Old Friends & A Coastal Sunrise

 

Hello, friends.  I hope you've had a good week.  Last week, I finished signing up for Medicare, after choosing the supplement I want.  J did a great job researching, and we were able to get a plan that has no premium, and also pays $100 towards Part A & B, so all of it will end up costing $64.90 a month.  My understanding is the plans do their annual change up on Oct. 15, so we'll see what it looks like going forward.  But for now, we're pretty pleased.  I ran tomatoes through the food strainer one day, then the next morning, put them on to simmer for tomato sauce, giving me another three pints for the pantry.  This makes it a lot easier than trying to do it all in one day, and I plan to continue doing it this way any time I'm able.  I filled the dehydrator with halved figs, which filled a half gallon jar.  

Knowing it won't be long before we integrate the chicks in with the rest of the flock, we began letting them into their large yard last week, so they can all see each other across the fence now.  It's supposed to help with an easier transition.  There was a virtual GC I had redeemed via Swagbucks some months ago, which was good until some time in '27, but when I tried to use it, I got a message it was expired.  I first initiated a conversation with Swagbucks, who told me to contact the card issuer.  Though I dread these types of phone calls, they actually made it reasonably easy, and I received a new card last week.  I immediately loaded it on my Amazon account, and it worked fine.  I had loaded other GC's on Amazon recently, anticipating Christmas lists I'd be receiving.  A decision was made to scale back for Christmas this year, and I will only be celebrating with my sister, instead of both siblings and their families.  I do understand, as families continue to grow.  Life always brings changes, doesn't it?

  

sunrise on the inland waterway

On Thursday, I drove to the NC coast, to meet an old friend.  We had the nicest time catching up.  We ate out twice, and all was delicious, including the leftovers.  I had scoped it out beforehand, and found spots where there were items I could eat.  My friend suggested a spot I hadn't found, and it turned out to be wonderful.  We did a little thrifting, and I found two pairs of workpants for J, a canister for my shop, and a half price tank top.  The last evening, we just stayed in and hung out.  It's such a precious thing to have one on one time with dear friends.  Because of my time away, I didn't get a skoolie post up this week, but plan to get one up this Friday.  Wishing you a wonderful week.