(NEW) SMART SPENDING CHAT THREAD

[motherto2]

Evening all!!  It's pouring rain outside.  The pupster can't get close enough to me.  He's such a whimp.  Every time I get a project out, he goes running.  He's such a lover not a fighter.  Our motto here is Virginia is for lovers, and he embraces it!  It's so funny when DS is watching a sport event on TV, it just bothers the bejeebers out of Mason when DS talks back to the TV.  He's my second skin.  I'm not even talking Super Bowl shouting at the TV!

Sharon, the kayak is still in the living room.  It's either been too cold (well, mostly too cold) or it's raining.  Crazy May.  Maybe tomorrow, since it's supposed to be at least 90, and I don't believe rain is forecast.  I'd hate to be out in the middle of the lake and have a storm come through.

Not much to report tonight.  Waiting for The Voice results.  Ticks me off when the first hour is a rerun of all the singing they did the night before.  It really only needs to be a one hour show

We are supposed to be getting our furlough letters any time now.  I think they were supposed to either be dated or signed (or both) today.  Yay

[marvholly]

lynn
I had a similar 'discussion' w/ my new lawn care guy this year. Work PROMISED for the following week was NOT done. Caught him the 3rd week & FINALLY got it done the 4th week.

DD2 is still doing ok. Just WAAAY bored. She just has a BUNCH of Dr appt/tests scheduled over the next few weeks. They did reschedule her c-section for 10 days earlier. Strange, ever since she went on bed rest I have had the ‘funny’ feeling I was going to be sharing my bday w/this little girl. It is close. We will have to see what happens.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Holly, when is your birthday?

We've got a LOT of hot weather coming .... multiple days in the 100s. (sigh)

My plan is to visit the Petco Adoption Center for a few hours on Friday, and to help staff it Sunday. The doc said I should no longer be contagious. To be extra safe, I just won't go near any kids or pregnant women.

Will be cat sitting for my girlfriend for a week starting Saturday.

Where did May go, anyway?

[Sharon]

Still cool and rainy here.  Last night I woke up cold in the middle of the night.  I finally gave in and threw another blanket on the bed then was able to get back to sleep.

Hopefully Theo enjoyed her concert and has had a safe trip home.  I saw that there was quite a line of storms through the area where she would possibly be traveling.  Isn't this weekend the big move for her parents?

[TheOtherMe]

I'm finally home.  Paul was wonderful, but I knew he would be or I wouldn't have made the trip to Memphis.

I had never been in the south before, so being in Tunica and Memphis with friends who live in Alabama was a real eye opener.  

Took two days to drive down and two days back.  After I got there on Saturday, we sat by the pool (not in suits) and then went to Sonic to eat.  We left early Sunday morning for Memphis and headed to Graceland.  Glad we got up early to do that as we were the third group allowed in for the tour at 9 AM.  When we were back where the shuttles load for the mansion, they were calling for the 10 AM tours at 11 AM.  Paul went to Graceland Sunday afternoon.  I do not understand why he did not let me know when he was going.

After traipsing around Graceland all morning (I even found a veggie burger to eat there), we decided to go back to the hotel for a rest before the big night.  We couldn't find a place to eat because we got there too late, so my friends had brats.  I met up with a friend I last saw in 2003 when we were on a tour to see Paul in Liverpool.  I love the Paul world and the friends I have made because of him.  I had a terrible time leaving the venue because I kept running in to people I know or people that wanted to know where they could get the shirt I was wearing.  It's a limited edition made by a friend and can not be bought.  

We got back to Tunica about 1 AM.  I couldn't wind down and go to bed until about 3:30 AM.  Still couldn't sleep.  Finally fell asleep and woke up in the afternoon.  Found some food and went back to sleep.  Woke up at 4 AM and was wide awake.  I did not want to drive in Memphis rush hour traffic and figured I wouldn't be able to get in my room in St. Louis if I got there too early anyway.  I had breakfast and read before starting home.

I stopped in Cape Girardeau for a proper meal and some Birkenstock shoes.  It was a relaxing stop, which I enjoyed.  Stayed at a very nice hotel last night.  Today I saw flooding in Illinois at Galesburg where the flood water from heavy storms last night rushed through the doors of the college library.  Amazing pictures of that and the farm fields are all flooded.  

I'm home, Lucy is happy and I have lots of laundry to do.

[TheOtherMe]

The move is June 8.  I talked to mom tonight and the buyer's loan has been approved so dad finally believes the house will sell.  He's started packing up things in his chest of drawers.  A cousin has dropped off boxes for when we pack them up.  

I was told I would be of no help during the actual move so would be babysitting.  Now I'm told they are taking the kids, but don't need me there.  Okay, I'll help when they get here.  

Found out the issue with mom's oxygen.  Under Medicare, after three years, it is free for two years.  She is in her third year and nobody wants to take her on as a patient around here.  Also, since she doesn't use a cane or walker, Medicare will not pay for a wheel chair.  That will cost about $200.  

Dad is almost ready to say he doesn't want the car, but not quite there.  He's willing to rely on the shuttle for groceries or on us.  

Mom is having daily panic attacks and I just wish the move was over for her.  She's still coughing and may need more medicine.  She said tonight she is still on it.  In one sentence, she said she's looking forward to being around more people and in the next, she is afraid of the move.  She did say they spend too much time alone and they do.

[marvholly]

molly
My bday is 6/17 - c-section is currently sacheduled for 6/14 but you know how other emergencies can push stuff around.

theo
My dad move into a senior apt about 15 months afte my mom passed. He HATED being alone in their condo. He was 86 at the time. Be sure to keep after your folks about doing things, joining groups in their new place. Push as needed. My dad never did and was, as a result, quite lonely. He did keeep his car until he was a bit past 88 and realized he NEVER went anywhere w/o me, my brother or DD1 taking him. We did all his outside stuff, Rx, supplies, financial stuff.

[Sharon]

For a short work week it sure has been long.  At least tomorrow is payday and it will reflect my change in pay, and that is retroactive back to Jan 1.

Right now DD is in the doghouse.  She can not find the new insurance card that I just gave her.  Hopefully no one else has found it and is using it.

[motherto2]

Well, we received our Furlough letters yesterday.  We had to sign them and send them back.  Rather strange feeling, but since everyone knew they were coming, at least it wasn't a surprise.  I keep saying I should have my cc paid off next payday, but I've been doing a little shopping the last couple of months .  I only have a couple of hundred on it, and that will be paid off next payday .  DS owes me for his part of the new computer he just got (DD put money towards it for his birthday and Christmas, which she's already paid her portion off).  I told him I would give him until after July 4th, and then I was going to take it out of his account to pay it off.  He should have a couple of paydays in there by then.  Our first day off (we are doing Fridays) is 7/12. 

Not much more to report.  My grandmother apparently is doing much better, so I expect she will be released from the rehab center soon.  Her memory seems to be doing much better also, which is great news.

[TheOtherMe]

Holly, we plan on keeping mom and dad very occupied.  My dad makes friends easily and they have lots of activities.  Mom said he's looking forward to going grocery shopping in the van, which goes twice a week.   My DS, niece and I will all be here to run errands either with or without them.   Dad pays by all food by cash, so he will need a trip to the bank for that.  Once the new year comes, we will have them switched to a prescription drug plan that delivers.  Also plan on getting them in to local health insurance plan.  Mom isn't outgoing so she will need to be pushed.  

DS has Michigan Rummy board and we are planning game nights.  It's be fun teaching great grand kids to play that.  Parents like to play pitch.  I need lessons as it's been years.  

Niece is having a terrible time with mom's oxygen.  After 36 months, Medicare no longer reimburses the provider so nobody wants to take her on as a patient.  They start reimbursing again after 24 additional months.  Current provider did tell niece today that it will get worked out.  

