I join Jeanne and MaryZ in having a dtr with knee problems.One of my dtrs has a torn meniscus(sp) w/lots of
pain. She had an MRI done and that showed the problem, but she told the doc she couldn't have surgery right now because she was leaving for London for the summer ;
He told her to take the MRI with her as she made need to show it to drs. in London Reason for going to London-
husband is transferred there for 2-4 years w/IRS) Even w/the knee problem she has been to Germany, Brussels, etc., etc. and climbed mountains (beautiful scenery sent )

I know nothing about the myriad laws concerning Social Security, but I did think one thing was engraved in stone: i.e., you can only receive one person's benefits.  That is to say: your own OR a spouse's under the other spouse's benefits.  Not both.  That has been my understanding, but I will be interested to hear what they come up with regarding Marilyn's situation.  In my case, because I had my own right to Social Security from having worked under it for decades, and because, both as my second husband's widow and as my third husband's widow they double checked to see what I should claim, they told me my benefits were larger than a portion of my husbands would be, and therefore I could not claim the spousal benefit, but should stick with my own.  They were, on both occasions, quite adamant that it would be the one or the other, and not both.  Marilyn, I strongly advise you to GO SEE THEM.  This is much more satisfactory than trying to arrive at answers over the phone.

MaryPage & Marilyn...That's my understanding, too, and my own SS from my working years is much higher than 1/2 of Ray's would be.   If Marilyn meant that the $182 was what she should have had additional-- the difference between her own and 1/2 of K's...it may be that that won't happen for another month, as they were married in late May and SS is always a month behind, as I recall...or that SS needs proof of the wedding, etc.  I also would advise a visit to a SS office, and for Marilyn to take along a copy of her marriage certificate/proof of the wedding, etc.  and have them sort it out.  I've found them to be very helpful and knowledgeable and it's easier to deal in person than on the phone.

Joy...My sister had the torn meniscus, but it finally healed on its own.  She wore a knee wrap and had a lot of pain for many months in the process, however.  Wow, to get to spend a summer in London and have her own place to stay with her husband sounds delightful.  All the air miles flying back and forth not so much fun these days. 

Molly...glad M arrived safely and will be back to rest up and relax in a few days.  Maybe you can ask around and find some new doctors.  Being told pain in or along the spine that lasts all day long is "aging" is hogwash, in my opinion.  My docs have explained to me how our bodies change, how arthritis sets in...but they've had MRIs and xrays to show that.  No doctor has ever said any intense pain, as you describe it, is just from old age. 

Maryz...stay safe in this weather!

Hi to Sharon, Darlene, Jeanne, and I hope we hear from GinnyAnn and Sue soon.


Beautiful day here, and we seem to have escaped the storms last night.  No appts for docs for a bit and that's good news!  I was very tired last night after having to be up and ready to go at 7:30 am two days in a row.  I'm NOT a morning person since I retired.

So...some laundry, and get a walk in while it's cool, and then catch up on family computer stuff...Quicken, etc. to,log in miles for these doc visits, and then time to read and "chill out."


Jane

Hi everyone. Looks like I was promoted from newbie to Jr member..lol. It seems we all are dealing with heat..same here..going to my daughters for a few days next week..will take my wide brim hat as I know we will be taking kids to the river swimming..and will be going into San Antonio one day to shop....Marlyin hope you get your so straight...This may not be the appropriate site to ask...but does any one have suggestions on preventing constipation....seems the older I get the more sluggish...I do take a dose of fiber ..Metamucil every day...and stool softener...any tips. Thanks.   Darlene

Joy, I had a degenerated meniscus "shaved" about 15 years ago on this same knee.  The doc took x-rays about 2 years ago of both knees, and even I could see that there was no cartilage left - just bone-on-bone.  He pretty much said, timing of replacement was up to me.  At that time, I was having no pain or problems, so no pain/no surgery.  That's changed, and now I'm ready to have the left one replaced.  I've never had any problems with the right one.  Go figure!

Hi Molly - you've been missed.  Glad Mohamed got here okay, and I hope you have some quality time with him.  I drink tonic water - just get the store brand.  I like it over ice with a slice of lime.  I don't really like soft drinks (Coke, Pepsi, 7-up, etc.), and don't do alcoholic beverages any more.  So this is my non-water/non-coffee choice.

Darlene, I take a stool softener every other day, and that seems to work for me.  I do drink a lot of water and/or coffee, and I think that helps, too.  No other suggestions here.

Marilyn, I agree, sometimes a face-to-face meeting is more satisfactory.  It seems to me that after John died, my payment went up - not as much as his had been, but more than mine - so it was some combination.  I guess they do need to be notified that your marital status has changed, although I don't think that would have any bearing on the amount.  Good luck.

