purduemom1

Kat, thanks for reviewing your travel clothing choices. It’s helpful to know what works and why. So you finally peaked my interest with your praise of Woolx items. To be honest I wasn’t really that interested when this discussion came up a few months ago because wool against my skin is very uncomfortable. However, i have heard that merino wool is different although I have no first hand experience. I looked at the Woolx site and saw some shirts I liked. If they are as cool in the summer, warm in the winter as they say, they would be worth the price. I am still thinking about them because I try to buy petite lengths and they don’t offer those.. When we get back from this trip I will email Woolx and ask for some measurements. I usually have to shorten everything and I’m not sure if this is the kind of fabric that can be shortened without causing damage. The big question for you and others who have worn merino items next to there skin, are they as comfortable as they claim?

Lois, I’m sorry to hear about this. Will be thinking good thoughts and hoping that your cruise will go ahead as planned.

PandaBear, good job! I’ve been traveling with only a 21” roll aboard and a tote for many years. While it’s good to have a few extras (just in case😉) I agree that a lot of extra clothes can be overwhelming. I am not one to use drawers in hotels, ships etc so managing just one piece of luggage is much easier for me. On one of our trips we shared a hotel shuttle with 2 other couples that we didn’t know but who were also headed for the same 11 night cruise. One of the women asked me if my other bag was delayed. I said nope this is it. She was shocked. Later I overheard her tell her friend that “I bet that woman with just one small bag only has 3 outfits with her and will be wearing the same things over and over” I laughed to myself knowing that she had no idea what she was talking about.

Kat, well, just a few days and you will be off again. I think this the girlfriends trip, right? Hope all is going well prepping for this adventure.

Cynthia, we are headed to Mpls in a few days. Not looking forward to the weather. Heat I can deal with but humidity, that’s another matter. Sounds like you didn’t have much opportunity to enjoy time off. Does your company have an office in St Paul or is it just a good, central location for meetings?

Very unusual here today and last night-RAIN! Just hoping it didn’t hurt the fruit trees and the grapes. Too early for raisin drying so that’s good. Unfortunately not enough to do a lot of good. We would need a lot more over a period of time to accomplish that.

Wow Lois, what a way to spend the day! Hope all goes well with your next med visit. Nice that you won’t drive as far to see this doctor. When do you leave for your next cruise and where are you going? Something to look forward to! Sharon

Kat welcome back to the US! Wish fish was one of our options but no such luck! Of course a much shorter flight. Maybe we will just ask for the snack basket and eat when we get there. I’ll keep those local food choices at SLC in mind for those times when we fly thru there. So you probably won’t have a lot of time to rest up and prep for next trip but lots to look forward to-friends and family-good times! Hope you sleep well tonight!

Cute Sox and shoes, Kat! Yah always 3 hours ahead and I guess it can be good at times. Same with our last Delta flight from CDG to SLC NS. Spent lots of time in the airport but only in main cabin so no lounge access. Had to make due with regular airport offerings. Did Delta send you an email saying you can choose your entrees 24 hours in advance. We got one for our fights next week-SMF to MSP. Must be something new because we didn’t have this option last March. Maybe it’s only certain routes or aircraft. Of course not that many to serve since only meals are in first. Best part of this itinerary is it’s NS so no SLC bus gates for us! Also offered us their upgraded Wi-Fi for $5. Don’t need that on this flight. We already get free texting. Just hope the entertainment is working. Thanks for taking us along on your fabulous trip. Enjoyed all your posts. Sharon

More great food porn! I went to TJ’s early this morning but I won’t bore everyone with my food porn! Of course the new flyer is out and I forgot to check it on line before I made my list. Well nothing wrong with ducking into a cool store, gallery or. Did you purchase anything interesting that will fir in your luggage? I can’t help but shop however I buy gifts so that makes it ok right? Loved the umbrellas. I know we have seen similar but darn if I can’t ember where? We have not been to Bordeaux. Good luck with your flight tomorrow. Hope you have time for the lounge and then you can nap on the flight. Are you flying non stop to SLC? If so is it an Air France flight or Delta?

Hi Lois, Yes, there is a lot to digest to make sure you know your final choice is the best one. I think as you spend more time researching (oh yay-fun fun😉) it will become clearer and then you will also come up with more questions. I think that you can call Medicare for help with questions and maybe additional info that is related to your situation. In fact they may be able to explain just how your cancer drug will be covered. I am up kinda early, having coffee before I get ready to run errands before the heat sets in for the day.

Melody, are those cute rocks your Sil’s creation? If so does he leave one at each of his jobs-sort of his logo? Sharon

Hi Lois, try this link on the Medicare.gov site. ( I mention the site so it’s clear to anyone else reading this that I am not directing anyone to a sales site) https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?year=2022&lang=en I am using my iPad and I am hoping it will be the same if you are using a computer.

Lois, I just read your answer to Melody about Medicare covering 80% of your cancer drug. Apparently this drug is covered differently than other drugs? As I said earlier, Traditional Medicare determines the amount of payment and your supplement pays out based on what Medicare has determined. So now my questions would be: What is Medicare’s approved amount and does coverage of a copay for a cancer drug with a supplement work the same way other supplement copays work. In other words what are the rules for cancer drug coverage. Here is a link to info from the Medicare site. Hope it helps and fingers crossed that you learn that a supplement will cover your share. https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11931-Cancer-Treatment-Services.pdf

Lois, one more piece of info. One of the great things about Medicare is that when you see a doctor or use a facility that accepts. Medicare (almost all do), they cannot balance bill, they agree to accept the amount that Medicare approves. Of course you are still responsible for your copay share so that’s where your supplement comes in. However, if a facility tells you in advance of the service that Medicare won’t pay for the service and you sign that you are aware an go ahead with the service, then yes you will pay. In all the years that I have been on Medicare this has only happened once. It was at a lab. However, often it is just a matter of getting your doctor to use the correct billing code that pertains to your need for the service. I am not sure how this pertains to a Medicare Advantage plan should you choose one of those. Sharon

Lois, wow, so much info to go thru looking for the right plans for your needs. Even though I have been using Medicare for several years, I am finding some of the posts a bit confusing so I can only imagine how you are feeling. I do know that available plans can vary by state and even areas within a state. However, if you choose a supplement and a part D drug plan, they, along with part A Traditional Medicare can be used every where within the US. Which means that you are good to go when you travel within the US, incl AK and HI. You will need a travel medical ins policy if you travel outside the US. There are some other notes to this which you will learn when you investigate your choices. (Not sure about US territories) You can go to Medicare.gov and in the part D drug plan page, put in your zip code, the name of your cancer drug, dosage and frequency and see which plans in your area cover it and your share of cost. This would be a start since that drug is so important. You will not have to register and sign in on the site unless you want to. You can peruse all you want. As for using a broker, that could save you a lot of time and hopefully you will get all your questions answered. Just a word of caution when talking to a broker. Be sure he/she knows what type of plan you want. There is Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. There are many seniors who have chosen an Advantage plan because the salesman convinced them it was best and then later discover that it wasn’t what they thought they were buying. Traditional Medicare is the government plan with a supplement and Part D handled by an insurance company. BTW, the supplement will pay according to what Medicare pays. Your claims go to Medicare and then to your supplement.The insurance company in this case does not determine the payment amount. With a Medicare Advantage plan (sometimes called part C) Medicare gives the insurance company a sum of money to take care of you and your claims go to the insurance company. These companies must meet Medicare requirements. Disclaimer: I do not sell insurance but I did sit on the health insurance board as a retiree and l and found it to be an interesting assignment. Maybe my biggest take a way was to know what type of plan you are buying and that the coverages suit your situation. I hope I have not put you to sleep, Lois! I wish you good luck not only choosing a plan but in finding a really good broker who is knowledgeable about both type of plans and will take your best interests to heart. Please keep us posted. Sharon

Kat, loving the food porn. You certainly know how to find interesting places and choose great food items. Good to know I can just continue with my usual point, shoot and cross my fingers:) Sharon

Melody, your SIL seems to have figured out that great customer service and keeping appointments is the way to a successful business. It’s so hard to find qualified people who actually follow thru’ on their promises. I wish him continued success.