Mom doesn't qualify for a wheelchair under Medicare.  Niece is going to use her discount at hospital to buy one.  We just want a simple one to take her places that are too far for her to walk.  

DS was insisted great grand kids were going along on moving day.  Talked to their mother tonight and she doesn't want them going.  She said her son doesn't want to go and she doesn't want daughter to go.  I will be babysitting after all--probably two kids and three dogs.  

[TheOtherMe]

mother, sorry about the furlough notices.  It just isn't right and is so unnecessary.  

[marvholly]

Molly
How are you feeling?

Cats & dogs again. A bit after 3 am it started POURING rain again. My street flooded in minutes. At this point, after all the rain we have had this month-about 15 inches) even my alley & rear yard are flooded. After about ½ hr it calmed down but was STILL raining until after 5.

My landscaper’s bill for May came in nearly $20 cheaper than expected – YEAH.

I’m really surprised there is no thread on P & M about Michele Bachmann NOT running again. No way will I start one though. I just read over there & it has been BORING for quite a while now. Not too may PBP posts.

[mrsdutt]

MOTHER:  I was really hoping they would change the furlough thing.  I just can't understand how their commitments to us can be taken out of the budget, but to other countries there is no change - especially since we create the revenue.  Maybe there's something I'm not aware of.

I went to grandson's ball game yesterday.  He was so excited he hit a home run.  Then a few minutes later he was more excited because his coach told him it was a grand slam!  Such joy for a 7 year old.

I boiled eggs for egg salad.  It's way too hot to eat heavy food.

The blocks for my garden are going to be delivered Monday and the concrete frames will be in.   So I'm told.

Stay safe to all.

[motherto2]

Sorry, but it's a beautiful evening here.  It was in the 90's today, but now at almost 9 it's calmed down.  Sure wish I had Molly's pool.  That's really the only thing I miss about my old house.  Won't go to the neighborhood pool anymore - don't want to scare the kiddies .  I did go by the office after work today to get my HOA tags for the year.  Plan on loading up the kayak bright and early in the morning and head to the lake, which is maybe a quarter mile from my house.  I realized I wanted to do my maiden voyage sans onlookers, because I'm sure we would go viral in a you tube video  so I figure we'd hit it before civilization is up and about.  It's so beautiful that time of the morning also.  Probably try to get out by 7.

Busy day at work today, but nothing earth shattering.  Next week is going to be crazy.  Pushy Gov't workers want everything yesterday, or better yet, a month ago ,

Was anyone else surprised by the fact that tomorrow is June already?  Day to day goes slow, but when we hit the end of a month I usually can't believe it's gone (except April, that was a crazy slow month).

I;m sitting out on my back patio and had the fire going, but boy was that hot!  I'm just going to let it die down and then head back inside.  The pup and I are enjoying being outside for a change.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

[motherto2]

Oh, and knock on wood, no cicadas.  I heard them for the first time when we went on travel to Maryland on Wednesday.  Noisy little things

[Sharon]

Our rain has hopefully moved on for the weekend.  I hope to get a lot of yard work done tomorrow.  Late afternoon I am going to drive down to the college and take DD out to dinner.  She has about a week and half left in the term.  I will also load up with a bunch of stuff that she wants to bring home for the summer.

I agree that the month of May has flown by.  It is amazing how quickly this year is going.  DD is in her second year of college and yet it seems like a decade ago that she was in high school instead of just a couple of years.

[Sharon]

We just found out that my nephew got orders to go to Korea.  He will be leaving in January and be there for a year.  I know he was talking about wanting to be stationed overseas, but he was thinking Germany or somewhere in Europe.  He has several buddies that are in Germany and he was hoping to join them.

[TheOtherMe]

Today is great niece's dance recital.  She told me yesterday that she can hardly wait.  Her mom was afraid that they would have a hard time getting her to dance because she had gotten to where she didn't want to go to her lessons.  She told me she "loves" the recitals but hates the lessons.  Well, no more lessons next year means no more recitals.  She may change her tune about lessons.

