Get off my LAWN! "Grumpy Old Farts"

[GonePlaid]

I started doing that a couple of years ago for some gigs but using a chair. If old blues guys can do so can I! I am getting of that age and blue is my favorite color.

I use the stool to take weight offa my 2* relatively bad knees-and feets. The stool is around bar stool height so isn't a lot difference from standing. Plus, if I wanna stand, it's less awkward than getting up from a chair. Our guitarist(we used to have 2)also uses a stool but often stands if he's singing. I don't bother. I can sing equally well/badly standing or 'sitting'.

*max number allowed

 

[gtmalone]

Question for my fellow GOF's. Seeing as how I'll be turning 65 this summer, I've been told I have to sign up for some kind of medicare. I'm still working but hope to retire maybe later this year. My company has great health care benefits that will continue (although somewhat costlier) after I retire. Everyone from my current health care provider (BC/BS Excellus) to whatever can be found on facebook is trying to sign me up for seminars and "helpful" classes (for a fee or the opportunity to join them) to decide what I need to sign up for. Why is this such a complicated mess? Any advice or helpful input would be appreciated.

You do not have to enroll in Medicare if you are not drawing Social Security. When you start drawing Social Security you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare.

You'll need to check with your company HR dept to find out how the insurance works with Medicare. Your insurance might work as a supplement to Medicare or you have to find your own supplement plan and the company funds an HRA (health reimbursement account) that you can use to pay premiums, out of pocket, etc., for medical expenses.

Mine went like this. I retired at 55. The company continued the same policy. I started SocSec at 62. At 65 I was automatically enrolled in Medicare. The company required retirees to enroll in Medicare at 65. My insurance was dropped and replaced with an HRA. The company provided an exchange to fine supplement policies for medical, dental, and prescriptions. Using the exchange was required but you can change companies/policies during the annual enrollment process if you want. I use the HRA to pay the premiums. It doesn't cover all of them but it's pretty close. Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from my SocSec.

Sounds complicated but it was pretty easy. It took awhile to sort through the insurance options to find what worked for me. It has all been completely hassle free. No problems with docs or pharmacies accepting Medicare with a supplement.

There are two types of Medicare policies to go with Medicare Part A, B and D - advantage plans and supplement plans. You'll have to decide which is best for you. A supplement was best for me.
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The company still covers my wife on a full plan but we pay the premiums. She started SocSec at 62. When she turns 65 she will go on Medicare plus a supplement. I'm not sure if the company will provide an HRA for her. That's a couple of years out.

 

[notJaco]

I use the stool to take weight offa my 2* relatively bad knees-and feets. The stool is around bar stool height so isn't a lot difference from standing. Plus, if I wanna stand, it's less awkward than getting up from a chair. Our guitarist(we used to have 2)also uses a stool but often stands if he's singing. I don't bother. I can sing equally well/badly standing or 'sitting'.

*max number allowed

I, too, was offered that solution (stool) to standing. The knees and the back .... I wore a knee brace at one point.
The stage was usually so crowded that I don't know how that would have worked. The bigger the stage, the more pieces the leader would book. I had had enough of the situation. I was tired of playing along with a computer program that usually had a bass track on it already. Just needed a break from it all.

 

[GwenOnBass]

When I was in rehab from the knee replacements, I ordered a musician's seat. Use it every day. What it isn't is portable, so looking for something a bit more appropriate now.

 

[GwenOnBass]

I, too, was offered that solution (stool) to standing. The knees and the back .... I wore a knee brace at one point.
The stage was usually so crowded that I don't know how that would have worked. The bigger the stage, the more pieces the leader would book. I had had enough of the situation. I was tired of playing along with a computer program that usually had a bass track on it already. Just needed a break from it all.

I sincerely couldn't stand for more than a song or three before knee replacements

 

[notJaco]

I sincerely couldn't stand for more than a song or three before knee replacements

For me, it might be somewhat due to the P bass. I don't know what the norm is as far as weight goes but my P bass comes in at ~11 pounds. Feels like 111 pounds after a couple of sets. Still love it, though.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Short, medium, or long strap? I tend to go with medium. The 4003 can cut into the ribs if I’m sitting. Woman players like Tal can get pinched with a short strap. A Fender style contoured body shape must help.

View attachment 4201308

About medium rare.

It looks like it’s based on a Gretsch which was popular but expensive back then. Even that dark color was popular. I used one in the 60’s.


View attachment 4201373

I had one in my hands; I should have bought it!

 

[GonePlaid]

For me, it might be somewhat due to the P bass. I don't know what the norm is as far as weight goes but my P bass comes in at ~11 pounds. Feels like 111 pounds after a couple of sets. Still love it, though.

