Reflections of My Life

I did a lot of cleaning this morning and laundry. Tired out now. But I am in the middle of making 4 batches of Keto Chow for ice cream for the next 4 days. It is what makes the hot weather not feel so bad for me so making sure I have it made in advance.

I took Rabbit's little red plaid blanket to wash with the laundry this morning. He checked that whole area looking for it. I don't know what he thought I did with it. I dried it in the dryer downstairs so when I put it back it was still a bit warm. He was all over it. Smelling..... He is pretty possessive of his things once I have given him something. Then it is his. He does not like it to be missing. Even if it just gone for a couple of hours.

When we were still living at my house, one of my cats went into his cage to drink his water (yet she had a big bowl of water next to her food dish). He was sleeping until she went in his cage! He was up in a half a second and over to his cage. Not happy at all! Yet he used to drink out of the cats' water dish all the time.
 

For some reason even if you have less money than everyone else (family for me) they always need to borrow money from you. I saw this many times through out my life. Especially with my parents. They lived in a trailer in their later years and looked like they didn't have much. Yet family members would borrow money from them. Then when I was still with my husband, his SS check was like 4 or 5 times larger than my puny check. My son's SSD check also since it was from his father's benefit.

So when I moved here in 2018, my husband actually got a part time job, yet when I was there with him he never even considered it. When I started getting my SS I took over paying my own credit cards (though he had run them up on buying motorcycle parts, accessories and solar equipment.) but it took my whole check. By the the time I left there I had made a small dent in those but was also paying for Medicare part B which was $134. monthly. He begged me not to sign up for it. Of course, he had the VA for his own health benefit. I had zero health benefits.

Once I moved here, the office of the aging helped me sign up for various services and I got the money back from Medicare that I had paid them for the year for part B. That was a nice surprise for me. I try to be very careful with every penny I spend. I think about a purchase for quite some time before hitting a buy button. I make a detailed budget sheet every month, in fact I am doing the one for August today. If there is something I want to buy, I try to figure it in so I can buy it. Sometimes I have to do the credit thing but then I cut my expenses for the next few months so I can pay for it.

As I said yesterday, I did order the batteries for "Jazzy". I looked at them for months. Sonny was going to buy them for me but he ended up buying the new tires and I didn't want him to pay for the batteries too. So I did it myself. Now I feel good that I did. As long as I pay for them in six months there will be zero interest on them. That will be no problem because they really weren't that much. Especially compared to other prices I have heard about it. Every two years is what I need to plan for yet I can probably squeeze in an extra year.

If I didn't have Amazon Prime, the batteries elsewhere would have shipped for $50. and that made the difference in buying on Amazon. The manufacturer is the one selling them on Amazon and they ship directly from their warehouse. Supposed to be here on Wednesday.
 
Did you buy Jazzy out of pocket or did Medicare/Medicaid pay for it? How much are the batteries? Hope this isn't a nosy question.
 

Pepper said:
Did you buy Jazzy out of pocket or did Medicare/Medicaid pay for it? How much are the batteries? Hope this isn't a nosy question.
Click to expand...
I bought Jazzy used from a neighbor in my building. $300. which is a steal. I kept asking if she was sure and she said that is all she paid for it. I think her insurance covered it.

The batteries are $240.00 on Amazon. My neighbor paid $300. for her batteries but not from Amazon.

Medicare will buy it for you if you qualify and that means your doctor has to make out an order for it. I think there is a lot of red tape to get them to buy it. I would have never qualified because I don't have a disease. It is my knees. Some doctors are afraid you won't walk if you get a mobility chair. I know one man in my building wanted one so bad and his doctor kept saying no. So he bought it himself but took him over a year to finally decide to do that. Then sadly it was still new when he had to move to a nursing home.
 
Many middle aged or senior people here in the UK ride around on Mobility scooters.. not because they're necessarily disabled.

Aside from those who are genuinely disabled.. there are 3 types...

Those who are overweight, who won't walk

Those who are lazy.. and won't walk.. and it's cheaper than a car..

..and those who are drunk... ( alcoholics)... who drive the scooter from their homes to the pub , to the local store, and home again..
 
hollydolly said:
Many middle aged or senior people here in the UK ride around on Mobility scooters.. not because they're necessarily disabled.

Aside from those who are genuinely disabled.. there are 3 types...

Those who are overweight, who won't walk

Those who are lazy.. and won't walk.. and it's cheaper than a car..

..and those who are drunk... ( alcoholics)... who drive the scooter from their homes to the pub , to the local store, and home again..
Click to expand...
I would sure walk if I could. I am trying to walk as much as I can but have to use the walker. Even in my apartment. To be honest, I wanted the mobility chair so I could go to the store on my own. I choose not to own a car not only because of the expense but the other headaches that go with one. Moving it when it snows and having to walk back here from wherever you can park it. Having it vandalized (egging the cars in our parking lot is a popular past time here) or the fact that I just hate driving in traffic.

