Well, to say yesterday was a day of enlightenment would be an understatement. Marcia, the president of our local retiree's group called on Tuesday asking me to attend the Executive Committee Meeting of the Will County Board. They were going to announce the new insurance premiums specifically the ones for over 65 prescription drug plan. Last year it had gone up $60 more a month and we were expecting twice that much this year. The County had previously kept us in their active employee pool until last year when they put us out on our own.
I wish I could publish this on every county employee's computer but since I can't I'll just explain as best as I can without being to hostile. The chairman of the committee acted like an arrogant asshole. The vice chairman used to be a friend and is still one of my County board members. The one County board member from my district who answered my email did attend, as she said, but didn't say anything but answer the roll call to accept "yes" when the vote came for the higher premium. They decided that 1. They didn't owe us anything despite all the years of service.. 2. They had to take care of the taxpayers. (like none of us pay taxes) 3. If we don't like it......leave.
So that's what I'm doing this morning. Comparing Medicare Part D plans thanks to Medicare.org. It's showing Humana Enhanced as my cheapest choice and all my prescriptions are on their Formulary list.
The time to switch starts tomorrow (Oct 15) so the County picked a good time to shove us out the door.
If anyone has any suggestions, comments or helpful hints, I would appreciate the help.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Friday night
Grandson, Eric, stopped by tonight. Returned a bowl that had chili in it when it left this house and chocolate chip cookies when it came home. Kid's been raised right. He also had to show papa his baby. The baby Kimber is back all fixed up and looking good with new grips and the finish fixed. No more rust spots.
I want to say to Julie that we're sorry she missed out on time with him but he didn't know you were coming home early to surprise him and came over here instead. Thanks for sharing him. Hope he makes it up to you later.
Hamburger casserole tonight. Ron's been waiting all week for it. The corn that Betsy and Alan provided made it so sweet and especially good.
Time for Blue Blood at 9 pm. I'm glad the network picked it up for another year. Great police family drama.
I want to say to Julie that we're sorry she missed out on time with him but he didn't know you were coming home early to surprise him and came over here instead. Thanks for sharing him. Hope he makes it up to you later.
Hamburger casserole tonight. Ron's been waiting all week for it. The corn that Betsy and Alan provided made it so sweet and especially good.
Time for Blue Blood at 9 pm. I'm glad the network picked it up for another year. Great police family drama.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Fall Foliage and other beauties of nature. (No doctors or hospitals included)
We've been trying to go to Missouri since Memorial Day but every time we start to plan it rains. Now I know we won't melt; even though I may have been called "The Wicked Witch of the North"; it's not a pleasant drive in the rain and that rain comes directly from northeast Missouri. Our destination.
So when last week the weather people declared this week to be sunny and dry, time to try it again. What a beautiful drive, sun roof open and sun glasses on. The driver got so involved in the accidents on the other side of I-55 that he missed our turn off in Dwight. He always takes me by the women's detention center and threatens to drop me off for the week. Ha Ha. By the time he realized it we were between Pontiac and Bloomington so the old route was in order. We opted to stop at the Funk's Grove Rest Stop instead of the Dixie Truck stop for cleanliness reasons but still got off at 136 and headed west.
We can't remember the last time we went this way but it's been awhile cause most of the old buildings are falling or have already fallen down. A little depressing but that's the way life is. If you don't use it, you loose it. The scenery was beautiful in all the shades of Fall. Should have saved our money from the cruise and came down here.
We made good time and decided to stop in Macomb for lunch. I let Ron pick the restaurant cause I figured we'd have dinner at The Catfish Place. He picked McDonald's
We arrived in Memphis about 3 pm and checked into our favorite motel and then off to Rutledge. We turned on the GPS just to see what it would do. We traveled thru a lot of open air but it did recognize a few roads.
Our first stop was at Zimmerman's the local, restaurant, grocery store and dry goods store. I opted for the dry goods section and browsed the rows of beautiful fabric and quilts but decided to avail myself of the knowledge of the sales lady. After I explained to her what I was working on she suggested a color and after looking at it decided it was a great idea. Next I asked her how much do I need. She said 3/4 yard and I said give me a full yard. 300 miles is a long way to come to get more.
Then we went to the grocery store looking for fresh sorghum but Sandhill hadn't had their squeezing yet. They did have sassafras but I still have plenty of that. We ran into my friend Reva (Surprise) and headed down to the cemetery to check out my folks graves.
