It's Always Something . . .

Thanks to all y'all for all the compassion and friendship you have given me.  I sincerely appreciate it. And here's a one minute blast from the late, great Gilda Radner that is pertinent to my so-called life.

 

Yesterday was Thoracic Surgeon day and I was to get my test results. Dr. Dave is somewhat atypical of my experience with surgical types. He's friendly, funny and personable and very thorough. I can't help but reiterate how my dear Dr. Maria always refers me to the greatest specialists. It's a blessing.

Again I was amazed with the progress of modern technology in medicine. Dr. Dave came in with a DVD with my name on it in popped it in the examining room's computer. It didn't want to load properly so he called the Foundation to send it over to again and sent me home with orders to call him after five and tell his service to page him. I did and he called back relatively quickly. There's a blockage in one of my carotid arteries and he said it really isn't that bad. However, because of my history of stroke and the recent episode with my eye, he wants to do surgery and explained that it only requires an overnight stay. I said okay.

Soooooooo sometime in the next couple weeks, I'm going under the knife. I'm always a bit nervous about such things but Dr. Dave is terrific and I trust him.

So that's the latest from Kay's World!!! I tried to get around and see as many of y'all as I could and try for more tomorrow.

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Update and Assorted Nonsense

I've been a very busy old gal!!! Today is (hopefully) to be "catch up" day unless life gets in the way as it is wont to do.

* It's Ground Hog Day and Punxatawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. However, Buckeye Chuck says that we're gonna have an early Spring. Here in Ohio we've not had much of a winter so we'll see. I predict that it will snow on my birthday in April.

* Y'all know that I love the Foundation where I get my medical care. I got a call last Friday from their lab to schedule the latest test and she said, "I noticed that you already are scheduled for a mammogram on Tuesday. If you can, let's schedule your carotid ultrasound for 1:15 -- just before it -- is that okay." My answer? "Not only yes but Hell yes!" Organized and considerate people rank high on my list.

* The first calls from Dr. Maria's office came in early Wednesday and I missed them because I slept in a bit. I'm not tied to my cell phone like so many folks are these days. So when I finally looked at it, I called back and spoke with her nurse. It was a good news/bad news joke. The good news is that my mammogram was good. The bad news: my carotid ultrasound showed "significant narrowing" in those arteries and they had me scheduled for an appointment with the thoracic surgeon next week -- the earliest appt. they could get me. Just what I needed. I'm telling myself that I can't worry about it until after I see him but still . . . I'm pretty worried about it.

* Our local Occupy movement is alive!! I'm glad!!! The bad news is that their email addy doesn't work and comes bouncing back and I'm trying to figure out how to get in touch with them. Argh.

* Despite our state's dire unemployment stats, Ohio is cutting everyone's food assistance significantly. Eating healthy isn't hard enough with the price of groceries rising by leaps and bounds so those idiots in the Governor's office and Statehouse are making it worse. I'm thinking of calling my reps and telling them that they have to take me to lunch once a week until they restore my assistance.
It's just another reason that John Kasich will be a one-term governor.

* A huge standing ovation to the 10,000 Hoosiers marched from their Statehouse to the site of the Super Bowl in Indianapolis yesterday in protest against Governor Mitch Daniels' "Right to Work" law. Rumor has it that the NFL Players' Association (prolly the richest union workers in the country) is considering some form of protest. This could get pretty interesting.

* My favorite economists are the MIT guys at The Baseline scenario. They show how every single Republican candidate's plan will increase the deficit and y'all can read it here. How do you spell hypocrisy? GOP.

* Mitt Romney doesn't care about poor people. Yeah, we all knew that but he actually said it in less than two minutes. He obviously doesn't get that a lot of middle class folks got demoted and are now poor!!!



* Who in the hell would name a kid Reince? What he said (in 1:36) was not only disgusting and a big fat lie but the delight and giggles at his childish idiocy really showed what the Republican Party has become and it ain't pretty!



Hope y'all have a great day!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!

Kay







*

Update and a Few Notes

I spent a lot of time today on home stuff which is good because it means that I'm keeping my promise to myself. Housework is difficult for me. I'm not complaining -- it's just been a fact of life for the last 30+ years but the frustration never really goes away. Question: What's your fav heavy duty floor cleaner? I'm unhappy with mine and if y'all have one you like, do tell!!!

I watched two movies last might from Netflix. The first was a documentary type called "Public Speaking" and featured one of my favorite writers: Fran Liebowitz. If y'all aren't familiar with her, she's a hoot and comes armed with a rapier wit!! (Note to Betty and M.E.: She's your kind of gal.) The second was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. It's the end of that series and I thought okay it was pretty good but prolly scared the bejaysus outta some little ones. It's my least fav of the series which I mostly thought great fun.

I was taken to task for my anger with the Republicans and I'm not going to apologize. If y'all are setting pretty in your Golden Years, I'm happy for you but I'm not due to handicaps, divorce and other er . . . ah . . . stuff and I'm worried about my future with what the aforementioned would like to do to the programs that keep me alive, fed, housed and blogging. Sigh.

My eye surgeon sent a report on to Dr. Maria re: eye problem and I'll be getting tests done on my carotid artery. Sounds scary to me but her nurse says that it's pretty much a no-brainer. I'll let y'all know if she lied.

Next week is also mammogram week which I take very seriously as my mom is a breast cancer survivor. If any of y'all are not covered, check around. Mine were taken care of a group called The Pink Robbin Project when I lacked insurance so check around if you need help. I donate a tenner or more to them every year at this time in thanks -- it's my favorite charity.

February is coming! If it's like January, it might put to rest any doubts I had about global warming. I don't think we've had a true blizzard this winter -- yet -- and I've hardly worn boots or glove.


Here's my hero Bernie Sanders on helping elders:





Here's  Jon Stewart in 2008 with less that two minutes of funny on Mitt Romney! 




Hope y'all are having a great day!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Random Cranky Thoughts

The late great humorist, Will Rogers,  used to say "All I know is what I read in the papers."  I understand that. Today he would  have to say 'the media' with the advent of all the varied ways we received information. The past week we've seen lots of  things that are simply batsh*t crazy going on in the world and Kay's World has been pretty nutty as well. Needless to say, it's putting my poor damaged brain in an uproar and putting me in Cranky Old Broad mode.

* I have a bright red, shiny new cell phone that does all sorts of crazy stuff that's basically useless as far as I'm concerned and the damned manual might as well be written in Greek.  I don't text. I don't tweet. I don't feel a burning need to check my email on my phone. When I'm traveling, I have a cute lil' Acer notebook and all I have to do is stop at a place with free wi-fi if I feel a burning need for an internet fix which is relatively rare. I love y'all but sometimes I need a break from cyber space. All my cell is for is when I'm not home  calls and the free long distance which comes in handy with so many out-of-town friends and family.

* I'm absolutely thrilled at the implosions in the Herman Cain (sexual harassment) and Rick Perry (drunk/stoned/whatever).  Neither had any interest for me.  Cain demonstrated a profound ignorance before the scandal and Perry gave credence to why Texas Aggie jokes exist.  Either would be a disaster for our stature on the world stage. Y'all can see Perry's embarrassing performance here. Let's just say that the snowball's chance in hell that I'd had of voting for him melted.

* Highlight of my day:  I picked up Gracie from school today so she could attend a neighborhood friend's Halloween party. The downside is I was to help her with homework if needed. I don't understand how they teach math these days so I hope it was okay.

* I saw Dr. Maria last week and we're going to explore some new options for me after she gets a report from Dr. Jody -- who I see on Thursday -- and I think/hope she fixed the ear that keeps clogging up. If not, I'll be seeing a Ear, Nose & Throat guy -- like I don't have enough doctors already. I'll be interested in see/hearing about what the blood work shows as well as the EMG results. God knows it will be something weird. It always is. Sigh.

* Democracy for America sent me a very cool bumper sticker that reads: UNIONS=JOBS which Miss Ruby will wear with pride. Cool, huh?

* I had a weird phone call from polling organization for an unnamed political organization asking me to participate in a survey and in return I would receive a Caribbean cruise courtesy of a contributor to said organization. Bogus, huh? This smacks of dirty tricks to me so I hung up.

* Here's a video -- a lil' over a minute -- from my young friend Lauren who's doing a great job of covering Occupy Columbus. We are Ohio and we are proud!!! Don't forget to vote!!!!!!!!!!



I'll be around to see y'all tomorrow -- I hope!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!

Kay

Update: Occupy the World and Assorted Nonsense

Always chaotic, my world has been a tad more so than usual so blogging has been sort of relegated to the back burner  to my dismay. The bottom line is that I haven't felt well since my trip up North.  That said, today's post is an amalgam of what's been rattling around my poor damaged brain.

* I've been involved it the first two 'Occupy Canton' rallies and wish more of my fellow citizens would join us. We don't have an encampment -- most of us are college kids and elders and so we gather on Saturdays. We're trying to make it grow as best we can. My sign reads:

The Corrupt . . . FEAR US
The Honest. . . . SUPPORT US
The Heroic. . . . JOIN US

We are the 99%

* The Vatican has issued a statement supporting economic justice in light of the 'Occupy' protests around the world and y'all can read about it here. We've got the Pope on our side now! I hope that John Boehner, Paul Ryan, et al get excommunicated. Greed is is one of the Seven Deadly Sins and there are a couple others that also apply so His Holiness can throw the Book at 'em.

* I'm in the process of exploring the possibility of participating in Bank Transfer Day, November 5th and moving my meager funds to a credit union. The trick is having to change all the bills I pay online as well as my direct deposits changed. I don't particularly relish it but since they keep charging fees on my meager savings account, I think it's a pretty good idea. Read more about this movement here.

