WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MARCH 2017

Mary from Minnesota – Neither son (because he works for DH who is covered under my COBRA’ed insurance from my job) nor his wife had insurance; and, they paid a fine each year for the past 3 years. She went without a job for 4 months (she walked out on it because she got mad at boss) and he told her ‘if she walked out of the door, not to bother coming back’). She did, and she didn’t. They were going to have to pay $1900 each this year for the fine for not having insurance. She got hired by the State, therefore has ‘good insurance’; but, I still think their deductible is high. She is upset that she is not bringing home but about 2/3rd of what she did in her previous job, but, no insurance. She had ‘thought’ about quitting and looking for one that paid more. DOS told her ‘if she did, and, they lost the insurance that also covers their college-age daughter until she is 26 as long as she is still ‘in school’ and not married; he’d file for a divorce the next day. Because she was ‘out-of-work’ and had credit card debt where she had used DOS’s income to get them, they are having to file bankruptcy. He told her (or so he said) that ‘if’ she got another one and activated it, he would ‘file for a divorce’. I told him that ‘if he was going to make that sort of threat, he needed to make damn sure that he followed through with it; or he’d be broke and miserable the remaining days of his life’. I ‘think’ he means it. She was ‘upset’ because others were going to ‘think’ she was the reason they are going through all this. Having to give up her car (with a $500+ a month payment). He's getting his truck 'fixed' and she will have to drive it. WELLLLLLLLLLLL; if the shoe fits, wear it. GGGrrrr!!!!!! I am keeping my mouth and thoughts ‘out of it’.

It was ‘easy’ for Pelosi (and the likes) to say it had to be ‘signed into law to find out what was in it’ … DUH! She’s got ‘Cadillac’ insurance and it has been a mess for those who have had to buy it. I agree, and that is JMO, too.

I’m on SSI and my health insurance through my job picks up most of the rest; don’t even have to meet a deductible. I know I am truly blessed in that regard. When you are on a ‘fixed income’ you really have to watch your pennies and a $2000 hospital/MD bill can ‘tank you’, unless you have money in a savings account. Factor in those totally unexpected bills, an older couple could be in deep “mess” … just living expenses are high. Most people our ages have already paid off their house; not us, we moved out here when I was put on SSD. Would not trade it for anything … but, the thought of the payment frightens me, no end. Life insurance is expensive, too. And, it is a gamble. We have been waiting 6 weeks or more waiting for all the MDs to send in records to the underwriting department.

Love the Leggings!!!!

DJ – Love the dishes!

Talking about things costing up the whazoo … we tried to see about lowering our DirecTV bill; I called and was talking to a woman and told her the channels that we LIKE TO WATCH! Then she said she had lowered it to $102 a month. Last night we turned the TV on, and all the channels I had told her that we watched were GONE! I don’t know who was the maddest; Louis or me! Spent about 3 hours on the phone last night with someone who had enough ‘walking around sense' to look into the programs, what we had, and then ‘explain’ things. They’ve got you by the brass balls and they know it. They will give you one channel in one group of programs; but, to get the next, you have to ‘go up’. I told her we could not afford a $300 bill every month and to put it back to where it was BEFORE the ‘idiot’ changed it. It took affect immediately! Damn, guess it will just have to be our ‘entertainment’. Movie rental store closed down, it was the last one still open. Going to the picture show cost about $12 each, forget eating or drinking anything. A bottle of water that you can buy at a convenience store for 89¢ costs $4 at the movies. Little wonder why the families of our parents’ generation and one below was so large; that was the ‘only entertainment’ they had.

Ginger – If climbing the steps into the Statute of Liberty’s crown is anything like climbing up to the cat walk on a lighthouse; no thanks! Been there, done that … won’t do it again.

Lenora

Mary, we haven't seen any pictures of your beautiful German Shepard lately.

Kim - it is is definitely an "unfair" situation for everyone involved, unfortunately life is not fair and all we can do is move ahead and make the best of it and get through the best way we know how. Surrounding yourself with supportive, encouraging people is a very good place to to start. You mother is not helping her own situation nor any one around her. But we only have control of our own actions, one thing I always tell myself when things get crazy with my older sisters is "They cannot drive me nuts if I don't give them the key". Easier said then done but it does help me to focus on my attitude and how I proceed thru the turmoil.

Hang in there, we care

Janetr OKC

PENNY - no it's not for St Patricks day it is a tradition in this region of Spain it is called the FALLA pronounced fire Valencia is the main city that does this but here in Benidorm there are 3 lots of sculptures. Some say it is to chase away devils but if you google it there are various suggestions. The Spanish just love a party and they don't need an excuse

Just off out to walk in the sunshine I really get my steps in when I'm here even if I'm not logging food and of course the demon drink but hey will get back on track on my return

Will log in later

Kate in sunny Spain

Morning- off to have my car airbag replaced due to a safety recall. Hoping to be first in line so my whole day is open.

Back to the gym, inactivity has not been my friend, so must walk myself back into a positive place-each step gets me closer right??

Here's to a productive, positive day everyone. NYKAREN

Heather - very cool! Pretty awesome when your child finds and marries someone who you can enjoy and respect. Took my daughter two tries, but we like the second husband.

Beautiful spring morning in West Texas... Corey's still sleeping, I'm off to do laundry.

Love y'all,
Lisa

Insurance ... I am astounded at the deductibles some of you are paying! Wow! We have very reasonable and excellent insurance which I have always considered a blessing. My husband remembers when he was a young man and in a union ... couldn't figure out why the older guys always fought so hard on healthcare issues ... then our first son was born prematurely ... he figured it out!

My baby's spring break is over tomorrow. I am sad every time we take him to the airport. He only has about 6 more weeks of school and then he's completed his first year! He's made amazing changes in his life and we are very proud of him. However ... he still needs to work on his concept of money ... or rather, his concept of MY money!

This crud is making me lay low ... so that's what I'll do again today. Did not do well with my eating yesterday ... knowingly ate sugar. Stayed within acceptable calorie limits .. but dang! Today is another day...

Beth near Buffalo

Hello,

Checking in! No time to read, however our daughter is returning home to VA today and I will settle in this evening for a very LONG catch-up session! I've missed ya'll!

Cheri
in overcast College Station, TX this morning