Hello Ken! Greetings to you also.Hope you're doing OK and enjoying semi-retirement. We're staying healthy and live each day to the fullest. Can't believe almost 26 years have gone by since retiring--and so happy that I was able to take advantage of the opportunity.
Hello Mark. I'd say listen to your doctor. My maternal grandfather died of a sudden heart attack at age 56; my father's dad dropped dead of a heart attack at 65, and my dad at age 67. I became acutely worried that the same fate awaited me. In my early 40's, I went to my family doctor and cardiologist, and they recommended blood tests for cholesterol levels, stress tests, etc. The results indicated I should start statins. I've been on the daily med for over 31 years now, and all is good for me--approaching age 77! If your tests indicate you should start meds, I would recommend doing it.
Mark: Why not try finding wedding dresses at a thrift shop, if you have them in Ireland? Around here in Pennsylvania you can find many gently used beautiful gowns for extremely low price, and maybe for the cost of a minor alteration, it'd be worth it! And you can give the bride money for something that is really needed, worthwhile, and practical!
I guess I'm both fortunate and lucky! Given the option to either retire or continue employment in an extremely stressful and competitive environment, I took advantage of an early retirement offer over 25 years ago due to a corporate merger/downsizing. In addition to my pension, both me and my wife get reimbursed for our monthly Medicare premiums and our supplemental Medigap insurance health premiums; it also includes Part D drug premium coverage. We are very thankful, but like Richard Quinn and corporate benefit bulletins indicate each year, the company states they reserve the right to discontinue these 'benefits' at any time and for any reason.
Richard..I agree with you, and I am slowly and carefully investigating new models, but the technology and horror stories I hear about with newer vehicles scares me. I just want something that's reliable, safe, starts when I need to go, and doesn't require constant trips to the dealer for repairs.
Dennis...one more thing. I keep this 'wallet' in my left front pants pocket all the time. That way, whether I'm sitting or walking, a slight brush of my hand across my front leg lets me know it's there and safe! And less of chance of a pickpocket trying anything.
Hi again Dennis. One other point--the cards in the bundle are very tight and secure, and will not, under any circumstances slip out. After about a year of use and the rubber bands get a little limp, I just replace them with a couple of new ones.
Dennis: I figured out a way to prevent 'losing' my wallet years ago. I don't use a wallet! I use two of those purple rubber bands that are used to hold fresh broccoli spears together in the produce section of the supermarket. You bundle all your cards together, wrap them with the cash you want to hold (I usually keep a $20, couple of $10's and a $5), and then secure the whole bundle with the two rubber bands twisted around twice. The rubber bands keep the your 'wallet' from slipping out of your pants or shirt pocket, and it's very compact and not bulky like a regular wallet. When you need a credit card, health or prescription card, drivers license, etc, all you do is slide the needed card up out of the bundled 'wallet'. It's worked perfectly for me for years!! Try it, maybe you'll like it!!
Comments
Hello Ken! Greetings to you also.Hope you're doing OK and enjoying semi-retirement. We're staying healthy and live each day to the fullest. Can't believe almost 26 years have gone by since retiring--and so happy that I was able to take advantage of the opportunity.
Post: Joining the Club, Maybe?
Link to comment from February 20, 2026
Hello Mark. I'd say listen to your doctor. My maternal grandfather died of a sudden heart attack at age 56; my father's dad dropped dead of a heart attack at 65, and my dad at age 67. I became acutely worried that the same fate awaited me. In my early 40's, I went to my family doctor and cardiologist, and they recommended blood tests for cholesterol levels, stress tests, etc. The results indicated I should start statins. I've been on the daily med for over 31 years now, and all is good for me--approaching age 77! If your tests indicate you should start meds, I would recommend doing it.
Post: Joining the Club, Maybe?
Link to comment from February 20, 2026
Mark: Why not try finding wedding dresses at a thrift shop, if you have them in Ireland? Around here in Pennsylvania you can find many gently used beautiful gowns for extremely low price, and maybe for the cost of a minor alteration, it'd be worth it! And you can give the bride money for something that is really needed, worthwhile, and practical!
Post: Four Weddings and a Wake-Up Call
Link to comment from January 9, 2026
I guess I'm both fortunate and lucky! Given the option to either retire or continue employment in an extremely stressful and competitive environment, I took advantage of an early retirement offer over 25 years ago due to a corporate merger/downsizing. In addition to my pension, both me and my wife get reimbursed for our monthly Medicare premiums and our supplemental Medigap insurance health premiums; it also includes Part D drug premium coverage. We are very thankful, but like Richard Quinn and corporate benefit bulletins indicate each year, the company states they reserve the right to discontinue these 'benefits' at any time and for any reason.
Post: ACA Subsidies for Early Retirees
Link to comment from October 19, 2025
Richard..I agree with you, and I am slowly and carefully investigating new models, but the technology and horror stories I hear about with newer vehicles scares me. I just want something that's reliable, safe, starts when I need to go, and doesn't require constant trips to the dealer for repairs.
Post: My thoughts on technology- can’t get enough
Link to comment from August 28, 2025
My 15 year old car with hardly any technology communicates with me also--the "check engine" light should be renamed the "check wallet" light!
Post: My thoughts on technology- can’t get enough
Link to comment from August 28, 2025
Dennis...one more thing. I keep this 'wallet' in my left front pants pocket all the time. That way, whether I'm sitting or walking, a slight brush of my hand across my front leg lets me know it's there and safe! And less of chance of a pickpocket trying anything.
Post: Not Qualified to Carry This Anymore
Link to comment from August 15, 2025
Hi again Dennis. One other point--the cards in the bundle are very tight and secure, and will not, under any circumstances slip out. After about a year of use and the rubber bands get a little limp, I just replace them with a couple of new ones.
Post: Not Qualified to Carry This Anymore
Link to comment from August 13, 2025
Dennis: I figured out a way to prevent 'losing' my wallet years ago. I don't use a wallet! I use two of those purple rubber bands that are used to hold fresh broccoli spears together in the produce section of the supermarket. You bundle all your cards together, wrap them with the cash you want to hold (I usually keep a $20, couple of $10's and a $5), and then secure the whole bundle with the two rubber bands twisted around twice. The rubber bands keep the your 'wallet' from slipping out of your pants or shirt pocket, and it's very compact and not bulky like a regular wallet. When you need a credit card, health or prescription card, drivers license, etc, all you do is slide the needed card up out of the bundled 'wallet'. It's worked perfectly for me for years!! Try it, maybe you'll like it!!
Post: Not Qualified to Carry This Anymore
Link to comment from August 13, 2025
The name of the firm he worked for: " Dowe, Cheatum, and How"
Post: Is Remembered for…..
Link to comment from May 23, 2025