The Fleet Report and Daily for Saturday October 14th, 2023

[grapau27]

4 hours ago, kplady said:

Good Saturday morning!

 

Bald day is celebrated here - both DH and younger son are "hair challenged!!"  Older son takes after my side of the family, was born with a full head of hair and still has it. Love eggs, and meatloaf will probably be on the menu tonight - thanks for the suggestion!

 

We've been to Victoria 4 times, and enjoyed our visits.  On our first visit in 2008 (Amsterdam 7 days), we were traveling with DH's two sisters. His older DS and I went to high tea at the Empress Hotel (excellent!), and he went with his younger DS on a pub crawl, to 3 different pubs.

 

 On our second visit in 2012 (Amsterdam 14 days), we went to Butchart Gardens.  If you get to Victoria, you really have to see it!!  DH wasn't sure about going, but once we got there he couldn't wait to see it all.  It really is amazing. I envy @VictOriann Ann who can visit as often as she likes!

 

We were in Victoria again in 2017 (Amsterdam 14 days), but don't have any different photos to share. We did visit Butchart Gardens again (as my DH's request)....and this time he walked to gardens with a boot due to a broken bone in his foot on the cruise!

 

Our last trip was in 2019 on the Maasdam (21 days), and we decided to do something different...we did a brewery tour.  We visited 3 different breweries and tasted some great beers.

 

As you can see, Victoria is one of our favorite ports!

 

Prayers for all ailing, both in hospital and at home. Cheers for all our cruisers and soon-to-be cruisers.

 

Take care of yourselves!

Laura

Nice photos.

[cruising sister]

10 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Not just the pharmacist saying it.  She (the pharmacist) actually told Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser she had discussed it with the physician, and he told her that misinformation.  So it all started with the PCP!

That is even worse. All accreditation groups including Family Practice and Internal Medicine endorse it. They estimate 6,000 to 10,000 adult deaths with 10 times that hospitalized. If they haven’t seen it adults they haven’t looked. Many just throw antibiotics at patients with prolonged cough rather than check a viral panel. 

[Nickelpenny]

11 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Not just the pharmacist saying it.  She (the pharmacist) actually told Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser she had discussed it with the physician, and he told her that misinformation.  So it all started with the PCP!

Just ‘cause they have MD/NP/DO behind their doesn’t mean …..  ok never mind 🥴 ( I have met several docs in my career that I wonder how they passed the boards)

[Petunia1950]

1 minute ago, Nickelpenny said:

Just ‘cause they have MD/NP/DO behind their doesn’t mean …..  ok never mind 🥴 ( I have met several docs in my career that I wonder how they passed the boards)

The best doctor I ever had told me once -- "just remember 50% of doctors graduated in the bottom half of their class".  And he wasn't one of those.  But it did make me realize that doctors are NOT all-seeing, all-knowing.  They are human, just like the rest of us.

[Himself]

8 hours ago, richwmn said:

 

Today is Be Bald and Free Day, National Dessert Day, and World Egg Day
 

Halloween is the beginning of the holiday shopping season. That's for women. The beginning of the holiday shopping season for men is Christmas Eve. --David Letterman

Meal Suggestion for today - Classic Meatloaf
Drink of the Day - Minted Joe
Wine of the Day - Grain D’Océan Entre-deluxe-mers Sauvignon
Destination of the Day - Victoria BC, Vancouver Island, BC Canada

Today in History:
1322 Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeats King Edward II of England at Byland, forcing Edward to accept Scotland's independence
1884 George Eastman patents paper-strip photographic film

Ship Locations
 

Eurodam

At Sea Destination Puerto Vallarta, Mexico eta 10-15
 

Koningsdam

Nawiliwili (Kauai), Hawaii 0700-1600
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

At Sea Destination Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica eta 10-15
 

