2.27.2006
John's graduation
I'm sorry, but with John's graduation being on a Wednesday, I am not going to be able to come out. At work, I am not going to be able to work that out, unless weather becomes a factor with rain. We have been hashing over the October graduation and the drive to South Carolina. That is a possibility. Diane, any guess on whether you think you could get up there?
2.23.2006
June 7
I just got back from my conference. Had a real nice time. Met a lot of people. While I was gone Benjamin chipped a lower front tooth. They didn't call me because they didn't want me to worry. Fortunately, it's minor, and the dentist just needs to restore some enamel. Whew, I dread dental emergencies with the kids. That's the third one in a year!
Yes, John's date is June 7. Jeanne
Yes, John's date is June 7. Jeanne
Good to see you post !!
Why do you feel like you took a different route? How did you do it?
I remember the days........ except it was baseball and softball all summer long.
What fun to see the taping and stuff. So how does the new house look?
Mom and Dad are back from Wayne's. Just a quick trip up to get some furniture to bring back. Up Monday and back last night. Nothing new on the job situation yet.
I am keeping Dad on the AARP's where he is at. On their med list, some of Dad's meds are not on the formulary and it would mean cutting back on his medical coverage to save any money. I have went over everything with them, I know it is not saving them any money on his meds, but I don't feel they can afford to be without the coverage that pays 100% of his medical copayments. Of course all the people their age are discussing it among themselves and comparing. I have told them, yes some of those people may have cheaper medical insurance, but Mom and Dad pay no out of pocket expenses on medical and that is important for Dad. Some of those people are only telling half of the story. But they do understand and what we are going to do is fine with them.
Other than that things are quiet here right now. When it warms up, we will be making some trips to Hillsdale to sell off some more stuff, maybe in a couple of weeks. I would like to get some rabbits for the kids for Easter to keep at our house. That should be fun. Dad and I were checking them out when we were there the other week and making plans.
Jeanne, I need you to get back with us about John's graduation, for sure that it is on a Wednesday ????? Let me know soon.
Later,
I remember the days........ except it was baseball and softball all summer long.
What fun to see the taping and stuff. So how does the new house look?
Mom and Dad are back from Wayne's. Just a quick trip up to get some furniture to bring back. Up Monday and back last night. Nothing new on the job situation yet.
I am keeping Dad on the AARP's where he is at. On their med list, some of Dad's meds are not on the formulary and it would mean cutting back on his medical coverage to save any money. I have went over everything with them, I know it is not saving them any money on his meds, but I don't feel they can afford to be without the coverage that pays 100% of his medical copayments. Of course all the people their age are discussing it among themselves and comparing. I have told them, yes some of those people may have cheaper medical insurance, but Mom and Dad pay no out of pocket expenses on medical and that is important for Dad. Some of those people are only telling half of the story. But they do understand and what we are going to do is fine with them.
Other than that things are quiet here right now. When it warms up, we will be making some trips to Hillsdale to sell off some more stuff, maybe in a couple of weeks. I would like to get some rabbits for the kids for Easter to keep at our house. That should be fun. Dad and I were checking them out when we were there the other week and making plans.
Jeanne, I need you to get back with us about John's graduation, for sure that it is on a Wednesday ????? Let me know soon.
Later,
2.22.2006
News from sunny south Florida
I feel like I took a different route to make a message on the blog. I hope you get this. It sure was depressing reading about all the snow up there, it cooled off to about 60 here so we heated the pool last week-end and had a bon fire!!!!!!!!!! The usual gang was here. We roasted marshmellows and made s'mores.
James will have his last Basketball game this week-end. At his age the teams aren't really that good.
Meghan however has become quite the basketball player, She is on 3 teams, 2 she had to try-out for 2 of them, the school team and the town travel team. We watch BB games about 3 times a week. Meghan plays BB everyday of the week and week-end with pratices and games.
