A Year and a Half Late

February 13, 2024February 11, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Since I can’t afford my Medicare anymore, applied for Social Security. I have had Medicare for several years as I acquired a disability, but, forfeited my Social Security and did travel nursing to pay the bills. Since I can no longer stand nursing, (and it’s the staff, not the patients), bit the bullet.

As I texted my daughter I am now officially old, and despite my wisdom no one cares, look what they do to Joe, and the amazing job he’s doing.

Can’t wait to see this again in 2024.

Go, JOE, need to get out the pom-poms.

I just finished writing him again at the White House with campaign ideas – and I already got a response!

Thanks, Joe.

If you have any ideas write Joe, he likes to feel needed and have all of us involved.

I digress, I know I’m old now, so this is allowed…

Did the process on line, and it was easy. The hardest part was ensuring I was on the correct Social Security site which comes with the official emblem which you are not allowed to copy. However the web site is https://www.ssa.gov/

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

I am a year and a half over the 100% mark for receiving benefits. Doubt they will reimburse for the year and a half, but best I do it now before snarky florida rick scott ends benefits. He who stole millions from Medicaid, and is senator from the state with the greatest senior population is attempting to end social security. This stuff you can’t make up, but it’s true.

And how did he ever get elected? Twice governor, and a senator! I’ll never forget sitting in Orlando Airport seeing him – as you can’t miss him 6’5″, bald, and a face only a mother could love. Well, I knew who he was but wouldn’t acknowledge him. Especially since he had said AOC should go back to bartending the day before. Well, he walked back and forth to the bathroom from the gate waiting area 3 times. I thought he had a problem, then I realized he wanted someone to recognize him.

NO ONE DID!

Now, this is a man who, let me repeat, was gov of florida two terms, and currently a us senator, and no one knew who he was, or acknowledged him in all places Orlando Airport! Anyone who has ever been to Mickey Land knows how busy that place is. Finally after a half an hour wait someone said hello to him. Was grateful for that as he was wearing out the flooring between the gate and the bathroom.

How the hell does anyone get elected when no one recognizes him?

Did he pay people to vote for him?

He’s a multi-millionaire as he stole millions from Medicaid monies, and never paid it back, so he has the cash.

Photo by John Guccione http://www.advergroup.com on Pexels.com

Check it out for yourself if you don’t believe me.

These things can’t be made up, and quite frankly I’m not that creative.

See you tomorrow.

Let’s Honor and Thank Joe..

February 12, 2024April 8, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

After hearing the slander of President Joe Biden in the exoneration report by robert k hur, I am disgusted and saddened that this Korean American defamed our President in such a way.

However, living in Fort Lee, NewJersey, for several years I saw 👀 firsthand how the Korean’s love their republicans, fancy designer purses, and lifestyle they’ve created in the US. But while they adore the trinkets of success, it’s hard to imagine how they could have forgotten the horrific war the US fought on their home soil.

36,634 Americans killed.

What we forget will repeat itself.

Why target Joe and his family as well?

He’s doing a spectacular job.

Let’s give him credit.

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Here’s a smigden of what Joe has accomplished. There is something to say for wisdom, and a 50 plus year career in politics. And a shout out to Dr. Jill Biden for standing by her husband, and family during all this adversity.

Here’s what Joe has done in 3 years as President, and the list is endless considering his storied career.

⚖️⚖️⚖️

And please pass this on to all your friends, especially those independents who are cloaked democrats fearful of retribution by a nasty republicans like gov ron who even hates Disney, the states biggest employer.

💰💵💶💴💸💰💵💶💴💴💰💴💷💶💵💰

Last year alone he blew a billion $ deal with them and then there’s the millions of frivolous lawsuits we have to pay for his nazi like actions. It was 17 million at last count but now he’s made a law to shield that info.

🤪😜😝🤑😛😝😜🤪😜😝😝😛🤑😛😝😜

I can’t imagine his rath should he read this. However, I recently bought a seasonal cabin in the Catskills, maybe I can winterize it?

❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️

But as usual I digress, let’s start with Joe’s biggest accomplishment pre President and then move on..

1994 Violence Against Women Act
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act
Obamacare passed
Presidential Actions…..
Rescued economy during pandemic
Is rebuilding our infrastructure with roads, bridges, tunnels, adding WiFi to points throughout the nation
Making big pharma negotiate with Medicare on drug prices. Insulin from hundreds a month capped at $35 a month.
More female and minority judges appointed than any other president.
Appointed to the Supreme Court Ms. Jackson, first black woman, and a litigator, in history. Best thing Florida ever produced!
Decreased our national debt $1 trillion and much more to come and quicker
Development of a green economy
Expanded toxic benefits for veterans
Created more jobs than any other President in history
Rejoined NATO to ensure national security
Crushed student loans for 3.4 borrowers
Created the American Climate Corps through the first ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
Stood up for labor on the train and UAW strike. First President to visit a strike scene.
Chips Act securing our place in the world with good jobs and premier technology. Also ensuring our security is covered as we make all the chips we need rather than relying on communist countries.
Continues to fight for female health care protecting the rights of 51% of our population.
Expanded overtime rights for workers.
Early in 2024 birth control pills will be made available over the counter with Walgreens and CVS pledged to sign on.
Renewable power has become the #2 power source of electricity in the nation
Discriminatory mortgage lending by banks and mortgage company legislation in effect January 26
Junk fees by banks, initiative began in 2022. This means overdraft fees etc..
August 2022 made Chinese open their books to audits and it was accomplished resulting in fines and sanctions of 7.9 million. This is continuing.
Electoral count Reform Act making it harder to overturn elections.
Building a better AI drone defense for future wars. Known as the Replicator Program. No more loss of our valuable soldiers
Jump starting climate change agriculture as 10 percent of US carbon emissions come from ranches and farms. This will transition the agricultural markets cleaner.
Brokered a deal with Colorado River to have more equitable use of resources.
Debt relief program for farmers putting $ into rural communities and promoting smaller farmers
Pardoned thousands in federal prisons convicted of marijuana use and simple charges.
Ended the Afghan war
Negotiated a budget deal with then republican house leader to save the economy
Working on AI legislation to align the interests of our citizens.
Deescalated the Congo conflict with leaders by dispatching top intelligence officials. Deal remains.
March 2023 National Cyber Strategy put in place providing a pathway to better secure us from threats.
Trilateral alliance with Japan and South Korea established to ease hostilities in the region
Reignited Moonshot 2.0 to accelerate cancer research in 2022.
Many of these items are from the Politico article, 30 Things Joe Biden Did As President You Might Have Missed. Thank you for your fine article. Contribute to them.

So when you think of Joe, think how his work has affected all our lives. We all eat and breathe and travel.

Be grateful he’s in the seat,and calling the shots.

I certainly am.

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

I’ve written enough. As they used to say in SNL. “talk amongst yourself,”. and by all means …. Spread the word.

Final Thoughts and Tips on Rome..

February 11, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Always ask a policeman/woman for directions, they all know a little bit of English.

Google maps can be challenging. Try a map as back up.

Ask millennials for directions and help. They are accommodating.

Keep several one euro coins in your pocket for the bathrooms.

Burger King and McDonald’s are familiar and understanding to foreigners/tourists. Learn the order kiosk by discreetly looking over someone’s shoulders to find the appropriate language menu.

Try the Say Hi or Google translate app. Some are Italians are amenable to this.

If Italians get frustrated, and start yelling at you raising their hands, just walk away. Don’t engage.

Take a tour, it may be more expensive but it’s easier.

I have been warned of pickpockets in Rome Vatican area. Beware and protect yourself. Sellers can be aggressive. Protect yourself, conceal wallets, and keep a photocopy of your passport in the hotel.

When I asked for a cup of hot chocolate I got just that, liquid chocolate. Unsure of the calories, but food is different in Rome. Go with the flow.