* On the medical front, I have been a pin cushion between the EMG and an even dozen tubes of A negative -- and, hopefully, all will help Dr. Jody will be able to define what might give me some relief. I also had a bone scan and and Dr. K. sent a note telling me to increase my daily calcium to 1500 mg which says that the osteoporosis is getting worse in my left hip. I see Dr. Maria on Thursday and I hope she has some ideas to help and that Dr. Jody has some advice, too. when I visit him next week for the results.

* Bill Maher on Obama's takedown of Gaddhafi -- it's less than a minute and I loved it. Hope y'all do, too!




* Here's Bill again -- about a minute -- on the Occupy movement. It's a tad bawdy so if y'all get the vapor over profanity.




* And here's my Hero, Bernie Sanders, speaking the truth on the jobs crisis in four minutes. "Intellectually bankrupt" is the key phrase.



That's about it in my world. I visited lots of y'all yesterday but I won't say that I'm caught up because I never am -- you are a prolific lot!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Stupid GOP Tricks

I wasn't going to post anything more today but I went to catch up with Rachel Maddow and my blood pressure told me that I had to vent.

David Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks segment has nothing on John Boehner and the Republican Party's antics on Medicare. Here is House Speaker John Boehner, who I am ashamed to say is an Ohioan, on the killing Medicare. He makes a big deal out of his humble roots but it's obvious that he's forgotten them and has bound himself over to the Philistines as he forced the vote on the 'Kill Medicare' bill. And smart GOP Congress Critters (Is that am oxymoron?) are ducking for cover. Rachel called his antics as "a very bad move" and that, my friends, is a gross understatement.

Apologies to all y'all who have problems with videos; I wanted to give y'all a short clip of his gaffes but my video editing skills are deficient at best. Y'all can see the full segment here :

Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!

Kay

Had to Post This

I'm still not quite up to what passes for par today. The official diagnosis was a TIA which some call a mini-stroke. I've had them before -- usually when the world gangs up on me -- I'm sorta used to it after over thirty years as a stroke survivor and I tend to blow it off. However, I don't want to have to postpone my trip up north as I think it will be beneficial for my mental and physical health so I'm going to be a tad sparse in the blogging department.

However, I was thrilled when I saw this video at Crooks & Liars this morning and wanted to share it with y'all! This is a great lady who actually likes elders and makes great sense!!!!! That she won in a traditionally Republican district should send a message to the GOP that elders are angry and they vote! Ms. Hochul's victory gives me hope!



Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Life intrudes on Blogging -- but Y'all Knew That!

In case anyone noticed, I took a day or so off from here and everything else. It wasn't because I wanted the time away from y'all. However my right eye became contrary and decided that it hated brightness of any kind so I couldn't sit here or anywhere else where there was bright light. It was no fun at all -- imagine being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick and that's how I felt. No fun at all!

I saw the doc and guess what the solution was? More drops!!! Hopefully, it will work well and my travel plans will not be disrupted. The good news is that my nerdy new reading glasses were ready so I picked them up after I finished with the doc. Bryce says I look like a librarian or a nerd. Oh well -- I AM a nerd so that's okay by me. I hope that last statement didn't burst anyone's bubble. (giggle)

In the midst of it all, Jeff appeared and disrupted an already annoying couple days. I sent him packing. It felt good. He was not amused.

That said, I'm going try to get around as much as I can tolerate until the drops do their magic and I'm back to what passes for normal in Kay's World.

Quote of the Day: "(Michelle) Bachmann is the candidate for people who find (Sarah) Palin too intellectual." -- Bill Maher

Here's the housework music/song for the week:



Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Update and a Couple Thoughts

Many thanks to all y'all for your kindness and support.

I'm trying to figure out why this surgery is draining me so badly; I am exhausted. Maybe I overdid getting ready for my annual inspection (one of the 'joys' of poverty) but it was something I couldn't avoid and I wanted to do it right; maybe the political situation here in Ohio has me scared and upset; and maybe I'm just plain damned tired of of my world (and a pox on those who keep telling me to take Jeff back -- my sign is Aries not this: $.).in any case, I'm trying to feel better and keep up on things around here. Bryce has been a godsend. I'm not allowed to do some things --like lift more than& 20 lbs. -- and he checks in to see what I need regularly.

I actually got dressed up and dragged myself to the symphony Saturday night and am glad I did because it was a lovely performance that marked our conductor's 30th anniversary with us and featured Sibelius and Brahms. Here's a quote from him on his long tenure: "There no good reason for a conductor who cares about music to leave the Canton Symphony Orchestra." I, for one, am delighted that he feels that way.

Ohioans are rallying in Ohio today -- and for the next two days --  as the Ohio House of Representatives considers SB 5 -- the union-busting bill in Ohio that's already passed our Senate thanks to our Governor's evil machinations. You can read more about it here. If I weren't in recovery mode, I'd be in Columbus protesting the evil the GOP is perpetrating this heinous act. AND we'll be rallying again on April 5th!

