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Club MED
December 2024
Home Alone:
The Chronicles of a Left-Behind Husband
When Bev leaves me home alone, it’s a bit like releasing a teenager from grounding — except the teenager is me, and I’m closer to 70 than 17. Whether it’s for her physical therapy conferences in Vegas, work meetings in Baltimore, or family visits to Arlington National Cemetery, Bev occasionally flies the coop, leaving me with the dogs and freedom.
PHASE 2: SHOULDER PAIN AND SMOKING BRIBES Day two arrives, and I’m out the door to the trap range. One time, I shot so many clay pigeons my shoulder felt like it had gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson.
At the gym, I chat up people without worrying about the clock — or stopping at the store to pick up Bev’s “one last thing.”
And let me tell you, freedom is glorious … for about 24 hours.
Then, once I’m back home, I light up a cigar on the patio. The dogs hate the smoke, but treats are excellent bribery. Max, my American bulldog, endures it with a side-eye that says, “This better be worth it, human.” Meanwhile, I sip Jameson and rewatch Formula 1 races. Max is a Red Bull fan, but I’m all about McLaren. It’s a heated rivalry. PHASE 3: THE DECLINE By the 30-hour mark, the novelty wears off. My house is too quiet. I call Bev. She’s busy. I sigh. Fine, I’ll do laundry and clean the house. But then I notice — where’s the peanut butter? Or my Band-Aids? Bev knows I’m a “same spot every time” guy, but she insists on hiding things. It is some sort of woman power thing. We FaceTime. I scan the pantry shelves while she gives directions like an air traffic controller. “Higher. No, lower. Move the phone left. There it is, behind the soup!” How does she remember all this? I don’t have the brain space for it all. PHASE 4: DESPERATE TIMES By day three, I’m restless, lonely, and low on cigars and whiskey. I’ve played with the dogs, cleaned everything, and caught up on work. Now, I’m texting Bev nonstop. “What’re you doing?” “When are you coming home?” She usually responds with something like, “Still working, dear. Patience!”
PHASE 1: PARTY TIME! The adventure always begins with a triumphant airport drop-off. “You’re free now!” Bev tells me, though I suspect there’s a glint of mischief in her eyes. I call up my buddies on the drive home, announcing my liberation like it’s a national holiday. “Happy Hour starts tonight!” That evening, I hit my favorite spots, eat too much, drink too much, and toast to my solo adventure. When I get home, I dive into a Netflix binge. Bev isn’t a fan of high-octane action flicks, so I indulge in everything with body counts, car chases, and explosions. My viewing motto is “The more action, the better!”
BREAKING NEWS!
My fabulous new associates, Hollie Hittner and Anna Dolezal, are certified dog enthusiasts. Hollie, in particular, has been taking some friendly fire from me about her distinctive pugs. (Let’s just say, beauty is in the eye of the pug-holder!) But wouldn’t you know it — on Thanksgiving Day at the prestigious National Dog Show in New York, a pug named Victor strutted away with Best in Show. Now Hollie has been parading around the office like she’s the queen of Westminster, armed with a newfound sass. So, naturally, we decided to up the ante and organize our very own dog show … with a twist. Introducing The Dog Fashion Show Extravaganza! We’re ironing out the logistics, but here’s the scoop: Come January, you’ll get to witness the canine couture in all its glory in our newsletter and on our website. And here’s where you come in — we need your votes! Our webmaster extraordinaire, Meira, will be setting up an online voting system (complete with anti-tampering safeguards because Hollie and Anna cannot be trusted). Of course, I’ve let my own pups, Max, Bella, and Ginger, know about the contest. Max and Bella couldn’t care less, but Ginger? Oh, she’s all in. Bev is already crafting an outfit that’s sure to slay. Stay tuned-and get ready to cast your vote for the top dog diva! 🐾✨
Patience? By now, the dogs are avoiding me because I’ve talked to them too much. Max looks at me like, “Dude, get a hobby.”
