Just a little Housekeeping

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 February Housekeeping

Good morning Friends! I’m just doing a little mental housekeeping. It’s been quite a journey since the layoff. I thought maybe I should bring everyone up to date. I’m still learning stuff about being a senior. 

My Part C Medicare

After much back and forth over prescription coverage. medi-gap and Advantage  Plans (part C) everything finally got settled and effective Feb 1 I was officially in a Part C Advantage plan with Aetna. The first thing I noticed was that a trip to the pharmacy wasn’t quite as frightening. Instead of paying $1200 for my prescriptions the most I’ve had to pay was $85.00. I was prepared for the BIG BILL because I was told I would be in the Donut Hole and I made too much money in 2021 to qualify for a state funded supplement that would pick up the difference between the co pays and what is charged when the dreaded Donut hole opens up. Don’t know why it’s been so reasonable but I am not going to complain.

Home Visit

Last week I got a call from Aetna asking to schedule a home visit with a nurse. Last time I had one of those I was recovering from hip replacement surgery but it was ok with me if they wanted to come by. The visit took about and hour and we reviewed my meds and then she checked my vitals including measuring blood flow in my feet! She gave me some good information on things that are covered like rides to doctors and for me, the big one, paying for housekeeping. I guess Aetna will pay for a house cleaner once or twice a month and someone to run errands! All I have to do is ask my doctor to submit a request.  I already have a house cleaner that keeps me from drowning in cat hair but if insurance will pay that would be awesome.

 

FYI for anyone who might find themselves in my shoes, the nurse said go to the hospital and claim you are sick. They have a social worker there to enroll you in the correct insurances. The hospital has to be able to bill someone and they take care of it on the spot!

Pets

Banner and Balboa are doing well. They entertain me endlessly. Banner has even decided to sleep on my lap a little and stole few minutes with me at bedtime until Balboa reclaimed his place. 

Mail

Now that the insurance is resolved (It only took 3 months) my mail volume has dropped off considerably. Glad to be done with that. It was a full time job keeping up. 

Future Plans

Now that the big headache of the insurance is done and my unemployment is coming in, I need to cut back on unnecessary expenses. So

#1. I plan to cut the cord. Yup, I’m going to drop cable and go to just streaming. I need to replace the TV in the bedroom but my savings from the cable bill should pay for a new TV in about 2-3 months then it will be home free.

#2. Drop unused streaming services like Disney Plus. I never watch it

#3 Cancel On Star. I’m not driving long distances these day so consider it a luxury not a necessity.

#4. I already dropped a couple of blogs/websites that I don’t use so no more domain renewals. 

I’m sure I’ll find more little subscriptions that I don’t use and cancel those as they come up. Simplify Baby. That’s the name of the game.

 

Natural Wonders of the USA Part 12

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Natural Wonders of the USA

 

So sorry I missed a couple of posts this week. We’ll get back on track with more Natural Wonders from the list today. Wednesday was my birthday. How old am I? Never ask a lady her age! Then the last docs for my taxes came in so I spent the rest of the time getting everything together for my tax guy. He’ll have fun this year…there was a severance payout, unemployment, and a cash out of my 401K all because of the layoff. He’ll earn his fee this year. 

But lets get back to the fun things. We are winding down on the Natural Wonders of the USA. In my last post we reached #41 that was South Carolina and  Congaree National Park.  9 more to go to make our 50 Wonders. So what’s next?

 #42 Minnesota – Big Bog State Recreation Area

That sounds real inviting.  What do you want to do for vacation? Lets go visit a big swamp but not the Everglades. Lets go north to the Big Bog! Big Bog has only been a designated area since 2002 so it’s kind of young. The area is comprised of wetlands with jackpine forests, nearby lakes and of course a big bog. The bog is about 500 square miles. There are approximately 300 species of birds, white-tailed deer, black bears, gray wolves and other animals. They don’t mention mosquitos but saying bog brings stinging insects to mind. Big Bog State Recreation Area has been called Minnesota’s last true wilderness.

The mystery of Big Bog | Columnists | ellsworthamerican.com

Photo Credit- Internet

#43 Colorado – Rocky Mountains

Oh my, The Rocky Mountains – Colorado. Been there. I stayed in the heart of the mountains in Breckenridge but I never got into the National Park. Admission to the park is by reservation and has to be booked in advance online. I tried everyday to get a reservation and was never able to get one. I asked locals about it and they said the reservation system never worked right. It was very disappointing. But this is what I know about the Rocky Mountains. John Denver sang wonderful songs about them. They take your breath away- literally- Beware of altitude sickness! The are beautiful and majestic. The Rocky Mountains are the biggest mountain range in the western United States. They stretch approximately 3,000 miles from northern part of British Columbia, all the way to New Mexico. 