My favorite senator Sherrod Brown (who stood with Bernie Sanders in his filibuster) explains why our government isn't working on Rachel Maddow:



Thanks again to all y'all for love, loyalty, and support!!!! I treasure each and every one of you!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

I Survived!!!!!!

I had my cataract surgery yesterday and it seems to have gone pretty well but the final word will come later this morning after I see Dr. Jamie. It seemed a lot more difficult than my previous surgery and it gave me pause to consider the differences from that time and the present. First and foremost was my mindset. At the time of my first surgery, The Man and I had just begun our relationship and he was at my side and wonderfully supportive the whole time. This time my upstairs neighbor took me and sat in the waiting room -- which was good because she raises my blood pressure with monotonous regularity. I probably should have gotten someone else but my efforts weren't worth the bother. I'm always the first to ask what I can do to help my friends but it seems that isn't forthcoming when the situation is reversed. And I went home to an empty house and ate a lot.

I also slept a lot and noticed a lot of discomfort that's finally subsiding so I'll be okay to drive myself to Dr. Jamie's office later today -- and y'all didn't see me type those words. Bryce came over after school to see what I needed and made sure my trash was put out at the curb and stayed a while to talk. He is my best buddy these days. Michelle (his mom) brought little Ana Michelle over so I could see her crawl (at 7 months!)! I count my blessings where I find them. Jeff called and wanted to bring supper. I said "No thanks".

I'm heading to bed when I finish this as I'm exhausted. I've always wondered why surgery always affects me this way but it does.

A tip of my Thinking Cap to Dick Klade aka Gabby Geezer for his flattering comment the other day!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!

Kay


Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!

Exercise that Actually Works for Me!

Since my stroke thirty-three years ago, exercise has been a problem. Although I walk relatively normally my balance is out of kilter so I really don't get into it as a form of exercise. Other things like Yoga or aerobics are difficult at best because some of the movements are difficult for my limited range on my left side and the instructors and classmates' lack of patience add stress in an already difficult situation for me and just make matters worse so scratch those off the list of options. A while back my good friend, M.E., who blogs at Xtreme English sent a link to a program at RealAge and as usual I was skeptical -- you're not the only one, Robert. It's an interesting program that gave me food for thought.

And then I saw and tried the video. While it's a challenge to some of my mobility issues, it's less stressful than feeling pressured/embarrassed than being in a class with a bunch of snotty, able-bodied women. Truth be told, some of the moves are quite difficult for me and if my body argues, I just walk and try again the next day. This isn't about losing weight for me -- I don't need to lose weight. What I do need is strength and stamina. Leslie, the instructor, is a good cheerleader and I'm learning to adapt some of the simple moves to my limitations and hopefully, with daily practice, I'll better and better. AND it takes less that fifteen minutes and by the time it's over, you've done the equivalent of a mile! I've noticed that it's already begun to help my energy level -- a good thing! I hope to do it twice a day eventually. I think two miles is a good idea.

Do enjoy the RealAge site. It's a treasure trove of information. There's even a chair workout for those whose legs are more challenged than mine (but I might try it anyway) as well as lots of health and diet info. I took the Real Age test and, as usual, it put my blood pressure nutty. When am I going to ignore those things? My medical history is weird and atypical in the extreme and there's really no way in hell these people can accurately assess my health. My doctors tend to say that I'm in pretty good shape so I'll stick with what they say.

Hope this helps some of y'all. If nothing else, for you outdoorsy types it's something to do when bad weather appears and y'all can't go out to play.

Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

More Fun for Kay

Yesterday was doctor day and time for my annual visit to the eye surgeon. I never mind that. Dr. Jamie, my handsome, young, Harvard man ophthalmologist is always a hoot and I've liked him immensely since we met almost five years ago after my regular eye doctor discovered a cataract in my left eye. Dr. Jamie discovered that I not only had a cataract in my left eye but a tiny one in my right eye as well. A few months later, he removed the the cataract in my left eye (and I wrote about it here and here) and I knew there had been some changes. He thought it funny when I told him that I had blogged about it and I explained that I'd done so to help other elders understand that it was as scary as it seemed. (He thought the term "elderblogger" pretty funny, too.)

I knew that I was going to get a new prescription when I went yesterday because I had noticed a significant change in my vision that be came really apparent as I went through the exams. What I didn't expect is that the little cataract in my right eye had finally grown up and was ready for surgery as it hadn't changed in previous exams. Soooooo after marathon exams and over two hours at his office (can you say I was crabby?) Dr. Jamie announced that I will be having cataract surgery next month and asked, with a grin, if I was going to blog about him again. I grinned and said "Probably."

Sooooo today I've been trying to make arrangements for it. I have to see Dr. Maria and have her pronounce me fit for surgery and my next challenge is to find someone who will drive me to and from the hospital. That it will be really early is always an issue.

The good news is that this time I'm not scared and I'm actually looking forward to it and I'll be thrilled when I get my new glasses and that I might only need then for reading.

