Rick, glad no one was hurt and that in the end you came out mostly whole financially. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like in spite of the incident you had a good visit. We just returned last week from London. It was our first visit back since living there 1997-2000. It has changed a lot. Fortunately we used the trains, tube and black cabs to get around. I have many fond memories of driving in England, Ireland and on the continent in our British car 25+ years ago that your story brought to mind.
Ed, thanks for a thought provoking article that reminds me of a favorite Dietrich Bonhoeffer quote: “Time is the most valuable thing that we have, because it is the most irrevocable.”
Ed, thanks for a great article and for your work as a physical therapist. I'm a fan of PT as an alternative to other treatments (surgery) when possible. When I was younger (30's & 40's), it was for sports injuries like rotator cuff. As, I've gotten older (now 70) PT for knee replacement and to help with loss of strength due to RA joint damage. My attitude is to impact those things I can and not to worry about those I can't. PT helps with those things I have some ability to affect.
Great overview, Jonathan. I will reach 70-1/2 in 2025 so I plan to use QCD. In recent years, since the standard deductible was increased, we have been doubling up our donations to make it worth itemizing every other year. For example in 2023, we made our usual donations for 2023 in Jan. and those for 2024 in Dec. 2023. We then itemized in 2023. In 2024 we will take the standard deduction. The QCD will, I think and hope, simply our giving while retaining a tax advantage.
My wife and I have been on the Wellcare plan in 2023 & 2024. In 2024 premium was $0. Out of pocket has been minimal. My wife is on 1 med and I am on 4. Two of mine also have no cost when I fill them at our local Costco under the Wellcare plan. Very happy with it.
Jonathan, your "attitude of gratitude" is an example for all of us. I hope your reflection on all you have done and the lives you have touched bring you much joy.
Sorry to hear about your bad experience with OAT. We have friends who have used Rick Steve Tours a few times with very good results. I've used his guides and audios since the 90's and like his style & philosophy of travel.
Comments
We've had a couple of Avalons. They go forever. I was disappointed when I learned Toyota discontinued making them.
Post: How have you decided when it’s worth it to fix an old car?
Link to comment from May 24, 2025
Rick, glad no one was hurt and that in the end you came out mostly whole financially. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like in spite of the incident you had a good visit. We just returned last week from London. It was our first visit back since living there 1997-2000. It has changed a lot. Fortunately we used the trains, tube and black cabs to get around. I have many fond memories of driving in England, Ireland and on the continent in our British car 25+ years ago that your story brought to mind.
Post: A Tale of Excess
Link to comment from May 10, 2025
Ed, thanks for a thought provoking article that reminds me of a favorite Dietrich Bonhoeffer quote: “Time is the most valuable thing that we have, because it is the most irrevocable.”
Post: On My Own Time
Link to comment from February 8, 2025
Ed, thanks for a great article and for your work as a physical therapist. I'm a fan of PT as an alternative to other treatments (surgery) when possible. When I was younger (30's & 40's), it was for sports injuries like rotator cuff. As, I've gotten older (now 70) PT for knee replacement and to help with loss of strength due to RA joint damage. My attitude is to impact those things I can and not to worry about those I can't. PT helps with those things I have some ability to affect.
Post: A Lifetime of Loss
Link to comment from December 28, 2024
That's a favorite C.S. Lewis book of mine. Entertaining and thought provoking.
Post: A Lifetime of Loss
Link to comment from December 28, 2024
Great overview, Jonathan. I will reach 70-1/2 in 2025 so I plan to use QCD. In recent years, since the standard deductible was increased, we have been doubling up our donations to make it worth itemizing every other year. For example in 2023, we made our usual donations for 2023 in Jan. and those for 2024 in Dec. 2023. We then itemized in 2023. In 2024 we will take the standard deduction. The QCD will, I think and hope, simply our giving while retaining a tax advantage.
Post: A Taxing Retirement
Link to comment from November 16, 2024
My wife and I have been on the Wellcare plan in 2023 & 2024. In 2024 premium was $0. Out of pocket has been minimal. My wife is on 1 med and I am on 4. Two of mine also have no cost when I fill them at our local Costco under the Wellcare plan. Very happy with it.
Post: Wellcare for Part D
Link to comment from October 19, 2024
Rick, glad to hear you recovered from the spill. I hope you enjoy the Dalmatian tour as much as we did and I look forward to hearing about it.
Post: Exercising Caution
Link to comment from September 7, 2024
Jonathan, your "attitude of gratitude" is an example for all of us. I hope your reflection on all you have done and the lives you have touched bring you much joy.
Post: No Regrets
Link to comment from September 7, 2024
Sorry to hear about your bad experience with OAT. We have friends who have used Rick Steve Tours a few times with very good results. I've used his guides and audios since the 90's and like his style & philosophy of travel.
Post: Go-Go or Slow-Go?
Link to comment from August 18, 2024