Prep Genrl Weekly Prep thread - January 28-February 3, 2024

[Meemur]

Re: fallout -- I have a finished basement. I hang onions in a portion of the area under the stairs, but otherwise, I keep that space clear. There's room for the roll away bed in that area. There's also a half-bathroom, and I could improvise a shower. I could also add a table and put together a makeshift kitchen. There's two small sliding windows that would help with venting.

That's what'll be my fallout shelter if it comes to that. I admit that I have a hard time wrapping my head around that idea. I haven't been able to bring myself to make sandbags. I can see the grid going down in the summer, tornadoes, and major supply chain problems from earthquakes, but I've just never gotten nudged really hard to mess with sandbags, which I know my back won't like at all.

In a pinch, I'd gather up my water jugs, fill those, and make a three-foot wall.

I don't know. I think a food shortage / lack of money coming in will be the problems I'll face. I also think that if I keep the basics on hand and have plenty of gasoline, it'll be really annoying, but I'll survive just fine.

Guess I'll have to see. I'm not planning to live forever, either, but I'll take reasonable precautions.

 

[Digger]

A young man that was in our home school group passed away suddenly Sunday mornings. It was totally unexpected. He and his wife had 3 small children. It's so sad. He was only 30. An autopsy was being done but I haven't heard if the family has any answers yet. There have been too many unexpected deaths lately.

We should finish up with our well work today. We ran out of pipe insulation. We will run to town and get it at the plumbing store. We only have a small section of new pipe left to do. Then we can reset the well house over it and that's done.

We will call the well guy to pull the bad pump from the old well. Then instead of a hand pump, we are going to get a a well bucket that fits in the casing. It's cheaper and will work fine. Pulling the pump it just too big of a job for us. But the well guy has the equipment to do it so it shouldn't take long.

We are having beautiful weather. We need to get the last of the pruning done and the limbs picked up. We also need to spray dormant spray while it is staying above freezing.

I started a usnea tincture. I have not used it before but it might be good to have on hand. I am using my mullein flower in hubby's ear now. He complained that it was hurting last evening.

Take care everyone.

 

[nomifyle]

Another beautiful sunny day. Temps for the next ten days in the mid 60's. Last year our peach tree bloomed out and then we had a freeze, so no peaches. Could happen again this year.

Made a big dent in the second bathroom. I had two 3 1/2 gallon buckets of peanut butter that we'd gotten from commodities over the course of several years. Its all rancid. DH uses it in his deer bate, but this will still be around long after we are gone. come to think of it we haven't gotten any lately. I still have some clean up to do in the kitchen, but not much.

I may start on my office, it looks like a hoarders room. No trash just needs organizing, badly. There was a time the clutter would bother me, but not really any more.

Two of my grandchildren had birthdays this month. My oldest grandson turned 19 and my youngest granddaughter turned 9.

 

[patriotgal]

Our return home has been delayed for a couple of days while DH recovers from his COVID cold. I am making a list of things I need to get while we are in civilization.

Kids have Costco and Sam's memberships. Getting more of the liquid IV electrolyte packets. There are some sauces here that we can't get at home.

Already took advantage of serious sales at Macy's. Got nice, well made shirts for $6 each. I pay $2 to $3 at Goodwill at home.

Gonna hit a couple of thrift stores here in KC.

Getting the rig washed while here. Charlie's does an amazing inside and out job. No decent car washes at home.

Told my clients I wouldn't be available until next Monday. Gonna try to just relax for couple days. Hope everyone has a good week.

 

[nomifyle]

This weather is perfect, sun and brisk. Can get stuff done outside without sweating too much. Not that I'm actually doing anything outside. I did take DH a fried egg sandwich out where is is replacing a gate that rotted. He finished the fence that was downed by the big tree. He has been letting the goats out in the woods behind our property. Lots more for them to eat, they come back when we call them and they get a treat of corn.

I've been to the cabin and back plus to where DH is working twice, so I'm getting some good steps in.

I ordered one of the vacuum sealers that I use all the time for my young friend, they are on sale for less than $15. She does put things in jars but uses oxygen absorbers, so this will save her some money. It makes it so easy that when you need part of something in a sealed jar to just reseal it immediately.