Nieuw Statendam

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece 0700-1600
 

Noordam

Hilo, Hawaii 0800-1700
 

Oosterdam

Piraeus (Athens), Greece Overnight
 

Rotterdam

Ponta Delgada, Azores 0800-1700
 

Volendam

At Sea Destination Tabuaeran, Fanning Islands eta 10/18
 

Zaandam

Manta, Ecuador 0800-2200
 

Zuiderdam

At Sea Destination Funchal, Madeira eta 10-18

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Westerdam

Yokohama, Japan 0700-1900
 

Thanks for the DAILY Fleet report

[Himself]

7 hours ago, summer slope said:

Minted Joe cocktail:

 

Ingredients
2 parts Basil Hayden's® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1/2 part Dark Matter Espresso
1/2 part Mint Syrup
2 dashes Angostura® Bitters
1 small pinch Sea Salt
Garnish with 2 Fresh Mint Leaves

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

 

Sounds good!

[cruzn single]

Thanks for well wishes.  Starting to feel a little bit better.  Haven’t started to re-test.  Feel it is a waste of time (and tests) since I am quarantined in my apartment till Monday.  I am agreeing that it was a good move for me as I don’t have to worry about any food prep, etc.

 

This discussion about RSV is very interesting to me.  Last February when I was in ER with horrible cough, lung issues, I was tested for COVID, Influenza A and B, RSV, and Pneumonia x-rays.  I was reassured that the docs wanted to rule out everything since I was and am a senior.  I know that right now I will not be eligible for a C-19 booster, but I intend to get the RSV shot when I am recovered.

 

No rest for me this afternoon.  There is a local air show with the highlight being the Blue Angels.  My apartment complex is in the flight path. The Blue Angels have been practicing for the last two days!  I love the “sounds of freedom”

 

have a great rest of the days.  My thoughts and prayers for all.  I am still trying to get caught on FR&D reading.

Mary Kay

[dobiemom]

8 hours ago, richwmn said:

Halloween is the beginning of the holiday shopping season. That's for women. The beginning of the holiday shopping season for men is Christmas Eve. --David Letterman

This used to be DH when he was working and they got a Christmas bonus (2 weeks pay if I remember correctly). But then the nieces and nephews came, and then grandchildren, and now that he is retired he starts a couple weeks prior. Wrapping is a frenzy for a couple of days. 😳😄

[SusieKIslandGirl]

Just received this info from a friend:

 

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles

 

2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles

Oct 12, 2023 

·         Medicare Part D

·         Medicare Parts A & B

On October 12, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2024 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts.

The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help more than 10 million people with coverage of Medicare premiums and, in most cases, other cost sharing. In their continued efforts to improve access to health care and lower costs for millions of Americans, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through CMS, recently finalized a rule to streamline enrollment in MSPs, making coverage more affordable for an estimated 860,000 people. In addition, the Part D low‑income subsidy (LIS) helps pay for the Part D premium and lowers the cost of prescription drugs. Further, the Inflation Reduction Act recently expanded the number of people eligible for full LIS. 

Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible

Medicare Part B covers physicians’ services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A. 

Each year, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to provisions of the Social Security Act. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $174.70 for 2024, an increase of $9.80 from $164.90 in 2023. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $240 in 2024, an increase of $14 from the annual deductible of $226 in 2023.

The increase in the 2024 Part B standard premium and deductible is mainly due to projected increases in health care spending and, to a lesser degree, the remedy for the 340B-acquired drug payment policy for the 2018-2022 period under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System.

Beginning in 2023, individuals whose full Medicare coverage ended 36 months after a kidney transplant and who do not have certain other types of insurance coverage can elect to continue Part B coverage of immunosuppressive drugs by paying a premium. For 2024, the standard immunosuppressive drug premium is $103.00.

Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

Since 2007, a beneficiary’s Part B monthly premium has been based on his or her income. These income-related monthly adjustment amounts affect roughly 8 percent of people with Medicare Part B. The 2024 Part B total premiums for high-income beneficiaries with full Part B coverage are shown in the following table:

Full Part B Coverage
Beneficiaries who file individual tax returns with modified adjusted gross income:	Beneficiaries who file joint tax returns with modified adjusted gross income:	Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount	Total Monthly Premium Amount
Less than or equal to $103,000	Less than or equal to $206,000	$0.00	$174.70
Greater than $103,000 and less than or equal to $129,000	Greater than $206,000 and less than or equal to $258,000	$69.90	$244.60
Greater than $129,000 and less than or equal to $161,000	Greater than $258,000 and less than or equal to $322,000	$174.70	$349.40
Greater than $161,000 and less than or equal to $193,000	Greater than $322,000 and less than or equal to $386,000	$279.50	$454.20
Greater than $193,000 and less than $500,000	Greater than $386,000 and less than $750,000	$384.30	$559.00
Greater than or equal to $500,000	Greater than or equal to $750,000	$419.30	$594.00

[dfish]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Not just the pharmacist saying it.  She (the pharmacist) actually told Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser she had discussed it with the physician, and he told her that misinformation.  So it all started with the PCP!

The pharmacist said the physician told her that.  But, we don't know if the pharmacist really talked to the physician or just said she did to bolster her own viewpoint.  Since the physician in question is Lenda's @Quartzsite Cruiser, I would suggest that Lenda ask him/her about it.  But, do get the vaccine.  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon.  I survived our annual property owners meeting, but as planned I left at 11:30 in order to be home before the eclipse reached it's peek.  It looked like the meeting dragged on for another hour or more judging by when we saw cars returning.  I'm amazed how a simple meeting with very little on the ballot could drag on so long, and how so many seniors could argue and go over the same point for what seemed like forever.  I generally skip the meetings, and give our proxy to a neighbor, but this year I wanted to hear about the plans if one measure passed.  They never got to how it would work.  I think I'll return to sending in my proxy in the future.  😁  It's a lot less stressful.  But the free donuts were nice.  🍩

 

I made it home in time to see the best part of the eclipse.  DH had his telescope with the solar filter out before 9:30, and we didn't bring it in until the eclipse was over.  Besides viewing it through the telescope, we went out to see the peek with our solar glasses.  This is DH's picture of the peek of the eclipse.  He has a lot of pictures taken over the entire event.

 

We are just over 220 miles from San Antonio which was in the path of the total eclipse, but we got a pretty good view.  While it still looked sunny outside during the height of the eclipse, it was surprising how dark the interior of the house was.

 

4 hours ago, luvteaching said:

Good morning everyone, 

 

My dad told everyone that he started going bald the day I was born! DH was thinning but still had a decent head of hair. 

The last few days have been busy. I did PT on Tuesday and Thursday. For some reason Thursday was a teary day and it wasn't the PT, just my body I guess. I did a drive afterwards and headed down Whidbey Island, wandered around Langley and treated myself to a chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cone and the day got better as it went on. Yesterday was errands and then work around the house. Today is a Cruise and Travel show put on by our travel agency at the local casino just up the road. Since my TA retired at the end of September I'll stop in and meet my new TA and see what's on tap for 2025. I'm thinking about Boston-Quebec City-Boston but we'll see. Another one is Panama Canal repositioning. 

Tomorrow is DDIL's birthday dinner (birthday is Monday) and she's requested my crockpot stroganoff. I'll get it made today as it's easy with hamburger, onions, canned cream of mushroom soup and tomorrow add the sour cream. She couldn't decide if she wanted it over baked potatoes or noodles so we'll do both and I'll do a batch of egg noodles up from scratch. She's worth it! 

Have a good Saturday and enjoy the weekend!

Karen

 

Karen, I was sorry Thursday was a bad day for you, but I'm glad you got out and did something enjoyable, and that the day improved as it went on.  It's amazing the curative power of ice cream.  🍨  Please wish your DDIL HAPPY BIRTHDAY for us.

