Healthcare and My Husband

I want to be honest with my readers. The last year has been so tough! If you recall, my husband was hospitalized last year. Right before the holidays. We spent Christmas in the hospital. Praying for his health. It's all that mattered!

We never knew, just how much our lives would change. I'm not just talking the day to day. My husband is still on the road to recovery. He still struggles with his energy. Takes 2 naps a day. Some days, his balance is really off. I can see my husband getting frustrated with himself. I try to be extra supportive every day. But there are days, when he has little patients with himself.

But with my husband slowing down, all of us need to pick up the slack. Unfortunately, most days, it feels like it's just my daughter and I. My daughter doesn't even live close by. But she manages much of our paperwork for us, and helps with the bills and taxes. Yes, owning a business is crazy! I'm so glad that we have her to depend on. And she has made it a point, to spend a few weeks at a time, with us.

We are also blessed to have great employees. Who support us. And help wherever they can. But it's still rough. My husband and I, we had each taken care of one part of the business. And when he got sick, there was a lot to learn. Almost immediately. Suddenly, I was learning about the 30 different taxes we pay. About all the bills that I never knew how to pay. Thank God for our daughter. Who knows about and takes care of much of this.

But on top of all of this, we've never had health insurance. My husband is nearly 80 years old. So he had the basic medicare coverage. It just happened, that my daughter was able to get a new plan going. While my husband was still in the hospital. Right before the deadline.

It helped. But honestly, even with the new insurance, it's really expensive. The first prescription cost, we had to cover, it was $950. We never got reimbursed for any of it! We still paid nearly $10,000, for my husband's almost week stay in the hospital.

We were lucky. The ambulance was paid for. About 80% of the hospital bill was covered. We were able to pay off the doctors and hospital bill late in the summer. The other day, we got a bill in the mail. For $4,000! I about died! It's for an oxygen machine, that my husband has never used! The company dropped it off. Never serviced it. Nothing. But my daughter got on the phone, and medicare paid for it. We're still waiting for service. Good thing it's not life threatening.

My husband has always gone to the doctor, twice a year. We paid $120 for 2 medications that he'd been taking for over 30 years. But we weren't' prepared for $400 a month. On prescriptions and supplies. And that's our co-pay. It makes me wonder how other people do it. My husband is now going to the doctor once a month as well.

In so many ways, we've had to figure things out for ourselves. Our daughter has been such a great help! She knows so much about the health care system. Just the other day, she was on the phone for over 3 hours! Why? To get us some answers. One prescription that we get, went from $140, to $14. Wow!

That's what most of that last year has been. Nursing my husband back to health, taking care of a business, and learning about health care. It's a hard task. Especially with a small business. That my husband and I own and run. Pretty much on our own. Then maneuvering around the health care system. Trying to bring family together. Dealing with my own parents, and their failing health.

I'm hoping to get back to blogging. Reading blogs. Doing more crafts. Getting back to me. Just a little bit. I miss doing things that I enjoy. Things that just make me happy. Even if it's sewing for a half an hour. I need some down time. My husband and I need some down time. Time to get back to us.

Urban Rain

Do you see this beautiful scarf? I won it! From My Cakies. Urban Rain offered a $25 gift certificate in this giveaway. I never win anything. But I won this giveaway. I was so shocked!

It's beautiful. My favorite item from Urban Rain. And absolutely perfect for Fall!

I got this in the mail today!

There is a bit of a back story though. I emailed Ruby and a while later, Joanne emailed me. That email got sent to my Spam folder. And I just found it. Last Thursday. Months after the giveaway! So I emailed Joanne. And I was halfway expecting that I'd missed the boat.

No. Joanne was amazing! The $25 shop credit was still available. I picked the Clover Scarf. And it was in my mailbox today. Extremely fast! I would definitely recommend Urban Rain. The shop has some adorable items. And who can beat the incredible customer service and quick shipping?

Busy

It's been so busy around here! We have a very long day today. Our company has inspection. That's why I'm baking a cake at 6:30am. It's been a busy couple of weeks. Just preparing. That on top, of our regular work schedule. It's been super busy around here.