Sharon has been missing for a day or two. I hope all is okay with her. 

And, of course, we always worry about Sue.  I wonder if she's back home by now. 

It's a pretty quiet Thursday around here.  I think we're all hunkering down because of the oppressive heat.  Stay cool, Buddies!

Drink lots and lots and lots of water and take the Metamucil TWICE a day, if at all possible.  If not, because it interferes with your pills or something, then take MORE of it at that one time.  Me, I've been taking Metamucil since 1986, and have never failed.  I take 3 heaping teaspoons in a juice glass (6 oz glass) full of 100% cranberry juice, once a day, thereby killing 2 birds with 1 stone, as it were.  I have not been constipated for all of those THIRTY YEARS!  Actually, a specialist put me on the Metamucil not for constipation, but for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  And it is an ENORMOUS help with IBS!  I find, however, that only the Original coarse ground works for me.  The smooth types and the orange or berry ones, just have not worked. Each of us is different, so you kind of sort of have to experiment with the different kinds they have for sale.

Hi Gals, I played bridge and went to lunch with the gals yesterday and was so tired when I got home, I guess I forgot to post.  I was up at 7:30 to get picked up at 9:00. The golf club had someone else in our room, so we went to the home of one of our members who lives on a "farm" not far from SC.  Has a gorgeous house and grounds, raises miniature goats, etc.  Cards were so-so. I was in the middle.

Molly, I agree with Jane about the Dr who told you it was your age!  That's just a poor excuse for not looking into it any further.  Neuro Spine of Carolina is a group of doctors that specialize in spinal care. If there is an office reasonably close to you, I advise you to go to them or some other spinal specialist.  Glad M is back safely.

Marilyn, did the vet find out the reason for Freckles pain at getting up?  Glad she was in good health generally. Sorry about the SS but I think Jane and MP have it right and to go in and see them.

Jane, I, too, was wondering where the skin graft was going. Sounds high tech. I do hope it "takes".  I've seen all the storms in the midwest. I'm glad you're all okay.  We have a chance of some next week, but it seems like most of the storms are north of the Charlotte area. We aren't getting any.  Supposed to be 98-100 today with a heat index over 100.  I'll get my groceries and head right back home!

Mary & all with knee problems, I am thinking about having some cell implants injected into my knee. It is supposed to regrow the cartilage. I do not want a knee replacement, but I sure do have a lot of pain in mine. They won't let me use Voltaren Gel anymore because of the diclofenac I take for general pain.  I've used Capsaicin (sp?), and it helps, but not like the Voltaren.

Darlene, Have you tried Magnesium?  I recommend the Slo-Mag. It really loosened me up.  My daughter has started eating goji berries and says that those have really made a difference for her and she had a serious constipation problem.  My problem is loose bowels, so I try to stay away from things like that.

Joy, from what I've heard, a torn meniscus can be repaired laparoscopically. (sp?) It is done as an out patient and minimal down time.   How nice though that she gets to go to London to live for a while.  That's really the way to see the country.  How come our IRS goes abroad though?

Mary, you mentioned thinking about coming trips--when & where?  I do hope you can get some sleep though.  It is a constant problem for me too.

Jeanne, hope your temps are better.  Sharon

Sharon, I thought about you while I was awake in the middle of the night.  8^)  I'm going on an American Cruise Lines trip off the coast of Maine in August, with John's sister and BIL.  First trip where I have to manage things by myself, so it's a bit scary.

Social security just told me I have to wait a year to draw on Keith's benefits. Said to apply in February three months before the year is up. Gotta gset ready to go to lunch with the furry friend members.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions..I will try some of them..Ssharon..I already take magnesium and what is goji berries? Darlene

Sharon: I can't tell you how many peoplehave  asked me about the USA having an office in England, and the answer
is "I don't have a clue to that", but it is a VERY nice job 

Marilyn.  I think on Social Security it all depends if a husband is still living or after he passes.
I had no problems even though I had not been married to him for 40 years. (Still good friends) and had been married for 15 years all told.. I had paid on my own for 40 years and after he passed they upped mine to what he was getting which then made mine double as he was high Salary. Before he passed and I started taking mine they figured the best one to take. On him or my own and as not worth changing I just stayed with mine. He died on the 5th of the month. We get paid on the Third so I got a payment of the new amount the 3rd of next month No problems. Just had to give copy of Marriage and Divorced paper dates.