Her "boyfriend" from day care is going to the same elementary school for kindergarten.  Her other beau also goes to the same school.  Oh the problems of being 5.

Molly, are your shingles cleared up.

We've had some wild weather also.  Yesterday's didn't pan out thankfully.  Thursday, we had two downpours.  

[motherto2]

Well, we did it!!!!  We got up early and out on the water.  It was a beautiful morning.  And things went very well.  I didn't bring a leash for the pup because on our 2 man kayak he always sits between my legs like a wimp.  Not today, he made his way up to the tip of the kayak and even licked a few laps of lake water (yeewww).  I had thought about putting a couple of clips on the little storage ropes behind me for flip flops and such, and I had tied a yellow rope to the front of the kayak and tied the paddle with it so we didn't lose the paddle.  So I hooked  a  clip through the rope and on his life jacket.  He decided to take a leap after a crane that landed on the shore.  Thank goodness he was strapped to the kayak! 

We didn't stay out too much longer.  Even though it's a man made lake it's decent sized and has some little currents in it, so I didn't want to tire out my arms.  Plus Mason was shivering in the little breeze. 

Then we decided to take a nice long walk.  I cut the grass and then we sat out on the front porch for a few hours.  I've done some laundry and took a little nap.  It's been a great day!!!!

[Sharon]

Mother that sounds like an absolutely perfect day.  I finally got out into the yard.  There was a baby squirrel up in the tree by where I was working.  He spend the day learning the fine art of dropping things down on people and chattering at them.  He really wasn't very good at the chattering part.  I tried to get his picture but Mama would hustle him back to the nest whenever I stopped weeding.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Yay! We had four adoptions at Petco today (2 kittens and 2 adults!) This was my first full day working there since getting sick, and I came home and just crashed/napped. My wonderful DH made dinner, did chores and did grocery shopping ~ what a sweetheart he is!

[marvholly]

Well, no rain for about 36 hours and then we got hit again for a while. Both street & alley are flooded this morning. NOT great since trash & recycle need to go out today or Mon for Tue pickup.

accomplished one of my 'monthly' chores-sharpened my regular use knives. Still need to flusch all my sink drains.

[mrsdutt]

PMG MOTHER!  It sounds like Mason had a blast!  You pay for it, maintain it, and store it.  Mason has fun in it.  I would have loved to see him go after that crane.

Not much going on here.  DD1 is in NC and DD3 is working today.  My day will be whatever comes up.

MOLLY:  I'm glad you're feeling better.  And yah for the adoptions.
MARV:  So sorry about the flooding.  I hope you can keep the interior of your home dry.

Stay safe to all.

[TheOtherMe]

On the countdown now to move parents next weekend.  Hopefully, they will be somewhat settled by next week at this time and mom won't be having panic attacks.  Hope we get good news on her oxygen tomorrow.  I don't understand how providers don't care about an elderly person's life.  

Hoping dad's cardiologist there has faxed his records here.  Other hospital here is in their network, so it wouldn't be a problem.  However, there is no excused to drag their feet for 3 weeks when they were told he has an appointment next Monday.

One of parents' new neighbors sold their house.  Had it listed for $92,500 and it sold for $69,000.  The wife, who goes to church where I work, called me yesterday all upset.  She had several large flower beds full of bulbs and other landscaping.  Day of closing, new owners bulldozed all of it.  She had asked at closing if she could have some bulbs and they told her no.  They already had the removal lined up.  I would not have wanted all the beds she had to take care of, but I would have let her come and get some of the bulbs before I bulldozed it all.

At least mom and dad will never see their house again and they don't have flower beds that somebody may want to bulldoze.  

Rain is predicted to start again Tuesday.  Hope it doesn't make us have flooding.  There is major flooding about an hour away from me.  Their second 100 year flood in 5 years.  Climate really is changing.