They haven't had rain and everything is so dry but someone trimmed around the headstones and plants so Ron didn't have to do that.
Next stop, Knox City for dinner. We met up with Reva's significant other, Martin, and her oldest daughter, Penny, came by so we chatted while we enjoyed a good meal. Ron especially enjoyed his pork cutlet sandwich. The Catfish Place is closed on Tuesdays.
Back to the motel and a terrible night of sleep and off down the road to enjoy another beautiful day of gorgeous scenery coming back home the way we originally intended.
We can truthfully say neither one of us is allergic to corn or soy beans. The farmers were taking advantage of the perfect weather to harvest their crops which were plentiful on both sides of the road as far as you could see.
I used to feel the need for a Missouri fix but not so much anymore. Not really any family and only my friend, Reva and her family. But it's always a fun trip.
So when last week the weather people declared this week to be sunny and dry, time to try it again. What a beautiful drive, sun roof open and sun glasses on. The driver got so involved in the accidents on the other side of I-55 that he missed our turn off in Dwight. He always takes me by the women's detention center and threatens to drop me off for the week. Ha Ha. By the time he realized it we were between Pontiac and Bloomington so the old route was in order. We opted to stop at the Funk's Grove Rest Stop instead of the Dixie Truck stop for cleanliness reasons but still got off at 136 and headed west.
We can't remember the last time we went this way but it's been awhile cause most of the old buildings are falling or have already fallen down. A little depressing but that's the way life is. If you don't use it, you loose it. The scenery was beautiful in all the shades of Fall. Should have saved our money from the cruise and came down here.
We made good time and decided to stop in Macomb for lunch. I let Ron pick the restaurant cause I figured we'd have dinner at The Catfish Place. He picked McDonald's
We arrived in Memphis about 3 pm and checked into our favorite motel and then off to Rutledge. We turned on the GPS just to see what it would do. We traveled thru a lot of open air but it did recognize a few roads.
Our first stop was at Zimmerman's the local, restaurant, grocery store and dry goods store. I opted for the dry goods section and browsed the rows of beautiful fabric and quilts but decided to avail myself of the knowledge of the sales lady. After I explained to her what I was working on she suggested a color and after looking at it decided it was a great idea. Next I asked her how much do I need. She said 3/4 yard and I said give me a full yard. 300 miles is a long way to come to get more.
Then we went to the grocery store looking for fresh sorghum but Sandhill hadn't had their squeezing yet. They did have sassafras but I still have plenty of that. We ran into my friend Reva (Surprise) and headed down to the cemetery to check out my folks graves.
They haven't had rain and everything is so dry but someone trimmed around the headstones and plants so Ron didn't have to do that.
Next stop, Knox City for dinner. We met up with Reva's significant other, Martin, and her oldest daughter, Penny, came by so we chatted while we enjoyed a good meal. Ron especially enjoyed his pork cutlet sandwich. The Catfish Place is closed on Tuesdays.
Back to the motel and a terrible night of sleep and off down the road to enjoy another beautiful day of gorgeous scenery coming back home the way we originally intended.
We can truthfully say neither one of us is allergic to corn or soy beans. The farmers were taking advantage of the perfect weather to harvest their crops which were plentiful on both sides of the road as far as you could see.
I used to feel the need for a Missouri fix but not so much anymore. Not really any family and only my friend, Reva and her family. But it's always a fun trip.
Monday, October 3, 2011
New Technology
This morning was an interesting time reflecting back on what had changed in the past 10 years. 10 years ago we had a computer but the rest of the world didn't so I would say this morning's revelation wasn't as much as what we have but how it can now be used.
First, Ron and I both have Kindles thanks to our son and his family. They were presents for Mother's Day and Father's Day.
Ron and I enjoy reading some of the same authors so it doesn't make since for each of us to buy a book for our Kindle but trading Kindles isn't the answer either. This morning I finally figured out how to lend him a book from my Kindle to his. Now, there are publisher's rules that don't allow most of the books I have to be leant out. But I did send Ron a book and he has it on his Kindle.
In doing this I also discovered that Kindle is now compatible with US libraries so you can borrow library books and read them and at the end of the time, they take them away. They do warn you 3 days ahead of time that your time is running out.