My friends seem to get 50% of the amount their husbands draw when both still married and together. I would think that your will be the same way.But it will not be what you have had single added to 50% of his. Will just be the highest.  Go to office and not try on the Internet.
It does not make any difference how many other wives and man had. If they never married and reached the age of either 62 or 65 when your now husband took his then they can claim 50% But again they will check and see if the women had worked which amount will be the larger
They are saying that will be not money in it by 2028 so the younger now  will not have to figure it all out.  I don't see how the gov. has managed to do it.  One time I figured out what had been deducted from me in that 40 years each month for SS. I think I got back in payments all of it within a couple year at most. Same with the FICA that was deducted.  One thing I don't say a thing about or complain the the US Social Security.

Marilyn....glad you got an answer.  I guess the year wait makes sense, so there are no fraud marriages just to collect the $$$.

It looks to be a beautiful day here.  Yesterday was wonderful...temps in mid 70s and a breeze.  I did some pruning of honeysuckle bushes that had grown over the fence & into the neighbor's driveway and some weeding.  I now have the mosquito bites to prove it!

No big plans for today.  Our turn to host our Fri. Nite out group. Ray and I drove to a new restaurant for lunch yesterday and that's where we'll meet tonight.  It's nice to find a new place to try.

Have a great day!

Jane

Mary, I'm sure you will manage fine with your luggage and all. Once on the ship, they will take care of everything.  I slept well last night. Sorry you're still having problems.  Not fun.

Jane, how wonderful to be in the 70's!  We got up to 96 yesterday and supposed to top out at 92 today. Next week in the high 80's.  Chance of storms this evening and again next Monday. I do hope we get some rain.  Your honeysuckle sounds lovely. I always loved the smell of it but it does attract bees. We had the vines on the end of our porch when I was little and I learned to stay away from them.  Yuck on the mosquitoes.  They love me.  Scared of what they might be carrying these days.

Joy, funny about the IRS.

Darlene, gogi berries are dried berries. I haven't looked for them but I assume they would be either in the produce aisle or where the raisins are.

Marilyn, glad you got the SS figured out.

Not much going on here.  Sharon

I went to DMV this morning only 3 people ahead of me, It was $26.50 to change my name and get a new license with my new name, But when I have to renew in 18 it will be $40. Yikes, I remember my first  on was only $3. Now with the barcodes, and holograms on them they cost a lot more.

i see I forgot to mention on here, like I didn on Facebook that Freckles did very well at the vet on wednesday, She has to go back on Monday to have her teeth cleaned.

Weather is a repeat....hot and humid and then t'storms this afternoon.  We stepped out to walk and decided too hot and humid, so I did some watering of our potted geraniums and took my hanging baskets down and put them in a tub of water to get good and soaked.

Inside day for us...as temps rise to the 90s and humidity is in the very uncomfortable level. Ray's gone to the grocery....going to try tomorrow a Mr. Food recipe...pork tenderloin, rootbeer, and BBQ sauce in a slow cooker.  Then shred it for serving.  Sounds easy for a hot Sunday night meal tomorrow.

Stay cool and safe wherever you are.

jane

Hi Gals. Jane, we have the same weather. Ugh! Your Sunday night meal sounds good and cool. Your geraniums must love you for putting them in a bucket to soak.  I guess that's why mine never did well. I was too inconsistent in watering.

Marilyn, that is expensive for a driver's license. Glad you got your new one. Also glad Freckles is doing well. I'm sure the Rimadyl will help him with his pulled muscle.  Bunny actually jumped up on our bed this morning! It is a very high one for our little girl and she hadn't been doing it for a while. It is really hard to think anything is wrong with her.

No major plans here. John is playing bridge in Charlotte.  I had some trouble getting to sleep last night, but finally succeeded and slept in till 9:00.

I'm wishing Sue would call or post or write again.  She is having a really slow recovery.
Hi to all.  Sharon

I am feeling so very sad over the flooding in beautiful West Virginia.  So many deaths and so much ruined property.  So many homes gone forever.

And yes, Sharon, I worry about Sue not being back with us.  I do hope she is being spoiled rotten by her family.

I agree, MaryPage - the flooding and the fires are awful.  As bad as the heat and humidity are, at least that's all we're having to deal with at present.

Lots of hugs to Sue - she is missed.

Yesterday was one very long one.  I literally didn't stop from 6:30 am until about 9:30 pm.  Swimming and coffee.  Then a couple of us went to a 10 am matinee to see "The Free State of Jones", with Matthew McConaughey.  Pretty good - based on a true story from the Civil War, one I hadn't heard about before. I left just before the end of the movie to get to play duplicate.  My partner and I did fairly well.  I had stupidly managed to lock my apartment key inside the door when I left, so I had to call to get someone to let me in when I got back.  After supper, I played bridge with three 90+ year olds here at The Terrace.  They are sharp and SO funny.  Today, I'm hibernating - doing as little as possible.

