sfceric - the satin finish looks very nice on that neck

Trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do now that all the good doctors around here have stopped accepting all Medicare Advantage Plans. Including, my primary care doc. Ugh!

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar

Keep the faith, Marky. Unlike in this country, the U.S. has a large population and that is sure to help in your favour. I know it’s not a quick or perfect answer, but let’s hope it leads to one.

Our federal and provincial medical here in Canada is definitely better IMHO; but, it is declining in services and waiting times. For some many clinics or nurses are taking the place of a regular doctor as we speak. Thankfully, I got my much needed operation, with a highly respected (both in Canada and the U.S.) award winning team; but, it was iffy and rough because the many months waiting period and less than a day of hospital recovery put me at risk. Only because I had a family doctor who was on staff were strings pulled, and even that took months!

In this big city emergencies are closing and one hospital is the assigned preferential emergency and that one hospital does all the major work now, while others are cut back to non essential services per se. The system works, but barely across the country. Still better than nothing.

Considering that this generation paid the bulk of costs to get and keep the system it’s ironic that we get the dregs when help is needed. So far it’s hanging on; however, the one size fits all doesn’t look promising.

My private plan (one of the better ones) runs out as fast as I can renew it and benefits last for much less time than they are put into limbo, and that’s mostly for a minor amount medications which I pay for out of pocket while making payments to the plan. Add a lot of generic drugs to that. Are we saving? The details aren’t available. Good deal. Three plans for one system.

I don’t think any system will be a total assurance, Marky. Dental costs here are not covered by government and even with private plans the bills are through the roof.

My family, before government medical, was hampered with medical bills when I was a kid. Thankfully, we all fared better in the beginning when we got country wide support, and now we are starting to see the downside across the nation. That’s both the benefit and tragedy of being locked into one medical government system, When it works - fine. When it doesn’t - there’s no option.

Hang in there, Marky. Be careful of what you wish for. I’m sending you good vibes for a satisfactory solution.

It’s coming your way.

FSB

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Thanks, brother. I'm very happy it worked out so well for you.
Back in the '60s, President Johnson (I think) wanted to put Social Security into an annuity but it didn't work out that way. All the money that citizens put into it, to help themselves in retirement, went into a General Fund that was borrowed from, or stolen from, and never repaid. Now the money is running out and services are being cut. I'm afraid this is not a happy ending.

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar

That translates into “this is the start of a new beginning”. What’s that old adage? When the going gets tough, the tough gets going? Hey, us tough guys all have a soft spot that appears from time to time, but I know that anyone who can live amongst rattlers and scorpions are tougher than me, and I never give up. I know you’ve been there before, and here you are today. Keep up the fight, there’s a lot in your corner, and I’m sure you’ll get a proper audience. Every fight comes with punches, and so does every win. It’s only round 1 Champ. You’re already a winner.
FSB

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Just got back from a 40° before wind chill frigid brain freeze on the forehead walk (and came back carrying more low cal orange chocolate cookies, and that made me warm and fuzzy all over).
FSB

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Thanks so much for support, FSB. I really appreciate your pep talk and kind words. Gotta stay strong!

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar

Appreciate the kind words on the neck, hoping the rest turns out as nice. The first two sealer coats of shellac went on today on my test pieces and I have to say at this point the dyed piece looks better than the undyed.

Sorry to hear about SS and Medicare not being as accepted by the majority of competent quality doctors. In Nov they(government political pencil neck sumnofabitches) have struck a blow against military retirees dental care plans as well. We go from an 80/20 plan to a 60/40 plan for about the same cost. Not only that but it lumps us in with all other government pensioners which will undoubtedly lead to other reductions or price increases. I will probably not live long enough to see anything from SS or with Medicare(unless something really bad happens), since they also keep raising the age of eligibility. Hell in a handbasket is a fitting description. Best wishes w/ your situation Marky.

Doing laundry. We'll have to go out to get a few things at the store, maybe go for a walk. The weather has been pretty bad lately to do so, but at least we've been working on new music. Maybe do some recording today, too.

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I’m off to the mall to pickup some new altered curtains and shears for Mrs. FSB. I hope they turned out okay or I’ll have to get some new ones, and it’s always risky going to a mall because, as my uncle used to say, there are good entrances and bad entrances. A good entrance is where there is electronics, tools, or musical instruments, and a bad one is where there is women’s clothing, jewelry, or furnishings.
FSB

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Good luck at the mall, FSB. Try going into the entrance near the loading docks. I found that's where they usually put the tools, lawn mowers, snow blowers and other heavy items. It's usually a safe entrance. Today is mostly music and relaxation. My kinda day.

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar

That’s one of the best mall tips I’ve ever heard. Thanks.
Hope you are having that relaxing musical day, Marky.

FSB

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

I'm checking in here for a bit, before The Rookie comes on at 10:00 PM.

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"Electric Lady"

I'm going with my girlfriend to a radio station to be on a morning show. It should be fun.

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Watching YT videos.

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar