WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER 2019
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Hmmm I'll have to do more research, I did not even know there were insurance brokers.. more googling! and since I am self employed what I have is just the absolute cheapest Affordable Care insurance I could find. So far in 4 years I have only used it twice (bee sting and ear infection) except for the items that are free (pap/mammogram/colonoscopy/TB test). But I might need insurance as I get older, I hope not.
Kim in N. California
Kim - since you are on the lower-income side of the scale, you might be eligible for reduced premiums for all of the Medicare fixin's. Wouldn't hurt to ask. We went thru an insurance broker because he handles insurance through many different companies and knew the pros and cons of all of them.
It can be pretty mind-boggling.
Lanette
Up really early in SW WA State! Bet I'm even up before Barbie, lol.
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Morning, afternoon and evening, all,
Lost three pounds this weekend - pure water weight. Looked at the temp, and it was 106 degrees in the full sunshine, with nearly 50% humidity. We were both soaked to the skin with sweat, but got an awful lot done. I am so blinking tired of SUMMER. One more week (supposedly) of 90s, hot and dry-although it's never really dry here, one of the reasons the plants grow so well. Then we're to have a ten degree drop and we'll be in the 80s the last week of September and rainy. Again, supposedly. Weather here is even more of a crapshoot than it was in Texas.
Happy Monday!
Later, y'all,
Lisa in Arkansas
If you'd like to package up that weather and send it here, that would be nice.
We've been in winter weather 4.5 months or so and I'm ready for warmth!
M in Oz
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Kim Lanette's advice is spot on. Just to clarify one thing - "insurance broker" isn't necessarily a special broker for medical insurance. It's like a State Farm agent who would help you with auto, homeowner's, or umbrella insurance. Since you are paying for your own insurance at this point, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you are eligible for as you turn 65. I hope that is the case.4
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Did one segment of the 10MS Butt Lift DVD. Will take the extremepump class in a few. The plan for tomorrow is to do a DVD for the rebounder
Should be in the 90's today. Talk about weird weather, Wednesday it's predicted to be in the 70's
Lisa - our cats LOVE my laptop bag. Actually, they love any laptop bag. Even Jess' when she brings it here. And it's not like hers has my smell on it. I may carry it into the house occasionally, that's all
Michele in NC1 -
Lisa - 106f would be in the danger zone for many here in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, much above 80f is pushing it. Good job on a productive weekend!!
Machka - do you ever get super hot weather during your summer months there? Glad to hear you are writing your experiences with DH's injury. If nothing else, it will be interesting to pull them out and reflect on them in 5 or 10 years. You'll be amazed at what you had to do to hold everything together.
Rho - Volvos have a great reputation, but we don't see that many around here in our little community. I've been a perennial Subaru owner since the mid 80's and my last 2 have been Foresters. Kind of cramped for my DH (he's 6'1") but great for hauling potting soil, dog crates, plants, etc. Oh, if your BF wants to hang out his housecleaner shingle, I bet he'd have lots of takers! Lucky you!
Beth - so very true about how sweet things taste when we give up sugar, even for a few days. Many folks who give up sugar or foods with high fructose corn syrup substitute stevia or other sweeteners. I've always tried to avoid the "sweet taste" when going off sugar to retrain my taste buds as you mentioned.
Heather - strange you haven't heard from older son or your housekeeper. When do you leave for your cruise? So happy to hear you are getting your computer/laptop straightened out and will be able to get back to writing.
Sharon from near Seattle now on vacay in Mexico - I have been craving a shrimp cocktail ever since you posted that photo a couple days ago. When the teleporter is available I'll whip down there and join you for a few hours.
My little Tai Chi group of gals (3 of us total) have decided we are done for now with Tai Chi in the park unless we have a dry spell. One of them is actually taking a class at the college from our instructor, and the other one who has MS and had a hip replacement doesn't do well with doing things in chilly rain for an hour at a time. Hope we get at least one more sunny Friday when he's available this fall.
And I'm talking with one of the Master Gardener demonstration garden coordinators about getting involved in a new pollinator garden she's putting in at the fairgrounds next year. I really do enjoy doing light work in the gardens in the morning (a little weeding, deadheading, watering) and being dedicated to one garden spot. I did warn her that I won't be shoveling, rototilling, dragging bags of soil, handling a wheelbarrow, etc. Superwoman has left the building. I can do it at home once in a while but some of the demo gardens have 2 or 3 hour "work parties" - I'd call them construction projects - that aren't for me. I have Hyssop and Crocosmia that have to be divided which I can donate to the new garden. And would be glad to start Lupines which the bumblebees just love. Not sure if that's what she has in mind.
