hard to rain. My grass is just awful. Dry and burned.

I didn't ask his sons. I already knew he didn't because he told me. His boys are 27,31 and 34 years. Keith id stubborn he thinks he is going to live forever at least that is how he talks. He says he doesn't need to make those decisions yet, although we have all told him that now is the time.

Marilyn, do you think he would listen to his doctor?  Tell him if he really loves all of you, he will do it in advance so that everyone can relax.  If he waits too long, he could go on life support indefinitely.. And his estate can go to the government instead of all of you.  However, I know he is stubborn, but surely something can make a dent in him.

I have been to the grocery after taking a pain pill and turning my controller up a notch. I had to go early because John had plans for the afternoon and I needed him to be home to carry things in.  I've just now gotten my lunch at 1:30 and crashed in my chair.

Hi to all.  It's to be 103 heat index this afternoon. If it's that hot for the rest of you please stay in and stay hydrated.
Sharon

Hi, Gals...

Marilyn...sounds like K is in denial big time.  Good luck getting through to him.  As my doctor told me once, NONE of us get out of this life alive!

Just heard awful news about our lawn guy who comes to mow.  He just retired from his reg. job at 62 to do his retirement job fulltime...lawn care...and he's now undergoing surgery for a brain tumor!  It was just found this past week.  His family just called to say no more lawn service.  How quickly things can change!!

Hope your days are all going better.  Feels like a storm coming, but weatherguessers say not.

jane

jane, so sorry to hear about your lawn guy.  Like you say, we never know what's ahead or when.

Marilyn, sorry you can't get Keith to understand and deal with that.  Did he have an attorney to help him with his business - maybe someone he trusts?  That might be an avenue you can explore.  My heart goes out to you.

Sharon, glad you're getting some pain relief and learning how to manage the new device for your back.  I hope it continues to work.

We haven't heard from Sue in a few days - I wonder what she's up to.

Things have been really slow around here - so I haven't had anything to say.  We're probably going to lose our regular bridge game here, unless we get some new bridge-playing residents moving in.  We've had only four, and one of those is going to move - probably at the end of the month.  It's a family situation, so understandable.  We'll see how that works out.

It's been very hot and humid here, too.  I just don't go outside.  I'm going to try to get to swimming and coffee tomorrow - we'll see how that goes.

Stay cool, Buddies!

Can any of you tell me where to get a general power of attorney form...I don't think an attorney has to do that....just need 2 witnesses and notarized.....I think...Darlene

Darlene, I'm sure you could find one on line - just google it for your state and print it out.