BonTexasNY

Dani, I am so glad you were able to do something to bring you joy and peace of mind. Walking in the sand and breathing in that sea air sounds just what you needed. I hope your SIL heals quickly with minimal pain. I know from @Sea Dog Greg, and friends and family, it isn't an easy recovery. I hope she asks her doctor or at least her PT if she's cleared to use a cane.

Arzeena, wish we could. However, I look forward to meeting you and RJ on Bella 02!

We have 3 Buc'ees on the way down to Galveston. How lucky we are!

A cruise might be only one week but the memories last long after the cruise is over. Then again, you'll have lovely lights that will bring you pleasure for many years. Greg, choose whatever you feel would make you and Linda the happiest. @h20skibum @Lionesss Mark, happy birthday to your son and Sue, happy birthday!

Following for sure. Great pictures. We've driven multiple times to NJ and once to Miami. I prefer it over flying although we never stop specifically to see the sights. We just stop for food and potty breaks. I like your way better! Wishing you safe travels.

@Sea Dog Greg, so glad your first night out after surgery was successful. I hope today isn't too painful for you.

John, I just love those kids! Kenzie is Miss Personality Plus!

Patty, we had Plan N last year and switched to an Advantage plan for 2023 because of medigap's high premium. I thought to switch back to Plan N for 2024, alone, since we discovered it was Jack's diabetes that made the N premiums high. So, for me alone it wouldn't be bad with Jack staying with our current Advantage Plan. I have some medical procedures coming up that would best be served with a medigap plan. My insurance agent assured me there would be no penalty for signing on to a Part D drug plan even after open enrollment ends. Last year with Plan N, I had ankle surgery, was in the hospital for 4 days, then in a rehab facility for 6 weeks, then 4 weeks (3x/week) out patient and my bill was zero. Premiums for Plan C and G are higher than N. We hardly travel out of the country, so that benefit isn't all that important. Lots of info out there to absorb.

Thanks, Arzeena, Wow, I'm surprised you were allowed to post that link unless it disappears soon?

No wild turkeys here but I'm thoroughly enjoying reading Barbra Streisand's memoir. @FromSea2ShiningSea Helen, as always, your pictures are fabulous! Continue having a great cruise with Jane, Dave and any of his family along for the ride. I'm with @Arzeena on FB. I check in there from time to time in Bella's group, but it isn't my favorite place. Is there a non-fb place I can go to read about the World Cruise? I have 7692 points with Microsoft Rewards. I have no idea what they are, what I've done to get them and I don't want to click anything for fear I will be in notification he!!

My point, exactly. I'm impressed! That must have been amazing. Dave, get an independent insurance agent that doesn't work for just one company. By now, I'm a Medicare expert. Ask me anything. Your plans sound wonderful. Enjoy every moment. Oh, Maryann, I wish I knew. Jack and I don't drink (Jack never, me hardly) but we hung out at the Schooner Bar to be with the Bella gang. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Carol and Andy and would have loved going back and forth from their table to the Bella group at the bar. Plus, we weren't Diamond so we never could attend Happy Hour. Most nights I didn't have a seat when I wasn't drinking and I just about killed my ankle standing so much. @Momof3gurlz Deb, if your friends book Bella 02, please introduce us!

I need to rant a bit. This, after all, is the thread about everything! I applied for Medicare Medigap Plan N. I received a letter yesterday stating that based on my previous 2 year medical records I am in a higher premium group, premium rate not listed. The problem is, they state my medical records show I was/am treated for "atrial fibrillation" which I never had!! Jack is the one with afib and he and I both go to the same primary care doctor. I can only think that Jack's records were sent in error to United Healthcare instead of mine. I will call on Monday to try and straighten this out. I have some "minor" medical stuff coming up in 2024 and my out of pocket with my current insurance would be extensive compared to Medigap. If this gets straightened out, I think the cut off date for open enrollment, Dec. 7 would not apply. As Trainman, a much beloved CC poster said many times, "growing old ain't for sissies"! May he R.I.P.

Probably lots older. No worries. There's always someone older than me. I grew up in a time with no computers, no cell phones, no cable tv, girls had to wear skirts or dresses to school. Simpler times for sure. BTW I have never seen even one episode of Star Trek but I'm nice in spite of it. 😉 Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock shows scared me lots.

You want crying? I got teary eyed at the last Howdy Doody episode when Clarabelle spoke for the first and last time and said with a sad sigh "goodbye kids" People who sacrificed for us so that we can enjoy our freedom have my eternal gratitude.

The bit at the end of the Seinfeld finale, when they're in jail, talking about the shirt collar button, was taken from the Seinfeld pilot. I liked the finale, good to see everyone come back. Not only didn't it go over well with some viewers but Jerry and his cohorts weren't thrilled with it either either. I agree with most who responded. For me, no way, no how. Not an experience on my bucket list. Friends of ours went one NYE in the 90's and said they were thankful they were able to finally escape the Times Square mob. Awful experience. Her husband talked her into going. For years after, she never let him forget it.

Beautiful pictures, Helen. I hope Merv the Nerv isn't bothering you! Jennifer you could never be forgotten. Oh yes the tears flowed during Love Story AND Terms of Endearment. Every single episode, a classic. Loved all of them.

Rusty the horse was featured in one of my favorite episodes, "The Rye". Poor Rusty, eating all of those canned beans! "The Contest" was also another winner, forgive the pun 🤣 Just when I think of one of my favorites, another one pops in my head.

My mom also made the best latkes ever. So crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. To this day I never attempt to make them myself because I know nothing I make can ever come close to mom's. Any by the way, count my daughter as another Jennifer.

I remember A&S in downtown Brooklyn very well. As a kid, mom would take us to Mays, A&S and McRory's for a hot waffle ice cream sandwich.

Thanks for all the Chanukah wishes. How wonderful we can all acknowledge/share our holidays in here. We had a wonderful Chanukah/Christmas tradition with neighbors on our block for quite a few years. Their daughter was my daughter's age when they met, all of 3 years old. Every year, for about 10-12 years we would go to their house, admire their wonderful decorations, grab a few candy canes off the Christmas tree and the kids would exchange gifts. Chanukah, the family would come to our home, kids would exchange gifts, eat latkes, jelly donuts and play the draydel game. Those once 3 year olds are now in their mid 30s, married, each with 2 children and still keep in touch. @Sea Dog Greg, Jack wanted me to thank you for posting the knee brace info in here. It makes a difference when he wears it. Definitely cuts down on some the pain.

Thanks, Lenny. Happy Chanukah to all who celebrate:

Greg, so many offered wonderful words of encouragement, and I'll add mine now. Just concentrate on your and Linda's successful surgeries and full recoveries. You have some wonderful cruises planned and Beyond and even Ascent will be here for you to fully enjoy when you two will be in the best of health. Has anyone checked Crystal's FB or other social media sites? I can't imagine that anything she posts would be Monopoly worthy. She's one of the best and like everyone else, I hope all is well.

Just a note on previous book chat. I finished Grisham's "The Exchange" and was disappointed. "The Firm" was so much better but that's just MHO. On a brighter note, sunny and beautiful here, going up to mid 60s. @George C Hope Shelagh (sp?) feels better soon. @Jimbo Never good to get Covid on a cruise but at least it was the last day for both of you. I hope you both experienced mild symptoms.

Best news ever!

Best line from Cousin Eddy in Christmas Vacation: "The $hitter's full." Not sure you mean the Laurel and Hardly March of the Wooden Soldiers, but I loved that movie shown every year on Thanksgiving. Haven't seen it in years.