Anxious to get back to strength training. Next week I can start again with light weights. Even though I was working on arms with dumbbells and legs with the ankle weights, it really was helping my stomach muscles. No doubt attributable to good posture while doing the workouts. Sitting = stomach "pooching" yikes!
That's the before breakfast report.
Make it a great week, ladies!
Lanette
Surprisingly wet and cool SW WA State
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Ok so I'm down with my DFIL and he is out like a light.. I'm going to speak with social worker.. His room mate is up all night yelling and he is getting no sleep at night..6
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Machka[/b] - do you ever get super hot weather during your summer months there? Glad to hear you are writing your experiences with DH's injury. If nothing else, it will be interesting to pull them out and reflect on them in 5 or 10 years. You'll be amazed at what you had to do to hold everything together.
Lanette
Surprisingly wet and cool SW WA State
Rarely. The weather in Tassie is quite cool year round. In the summer, we'll get several days in the 20s each month, and the occasional day in the 30s.
I liked the weather in Victoria much better ... we had a summer there!
Who knows, maybe this year we'll have a bit more of a summer ... the first year we moved here, it wasn't too bad.
M in Oz
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DrKatie ~ You look so slim and pretty in the photo with your daughter and granddaughter. All the hard work has paid off.
Rhonda ~ A BF who doesn't mind cleaning! Wow! My husband thinks that if he spreads up the bed in the morning he has done his part. But, he does make the coffee every day.
Charlie ~ Welcome! You have gone through a lot. Wishing you much success here.
Amber ~ When my son was 3, his grandparents took him to see the first Superman movie and when they came out of the show he thought he could fly right then and there.
Sharon ~ Looks like you are having a great vacation!
It was a bit hilarious around our house this AM. I decided to change the earrings I had worn for the last 3 weeks for hoops...this was my first time since getting my ears pierced. It took hubby and me almost half an hour to do so. Neither of us could see the holes and when we finally got an earring in we could not get it fastened. Lots of cussing on hubby's part and sweating on mine.
Carol in GA5 -
A few thoughts about medical insurance (and insurance, in general). I have had auto insurance and homeowners' insurance for as long as I can remember. Fortunately, I have only had to make use of them twice but I don't consider it unnecessary to have it. I had medical insurance paid by my employer until I was 65 and now have Medicare and a Medicare supplement and a prescription drug policy. For years, I didn't have to use the medical insurance but when I developed spinal stenosis "out of the blue", the insurance covered tens of thousands of dollars of medical and surgical expenses required to correct it. I thought I was the healthiest person in the world until I wasn't.
Lanette,you were up a lot earlier than me this morning. I lazed in bed snuggling with Bernie, the cat, until 5:15, knowing that I had no deadlines and could walk the dogs when I wanted. We walked for 35 minutes before breakfast and will go out soon to walk for about two hours.
Heather, I have wireless headphones for listening to TV in the house and blue tooth headphones for listening to my phone in the house or while walking. They were worth the expense because I use them so often and enjoy them so much.
Barbie from chilly NW WA3 -
Carol - Lol every time we convince JR that he can’t fly another superhero on Tvs flying or Red Bull wings there we go again.
Got my 1st ever Gyno visit scheduled for the 25th. They wanted records well don’t got none some info I have was being a baby in a hospital with Mom dead y Dad dementia doubt I’ll find out who saw me. Newer stuff they’re going to have to fax 📠 them.I don’t have time to drive to other towns get stuff with JRs car sickness! Plus not sure all they did exactly since it was after talk with Doctor lots of were going to oops nope can’t maybe next surgery talk during a few for sures. Supposed to reattach my bladder but since they had trouble catheterizing me not sure if it fell again. Hospital did a full scan of my uterus to make sure I had no internal bleeding so maybe they can access that too. Some doctors I tried they didn’t have all my records anymore so oh well. Can’t go by all that anyways this could be just a cyst! Or even scar tissue .
Amber Tx
Today steamed steak,kale salad,bell pepper raw,crystal light peach tea, little potatoes 🥔 air fryer whole0 -
I fully agree with Barbie that insurance, house/renters, car and health is the right choice, but I have had to choose between housing and health insurance many times.. pre-affordable care insurance my monthly health insurance premium was more than my mortgage + home insurance and if it gets that high again, I will choose housing again.