PHASE 5: SWEET RELIEF Finally, Bev comes home, and order is restored. I pick her up from the airport like a knight rescuing his queen. Sure, I had a blast for the first day or two, but let’s be real: Life’s just better when Bev’s around — if only because she can find the peanut butter. –Christopher J. Grimmond
Medicare Insurance Made Easy
402-614-3389 • 1
A NEW WAY TO MANAGE PRESCRIPTION COSTS MEDICARE SMOOTHING PROGRAM:
• Improve Health Outcomes: When medications are affordable, people are more likely to take them as prescribed. • Ease Financial Stress: No more scrambling to pay a big bill in January. • Help With Budgeting: Monthly payments fit better into most people’s budgets. And if you’re wondering, “Is there a catch?” the answer is no — unless you fail to pay your monthly bills. In that case, you could be removed from the program, so timely payments are essential.
Coming in 2025, Medicare’s “smoothing” option is here to make life easier for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.
If you’ve ever felt like Medicare’s prescription drug costs hit harder than an unexpected pothole, good news is on the horizon. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Medicare’s new “ smoothing ” program — officially called the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) or M3P — will allow you to spread your out-of-pocket costs evenly throughout the year. No more starting January with a hefty bill that feels like it belongs in a blockbuster medical drama! Here’s what you need to know to get ready for this exciting change. WHAT IS MEDICARE SMOOTHING? Medicare smoothing is a voluntary program designed for Part D enrollees. Instead of paying your prescription drug costs as they arise — often in large sums early in the year — you can now spread those expenses over 12 manageable monthly payments. Here’s the catch: It doesn’t reduce your overall costs; it just spreads them out evenly. Think of it as a payment plan for your prescriptions, helping you avoid financial whiplash.
HOW TO SIGN UP Signing up is straightforward. You can:
• Call your plan’s toll-free number. • Sign up online through your plan’s website. • Fill out a paper form. • Opt-in during the enrollment process.
Details about the program will also be available on Medicare.gov and in the “Medicare & You” handbook.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT’S THE $2,000 CAP? Smoothing isn’t the only change coming in 2025. The Inflation Reduction Act introduces a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D drugs. That means no one will pay more than $2,000 for prescriptions in a year. Combine that with smoothing, and you’ll have a prescription plan that’s both affordable and predictable. WHY IT MATTERS Imagine this: You’ve just been prescribed an expensive medication, and the pharmacy tells you it’ll cost $3,000 upfront. In the past, that might have meant delaying treatment or scrambling for funds. With smoothing, you’d only pay a manageable monthly amount — letting you focus on your health instead of your wallet. FINAL THOUGHTS The Medicare smoothing program is a game-changer for beneficiaries navigating the costs of prescription drugs. It gives you more control over your finances and improves access to life-saving medications. So, if you opted in on Oct. 15, 2024, you can take advantage of this new option during Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Because managing your prescriptions shouldn’t feel like climbing Mount Everest — now it’s a smooth ride all the way. Have questions about how this affects you? Let’s chat — help is just a phone call away! Speak with a licensed insurance agent professional.
Opting in is simple:
1. During Annual Enrollment: Starting Oct. 15, 2024, you can sign up for the smoothing program through your Part D plan. 2. Automatic Coordination: Once enrolled, your plan works with the pharmacy to handle your cost-sharing payments. Instead of paying at the counter, you’ll get a monthly bill from your plan sponsor. 3. Monthly Caps: CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) calculates a monthly maximum cap to ensure predictable payments.
For example, if your out-of-pocket costs for the year are $2,000, you’d pay about $167 per month under the smoothing program.