 

4 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

The fall rains have begun, I'm glad I was able to get so much done in the yard this past week.

Good set of days, I'll pass on the drink but would like the wine and meal.  Meatloaf sounds good for tonight, now I just need to decide which recipe.  The first 2 look good to me -- although whichever one I choose, I won't add brown sugar because catsup has enough sugar in it for me 😉 

 

We've been to Victoria many times, usually on day-trips from home and on a few cruises. Of course my favorite thing to do is to go to Butchart.  Which reminds me, we haven't gone in years.  One visit was with my 2 sisters, we chose it as one of our "sisters' weekends".  Our oldest sister was battling Lymphoma and each time she went into remission we would go on a sisters' weekend -- always to different places.  That time we stayed at the Empress (but I wasn't impressed with our room, it was small and hadn't been cleaned properly).  We also didn't do afternoon tea at the Empress, we chose a different locale and it was excellent at a fraction of the price.   

 

Lorraine @cruising sister Thank you for giving a physician's opinion about the RSV vaccine -- I had never heard anyone say that seniors don't need it and our DSIL who is a PA said their clinic highly recommends it for seniors.  That's why we got ours.

 

Debbie @dfish and Gerry @ger_77 I'm glad to hear you're both getting some answers to your problems, now to get them fixed!

 

The view out our window this morning.

 

 

 

Carolyn, thanks for the picture of the trees in their fall colors.

 

3 hours ago, sailingdutchy said:

 

A big Thank You to all the contributors of the  “ Fleet Report and Daily “ , I should be doing other things but have to look up some nice pictures of Victoria , British Columbia the home of our dear friends Ann and Pat  @Vict0riann 

 

First a few pics from 2017 when we were on the Zaandam from Santiago to Vancouver  where our friends disembarked of coarse so they did not have to take the ferry back and they invited us to their home and also for a wonderful dinner at the “club “ in the yacht harbour .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now a few pictures from 2007 when we did a Alaska cruise on the Zaandam  ( yes she is getting old )  and took the ferry after the cruise to visit the amazing Butchard Gardens .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow ………..who are those young people ……...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to rearrange my suitcase ….. Thank you all for the Bon Voyage , looking forward to be on the Oosterdam again and the Mediterranean .

We'll meet you in Barcelona Ann and Pat ! 

 

Have a wonderful weekend everybody ! 

 

Tony 😍😍

 

Tony, thanks for sharing your pictures of Victoria.

 

6 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  Baldness can certainly have a second day, I love dessert, and use a lot of eggs in baking, especially around the holidays.

 

As much as I'd love to see the annular solar eclipse today, it's not looking good right now as we've got heavy clouds over us.  Hopefully the wind will blow them away so we can use our pinhole cameras to view it.  Although we tend to have tons of sunshine, it seems whenever there's a celestial event, we end up under a blanket of clouds.

 

Well I found out the cause of my shoulder pain - it seems I managed to acquire a 1.8cm (3/4") tear in a tendon, commonly known as a torn rotator cuff.  How the heck that happened, I have no idea.  I spoke with the Dr. over the phone and he's referring me to an orthopedic surgeon to see what can be done.  I can manage it alright during the daytime, but find that I wake up because I'm stretching in my sleep, causing pain.   We'll see what happens; I'll just keep taking OTC anti-inflammatories for night time.  It isn't earth shattering or life threatening, so I'm not going to worry about it.

 

Not a lot on the agenda today except that DH and I have to get out in the back yard and empty the fountain for the year.  Every night it's getting cooler and cooler and before we know it, we'll be having frost on a regular basis, and we don't want to ruin the fountain or the pump.  

 

Someone told me a couple of days ago that they were worried their air miles were going to expire, so they ordered a new set of golf clubs.  That got me thinking about all the air miles we accrue through the daily use of our credit card, so I went onto the reward site and ordered a new air fryer.  I had been thinking of replacing our 2 year old one with something better, and in a couple of weeks should be the proud owner of a Ninja 12 in one double oven air fryer that looks like it does everything except knit socks.  

