The Politics Of Fixed Income

Since I'm not quite divorced from politics I thought I'd share what I've been learning because we're on a fixed income.  No social security increase because there is no inflation is a crock.  Don't the economists ever buy food or gas or pay their utility bills?  Probably not.  They probably have "people" who do it for them.

Not so with us. We buy our own groceries and are always wondering how we can eat healthy when all we can afford is junk.  One remedy is to plant a garden.

The last gardening I remember was when as a youngster we had a victory garden during WWII.  Reminiscing about gardens from years past we decided to try our hand with peas and carrots, among other things.  Have you ever seen a carrot seed?  I have to wear my reading glasses to even see them whats more plant one to a hole.  Last year I harvested them in clumps.  This year was better; I used tweezers while planting.

We had better luck with peas.  Remember shelling them?  We did and decided to put a modern slant on the chore.  We fixed a plate of hors d'oeuvres, opened a bottle of wine and settled in on the front porch - ate, drank and shelled peas.  Actually it was a very pleasant evening.

The problem with gardening for two is there is always too much. Unless you're into canning and such. I'm not going that far. Now it's time for creative meals so nothing goes to waste.

I'm also learning a lot about trees.  We had what we thought was a crabapple blow over in a windstorm years ago.  It regrew and I've been wondering if it would produce fruit.  While mowing around it  recently I found an apple at its base.  Looking up into the tree sure enough there were several.  Odd since I never saw spring blossoms, but apples never the less. Golden Delicious I think.  Who knew?

Another tree which I thought was a Dogwood is bearing fruit this year and insanely long thorns.  After some research I find it's a Hawthorn. If I can figure out to make tea from the fruit it should help with my blood pressure issues or so my research into what kind of tree it is tells me.

Actually I'm learning a lot and having fun at it.  At least we're getting fresh fruit and vegetables.  It would be nice if we got a bit more social security so we could splurge now and then. Maybe during the next administration. HaHahahahahahaha!

Elder Abuse Of A Sort?

The last time I had a doctor's appointment, just a week or so ago, I was asked to come in early to do some paper work.  I figured it was the routine they do every year about making sure you address is the same as before, insurance, phone number - all that stuff.

But no.  It was four pages from medicare they were obliged to ask me to fill  out.  I raised a skeptical eyebrow as I read some of the questions like am I depressed, do I feel like taking my own life, and some that got really intrusive. Besides it was about the moment, short term, and I'm told it may happen every time I go in.  Why?

The gal at the desk was watching me.  "You can decline," she said. "Just write declined on each page."  I did just that.

Then when talking with the nurse who I know well enough and have a good relationship with asked me some really personal questions that I would have discussed with my doctor if I was so afflicted with symptoms or a condition.  Again I was told Medicare had directed them to ask.

It was government interference to the nth degree and I wasn't about to leave a signed paper trail for which who knows who would have access.  Big brotherism gone amok.

Now I see where in Obama's rush to inflict more gun restrictions, the people on Social Security may be prevented from buying a gun if incapable of handling their own finances.

I'm trying to connect the dots here.  First, at my age or minus ten years, if I'm going to have a gun I most likely already do. As far as finances are concerned I've had a lot of acquaintances far younger who "Could be in the club but couldn't be treasurer" because of their mathematical ineptitude. So nix that as a measure.

 Other boiler plate includes, subnormal intelligence or mental illness. Are we Social Security recipients the only ones with these maladies?  I haven't seen a senior citizen as a mass murderer of late, have you?

Incompetency, an unspecified condition or disease rounds out the qualifiers.  As determined by who?  The kids who want to rush us to an early grave?  Maybe the doctor who hasn't the heart to tell us he doesn't want us as a patient any more because Medicare doesn't reimburse enough to make us worthwhile?

Beware, its in the "mental health"  part of his latest executive over reach.

It's bad enough getting old and losing abilities like a slow dripping faucet.  I don't need the government sticking it's nose in my business, especially between me and my doctor, looking for information for what purpose?  So they, who one day will be in the same boat but aren't yet, can impose what they think is best for us?  Of course all those government types are well taken care of on our dollar so why should I expect understanding whats more common sense.

It isn't just about who can and who cannot buy a gun or who or who doesn't have to fill out mindless forms that will end up in the cloud waiting to be hacked.  It's about government sticking it's nose into every aspect of our lives whether or not we want it or need it but had best toe the mark or suffer the consequences.

It's going to be a very long year.