And we have family that came into town on Thursday. We met them for dinner. Which turned into a late dinner. They were late. Very late. We didn't have dinner until almost 8pm. We're used to eating pretty early. At least before 6pm. Because we go to bed early. My husband starts working at 3am. And I'm there by 5am. So it was a late night, for a "work night." But we did enjoy ourselves. Lots of catching up. And we're looking for another dinner. It did make for a tough Friday though. Both my husband and I were extremely tired.

At the moment, I'm trying to get ready for Halloween. I'm making a costume for my daughter. I also need to decorate. I've been slacking on that. I'm also preparing for a holiday Craft Fair. I think I might have too much on my plate. At least at the moment.

Work is also very busy. This is the time of year, that it really picks up. Lots of out of town trips. Lots and lots of paperwork. And in general, just a lot of work. But we're going to get through it all. Before we know it, it's going to be Thanksgiving. And I'm going to wonder were the time has gone.

She Surprised Us

Our daughter surprised us today. She called this morning, which is pretty normal. And before she hung up, she told me to listen to the radio. There would be a surprise for my husband and I. I had not clue what it was.

As I listened to the radio, I started to get a little nervous. What was my daughter trying to tell us? Was she getting married? Was she expecting? All of the songs that were playing, they didn't help either.

But no. It was none of those things. I was somewhat relieved. But also a little disappointed. I'm ready to be a grandma! Until I heard her dedication. It was super sweet. Something special that she did for my husband and I. And I just want to tell her Thank you! It meant the world to both of us. We are so lucky to have you as our daughter. Your mom and dad are so proud of you. We love you more than you'll ever know!

State Fair and More

Today my husband and I went to the Fair. With our Car Club. It was a lot of fun. All of the cars were on display. And people really enjoying looking at them. The day was also really nice. The weather has been somewhat spotty lately. But today, it was a nice day.

We enjoyed lots of time with our friends. And we definitely enjoyed the sights and sounds. The Fair was scaled back this year. Due to the economy. But we still managed to enjoy ourselves. Even if 2 ice creams cost almost $15!

And after a full day at the fair, we went to our friends' jewelry store. They were having a big party. It's an annual party that they have. A BBQ included. Probably not the best time of year for it. But I did manage to win 2 door prizes. And again, we had fun.

To round out the day, my husband and I went to the Casino. Just to play a few machines. Nothing too crazy. We both took $20. We played. Ended up breaking even. And we also had dinner there. Right now, we are just getting home.

Now that I think about it, how did we do so much in 1 day? Especially since we didn't leave the Fair until almost 4pm. It amazes me how much we could get done. But it was a day full of fun and excitement! The only thing missing, was our daughter. Maybe next year she will get the chance to come. :)

Frosted Flakes

Today is Wednesday. The tough day of the week for me. It's "early day" for our company. But it's the day that I seem to have more work to do. And no time to do it in. I'm on the go all day long. Most Wednesdays, I'm lucky to get 5 minutes to sit down.

That's were Frosted Flakes come in. They're my favorite cereal. I know, I must sound like a child. But between stacks of paperwork and going to drive, I eat a bowl. On Wednesdays. It's my snack/lunch. The only thing that get me through the day.

I'm telling you. Wednesdays might be "early day." But it's the day I work the hardest. It's the day we eat dinner the latest. And the day I usually fall asleep watching TV. At 8pm. Frosted Flakes, they definitely help me get through the day!

I Watch This...

Do you promise not to judge me? Ok, then I'll confess. I really like to watch I Didn't Know I was Pregnant. It's my guilty pleasure. One night a week, I sit there and wonder how it's possible to not know, that you are pregnant. Isn't that the craziest thing ever?

I try not to miss this show. I've been watching it for months. My daughter and I talk about it. And the stories still shock me. But this is good TV. I find it interesting. And what else are you going to watch? There's not much on, until the end of the month. When all of the shows start up again. So I watch my favorite summertime show. And I really enjoy it!

Pearl's Cardigan

I came across this pattern at Lion Brand. There is something about it, that I really like. I'm not sure if it's the color, or the actual sweater. But I'd like to make it. In this rosy pink color. I enjoy crocheting clothing. But I haven't made myself anything in such a long time. This might just be that project, that I've been waiting for.