Glad everyone is staying cool. 

Sharon I  didn't get a new liscens just a duplicate of the one I have onlyh with the name change, i get a new one in 18. Going to the dog park with freckles  in just a little bit,

Hot out still and so today I did my roast chicken and roast potatoes again on top of the stove. Came out great. Enough for tomorrow also. Did some sprouts in the MW and so did not make any heat in the kitchen.  Now will be a Yogurt, Banana and a couple cookies later tonight as I ate dinner at 4pm Had not eaten  lunch.

Hot and humid here again, too.  We walked a bit this morning. But the hunidity was terrible.  My mom used to say it was "close" outside...so humid it was very uncomfortable. 

Stay cool and safe!

Jane

Just heard thunder and thought a big storm would come.  Fooled us. Enough rain to just mess up the windows on the car that had dust on them. Car needs a good cleaning

There was a bridge game here this afternoon - not particularly good cards, but good company.  We had some thunder, too - but not even a sprinkle - at least not over my place.  This has been a quiet weekend, but tomorrow is another all-day thing.  All good stuff, but long.

Hugs, Buddies!

good Morning every Buddy.  I am taking freckles to the vet this morning to have her teeth cleaned.  Yesterday I took her for an unofficial visit  to an adult foster home just down the street from here. I was asked by relatives  to take her there for a visit. Peoples have stopped me on the street and after hearing she is a Therapy dog would ask me to bring her there, so I did. One lady who is bedridden just cried when she petted Freckles. What a blessing to be able to comfort them with Freckles.

Marilyn, Freckles is indeed a blessing to all the people you visit and also to you.  Hope she does well with the teeth cleaning.

Mary, you have had a few busy days.  Take it easy and don't get over-tired, especially with your sleep problems preventing a good night's rest.  I've had a good couple nights and certainly feel better when I do.  I'm so glad you are able to play so much bridge. That seems like a good activity for you. I would like to play more than I do.

We were supposed to get some rain yesterday and predicted for late afternoon/ night today + tomorrow morning.  We'll see. It all seems to go around us. We haven't had any for about 3 weeks.

Nothing planned this week other than cleaning lady Wed and my 2nd try at a nerve block on Friday.

Still nothing from Sue.  Hi to everyone.  Sharon

Much cooler here today...low 70s and so nice to be able to be outside and breathe!  The mosquitoes are bad, and I have a couple of bites.  The deer have been having a vegetable feast in our backyard....the centers of several large hostas are all nibbled off!!  So, I went off to the Farm Fleet and bought some animal spray to keep them away.  It seems awful for a few hours and worked well last year to keep the deer from eating my geraniums.

I did get a walk in and I've been to the two groceries so we're ok for a few days.

Nothing else new here either....tomorrow is the skin graft, I hope. 

Later 'Gators!!   

jane

THE GREEKS will be on most PBS channels for the second time tonight.  Apparently it will be every Tuesday night at nine o'clock Eastern for as long as this new series lasts.  Some of you indicated you would like to have seen it, so I am letting you know.

Also, if any of you can stay up that late, Charlie Rose is having some experts on Brexit on tonight.  His show is often repeated the next day in the daytime, so if you can't stay up for it (it comes on at eleven EDT here), you should check your PBS schedule to see if it will be on in the daytime where you are.

It has been a perfectly gorgeous day here on the bay.  We have had about a week when it has been beautiful and mostly in the seventies, with heavenly breezes blowing.  My sunny yellow hibiscus has been blooming its lovely heart out.  Geraniums are vigorous, as well.  Happy days!

Why, when after 3 weeks of 90+ heat and today a nice 79 i just did not set to and get the porch and furniture all washed down and lots done? What happened. I ate to much lunch, Lay down for a few minutes and woke up 2 hours later.  Now after 5pm and need to run out to Wall Marts and Aldi's.  So this day shot.  Feel good though.  Saying it will be 59 deg tonight and so plan on doing lots of work tomorrow. Tonight before dark will just take a walk.

Isn't this what retirement is all about. We earned it.

Jane.  So you have a Farm and Fleet also. I have on just 4 min. away. Have to run over there tonight as I use a lot of Walnuts and right now they have theirs at 4.99 lb. usually $6.99 and at other places $7.99.  Only thing with F and F is the stuff that they sell this time of year that farmers and other places put on their  fields. The air so strong in there that I can only be in for a short time. Really bothers my Sinus.  I buy my Jean's there and did find some cute tops the other night.  Ours is massive with a big Auto side. They do my oil changes and tires, batteries etc.  Still they are a family company. Sort of like WMarts I think.