Where I've been: Work, farmers market, library and home.
Where I'm going: Saturday is the local Fall festival, and we'll probably go. There is a parade, music, food trucks and if nothing else, just a good walk around downtown. Sunday we're going to the organization I mentioned above. Other than work, I have no solid plans on anything else.
What I'm watching: I've mentioned the series Down to Earth before. Yesterday I watched 4 more episodes on Sardinia, Lima, Puerto Rico and London. It is amazing to see what these places are doing and have done to make life better and healthier for their residents. It is upsetting that I don't see much of this in the US.
What I'm reading: Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews. This was a delicious treat full of southern wit and charm. I've always enjoyed Southern Lit.
What I'm eating:
Big Salad x 2
Moroccan Lamb meatballs, rice and naan
Steak, wings, baked potato and salad
Cod and salad
Chicken, potato salad, salad
Tonight, we're going to have the leftover meatballs with patty pan squash.
I tried a new to me salad dressing recipe this week for Greek Salad and it is really tasty.
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove of garlic minced
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper
Who needs a good slap: Insurance companies. It seems now whether it is health, home or car insurance they want to fight every single claim. I have friends in SW Florida that had their home insurance companies bail on them after last falls huge hurricane. Now they cannot get new insurance because they have a claim filed with these companies. I've been dealing with all of the EOB's for the big guy's eye surgery in June. I work in healthcare, and it's been a struggle for me to keep up so I can't imagine what someone either older or unfamiliar with the system have to go through. 5 slaps!!
What's making me smile:
For the last few weeks, the hummingbirds have been zooming around the yard. This little guy posed for me so I could get a photo.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and joy filled week!! What's been making you smile?
We’ve been seeing a lot of hummingbirds as well. Always exciting to me!
ReplyDeleteI hear you about insurance companies. Our homeowners went up 40% from last year and we’ve never filed a claim with them. And don’t get me started on what I’ve been going through with my mom’s health insurance company. They keep claiming HIPAA even though I faxed them my health care POA. I’ve spent hours on the phone with them.
I love watching the hummingbirds. We didn't have them in Florida. I can't begin to imagine what your going through with your mom's insurance. And yes, the rates are going up like crazy every year.
DeleteI miss hummingbirds. My parents use to have a feeder on the rear patio and I found it comforting to see them visit every so often.
ReplyDeleteI'm not fond of insurance companies either. Not just how they fight everything, but how incompetent they can be. It was one of my biggest frustrations when I was an underwriter, and now I get to experience it as a claimant just like everyone else.
I love them too. I'm finding insurance companies extremely incompetent. It is so frustrating.
DeleteInsurance companies used to have a license to coin money, which they’ve lost and are fighting to get it back. Climate change and other factors have stymied this “right.” Unfortunately they still have enough money to influence the regulators who might have a chance to keep them honest (or sort of honest).
ReplyDeletebest, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Like most things now, it's just a big mess.
DeleteThe picture of the hummingbird is lovely! I was fortunate with my eye surgery last year - cost me zero. Insurance and Medicare paid 100%.
ReplyDeleteYour meals sound yummy!
Have a good week and enjoy your times out!
I was happy with the picture. You don't see them sitting very often. I am having the big guy sign up for Medicare this year. I thought he would have better coverage being on my insurance but that is not the case.
DeleteThere is nothing better than finding somewhere you can freely support. We have found a couple of them that we are willing to share time as well as resources with.
ReplyDeleteWe met a number of the people involved and it just feels right. I'm so glad we seem to have finally found an organization we can help support with our time and resources. It is a good feeling to volunteer when you find the right fit.
DeleteHello! Fall is making me smile!!! And the fact that it is finally starting to feel like it here! Thank you for the dressing recipe for the Greek salad. Sounds delicious! Have a cozy evening.
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo. It's warmed back up here a bit but the humidity is lower.
Deletethank you for the salad dressing; I need a new one and it is just right.
ReplyDeleteIf you like Southern Literature, have you read Flannery O'Connor? My favorite.
You are welcome. It is a tasty dressing. YES, I love Flannery O'Connor.
DeleteAh insurance companies. It must be hell trying to sort out damage from a hurricane and I hear the insurance rates (in Florida at least) are going through the roof and making living in Florida unrealistic for some!