Driving South

What are you doing for the holiday weekend? My husband and I have decided to drive south. Just go spend a few days in the southern part of our state. No real plan or destination. Just a drive. And some time away from everything.

We have a few places that we want to stop. There is so much going on this weekend. Lots of festivals in the southern part of our state. I want to try and go to some of the Craft Fairs. And the Farmers' Markets. I think those will be the most fun.

I'm not sure what my husband has planned. Or where he'd like to visit. But there is so much to do this weekend. It makes me wish that the holiday weekend were more like 7 days, instead of 3.

I should probably get to packing. I don't really know what we're going to need. But we have to make stop at the store too. For snacks. No road trip is complete without them. This should be a fun and relaxing weekend. One that I'm very much looking forward to!

I Could Use...

I could really use a cup of tea, a warm blanket, and a good night's rest. It's been a crazy and busy couple of days. And I'm pretty sure, they're catching up with me. I'm very glad that this coming weekend is a holiday weekend. Both my husband and I can use the break.

Many people think that we have it easy. Because we own our business. But it's stressful. And very difficult. Something that takes so much time and energy. I'm not complaining. More of just getting it off my chest.

All I know, is that I'm exhausted. I haven't wanted to craft in days. And right now, I could easily go to bed. Fall dead asleep. Maybe I will do that. And just get up early in the morning. I'd probably do a better job with a little rest. But a cup of tea, it would be heaven!

Where Did My Lilies Go?

Sometime in the Spring, I planted about 5 Oriental Lily bulbs. And I've watered them all season. Along with some other bulbs. And even seeds for that matter. Yes, I made sure that they were all going in the right direction.



And by now, I should have some pretty blooms like these. Or at least a green plant. Heck, I'd settle for a sprout coming out of the ground. But I got nothing. Nothing at all! My other bulbs, they've all grown. Some of them have flowered. But not the Oriental Lilies.



It makes me wonder, what happened to my lilies? If all the others came up, were these bad bulbs? Was this a tough year? Because I lots of plants and flowers that didn't make it. Just from talking to family and friends.

This was the first year that I planted Oriental Lilies. But like I said, I've planted other lilies in the past. I have an entire flower bed filled with Tiger Lilies. But these lilies, they just don't want to grow. I'm wondering if our climate is just not good. Or maybe, it was just a tough gardening year.

Inspiration

This picture has inspired me. To get my Sewing Room in order. Well, as in order as I can get it, right now. Because when we remodeled our house, a couple of years ago, my Sewing Room got a little...well I have a door that needs to be closed off. And windows that need to be finished off, from the inside.

Yes, my Sewing Room is the only room that hasn't been remodeled. The light fell from the ceiling. I had to manage to get it back up. I'm almost positive, that it's not safe in it's current state. It's pretty bad. My husband and I were talking. It's the next and final room, for us to work on. I want to take out the old wood paneling. And I want to paint the walls a soft and cheerful color.

I want to get organized. I want to be very organized. Put things on my shelves. Have my supplies easily available. That's what I want. Because right now, it's not a functioning space. And that saddens me.

How bad is it? My sewing machine and my serger are in another room. I do most of my sewing in our kitchen or living room. And it stresses me out. Because I feel like it makes a big mess. So I want to get my Sewing Room in order.

Now I just need to make some time. And I really need to attack this space. Because I'm tired of losing my supplies. And having to repurchase things. I'm ready to have a room all to myself again. I miss the days, when I would lock myself in my Sewing Room, and would sew for hours and hours!

Dreaming of...

I've been dreaming of Cherry Limeades. The sugary drink from your neighborhood Sonic. I know that it's bad. But I haven't had one in months. Literally months. It could easily be a year.

Why? I don't know. I just haven't been to Sonic is so long. And there is no excuse. Because there is one down the road. 2 minutes from our house. We pass it 3-4 times a day!

I'm on a mission, to have a Cherry Limeade this week. Or at least by the end of summer. I really miss them! Yum. Is it bad that I want one this early in the morning?