I have come to terms with the decision that a major illness would probably mean for me not being treated, as even with insurance I can not afford the $6,000 deductible/ 70% coverage. if it was an injury that I would recover from I might try to arrange for payments, other wise taking my own life would lessen the stress on me and on the folks who care about me as I would quickly become homeless and destitute. This may seem extreme to some, but I have spent much time and research on this and with the state of health care here, I have too much for government support and not enough to pay for it myself. I'm sad that this is the best decision, but it is motivation for weight loss and for doing what is within my control for mental and physical health.5 -
M in OzIT ... my degree, should I successfully get it, is MITS ... Masters of Information Technology Systems.
Machka, you've demonstrated in this forum what a resourceful and self-determined that you are. Yet there's a smidgen of doubt about completing your Masters? Huh, what???
Do not believe that tiny voice!
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I have come to terms with the decision that a major illness would probably mean for me not being treated, as even with insurance I can not afford the $6,000 deductible/ 70% coverage. if it was an injury that I would recover from I might try to arrange for payments, other wise taking my own life would lessen the stress on me and on the folks who care about me as I would quickly become homeless and destitute. This may seem extreme to some, but I have spent much time and research on this and with the state of health care here, I have too much for government support and not enough to pay for it myself. I'm sad that this is the best decision, but it is motivation for weight loss and for doing what is within my control for mental and physical health.
No, no, no! I'm not naive and I understand just how health care works. This is not an option. This is not a solution. Move to another state. Lose your jobs. Go bankrupt. Do whatever you have to do to get government support. Nursing home care. Whatever you need. I have to stop here because this hypothetical scenario is a hot button for me. Kim, never, ever would I want to hear that you took your life for any reason, but especially the reasons you stated. Your thinking indicates that you've devalued yourself if you're not healthy. And that's just not true.10 -
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Kim my comments about medical insurance was a response to the idea of "I don't need medical insurance " I was not thinking about the dilemma of not being able to afford it.1
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Kim, hugs, hugs, hugs. I can’t say anything else without getting political, so that’s all I’m going to say. Hugs, mixed with tears for your situation and others like you.6
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CharlieAnn31 Welcome! We do seem to be a chatty group
Congrats on losing the weight through WW!!! I'd love to be a size 10 again, but ending up in the hospital, yikes, no thanks. Very scary : Are you needing to take an iron supplement now?
Beth in Buffalo I threw out the sugar I formally used for baking and found Stevia, but don't use it much. I'd like to get away from using all types of processed sugars. Being close to T2D, I need to watch my sugar intake overall (those found in fruit and vegetables as well). Keep up the good work! You're inspiring!!!
Lanette I owned Suburus in the 80's and 90's. In the Pacific NW (where we are:) they're everywhere, right? My last one was blue so I nick-named it Bluburu, hehe. I'd consider owning another one, but the BF and I sometimes trade car use and he's 6'5".Sharon from near Seattle now on vacay in Mexico - I have been craving a shrimp cocktail ever since you posted that photo a couple days ago. When the teleporter is available I'll whip down there and join you for a few hours.
Carol in GA After #2 ex who wasn't a good choice, and raising children practically alone (extended fam lives out of state) and 25+ years of being single (and liking it), I dated but never thought I'd partner up again. But if I did, whoever it was had to treat me real well and be able to interact well with my three sons. We met and hit it off. Six months later, I introduced him to my three sons. In all the years, in all the guys I dated, this was the only guy that each of my sons encouraged me hang on to. He's is really a gem!
Barbie Can you recommend a good set of bluetooth headphones? I have an iPhone 7
Amber Tx I'm happy to hear you got the appointment scheduled!
Reinventing Rhonda - Week III
Walk, drink more water, log foods and continue to lessen fats and sugars
Get car transmission replaced or buy "new" used car by the end of the coming weekend.
Make the moments count, ladies.
(((hugs)))
Rho (south of PDX)
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Kim - LOTS of love to you! Gosh are we lucky in the UK.
My new earphones arrived and I tried to pair them with my phone. No dice. It was supposed to be super easy according to all the reviews. Then I had a lightbulb moment! I restarted my phone. Yeah! Immediate pairing! They are a cheap variety and a little bit tinny, but that's not so important to me.
My DH came home and declared he had downloaded WhatsApp and Maze. I had to show him how to use them, plus Google maps. He is joining the modern world.
