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[GaryF]

32 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

BTW, I also ditched my Optometrist for an Ophthalmologist. The former was more interested in selling me overpriced glasses, the latter was more interested in my eye health. 

I get that.  While mine is an optometrist, I switched to his group a year ago when I was having severe post-Covid complications affecting my eyes that went well beyond debilitating dry eye, and his partner runs a clinic that specializes in conditions like that.  My recent exam was the most comprehensive eye exam I’ve ever had which I was quite happy with.

[RichL85]

On 2/2/2024 at 11:46 AM, tony@CIC said:

Sounds like the height of incompetence. BTW - the best deal I ever got on glasses was at Costco - you might want to check out their price for both glasses and contacts. My (progressive) glasses were a third what the local optometrist wanted to charge me. 

I just have to laugh now. The saga continues. I've 100% given up on this place and the doctor already, so I just asked for our prescriptions so that I can go somewhere else. Turns out the genius still hasn't finalized my daughter's prescription after a week. I also requested a refund on the contact lens fitting for myself and they tried to claim that they couldn't refund a service provided. I asked how they provided a fitting service if they couldn't be bothered to order trial contacts to fit to me. The story then changed to, "Well, the fitting fees are through the doctor and we can't refund those through the store."... But the store is the one that charges and takes my money? 

At this point, I'm expecting that we will both have to get new exams done at the new place to make any progress and I'll be fighting it out between insurance companies, doctor's office, and the store location to figure out the charges from the utter failure. Neither of us will be spending all that much on glasses/contacts after insurance and everything, we just need the exams done correctly and the orders placed. 

[tony@CIC]

11 hours ago, RichL85 said:

I just have to laugh now. The saga continues. I've 100% given up on this place and the doctor already, so I just asked for our prescriptions so that I can go somewhere else. Turns out the genius still hasn't finalized my daughter's prescription after a week. I also requested a refund on the contact lens fitting for myself and they tried to claim that they couldn't refund a service provided. I asked how they provided a fitting service if they couldn't be bothered to order trial contacts to fit to me. The story then changed to, "Well, the fitting fees are through the doctor and we can't refund those through the store."... But the store is the one that charges and takes my money? 

At this point, I'm expecting that we will both have to get new exams done at the new place to make any progress and I'll be fighting it out between insurance companies, doctor's office, and the store location to figure out the charges from the utter failure. Neither of us will be spending all that much on glasses/contacts after insurance and everything, we just need the exams done correctly and the orders placed. 

Sounds like you went to one of those big box stores that contracts out eye exams to traveling optometrists. I had one several years ago (Walmart) and he didn't put his provider # on the receipt for reimbursement. After several tries to contact him, I just gave up and chalked up the cost to lessons learned.  As mentioned in an earlier post I exclusively deal with my Ophthalmologist's practice and buy my eyewear through Costco. 

[Rob Person]

[GaryF]

13 hours ago, RichL85 said:

I just have to laugh now. The saga continues. I've 100% given up on this place and the doctor already, so I just asked for our prescriptions so that I can go somewhere else. Turns out the genius still hasn't finalized my daughter's prescription after a week. I also requested a refund on the contact lens fitting for myself and they tried to claim that they couldn't refund a service provided. I asked how they provided a fitting service if they couldn't be bothered to order trial contacts to fit to me. The story then changed to, "Well, the fitting fees are through the doctor and we can't refund those through the store."... But the store is the one that charges and takes my money? 

At this point, I'm expecting that we will both have to get new exams done at the new place to make any progress and I'll be fighting it out between insurance companies, doctor's office, and the store location to figure out the charges from the utter failure. Neither of us will be spending all that much on glasses/contacts after insurance and everything, we just need the exams done correctly and the orders placed. 

Just amazingly bad you’re having to go through all of this.  I’m 70 but didn’t need glasses until around the age if 50.  My first 3 times I went to LensCrafters and bought glasses thru them when they ran specials.  Everything was good.

About the 4th time thru LensCrafters I had a late appt, like around 5:30.  The optometrist thought he was done before me and was really pissed to see me.  He rushed through the process but I walked out with the script because we had heard good things thru Costco.  So I bought from Costco.  They were “off”.  So I paid about $80 for the Costco optometrist to redo the script.  They sent the glasses back with the new script and they didn’t charge me a second time for the new set. 