[marvholly]

Theotherme
I applaud your family efforts to keep the parents busy HOWEVER I honestly feel from my experience it would be better to push them into doing activities/classes/…..offered in the senior living place. What happens if 1 or 2 of you are sick, it snows so much that you don’t want to or cannot go to them. They will just be upset and lonely resulting in them HATING where they are living. One or 2 visits/outings a week amongst ALL the family members is enough. That INCLUDES Dr & Dentist appts. Keeps everyone in touch w/one another without becoming a burdensome chore.

As of Sun forecasts here show no rain for the next week. After the spring we have had I’ll believe it when/if it happens.

It is REALLY cold here again. Had to shut my windows on Sun and I am wearing a heavy robe right now but my feet are still FREEZING. I will NOT, NOT turn on my heat in JUNE!!

Lynn
Street & alley CONSTANTLY flood when it rains here. Part of my town’s method of coping w/heavy rain so homes do NOT flood. Just a PITA for going out (getting into car) or taking out trash & recycle.

[TheOtherMe]

We definitely plan on encouraging them to participate in events at facility.  They have music once a month right down the hall.  They play a card game that my parents don't play-euchre.  We know a lady there and she told the others that she didn't know euchre and wanted to learn.  They jumped her when she made a bad play so she arranged for euchre for beginners to be taught to residents.  It's just starting, so parents won't have missed much.

I don't think parents will go on outings, at least at first, because they think they have no money.  "" " "   Also don't think mom would want to go for an entire day and they do some long day trips.  DS said when they lived here before, she stopped by almost daily and that is what she wants to do.  I know we will have to do a lot of running around if dad gets a new pacemaker right away.  Until the first of the year, we have to pick up all their prescriptions because Walmart is in town and Dad isn't driving there even if he decides to keep his car.  

My cousin spent several hours at parents' house today helping them pack up all the knick knack type stuff. She said she even put dad to work!  

Niece has wheelchair, but oxygen is still not sorted.  Place she is currently using has an office 1.5 hours away, but they think it's 3 hours away.  Are supposed to contact niece again on Wednesday.

I am down one rep payee client and I am so glad.  This was the one where the emotional and financial abuse was going on and agency decided there was too much family drama.  Daughter is taking her on.

[TheOtherMe]

I had a job interview at the church here in town.  Pay stinks, but I can use the money.  I really liked the Pastor.  She's young and wants to use social media.  She got a kick out of me winning a computer on Twitter.  Her major concern was how I would do the other church (3-4 hours per week) and volunteer work (meet with 2 of my clients once a month, other one not at all).  It can be done.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Shingles still suck

We harvested about 30 cherry tomatoes (and one big one) today from our tomato plants ... with more to harvest tomorrow. They are YUMMY!

My wonderful DH leaves tomorrow for 3 days. He returns Friday, then leaves Sunday for Texas for a week.

Our 10-day forecast has a bunch of days over 105 ... 109 Saturday and Sunday. All I can think is "oh, crap!"

AUGH! Summer's here!

[mrsdutt]

Well, the saga of the landscape guy has gotten very interesting.

1.  I sent an email to say I wanted my money back in cash.
2.  He said he didn't get that email.
3. I responded that he received all of my other emails.
4.  His site is down.
5.  He said it was because he was changing over to another company.
6.  His fb page too?
7.  I told him it was good he returned my call this morning because from where I stand, it looked like he was skipping town.  I was about to call the police and / or file a small claims court case.
8.  I made him send me 3 emails while on the phone with him with complete details of the 20% discount and start and stop times.

So we shall see how this works out. 

[marvholly]

Lynn
I changed landscape service after >10 years because service was SOOO BAAAD for multiple years, like charging me for things NOT done and removing annuals when he did fall clean up.

I would probably NOT given your guy a second chance. I would have insisted on my $$ back in cash within 48 hr. or gone to small claims or filed whatever charges I could.

Molly
From when my Dad had shingles I suspect you are in for another 2-3 weeks. That was the start of his major health issues but he was 92. do check w/your Dr because I suspect you should have the shingles vaccine.