I'll start with some good news, my niece is engaged! He is a wonderful young man and we are all thrilled. He asked my brother for his approval before he asked her, which I know is considered somewhat "old fashioned" today,  but it's just the kind of guy he is. I am so happy for them!

I think I mentioned a while ago that I have osteoarthritis in my neck and upper spine. Unfortunately, it has spread to my right hip, knee, and hand. For the past 6 months the pain was really increasing, so I had some scans done and it confirmed that it has progressed. So far I have been able to manage it with mostly OTC meds, heating pads, and careful stretching. My doctor has now given me a prescription strength NSAID, recommended some supplements, wants me to start a round of physical therapy, and incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into my diet. I also have an appointment with a specialist. All of these measures are necessary, but also costly. Co-pays for PT will be $25 a visit, as will any specialist visits. And my food budget will need to be increased. Salmon, fresh berries, avacado, EVOO, tumeric, dark chocolate, there is a long list of preferable foods and they are ALL expensive!. And the cost of supplements. It all adds up quite fast. This isn't a condition that gets better, it will continue to get worse as I age, so I must do everything I can to manage it to keep quality of life. I can do it!

So, how to pay for it all? I recieved a tax refund of $3280.00 (state and federal) which I already recieved. It came fast this year! I usually just sweep the entire amount into savings, but this year I will pull from this to pay for any additional health expenses, including a larger food budget. I had been at a self-imposed $100 a month, but I'm bumping this up to $150 and see how I do. 

I also received an e-mail from Verizon that contained information about a government program that can help reduce internet costs if you qualify. I am well under the income guideline, so I applied (submitted all the required documentation) and was immediately approved. I will recieve a $62 a month credit on my monthly bill going forward. I did not have to change my current service. There is no expiration date on this program so it may be in place for a while. I didn't know anything about this program until I recieved the email from Verizon. When I called Verizon to get set up the representative provided stellar customer service! She was very kind, friendly and knowledgeable. This will help a lot with my upcoming increased medical costs. 

The weather in Maryland where I live has been rainy, windy and chilly, but we have had no snow all winter which is very odd for us. It is just so bizarre to see California get pounded with snow and we have had zero.

I hope everyone has a great week and Happy St. Patty's Day if you celebrate!