Sherri, I’m so sorry that the remodel you wait so long for is not going as you hoped. I hope things improve going forward and your new kitchen proves to be worth the wait and the stress. Enjoy your visit with Wildman. I’m sure he will take your mind off the Reno problems-at least for a little while. Since you asked about the tour guide and we actually made arrangements with her I think CC allows me to pass on her info. Their posting rules were a bit confusing on this. Her name is Andrea Makkay. now to be clear, we toured in 2014 and although her website is available my experience isn’t recent. She worked with Rick Steves on his Budapest guide. I made all our arrangements via email and she replied quickly with all details and answers to my questions. We requested that we not repeat any sites that our ship tour included and she said she was familiar with their tours and would help us plan to see different sights. We asked her to help us choose the best plan to see the sights in the time we had. We also arranged to be picked up at the ship and dropped at our hotel at the end of the tour. The day before our tour I received an email from her saying that she had contracted a cold from a group she took on a tour a few days prior. She arranged for another guide and gave us all her info, qualifications even a picture. She said that she had used her for other clients and everyone had high praise. Her name is Zsuzsa but went by Susan with clients. She was amazing and we loved our time with her. Her English was perfect. She went above and beyond. I do not have a last name for her and I don’t know if she has her own tour company. I googled and found someone with that name listed with another tour company but by this person’s picture, she isn’t the same person. if I were to ever visit Budapest again, I would certainly once again book with Andrea Makkay and I’d she could arrange with Zsuzsa I would be very happy with either one. https://www.privateguidebudapest.com/tablet/index.html You might also check the river cruise board to see if others have suggestions/ experiences to share. Sharon

Kat, I guess I should study up on the features of my 13 Pro. Your pictures are so well done. Cynthia, our visit to Japing during Cherry blossom season was amazing. I hope that HAL doesn’t cancel your cruise.

Hi Lois, if you choose traditional Medicare and a supplement you will find that most doctors, hospitals, labs etc accept that type of plan. Medicare Advantage plans are the ones that use networks. Those are also the plans that are frequently advertised on TV. Good idea to check with your medical providers to see what info they can provide. You will also need a Part D drug plan. Choosing one that will cover your meds will take some research and again checking with your hematologist’s social services/financial office should help you figure out how to cover your cancer meds. I believe that Good RX is a drug discount card but you will still need a Part D plan. Maybe your hematologist’s office can also give you info about Good RX. and how it might work along with a drug plan. Medicare will send you the current version of Medicare and You. Lots of info there. You can research plans on the Medicare.gov site or you may be able to find an insurance agent in your area to help you out. Sharon

Wow more yummy food pics! Good thing I had already eaten when I looked at them. The stained glass windows in Sainte Chapelle are just amazing! I bought a silk scarf in their gift shop and it is a lovely reminder of our visit. Notre Dame was under construction when we were there in 2019. So sorry to have missed it. Also walked along the Seine so your pictures brought back good memories. You are doing so much walking that those “delicious” calories just won’t count:) Been meaning to ask you if all your pictures were taken with the iPhone 13?

Kat, that is one amazing dinner! Everything was so artistically presented. What an experience!

That is good news, Lois. Hopefully your trip insurance will also pay. I don’t see why it wouldn’t. Some policies require you to submit claims to your primary carrier and you have already done that. Good luck! Sharon

Margaret, old Quebec City is beautiful. We spent a few days there prior to our cruise and loved every minute of our stay. It reminds us so much of Europe and it is very walkable. Yes, French is spoken there but with all the tourists English is pretty common also. The one place that we might have had a problem had we not been forewarned, was when we took a taxi from the airport to the Old City. The driver did not speak English. We were prepared with the name and address of our hotel on an index card. Our visit was several years ago, before Google Translate was available. We were there mid October and the Halloween decorations were amazing. Not sure when they start decorating but hopefully some will be up for your visit. Sharon