My friend has a scooter, a walker and a car. She rarely takes her car out. Lately she has been trying to walk (with her walker) more so she doesn't loose her ability to walk. It took her 2 hours to go to the Dollar Store (about 5 blocks away), shop and come back. At least she did it and she is trying. I won't attempt that because I am afraid I would never get back here.
 
hollydolly said:
yes..as I said Kat.. ''aside'' from the genuinely disabled..which of course you are.. and so are many here.. but just as many abuse it..
Click to expand...
in the Uk, due to the rampant abuse of the disability system.. genuinely disabled people often get berated by people accusing them of being scroungers, and people refuse to help them , for example.open a door, .. because we have so many people working the disability system to get higher benefits.. and using mobility chairs pretending they're unable to walk..

I don't condone the behaviour of people who are angry.. but I understand it..
 
I
hollydolly said:
in the Uk, due to the rampant abuse of the disability system.. genuinely disabled people often get berated by people accusing them of being scroungers, and people refuse to help them , for example.open a door, .. because we have so many people working the disability system to get higher benefits.. and using mobility chairs pretending they're unable to walk..

I don't condone the behaviour of people who are angry.. but I understand it..
Click to expand...
I think there are a lot of people who do that here too. Especially in the bigger cities where there are more people. I live in a small city which is really more like a small town. In my daily life though, most of the people I see are elderly and/or disabled. There are several senior housing apartment buildings near me and when I am out on the street those are the people I see. People driving slow and cautious.

The people in the stores, on the street or even in traffic will go out of their way to assist us if we need help. Even teenagers in groups will say good morning or help.

These scooters and chairs are not cheap. Even used. I got a good deal on mine because I knew the lady selling it. You have to go through a lot of red tape here to get Medicare pay for one. My friend just bought a scooter and she paid $3000. for it. She had to save up the money for it. And the batteries are normally $300. and then you have to have someone put them in.
 
hollydolly said:
in the Uk, due to the rampant abuse of the disability system.. genuinely disabled people often get berated by people accusing them of being scroungers, and people refuse to help them , for example.open a door, .. because we have so many people working the disability system to get higher benefits.. and using mobility chairs pretending they're unable to walk..

I don't condone the behaviour of people who are angry.. but I understand it..
Click to expand...
It happens here too, but IMO it's unfair to judge people.

E-W3FN4WYAU_N5q.jpg


The outrage should be directed at the government legislators and policymakers that determine eligibility and approve claims.

“Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” - Jeff Jarrett
 
Aunt Bea said:
It happens here too, but IMO it's unfair to judge people.

E-W3FN4WYAU_N5q.jpg


The outrage should be directed at the government legislators and policymakers that determine eligibility and approve claims.

“Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” - Jeff Jarrett
Click to expand...
Yes! I see the same thing about people using food stamps, medicaid or living in subsidized housing. Nobody knows what another person has gone through.

My son is receiving SSD based on his father's benefit. He does not look like something is wrong with him. When I had to go court with him to get that benefit the judge asked me what I would want him to do. I said, "test him." They did and he met the 5 criteria for receiving a parent's benefit for a disabled adult child. I knew what the results would be. But he looks perfectly normal except for how he dresses or that he talks out loud to nobody. I wish with all my heart that he was normal.
 
katlupe said:
In May of 2018 I moved from my off-the-grid (off the utility grid) homestead and left behind my beloved horses, one cat (she would have hated living in an apartment) and my marriage. It was not a spur of the moment thing. As I was getting older and was doing less and being dependent on my husband for many things, I had become quite depressed. I kept telling him. One big problem was that even though it should have been very cheap living there, he kept using credit cards (including mine) and had a motorcycle and truck (that I was not comfortable driving so did not) payments. Sometimes we did not have food. In the beginning there, I had 16 raised garden beds and dried and canned lots of food. But as I got where I could barely walk, less and less.