I was so excited that I found an author that I love to read so I proceeded to try and borrow it only to find out my library card expired the end of September. The library doesn't send email notices for that. In the car, down to the library to fill out the paperwork and supply ID to get my library card renewed. I know, just take the book out while you're there but that wasn't the point. I was going to check out a library book onto my e-reader. Back home and realizing that most of the books available for e-readers were already checked out. I put a hold on a couple of books and then searched till I found a couple books that I thought I might like and were available immediately. Check them out of the library, accept them into my Amazon account. Send them from my Amazon account to the Kindle and then hook up with a WiFi network so the books can be uploaded onto my Kindle. I did it. I have a tendency to print out instructions; with this time being no exception; I read and reread till I got all that figured out. Hooked into Ron's WiFi network with his password and all and VOILA two books are on my Kindle. Only took be two hours to figure it all out and get done but I figured that's not bad for the first time. I'm sure it will go much smoother from now on.
I'd say quite a use of technology. Can't wait to experience I Pads and Smart Phones. I'd say by golden years are going to be spent spending a lot of that gold. ROTF LMBO
First, Ron and I both have Kindles thanks to our son and his family. They were presents for Mother's Day and Father's Day.
Ron and I enjoy reading some of the same authors so it doesn't make since for each of us to buy a book for our Kindle but trading Kindles isn't the answer either. This morning I finally figured out how to lend him a book from my Kindle to his. Now, there are publisher's rules that don't allow most of the books I have to be leant out. But I did send Ron a book and he has it on his Kindle.
In doing this I also discovered that Kindle is now compatible with US libraries so you can borrow library books and read them and at the end of the time, they take them away. They do warn you 3 days ahead of time that your time is running out.
I was so excited that I found an author that I love to read so I proceeded to try and borrow it only to find out my library card expired the end of September. The library doesn't send email notices for that. In the car, down to the library to fill out the paperwork and supply ID to get my library card renewed. I know, just take the book out while you're there but that wasn't the point. I was going to check out a library book onto my e-reader. Back home and realizing that most of the books available for e-readers were already checked out. I put a hold on a couple of books and then searched till I found a couple books that I thought I might like and were available immediately. Check them out of the library, accept them into my Amazon account. Send them from my Amazon account to the Kindle and then hook up with a WiFi network so the books can be uploaded onto my Kindle. I did it. I have a tendency to print out instructions; with this time being no exception; I read and reread till I got all that figured out. Hooked into Ron's WiFi network with his password and all and VOILA two books are on my Kindle. Only took be two hours to figure it all out and get done but I figured that's not bad for the first time. I'm sure it will go much smoother from now on.
I'd say quite a use of technology. Can't wait to experience I Pads and Smart Phones. I'd say by golden years are going to be spent spending a lot of that gold. ROTF LMBO
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Great North Sea
Guess it's time to blog the cruise. A 5:15 limo to O'Hare on Friday morning wasn't quite the way I had visioned my dream vacation, but it was ok, as was the vacation.
We were at O'Hare Airport in plenty of time, checked our bags and made it through TSA security without out a hassle. Then we waited for the next plane going to Boston. It wasn't OUR plane but it was going to Boston. Had another cup of coffee and a sweetie and waited for OUR plane. The trip was uneventful so I sat behind John and picked at the back of his head till he reached back and scratched it. A girl has to do something to amuse herself.
The day in Boston was interesting. We took cabs to see the "USS Constitution" (Old Iron Sides) and "Cheers" bar sign. Back to the hotel to wait for time to head to the ship. We thought we were early but we were not. The ship personnel took our luggage at the cab so we didn't have to deal with that. The line was long for the check ins but moved rather fast. We found our cabins without a great deal of problem and settled in for a week of sightseeing and relaxing.
We were to early for the fall colors even at the northern part of the cruise in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We took a tour in Bar Harbor, St John and Halifax and enjoyed each one. Learnt a lot about the area and how it was developed. Watched an in coming ocean tide meet an out going St Laurence River with gigantic whirlpools and sprays and a beautiful Victorian flower garden in St Johns. St Johns and Halifax are very proud of their part in the attempted rescue of the Titanic victims but bitter that New York got all the glory without any work on their part. Both towns proudly display the cemeteries of the ones that didn't make it to New York.
We had two days at sea, one between St Johns and Halifax and one when we left Halifax to docking in Boston. We purchased a tour from the ship to see Boston with a guide and then dropped off at the airport. We got a much better view of the city and it's firsts, oldest and biggest. The guide was very proud of his city and reminded us often that it was the "cradle of the revolution" .
The trip home on the plane was great, they moved my seat behind the others so I had an enjoyable conversation with the lady next to me plus a little nap.
