Monday Morning This and That

 The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.  You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?  

J.B. Priestley

 

Happy Monday, everyone. It is early morn, and I am sitting here sipping my coffee and trying to figure out if I am going to the Center today or not. It is nasty out there.  I hear the rain hitting my air conditioner, a cold rain. Yesterday eve we had our first snow. As I waited for the bus to take me to Church yesterday morn, snow was definitely in the air.  The gulls seemed to sense it as well.  They were out in full force, and their squawking seemed louder than ever.  Even the little birds were scrambling for food before the storm set in.  There were about six little wrens at the bus stop.  They were putting on quite a show as they battled over some crumbs. 

Then, about 3pm the snow began, and for awhile, it was beautiful, but then as the temperature warmed up, it turned to slushy stuff. Now, it is rain, but the ground outdoors is still slushy and a bit slippery. The bus stop is right on the corner, but I have a block and a half when I get off and most of that is non-residential.  Oh well, it is still early. By the time I am ready to leave, it will probably be just about gone.

I have to watch myself. Lately I find myself making excuses not to do things, and it appears that  SAD seems to be setting in a bit earlier this year.  Usually, it doesn't hit until the end of January, but this year I am feeling its effects already. The vibrant self I was when I first retired could now very easily become a hermit.  I am finding that I don't want to do anything anymore, and most mornings I find that I have to force myself to get dressed and go out. I don't even want to climb out of bed, preferring instead to stay in the world of dreams.  I am careful not to allow myself to slide too far down, but it is not a very comfortable feeling....and one that really annoys me because I really do 'love' the winter.

And dealing with these government agencies isn't helping matters any.  

Before I made the decision to retire I did lots of research into the different benefits available to a retiree and thought I had everything down pat.  I even printed out several copies of forms that were needed. I never would have retired had I not thought everything out.  I had even bought a special notebook to keep all my information in--names of agencies, what they offer, phone numbers, criteria for eligibility.  But it seems that that was not enough.

I wasn't counting on the union giving me a rough time with my pension, and then on Saturday I received a letter informing me  that I am facing a penalty because I did not have prescription drug coverage when I joined Medicare Advantage.  I don't understand.  I only got Medicare on August 1st, and wasn't aware that by October 10th I HAD to have prescription coverage.  I thought I had until December 7th to make a choice. 

I am so fed up with the whole thing.  Never did I expect this treatment.  After all, I'd worked all my life.  Shouldn't I be treated better than a drug dealer who has never worked?  Obviously, seeing what my husband and I have had to go through, that is not true.  I started to cry when I read the letter to hubby and said , "It makes me wish I had never worked." When I think back to these last few years, in pain, yet getting myself out and going to work everyday.  Sometimes I couldn't make it a block without stopping to lean against my cane.  And yet I did it, and I paid my dues.  And just look what it gets me.  Just not fair. Not fair.

Sorry, I just had to vent. And hopefully someone will learn from what I've gone through.  I'm sure there are several of you out there close to retirement age.  Use my experiences to save yourself from this unnecessary stress.  I'll get through this. It won't be easy, but we'll manage.  Hopefully hubby's money will start soon.  A new year is about to begin.  I know it has to be a better year.  Thanks for letting me share.

 A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.  

Author Unknown