Extreme Home Makeovers did a show in West Palm Beach last week. The producer of the show broke a tooth and ended up at our office. We fixed him up and in return we went to the construction site, and met several of the hosts of the show, Paige, Michael and Daniel and got t-shirts with autographs. The show will air in 6-8 weeks. Eric took us to a closer viewing site, so we watched them film some of the show. Later Diane
James will have his last Basketball game this week-end. At his age the teams aren't really that good.
Meghan however has become quite the basketball player, She is on 3 teams, 2 she had to try-out for 2 of them, the school team and the town travel team. We watch BB games about 3 times a week. Meghan plays BB everyday of the week and week-end with pratices and games.
Extreme Home Makeovers did a show in West Palm Beach last week. The producer of the show broke a tooth and ended up at our office. We fixed him up and in return we went to the construction site, and met several of the hosts of the show, Paige, Michael and Daniel and got t-shirts with autographs. The show will air in 6-8 weeks. Eric took us to a closer viewing site, so we watched them film some of the show. Later Diane
2.21.2006
Jeanne
I did want to double check with you about John's graduation, that is on a Wednesday ???? June 7.
2.19.2006
We had a successful
visit to the mall. We found a lovely amethyst ring for Sarah. For years, I've been planning on getting a ring for my girls on the 16th birthday. I got the idea from Mom because I remember she got a ring from her parents too on her 16th. It's beautiful if you've ever seen it.
Tonight the older kids get home and tomorrow I go away till Wednesday. I signed up for a Pastor's wives conference at a place call Sandy Cove in Maryland on the Cheasapeake Bay. I don't feel desparate for a break but I like to get away and relax which Stan says I don't do enough.
John just found out about another option for the Marines that he's quite interested in. It is an officers track that starts while in college. Instead of two weeks every summer with his unit he would go to six weeks of officer training work. It's more pay too, which will help for college. After four years of college it's a six year commitment. He's considering making a career of it.
Jeanne
Tonight the older kids get home and tomorrow I go away till Wednesday. I signed up for a Pastor's wives conference at a place call Sandy Cove in Maryland on the Cheasapeake Bay. I don't feel desparate for a break but I like to get away and relax which Stan says I don't do enough.
John just found out about another option for the Marines that he's quite interested in. It is an officers track that starts while in college. Instead of two weeks every summer with his unit he would go to six weeks of officer training work. It's more pay too, which will help for college. After four years of college it's a six year commitment. He's considering making a career of it.
Jeanne
2.18.2006
We received a foot of snow
with our storm last weekend. Great for the kids to play in! It warmed up again quickly and now our snow is almost all gone. Windy here today. I'm glad to hear your teeth issues are getting solved. It has taken a lot of courage for you to do this. Some day I'm sure you will be quite content with your permanent ones and enjoy your smile. I got my braces off and I look different too.
On Valentine's Day Stan and I went to Shady Maple Smorgesboard for breadfast. Spur of the moment. Cheryl will remember this place. Anyone who comes to visit gets a trip to Shady Maples.
On Thursday, our three oldest went to New Hampshire with the youth group. A storm has put out the electricity at the facility and they were cold last night. They have a generator in the gym and cafeteriea that has a generator. About 300 kids are there so it is problematic! Today is Sarah's 16th birthday. She hated to be away but we let her choose. We sent a card for John to give her at breakfast, a box of chocolates for David to give her at lunch and a large box of red and white roses to be given to her at dinner by another leader. She called this morning and had gotten the card and everyone was wishing her well and they all sang to her. She said she felt special. Next weekend we are having a party for her here. You may send her a greeting at sarahmaughan@comcast.net
Thank you Cheryl for all the work on Dad's insurance. I think it sounds like what he has is the best. I would also check the meds at AARP. Comparing takes a lot of work. Pharmaceuticals and me don't get along. They cost way to much.