My son eventually got back to me about the weekend party. I guess he had been waiting for his partner to decide what to do. He will be coming by train on Saturday and staying the night. She is driving down from Nottingham on the Sunday to attend the lunch party and taking him back in the evening. It is a LONG way! Well over 3 hours each way. I did text my younger son to ask him if it was ok if she joined us for lunch. That makes six adults and three children. He said "No probs". Shoukd be a great day. She is lovely. She obviously has a previous commitment on Saturday night.
The tree man came and will send an estimate by email. He is very hunky.
I did do a bit of writing today.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx7 -
Kim I understand contemplating suicide as an option in certain circumstances. My father and sister both took that route. I would consider assisted suicide myself if I was suffering and had no quality of life left, although unfortunately, it's still not legal in Virginia. But the situation you are discussing is a little different. My younger brother became disabled at the age of 45, and has Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability. He lives in a clean, decent place & gets the help he needs to be safe, see his doctors, & get his meals, meds, etc. He spent down his retirement funds, declared bankruptcy, and applied for disability, & the process was not that terrible. I did not consider it to be a significant burden to help him for a short period of time until he could get through the process. Just another perspective. (((Hugs)))8
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Kim - take your motivation to lose weight and stay healthy wherever you need to, but I have no words for the rest of it. You matter too much to too many people to take that route. I went bankrupt in 2004, and, while it's not easy, it's not the end of the world. It's just a hurdle, dear, not a wall.
Heather - glad your family will all be there with you for your party, and that your DH is merging with the rest of the traffic on the information superhighway.
Just popping in to say "Hi," and back out to build a grant budget.
Later y'all,
Lisa in AR3 -
Get a load of this: the president of Newcomers asked Vince if he’d be on the nominating committee. Now why would he want to be bothered with that foolishness?
Beth – regarding sugar, to me give me a little bit of the good stuff or don’t give me anything at all. Most times it’s nothing at all since sugar is just empty calories. But food does taste so much better when you haven’t had it. Same with salt. ITA with your statements to Kim, totally
Carol GA – when I turned 40 I decided it would be cool to get a second piercing in my ear. Now I regret it to this day. One hole always gave me problems and always closed up, got infections and all. The other hole – no problem. I wish that one would close up
Barbie – I’m asking for a pair of wireless headphones for Christmas. When I’m downstairs exercising on the recumbent bike, with the fan on and the noise from the pedals, I have to turn the TV up somewhat loud and I’m always afraid it’ll disturb Vince and the cats.
Exercised, stopped at the Salvation Army (didn’t get anything), the bread outlet where I got rolls to bake for Vince, then Aldi, then Habitat for Humanity where I didn’t get anything. Then home to put away the groceries and in the pool. Tonight ceramics and mahjongg.
Michele in NC
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Kim - lots of great advice and insight here from this remarkable group!
Unless I've missed something, I think your inclination toward desperate measures at some point might be premature right now.
My advice, which you did not ask for, is to get an accurate assessment of where you are financially. Get the Medicare pricing info from the insurance broker. Talk to someone at the Area Agency on Aging about retirement budgeting or get onto the AARP website.
You have a lot of variables right now and the scene might look different in 10 years or earlier. A couple examples:
What if you take social security at 65 instead of 70? You know your Federal Income tax burden will benefit because a portion of your SS income isn't taxable. There are websites which help you project this.
You live in an area where home prices are increasing. A reverse mortgage? Normally I wouldn't give it a second look - Allie's dad is an example - but you have no heirs that I'm aware of to sort out the mess when you pass away. Let the bank do it. Might be worth looking into.
I know you aren't considering moving right now, but you may wake up some morning and tell yourself you can no longer physically maintain your home. Too much yard, too many expensive repairs, new nasty neighbors so not worth the hassle. Check out the Zillow estimated selling price v. what's owing on your mortgage. Might be a cash cow for you to move into a less expensive place, buying or renting, when you are ready.
Just some examples. Sometimes we just need to look at things a different way for options to show up.
Good luck. (((HUGS)))
Lanette
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Kim Lots of good info and insights from folks on a similar path and from some who have "been-there-done-that" regarding the concerns and challenges you mentioned. My personal experience would be too long to post. That being said, it was tougher for me to afford monthly insurance premiums and cover my housing expense while I was working, leading up to being eligible for Medicare. Getting on Medicare (when it's time - at 65) is not hard. But understanding the array of options can be daunting, and that's coming from someone (me) who worked in the health care insurance industry for 25 years! Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) costs zero. My Part B (doctor and out-patient hospital/health facility coverage) is $135.50 a month with a $183 annual deductible. Co-payments are limited to 20% of the Medicare approved bill.
