Reflections of My Life

katlupe said:
I have been getting on here later than usual because I am trying to write and publish a new blog post each day. For the last two days I did. Now I am working on another one for tomorrow. The text is no problem. It is locating the exact photo I want to use in it that is my problem. Time passes so fast. I remember taking a picture that seems like just a couple of months ago and it turns out it was last year??? How can that be? I have to keep up with the photos and organize them in folders based on subject so I can find them for my blog easier.

I need to do laundry but will wait til tomorrow. One lady who lives on my hall does her laundry every Saturday. She is very messy and I would rather wait till she has done her laundry first. I clean the machines I am using before I put my clothing in them. Our manager thinks she needs to be in assisted living so time will tell how long she will be here. I try to help her but she doesn't understand so much. I am not going to clean her apartment for her under any circumstances. I have enough trouble doing my own.

So this morning I made a list of every single item I need to buy. Even if it is just a pen (need new ones). Then put whatever it is in my budget. I will put some of the little things, like pens, sharpies, push pins coconut oil, etc. in each month but not all in the same month. I look at something and think do I really need this right now or can it wait till March or later. I want to track every dollar. Right now I am saving up money for my subscriptions to InstaCart and Walmart Delivery. One is due in March and one in May. So want to have that money ready. Those are the only two subscriptions I pay annually for.

Keeping track of expenses is so much easier online. I take a bit of cash out every month but use it only for my hair appointment, my laundry money and some for my Emergency Fund (which I don't touch). Every year I revamp my financial plan. So been working on that yesterday and this morning. No extras for awhile.
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I enjoyed reading this post, katlupe.
It all made sense to me.
I didn't know about subscriptions to instacart.
I'm planning very soon, to look into what delivery services to try,
As well as options for transportation to appointments .

Our building washers.... people use scented products ,etc, so we often run the washer twice, :rolleyes:
And wait longer between washes
Due to the extra expense of doing that. :eek::oops::confused:
 

Kaila said:
I enjoyed reading this post, katlupe.
It all made sense to me.
I didn't know about subscriptions to instacart.
I'm planning very soon, to look into what delivery services to try,
As well as options for transportation to appointments .

Our building washers.... people use scented products ,etc, so we often run the washer twice, :rolleyes:
And wait longer between washes
Due to the extra expense of doing that. :eek::oops::confused:
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I can't afford to run the machines twice. I do not think that would do it for me. That is why I try to do laundry when no one else is in there. Those scented products are so harmful, not only to people but to their pets too. I do use a scented one but is not affecting me yet and I have used the same brand for more than 10 years. Though I use a very little amount. And never for fabric softener or dryer sheets.
 
katlupe said:
I can't afford to run the machines twice. I do not think that would do it for me. That is why I try to do laundry when no one else is in there. Those scented products are so harmful, not only to people but to their pets too. I do use a scented one but is not affecting me yet and I have used the same brand for more than 10 years. Though I use a very little amount. And never for fabric softener or dryer sheets.
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I know it's too expensive to do it.
I just said it so you'd know I understand the dirty machines problem.
It's great that you found a product that doesn't bother you.
🐦🐤🦆🦉
 

Well this morning does not look very bright out and I was hoping to squeeze in a walk today. My plan is to check out the laundry room when I take my garbage out. If it is empty I will do laundry. Otherwise I will wait till later. With only four washing machines you have to be mindful of not bringing too much laundry down at one time. I might use two machines but we are not supposed to use them all at the same time. I do one load at a time just in case I can't do them all. For some reason laundry and vacuuming are the two jobs I have the most trouble with. But I have to do those 1-2 times a week to keep up.

Working on a new blog post while I finish my coffee this morning.