Well, we're headed out to find Sarah some gifts for her special 16 party. Warmly where it's cold. Jeanne
On Valentine's Day Stan and I went to Shady Maple Smorgesboard for breadfast. Spur of the moment. Cheryl will remember this place. Anyone who comes to visit gets a trip to Shady Maples.
On Thursday, our three oldest went to New Hampshire with the youth group. A storm has put out the electricity at the facility and they were cold last night. They have a generator in the gym and cafeteriea that has a generator. About 300 kids are there so it is problematic! Today is Sarah's 16th birthday. She hated to be away but we let her choose. We sent a card for John to give her at breakfast, a box of chocolates for David to give her at lunch and a large box of red and white roses to be given to her at dinner by another leader. She called this morning and had gotten the card and everyone was wishing her well and they all sang to her. She said she felt special. Next weekend we are having a party for her here. You may send her a greeting at sarahmaughan@comcast.net
Thank you Cheryl for all the work on Dad's insurance. I think it sounds like what he has is the best. I would also check the meds at AARP. Comparing takes a lot of work. Pharmaceuticals and me don't get along. They cost way to much.
Well, we're headed out to find Sarah some gifts for her special 16 party. Warmly where it's cold. Jeanne
It is COLD
Woke up to 5 this morning.
Yeah, I do have bottom teeth I can live with. Karen gets us gift certificates each year for Christmas and Kelly and I go shopping together for a day. Went to Hobby Lobby. We stopped at the dental place first thing in the morning and I had them by the afternoon. They were just too big. I had to hold my mouth shut. so I just didn't wear them. Believe it or not I have a small mouth inside. The first one didn't fit at all, the second one fit on my gum, but they didn't make the gum and teeth small in proportion. Each time they had me try them on in wax before they made them and they always said, Don't worry about how big and bulky they feel, they are in wax. I have already taken 5 days off work on the crazy things. 3 when I had it done and 2 more on the bottoms, so I was holding off to take another day off. Thse are alot smaller. When I get my permanent ones I will go smaller yet, my lips are a little full yet, but they will do for now. I feel like it changes completely how I look, I will have Rick take some pics and I will put them up here.
We are still trying to find a dog for Dad, really 2, I guess. They are really missing Babe.
I think they are going to Wayne's next weekend to get some furniture up there that is their's. It is just up and back.
As far as the Medicare stuff goes, I think we are staying with what they have in AARP.
Last year in drug and health coverage costs, they paid 4600.00. If he goes on a drug plan, that alone will cost 4000.00 a year. 2 of his drugs are tier3 and one of the drugs isn't on any formulary I found. Niaspan, for his cholestral, which he takes 3 time a day at 500 mg, which is a third more than the normal max dose. So he would have to get health coverage yet with the 600.00 to be ahead, and that isn't possible. The AARP pays 100% of anything that Medicare doesn't. That includes all his deductibles and the 20% of anything thing else he has, including his tests of all sorts. If he would have a bad health year, those costs would wipe them out. Any other health insurance will not cover 100% of those costs. I would still like to go up to the senior center and have them run the numbers as well to be sure. The VA insurance did not pan out for him. AARP does have a drug plan as well, that I want to compare the costs to against what he has. Any one have any thoughts or comments??
Yeah, I do have bottom teeth I can live with. Karen gets us gift certificates each year for Christmas and Kelly and I go shopping together for a day. Went to Hobby Lobby. We stopped at the dental place first thing in the morning and I had them by the afternoon. They were just too big. I had to hold my mouth shut. so I just didn't wear them. Believe it or not I have a small mouth inside. The first one didn't fit at all, the second one fit on my gum, but they didn't make the gum and teeth small in proportion. Each time they had me try them on in wax before they made them and they always said, Don't worry about how big and bulky they feel, they are in wax. I have already taken 5 days off work on the crazy things. 3 when I had it done and 2 more on the bottoms, so I was holding off to take another day off. Thse are alot smaller. When I get my permanent ones I will go smaller yet, my lips are a little full yet, but they will do for now. I feel like it changes completely how I look, I will have Rick take some pics and I will put them up here.