 

I love today's menu suggestion - I made meatloaf last week and it was enjoyed for a couple of meals.  @dfish I always add a good splash of milk along with a handful or two of oatmeal and onion soup mix to mine.  Topping is a combination of ketchup, dry mustard and nutmeg - yum!

 

I'm giving a pass on the drink of the day, the wine, and because we had meatloaf not that long ago, will pass on it as well.  DH brought home a couple of packages of breaded chicken wings that will be going into the air fryer before being tossed in the honey garlic sauce.  I think we'll just have crudites and dip along with the wings, so it'll look like pub grub for us at the kitchen table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone in Israel, especially the hostages for safety, and for the people of Ukraine.  Cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

 

Gerry, I'm sorry you tore your rotator cuff.  With such a small tear, they may be able to repair it arthroscopically.  I hope that is the case.

 

Lenda

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

20 minutes ago, dfish said:

The pharmacist said the physician told her that.  But, we don't know if the pharmacist really talked to the physician or just said she did to bolster her own viewpoint.  Since the physician in question is Lenda's @Quartzsite Cruiser, I would suggest that Lenda ask him/her about it.  But, do get the vaccine.  

 

The pharmacist said to talk to our PCP before making a decision.  There is an article from the AMA about the vaccine and who should get it.  Here is a link to the article.  https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/rsv-vaccines-questions-patients-may-have-and-how-answer

 

Here are two interesting paragraphs that explain who over 60 should get the vaccine, and that it should be a decision made with your physician.  The other goes into it a little deeper.  I would recommend reading the article in it's entirety and talking with your doctor if you haven't already gotten the vaccine.  It has to be a personal decision between the patient and the doctor.

 

What RSV vaccines are available for adults?

The first ever vaccines for RSV were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May for older adults and are now recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for those 60 or older under shared clinical decision making. This means patients and their physician decide together after a discussion about the risks and benefits, based on their individual situation.

One vaccine is from GSK and will be marketed under the brand name Arexvy. It contains the same adjuvant—a substance that increases the immune response to a vaccine—used in the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix.

The other vaccine is from Pfizer and is called ABRYSVO. It does not contain an adjuvant, but it is bivalent. These are the first-ever RSV vaccines approved for use in the U.S. Both vaccines are extremely effective at preventing serious illness from RSV infection in older adults.

 

Which adults benefit from RSV vaccination?

RSV generally causes mild upper respiratory disease in healthy adults. But for adults 60 or older with certain underlying conditions or other risk factors, RSV can cause serious illness. For example, those with chronic medical conditions such as lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurologic or neuromuscular conditions, kidney disorders, liver disorders, diabetes or moderate or severe immune compromise are good candidates for RSV vaccination, according to the CDC.

Additionally, those who are of advanced age, reside in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and have underlying medical conditions can also benefit from RSV vaccination.

 

Lenda

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from yesterday, from the deck of Crystal Serenity in Bayonne,'

 

 

Roy

[StLouisCruisers]

I just got an email from Annie @marshhawk which basically said she arrived, slept 16 hours, wandered around the Piazza Navona today, and ate pizza. 🍕  I reminded her not to forget the gelato!  Very important!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

3 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I just got an email from Annie @marshhawk which basically said she arrived, slept 16 hours, wandered around the Piazza Navona today, and ate pizza. 🍕  I reminded her not to forget the gelato!  Very important!

 

Glad you reminded Annie about the gelato.  Can't go to Italy and not have any.  I'm glad they made it safely, and I hope they enjoy their time in Rome, and their cruise.

 

Lenda

[1ANGELCAT]

Good rainy and cold day. I hope everyone had a great day today. 
I’ve been to Victoria several times and always enjoyed it. 
Blessings and prayers to all on our lists.

