I usually one bag it with a 30L Osprey backpack, I am 62 and still find it super comfortable to carry. I have learned to travel with less over the years. It fits in nearly all cabin bins or at my feet. On smaller domestic flights you will nearly always have to gate check your bag, which is fine if you don't have a tight connection. We also own 2 wheeled Osprey bags that DH prefers, plus misc. other carry on bags, backpacks, etc. DH keeps asking me if I would like one of the larger 4 wheeled Osprey bags, but I really don't have a need for one. I bet that they are super nice though, as all of the other Osprey stuff we own is fantastic.

The air tag connects passively to any available nearby bluetooth, not just your phone. Meaning that, if you are further than 30 ft., it will connect to any other bluetooth available nearby and the location is sent to the cloud. The tag is registered to you and only you can find it's location. If you lost your luggage in the middle of the woods, there would be no way to find it with an AirTag. But, if lost in an area with other phone users you should be able to locate it easily. Yes, you should be able to located your luggage in Boston from Cleveland! I use them regularly, in luggage, on purse, billfold, etc.

Beware of the 5 year look back period for Medicaid. I am in a similar position, although not nearly as much money is involved. Edited to add-My parents were fully aware of the 5 year look back and somehow figured it didn't apply to them! They are now having to essentially pay twice for a vehicle that they gave to a sibling of mine. AMEN

I sure hope not! I’m flying cross country that day. it wasn’t intentional, I didn’t realize til after I booked it.

This loan is separate and excluded from the 5 year look back period for Medicaid, at least according to their attorney. There is a vehicle that they gave to my sister that is an issue with the 5 year look back, they will have to pay out of pocket for a penalty period equal to the value of the car before Medicaid will kick in. This is something that I also advised against at the time. Like others have stated, I don't really see why they shouldn't use up their own money first.

Every fiber of my being is shouting NO. But, I am feeling pressured to do so and have been assured that this is common and no risk to me. Any tax I would owe would presumably be on the interest the 'loan' generated from being placed into some sort of bank account during its duration. My sister, myself & a company that is being hired to handle the financial issues (bill paying mostly) are on the medical and financial POA. I requested that THEY take the loan, but it is considered a conflict of interest. My sister and I did not want to be on the Financial POA, but the attorney felt we should be in case something happened to the company handling the finances. We hired this company as neither my sister or myself are willing to become involved in our parents finances. Because of history, it could make us vulnerable legally, financially, and emotionally in ways that neither of us are willing to accept. Except, it seems I am still being pulled in. A separate attorney is doing the Medicaid approval paperwork, but is working with the financial company. I don't care if there is any money left at the end and most likely there won't be.

Anyone have experience with this? My dad is in assisted living and my mom is in a regular nursing home. Their bill is over $15,000 per month right now and they will run out of money in the next 18-24 months. We are in the process of getting my mother on Medicaid and their attorney has asked that I accept a "loan" from them and pay it back in installments. This is supposed to preserve some of their money in a legal way. I know that any interest created would be taxed as income to me, anything else I should take into consideration? I have been hands off of their finances for a variety of reasons, and am VERY reluctant to do this. My sister has flat out refused. There is a history of mental health issues and manipulation. Already my dad is saying that he doesn't know anything about this loan and 'needs to find out more about it first'. I know that he most certainly does know, as he was at the last two meetings where this was proposed. Thanks! UPDATE-I ended up getting 50% of what I wanted.😐 I got my sister and I taken off of as financial POA. The FC (financial company) will be taking on all of that responsibility. I did end up agreeing to the loan, it is the "half a loaf" planning that was mentioned below. The only reason I agreed to it was because the lawyer said that if my dad ran out of money and Medicaid didn't think that he required assisted living, he would have to move. In hindsight, I feel I was manipulated into that at the time, because he is 87 and requires help with showers and meds right now. I don't think Medicaid would determine he is able to live on his own. He is fortunate that he lives in one of the few AL facilities that accepted Medicaid, if and when the need arises. I have mixed feelings, POA is taken care of and the Medicaid application (for my mom) is being handled my the lawyer. The loan is for only 3 months and then I will be done with it. I told my dad that I didn't want to hear another word about it, it was not what I wanted to do, but was what his attorney advised and is in HIS best interest.

So funny! I gave two of my 4 year old grandchildren Paw Patrol lunch boxes from Walmart clearance, they were something like $2 OR $3 each. They were defiantly one of their favorite gifts!

I tested positive this morning, after hosting 17 others yesterday. 😢 As the day went on, I felt slightly unwell (really just thought I was stressed out and had been on my feet all day) and overnight began to feel terrible and tested first thing this morning. I have informed everyone, a few are not happy with me, but I don't know how I could have done differently. The worst part is my son is here for a week with his family, they are going to stay elsewhere now until Friday, and hopefully we can have dinner Friday night before they head back home. They only make it to Christmas every 5 years or so.

Good headphones or earbuds for listening to podcasts, audiobooks, etc.?

That is frightening! My 85 year old dad only was laid off in his 40's and only worked a few very part time jobs after that. My mom did work until 60ish, but at a fairly low paying job. The thought of ME being responsible for any of their bills now (over $15,000 per month-assisted living apartment/him & nursing home care/her) when he was able to work MANY more years and chose not to is scary. They are close to running out of money and I have been telling them for years that they need to do some sort of financial planning to prepare.

Must depend on the state. In my state, there are a few select assisted living facilities that do accept Medicaid. My parents chose their specific facility knowing that eventually they could run out of money.

Loud whistle and chemical light sticks or flashlight. Don't forget to put items in ziplock bags (especially paper maps) if backpack is not waterproof.

Right there with you. My parents live in assisted living, but my mom is currently in the hospital and will need more care than what she has been receiving when she returns. Dad says no, and pulled the "I have power of attorney" card on my sister and I yesterday when it was discussed. He has avoided any kind of financial planning and I suspect that is part of the issue. He will not provide the info necessary to apply for Medicaid or where certain assets are held. We know there is a trust somewhere and a safety deposit box, but no one seems to know (or be willing to share) where they are located. I have cried every day and look forward to spending the next 3 days with my grandchildren and being 'unavailable'.

Bosch

I grind wheat berries for flour. It takes very little time and is super easy, I am surprised more people don't do it.

I have 3 Aerogardens. I love them. I have a grandson that loves to help set them up and maintain them for me. They are incredibly easy to set up and maintain. I start seeds in the spring in them for our outside garden, but grow lettuce all winter in them. My grandson will sit and eat a bowl of plain lettuce only because he grew it himself.

Have you tried a crate? Some dogs feel more secure traveling in them.

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurred 4.35mi SE of Ojai, CA Yup, my son said the whole house shook.

Another vote for the starfish pants!

Can't emphasize the above enough. I fly into Santa Barbara these days just to avoid the nuttiness of LAX!

Check with your hotel, many of them provide shuttle service.

Yes!

I had a dog that HATED getting his nails trimmed. I would get all my supplies in place and then spread some peanut butter on my deck. He would be distracted enough that I could get the job done. Maybe something like that would work?

Salty's at Alki had a wonderful brunch, not sure if they still do as it's been years since I've been there. You would get little bags of warm donuts while waiting for a table. We loved that place and would go any chance we could! Great memories!