Once I started getting my Social Security, I was eager to leave and told him I would. Until then I had no money. When I sold stuff on eBay we had to use it for food, hay or gas. He did not think I really would. The day actually came that I was able to leave. Mainly due to applying for senior housing that is subsidized based on your income. It was a lifesaver for me. I had not been to a doctor in years (and I was almost 66) or a dentist. I was for most of my life a stay at home mother because my first husband had his own business and my son is disabled. So I took care of him. I know people put down others who use services that are available to people with low incomes, but sometimes it is not something you do on purpose. This was my only chance and I was getting older. I do not regret it one bit and my life has turned around.
Click to expand...
I find it odd that people can judge others and not know their story. You and many others, myself included, would not choose to go this route. Circumstances brought by unforeseen and not in our control can change the course of lives and necessitate the need of assistance. I worked hard and was very successful in my trade and an unforeseen event changed my future. I sometimes think the people judging others have not had the "opportunity" to have walked in the shoes of those they judge. I wish you only the best and keep your spirits up. Enjoy every moment, you deserve it.
 
dko1951 said:
I find it odd that people can judge others and not know their story. You and many others, myself included, would not choose to go this route. Circumstances brought by unforeseen and not in our control can change the course of lives and necessitate the need of assistance. I worked hard and was very successful in my trade and an unforeseen event changed my future. I sometimes think the people judging others have not had the "opportunity" to have walked in the shoes of those they judge. I wish you only the best and keep your spirits up. Enjoy every moment, you deserve it.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your comment!

It is sad that people judge others the way they do now. If you are not the same as they are they don't like you. There are a lot of things other people do that I do not like or even hate. Most of the time I keep my mouth and thoughts to myself.
 
I have had a busy, busy morning!

This is my keto coleslaw. Since I eat a meat-based diet (Proper Human Diet, keto, low-carb) I felt I needed to add a little more fiber. Coleslaw is something I love and can eat without getting tired of it.

coleslaw_bst.JPG



This is the cornbread stuffler I made for the first time today. It came out perfect! Smelled like cornbread cooking! I really am loving this Presto Stuffler. I made two but saved one for tomorrow. I stuffed it with taco flavored ground meat. Everything is homemade and good for me. This is the kind of food that gives you energy and makes you feel good and did I mention........tastes good too!


amazing.JPG

Of course, I also have homemade keto yogurt in the Instant Pot too.

yogurt.JPG
 
katlupe said:
I have had a busy, busy morning!

This is my keto coleslaw. Since I eat a meat-based diet (Proper Human Diet, keto, low-carb) I felt I needed to add a little more fiber. Coleslaw is something I love and can eat without getting tired of it.

View attachment 229962



This is the cornbread stuffler I made for the first time today. It came out perfect! Smelled like cornbread cooking! I really am loving this Presto Stuffler. I made two but saved one for tomorrow. I stuffed it with taco flavored ground meat. Everything is homemade and good for me. This is the kind of food that gives you energy and makes you feel good and did I mention........tastes good too!


View attachment 229965

Of course, I also have homemade keto yogurt in the Instant Pot too.

View attachment 229966
Click to expand...
Looks good.
 
katlupe said:
Thank you for your comment!

It is sad that people judge others the way they do now. If you are not the same as they are they don't like you. There are a lot of things other people do that I do not like or even hate. Most of the time I keep my mouth and thoughts to myself.
Click to expand...
You certainly seem genuine, and there is something to be said for that.
 
@katlupe and @hollydolly, I have seen both those truly in need, and those taking advantage of the system that is put in place for those that need it.

It makes me angry that some people take it advantage. The help for the disabled and elderly could be so much more if the funds where not drained by the dishonest folks. The amount given to the elderly and disabled is so low that they have a hard time with housing and food. They struggle everyday just to keep their heads above water. Lack of funds often leave them in the position of not being able to eat a good healthy diet, then they just become sicker and weaker and need more help.
 
Blessed said:
@katlupe and @hollydolly, I have seen both those truly in need, and those taking advantage of the system that is put in place for those that need it.

It makes me angry that some people take it advantage. The help for the disabled and elderly could be so much more if the funds where not drained by the dishonest folks. The amount given to the elderly and disabled is so low that they have a hard time with housing and food. They struggle everyday just to keep their heads above water. Lack of funds often leave them in the position of not being able to eat a good healthy diet, then they just become sicker and weaker and need more help.
Click to expand...
Blessed, I couldn't be more in agreement with you...
 
One of my friends goes to the free concerts in the parks on Thursday and Friday nights on her scooter. She said last week the homeless people (there are a bunch of them here now. Don't where they came from.) were going around to everyone asking for money. She said they came to her and asked her to buy them some pizza. The local Italian restaurant sells pizza slices and drinks at these concerts from a booth.

She told them she couldn't afford to buy them any pizza but that she has a lot of food in her apartment and she would go get them some. But they didn't want it. They moved on from her.

The city council is trying to figure out what to do about them before winter comes. Many of them camp out in tents along the river bank. I don't know if they want to stay homeless or not. It seems if they applied at Social Services they would qualify for some kind of benefits. Of course, to move into an apartment here is a lot of money. The deposit is usually first and last month rents plus the rent for the month you are moving in.
 