Hope y'all are having a great day!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Reading Is Fundamental

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

I'm really pretty buried today but I want to get a post up today albeit a bit late in the day. If y'all could see my "Gottado" list, you would understand why I'm running behind here. Today was errand day and, of course, I'm running behind because everything takes longer than I planned --I think that's one of the corollaries to Murphy's Law. I was up at the Foundation for my annual mammogram.

The reason I mention that is to remind you ladies to make an appointment if you've forgotten. My mother is a 10-year breast cancer survivor because her doctor caught it early enough and she still has both breasts intact. Also, you guys should remind your lady, too. (And yes, this is also a reminder about health care legislation -- raise hell with your Congressman.)

More than a couple of y'all have commented on the number of blogs I read and I thought that should clarify how that works.

First of all, I don't read 200 blogs a day. I use Blogger's 'follow' feature for over 200 blogs which means that, if any blog of those 200 blogs post, it shows up on my dashboard. The bulk of the those blogs are personal blogs. Not all of you post every single day and some are dormant or abandoned and maybe I should get rid of them but I'm too busy to do the housekeeping. Another large chunk are political, news or economics blogs that I use for reference and blog ideas. Yet another group are the blogs of causes and charities I support because I like to stay up-to-date

I am one of those people who read rapidly and I'm guessing that on a normal day, I spend 3-4 hours reading blogs and I probably read about 75-100 blogs a day and comment on most of them.

Now I have to finish putting away groceries and will hopefully get around to visit y'all later!!!!

Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!

Kay

Last Day of the Year Thoughts

It's been a hectic week and I've spent a lot of time trying to make sure that end of the year stuff is in order and catching up on chores. I probably forgot a few things but I think/hope everything important is in order. Some day I'm going to be organized and will probably die from shock the following day. LOL

* The car doctor called yesterday at lunch time and said Miss Ruby is well and asked when they could come get me. When I asked what they did and how much her repairs cost, I was pleasantly surprised because it was a lot less than I expected and said I'd be ready when they got here . Fifteen minutes later one of their pleasant and polite guys pulled up out front and took me to get Miss Ruby. She runs great and I swear that they washed her before they gave her back. How's that for service. I spent the rest of the day running all over town to get caught up on errands.

* Thanks to all y'all for your input on the anti-depressants -- I've pretty much decided that I'm going to go without them. There's a big difference between being depressed and being disappointed -- the latter being a large part of how I've been feeling and venting here helps.

* Jeff was by the other day and asked me to a party. I was already invited and told him I wasn't going with or without him. I just want to watch some movies and spend some time reflecting on and assessing some things for the coming year. I really think that's what New Year's is about. My days of hell-raising on New Year's are done.

* A shoutout to Sightingat60 for his kind words about my other blog -- he read the whole damn thing -- and to anyone else who stopped by. He's a new visitor here and he writes an really intelligent blog. Stop by and visit him if y'all get a chance.

There's not much that's exciting here and I really need to get outta here so this is
short. I want to get around and get caught up on y'all and yes, I have to do a couple more errands!

Here's wishing y'all a Happy New Year's!!!!!!! I hope you spend it in the way you like best!!!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!

Kay

It's a Tough Time of the Year!!!!

I've been trying very hard to be positive through this blessed season, but as y'all know, I haven't felt well at all for quite a while. I even did some Christmas shopping for my grandnieces and nephew and my neighbor's kids and drove up to Akron to deliver the former to my brother today and actually caught them home. I guess I'm spending Christmas alone and I think I'm okay with it given the circumstances. The good news is that they gave me a photo of my new grandnephew, Carter, Last night my left foot felt weird so I yanked off my sock and the top of my foot was scarlet and swollen. I immediately went and grabbed one of the frozen gel packs I keep in my freezer and put it on the area. This morning it was worse.

After I left my brother's house I headed to the walk-in clinic that is on the way home. Mercifully, they weren't busy and took me right away and quickly diagnosed my problem: cellulitis. For now I am to keep my foot elevated, keep lotion on it and take heavy duty antibiotics twice a day. If you click above on the link, you can learn about it. I am scared because it can be deadly and I hope we caught it in time. I will be seeing Dr. Maria on Monday for my six month checkup so that kills two birds with one stone and is probably a harbinger of yet another doctor's appointment. Do any of y'all know anything about this? If so, please email me here. I am scared.

After I left the clinic, I stopped at the grocery and got food for the holiday weekend and then headed to the pharmacy for my scrip. The biggest challenge when one lives alone is staying off one's feet so this not fun. I tried to call Michelle because want to set up a time for Bryce and Gracie to come over for cookies and presents and I need Bryce to help with a couple things, but she hasn't returned my call. Sigh.

I know it's a tough time for a lot of people. This video came in today and all I can say is: been there; done that; couldn't afford the T-shirt. We're hurtin out there, folks!



And this one is a hoot!