The next time, I found a good optometrist in GA, asked before the appt if I’d be able to walk out with the cops riot so I could “shop” for glasses.  They looked at me like I had 2 heads and said “of course”.  All was good and I bought the glasses again thru Costco.

Last year I had a pretty severe eye issue related to Covid.  Couldn’t see the previous doc but did get in to his partner.  Had a 10am apot and he was running an hour late.  Finally taken to a room with his tech, spent 20 minutes answering her questions and she took a ton of notes.  Then waited another 1/2 hr. Dr. Tiktoc walks in and asks “what’s up?”.  Never bothered to review the notes.  Totally blew me off.  Told me to use Blink eyedrops instead of Systane, then patted himself on the back.  Said he didn’t need to run any tests and no need to put ‘chemicals” in my eyes.  Told me next time to come in immediately.  I told him I tried but their phones were down.  His tech told him they have phone issues.  I said then I’ll just come in without an appt and he said “no” and walked out.  The tech whispered - yes, just come in, we always save spots for emergencies. 

I called my PCP for a recommendation and he referred me to a group in Athens that was wonderful.  Ran lots of tests, prescribed Xiidra which I ended up getting free. Took 6 weeks fir my eyes to get back to normal.   So just had my eyes checked, walked out with the new script and again bought thru Costco.

 

[hohjoe]

20 hours ago, GaryF said:

Just amazingly bad you’re having to go through all of this.  I’m 70 but didn’t need glasses until around the age if 50.  My first 3 times I went to LensCrafters and bought glasses thru them when they ran specials.  Everything was good.

About the 4th time thru LensCrafters I had a late appt, like around 5:30.  The optometrist thought he was done before me and was really pissed to see me.  He rushed through the process but I walked out with the script because we had heard good things thru Costco.  So I bought from Costco.  They were “off”.  So I paid about $80 for the Costco optometrist to redo the script.  They sent the glasses back with the new script and they didn’t charge me a second time for the new set. 

The next time, I found a good optometrist in GA, asked before the appt if I’d be able to walk out with the cops riot so I could “shop” for glasses.  They looked at me like I had 2 heads and said “of course”.  All was good and I bought the glasses again thru Costco.

Last year I had a pretty severe eye issue related to Covid.  Couldn’t see the previous doc but did get in to his partner.  Had a 10am apot and he was running an hour late.  Finally taken to a room with his tech, spent 20 minutes answering her questions and she took a ton of notes.  Then waited another 1/2 hr. Dr. Tiktoc walks in and asks “what’s up?”.  Never bothered to review the notes.  Totally blew me off.  Told me to use Blink eyedrops instead of Systane, then patted himself on the back.  Said he didn’t need to run any tests and no need to put ‘chemicals” in my eyes.  Told me next time to come in immediately.  I told him I tried but their phones were down.  His tech told him they have phone issues.  I said then I’ll just come in without an appt and he said “no” and walked out.  The tech whispered - yes, just come in, we always save spots for emergencies. 

I called my PCP for a recommendation and he referred me to a group in Athens that was wonderful.  Ran lots of tests, prescribed Xiidra which I ended up getting free. Took 6 weeks fir my eyes to get back to normal.   So just had my eyes checked, walked out with the new script and again bought thru Costco.

 

What group do you see in Athens?

 

[GaryF]

8 minutes ago, hohjoe said:

What group do you see in Athens?

 

Thomas Eye Center.  

[GaDawg]

8 hours ago, GaryF said:

Thomas Eye Center.  

Glad you liked them, but not for me. Been there done that.

[hohjoe]

23 hours ago, GaryF said:

Thomas Eye Center.  

Thanks, I was curious. I go to Athens Eye Doctors and Surgeons.

[cksurfdude]

RIP Toby Keith

You may know he was struggling with stomach cancer for a few years...

Had the privilege and good fortune to see him live at an outdoor arena once. He wrote and sang some of my all time fave country songs!

 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

Touching moment in life.