Make sure you have oodles of cell data on your phone when visiting. EU countries are not like America where we have cell data in city subways, and streets.. Try hotels, electronic stores, McDonald’s, Starbucks. To use less data only turn on Data Roaming when using then shut off immediately after usage. This will save beaucoup bucks..

Bring sunscreen despite the time of year when you visit. Also sunglasses, several pairs because they break.

Need mini chargers and electronic devices to hook into EU outlets. I bring a half dozen of devices as you never know what kind of outlet you will need. Check out Amazon and read all the fine print. Buy several types. Practice putting them together prior to the trip.

Put arch sports in your sneakers and make sure you watch your step on the stony streets and sidewalks. Getting healthcare assistance on the road is a real challenge, however pharmacies abound, and are helpful.

Recommend taking 1000 mg of vitamin C every day on the trip. Also don’t forget a kit of things you might need should you get sick for headaches, body aches and G.I. upset, band-aids. If on prescriptions bring extra pills.

Always know where your passport and cellphone are. Bring charged chargers with you always. I pack 3, and carry 2 on daily excursions. These are your lifelines.

Well, that said, enjoy your trip and plan ahead.

Special thanks to Frederika in D’Este, Tivoli, who helped enormously, and Mara, of I Love Rome on the Pompeii trip. We need those little angels along the way.

Last comment, layer clothing, and remember to…

WEAR A SMILE !!!

Last Night in Rome

February 10, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / 1 Comment

After a long 12 hour day returned from Pompeii at 7:30 pm. As it was Sunday my restaurant resources were limited. All had told me to try spagetti carbonara before I left Rome. Asked at the local sandwich shop and low and behold he agreed to make me the dish. He went to his apartment above the sandwich shop returning with this amazing dish!

Here’s the name of his restaurant in the Piazza di Porta Maggiore area.

And last but not least my chef!

And while not a beer drinker did come to enjoy this brew..

As they say, when in Rome do as the Romans do!

Pompeii

February 9, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Drum roll… This is the last tic on my bucket list! And as I write this I am struck with a horrific lung infection post visit. I always said once I go to Pompeii I can die, and this just may be the case, but in the meantime let’s get this written..

Entering the grounds of Pompeii through the gladiators area it is difficult to imagine how 50 feet of volcanic ash surrounded you and how this was removed to expose these ruins. I am told there are untold numbers of videos portraying the excavation, and I defer to utube for that information.

Gladiator Housing where the gladiators lived and worked.

A replica of a door to their living space.

The Stadium

The stands where 5000 were seated.

The Seminoles began Pompeii in the 6th century B.C., producing wine and olive oil. However, there were long wars with Rome and the Romans finally destroyed the City with Pompeii reconstructed as Roman. It was at this time the gladiator stadiums and theaters were constructed. According to 18th century excavation there was 22000 residents in 66 acres at the time of the volcanic destruction which was 10/24-25 79 A.D.

Mosaics, and frescoes abound in Pompeii with their vibrant colors present. Here are pictures of a thermal bath area.

A Typical Home of the Era.

The exterior and interior of a typical home. Amazing how the exterior markings remain.

Some mummified bodies from the volcanic disaster. 1013 bodies were discovered with the cause of death asphyxiation. Because there was no oxygen the volcanic ash preserved the bodies.

Brothel - As Pompeii was a seafaring port there were brothels to accommodate the sailors from their long trips at sea.

The interior of the brothel had many small rooms with sexual pictures.

And they even had a toilet in the brothel..

Across the street was a bakery…

The Forum Area - Pompei was divided into streets and avenues. It was known for political propaganda. The City was all about life with marketplaces and restaurants. There are many areas were holes are seen to cook food, similiar to a McDonald’s type operation.

What a thrilling visit and will end with one last flooring depicting Alexandria the Great..

A must see!

Cameo Factory Pompeii

February 8, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

As a new nurse in my early 20’s I took care of a woman who had cameos which her then boyfriend, later husband, brought back from his WWII tour of duty. They were lovely, and I became hooked on cameos since, always wanting to visit this factory. As the years, and decades, went on never did I think I’d visit. Was shocked to find this was part of the tour.

Here are some of the snipits from the video tour.

Tools of the trade. Cameos are fragile made from shells, and apprentice cameo makers take 7 years to learn their trade.

The shell is shaped.

After much cleansing and refining of the shell an image is etched on the shell.

Further etching, then the image is “baked in,” and colored. A bit lost in translation, sorry..

Here’s what I purchased.

Rome to Naples and Beyond

February 7, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

After locating the spot to meet the group, (was at the wrong church location, thankfully the police steered me right), I hopped on the Grayline, I love Rome Tour with the delightful Mara and Luigi.

Italy certainly has some beautiful sunrises…

On the way to Pompeii we passed the Royal Palace of Caserta modeled after Versailles, (however, much larger), and a former residence of Italian royalty. It is the largest royal palace in the world, constructed in 1752, and known for its extensive gardens. It is open year round, except Tuesdays, and became a UNESCO site in 1997. The castle even appeared in a Star Wars episode.

Naples

The meaning of Naples is New City, and that it is. During WWII, 22,000 buildings were destroyed, and through Marshall Plan monies were received to rebuild the city. It currently is a wealthy manufacturing community of 1.5 million with its infrastructure built into centuries old Greek and Roman walls. During WWII the fiesty Naples people forced the German soldiers out of Naples. Elegant and beautiful apartments now rest akin to the ocean views.

Naples was always known as a great shipping arena with Greeks and Romans faring for its ports throughout the ages. Influences of their visits and tenure can be seen throughout the City.

An Ancient Fort with much lore and fantasy attached to it.

A Monument to the WWII Soldiers next to the American Consulate.

And a few more relics of Naples architecture and we’ll close with another coastal scene.

Any guesses on what this is? Times up! The Naples Immigration Building..

Here’s the coastline once again..

Hadrian’s Villa or Villa Adriana

February 6, 2024February 2, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

This retreat from Rome was developed for Emperor Hadrian during the second and third decades of the 2nd century AD. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 297 acres comprising the ruins and archaeological remains of a large villa complex built around AD 120 by Roman Emperor Hadrian near Tivoli outside Rome. It was considered an “ideal city” but left to neglect for many centuries after Hadrian’s death in 138 A.D. The site was eventually rediscovered in 1461 and went through a series of ownerships. Note the Emperor’s bust to the left.

The complex held areas for soldiers, manufacturing, warm steam baths, theatrical performances, as well as gladiator events.

There also was an interesting area to watch the reconstruction of the artifacts.

To reach the complex purchase two bus tickets at the tobacco shop in Tivoli Center. The bus stop is in front of the children’s park. Buses arrive frequently. There is much walking on uneven ground here.

The olive tree groves are spectacular with some at least 500 years old.

View from the train on the return trip to Rome.

Tivoli- Villa D’Este

February 5, 2024February 1, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Sunrise from the train to Tivoli

What a beautiful town Tivoli is! It was the summer resort of Emperor Augustus. Villa d’este is known for its terraced hillside Italian Renaissance garden and fountains. But first after departing the train let’s take a walk through the streets.

Streets are narrow and steep, watch your step!

There is much signage which leads you to D’Este. Once there visit the old church next to the entrance then begin your tour.

The Frescoes – have never seen such beautiful frescoes. Here is a sampling..

Now, on to the Gardens..

Here were some of the most beautiful Roman gardens I have ever seen..

To see and appreciate all the art work and gardens anticipate at least a two hour visit.

Enjoy!

Tivoli Castle

February 5, 2024February 2, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

As I walked to the bus for Hadrian’s Villa I past Tivoli Castle. This tour was free, and gave insight into the area. Was unaware the Jesuits began in this town. The Castle dates back to the 4th century and in the last 100 years a dump on the property unearthed a gladiator stadium. Go figure.