I have to keep my air purifier nearby now because when Jeff comes here he has been outside smoking. He is here for only a few minutes but after he leaves I cannot stand the smoke odor. So I turn on the fan and the air purifier too. It works good and gets the smell out fast. I am afraid if I mention it to him he will not come here anymore. So I will put up with it this way. It just bothers me so badly. Ever since they set up a smoking area outside I have to try not to breathe as I walk through that area to get to the dumpster. It is horrible.
 
katlupe said:
You have to show them your EBT card and they will not accept mine. They said first my image was not clear and it was very clear. Then they said It was too old! Yet I shop their site every week for groceries with it and have no problem using it. I gave up on getting the discount. I get it on Amazon with no problems.
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My EBT card is old, too, and I was able to sign up with no problem. I think that I only had to add my EBT numbers to sign up. You just go to walmart.com/snap and you should be able to get the discounted membership.
I have the Amazon Prime discount, too, and it really helps out.
I just wish the Healthy Benefits card worked at more stores than Walmart. We get a different one this year, so I am hoping that it works at more grocery stores.
 
Happyflowerlady said:
My EBT card is old, too, and I was able to sign up with no problem. I think that I only had to add my EBT numbers to sign up. You just go to walmart.com/snap and you should be able to get the discounted membership.
I have the Amazon Prime discount, too, and it really helps out.
I just wish the Healthy Benefits card worked at more stores than Walmart. We get a different one this year, so I am hoping that it works at more grocery stores.
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I can use the EBT card on Walmart's website but cannot sign up for the discount. I scanned in my letter telling me how much I get this year this morning. Will see if that makes a difference. A rep had sent me an email wanting to help me get the discount. The discount is through SheerId so it is them that is the problem. I get the discount on Amazon Prime too and have had never had a problem there. They are ahead of everyone else especially in customer service.
 
katlupe said:
I can use the EBT card on Walmart's website but cannot sign up for the discount. I scanned in my letter telling me how much I get this year this morning. Will see if that makes a difference. A rep had sent me an email wanting to help me get the discount. The discount is through SheerId so it is them that is the problem. I get the discount on Amazon Prime too and have had never had a problem there. They are ahead of everyone else especially in customer service.
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Technology is great but somehow our younger generation is not made aware of the discounts available and much needed by many in the community. If they do not program the system to be accurate, everyone suffers. It is so important that our major retailers make sure they are in compliance and are easy to use for the general community.

It always bothered me when people would get so upset with those using food stamps to purchase food for their families. They are just like many, trying to put healthy food on the table for their children. Often these were single mothers and fathers, working full time to take care of a family. There is no shame in that only pride that they are doing the best they can for their kids. If the time comes that I need assistance, I will take advantage of everything available to me. What is the matter with people? Do they never think that they might need some help due to illness, lost jobs, natural disasters.

I am on medicare now, thankful to have it. Who knows what the future holds?
 
Blessed said:
Technology is great but somehow our younger generation is not made aware of the discounts available and much needed by many in the community. If they do not program the system to be accurate, everyone suffers. It is so important that our major retailers make sure they are in compliance and are easy to use for the general community.

It always bothered me when people would get so upset with those using food stamps to purchase food for their families. They are just like many, trying to put healthy food on the table for their children. Often these were single mothers and fathers, working full time to take care of a family. There is no shame in that only pride that they are doing the best they can for their kids. If the time comes that I need assistance, I will take advantage of everything available to me. What is the matter with people? Do they never think that they might need some help due to illness, lost jobs, natural disasters.

I am on medicare now, thankful to have it. Who knows what the future holds?
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I understand completely... w've been saying the same thing over the pond here for years.

As for Food stamps , I wish they'd introduce those here for the people who need them
 
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I never thought I would be using food stamps or medicaid. But I am thankful those programs and all the others available to me exist. I remember my grandmother not able to afford much food after she paid her utilities with her tiny ss check. So my mother would buy groceries for her and also paid the taxes on her property. A lot of other people didn't have a daughter doing that.
 
Blessed said:
Technology is great but somehow our younger generation is not made aware of the discounts available and much needed by many in the community. If they do not program the system to be accurate, everyone suffers. It is so important that our major retailers make sure they are in compliance and are easy to use for the general community.

It always bothered me when people would get so upset with those using food stamps to purchase food for their families. They are just like many, trying to put healthy food on the table for their children. Often these were single mothers and fathers, working full time to take care of a family. There is no shame in that only pride that they are doing the best they can for their kids. If the time comes that I need assistance, I will take advantage of everything available to me. What is the matter with people? Do they never think that they might need some help due to illness, lost jobs, natural disasters.