[Spudd]

7 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Trying to finalize all our tours and realize in my foggy state I made 2 major mistakes - bought tickets to Malaga when we had decided to HOHO & see some Picasso and booked Pompeii & Amalfi coast after DH said he did not want to spend that much time on a bus. Crud!! While I can cancel and get a refund for the tours, the entry tickets themselves are non-refundable and I hate to just throw that $$ away. Plus, that will those groups 2 people short, which I do not want to do. Double crud!!

 

 

Just wanted to say that if you haven't been to Pompeii before it is well worth the trip. It's an amazing thing to see.

[cruising sister]

I am tapped out of this debate. Each person will decide for themselves. Just was shocked that someone would say RSV is not seen in adults. CDC and ACIP have good stats. 

[sunviking90]

5 hours ago, cruising sister said:

Linda, the advice you got is so wrong about RSV. All ages get RSV it is babies and seniors that have a bad time with it. I am saddened that a pharmacist is spreading such false claims. Babies have smaller airways so sound different with the disease.  My niece who is an intensive care doctor sees elderly people on vents from RSV every winter. She highly recommends it. Now off my soap box again. Vaccines is a pediatricians hot button. 
 

It is cold and cloudy here. DGD and I skipped DGS flag football this morning. My late DH loved meatloaf. Me not so much. His favorite thing to do with the leftovers was to make grilled meatloaf and cheese sandwiches. 

Now to find things to do with the DGK’s on this cold windy Saturday. I will sure miss them on my long cruise. 
 

Have a great Saturday. 

 

Completely agree about the RSV. We were in Europe for a couple of weeks last fall before our TA and happened to hit London when all the European schools were on a 2 week break. I remember riding the tube the first day being the only one with a N95 and DH declined masking. I was feeling silly until I realized there were tons of kids on the tube coughing, sneezing, etc. A couple of days later DH started to feel like he had a cold, but right in his lungs. It lasted about 3 weeks, and one night he seemed so I’ll I remember thinking we might have to take him to the hospital! Keep in mind he is 60, and very fit and healthy and that’s how bad it was. It was much worse than Covid for him. Luckily I never got it. 
We are planning to get all our shots this fall, but I respect others decisions.
Just letting you know his experience with it as a healthy adult. 
Now back to the lighthearted nature of this thread 😊 

Edited October 14, 2023 by sunviking90

[USN59-79]

Interesting that we are discussing Medicare today.  Went to the monthly DAV meeting this morning and heard a presentation about something called AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot (PPO) from United Healthcare.  You don't have to be an AARP member and United Healthcare is just one of the insurance companies offering this.  This is called a Medicare Advantage plan and its cost is zero monthly premium.  It is appropriate for those who already have Medicare parts A and B and also have something like Tricare for Life which most retired military have.

She mentioned that after free enrollment, our monthly Medicare Part B premium will go from $164.90 to $69.90 for both me and my DW, we will receive $2K per year for comprehensive dental services and $400 per year for over the counter medications, like vitamins.

I had never heard of this, but the retired Marine next to me said he has been using it and it worked fine for him.  I plan to meet with this sales agent next week and see about signing up for this.

I also talked to one of the DAV people about getting the VA to pay my dental costs based on my disability.  He said he went through the same thing and you just have to be persistent and expect it to take some time to get it started.

Ray

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Evening, thanks for today’s report.  Where did the day go?  First the kids let me sleep in until 6:30!  Ashlee was very displeased that breakfast was late.  
Yesterday DM let me know that the doctor removed her wrist brace.  She was thrilled, now she can drive again.
We had a Leaf Filter come to the house for a quote. At first I thought we would pass but he hadn’t added the discount offers I had so that made the price “reasonable”, they will be here Friday afternoon to install.  One less thing to worry about when winter hits as some of the gutters need repair.