 

[Meemur]

Oh, yes! We are also going to get some warmth -- 50s! Starting tomorrow -- I'm re-arranging my schedule. I'd like to finish the garage re-organization (hanging the kayaks, finished the upper storage) and clear the remainder of the area along the property line. There's still a bunch of brush and volunteer maples.

I've re-planted about 35 of the maples along the bike path (last year), where they are doing quite well, but the rest really need to go. There isn't enough room for them, nor do they get enough sun to stay healthy.

And that will finish the last of the 2023 work that didn't get done during the fall, which would be great!

I'm also not as worried about the drought. All the snow is slowly melting, and some is sinking into the ground in places, per the state ag agent. The water tables have a ways to go, but if this trend keeps up, the soil will be in much better shape spring of 2024 than last year.

 

[philkar]

Just came in for lunch. Really checking in to see if Joe has decided to retaliate for US servicemen’s deaths and injuries. Guess that is a big no for now. We are having beautiful weather. Planting more onions. Onions I planted in the fall are doing well but realized I miscalculated what I need for relishes etc.
Orchards pruned and cleaned up. Will spray dormant oil tomorrow. Continue to work on barn shelving. Plan to fish later today!!
Meemur my hubs often gathers supplies for a job, bundles everything together, and when we have a rainy spell or just time to get task accomplished we get it underway. Bundling keeps us from dipping into those supplies set aside for that project. Works great for us.
For those following my root cellar journey, everything is now dry and I can find no damage. We just continue to monitor, draw conclusions, correct and move on!

 

[Meemur]

I sort of "bundle," Philkar. The flooring, square, and other tools sat in my home office closet until I could finish the floor. Otherwise, I try to keep paint and such in the dedicated "supply area" in the basement, try being the operative word.

My cordless screwdriver, the tack hammer, and other tools I use to assemble flat pack furniture are still on the hall table because there are two more pieces I need to assemble, and those are in boxes just outside of the hall closet. All of that should be in the basement! But I'm too lazy to take it down there. My compromise is to attempt to get them assembled during the evenings this week, now that the living room is free again. My home office furniture was there while I was finishing the floor. What can I say? It's a very small house.

 

[kyrsyan]

Well whatever popped yesterday, I'm back to cleaning. My body absolutely hated me this morning. But it's still craving the walking. I'm just going to have to push through.

Anyways, took a break found because my brain was being skippy. And then just started cleaning up again. After about 20 minutes I was able to clearly express something that I hadn't been able to before.

Lunch is cooking. And then I think I'm going to do at least part of my walk before I get back to work.

 

[patriotgal]

During one of the rides at Disney we toured gardening areas. DH has been wanting to do aquaponics forever. One of the setups we saw was quite simple. He has already watched a gazillion videos on it. I am going to do some looking and see what we actually have already. One of our renters left an entire bundle of smaller pvc behind. And I am overrun with tubs. Renter also left new in the box growlights. Biggest decision would be where to put it.

 

[kyrsyan]

Okay. Could use some extra intervention prayers. I went out to go grab dinner, and the headlights weren't working. I don't know why. They were blinking every few seconds. I sent a question to Alfaman after an internet search proved to be... distressing. Normally I could just ride this out because I don't drive at night much anymore. But surgery is next week. And I have to leave at 5 am. And it's not light enough at 5 am yet to just punt with the fog lights. And that's too early for anyone to come get me. And I'm too far out from the main town to get a taxi or uber. And I'm just going to breathe now before I drive myself into a massive panic attack. Argh. This is not what I needed. Everything is already trying to go CF before the surgery and I've been keeping the reins on things by the skin of my teeth.

 

[Meemur]

Said a prayer for you, Kyrsyan! Some sort of solution will turn up.

 

[feralferret]

Okay. Could use some extra intervention prayers. I went out to go grab dinner, and the headlights weren't working. I don't know why. They were blinking every few seconds. I sent a question to Alfaman after an internet search proved to be... distressing. Normally I could just ride this out because I don't drive at night much anymore. But surgery is next week. And I have to leave at 5 am. And it's not light enough at 5 am yet to just punt with the fog lights. And that's too early for anyone to come get me. And I'm too far out from the main town to get a taxi or uber. And I'm just going to breathe now before I drive myself into a massive panic attack. Argh. This is not what I needed. Everything is already trying to go CF before the surgery and I've been keeping the reins on things by the skin of my teeth.