I am on medicare now, thankful to have it. Who knows what the future holds?
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I have medicare, medicaid & United Health Care. Presently, (knock on wood) I rarely go to the doctor. Planning on going for the annual exam thing because UHC gives me $50. for doing that. And I want to ask my doctor to fill out the form so I can get an aide again.
 
katlupe said:
I never thought I would be using food stamps or medicaid. But I am thankful those programs and all the others available to me exist. I remember my grandmother not able to afford much food after she paid her utilities with her tiny ss check. So my mother would buy groceries for her and also paid the taxes on her property. A lot of other people didn't have a daughter doing that.
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My mother grew up as a sharecroppers family. They worked the land, taking care of the fields of produce and picking cotton for the owners and were given a place to grow their food and livestock. A little house/cabin to live. No indoor plumbing, electricity etc. As far as they were concerned, it was living the high life in the throws of the depression. They were never hungry, cold and had everything needed for a good life.
 
Blessed said:
My mother grew up as a sharecroppers family. They worked the land, taking care of the fields of produce and picking cotton for the owners and were given a place to grow their food and livestock. A little house/cabin to live. No indoor plumbing, electricity etc. As far as they were concerned, it was living the high life in the throws of the depression. They were never hungry, cold and had everything needed for a good life.
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My mom and dad went through the Great Depression on their little farm in north Idaho, too. Mom would tell the stories of taking milk from their cow to town (in the buckboard or walking) and selling the milk to buy necessities, or trading it for something with other farmers. they saved everything all their lives and usually my dad was able to fix anything that got broken somehow.
We had the same furniture (in the same place in the house) the whole time I was growing up.
 
Happyflowerlady said:
My EBT card is old, too, and I was able to sign up with no problem. I think that I only had to add my EBT numbers to sign up. You just go to walmart.com/snap and you should be able to get the discounted membership.
I have the Amazon Prime discount, too, and it really helps out.
I just wish the Healthy Benefits card worked at more stores than Walmart. We get a different one this year, so I am hoping that it works at more grocery stores.
Click to expand...
My SNAP account was FINALLY approved!!! Glad you mentioned it to me yesterday or I would have never tried to do it again. Last year I gave up. They gave me a refund of $19.72 and then charged me $49. for the year. I am so glad to have it half price. Now it won't be due until next December 29th. Thank you, Thank you @Happyflowerlady !!!!
 
katlupe said:
I have medicare, medicaid & United Health Care. Presently, (knock on wood) I rarely go to the doctor. Planning on going for the annual exam thing because UHC gives me $50. for doing that. And I want to ask my doctor to fill out the form so I can get an aide again.
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You also need to get vigilant to have your dental care. You are entitled and should have it for your health. Also, so look into that for Jeff so he or is guardian is aware in the future.
Happyflowerlady said:
My mom and dad went through the Great Depression on their little farm in north Idaho, too. Mom would tell the stories of taking milk from their cow to town (in the buckboard or walking) and selling the milk to buy necessities, or trading it for something with other farmers. they saved everything all their lives and usually my dad was able to fix anything that got broken somehow.
We had the same furniture (in the same place in the house) the whole time I was growing up.
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Those are the lifelong lessons we learned, to appreciate what we had, to share, what we could and be good and kind members of our community. They all witnessed births and deaths at home, natural or accidents. They knew from a young age the true meaning of life. The whole family had to contribute, the whole community, terrible things would happen and they had to be ready to help.

Yes, time moves on, things, technology advances, and the generations after us have just experienced a great world crisis. I don't think most learned a thing.....so sad,,,,, the most important things were. I can't go to the movies, I can't get my hair or nails done, They don't seem to even remember the atrocities of the past events, even those that were recent. things do not look good. I am happy I am old. I will not have to witness the stupidity of future generations.....I guess they won't either...they will make the decisions that will erase the world.
 
I have found that a dentist will not do anything for my teeth either. I had one split and break off a chunk, and it was something that I thought they could fix, or at least pull the rest of the broken tooth.
They said that because I have the heart failure, they can’t pull my teeth, or actually do anything beyond cleaning.

