TUESDAY

Another action-packed day. (Actually, it entailed of bunch of mundane items.) Did a bleach wash, then tackled office-y chores to wit: Sent a note of condolence to the daughter of our former neighbor; left a note of thanks for the bag of lemons from Mike upstairs; talked to the office about the flow of the bathroom sink being improved; and Messaged a few FB cohorts on various topics.

Here was the topper: A few days ago, when I was having problems posting on this blog, I contacted JustAnswer.com. I was made to understand I could "chat" (electronically communicate, that is) with a tech at no charge. I did, but just for a few minutes, but I didn't get a usable answer, so I ended the contact. A few days later, I was horrified to see on my bank account that a $55.00 charge to the outfit was being processed. Long story you-know-what, I called (several times) and after long waits got somebody who said no, they wouldn't refund, it was a subscription charge and I had the first month. I demanded to talk to somebody else. I was patched over and went all over the situation. I should be ashamed to record (but I'm not) that I pulled the age card and also gave the impression the amount was a terrible financial burden (it isn't). I was surprised myself when the guy agreed to refund me and sent a text and an email to confirm that. Hmm...maybe my acting skills aren't rusty, after all. 

Went over to Von's for yummy fresh salmon, then to CVS for some OTC items, all paid by my health insurance. Stopped at Hallmark to look at Christmas ornaments, which were touted as 75% off. Frankly, I think that's a scam. I bought a particular ornament for a particular person, but it isn't musical, it doesn't move, it's just a pressed, rather small piece. Yet, it had a price of $24.00 on it; 75% off meant it was $6.99. I find it impossible that the original price was twenty-four bucks--plus tax! Why did I buy it? Only because I know the theme will interests the person.

Had lunch, then waited outside for the Uber to take me to the dentist. The driver, a very nice guy named Tracey, was sent to the wrong entrance, as all the other drivers have been! This is just infuriating, considering how many times I've tried to correct the problem. However, I got there and was ushered in shortly.  This was just for a cleaning, but I was told I also should get a filling in one of my lower teeth. Besides Medicare and my regular health insurance, I have their insurance, for which I paid $500.00. I asked about a co-pay, figuring it would be 10 or 20 dollars, and was floored when I was told it would be two-hundred-and-sixty-eight bucks! That's a "saving" of more than a hundred, I was assured. Damn, I was furious and told them I'd think about it. Later, I decided I'd do it--after all, I can take it off my income tax--but it still makes me boil. 

Bused home and at the mail place, I ran into David and we stood there and talked for a good forty-five minutes. David owns three houses in North Carolina, and as we chatted, I found that for a nice, three-bedroom, two-bath place, he gets $1400 in rent. Good grief, that's roughly half of what I get for my house in Little Egg! Of course, it's all relative: In Ventura, if sold, both those places would fetch a million or more, no question.

Lorraine drove up while we were talking and slowed down to say hello. Her birthday is tomorrow and, eventually, I'll take her to lunch or something. She also called me when I got home and we chatted for a bit.

Called the Agency On Aging to try to track down Jim's whereabouts. The very pleasant and friendly woman to whom I spoke (I asked, but can't remember her name) didn't have that information, but suggested I call the hospital to see how he went when he was released. Was he picked up? Did he walk out on his own?  She also said I could call the police to see if they had done a wellness check. I'll do that today. One of the (many) problems is that Jim doesn't have a cell phone. Hope I can find him.