My doorbell rang yesterday. I opened the door to see my next door neighbor on the verge of tears. Before I could even say a word she asked if I could let my dog out in the backyard so her dog could have one last visit with mine. He was going to be put down later that day. It was all I could do to hold the tears back. But she couldn’t any longer and apologized. I assured her it was quite alright. We as dog owners/ lovers have been there. Having lost my past dog 2 years ago it brought back all those feelings.

But seriously, what a great thing for an owner to do. I give her credit. Letting him hang out with his friends for the afternoon. As if my dog knew what was going on, he kept by the fence talking to his friend and ignored the other two dogs that she has.

They had a great time together and although it was a special moment it broke my heart.

 

[GolfSpy_BEN]

4 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Touching moment in life.

My doorbell rang yesterday. I opened the door to see my next door neighbor on the verge of tears. Before I could even say a word she asked if I could let my dog out in the backyard so her dog could have one last visit with mine. He was going to be put down later that day. It was all I could do to hold the tears back. But she couldn’t any longer and apologized. I assured her it was quite alright. We as dog owners/ lovers have been there. Having lost my past dog 2 years ago it brought back all those feelings.

But seriously, what a great thing for an owner to do. I give her credit. Letting him hang out with his friends for the afternoon. As if my dog knew what was going on, he kept by the fence talking to his friend and ignored the other two dogs that she has.

They had a great time together and although it was a special moment it broke my heart.

 

Just got dusty in here…

[ParFore74x]

8 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Touching moment in life.

My doorbell rang yesterday. I opened the door to see my next door neighbor on the verge of tears. Before I could even say a word she asked if I could let my dog out in the backyard so her dog could have one last visit with mine. He was going to be put down later that day. It was all I could do to hold the tears back. But she couldn’t any longer and apologized. I assured her it was quite alright. We as dog owners/ lovers have been there. Having lost my past dog 2 years ago it brought back all those feelings.

But seriously, what a great thing for an owner to do. I give her credit. Letting him hang out with his friends for the afternoon. As if my dog knew what was going on, he kept by the fence talking to his friend and ignored the other two dogs that she has.

They had a great time together and although it was a special moment it broke my heart.

 

Oh my. Thanks for sharing that story. Dogs are beyond awesome and it is great that you were able to provide that opportunity.  

[sirchunksalot]

8 minutes ago, GolfSpy_BEN said:

Just got dusty in here…

Same here. Either that or my wife just started cutting some onions. 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

1 minute ago, sirchunksalot said:

Same here. Either that or my wife just started cutting some onions. 

My wife was crying as well. I answered the door but told her the story as I was letting the dog out back. Instant tears. Then I stayed out there with the boys as they had a good conversation which only they understood.

[sirchunksalot]

I'm glad you let Ace go out and see his friend one last time. 

I'm making sure to give my pups some extra love tonight. 

[Michael.Sandoval33]

55 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Touching moment in life.

My doorbell rang yesterday. I opened the door to see my next door neighbor on the verge of tears. Before I could even say a word she asked if I could let my dog out in the backyard so her dog could have one last visit with mine. He was going to be put down later that day. It was all I could do to hold the tears back. But she couldn’t any longer and apologized. I assured her it was quite alright. We as dog owners/ lovers have been there. Having lost my past dog 2 years ago it brought back all those feelings.

But seriously, what a great thing for an owner to do. I give her credit. Letting him hang out with his friends for the afternoon. As if my dog knew what was going on, he kept by the fence talking to his friend and ignored the other two dogs that she has.

They had a great time together and although it was a special moment it broke my heart.

 

That is a gesture I am sure will not be forgotten. It sounds as if the two had a grand time.

I swear it's just my allergies from the rain though

[rkj427]

1 hour ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Touching moment in life.

My doorbell rang yesterday. I opened the door to see my next door neighbor on the verge of tears. Before I could even say a word she asked if I could let my dog out in the backyard so her dog could have one last visit with mine. He was going to be put down later that day. It was all I could do to hold the tears back. But she couldn’t any longer and apologized. I assured her it was quite alright. We as dog owners/ lovers have been there. Having lost my past dog 2 years ago it brought back all those feelings.