You're smart to begin looking into all the options, including US Federal and your State's assistance programs, i.e. QMB as well as energy assistance.2 -
Happy Monday. I had a good weekend as I took and passed the motorcycle class and now have my license. It was a lot harder then I expected, but learned things and am happy.
Summer has decided to return to Nebraska with temps in 90's. I am SOOOO ready for Fall and cooler temps.
Karen in VA--How scary, I pray things work out for the little girl and her family.
Pip--WOW! wore out another heart monitor and this one didn't take long.
Machka--Thanks for the tips and I see that I do use some and got some good ideas.
On the subject of video games. They make me so jumpy. I just feel like I can not keep up. But the match games on my phone I do enjoy and do not feel like I am being timed.
Welcome to all the new ladies, this is a great group for friendship and support. Hope to see you posting and getting to know us, and us get to know you.
Lisa--Beautiful flowers and they are always best when a surprise.
Ginny--Sorry about your deal at work. Sometimes friends and co-workers can not be the same people.
Carol--What a beautiful picture of your grandmother.
Connie--Fantastic on being under 200.
Tracey--Happy B-lated birthday. Love the card and those are the best kind.
Katiebug--Good picture and she is a cutie.
Up to page 55 and out of time. Guess I take a lot of time and try and read each post. Don't want to miss anything, and that is just me. I am working almost 3 hours longer as person called in. So soon as done here off to church for Bible study. Going to be a short night.
Looking forward to being off Saturday. My son called this afternoon and wants to go motorcycle riding Saturday. Him and his wife on their bike and me and granddaughter on mine. Ride some where for lunch.
Blessings, Vicki GI NE8 -
Vicki, congrats on passing your motorcycle test.0
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I fully agree with Barbie that insurance, house/renters, car and health is the right choice, but I have had to choose between housing and health insurance many times.. pre-affordable care insurance my monthly health insurance premium was more than my mortgage + home insurance and if it gets that high again, I will choose housing again.
I have come to terms with the decision that a major illness would probably mean for me not being treated, as even with insurance I can not afford the $6,000 deductible/ 70% coverage. if it was an injury that I would recover from I might try to arrange for payments, other wise taking my own life would lessen the stress on me and on the folks who care about me as I would quickly become homeless and destitute. This may seem extreme to some, but I have spent much time and research on this and with the state of health care here, I have too much for government support and not enough to pay for it myself. I'm sad that this is the best decision, but it is motivation for weight loss and for doing what is within my control for mental and physical health.
I have been lurking, not even logged in, all summer because my life is complicated right now, and I've been feeling a little sorry for myself, but anyway . . . I logged in to respond to your comment, Kim. I have all kinds of philosophical and political responses, because they are tied up together, for me, but I will limit my comment to the following:
I find the key phrase in your second paragraph to be "if it was an injury that I would recover from I might try to arrange for payments . . ." to be the key phrase. Although I can't imagine actively ending my life under any circumstance, I do live in a state where, in the right circumstances (and I think those are the circumstances you are referring to), it is legal. That being said, I have come to a similar conclusion as you. I've talked to everyone I know about this, to make sure everyone knows my wishes -- my mother, my husband, my children -- If I am ever terminal, with no hope for recovery, or if recovery would come at such a high price, emotionally, financially, painfully, with very little return on that investment, in either time or quality of life, then I elect no treatment. I know some people are a fight at all cost mentality, but that's not me. I don't believe in life at any cost. Like you, I've thought about it a lot, and it is the decision I hope I am brave enough to make, if I should ever suffer that decision.
Hugs to you, Kim. These are tough things to think about, but I do think it is good to think about how we want the end of our life to look.
Felicia, Willamette Valley, Oregon6 -
Good evening, all.
I’m very pleased with my weight loss... 26.5 pounds since July 7th. Not as pleased about exercise, unfortunately . I’m having issues with exercise due to chronic back pain. I’m working with a physical therapist but it is slow going. I’m not going to give up but I’m hoping to get back to yoga and low impact aerobic class soon. I need the exercise to keep depressed mood at bay!
SW 263
CW 236.5
GW 1796
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