Colorado 2022 – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Rocky Mountains 2022- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

 

#44 – Wisconsin – Cave of the Mounds

I’ve been to Wisconsin but I was there for my brother’s retirement from the Navy. The ceremony was in Kenosha. It was a quick trip and I don’t remember much about the state. I definitely didn’t see the Cave of the Mounds. How many cave systems have we seen so far under Natural Wonders? What’s one more? This looks really pretty. This limestone cave is believed to have started forming around 488 million years ago when the earth was covered in shallow seas

Cave of the Mounds | Cave of the Mounds, Dane County, Wiscon… | Peter Gorman | Flickr

Photo credit- Peter Gorman/Flickr

Well folks, that’s it for this post. Only 6 more states to check out. Back soon!

Natural Wonders of the USA Part 11

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More Natural Wonders of the USA

The list goes on for US Natural Wonders  but we are making progress. We left off with New York, My Home State at number 38. So back to the list to see what’s next

#39 Louisiana – Atchafalaya River Basin

I’ve been to Louisiana so I’ve checked that state off my list however I did not go to the Atchafalaya River. I spent my limited time in New Orleans and the Mississippi River. We planned a trip to the bayou but the remnants of a hurricane blew through and the excursion was canceled.  May have to consider a return visit. 

Bayou Bridge , City Park, New Orleans Photo Credit Deb Neumann

The Atchafalaya is located near Simmesport, La  and runs for 140 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. There are nearly 1 million acres making this swamp larger than the Florida Everglades.  The Atchafalaya is home to the largest nesting concentration of bald eagles in the south central US. Other animals that make their home here are black bear, fox, muskrat, beaver, otter and racoon. Of course there are alligators. IN fact there are around 65 species of reptiles and 250 species of birds. Sounds fun. 

File:Atch Egrets-2-LL.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit- Wikimedia Commons

# 40 Alabama –  Cheaha State Park

Still on my list to visit is Alabama so maybe I will be able to visit Cheaha State Park. It’s near Talladega National Forest. Cheaha State Park in Clay and Cleburne, Alabama is a 2,799-acre site named after the Cheaha Mountain, which is the highest point in the state. This park is only 30 minutes away from several historic downtowns (Oxford, Heflin, Anniston, Talladega, Lineville, Munford, and Ashland)

Cheaha State Park, AL | faungg's photos | Flickr

Photo Credit- Faungg’s photos / flickr

The park recommends traveling on the Talladega Scenic Drive (Alabama Highway 281) which is well maintained, wide, and easily driven by large recreational vehicles. AL Hwy 49 is also a great route and it connects with AL Hwy 281. 

#41 South Carolina – Congaree National Park

Another State/ wonder to add to my bucket list. Congaree National Park is one of the most intriguing spots in South Carolina because of its colossal ancient hardwood forest. There’s an abundance of wildlife to view. You’ll have a chance to see all sorts of birds and deer, raccoons, and if you are lucky, even bobcats. The waters are inhabited by alligators, amphibians, snakes and fish. The Congaree National Park features 15,000 acres of wilderness for camping, canoeing and kayaking to name only a few adventures.

 

Congaree National Park — Poop In The Woods

Unidentified internet photo

Only 9 more states to go. Have we hit your home state yet?

Garlic, Broccoli, Mushrooms, and Chicken, Oh My!

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Garlic, Broccoli, Mushrooms and Chicken Stir Fry

What’s not to love? A Stir Fry meal is quick, easy and loaded with veggies. 

 

May be an image of food and text that says 'GARLIC CHICKEN STIR FRY vegetable oil 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup mushrooms 1 yellow bell pepper 1 Ib chicken breasts salt and pepper 4 cloves of garlic 3/4 cup chicken broth 1 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tsp sesame oil 2 tsp cornstarch Cে'

From the recipe critic

Don’t You just Love Stir Fry?

One of my favorite meals is Stir Fry. I started out trying to duplicate the Chinese chicken and broccoli from my local Chinese Take out restaurant. Even after years of trying I just can’t get it right BUT…I have developed some great alternatives. My sister even gave me a WOK for a Christmas present one year. 

Some of my favorite veggies for stir fry are broccoli, asparagus, and/ or mushrooms. 