But seriously, what a great thing for an owner to do. I give her credit. Letting him hang out with his friends for the afternoon. As if my dog knew what was going on, he kept by the fence talking to his friend and ignored the other two dogs that she has.

They had a great time together and although it was a special moment it broke my heart.

 

Thanks for sharing Tom, and an awesome gesture on both of your parts. 

[cksurfdude]

13 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Touching moment in life

Also appreciate that story, thx Tom. Really nice to hear you could brighten your neighbor's, and get dog's, day!

Many of you know I'm also a pet lover and .. sadly former .. doggy daddy, so I can totally and completely sympathize........

 

[RichL85]

How expensive of a gift do I need to prepare in advance to break the news to my wife that I have to travel to Florida for 2 weeks at the end of the month? I was in Texas for a week in January and she responded by being at Disneyland for 4 days this week. I'm a bit scared of how much 2 weeks in Florida is going to cost me. 

[Rob Person]

37 minutes ago, RichL85 said:

How expensive of a gift do I need to prepare in advance to break the news to my wife that I have to travel to Florida for 2 weeks at the end of the month? I was in Texas for a week in January and she responded by being at Disneyland for 4 days this week. I'm a bit scared of how much 2 weeks in Florida is going to cost me. 

Might want to "rent" clubs instead of Shipping yours.  And well, Florida says it all.. from Disneyland to Disneyworld...  good luck with that battle!

[RichL85]

9 minutes ago, Rob Person said:

Might want to "rent" clubs instead of Shipping yours.  And well, Florida says it all.. from Disneyland to Disneyworld...  good luck with that battle!

Funny you mention that. She already has a week long trip to Disney World planned for later this year. Probably won't be able to play that off as future payment though. 

I'm definitely taking my clubs with me. Need something to do over the weekend while I'm there. 

[rkj427]

I didn't want to post in the wrong spot and will let those I know who are interested in cool cars that the link can be found here.

Went to a smaller scaled, indoor car show in Flint, MI today. Chrome & Ice and below is a link to the pictures I took today, as they are available on Google photos.

Will post a couple here for @tony@CIC, @EasyPutter, @cksurfdude, and @cnosil and many others who are interested.

Next month here is Autorama, and that is a much larger scale show, with many more vehicles on display, and I will do the same thing again for that show.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jEMZMX1aqXaUnE5G7

 

 

 

[Josh Parker]

9 hours ago, rkj427 said:

I didn't want to post in the wrong spot and will let those I know who are interested in cool cars that the link can be found here.

Went to a smaller scaled, indoor car show in Flint, MI today. Chrome & Ice and below is a link to the pictures I took today, as they are available on Google photos.

Will post a couple here for @tony@CIC, @EasyPutter, @cksurfdude, and @cnosil and many others who are interested.

Next month here is Autorama, and that is a much larger scale show, with many more vehicles on display, and I will do the same thing again for that show.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jEMZMX1aqXaUnE5G7

 

 

 

Some beautiful rides!  

[berkeleybob]

9 hours ago, rkj427 said:

I didn't want to post in the wrong spot and will let those I know who are interested in cool cars that the link can be found here.

Went to a smaller scaled, indoor car show in Flint, MI today. Chrome & Ice and below is a link to the pictures I took today, as they are available on Google photos.

Will post a couple here for @tony@CIC, @EasyPutter, @cksurfdude, and @cnosil and many others who are interested.

Next month here is Autorama, and that is a much larger scale show, with many more vehicles on display, and I will do the same thing again for that show.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jEMZMX1aqXaUnE5G7

 

 

 

Man, do I miss a good auto show. Great pics! Thanks for sharing them.

[berkeleybob]

@rkj427 Thanks for sharing your photos. I like this one.

Out here they call it “rugbrød” because it resembles a loaf of rye bread.

[ParFore74x]

10 hours ago, rkj427 said:

I didn't want to post in the wrong spot and will let those I know who are interested in cool cars that the link can be found here.

Went to a smaller scaled, indoor car show in Flint, MI today. Chrome & Ice and below is a link to the pictures I took today, as they are available on Google photos.

Will post a couple here for @tony@CIC, @EasyPutter, @cksurfdude, and @cnosil and many others who are interested.