We then went to Texas Roadhouse for an early dinner.  During dinner DH asked what else I wanted to do and when I said clean the dining room I got a look.  He did eventually help and now it looks good.  Some purging was accomplished.  Today I got some cleaner for the kitchen cabinets to remove grease and dirt. I hope to do some of that tomorrow. 

I hope everyone has a good rest of the day.

 

[57redbird]

31 minutes ago, USN59-79 said:

Interesting that we are discussing Medicare today.  Went to the monthly DAV meeting this morning and heard a presentation about something called AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot (PPO) from United Healthcare.  You don't have to be an AARP member and United Healthcare is just one of the insurance companies offering this.  This is called a Medicare Advantage plan and its cost is zero monthly premium.  It is appropriate for those who already have Medicare parts A and B and also have something like Tricare for Life which most retired military have.

She mentioned that after free enrollment, our monthly Medicare Part B premium will go from $164.90 to $69.90 for both me and my DW, we will receive $2K per year for comprehensive dental services and $400 per year for over the counter medications, like vitamins.

I had never heard of this, but the retired Marine next to me said he has been using it and it worked fine for him.  I plan to meet with this sales agent next week and see about signing up for this.

I also talked to one of the DAV people about getting the VA to pay my dental costs based on my disability.  He said he went through the same thing and you just have to be persistent and expect it to take some time to get it started.

Ray

Ray -  can you follow up on this when you find anything out, please?  Hubby is 100% disabled, we are on Medicare A & B + have Kaiser as our secondary....very interested. Or you can email me at patspal162atyahoo.com.  Thanks.

[Cruising-along]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

I made it home in time to see the best part of the eclipse.  DH had his telescope with the solar filter out before 9:30, and we didn't bring it in until the eclipse was over.  Besides viewing it through the telescope, we went out to see the peek with our solar glasses.  This is DH's picture of the peek of the eclipse.  He has a lot of pictures taken over the entire event.

Lenda please thank your DH for giving us another amazing photo!  I look forward to these. 

34 minutes ago, USN59-79 said:

Interesting that we are discussing Medicare today.  Went to the monthly DAV meeting this morning and heard a presentation about something called AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot (PPO) from United Healthcare.  You don't have to be an AARP member and United Healthcare is just one of the insurance companies offering this.  This is called a Medicare Advantage plan and its cost is zero monthly premium.  It is appropriate for those who already have Medicare parts A and B and also have something like Tricare for Life which most retired military have.

She mentioned that after free enrollment, our monthly Medicare Part B premium will go from $164.90 to $69.90 for both me and my DW, we will receive $2K per year for comprehensive dental services and $400 per year for over the counter medications, like vitamins.

I had never heard of this, but the retired Marine next to me said he has been using it and it worked fine for him.  I plan to meet with this sales agent next week and see about signing up for this.

I also talked to one of the DAV people about getting the VA to pay my dental costs based on my disability.  He said he went through the same thing and you just have to be persistent and expect it to take some time to get it started.

Ray

We're also interested in this and I just told DH about it.

[Sea Viewer]

Interesting discussion  on RSV vaccine today. DH and I have the same primary physician and she strongly recommended that he get the vaccine but that I don't need to make it a priority. Flu shot and new Covid vaccine were to be my priorities this year. I am up to date with other vaccines. DH does have multiple medical problems, but as I take him to all of his doctor/ hospital visits I've scheduled to get the RSV vaccine in a couple of weeks. After all medical facilities are generally full of people with medical problems including infections!!

[Smmessineo]

Thanks to everyone who posted great photos of Victoria! I was just there last month, for the first time. What a beautiful city! I visited our daughter who lives in Port Angeles Washington. We took the ferry over for the day. As an aside, that whole area of Washington is magnificent. Little coastal towns up against the mountains and within a few hours of Victoria and Seattle. I understand why our kid loves it there.

Strength and best wishes to all those who need support . 

And thanks for the Fleet Report !