Friends & Family

If you remember the Vietnam years, you know those veterans did not come home to a cheering crowds who were proud of those men and women. We still owe them a thank you for their service.    Watch this , and try to keep from crying:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L3skZ7FEw&feature=youtu.be

FROM THE ARTICLE. Millions of Americans are facing higher premium prices in the new year, and many say the cost is out of reach. By Rachel Nania, AARP. Published December 16, 2025. Millions of Americans who buy their own health insurance are bracing for steep price hikes in the new year. Monthly costs for marketplace plans are expected to more than double on average due to rising premiums and expiring tax credits, and older adults are among those expected to be hit hardest, given the already higher costs of their health plans. Soaring prices are causing many to consider downgrading their coverage or skipping it altogether, a recent KFF poll found. In fact, 1 in 4 poll respondents said they would be very likely to go uninsured if the amount they pay for health insurance each month doubled. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthcare/cant-afford-health-insurance/

FROM THE ARTICLE. VA Plans Health Care Reorganization Starting in 2026. Medical centers and clinics will not see staff cuts under new structure, veterans department says. By Aaron Kassraie, AARP. Published December 16, 2025. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on Dec. 15 plans to launch a major restructuring of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) but said the changes are aimed at reducing red tape and will not affect staffing at VA clinics and medical centers.Details of the plan will be announced in early 2026 and implemented over an 18- to 24-month period, the VA said. The department cited independent reviews dating back nearly a decade, which it said found the VHA to be “rife with middle managers who have overlapping responsibilities,” thereby slowing decision-making and the delivery of care. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE https://www.aarp.org/veterans/va-health-care-reorganization-2026/

FROM THE ARTICLE. What to Know About the New Tax Deduction for Older Adults.Who qualifies? How much is it? Does it affect Social Security? By Rocky Mengle and Andy Markowitz, AARP. *** There are 144 comments on the AARP website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published July 08, 2025. Millions of taxpayers ages 65 and older got a big tax break in the “One Big Beautiful Bill”: a new $6,000 tax deduction, effective this year.The deduction, which AARP supported, will reduce tax bills for many older Americans, starting with their next tax filing and running through the 2028 tax year, after which it is set to expire. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/what-to-know-new-tax-law-2025.html

FROM THE ARTICLE. The New Rules of Tipping. Gratuity prompts are popping up everywhere. Here’s how to navigate today’s norms. By Cameron Huddleston, AARP. Published December 16, 2025. If you’re feeling pressured to tip at more and more places and in higher amounts, you have plenty of company. Two-thirds of consumers report a sense of obligation to tip when prompted at checkout to add a certain percentage to their tab, according to a September survey by Popmenu, a restaurant technology platform. And 3 in 4 Americans say tipping is expected at more places than in the past, a 2023 Pew Research Center survey found. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/navigate-tipping-culture-rules/

I have always gotten a real tree, 🌲 and have had struggles keeping the cat away from them.  Last year I bought a pretty brass Tree Collar, and that has helped somewhat.  At least the cat is not messing with the water in the tree stand now!  But the lights and decorations are another story, even though they’ve been placed further up.  I’ve tried squirting oranges around, as cats tend to not like that smell.  Works for a very short time. Anyone have luck with keeping their pets away from tree? Live tree or otherwise.

THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO ALL GRIEVERS NO MATTER HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN [years,days]. To participate, click on reply button at bottom of this post. Enter your comment. Click on reply again. Luv,Nicole 💛

This Thanksgiving, due to logistics, last minute family member’s health, hospitalization etc…..,we’ve opted for “Non-Traditional”.  We may do carry out of pizza or each of their own choice from someplace, together. Or stop by and drop something off.Which got me to thinking…That’s ok, why does it HAVE to be the same… and I wonder who else might be doing something different other than the standby traditional ham or turkey. I’ve know some families who highly enjoy their traditional family’s Italian dishes incorporated into their meal for Thanksgiving. The holidays can be hard for a lot of us, with members who have passed or moved.  So it got me wondering what others might be having, or not having.  

FROM THE ARTICLE. 20 Ways AARP Delivered for Older Adults in 2025Our talented, committed staff had a banner year creating products and services for you. By Michael Hedges AARP. Published November 24, 2025. It has been a challenging year for many older Americans, and AARP responded by defending the things that are most important to those 50 and older. We hope these efforts make you glad to be part of the AARP family. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/wins-of-2025/

Hi everyone,I’m Febby from Vancouver. I enjoy travelling, cooking, yoga, and meeting new people.I would love to make new friends here, especially people 50+ from the U.S. who enjoy a warm and friendly chat.Feel free to say hi, I'm happy to connect! 💛

I thought it would be fun to start a lighthearted conversation.What’s one simple thing that makes you smile lately?For me, it’s cooking new recipes and talking with new people.I’d love to hear yours!

FROM THE ARTICLE. 20 other wins included stories and videos that call attention to the concerns of older adults. By Deirdre van Dyk, AARP. Published November 18, 2025. AARP has been named the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the Anthem Awards, which celebrates purpose-driven, social impact work. The honor recognizes the nonprofit with the greatest impact across all the award categories. “I’m honored to accept the Anthem Award for Nonprofit of the Year on behalf of AARP, recognizing our mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age,” said AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan. “Thank you to our staff, volunteers and partners who bring that mission to life in communities across the country every day.” USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/aarp-anthem-nonprofit-of-the-year/

Then tell us what makes it AFFORDABLE to you.This is your chance to dream but with reason -  

FROM THE ARTICLE. 7 Questions to Ask Before Moving to a 55+ Community.Are you ready to downsize? And do you like to be social? Here's what to know before joining a community for older adults. By Matt Swenson, AARP. *** There is 1 comment on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published July 09, 2025. Connie Beck and her husband, Michael Beck, knew it was time to move on when her father-in-law passed away in 2018. Their caregiving duties were the last connection to Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, which they felt was a nice place to live but not retire. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/home-living/is-over-55-community-right-for-you/

FROM THE ARTICLE. Veterans and grandparents contend with balancing bills and staying fed as SNAP benefits remain suspended. By Molly Snow, AARP. Published November 12, 2025. A grandfather of six. A U.S. Army veteran.Retirees who’ve spent a lifetime working and now struggle to pay competing bills.​​These are just some of the millions of older adults affected by the disruptions to federal food aid because of the ongoing government shutdown. In November, it became the longest in history. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/older-adults-missed-food-aid/

 Happy Veterans Day to my son Barry  and to all veterans.    Thank you for your service.