ReplyDeleteIt is just awful what people have to go through after a natural disaster. Florida has really become unrealistic for so many people now. Home prices and insurance (if you can find it) are through the roof.
DeleteI've often thought that I would like to find a place that I could volunteer time to. I haven't really looked in to it much yet though. Hope the one you found is exactly what you were looking for.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that in the US they seem more concerned with lining their own pockets than with making life better for the people they serve.
I won't even get started on insurance companies. I'll never stop the rant...lol
I kind of gave up looking for a place to volunteer time, then this one basically just popped up on its own. It is amazing to see what other countries are doing yet infuriating at the same time knowing our country seems to be hell bent on destroying the earth. I get it on the insurance, really do.
Delete5 slaps for sure.. my in laws can't manage any of it so it usually falls to me and the runaround is insane.. make me one to hurtle something or someone out the window.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that they can make things so difficult. I'm sorry it falls on you but they are so lucky to have your help.
DeleteYes insurance companies will take your money but they don't often want to make you whole when disaster strikes. It's practically criminal. Precious hummingbird! And I've never watched Down to Earth but I think that living in the USA (greatest country on the face of the earth) is such a privilege and affords so many incredible opportunities, that it's not fair to say that we don't do enough to see to the health and happiness of residents. People need to take personal accountability for so many things -- like, for just one example, what they eat and their weight. Personal choices will either kill you or make you better and it's not the government's job to step in and somehow mitigate what an individual has chosen to do. Taxpayers pay for billions of dollars each year (make that each month) in welfare programs designed to help people -- many of whom don't want to work, or help themselves. Rant over, no offense intended, haahaha! xoxo
ReplyDeleteNo offense taken at all. I am one that can agree to disagree. Down to Earth is a wonderful series that showcases the conservation efforts, regenerative agriculture, land preservations, water ecosystems and sustainable living that is going on all over the globe. And I honestly don't see that happening on such a large scale here. A lot of our waterways are polluted, our air quality is horrible and Monsanto pushes their products and is killing the land instead of more rural farmers having a shot at raising food and preserving the soil. I 100% agree that each individual is responsible for their own health and happiness. I happen to live in an area that is full of local, small farms raising healthier meat, veggies and fruit ethically. Everyone is not that lucky though and store bought often times lacks in good nutrition. Not to mention there are so many food deserts all across the US that processed "food" is sometimes all anyone has to choose from. I am all for less government involvement in our lives. I just wish instead of lining some officials pockets and a lot of other ways our government throws money around, that more of our taxes went to bettering our environment and options and choices.
DeleteHi Lori, just popped in for a look-see from Ann's Snap Edit Scrap. Enjoyed my visit very much. Cute photo of the hummingbird and thank you for the dressing recipe. I am always looking for new ideas. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHello. Thanks for popping over. Yes, insurance companies are so difficult to deal with. Wishing you a great week also.
DeleteOur annual fall festival was cancelled due to the hurricane. We've had rain for 3 solid days and it looks like we are in store for 2 more rainy days. What a treat to see the hummingbird and to pose for you yet!! Volunteering is on my mind too. I've been thinking possibly for elderly or shut ins. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your festival was cancelled, I enjoy just walking around them. He did pose and that never happens. I've tried to find a place that fit and I'm glad that I think I finally have. Wishing you a great week.
DeleteSo glad you found a place to volunteer at. There's nothing more rewarding than serving others/doing good. Your Fall Festival sounds like fun (my favorite season). I hope you have a wonderful time there. Wishing you & the big guy a wonderful week & hugs to Binx!
ReplyDeleteIt does bring me so much joy to volunteer and help others. The festival is nice. Rides, music, food, crafts and a good walk. I always look forward to having a lemon shake up. Hope you have a great week also!! Hugs my friend.
DeleteI'm glad you found somewhere to go to volunteer. I need to find something like that to do! My husband and I always walk around the fall festival in our downtown every year too. We enjoy it! Love the hummingbird picture! We especially enjoyed our hummingbirds this year!
ReplyDeleteI like to volunteer when the cause is something I really believe in. It is a good feeling. It is nice to get in a good walk with festive scenery isn't it? The hummingbirds have been crazy the last few weeks here zipping all around and dive bombing each other. It's been pretty funny.
DeleteNot only will I join you in the insurance provider slap, but I'd love to give them all a swift kick in the pants, too.
ReplyDeleteYes. They are out of control.
Delete