We are now "the old couple next door".

Just a realization.

We thought we were too old for another dog and then Rosie walked in.

We didn't want to outlive a dog, so we have been without.
Our good friend and next door neighbor is a dog rescuer.

She will periodically (when she can spare the time from
her family of 4 and running an incredibly complicated business) get dogs on death row from the county 'animal rescue' facility and try and find either foster homes or forever homes for them.
Rosie was scheduled to be put down in a week.

She's a medium sized Rottweiler/German Shepherd(maybe?) mix.
About 65 pounds.
Age is estimated at 9.
Rosie has a very gray muzzle, and she has one speed.
SLOW

Anyway...in dog years Rosie is just a few years younger than I am.
We can tell she's had a hard life.
Rotten teeth.
Cowed demeanor.
Tail tucked between legs.

We've had her for almost two weeks.
Been to the vet. Twice.
Rotten teeth extracted.
Antibiotics and pills for arthritis.
She's getting the right amount of calories every day and wolfing it down.
The tail has come up and we even are getting some wags now.
And kisses.

Damn it's just good to have a dog again.

It started small. Drinks on the Driveway.

Last Wednesday we invited our next door neighbors (close friends) and a few other friends from down the block to join us for Drinks on the Driveway.

Each one brought their own beverage and seating.
10 in all.
We 'socially spaced'.
It was fun and interesting to talk with others.
NO POLITICS!

We did it again yesterday at a location down the street.
It did not go well, at least not for me and Miz t.
I am 78 with COPD and obese. Miz t. is 75 and obese.
(Extenuating circumstances. Believe me, obesity is NOT our choice.

People from the last gathering had invited others.
We wound up with 20 on a smallish patio.
Social distancing was out the window.
I tried to keep space for us, but had to ask two nurses, NURSES, to please back away.

I'm binging "800 WORDS"

It's on ROKU/ACORNTV.
Aussie sitdrama/com.

If you were milking a giraffe, would you have to stand ON the stool?

Just wondering.

We all need a little Christmas, right this very minute.

Are you getting a refund on auto insurance premiums?

If not, why not?
With much less driving, claims should be WAY down.

Allstate and American Family Insurance have begun discounting car insurance premiums since many drivers aren’t using their cars as much due to stay-at-home policies aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Allstate said most customers can expect a 15 percent refund in April and May, along with holders of Esurance and Encompass policies, while American Family Insurance is returning $50 per vehicle.

“It is real dollars we expected to pay out this year and no longer have to pay out, American Family COO Telisa Yancy told the Wall Street Journal. “We are sharing it back right now when our customers probably most need it.”

According to the journal, American Family customers drove 40 percent fewer miles in the last three weeks of March, resulting in fewer claims.

Allstate estimated the program at $600 million, while American Family said it will return approximately $200 million to its customer base.

The two insurers were the first major companies to institute a blanket refund program, while others, including GEICO and State Farm, are encouraging customers to contact them to discuss their policies based on their new driving patterns.

Many insurers have also extended their grace periods for late payments before canceling coverage, and with company policies changing day-to-day in response to the crisis.
https://www.foxnews.com/auto/car-insurers-refunds-stay-at-home-policies-coronavirus

Under the CARE Act no RMD required for 2020.

From Fidelity website:

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, recently passed into law, includes a number of measures designed to stimulate the economy. One provision allows retirees to forgo taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from IRAs or 401(k)-type plans this year.

RMD amounts are based on the value of the account at the end of the previous year. “Because most accounts have seen a steep decline in 2020, the amount of the required withdrawal would have been a much larger percentage of a retiree’s account,” explains Rob Williams, VP of financial planning, retirement income and wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research (SCFR). “The new law lets retirees keep that money in their accounts, potentially recouping some of the market losses when the economy turns around.”


https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/insights/content/can-you-forgo-taking-rmds-2020

Our 51st anniversary is on Easter Sunday.

I don't remember that ever happening before.
Miz t. is a devout Episcopalian and I'm a devout atheist.
We respect each other's beliefs.
Live, and let live.
It's been a mostly happy 51 years.

It's just weird having it fall on Easter.
She won't be going to church.
We won't be buying anniversary cards.
I won't be buying flowers for her.

She is 75 and very healthy.
But she is 75.
I am 78 with COPD and hypertension.
We have laid in food to last us for a few weeks and don't plan to go out in public until we run low.

I think we'll go on a picnic at a nearby nature preserve to celebrate.

Y'all stay well.
trof

Go on a picnic.

I guess we're part of the luck/unlucky ones.
Lucky because we're retired and get S/S checks and I get a pension.
It's a very low 4 figures monthly, but if we REALLY cut back we might be able to just about make it on that amount.

I have an IRA that we use to supplement our other income.
I haven't looked at it since this shitstorm began because I am in denial and don't want to know.

Unlucky because I'm 78 with COPD and hypertension so I figure if I get it I'm a goner.
Miz. t. is 75 and thankfully in good health.
But still...she's 75.

Boy, did I digress.
Anyway...we're lucky to live a short distance from a nature preserve.
Several acres.
Picnic tables scattered around.

We pack a picnic lunch or supper and go settle at a table.
The tables are probably OK, but we spray them down with Lysol.
Then spread a large beach towel for a table cloth.
Just enjoy being outdoors and some fresh air and conversation and being away from TV for a while.

Try it.
I bet it will make you feel better.

trof

Oh yeah, the suppers come with cocktails.