If I remember correctly (and I can't bet the ranch on that), this came out when I (and some of y'all) was a kid.



Wish I had better news!!!!

Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Random Thoughts Update

Kay's world has been in more of an uproar than usual and I'll spare you most the gory details.

Trying to get away from it all was a fruitless effort. The weather didn't cooperate well so I came home because I couldn't get time on the beach. However, I did have some fun and my camera a got workout and now I'm asking myself, "where in the hell are some of the pictures I swore I took?" Oh well, I guess I just swore and y'all will see some tomorrow if I am here. I've another journey in mind and haven't decided when or if I'm going.

* Yesterday I had an MRI on my left shoulder. I thought I had separated it (always a danger for stroke survivors) while lugging stuff in the house when I returned from my trip. I called the Dr. Maria and she worked me in. She said it wasn't separated but ordered the MRI because there might be tear in the rotator cuff. Her nurse called and indeed, there is a tear and I'm adding an orthopedist to the Legion. Sigh. MRIs have come a long way from their beginning. I had one in the early days when they were scary. No more of that -- they put a headset on you and you get to choose your tunes. I made a mistake in my choice. I chose The Temptations. It's the sort of thing that gets me moving (I use it at home for housework). Next time I'll choose something mellow that relaxes me. Good thing I didn't choose ZZTop!!!!

* Good news!!!! My blood work came back good -- even my cholesterol!!! Bad news: I've lost more weight but the doc didn't seem worried.

* I'm trying mightily to get a few things caught up despite the injury. I find it best if I prop my arm up on pillows which means that I can't sit at my desk very long. So much for blogging and visiting y'all. There's a sling that helps but I'll be damned if I know what it's called and Dr. Maria didn't know either. Ortho Dude will probably be able to help. I'm doing this a little at a time and hope to make a few visits to y'all. Please be patient.

* From my Weird Stuff dept.: I found this when I picked up my of Chinese food 'fix' last week!!!!

* Tomorrow, August 28th, is the 47th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream . . ." speech. I thought we had come a long way from those days but every time I hear the absurdities spouted by the likes of Glen Beck and Sarah Palin, I wonder. Are we ever going to learn?

* Here's one of my favorite songs from the days when Soul was king and I was the dancin' queen. And yeah, it played during my MRI and it keeps me moving when I do house work.



Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

If It's Happening Here . . .

This just came in from the Ohio Department of Aging. I'm posting it because: a) most of my readers are elders; b) if it's happening here, it could be happening elsewhere as well; c) people who prey on elders are pond scum and need to be exposed.


News Release: Take Action Consumer Alert - Medicare Part D Rebate Scam‏
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2010

"Columbus, Ohio - Partners in the State of Ohio's Take Action - Protect Yourself from Fraud program are cautioning seniors with Medicare to be on the alert for a Part D prescription drug coverage scam involving the $250 "doughnut hole" rebate checks. President Obama and Governor Strickland both warned seniors that scam artists are calling seniors to solicit their personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account information and Medicare numbers, incorrectly claiming they need this information to mail the Part D rebate check.

The first batch of one-time rebate checks, a result of the federal health care reform Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), has been mailed by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. The rebate checks will be mailed monthly throughout the year as new beneficiaries hit the doughnut hole, the portion of Part D coverage when a beneficiary pays all of his or her prescription drug costs out of pocket.

Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson and Aging Director Barbara Riley urge Ohio seniors to be vigilant and use the tools provided by the Take Action program to avoid becoming a victim and to report any unscrupulous activity.

"We want Ohio seniors to clearly understand that the federal government will be directly mailing them their Part D rebate check when they hit the doughnut hole," Director Hudson said. "If someone says they need your personal information to mail you the rebate or they can help you get your check more quickly if you pay them a fee, immediately report this scam to the authorities."

Last year, roughly 156,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Ohio hit the doughnut hole.

"This rebate program is a first and crucial step to improved prescription drug coverage for older Ohioans, and I am appalled that some people are exploiting this opportunity for personal gain," Director Riley said. "Consumers who take an active role, seek information and take action against scams like this are key in making the schemes go away. Our aim is to arm all Ohioans against this and other types of consumer fraud."

Take Action and AARP Ohio Tips and Information:

People with Part D who have paid more than $940 in out-of-pocket drug costs should automatically receive a check after reaching that threshold but you should save your receipts just in case. If you think you've reached the doughnut hole and don't receive your check within a few months, having your receipts handy will be helpful when talking to Medicare.

Checks will be mailed automatically. Those who qualify can expect to receive their checks within 45 days of reaching the gap. The first rounds of checks were to arrive the week of June 10. Medicare tracks your drug costs for you. Once you reach the coverage gap, you will receive a check.

Your check will be mailed to the address Social Security uses to reach you. If you need to change your address, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you prefer, a change of address may also be reported by calling or visiting your local Social Security office.