Depnding on the make and model of car, many have an automatic reset circuit breaker in the headlight circuit. A shorted headlight could cause the symptoms you observed.

First, switch the headlight dimmer to the other position. I assume you are on dim so switch to bright. Then try the headlights. If it is a short in the dim side of the circuit the lights should stay on. If they don't stay on there is a short in the switch or wiring. If they do stay on, check to see if the connectors for the individual headlights are easily disconnected. If so, disconnect the driver side, change back to dim, and try the headlights. If they stay on, the short is on the passenger side. If they don't, reconnect the driver side and disconnect the passenger side, then try again. If they stay on the short is on the passenger side. Replace whichever headlight/bulb is shorted. If they will not stay on with one of the headlights disconnected, the short is in the switch or wiring and requires professional troubleshooting.

 

[summerthyme]

Praying it's something simple like a fuse or relay. And for peace of mind, and Binding of the author of confusion. It will work out how He wants it, for your good.

Summerthyme

 

[philkar]

As you all know, organizing the barn is a top priority for us to hopefully be completed by the time we are putting in the garden. Hubs has decided to put in some sort of pulley/platform system so that we can store larger items at the roof line. I just listen and uh hmm when asked for some sort of opinion. It will indeed free up more space but I still can't wrap my head around it all! But everyday we are a step closer. Finished planting all of the bulbs I received for my birthday. I loved every minute of it except for about 30 minutes right in the middle...thought I was never going to get through! Should be beautiful soon. Didn't catch any fish today but just sitting with a pole in the water was good therapy!
Thought I would share a recipe. My husband loves corn beef hash. I realized that I could use canned corn beef and canned potatoes and make it a quick meal. So I tried it out this past weekend. It worked and it was delish. I love those quick meals. Added some slaw and it was done. Thought it might help y'all to think outside the box! Lord knows you have helped me plenty of times.
Have a great evening and Briches don't stay up reading! You need a good eight hours!

 

[briches]

Have a great evening and Briches don't stay up reading! You need a good eight hours!

Funny you should mention that. I am a bit sleepy this morning from staying up reading. I normally need 8-9 hours a night. Last night was 7. Praying for a smoot, gentle day.
(Can’t figure out how to turn italics off and not fighting it. Haven’t had enough coffee yet).
11 books read in January - not a bad start to the year.

 

[briches]

Prep wise, I am making it a point to stay topped off on gas. I normally don’t let it get to empty, but will be even more vigilant about thinking of 1/2=empty. I will be filling up today.

Staying current on dishes, laundry and basic house chores.

 

[Meemur]

Yes! Hate to say it, but housework is a perp, too!

That said, my daily walk gets first priority on low energy days, but I'm making myself stack the dishwasher or do a 3-minute put-away in the bathroom before I go. I'm getting more energy to do that!

Today is the last day on my expensive individual medical insurance plan: my Medicare plans start tomorrow (Feb. 1).

I will save around $3,985/year for now. Yes, I'm well aware that rates will go up. The savings are going into my "new-to-me" car fund. I was hopeful I could pay cash, around 18K for a vehicle, but I'll need to save more. This is going to be my "last" vehicle, so I don't want a junker, but even the junkers are 15K+

I know that announcement may seem really trivial to some, but weeks of research, talking to agents, and other annoying tasks went into the initial decisions of what to pick and then there was paperwork and setting up accounts on top of that! (Traditional: Parts A & B, Plan G, and Plan D)

Best advice for those facing this task: start your research early and apply for your ss account access at least two months ahead of time if you don't already have an online account. It takes time to verify your information. I started all this back in September/October. Ugh! So glad I now have my cards in hand and plans starting tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a great day!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Yes! Hate to say it, but housework is a perp, too!

That said, my daily walk gets first priority on low energy days, but I'm making myself stack the dishwasher or do a 3-minute put-away in the bathroom before I go. I'm getting more energy to do that!

Today is the last day on my expensive individual medical insurance plan: my Medicare plans start tomorrow (Feb. 1).