Ah. Yet another reason to not have a 'P'. My 75 y/o hands are used to Gibson neck profiles and widths. It literally hurts to play a 'P'.

 

[gtmalone]

The kickstarter Ari uses for the book [HankHill] and book accessories [/HankHill} is called Indiegogo.

I'm definitely in for the book and the wall chart. I've entire days with only Music Theory for the Bass Player cohort work. I've room for more, so.

These two books/CDs are the single best study tool I've had. Some of the stuff is pretty easy and others will kick my butt. Most are just pretty fun to play, too.

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Example:
PDF - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
CD track (WMA file) - Invalid Link Removed

 

[GonePlaid]

When I was in rehab from the knee replacements, I ordered a musician's seat. Use it every day. What it isn't is portable, so looking for something a bit more appropriate now.

This is the one I use. Walmart. 2 different heights. This is the taller model.
(folds up)

 

[GonePlaid]

About medium rare.

View attachment 4201510

I had one in my hands; I should have bought it!

I've always 'slung' my basses fairly low-used to be a lot lower.(if ya took the bass away, my right hand would be in front of...uh,...my...uh...zipper. That's it.)

 

[gtmalone]

For me, it might be somewhat due to the P bass. I don't know what the norm is as far as weight goes but my P bass comes in at ~11 pounds. Feels like 111 pounds after a couple of sets. Still love it, though.

Try on a Pedulla. Thought I wanted one for awhile, then played one. Geez, talk about heavy! Felt like it was going to cut my leg off and the body shape didn't sit well on my leg. Can't imagine standing with one for very long.

 

[G-Dog]

Question for my fellow GOF's. Seeing as how I'll be turning 65 this summer, I've been told I have to sign up for some kind of medicare. I'm still working but hope to retire maybe later this year. My company has great health care benefits that will continue (although somewhat costlier) after I retire. Everyone from my current health care provider (BC/BS Excellus) to whatever can be found on facebook is trying to sign me up for seminars and "helpful" classes (for a fee or the opportunity to join them) to decide what I need to sign up for. Why is this such a complicated mess? Any advice or helpful input would be appreciated.

You do not MAY have to enroll in Medicare if you are not drawing Social Security. When you start drawing Social Security you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare.

You'll need to check with your company HR dept to find out how the insurance works with Medicare. Your insurance might work as a supplement to Medicare or you have to find your own supplement plan and the company funds an HRA (health reimbursement account) that you can use to pay premiums, out of pocket, etc., for medical expenses.

Mine went like this. I retired at 55. The company continued the same policy. I started SocSec at 62. At 65 I was automatically enrolled in Medicare. The company required retirees to enroll in Medicare at 65. My insurance was dropped and replaced with an HRA. The company provided an exchange to fine supplement policies for medical, dental, and prescriptions. Using the exchange was required but you can change companies/policies during the annual enrollment process if you want. I use the HRA to pay the premiums. It doesn't cover all of them but it's pretty close. Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from my SocSec.

Sounds complicated but it was pretty easy. It took awhile to sort through the insurance options to find what worked for me. It has all been completely hassle free. No problems with docs or pharmacies accepting Medicare with a supplement.

There are two types of Medicare policies to go with Medicare Part A, B and D - advantage plans and supplement plans. You'll have to decide which is best for you. A supplement was best for me.
Invalid Link Removed

The company still covers my wife on a full plan but we pay the premiums. She started SocSec at 62. When she turns 65 she will go on Medicare plus a supplement. I'm not sure if the company will provide an HRA for her. That's a couple of years out.

I can't believe this topic hardly ever comes up here. It's complicated because it's a government run program. 'Nuff said there. You may have to sign up for Medicare to avoid a penalty whether you're taking Social Security or not! It depends on your employer insurance and their policies. Check with your HR and/or directly with your current insurance. No one here can advise on your specifuc situation without discussing too much personal information.

For the basics, you can start with the Medicare,gov website, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

And be prepared to review/revisit your situation from time-to-time in the future, too. Once you pass that magic age it seems the TV and the mailbox is always chock full of "Broadway" Joe Namath and everybody else trying to offer your "a free Medicare review due to recent changes" so they can sell you their plan. It's obviously really big business for them, that many of their customers would rather "set & forget".

HTH
.

 

[gtmalone]

I can't believe this topic hardly ever comes up here. It's complicated because it's a government run program. 'Nuff said there. You may have to sign up for Medicare to avoid a penalty whether you're taking Social Security or not! It depends on your employer insurance and their policies. Check with your HR and/or directly with your current insurance. No one here can advise on your specifuc situation without discussing too much personal information.