My new Chicken and Broccoli recipe

Last night I tried a new stir fry recipe. The differences are in the way the sauce is made. This one was real easy and thickened up nice. I hope you like garlic! 

I didn’t use the WOK this time because the recipe called for a large skillet but after making this once I’ll use the Wok from now on. 

One tip- Prep is everything. Have all your ingredients  prepared before you start cooking because it’s going to move fast, especially if you are using a WOK.

Garlic  Chicken Stir Fry

Recipe from The Recipe Critic

5 minute prep time   15 minute cook time

Stirring the chicken, broccoli and mushrooms all together.

Photo from the Recipe Critic

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (Divided use)
  • 1 Cup broccoli Florets
  • 1 Cup mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 Yellow bell pepper (cored, seeded and thinly sliced)
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast (cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 4 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
  • 3/4 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 Teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 Teaspoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat
  2. Add Broccoli, mushrooms and bell pepper to pan. Cook 5-6 minutes or until vegetables are tender- DO NOT OVER COOK
  3. Remove Vegetables from pan and cover with foil to keep warm
  4. Wipe pan clean with paper towel. (I think this is unnecessary step but it’s in the recipe so up to you) Heat remaining tablespoon of oil over high heat.
  5. Add Chicken to pan in a single layer, season with Salt & Pepper
  6. Cook 3-4 minutes per side or until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  7. Lower heat to medium and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds
  8. Add Vegetables back to pan
  9. In a Small bowl whisk together the chicken broth , sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and cornstarch
  10. Pour over chicken and veggies and bring to a simmer.
  11. Simmer 1-2 minutes or until sauce has just thickened
  12. Serve immediately over rice

Photo credit- Deb Neumann

Notes

I left out the bell pepper as I am not a fan but as with most stir fry recipes you can add or subtract veggies to suit your tastes.

I didn’t measure the veggies – just put all the broccoli and mushrooms in- Way more than the 1 C each the recipe called for. Again, your preference.  The veggies are great when they have a well flavored sauce

I’m still looking for a good fried rice recipe if anyone out there has one

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Wonders of the USA part 10

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More Natural Wonders by State

When we last visited our Natural Wonders list we had just wrapped up Kentucky. We’re ready for  # 35 on our Natural Wonders list. How many have you seen so far? Have you added any to your must-visit list?  Let’s see where we are going next!

 

#35 Ohio – Crystal Cave

Well My, my my- Another cave. Who knew that being underground could be so exciting? I guess its something Spelunkers have always known. This cave is the world’s largest known geode. 

The Crystal Cave was discovered while the land owner was digging a well for his winery. So today you can combine some wine with a cave tour and take a bottle home with you to help relive the memories. 

Photo via Crystal Cave Website

File:Celestite (Crystal Cave, South Bass Island, Lake Erie, Ohio, USA) 18 (8320050647).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Image Via Pinterest

 

#36 Illinois – Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is the biggest attraction in the state of Illinois. It features 13 miles of trails and numerous seasonal waterfalls that are especially active in the spring.

The Park is  known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater. Several, including the St. Louis, French and Wildcat canyons, have waterfalls. A wooded trail leads to Lover’s Leap Overlook, with views of the river and Starved Rock Dam. Park wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bald eagles and migratory birds. 

St Louis Falls, Starved Rock State Park, Illinois | A glorio… | Flickr

St Louis Falls, Starved Rock State Park- Photo credit Flickr

#37 Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Grand Canyon

Sometimes called the Pine Creek Gorge,  Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon is 50 miles long and 1000 feet deep. Loaded with trees and wildlife, the area is a naturalist’s dream. You may even see a Bald Eagle. 

Photo – internet

#38 New York – The Adirondacks

The Adirondacks, my home state! I can’t say my home town because the Adirondacks encompass around 5000 square miles of mountains, lakes and wilderness. The Adirondack Park was created in 1892 and is the largest publicly protected area in the US.  It’s greater in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and The Grand Canyon National Parks combined. The park contains 6 million acres of “Forever wild” forest preserve.  It holds a special place in my heart so I’m happy to share one of my photos of beautiful Lake George to illustrate this wonder.

Lake George 2020 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Adirondacks 2020 – photo credit Deb Neumann

I admit I was surprised that Niagara Falls didn’t make the list but I haven’t been to Niagara in years and there is so much more in the Adirondacks than one big waterfall. 

Adirondack Balloon Festival 2014- Photo Credit Deb Neumann