It was the best pizza ever!
Well, not really – but because it had been many months since we ordered any kind of takeout, I especially enjoyed the pizza that hubby treated me to yesterday. We really can’t afford it, but damn it made my day.
I bet I enjoyed that pizza more than all those oligarchs enjoyed their recent McCavier dinner at the White House.
Such a simple thing to bring so much joy into the life of this struggling senior citizen.
An additional high note was that this week I was able to pay all the monthly bills (even the newly increased mortgage payment) and had over $100 left! Of course, that was only because the weather has been mild, requiring neither heating nor air conditioning. Next month, the utility bills will increase due to colder weather and while I may be able to avoid dipping into savings, there’s unlikely to be anything left over.
[Deep breath]
Anyway.
We’re managing, just. I did have to cancel a CT scan my doctor ordered because I couldn’t afford the out-of-pocket expense, but I’m ok with that since it was merely to rule out potential problems that probably don’t exist anyway. If I die soon as a result of not having that CT, I’ll be sure to let you all know.
Next week, we’ll have the dubious joy of meeting with our insurance broker to choose next year’s Medicare Advantage plan. As far as I can tell, there are only 3 insurance companies that include my doctors and hospitals in their networks, one of which recently priced themselves right out of my budget (and unfortunately it’s the one I currently use).
But at least I can look forward to getting out of the house and speaking with someone other than my spouse and my dog. That’s good, right?
And speaking of get-togethers (I was, wasn’t I? Hard to remember these days.), I’m happy to report that my entire family has agreed to a no-gifts Christmas this year. In fact, a couple of the kids expressed relief to be able to avoid the stress of picking out, and paying for, gifts that no one really needs anyhow. It will be much nicer to enjoy our family holiday without having to rush through dinner just to open gifts.
(but I do love gifts, both giving and receiving – we just can’t afford it any more)
***
On another note –
I’ve recently noticed an uptick in my reader views (yes, I do occasionally still pay attention to those stats!).
Thank you to all those new (?) readers. I hope you’re finding my posts entertaining and maybe even uplifting. If you’re really, really enjoying my writing efforts, you can hire me (see the tab at the top of this page), or if you’re feeling generous and have the funds, I’ll gladly accept monetary gifts (just email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com to discuss).
I’m ever the optimist.
Happy Friday, all.
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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
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Image by Cordelia’s Mom/TeddyRosalieStudio
Cordelia's Mom, Still 
Good to see a post and brilliant you are making ends meet. The Christmas non-gifts agreement is excellent. I always give my neighbour a box of handmade cards (have a few more to make for her) and some small edible things, and I am on the hunt for a little something for a newly acquired friend who has been an absolute brick in support looking after Maya in an emergency, which I’ve had a few of with Hubby lately.
Other than those, Hubby and Maya are it for gifts. I shall be buying the little goody extras from next pay day and hopefully be able to afford turkey slices for a traditional dinner. If not, it will be chicken as it was last year. We won’t starve and we’ll have a great day.
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Sounds good to me. Hubby and I usually just have ravioli for our actual Christmas day dinner. The family dinner hasn’t been decided yet – I’m going to suggest potluck, with each family brining one dish.
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I wish you well as we head toward winter, CM.
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Thanks, Mark. Same to you. We’ll see who wins the snow accumulation contest this year, and I seriously hope it’s not Bufflo. 🙂
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I don’t know. Between talking to an insurance broker and a dog, I think I’d take the dog. We have to change Part-D plans because the price went through the roof – more than a 50% increase on an already expensive option.
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Ugh. So far, I’m lucky with my Part D medicine – that’s currently free and will be $5 a month on a new plan because its Tier 1. But my Part B Remicade is currently costing me $376 a treatment out of pocket. The price on a new plan will be the deciding factor on which plan I choose. No matter which company I go with, future out-of-pocket costs are going to deplete my savings fairly quickly. Definitely not looking forward to the next few years.
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Hey CM ! Great to see you still winning even if it’s a small win it a win! Vlad and I send our love.
Thats a great photo of Kodi . Take care my love , you and hubby be happy 💜💜💜💜💜💜
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Puppy Cody sends greetings to Vlad. She misses her friend from across the pond.
Hope all is well in your part of the world.
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It’s really a shame that you have to choose between paying bills or receiving medical treatment. These insurance companies really needs to realize that not everyone can afford their high prices.
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Oh, they know that. It’s just that no one cares. On the plus side, we found a Medicare Advantage plan very similar to the one we just lost, so our medical costs will be close to what they were this year and we can keep all our doctors and hospitals. I will likely be forced onto Inflectra instead of Remicade, but if it works that would be a plus, too, because Inflectra is half the cost. Fingers crossed.
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Fingers crossed for you!!
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