I will save around $3,985/year for now. Yes, I'm well aware that rates will go up. The savings are going into my "new-to-me" car fund. I was hopeful I could pay cash, around 18K for a vehicle, but I'll need to save more. This is going to be my "last" vehicle, so I don't want a junker, but even the junkers are 15K+

I know that announcement may seem really trivial to some, but weeks of research, talking to agents, and other annoying tasks went into the initial decisions of what to pick and then there was paperwork and setting up accounts on top of that! (Traditional: Parts A & B, Plan G, and Plan D)

Best advice for those facing this task: start your research early and apply for your ss account access at least two months ahead of time if you don't already have an online account. It takes time to verify your information. I started all this back in September/October. Ugh! So glad I now have my cards in hand and plans starting tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a great day!

Everything is set to go for my Medicare, and tomorrow if the first day I can sign up for Medigap insurance, Plan G. My Medicare and Medigap kicks in May 1st. As many doctor bills as I have, this will be a big savings for us, too. Yesterday, at the doctor's office, I owed $1300 when all was said and done! The insurance I have now will pay some of that, but not all of it. It's always at least $400 at all of my other doctor visits, Primary Care doctor, Rheumatologist, and Ophthalmologist, and that's not counting the MD specialist.

Since Cary has already gone through the process, he knew what needed to be done to get me signed up and what insurance plan to go with.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

It was 7:30 pm when we got home from seeing my doctor, yesterday. My appt. was at 2:15, but I wasn't called back until 4:00! Then, all the testing had to be done which took quite a while. It was 5:30 when we walked out of her office! Cary had to make a stop in town, then we went to eat.

I got great news, though. The medication she has me on is working really well. She wants me to stay on the med's for another month and says that I probably won't need them after that. I have an appointment to see her again in 6 weeks. She also checked the eye where I was bitten. All is good there. I told her about the feeling that my skin was crawling, and she meant to write a script for that, but we were in such a hurry to get out that I forgot to wait on her to write it. It's ok, though. I don't really feel like I need anything for it, except more time to heal on its own.

Just everyday chores, today. Tomorrow is our monthly shopping trip.

 

[Meemur]

Awesome, SB! You and Cary can relate!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I know this isn't a big deal for all of you, and I forgot to mention it in my last post. I paid all of our first half of the month bills and all that goes with it online this morning with not really much help from Cary. I have more and more confidence that I can do this with each passing time. I'm confident that by the first of next month, I won't have to have any help at all. This is a major step for me. I also view this as a big prep for the future if something were to happen to Cary.

 

[nomifyle]

I know this isn't a big deal for all of you, and I forgot to mention it in my last post. I paid all of our first half of the month bills and all that goes with it online this morning with not really much help from Cary. I have more and more confidence that I can do this with each passing time. I'm confident that by the first of next month, I won't have to have any help at all. This is a major step for me. I also view this as a big prep for the future if something were to happen to Cary.

It is a big deal. Everyone needs to know how to take care of business. When DH and I got married we decided to keep our money separate. I don't like anyone messing with my money and he didn't want me telling him how to take care of his. This has worked well for us. However, Sherree, your situation is different, ya'll have been married forever and you started out young, big diffeence. DH's deceased wife took care of their money.

If DH goes before me handling money won't be my problem. There is so much he does around here that I will never be able to do. I'm not stressing about it, I can do enough to keep the wolf away from the door.

 

[nomifyle]

And another thing in your favor Sherree, you and Cary are on the same page about handling money. DH and I are not. He does not believe in keeping cash out of the bank and I don't believe in keeping much in the bank.

 

[kyrsyan]

Prep wise, I am making it a point to stay topped off on gas. I normally don’t let it get to empty, but will be even more vigilant about thinking of 1/2=empty. I will be filling up today.

Staying current on dishes, laundry and basic house chores.

When I ran a paper route, it became a habit because if I was at less than half it was possible I would run out of gas before I could finish my route. And I was running in areas where gas stations weren't open at the hours I was out, so if I ran out I'd have to detour 15 minutes each way to get fuel. And that van needed non-ethanol so likely longer.

Nowadays, it is still habit. Just memory but when the 2011 tornados ripped through getting gas was a problem for a lot of people. What I had in the tank got me well outside of the closer towns that were being flooded by people needing supplies. Well, at least at first. By the time I was heading home the hoards had descended.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

It is a big deal. Everyone needs to know how to take care of business. When DH and I got married we decided to keep our money separate. I don't like anyone messing with my money and he didn't want me telling him how to take care of his. This has worked well for us. However, Sherree, your situation is different, ya'll have been married forever and you started out young, big diffeence. DH's deceased wife took care of their money.