We are still trying to find a dog for Dad, really 2, I guess. They are really missing Babe.
I think they are going to Wayne's next weekend to get some furniture up there that is their's. It is just up and back.
As far as the Medicare stuff goes, I think we are staying with what they have in AARP.
Last year in drug and health coverage costs, they paid 4600.00. If he goes on a drug plan, that alone will cost 4000.00 a year. 2 of his drugs are tier3 and one of the drugs isn't on any formulary I found. Niaspan, for his cholestral, which he takes 3 time a day at 500 mg, which is a third more than the normal max dose. So he would have to get health coverage yet with the 600.00 to be ahead, and that isn't possible. The AARP pays 100% of anything that Medicare doesn't. That includes all his deductibles and the 20% of anything thing else he has, including his tests of all sorts. If he would have a bad health year, those costs would wipe them out. Any other health insurance will not cover 100% of those costs. I would still like to go up to the senior center and have them run the numbers as well to be sure. The VA insurance did not pan out for him. AARP does have a drug plan as well, that I want to compare the costs to against what he has. Any one have any thoughts or comments??
2.15.2006
Remodel progress
We have been extremely busy with our upstairs remodel. Making progress but still have a lot of work to do. Check the progress out here.
--
Darren Estelle
dmestelle@gmail.com
--
Darren Estelle
dmestelle@gmail.com
2.13.2006
So how much ....
snow did you guys get? I bet the kids are having fun.
So John's graduation is on a Wednesday? Just checking, we have talked about coming out with Mom & Dad.
We did go to Hillsdale last Saturday. It was wet snow and a slop mess. Took 8 chickens and 2 geese, but brought 2 chickens back. Dad had said before he didn't want to take a couple of the black chickens up because they a basically his pets, and we told him so don't take them, but when he was catching he got them. Couldn't sleep that night thinking about it. Before we pulled out, I said so don't sell them, we'll bring them back home and we did. He decided to wait a couple of weeks before we go back when it warms ups a bit. It had been nice here, and the week before when they went up just to visit it was pretty crowded, but then the weather had the bad turn.
More later,
So John's graduation is on a Wednesday? Just checking, we have talked about coming out with Mom & Dad.
We did go to Hillsdale last Saturday. It was wet snow and a slop mess. Took 8 chickens and 2 geese, but brought 2 chickens back. Dad had said before he didn't want to take a couple of the black chickens up because they a basically his pets, and we told him so don't take them, but when he was catching he got them. Couldn't sleep that night thinking about it. Before we pulled out, I said so don't sell them, we'll bring them back home and we did. He decided to wait a couple of weeks before we go back when it warms ups a bit. It had been nice here, and the week before when they went up just to visit it was pretty crowded, but then the weather had the bad turn.
More later,
2.11.2006
Finally snow
Hi all,
After almost two months we are finally getting snow. It has been a warm winter here. The ground is white again and we may get 6-10 inches. Nathan, Benjamin and Rachael took Lily, the golden retriever, outside tonight and hooked her to the sled and she pulled them(one at a time) around the yard. The drab brown outside is now a nice winter wonderland.
Did I mention John's graduation from High School is June 7? Can anyone come? We will also be going down for graduation from his boot camp on October 13. How special to have some of you come to that! It will be at Parris Island , South Carolina. Diane, you could come up!
Love, Jeanne
After almost two months we are finally getting snow. It has been a warm winter here. The ground is white again and we may get 6-10 inches. Nathan, Benjamin and Rachael took Lily, the golden retriever, outside tonight and hooked her to the sled and she pulled them(one at a time) around the yard. The drab brown outside is now a nice winter wonderland.
Did I mention John's graduation from High School is June 7? Can anyone come? We will also be going down for graduation from his boot camp on October 13. How special to have some of you come to that! It will be at Parris Island , South Carolina. Diane, you could come up!