WHO CAN JOIN? Anyone enrolled in Medicare Part D can participate in the smoothing program. Whether your annual prescription costs are high or low, you’re eligible. However, the program is particularly beneficial for people with significant upfront drug expenses — like those on specialty medications. WHY IS SMOOTHING A BIG DEAL? For years, beneficiaries on Medicare have faced a frustrating problem: high upfront costs at the beginning of the year. Research shows these large bills often lead to skipped prescriptions or delayed treatments. By breaking those costs into smaller, predictable amounts, the smoothing program aims to:
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So, the kids have finally flown the coop, and you’ve suddenly found yourself with a strange amount of quiet time and a mysterious surplus of energy. What to do? Why not start a blog? Blogging is a fantastic way to channel your newfound free time into something creative and fulfilling. Let’s dive into how you can kickstart this exciting new chapter as a blogger! FIND YOUR NICHE First things first: What do you want to write about? The beauty of blogging is that you can share anything that tickles your fancy. Are you a budding chef finding new ways to spice up the kitchen now that you’re only cooking for two? Or maybe you’re exploring the world, one empty nest adventure at a time. Whatever it is, your blog is a platform to share your passion and expertise. NAME YOUR DIGITAL BABY The next step is picking a name, arguably one of the most fun parts of blogging. Your blog’s name, or domain name, is how readers will find and remember you. It’s your first impression, so make it catchy, relevant, and oh-so-you. SET UP SHOP Your next step is to choose a host site. This is where your blog will live on the internet. Platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Squarespace offer user-friendly interfaces and the option to monetize your blog if you choose to turn your hobby into a side income. Next, you need a theme, like choosing the perfect outfit for your blog. Most blogging platforms come with various customizable themes, so you can ensure your blog looks just as good as it reads. BRAINSTORM AND BEGIN With the setup out of the way, it’s time to create content. Brainstorm topics, plan posts, and start writing. Share stories, tips, and photos. Be authentic, and have fun with it! Don’t forget to connect with other bloggers. It’s a great way to build relationships and increase your blog’s visibility. REAP THE REWARDS Finally, enjoy the benefits of blogging. Not only is it a fun and creative outlet, but it’s also an excellent way to keep your mind active, learn new skills, and possibly earn some extra cash. You’ll be surprised at how rewarding it is to see your thoughts and ideas resonate with others. HOW TO START A BLOG IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS TURN YOUR PASSIONS INTO POSTS
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” —Mister Rogers
Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
Add even more cheer to the holidays with this decadent chocolate mousse.
Ingredients • 10 oz semisweet
• 4 large eggs, separated • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1/2 cup heavy cream
chocolate, chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
Directions 1. In a medium heatproof bowl, add chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and blended, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 2. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. Then gradually add melted chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites and then cream into the chocolate mixture. 5. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill for 3 hours or until set.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your digital pen and start your blogging journey today. Who knows where your words might take you!
402-614-3389 • 3
11414 W. Center Rd., Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68144
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
402-614-3389 OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com Chris@OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
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INSIDE This Issue
Life’s Better With Bev
1
Medicare Smoothing Program
2
How to Start a Blog in Your Post- Parenting Years
3
3
Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
Unravel the Myth of the 16th-Century Rocket Cat
4
Throughout military history, you’ll find strategic experiments ranging from the genius to the downright bizarre. But few can top the zany brainchild of Franz Helm, a 16th-century German artillery aficionado whose bright idea left historians — and cat lovers — utterly bewildered. Let’s set the scene with Helm’s magnum opus, the “Feuer Buech,” published in 1584, a treasure trove of ( literally ) explosive innovations in warfare. Cat-apulting Into History The Feline-Flying Military Tactic That Never Took Off
cats. Picture a kitty, strapped with a sack of gunpowder, zipping through the air like a furry missile aimed at enemy strongholds.
The hope? These feline projectiles would scamper back to their homes — presumably in enemy territory — and start a blazing inferno. One can only wonder about how they would train cats to become arsonists. The method was straightforward: kidnap an enemy cat, strap it into a gunpowder-laden backpack, light the fuse, and hope Mr. Whiskers doesn’t get cold paws about blowing up its evil overlords. Preserved for posterity at the University of Pennsylvania, the “Feuer Buech” reminds us of the lengths human creativity can go — especially when combined with a profound misunderstanding of cat behavior. As any cat owner will tell you, cats have their own agendas. The chances of a cat completing its fiery mission are about as high as it bringing you the morning newspaper. Thankfully, we have no evidence that this pyrotechnic plan ever came to pass. Considering cats’ notorious independence, we can rest assured that no self-respecting felines took part in these explosive escapades. So, next time you’re cuddling with your cat, be thankful its biggest inclination is to knock pens off your table rather than infiltrate enemy castles with fire.
Imagine this: a battlefield in the Renaissance, not just filled with the clang of swords and the thunder of cannons, but also — wait for it — flying, flaming cats. Yes, you read that right. Franz Helm’s groundbreaking military tactic involved jetpacks for
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