Since the day had begun and 6 am EDT, John and Pat decided to spend the night at our house and then go home to Milwaukee on Sunday morning. It was an early night and all were in bed by 11 pm. CDT. The spell was broken so I had to cook breakfast but I sat my foot down when it came to putting their napkins in their lap and handing them a menu.
We were at O'Hare Airport in plenty of time, checked our bags and made it through TSA security without out a hassle. Then we waited for the next plane going to Boston. It wasn't OUR plane but it was going to Boston. Had another cup of coffee and a sweetie and waited for OUR plane. The trip was uneventful so I sat behind John and picked at the back of his head till he reached back and scratched it. A girl has to do something to amuse herself.
The day in Boston was interesting. We took cabs to see the "USS Constitution" (Old Iron Sides) and "Cheers" bar sign. Back to the hotel to wait for time to head to the ship. We thought we were early but we were not. The ship personnel took our luggage at the cab so we didn't have to deal with that. The line was long for the check ins but moved rather fast. We found our cabins without a great deal of problem and settled in for a week of sightseeing and relaxing.
We were to early for the fall colors even at the northern part of the cruise in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We took a tour in Bar Harbor, St John and Halifax and enjoyed each one. Learnt a lot about the area and how it was developed. Watched an in coming ocean tide meet an out going St Laurence River with gigantic whirlpools and sprays and a beautiful Victorian flower garden in St Johns. St Johns and Halifax are very proud of their part in the attempted rescue of the Titanic victims but bitter that New York got all the glory without any work on their part. Both towns proudly display the cemeteries of the ones that didn't make it to New York.
We had two days at sea, one between St Johns and Halifax and one when we left Halifax to docking in Boston. We purchased a tour from the ship to see Boston with a guide and then dropped off at the airport. We got a much better view of the city and it's firsts, oldest and biggest. The guide was very proud of his city and reminded us often that it was the "cradle of the revolution" .
The trip home on the plane was great, they moved my seat behind the others so I had an enjoyable conversation with the lady next to me plus a little nap.
Since the day had begun and 6 am EDT, John and Pat decided to spend the night at our house and then go home to Milwaukee on Sunday morning. It was an early night and all were in bed by 11 pm. CDT. The spell was broken so I had to cook breakfast but I sat my foot down when it came to putting their napkins in their lap and handing them a menu.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
New Experience
Well, today is the day to make sure everything is in order. We did our airport check in this morning online and printed out the documents. Ron's off to the bank to put a couple things in the safety deposit box. Now it's wait for John and Pat to get here, go out for pizza (cause I'm not cooking), clean out the frig and get the garbage ready for tomorrow (that's a constant) and try and get some sleep before the stretch limo arrives at 5:15 am tomorrow morning. The two piece of luggage are packed, locked and paid for flight. My clothes are all laid out ready to slip into, can't say the same about Ron.
Got to go cups for coffee if anyone wants to take some with them tomorrow. Wish I had donuts too but I can't wish for everything. Please keep me in your prayers that the security check on me goes well. The TSA documents I got online say they can't ask me to remove, raise or lift an article of clothing or remove the prosthesis so we'll see.
Got to go cups for coffee if anyone wants to take some with them tomorrow. Wish I had donuts too but I can't wish for everything. Please keep me in your prayers that the security check on me goes well. The TSA documents I got online say they can't ask me to remove, raise or lift an article of clothing or remove the prosthesis so we'll see.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Retiree's Picnic
We've had a couple of really cool days and nights but today was just beautiful for our Retiree's Annual Picnic at the New Lenox VFW. They have a beautiful picnic area with a covered pavilion and open area with lots of picnic tables under lots of beautiful shade trees next to a rolling creek. They set up all the tables and provide an ice one for the food that needs refrigeration. They even furnish the bingo cards and setup so we can play after the noon meal at no cost to us.
Turnout was good. We had some new people and some guest who used to work for the County but didn't retiree from there. Plenty of time spent talking and catching up with what's going on in people's lives. A lot of us will be leaving for warmer climate in a few weeks so we were making plans to meet up with the AZ ones and wishing good luck to the FL ones. It's nice to have the picnic since we won't be around for the big Christmas Party in December.
Turnout was good. We had some new people and some guest who used to work for the County but didn't retiree from there. Plenty of time spent talking and catching up with what's going on in people's lives. A lot of us will be leaving for warmer climate in a few weeks so we were making plans to meet up with the AZ ones and wishing good luck to the FL ones. It's nice to have the picnic since we won't be around for the big Christmas Party in December.
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