I found the same thing when they x-rayed my bad knee a few years back. The sports medicine doctor said i needed a knee replacement, but could not have one because of the heart.
What he did was give me a cortisone shot that he said would help for around 6 months (give or take), and it did. So, I looked online for knee exercises that i could do in the swimming pool, and when we go to the fitness center and I swim, I also do knee exercises. By the time the cortisone shot wore off, my knees were working much better, so I am managing without the operation.

Because of damage to my knees from horseback riding accidents, and a couple of serious car accidents, my knees are never going to be good/normal; but the swimming really helps me to be more mobile.
 
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@Happyflowerlady . it may be true that a regular dentist may not be able to fix your teeth due to your heart failure. You need a primary doctor that will advocate for your health, having a dental problems can only increase illness in the rest of your body. The primary doctor needs to help you find an oral surgeon that can take you into the hospital for any dental surgery and care you require. It could be possible that it maybe required to remove all your teeth and go to dentures if required in your health position but that needs to be reviewed by doctors and dental surgeons.

Yes, it can be the case that any surgery may not be possible but I would refuse to accept they can't fix your teeth. I have a disease called AVN or bone death basically. It is considered rare that blood does not flow to your bones properly and then bone starts to die and collapse. Many more people than I thought have this condition due to cancer and steroid conditions. Still, doctors can administer epidural blocks to prevent pain or putting a patient under anesthesia to preform complete joint replacements. I was lucky,, could go under anesthesia for a hip replacement.

My point being is not every dentist, not every doctor knows everything. You need and require a specialist in your heart condition to refer you to a facility and doctor than can address the problem without putting your heart in danger. I do not know a lot about your state. This may require you to travel to a major teaching/research hospital that is nearest to your location.

The first step is your PCP, if they are good, they can give you possible resources and then send your records to the appropriate doctor and facility for review. As far as I know, Medicare should cover the procedure.

If you do not get the results or referrals you need to please contact the National Institute for Health for assistance They are aware of every new option available in the country. I say this because I have been through it when my husband had a rare cancer. They are a leading resource in new and available procedures. It might be a good idea to go ahead and get all your medical records and tests to have on hand to forward to any doctor that can help, just helps speed up the process.

Feel free to contact me by PM if you need help to contact the NIH. I found all this out myself through research. By the time the oncologist said anything, I pulled out all the paperwork for the required care and my husband about fell on the floor. Don't give up because one doctor says No.
 
katlupe said:
I usually share these Christmas pictures on fakebook but thought I would share them with my friends here. My favorite Christmas in the past was when my "Jeffie" was a little boy. I miss him so much. Yes, I have the grown up version now, but my favorite memories are of this time period.

In 1970

View attachment 391093
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I love seeing this precious picture.
Thanks for sharing it with us!🥰
 
This morning I have no plans to do much outside my apartment. I might order some shrimp from Price Chopper. They have the special buy one bag get one free this week. I especially love their shrimp. The last time I got it I was surprised by how fresh and tasty it was. It feels good knowing that my laundry is all done for the week. Now to get on the schedule of doing it when it is a small amount. I can't wait for Wednesday..............the day I will take down my Christmas decorations. They are only on my door but I am tired of them.

When I schedule my doctor's appointment I will make it early in the morning so I can have my blood work done before I have coffee that day. I will have the medivan take me there. The last time I had my appointment I hadn't had the blood work done because it was an afternoon appointment.

Our bus company is shutting down tomorrow. It is their last day. It had to do with a contract with First Transit which is the company that supplies the buses. They raised the cost to the county so our county would not pay it or could not. This will hurt a lot of low income people. I have only used it a few times so I was not dependent on it. The delivery services from the stores is what I depend on. Now if they stopped those............
It was not like nobody was taking the buses. I saw a lot of people at the bus stops. Some people cannot afford a car or cannot drive. I am hopeful that the county will find a way to get a new bus service.
 
Usually the doctors here try to schedule the lab work appointments early in the morning, because people have to fast first. My husband drinks his coffee black and does not eat breakfast; so it does not faze him; but I want cream in my coffee, and can’t have it, so I do not drink any at all until I get home and can have coffee with cream.
I love that the doctors put the lab results on the patient portal, so I don’t have to wait to learn results, too.