Protect yourself against scams. If an unsolicited visitor comes to your home or someone calls you saying they are a representative from Medicare and need personal information to process your Part D rebate, calmly request their personal information (e.g., name, business affiliation and phone number) and inform them you will call them back. Do not call them back, but instead, immediately contact the local police, the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 1-800-282-0515 or online at www.speakoutohio.gov, or the Take Action program at 1-800-686-1526.

Launched in May, Take Action focuses on alerting consumers to types of deceptive sales practices and schemes currently occurring in annuities, living trusts, stranger-originated life insurance (STOLI), reverse mortgages, Medicare sales and health care fraud. Take Action also assists Ohioans in safeguarding their online information and warding off unwanted telemarketers and spammers.

A free consumer guide provides background facts on areas where people are exploited and serves as a workbook listing important questions to ask. The guide is available at www.takeaction.ohio.gov, an interactive Web site filled with tips on how to recognize, avoid and report fraud. Consumer stories about fraud and successful encounters overcoming it will be published on the Web site.

In addition, senior groups and associations can request a speaker for a workshop or ask for a panel of government experts to talk about fraud. Representatives from the Ohio Department of Insurance, the Ohio Department of Aging, the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Office of Attorney General Richard Cordray, the Office of State Treasurer Kevin Boyce, Ohio Consumers' Counsel, and the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio will participate on panels.

About ODA - The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov."

I consider myself fortunate to live here and that our leaders here in Buckeye Country are being vigilant to such scams. If y'all haven't checked to see what your state is doing for elders, I recommend y'all do so and raise hell with your representatives if they aren't helping.

Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!

Kay

Dang! I'm Sorry!!!!!

Last night I was determined to have a post up but it didn't happen. Brice's mom asked me to help her with her financial aid papers because she's going to go to school in the fall and found them a bit daunting. I am almost an expert in that area between my own experience as a student and sending the Dynamic Duo to college so of course I said okay. The good news is it can be done online now however, Michelle isn't very computer literate which makes it more difficult. So I spent most of the evening with her and we got everything done without any huge problems and Michelle learned a few computer tricks.

I was determined to have a post up this morning but it didn't happen -- I forgot that I'd made arrangements to have the cleaning lady over at Jeff's and she called when she was about halfway done so I dropped everything and did a quick run to the grocery to grab some staples for the fridge and dashed over there to pay her and left the receipts for him so he can pay me back. For my next trick it was doctor day and I got to see Dr. Maria. She eliminated one scrip and gave me some samples to try of a possible replacement for another. I have to go get more blood work next week. God knows we have to feed the A- vampire. I was a bit disappointed that she didn't have any positive suggestions and just seemed happy that my blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, etc., was okay.

I had to rush to get home because the ex was coming to look at a problem that I was having with one of my programs. It was a weirdness that even he couldn't fix but he made some adjustments and at least I can do what I need to do now.

Then I had to get some other errands done and went to the Evil Empire (Wal-Mart) for one of my infrequent visits. Hopefully, I won't have to go back for a few months.

When I came home tonight Brice and Joey were playing catch in the yard and were laughing as I got out of my car. Why? Because I pulled up with Miss Ruby's windows down and the classic rock radio station blasting Eric Clapton's "Cocaine". They don't seem to understand that we elders were there when rock was invented. To their credit, they helped me with my parcels when they stopped laughing.

Sorry my plans were disrupted, I'm hoping to get back to a regular schedule soon.

Here's a video that scared the hell out of me. I don't remember the demonstrations of the 50s and 60s being this vicious and downright stupid. I am ashamed of these alleged humanoids. If one is going to call people names, I think one should at least check the facts and spell them right, don't you?



Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!

Kay

Saturday Random Thoughts

It's a pretty Saturday albeit crisp, chilly Saturday in Ohio with a glorious cloudless blue sky -- the kind of day that makes this old body smile. It's been a hell of a week and I'm hoping for a simpler one next week.

* Jeff called this morning and he and Shaughnessy will be returning from Florida long about Thursday. He asked me to make sure the cleaning lady gets things ready for them, get some stuff for him at the grocery, and that I keep Friday night open. No problem. He also said, "We need to talk." I don't know about y'all but my experience is that those four words are among the scariest words I've ever heard. They are harbingers of hard questions, difficult decisions and/or bad news in my experience and right now that isn't what I need. Sigh. Oh well. I'll get fed well.

* Y'all know that I am a huge believer in the Constitution of this country. Next week I get to do one of my favorite posts of the year: The Jefferson Muzzle Awards!!!!!! Yes!!! The top violators of the First Amendment in 2009!!! The sad news is that the every year the list of candidates grows. We have forgotten what our Founding Fathers set down to keep this country free. Given the past year, it should be a interesting albeit horrifying list.

* Tonight is symphony night. We have a guest artist and the programme is Chopin! One of my favorites! I am really looking forward to it!!! Sounds like I pull my favorite 'Audrey Hepburn dress' out of the closet!