Kat..it's the same everywhere..first and last months rent plus the current month's rent, and a deposit... It's extremely expensive here.. the average 2 bed apartment would cost around £1500 per month..easy 1k for a one bed... and therefore someone has to be earning at least double that probably double and a half minimum to be able to afford utilities on top of rent.. .. ..and of course if they get evicted at any time for any reason at all , they often lose their deposits, and then have no money for a new deposit.. for another home..

Your neighbour was very lucky they moved on from her .. not that everyone whose homeless is a criminal but many are, and if they'd followed her to her apartment, who knows what might have happened..
 
You are going to have explain that Keto stuff to me, I am so clueless. My doctor told me to lose weight but when I told him I don't eat much these days, he said that even a piece of celery is too much if I need to loose weight. In my younger days I could skip lunch and lose weight but not now.
I am sorry about your son, but you can't live someone else's pain. I hope that doesn't sound mean but you must care of yourself.

I didn't realize scooters were so expensive! Glad you were able to get a good used one. We don't buy much from Amazon, but lately we have been getting more than a dozen calls a day from scammers telling us that we need to confirm our recent purchase. There was none! I guess the world has changed from the days when we had "party" telephone lines.

Is your bunny friendly to new people visiting you? Ms. Ghia will thump and jump around if someone new comes in the house. Only family members allowed in her house. She eats Timothy hay and pellets so I'm worried that some day I may not be able to get them for her because of the world problems.
 
I don't know about Keto either. My husband did Atkins before he got sick. It worked well and he lost a lot of weight. It was good quality protein and more vegetables than you can imagine. No carbs, breads, potatoes, pasta, rice or sweets. Those are some of my favorite things, I guess I could do it if I tried. My hubs was lucky, he had me to fix all his meals, pack his lunch etc. all he had to do was eat it. I had to fix the normal meals also as we had a growing teen boy and his friends that had to be fed non stop. LOL I miss all those stinky teenage boys coming in looking to be fed. Funny how you look back and realize what made you happy.
 
hollydolly said:
Kat..it's the same everywhere..first and last months rent plus the current month's rent, and a deposit... It's extremely expensive here.. the average 2 bed apartment would cost around £1500 per month..easy 1k for a one bed... and therefore someone has to be earning at least double that probably double and a half minimum to be able to afford utilities on top of rent.. .. ..and of course if they get evicted at any time for any reason at all , they often lose their deposits, and then have no money for a new deposit.. for another home..

Your neighbour was very lucky they moved on from her .. not that everyone whose homeless is a criminal but many are, and if they'd followed her to her apartment, who knows what might have happened..
Click to expand...
Right, that is why I am careful about striking up conversations with them. You can tell who they are by the backpacks and their clothing. I never carry cash on me. I had been hanging my little cloth bag on the hand control on Jazzy when I am traveling that has my debit card, keys and phone in it. Now I am thinking I need to carry it closer to me, maybe between me and the side of the seat.
 
Happy Heart said:
You are going to have explain that Keto stuff to me, I am so clueless. My doctor told me to lose weight but when I told him I don't eat much these days, he said that even a piece of celery is too much if I need to loose weight. In my younger days I could skip lunch and lose weight but not now.
I am sorry about your son, but you can't live someone else's pain. I hope that doesn't sound mean but you must care of yourself.

I didn't realize scooters were so expensive! Glad you were able to get a good used one. We don't buy much from Amazon, but lately we have been getting more than a dozen calls a day from scammers telling us that we need to confirm our recent purchase. There was none! I guess the world has changed from the days when we had "party" telephone lines.

Is your bunny friendly to new people visiting you? Ms. Ghia will thump and jump around if someone new comes in the house. Only family members allowed in her house. She eats Timothy hay and pellets so I'm worried that some day I may not be able to get them for her because of the world problems.
Click to expand...
Doctors are presently changing their beliefs about the standard American diet. It is slow in coming but it is happening. Keto Con took place in Austin TX a week or so ago and it was amazing how many small family based food manufacturers were there. Showing and sharing their keto products. Even if it says Keto on a package of food you have to read the ingredient labels.

I belong to keto groups on fakebook and you would be amazed how many people have reversed their various health conditions by eating keto or carnivore food only. The main thing is to stop using sugar, grains, starchy vegetables and seed oils. I wish I had found this way of eating when my father and my mother-in-law was alive. My poor MIL lost both her legs to diabetes and she trusted doctors above everyone (except God). And she was a nurse!

All my adult life I struggled with dieting. I am a slow loser and would always give up. I believe I am also a carb addict too and that is hard to overcome. I think living alone is helping me and I have stopped going out to eat. My last thing to give up is the Chinese food but after the last time, no more.

Here is Dr. Ken Berry's video on Keto:

7 Steps to Starting the Keto Food Plan
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top