For the basics, you can start with the Medicare,gov website, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

And be prepared to review/revisit your situation from time-to-time in the future, too. Once you pass that magic age it seems the TV and the mailbox is always chock full of "Broadway" Joe Namath and everybody else trying to offer your "a free Medicare review due to recent changes" so they can sell you their plan. It's obviously really big business for them, that many of their customers would rather "set & forget".

HTH
.

I've been on Medicare and a supplement for almost three years. It is pretty much set and forget. I get the annual enrollment notice to review coverage. There is nothing to do if I like what I have.

One other thing to be aware of on the advantage or supplement plans is portability if you move to another state. Your plan may not be offered in the other state.

 

[GonePlaid]

I've been on Medicare and a supplement for almost three years. It is pretty much set and forget. I get the annual enrollment notice to review coverage. There is nothing to do if I like what I have.

One other thing to be aware of on the advantage or supplement plans is portability if you move to another state. Your plan may not be offered in the other state.

Or even ZIP code within a state.

 

[gtmalone]

I've had enough fun for today.

Removed a 4x8 rock garden area with grasses planted. I made this several years ago to make it look a little better on that side of the house since we had nice neighbors. They sold the house then the new neighbor put up an 8ft fence so they can't even see it. I got tired of weeding the area and the sprinkler system will have stuff there, so I took it all out today. Couple hundred lbs of rock, couple hundred lbs of pea gravel, couple hundred lbs of brick border. I have two clumps of monkey grass to dig up and move somewhere but not today! I have one of these to make stuff easier to move and I don't know how I got by without it before. Town & Country® Wagon

Then before all that, I had to blow more of the NEIGHBOR'S oak leaves out of MY yard then mulch them with the mower.

Then while I was moving rock and stuff, I banged my head on a crepe myrtle limb. Oh, need to prune that - lol. So I removed two large limbs from it.

Showered and having a cold Red Stripe while reading the stupid stuff you guys are posting.

 

[SoulReflection]

I've had enough fun for today.

Removed a 4x8 rock garden area with grasses planted. I made this several years ago to make it look a little better on that side of the house since we had nice neighbors. They sold the house then the new neighbor put up an 8ft fence so they can't even see it. I got tired of weeding the area and the sprinkler system will have stuff there, so I took it all out today. Couple hundred lbs of rock, couple hundred lbs of pea gravel, couple hundred lbs of brick border. I have two clumps of monkey grass to dig up and move somewhere but not today! I have one of these to make stuff easier to move and I don't know how I got by without it before. Town & Country® Wagon

Then before all that, I had to blow more of the NEIGHBOR'S oak leaves out of MY yard then mulch them with the mower.

Then while I was moving rock and stuff, I banged my head on a crepe myrtle limb. Oh, need to prune that - lol. So I removed two large limbs from it.

Showered and having a cold Red Stripe while reading the stupid stuff you guys are posting.

You, sir, have paid your dues !

 

[gtmalone]

About medium rare.

View attachment 4201510

I had one in my hands; I should have bought it!

That is NOT an Ampeg amp in that picture! Fix that or there will be NO Star Trek watching next week.

 

[GonePlaid]

I've had enough fun for today.

Removed a 4x8 rock garden area with grasses planted. I made this several years ago to make it look a little better on that side of the house since we had nice neighbors. They sold the house then the new neighbor put up an 8ft fence so they can't even see it. I got tired of weeding the area and the sprinkler system will have stuff there, so I took it all out today. Couple hundred lbs of rock, couple hundred lbs of pea gravel, couple hundred lbs of brick border. I have two clumps of monkey grass to dig up and move somewhere but not today! I have one of these to make stuff easier to move and I don't know how I got by without it before. Town & Country® Wagon

Then before all that, I had to blow more of the NEIGHBOR'S oak leaves out of MY yard then mulch them with the mower.

Then while I was moving rock and stuff, I banged my head on a crepe myrtle limb. Oh, need to prune that - lol. So I removed two large limbs from it.

Showered and having a cold Red Stripe while reading the stupid stuff you guys are posting.

You deserve another. Then another...then another.

 

[gtmalone]

The new grill cloth and badges for the Dynaco speakers arrived today! Have to make a frame but no big deal. It's a really close match to the original in color and pattern.

Oh, yeah, a small desk fan on low took care of the power amp heat problem. Listened for about 2 hrs yesterday and the glass was barely warm. Need to fix up a small fan with some sort of filter to keep the dust out, maybe an air box to sit on the backside of the amp. Oh, geez, another project...