Really?

 Most all items from Carole's room have been removed.  I saw this tiny tree in a pile.  This tree that I set on her room's large window at the facility for Christmas.  She fell in love with it, aides and nurses did also, so much so that she kept it on display the entire year.  The following Christmas she came back home and once again, the tree was displayed year round on her desk.

When I inquired about it on the pile, Tracy said I was welcome to take it.  She said she never watered it, wondered why it hadn't died yet, but it's sort of stiff, so maybe it did.  But she doesn't want to be bothered with houseplants so I could take it.

What?

 One example of why my mind spins in circles.

*************

Reminder

It's that time again to review your health care plans.

Whether you have Medicare and a prescription plan or an all inclusive Advantage plan, check your selections.  Changing plans ends this week.

The difference for 2025 is mainly drugs, but it's a big one.  Previously, tier 3 drugs averaged a co-pay about $49, but now, co-pays have changed to 25% of the drug's cost.  Example - Eliquis in tier 3 had a co-pay of $49 for me.  2025 my cost would be 25% of the drug's $600 a month cost, or $125, quite a difference.  The ten drugs that will have a lower cost are not in effect in 2025, that starts in 2026.  

The first amount is the new price in 2026, the second is the current price.  

Even then, the 25% in tier 3 and up is higher than a co-pay, but hundreds of other widely used drugs are not lowered yet that many people need.  The majority of plans are as such, very few still offer a co-pay for tier 3, and most all now have a +-$590  deductible.  

The other big change which will help those with high drug costs is the death of the donut hole.  Now, once you pay $2000 out of pocket, all is free.  It's about time that Medicare seniors are given the same benefits of drug plans as those on commercial drug plans. 

Single Care and GoodRx are great options and we pay less than with our drug plan.  BUT.  Generics only.

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.  We are all struggling, can't seem to go anywhere without seeing items we routinely picked up for her, or make meals and recipes we shared.  I think my brain is allowing reality to slowly enter because the dry cry is more frequent.  Either way, you've all been through this, so I apologize for mentioning grief again.

I thought a little about stitching, but the eye bubble doesn't seem any smaller so it will be a while before I could anyway.  Picking up my order at Kohls today brought an unexpected situation.  My knee.  Almost as bad as when using the chair, good thing hubs was there to help me.  It has felt different since my fall, and I believe the damage from it has reared its head.

Can't see, can't walk, can't cry with no tears!  Even bitching isn't as fun anymore.  But I'll keep trying.

Be well, be safe.  Getting closer each day to summer.

*****************

Glimpse

 First, wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

My follow up visit showed the retina is healing nicely, I am able to recline now.  Unfortunately, that moved the bubble to center, perception and vision problems will continue for a few more weeks. 

 This holiday is very difficult for us, Chris is really struggling.  His favorite meal, her favorite to prepare, she loved to cook and bake.

Here is a snap of before, and a glimpse of progress.  

We had the shiplap left over from the back room, just enough for this tiny area. I wanted to have a counter for candle/accessories which wasn't possible with the pedestal.  Also, the wainscoting was a cheap mess, covered with saw chatter marks.  So added the shiplap over, scott will construct a wood top with apron and two bins.

This is a test for height and apron size.

Panels/trim installed, putty and paint touch up after vanity is installed.  My tiny iron towel rack with bean ends is not to be found.

The vessel sink is white and the waterfall faucet, other hardware and mirror frame will be black.  I wanted an unusual sink but none are available in such a small size. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you.

***************

Help me sparkle

 My oh my.  Friends told me that the laser repair of a retinal tear was quick and a piece of cake.  My treatment for detached retina was not so sweet.  The nurse said she never had a patient tolerate those laser settings.  Did I have a choice?  My rear end was lifting off the table and the procedure lasted much longer than I expected.   Great doctor and staff, explained there was still fluid at the outline resulting in two passes around the horseshoe flap.  Still nauseous, dizzy, off balance and very grateful.  The bubble shaking and distorting my vision is not helping and will be present for a while.  Sleeping upright with head down will also continue.

I have a request.  Until my vision returns, searching online is quite difficult.  I have decided to make a few decorative pins with beads from some of Mom's and Carole's jewelry.  What are those fancy pincushion pins called?  When I tried searching for 3" and 4" pins for jewelry or beads, they are flexible for earrings and such, not sturdy at all. What are those pins called?  Hat pins?

Chris was released from hospital, severe inflammation of esophagus, stomach.  He is still finding totes with her clothes and I was hoping it would get easier to sort them.  It is not.   I considered cutting this sweater for a pillow, not enough of a margin for small ornaments.  But someone would love to wear this I'm sure, probably better to donate.  Mark is missing her so much, especially when making her favorite dinners that he enjoyed sharing.

That's all.  Head is spinning, time to stop.

Hope everyone is well.

************

Dammit

 I can barely see. My exam and tests last thursday showed a retinal tear. The fall right after caused me to reschedule repair to today.  In that time, it detached.  I had the gas bubbles injected into my eyeball (i know, always looking for a good time), and must keep my head down as low as possible with a tilt.  The bubbles apply pressure to the detached pieee, hopefully enough to allow the laser to fuse.  If not, full surgery in hospital.  I go back tomorrow morning to see if laser repair is possible.  Must sleep upright with pillows pushing head down.  Even if it works, this will continue for a week.  Been a few hours and the bubbles combined into Mickey Mouse's hat. 

Chris is getting scoped in the morning.

Carole leaves and all hell breaks loose!

And yep, all cats are neutered except for the two mothers and their kittens.

What a difference a few days can make, huh?

Dammit.

**************

Continuing

 Good grief.  ......  

is there really any grief that is good?  Never thought about that.

Anyway, two consecutive ER visits and next day admission for Chris once again. As before, each visit costs him $200.  Admit from the ER is no co-pay, not next day!  Total of $800 which is frustrating.  They suspect internal bleeding, so sick, cough will not stop, dry and choking.  Sinus and chest are clear.  I'm assuming esophagus ulcers/inflammation.  If not, gallbladder surgery from a few weeks ago is wacky. 

I had vertigo for two days, dramamine and zofran will hopefully get me through my retina repair today.  If the laser sends me spinning, I'll be packing a barf bag next to the heart monitor cell.  Always be prepared.

Please send good thoughts for Chris to finally have answers and healing.

***********