With the temps dipping, I got the urge to bake some apples in the oven.  The smell of brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and apples is wafting in the air right now! What are the favorite smells of Autumn for you?

FROM THE ARTICLE. From Mt. Rushmore to NYC: Eight Military-Inspired Wishes Shared Through Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. Veterans and families find connection and joy through dreams fulfilled—or still to come. By Aaron Kassraie, AARP. Published November 07, 2025. Wish of a Lifetime from AARP helps older adults achieve long-held dreams that honor their service, reconnect them with loved ones or celebrate meaningful life experiences. Many of the wishes come from veterans or their families. Each one is based on their own history and a desire to reconnect with meaningful moments. This photo essay highlights six dreams that have already come true — and two that soon will — showing how powerful a single experience can be in honoring service, legacy and community. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/veterans/wish-of-a-lifetime-veterans-stories/

FROM THE ARTICLE. The ‘Tonight Show’ host described her as ‘a therapist, big sister and comedian’. By Andre Ellington, AARP. Published October 21, 2025. Jimmy Fallon, 51, recently took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute for and a carousel of photos of his 13-year-old dog, Gary, who passed away. The Tonight Show host said on Instagram that Gary “was the last name we signed on every birthday card.... She was our first baby, a therapist, a pillow, a big sister, a schoolmarm, a comedian, a party girl and a rebel.”It wouldn’t be a proper Fallon send-off if he didn’t add some humor, mentioning that Gary wasn’t a watchdog because “she would have let burglars in and shown them where we kept the bacon and American cheese slices,” and that she was “always smiling even when she slept.” USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/celebrities/jimmy-fallon-mourns-dog/

FROM THE ARTICLE. People ages 55 to 64 now must prove they are working to receive food aid. By Molly Snow, AARP. Published November 03, 2025. Key takeaways! [*] Work requirements apply to more older adults, vulnerable groups. [*] Exemptions for certain circumstances, like disability. [*] Fewer areas to get waivers approved for high unemployment. [*] States rush to inform beneficiaries. Contact your benefits specialist or SNAP office for information on how you’re affectedStricter work requirements for low-income adults who depend on federal food aid took effect Nov. 1, leaving older beneficiaries to scramble for an exemption or seek employment to retain their benefits. ​​People ages 55 to 64 must meet these standards for the first time, unless they are able to get an exemption, such as for a mental or physical disability. Volunteerism or training also count toward the 80-hour-per-month requirement. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. htt

Anything wrong with those more fortunate (me) making up the missing SNAP benefits for an in-need family or individual?  I already lined up my family - (2) adults with (5) kids in an assortment of ages from 4 - 16.  Judging from my grandkids, I would imagine the older ones really eat a lot.  I have known the kids since the oldest was born, and each one thereafter -  So, yea - I am gonna pursue this course -   

I would like to learn more 1st hand information on the Vietnam Tet Offensive in 1968 if you don’t mind talking about it.   I have what the history books wrote about it - so what I really would like to read is how those on the ground experienced it - from the 1st strike to the end.  I am compiling things like this for my grandson who never knew his grandfather and whom was directly involved in this conflict even though he was USN (shore duty).   Thank You to anybody who wants to share anything.  

Do you like or dislike this TIME CHANGE?  🤔 Lol, any "funny" experiences for example FORGETTING the time CHANGE & arriving at your destination TOO EARLY OR LATE? 😅 Nicole!

FROM THE ARTICLE. How to Find Food Aid as SNAP Runs Out.With federal funding for SNAP likely delayed for November, here’s where to look for free or low-cost groceries and meals. By Molly Snow, AARP. Published October 30, 2025. ➡️[*** In this story! [*] AARP Foundation fundraiser.[*] Help hotline.[*] Food pantries.[*] Resources in your neighborhood.[*] Senior centers.[*] DoorDash & retailers. Millions of older adults are bracing for federal food aid to lapse in November as a result of the government shutdown. ​​Federal officials informed states that beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition.Assistance Program (SNAP) will not receive any new money to help pay for food until funding is restored. As long as the federal shutdown continues, millions of older adults face uncertainty about when they will receive food benefits. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/snap-benefits-find-food-aid/

FROM THE ARTICLE. Republican and Democratic female voters weighed in as part of AARP’s ‘She’s the Difference’ research. By Miriam Cross, AARP. Published October 30, 2025. Women in their 50s, 60s and 70s are strategizing on how to stretch their savings into retirement, are caring for family members of different generations and are dealing with medical costs that health insurance does not always cover.They’re also considering the possibility that Social Security won’t pay out as promised.A series of focus groups organized by AARP asked women 50 and older about their concerns, their priorities and the state of the country. The discussions took place in October as part of “She’s the Difference,” AARP’s research series gauging older women’s perspectives. Women 50-plus make up a large share of registered voters, turn out to the polls at a high rate and are often a key swing voting bloc in elections.About 30 participants were divided into four focus groups based on their age an