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Club MED
March 2024
The Ballad of Max and Bella Strange Bedfellows, the Best of Friends
When we first got Max, we were intimidated. He was a big dog. His face had little expression except for the eyebrows. He puts a lot of emotion into his eyebrows. While handsome, the giant bulldog head spoke power, strength, and fierceness. Because of an early encounter with his fangs, it was clear Max’s jaws were like an industrial strength shredder. A hundred years ago, butchers used American-type bulldogs to hold cattle by the nose while the butcher slit the cows’ throats. I admit Bev and I kept our distance initially because we were worried he might tear off a limb or two if we did something disagreeable. Mason, our son, was inspired by our dog pound success and watched the Humane Society website daily for new dog postings. When Bella — before she became Bella — showed up, we made a trip. She was 4 months old. I’m amazed at how small she was when I look back at old photos. She was a puppy with the usual lack of social skills and awkwardness. She had been abandoned and was on Omaha’s wild and woolly streets when the Humane Society picked her up. It seems she experienced some abuse. There is a massive scar atop her head where someone tried to split her skull with a spike. Despite all that, she has a sweet disposition and one of the longest tongues I’ve ever seen.
Max tried to act like the tall, strong, indifferent type, but you could tell he liked the young girl posturing for his attention. Mason lives in an apartment in the Old Market, so Bella is boxed up often. Mason brings her over, especially on the weekends, to run in our backyard. When Bella stayed overnight, we had a separate kennel for her. We were scared for a while that Max might attack her in the night when no one was around. After a couple of weeks, they would both go into the same kennel, and we couldn’t separate them. When we reached inside to grab one of them, they pushed to the back of the kennel out of arms reach. Sometimes, while watching TV at night, a dog fight would break out in the kennel. I would jump up and run to the kennel, expecting the worst. I was scared Max had ripped Bella’s head or tail off. When I lifted the blanket, it was Bella scolding Max because he wouldn’t play or had bitten her too hard during play. Max was generally cowed and embarrassed.
Max is a double-A alpha dog. There is no dog over him — the meaning of alpha. If another dog pretends differently, Max will quickly and directly deal with the pretender. When we are out for walks, I double wrap the leash around my fist when another dog approaches us. Most do the right thing. We were nervous when it was time for Max and Bella to meet. I held his collar firmly, and Mason was ready to snatch Bella away if necessary. The usual nervous sniffing and posturing took place. Max made some aggressive moves, but Bella wasn’t interested in dominance. She wanted to play. When Bella didn’t react to Max and then kissed him — a well-placed lick — all was well.
Bella may have also been verbally complaining because Max can be
incredibly gaseous. Nothing worse than sleeping with someone who poots a lot, if you know what I mean! When Bella leaves, particularly after an extended stay from Thursday evening to Monday morning, Max is depressed. Max doesn’t want to eat — very unusual. He doesn’t respond when I call. He just lays around and looks depressed. Mason
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Medicare Insurance Made Easy
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SOME OF HISTORY’S QUIRKIEST MOMENTS Grab your time travel hats! We are peeling back the layers of the past to reveal a few stories you won’t find in the history books, though history class would have been much more fun if they were! uteruses to fly out of their bodies! Thankfully, at least two women saw past the strange notion to propose genuine improvements
in the iron horses. In 1870, Eliza Murfey held 16 patents for her inventions to improve how bearings on train car wheels responded to their axles. In 1879, Mary Elizabeth Walton held two patents for reducing smokestack emissions. TALE OF THE TALLEST BUILDINGS The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and last remaining of the original seven wonders of the world. For 4,000 years, this architectural marvel was the tallest building in the world. But all reigns must end, and in 1311, the Lincoln Cathedral in England claimed the crown. It was the tallest building for 237 years until its spire collapsed in 1548. However, it was still the tallest building ever built until the Ulm Minster in Germany set a new record in 1890 — it’s still the tallest church in the world. SHORTS SHOOK THE WORLD In the sizzling summer of 1937, something extraordinary happened on the streets of Toronto that changed fashion forever. Two daring women went out in public wearing shorts. Yes, shorts! The sight was so unusual that it drew overwhelming attention and even caused a car wreck! While this moment caused quite a stir, it wasn’t until after World War II that shorts gained popularity.
WHEN STILLNESS CREATED HISTORY Imagine a bustling Parisian street filled with life and activity. A photographer is there, about to take the first known photograph of a person. But the only person still enough to
photograph was a man getting his shoes shined — the exposure time then was several hours, almost a whole day’s work! So, the shoe-shining duo became unexpected celebrities in history as the subject of the first known photograph of humans in 1838. A WHISTLE STOP FOR WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS When trains first thundered across the American landscape, some women wouldn’t ride them — a bizarre myth emerged claiming that traveling at speeds of 50 mph would cause their
Appropriate sniffing. Then Bella jumps on Max’s back. It’s a strange ritual. She treats Max like a bench and puts her front paws on his back. She likes to smack him in the face with her paws. Then she hits him back and forth across the face with her very long tail. Max takes it all with only occasional winces and grimaces. Like most couples, they have their strange rituals. Max will not let Bella eat in his presence. He chases Bella away from her food bowl. We’ve tried to feed them together. Bev and I will stand between them, but Bella won’t eat until Max is done. On the flip side, Bella is a bed hog. We have substantial dog beds strategically placed throughout the house. Max and Bella will lie on the bed with an evenly shared space. Eventually, Max is in a tiny corner when I look over, trying to hang on for dear life. Bella is sprawled out over the whole bed.