If DH goes before me handling money won't be my problem. There is so much he does around here that I will never be able to do. I'm not stressing about it, I can do enough to keep the wolf away from the door.

I'm just not computer or cell phone savvy. Once they were in use for everything, I wasn't interested in learning to use either one. When Cary and I married, he had his degree in accounting, meaning, he had already been through college, he had already spent time in the Army, and was on his own. I never did anything for myself, since living with very strict Christian parents. I was only 16 when we married. Cary just took over all the bills. Now, that everything has switched over to online banking, he still did all the bill paying. That left me without a clue as to how and what to do. Technology just isn't my thing, and most of it goes right over the top of my head. We started out with joint banking and savings accounts. Cary always said that it was "our" money not just his, since he was the only one working. I have always been a "stay at home mom" from shortly after our first son was born. Since Cary has his accounting degree, I've always yielded to him on everything having to do with our finances.

 

[Meemur]

I know this isn't a big deal for all of you, and I forgot to mention it in my last post. I paid all of our first half of the month bills and all that goes with it online this morning with not really much help from Cary.

It's a huge deal! Congrats! It's another life skill these days. If you can do that, you can also do other things, like manage your social security account.

Don't be afraid to take any free computer classes for seniors at the community center or library. The more you know about just general usage, the better off you are today! I have to do those all the time for work. They aren't hard. You just have to pay attention and ask lots of questions when necessary.

 

[hd5574]

I got Medicare so long ago....I was uninsured at the time and if I remember correctly... it was very simple....I was on already on social security ...I had taken it at age 62.... because DH was still working ...we could do fine on his earnings..so about 3 months before my birthday I received my Medicare card in the mail ....it was automatically sent....

I was given the option to sign up for Part B to be deducted from my social security check...which I did...and then to pick a supplement or advantage plan..if I wanted one.

Had a girlfriend with an advantage plan and listen to about her problems so I already knew I didn't want that.

One of DH's cousins had a plan F....and had had a serious heart problem...and paid nothing....

so I started with plan F...but some years later switched to plan G .. because the deductible was so low ....much less than the difference in the premium between F and G.....saved me hundreds per year to have plan G.

I was with United Healthcare but checked the cost with different companies and switched to a BC/BS plan... identical in everyway to the one I had with United healthcare but their premium was much less expensive...

DH dropped his expensive employee plan at work when he turned 65 and got plan G at my provider..... because we are both we with them ....we receive an additional discount on premium every month.

The big difference was that DH received a bill from Medicare that we had to pay because he was still working...that only lasted a year....

Then when he turned 66 we went to the local social security office..and he signed up for his full social security check and still works full time ....so his Part B premium is deducted from his social security payment .. since he waited until full retirement age ... there are no restrictions on the amount he can earn....

Even now years later at 77 and 70 we together pay less in premium than he paid for one month with his employer...with a huge deductible

Since he was working I could save my social security check and now his goes in to the savings account ...it really helps with all the inflation we are facing

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Since he was working I could save my social security check and now his goes in to the savings account ...it really helps with all the inflation we are facing

I started drawing SS when I was 62. There wasn't going to be a big difference in the amount if I had waited a few more years. I draw off of Cary. We try to live off of what Cary gets from his retirement fund and his SS. My SS check goes directly into our savings account. We don't touch that money, unless we have a large expenditure that checking and my emergency fund can't cover. We never let a large amount stay in our checking account. Just enough to cover all our bills. At the end of the month when all bills are paid, almost everything else left in checking gets switched over into savings.

 

[nomifyle]

DH has been having a fried egg sandwich for lunch the last couple of days. I could wrap it up in a paper towel and take it to where he was working, he took a break there and I stayed and chatted with him.

Today I wanted to give him something different so he would not get burned out on the egg sandwich. I took out a package of the cooked ground pork out of the freezer and added a big can of baked beans. I added molassas, bacon bits and dehydrated onion. Let it simmer for a few minutes before serving him a bowl. He ate two bowls, I had one and a half and there was enough left over for another meal. He liked it and said he could eat that once a week. That's the second meal lately that he really liked, the other was spaghetti. So that's two easy meals to fix.