Next month here is Autorama, and that is a much larger scale show, with many more vehicles on display, and I will do the same thing again for that show.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jEMZMX1aqXaUnE5G7

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing those! Some nice looking trucks and cars in there. 

[tony@CIC]

11 hours ago, rkj427 said:

I didn't want to post in the wrong spot and will let those I know who are interested in cool cars that the link can be found here.

Went to a smaller scaled, indoor car show in Flint, MI today. Chrome & Ice and below is a link to the pictures I took today, as they are available on Google photos.

Will post a couple here for @tony@CIC, @EasyPutter, @cksurfdude, and @cnosil and many others who are interested.

Next month here is Autorama, and that is a much larger scale show, with many more vehicles on display, and I will do the same thing again for that show.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jEMZMX1aqXaUnE5G7

 

 

 

Love the photos. I'm envious of the guys that can create bodywork like that - both welding and painting. 

[Michael.Sandoval33]

11 hours ago, rkj427 said:

I didn't want to post in the wrong spot and will let those I know who are interested in cool cars that the link can be found here.

Went to a smaller scaled, indoor car show in Flint, MI today. Chrome & Ice and below is a link to the pictures I took today, as they are available on Google photos.

Will post a couple here for @tony@CIC, @EasyPutter, @cksurfdude, and @cnosil and many others who are interested.

Next month here is Autorama, and that is a much larger scale show, with many more vehicles on display, and I will do the same thing again for that show.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jEMZMX1aqXaUnE5G7

 

 

 

I'm not usually a coupe guy, but there's a little red Ferrari in there I would put the pedal down on! Great pics, haven't been to a show in about 10 years but love the classics scene in LA. Super solid collection you got to check out. 

[EasyPutter]

My January-February 2024 winter weather snow story (with pictures!).

The before on January 11 having just installed the new boat tarp before the first winds and rains approached on an unseasonably warm day that made rope handling with bare hands comfortable, no heavy jacket needed for this task.  Also had a presence of mind to brace the fence gate to counteract the wind pressures of Gale and Storm force winds that accompany winter storms in this region.  An 8' 2x4 held fast against the gate by the latch and staked to the ground with a length of rebar shoved in to a depth at least a foot below grass level and a rope tied from rebar stake to fence gate rail by the latch ensures no movement as wind pressures do end up on both sides of the gate.

The beginning on January 14.  Picket and chain link fences are 4' high.

The end of the Lake Effect storms on January 17.  This is the level the wind did not blow away.  Neighbor's fence at the bottom of the yard is 7' high.  Snow level on the patio was level with the deck outside the kitchen door.

The compaction and sublimation of the snow load making it appear like less snow than was evaporating with temps below freezing this taken on January 24.  Corgis could finally see down the yard as that place where Gwynedd is standing was 4 times deeper in the uncompacted snow around the stamped down pathway created for them to get out into the yard.  The 3+" ground clearance of a Corgi does not bode well for them cutting their own path once snow exceeds 12" deep.

The meltdown was nothing quick, this taken on January 28.  I shoveled off the patio from the kitchen deck railing to the boat trailer hitch and hanging solar lanterns to the blue tarp after this was taken and the remaining snowpile by the boat today and the snowpile from what piled up from the boat tarp is all that remains in the backyard. 

What remains was what was shoveled or plowed, here in West Seneca as most places in WNY have no snow remaining at all.  This taken today February 11.  

A month in the life of a Western New Yorker on the tradewinds downwind side of Lake Erie.  Yard cleanup time.  Yay   Yesterday I noticed the turf removed beside the driveway was no longer frozen in the ice melt.  It was skimmed off by wife's cousin who has a plow business, he was passing the house and dropped his truck blade to clear out the heavy snowplow load pushed into the end of our driveway by the town plows.  Says he's interested in me staying healthy.  It is good to have family with equipment and kind hearts. 

Healthy is being mindful how I shovel the entire property from house to street including walkways.  Managing time on task and effort for one person is no different that doing it for a squad.  There is something to being minted an Army Combat Engineer, as an enlisted Soldier 2/3 of my lifetime ago.  Those skills just never leave.  Come on golf season! 

Edited February 11 by EasyPutter
corrected error