playing in the morning, they are on the bed beside the fire near my chair.
says that Bella is the same way when she gets home. It takes a couple of days for Max to pull out of it. Then Friday evening comes. The love puppies are reunited. It is a beautiful thing. They run into one another’s paws. There is usually a quick kiss — licks on the lips. ... CONTINUED FROM COVER
When Max gets fed up with his small space, he gets up and approaches me to get his head scratched. Bella immediately gets up and follows. She has serious FOMO (fear of missing out). I scratch Max’s head with a couple of strokes. Then, I start scratching Bella’s chin because she pushes her way in. Immediately, Max returns to the bed and spreads out. I thought it was a coincidence the first few times, but now it is a morning ritual. Bella still hasn’t figured out the maneuver. She ends up sitting on a little corner of the bed, hoping I will pet her some more.
My relationship with Bev, my wife, is more complex but not that dissimilar.
Such is my boring life.
–Christopher J. Grimmond
About a year ago, Max figured out how to deal with the Bella bed-hog situation. While
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MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT UNDERWRITING: RISKS ARE KEY
“Chris & Angie are TERRIFIC !!! They made the process of changing our Medicare Supplement Plan G very easy & understandable. The process used by Chris was very PROFESSIONAL! It only took 1 meeting to clearly explain all our options, and a very short 2 days to get our applications thru underwriting and approved by the insurance company. Substantial $$ savings on our premium!! Would HIGHLY recommend!!” –Larry F. Testimonial
THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE YOUR MONTHLY PREMIUM
Underwriting, which is the process insurance companies use to assess an applicant’s risk and determine their eligibility for coverage, plays a crucial role in determining whether you will be approved for a plan as well as how much that plan will cost. Whether you are new to Medicare or not, the complexities of Medicare supplement underwriting can seem daunting. Luckily, our experience with Medicare supplements in Iowa and Nebraska makes us uniquely qualified to help. HOW IS THE PRICE OF MY PREMIUM DECIDED? Generally, premiums are based on the insurance company’s assessed risk of providing you with coverage: the higher the risk, the higher the associated monthly premium. While there are a multitude of factors that may affect the cost of your monthly premium, we will discuss some of the main considerations insurance companies make when determining the risk associated with insuring you, and what the price of your insurance will be. • Your gender In Nebraska and Iowa, the price of Medicare supplements is affected by a person’s gender, with the insurance premiums for men generally being more expensive. • Where you live The amount of competition, the cost of living in your area, as well as relevant local and state laws can impact the cost of your insurance premiums. • Tobacco use The cost of insurance for tobacco users may be up to 50% higher compared to those who don’t use tobacco. • Your medical history Insurance companies will review your medical history, which includes checking for pre-existing conditions, potential health risks, and your prescription medications to determine the risks associated with insuring you. YOU MUST SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE. If you are unsure of what steps to take regarding your Medicare application or have other questions about Medicare underwriting, we can help. Our experience and knowledge of Medicare supplements in Nebraska and Iowa allow us to find the insurance plan that best fits your circumstances and budget. Give us a call to speak with a licensed insurance agent at 402-614-3389 !
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl
Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
Ingredients • 2 boneless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn
• 1 cup canned black beans
• 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped • 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
Directions 1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
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
1
Max and Bella, a Love Story
2
A Few of History’s Hilarious Quirks
What Underwriters Consider for Medicare Supplements
3
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl
3
4
Bring Color and Joy to Your Garden
Grow Your Green Thumb This Spring A Spring Gardening Guide
Spring is in the air; the chirping birds and warm air call you outdoors. It’s the perfect time to start your garden. Even as a beginning gardener, you can find plants and flowers to bring you joy throughout the summer. Carrots and radishes are quick, easy, and grow well in most areas. Carrots are versatile veggies great for snacking and cooking; even your dogs will love them! They need to be planted early, though, as they take about three months to germinate. Radishes are cool- season vegetables you can start indoors and plant outside after the last frost. Other vegetables can also be started from seed indoors in late February to early March. Try cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, and lettuce. Later, in mid to late March, you can start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors. Wait to plant your seeds and seedlings in the ground until two weeks after the last frost. Some early cold-tolerant vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and head lettuce, can go in the ground early
to mid-March. Heat-loving plants like peppers, okra, and eggplant that grow slowly can also be planted in March. Tomatoes are the stars of many gardens. It is best to wait until early April to plant them, though. They are like Goldilocks and prefer everything just right — not too cold or hot. We can’t talk about gardening without giving a few helpful tips for adding color. Plant hydrangea, aster, pansy, sweet peas, garden mums, and Oriental lilies in the spring to invite pollinators and provide blooming color throughout the summer. Spring bulbs, like crocus and daffodils, are the first to bloom. Sometimes, they will even bloom when there is a bit of snow on the ground. But it is best to plant bulbs in the fall so they have time to settle in their roots. A gardener’s best friend is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Since most states include three different growing zones, it is a handy resource to choose the best plants for your area. The website at PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov has a wealth of information, including tips for easy maintenance. So, grab your gloves, get your seeds, and enjoy watching your garden grow!
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