Love, Jeanne
2.01.2006
Good for you .....
on the scrapbooking. Alot of people here do it as well. I am not creative enough to come up with stuff. I have boxes of the kids stuff downstairs. Although our church has scrapbooking days once a month also, that Jeanette organizes. I can scan that picture and get it sent to you. I will talk to Mom and Dad about it.
Have been down to get my teeth worked on the last 2 days. Still having problems with my bottoms. They got the fit good on the bottom, but the gum and teeth are too big for my mouth. I have to hold my mouth shut. This is the second bottom they have made for me. they are the temporary ones, so I don't know if they can change those things now or not til my permanent ones.
Mom and Dad and I are going to Hillsdale Saturday to take some chickens and geese. Ross is going to come down Friday night and help catch and load.
While I have been waiting on my teeth, I have spent time at Ross's with Kayla. She is really growing.
Jeanne, did you let Mom and Dad know when graduation is for John? What are Sarah plans for the future?
Have been down to get my teeth worked on the last 2 days. Still having problems with my bottoms. They got the fit good on the bottom, but the gum and teeth are too big for my mouth. I have to hold my mouth shut. This is the second bottom they have made for me. they are the temporary ones, so I don't know if they can change those things now or not til my permanent ones.
Mom and Dad and I are going to Hillsdale Saturday to take some chickens and geese. Ross is going to come down Friday night and help catch and load.
While I have been waiting on my teeth, I have spent time at Ross's with Kayla. She is really growing.
Jeanne, did you let Mom and Dad know when graduation is for John? What are Sarah plans for the future?
Something new
Hi all,
I'm interested in a new hobby. Scrapbooking. I had bought an album from Creative Memories a long time ago and never did anything with it. Last week, some ladies at church who scrapebook had a get together for those of us who don't and helped us get started. I'm starting with my childhood. I'm going to journal too, so my grandchildren can have a good record of me. Cheryl, Mom and Dad have an 81/2 by 11 of me as a baby. Can you scan it for me, duplicate it? That's the youngest picture of me I know of. We are going to get together once a month, so I should make good progress!
Good news for Garrett, the runaway. The family that is caring for him was granted full custody by the judge. Cannot be revoked. He thinks it's a miracle.
Today I took the kids rollerblading. The kids are decent skaters but I'm not so good. I deliberately chose today because the rink has open skate to Organ Music! Yes, the kids groaned but it was my speed. Actually, the music is lively. We had plenty of room as there was only 25 or so Seniors skating. One fellow was 92 and skated the same speed I did, slow. They were glad they went in the end.
I can't believe Sarah is going to be a Junior next year. Soon I will be signing her up for a FREE college class each semester for her last two years. Several schools here offer classes. We will start with one. One semester equals a year of high school credit.
More later,
love all,
Jeanne
I'm interested in a new hobby. Scrapbooking. I had bought an album from Creative Memories a long time ago and never did anything with it. Last week, some ladies at church who scrapebook had a get together for those of us who don't and helped us get started. I'm starting with my childhood. I'm going to journal too, so my grandchildren can have a good record of me. Cheryl, Mom and Dad have an 81/2 by 11 of me as a baby. Can you scan it for me, duplicate it? That's the youngest picture of me I know of. We are going to get together once a month, so I should make good progress!
Good news for Garrett, the runaway. The family that is caring for him was granted full custody by the judge. Cannot be revoked. He thinks it's a miracle.
Today I took the kids rollerblading. The kids are decent skaters but I'm not so good. I deliberately chose today because the rink has open skate to Organ Music! Yes, the kids groaned but it was my speed. Actually, the music is lively. We had plenty of room as there was only 25 or so Seniors skating. One fellow was 92 and skated the same speed I did, slow. They were glad they went in the end.
I can't believe Sarah is going to be a Junior next year. Soon I will be signing her up for a FREE college class each semester for her last two years. Several schools here offer classes. We will start with one. One semester equals a year of high school credit.
More later,
love all,
Jeanne
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