I was chuckling at you, @katlupe, can’t wait for Wednesday to take down the Christmas decorations.
I love that you are SO organized !
I am the complete opposite, and would take them down when the inspiration to do it hit me. Not always a good way to make those decisions.
 
Blessed said:
@Happyflowerlady . it may be true that a regular dentist may not be able to fix your teeth due to your heart failure. You need a primary doctor that will advocate for your health, having a dental problems can only increase illness in the rest of your body. The primary doctor needs to help you find an oral surgeon that can take you into the hospital for any dental surgery and care you require. It could be possible that it maybe required to remove all your teeth and go to dentures if required in your health position but that needs to be reviewed by doctors and dental surgeons.

Yes, it can be the case that any surgery may not be possible but I would refuse to accept they can't fix your teeth. I have a disease called AVN or bone death basically. It is considered rare that blood does not flow to your bones properly and then bone starts to die and collapse. Many more people than I thought have this condition due to cancer and steroid conditions. Still, doctors can administer epidural blocks to prevent pain or putting a patient under anesthesia to preform complete joint replacements. I was lucky,, could go under anesthesia for a hip replacement.

My point being is not every dentist, not every doctor knows everything. You need and require a specialist in your heart condition to refer you to a facility and doctor than can address the problem without putting your heart in danger. I do not know a lot about your state. This may require you to travel to a major teaching/research hospital that is nearest to your location.

The first step is your PCP, if they are good, they can give you possible resources and then send your records to the appropriate doctor and facility for review. As far as I know, Medicare should cover the procedure.

If you do not get the results or referrals you need to please contact the National Institute for Health for assistance They are aware of every new option available in the country. I say this because I have been through it when my husband had a rare cancer. They are a leading resource in new and available procedures. It might be a good idea to go ahead and get all your medical records and tests to have on hand to forward to any doctor that can help, just helps speed up the process.

Feel free to contact me by PM if you need help to contact the NIH. I found all this out myself through research. By the time the oncologist said anything, I pulled out all the paperwork for the required care and my husband about fell on the floor. Don't give up because one doctor says No.
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Thank you, Blessed!
Happy New Year, everyone
 
It seems to me that my bunny boy is trying to make me get off the computer earlier and earlier. It used to be about 7:30 and now around six he starts trying to show me the area I put his treats and hay in. That is the sign that he is ready for bed.............yes, he slept all day! I have switched from banana as a night time treat to small slices of apple. Too much banana gives him soft poop. That is the same reason I stopped giving him berries (along with the fact that they do not last very long at all and even though he loves them, they are tasteless). He gets a good sized chunk of banana in the morning and that seems to be enough.

I had a good day, quiet for a Monday. It won't be normal around here till next Monday. I am still trying to get that last blog post finished. Pictures! I look for a certain one and go through all the files and it is nowhere. Then out of the blue I stumble on it.
 
I have done a pretty good job of going through my pile of papers. Most of it went in the trash. Anything with my name and address on it, even junk mail I cut up in tiny pieces. I meant to buy a paper shredder but really don't want to spend the money for it. I can cut it up for now. My friend upstairs soaks all his junk mail in water in the sink for a few hours then puts it in the garbage. That is too messy for me! I haven't seen anyone digging through our dumpster lately. You can tell by the fact that it is clean around it for now. When they go through it they make a horrible mess all around it.

New Year's Eve used to be such a big deal for me. Used to always have big plans.........fancy clothing, dinner out, dancing, music, then breakfast. I imagine what that cost and makes me cringe. But at least I didn't pay for it. My husband did. Then in my last marriage we never did any of that stuff. Just made a big meal. No drinking. Most of the time we didn't even stay up till midnight. Life on a homestead has its priorities.

I am starting another "No Spend" month. Not that unusual for me anymore. I do it a few times through out the year. It is like a game to see how little I can spend that month. If I really need something it is already on my budget plan. If not, it can wait till next month. Many times I find I don't even need it and don't buy it.

Happy New Year's Eve to all my friends who take the time out of their days to read this diary every day. I hope it is a good year and keep thinking positive. If you believe it will be a positive day every morning when you get up.......it will be so!
 

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