Medicare ripoff

I received a call yesterday from what I believe to be one of many 'Health Insurance 'for profit' companies.  They asked if I had any back, knee, etc. aches or pains.  When I said no and asked why they asked that question, they replied , "we have these  'braces' to help you".  All you have to do is get your Dr. to write a prescription, then Medicare will cover part of all of the cost.  These apparently private companies are out for huge profits at the expense of our Medicare System.  I think they are taking advantage of seniors who don't understand that our System is being raped by their suggestive methods that we need their products.  Drs. can have a hard time saying no to a patient who is convinced this 'product' will make their lives so much better.  No wonder Medicare is in the red.  There must be a way to stop these for profit companies from their questionable tactics and soon.....................marge

No! Not again!

I don't know how many more blizzards I can take, or my freezer for that matter.  Just mention the 'B' word and its off to the grocery store again!  This time it was canned green beans and oh yes, meltable dark chocolate for strawberries.  Unfortunately they didn't have any large delicious strawberries like 'Edible Fruits' does.  Those are the greatest but I just couldn't bring myself to pay another $31 for a dozen, even though they're worth every bite.  I've never attempted this project before so I may just spend the $31.  We'll see.  Besides, I've yet to buy the strawberries.  I whittled down the freezer contents this afternoon.  I took out a small unrecognizable package and thawed it in the microwave.  Delicious bite of smoked salmon from a friend.  Since that wasn't the intended snack, I returned to the freezer, removing yet another small container.  Aha.  Found the right one.  A little hot pepper stuffed with cheese.  Yes, they do freeze nicely.  If you're concerned, remember, so far its been only protein and vegetable, that 'healthy' stuff.  Of course slightly buried in one corner is a larger bag of  'non pariels' (never could spell or pronounce it).  These of course are for emergencies, usually around midnight, when boredom sets in at its fullest.  I have enough to share.  I am however, not generous to a fault..........................marge

Getting educated

I've made a decision.  I want to go back to school.  There's so much I want to learn.  Let's start with English, Math and the major one, a foreign language, or even two.  I could do it, a little at a time of course, remembering, I'm at the aging, not beginning part of my life.  I haven't applied anywhere yet.  Not sure there's a place for me.  Do preschool or early elementary learning centers take Senior Citizens?  Don't for a moment think I'd start any higher.  I would be a good student, at least at being non disruptive.  I'd sit in the back so the other students wouldn't notice me too much.  I'd do what the teacher says.  It is her class.  I also would be available for hugs when necessary, giving and receiving of course.  So if there's any openings out there, please let me know.  One little caveat, I am not nice before 10 a.m.  After that, I really am quite human......................marge

No!

Tell me it isn't true!   I was only kidding!  I don't want to be locked in my house with old frozen foods and tumbleweeds.  Oh wait.  Those are dust balls, blown from the tables when the furnace went on. I am taking calls, please, if you're out there........................marge

Fake weight labels

Just a short blog (I think but one never knows).  I truly believe that all stores are mislabeling their packages that Seniors need to lift.  I just bought and carried a 20 lb. bag of sidewalk salt out to the car.  Oh please.  I know 40 lbs. when I lift it.  As I mentioned once before, about the great grandchild weighs 19 lbs., I do hate correcting the parents (oh really?) but if that toddler weights less than 38 lbs., I'll eat my hat.  Then there's those who would say I've lost my muscle tone from lack of in depth, or even moderate exercise.  I exercise each and everyday.  The right arm continually raises and lowers the footrest on my Lazy Boy, the left arm turns lights on and off frequently during the evening, I do stairs several times a day and the hand strengthening, the major one, is raising and lowering a full to empty coffee cup at least a dozen times a day.  So, don't even think of calling me a slacker............................marge 

Computer and blizzard

I sit here at my wondrous but mostly confusing computer with the usual plethora of thoughts.  (No.  It's not a word I use often but I actually work at stretching the mind).  This will be a two, (or three) parter.  Oops, jiggly red line under parter.  Apparently it's not a real word, so 'they' say.  It works for me.  But back to business.  There are many little quirks and questions about my computer that need answering.  I can't call the $100/hour wonderful geeks all the time, just doesn't seem feasible.  Nor is it fair to rely on my computer experts daughter and son in-law.  Even if they are more than willing, the problem is at my end.  I can't remember what I want fixed.  I know, write it down but it isn't always a 'problem', I just don't understand what is happening.  How do I write something down I don't understand? That is the question.  Most of it is basic A B C steps, but, in a nutshell, I don't know how to get to A.  But enough about me and my computer.  Back to the impending 'blizzard'.  I have again, stocked up for its arrival.  I know, the last one was just a short while ago and I haven't eaten that food yet.  Finding more 'free space'  in the freezer is becoming a looming  problem.  What's in there is already boring me, except for maybe, the cookies.  Cookies are a staple of life to be treated with respect. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise.  Fresh vegetables?  No.  Cans of V-8 juice work just fine.  Milk for cereal?  Fry the cereal with butter, onion powder and salt, eliminating the need for milk, which eventually just sours anyway.  Eggs, always eggs and simple survival should be covered.  Now to the being imprisoned syndrome.  I have a coffee table full of wonderful books to read.  Much time can be consumed browsing the titles.  When that gets tiresome, pull out the old unfinished crossword puzzles  that couldn't be completed the first time at trying.  There's so much self entertainment available.  If worse comes to worse, there is always dusting etc. but I try to stay away from such thoughts.  Locked inside away from the world is scary enough without bringing up shh, cleaning....................................marge

Lauren

Thank you Lauren.  Your comment is greatly appreciated...........marge

It's ok to brag

Yes.  It is ok to brag.  Today I got a visit from my great granddaughter.  She is nine months and four days old.  We went to Village Coney for lunch.  She happily chewed on several dill pickle spears.  She was then stood on the floor where she proceeded to walk around.  No, not totally surefooted  but walking on her own nonetheless.  Many many years ago, I had a baby born with Spina Bifida / hydrocephalus.  He lived eight months.  Once, just once as I held him, he raised his face, looked at me and cooed.  It might as well have been the Gettysburg Address.  I have bragging rights. We all do.  It's alright...................marge