Cold but Warm

Hello,

Outdoor temperatures are low, but we have the luxury of spending little time there. Are we grateful for that possibility? Yes! It was not so warm at work for me. I even kept on my wool sweater. Sometimes I have to take it off to survive the heat. It is warm in the apartment too. We even close all of the furnace outlets when we go to bed because we want to snuggle under our down comforter and flannel sheets. If we did not close off the heat it would be a sweating zoo in here and we do not want that pungent aroma.

Leroy’s name has been put in at a church in Wisconsin. He has heard nothing, but is still hopeful that they will consider a 65 year old who says that he wants to work until he is 70. Do you think I should tell them he is a young guy and just half his age as he struts down the mile in just 15 minutes? Anyone who takes a chance on him might find they have gotten a prize. He may appear cold and old, but he is young and warm, except at work where he tells me the temperature is around 65 degrees back in the library area. He compensates by wearing many layers. He even keeps a wool suit jacket at work that he can slip on over almost anything. In spite of dressing up he tells me that his fingers turn a bit blue.

We are learning more about people who live on a different income scale. Leroy cannot take out money for the flexible spending (health account) because he does not work 25 hours. Seems to me that many advantages are aimed at people who are able to find full time times and earn more already. Is that because the laws/rules are made by more secure people who have the backing of people just like them? Someone at church was talking about renting to a couple that each work two half time jobs and they can barely pay the rent and eat. It certainly makes more to me. They truly have no benefits with part time jobs and probably no possibilities in sight. Leroy and I, even though older, are still in a different place because we are skilled in more than one field. We can also get health insurance because of our age with Medicare and supplements. My salary will pay rent and utilities while Leroy’s will cover supplements and food. What more could we ask for? Basic needs are covered with some to give away. This month Leroy is working half time so we will see what his take home pay amounts to. Perhaps I will talk differently when reality sets in.

Paula