* Michelle Bachmann and Sarah Palin got together this week. Scary, huh? Thelma and Louise go Tea Party.

* Quote of the Week: Obama on the new START Treaty: "I really have no response. Because last I checked, Sarah Palin's not much of an expert on nuclear issues." Did anyone recall except me that this treaty was the brain child of Ronald Reagan who wanted to eliminate nuclear weapons?

* My plan to re-organize and redecorate my blog is on hold indefinitely. I simply haven't the time to burrow through the nooks and crannies of Blogger and add the pages, widgets, etc. at the present time.

* Here's an amazing, short happy video of hope. It made me smile! Hope y'all do, too!



Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!

Kay

Adventure in Health Care

There's been a lot of talk about health care and Medicare and Medicaid -- rightfully so given it's importance and the struggles in Congress. Yesterday I had discussions about it with various sources and I am at my wits' end. Life in Kay's World is never simple at the best of times and this is definitely not the best of times. Here is my story.

I have been struggling since last summer with dental issues. I have mentioned it here as a source of discomfort and embarrassment and how it's interfered with the quality of my life. I have also mentioned that I get little Social Security because I spent most of my life staying home to raise my children. Yesterday it all came to a turning point and I am throwing up my hands in despair and defeat. I am embarrassed to write this post and as I type, I am in tears as I have been for the last twenty-four hours and and probably will continue to be for a long time.

I am assuming that each State's department of human services work differently. Here in Ohio it's handled by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS --aka welfare). I deal with these idiots a lot because my income is so low I have no choice. The only programs I qualify for are food assistance and Medicaid. Don't get me wrong -- I really appreciate the help -- but I get very little of the former and Medicaid is, in my not so humble opinion, basically useless.

Yesterday I had my annual review with the sanctimonious bitch who is my caseworker. For years I was spoiled -- Miss Rosa was my caseworker and we had a good relationship because we could communicate and worked together. This one is nasty and I hope she rots in hell. I do realize that these people are overloaded given the situation in our county. We are all hurting but I digress.

My caseworker called promptly at the appointed time and went through the drill. I learned quickly that having one's paperwork in order was key so that was no problem and she rattled off what the various amounts of assistance I would receive -- no increase in food assistance despite the increase in grocery prices and my "spend down" is $218. WHOA!!!!!!! I went ballistic.

What is "spend down" you ask? It's the amount I have to pay if I wish to use Medicaid in any given month. My spend down was $115 and I couldn't afford that either but this is ridiculous. And it happened because my ex-husband retired and, as a result, my Social Security increased $106. In short, they are taking away 25% of my income if I use Medicaid. To be perfectly blunt, I never have $200 left after paying my rent, utilities, food (because try as I might, no one can eat on what they give me for that) and all the essentials like gas, paper products and cleaning and personal hygiene products, prescriptions, and car insurance, there isn't $200 left. The biggest things I have learned about the so-called welfare system is that it is neither well nor fair and is designed to keep people in its thrall.

Needless to say, I was a wreck when the review ended and had started having a panic attack for which I thanked the idiot profusely -- NOT! After I took my medication and calmed down to a semi-rational state, I started I called my Congressman's office to see if they could help. I was told that because Medicaid is a state program, it was illegal for them to talk to me. So I called my young punk state representative (a Democrat) and as usual, got his answering machine and so I left a message -- and as usual, he didn't return my call. (Guess who will never get my vote again -- he missed his chance to redeem himself.) I then called my state senator and he actually answers his phone himself. I explained my problem and he was properly sympathetic and listened to my problem/dilemma carefully. He gave me the name of the Doctor who founded a dental clinic -- which I didn't know existed -- at a local hospital and told me to call them and talk to the dentist and that he would call, too. He also took my name, address and number and said he will be in touch. I believe him as I've dealt with him before and he's been around a long time for that reason. He and I joked about his long career in state government and that we had more or less grown up together. Scott always gets my vote because he actually works for his constituents -- an interesting, albeit rare, concept.

I called the clinic and explained my problem and who referred me to the pleasant young lady there and learned that the dentist was not available at the present time (he spends a couple months working in South America in the underdeveloped areas) but said she would see what she could do for me and call me back. She hasn't called so I suppose I will have to call her back.

The bottom line is that until I can find a way that I can smile again, I am not going anywhere. Tomorrow -- my brother's Homecoming celebration -- will be my last public appearance except for necessary trips for subsistence reasons and frankly am wondering why I should bother with that. I think I am going to cancel my proposed move -- my caseworker was a bit taken aback at my mention of that -- and I won't be going home for a visit or anywhere else. I am tired and heartsick and wonder if I'll ever laugh or smile again. I am done. I can't fight anymore. I am too damned old and too damned sick to contend with all this. And I'm disgusted with petty bureaucrats and with a country that doesn't care. I can't help but wonder how many people have died from the issues I'm dealing with or any other health issues due to this alleged system and I wonder if I'm next.

I hope y'all are more fortunate than I am and are having a great day!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay