and he said "Lighter."

Excellent! That is the way forward.

We just had our umpteenth Zoom call with financial advisors dealing with JZ's dad's estate. Exciting phrases like "early retirement" and "have you been looking at listings to get a sense of the market," and "but what if the return on investment was higher than your anticipated budget" and "traveling business class to Greece" were bandied about.

I would like to travel business class to Greece. There is no word in that sentence I do not like.

I would like to travel business class to Greece. There is no word in that sentence I do not like.

Right?! JZ and Matilda went and stayed with relatives there in summer of 2019, but this time Emmett and I could go too, and we could stay longer (provided we had a guinea pig sitter).

Obviously we're talking about 2022, but still exciting.

Well, those are certainly pleasant things to consider. Lovely.

Has anyone heard from Shir (or Nilly)? I don't think Shir has posted in over a week. The most recent Natter post I see from her is on May 11th, but I'm not on FB and haven't checked other threads.

msbelle, I'm sorry to hear about Mac. I hope you hear from him soon.

I asked him how he was feeling about all the stuff being hauled out of the basement yesterday, and he said "Lighter." Like it's a load off his shoulders to get the basement cleaned out. And I guess it damn near literally is. I was worried about him being upset or stressed about it, so I'm glad it's having a good effect on him.

Teppy, this great. I'm so glad it has gone so well.

Topic!Cindy, is that an internal appeal or an external appeal?

dcp, our insurance is Mass. Blue Cross/Blue Shield (our plan is a PPO). The doctor making the appeal is Christopher's gastro. at a Boston hospital, so I'd guess external — unless that means something else.

The GI's appeal was denied. He then wrote a letter of medical necessity. He hasn't heard back on that, yet.

My husband (we get our insurance through his work) filed his own appeal today. I wrote a letter which we attached, laying out the particulars of the vasculitis, and included two paragraphs on how much C has been through before now. I'm hoping the human processing the appeal remembers we're talking about a person's health, and not just the BC/BS bottom line.

Topic!Cindy, insent

Timelies all!

To no one's surprise, NIH is keeping the mask mandate in play. (My building also houses the Clinical Center with lots of patients)

That sounds like one of the better Zoom calls one could have, Hec.

Cindy, that is such BS on the part of the insurance company.

Steph, I’m glad the experience is a good one for Tim.

Thanks, dcp. Received.

Thanks, everyone. When the revolution comes, we're putting the insurance companies up against the wall, yeah?

Damn straight we are.