The large can of baked beans had a date of 2017, and I'm sure we got it in commodities. To replace that can would cost 1.97.

 

[nomifyle]

Because of the scarcity of dry lentils and chick/garbonzo beans I'm putting a one pound bag in my monthly subscribe and save. Mostly its chick peas, but the S&S price for the lentils is cheaper than the wm price.

I'm starting to work on the huge pile of stuff in my office, its very over whelming. Which is probably why its so piled up. And I'm finding things that I stashed in here last year that needs to be vacuum sealed.

I had a bright idea of storing vitamisn differently than I had been and its a really big mess. As I get to it I'm going back to the way I've done it in the past. My thinking was to put each type item in the same container, and that way it would be easy to keep track of what I had. What I ran into was more of one thing than would fit in one container, sometimes it was taking three containers. And of course I got over whelmed and gave up, therefore creating a big mess. Although I'm still able to find most things.

 

[connie]

A couple of nights ago I couldn't sleep so was thinking about decorative items and unused items I no longer want.
So I am gathering them up for donation. A small box but every bit makes a difference.
Grandkids are not near us but I always kept a few toys for visits. They are older now so need to donate and toss some of that.

 

[moldy]

Today has been just gorgeous! I was able to sleep in, then moved some stuff around that needed it, pulling some canning jars to put in storage closer to the house. We have a couple truck bodies we use for storage, and they need to be gone thru as well - gotta start somewhere. I also made 3 new to me recipes - lentils with cucumber (well, the chickens liked it!), a squash and apple crisp that just came out of the oven and cheese and apple stuffed squash that i am having for lunch since the lentils didn't work out. All from stuff I had in storage and needed to use up. The stuffed squash is OK, but I don't think I'll probably fix it again. It made 4 servings, so I'll end up eating it.....eventually.

Last week, I made a 5 cup salad with a cup each of pineapple, oranges, coconut, sour cream and mini marshmallows. I really didn't care for the texture and neither did DH. However, with a banana and some juice it made a pretty good smoothie. No since in wasting unless you have to - and then I give it to the chickens.

 

[patriotgal]

Our insurance guy is taking care of my Medicare in March. Probably won't be drawing SS for couple more years unless something changes in next mo or so.

Disney does not charge for ambulance. Hospital accepted Medicare and supplement for DH's visit.

Friend recently called to ask if I would help her with figuring out finances. Her husband is ill and he has always done it all. She has no idea what bills they have, bank info, etc. she is 80.

 

[briches]

I know this isn't a big deal for all of you, and I forgot to mention it in my last post. I paid all of our first half of the month bills and all that goes with it online this morning with not really much help from Cary. I have more and more confidence that I can do this with each passing time. I'm confident that by the first of next month, I won't have to have any help at all. This is a major step for me. I also view this as a big prep for the future if something were to happen to Cary.

This is a big deal! I am proud of you!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

This is a big deal! I am proud of you!

Thank You!

 

[patriotgal]

Just realized there is a possibility that I can retire after we sell the farm. Excited but half afraid to hope.

 

[moldy]

My DD watched her grandmother (ex MIL) struggle when exFIL died with bills and figuring things out. The next month she sat down with her DH. "I'm not going to be like that."

 

[anna43]

Not making any plans to move or do anything in particular as far as nuclear is concerned. I'm too old to give a crap.

I'm 100% with you on that. Where I live is not in a high fallout danger area so sheltering in the basement for a few days should suffice. If not, I'm too old to give a crap.

 

[kyrsyan]

As far as fallout goes, we are at the edge if they drop a massive one. I'm in more danger if the power plant goes. But again, at the edge. And a long time ago I figured out the path I'd need to take to get approximately an hour away in a "clear" zone.

When/if the possibility presents itself, I will put in a storm shelter designed to work for that. But there are a few factors affecting that.

My brain is exhausted. Last day for 1099s. I would like tomorrow to be calm, but I foresee a pile of headaches from clients thinking we can miraculously turn back time. I need about 3 clones of myself to pull of everything that everyone wants done.

Grocery orders in. Tomorrow I have to make 3 stops - Aldi, post office, pawn shop. And all of that depends on whether I have to go sit at the medical mall to get preop testing done. I'm bringing the laptop, just in case.