The LEG a year later?

I know, i promised we were done with the leg a long time ago...   But when i got back from the Bahamas last week there were more bills waiting for me.  Bills that i thought were all paid and finalized last year.  It seems Blue Cross Blue Shield denied paying for Wound Care in  August 2017.  Martin Health Care found something they missed and the Visiting Nurse Assn had something.  Lastly my plastic surgeon had some new outstanding stuff to bill.  That's 3 new bills for over a $1,000.  Ouch!

Fortunately BCBS was able to agree with me and changed the status on the bill from last August and paid over $1,000 toward that.  But it still left me with over $400.  In addition i had my 80/20% split to the Plastic Surgeon and the Martin Health.  Plus i was on the hook for the VAC machine to the tune of over $650.  Who knew medical was so expensive?

The stack of hospital paperwork and bills

I have been keeping track of all my bills and decided to share them here:

What this shows is the total amount of services was $69,196.60 and MY portion to pay: $6,627.81.  

A slip and fall at Sea causing a cut leg.  I learned a valuable lesson.  An expensive lesson.

"Murse" (Man-purse) VAC pump

 Injury 5 weeks afterward - with thin skin layer grown

Pre-surgery for skin graft - to attach on thin skin

 Skin Graft

A month of recovery

Jan 11, 2018

Today I'm Good as NEW

Happy 4th of July!  

Be safe and take care of your legs..

- Peg Leg Skip

Whats Up on the Treasure Coast?

Who doesn't love a day at the DMV?  

It's been a busy first week in Ft. Pierce...  I'm getting better at the 'moving and shaking' part of boating.  New town, new rules, new grocery store.  In the Bahamas they drive "on the wrong side of the road."  It took the entire time i was there to try to get my mind to flip-flop and look 'the wrong way' before crossing streets.  Towards the end of my four month visit i got better at knowing where cars were coming from.  BUT i still ended up on the wrong side of the road sometimes.  (riding my bicycle)  When i got back to the USA, my mind didnt have to think to know which side of the road.  Anyway, I'm back.  I have my car and my bicycle and I'm checking out the area.  

This past week was busy.  First i put the car into the shop for one new tire, rotation and front end alignment, plus an oil change.  I got a Ft. Pierce Library Card.  Put my laptop into repair and removed a malware.  Took my main sail and a broken zipper to Mack Sails for repair.  Made 2 trips to the DMV.  

My initial visit to DMV was just a 'site visit' to see what it was like and what i would need 'IF' i changed my license to Florida.  (my Texas auto tags expired requiring me to drive to Texas for an inspection to update.  Or switch the tags to Florida?)  All i needed was proof of Florida auto insurance.  Even though i had State Farm insurance for 37 years, it was in Texas.  Turns out you have to have auto insurance IN the state, that state.  I called State Farm of Florida and their price was $160 higher than Texas.  So i switched to Geico and saved a $100.  OK, i got Florida auto insurance, check.  Next back to DMV.  I just need to bring:  proof of Florida insurance, Passport, Social Security card, auto Title, 2 pieces of mail to the Florida address.  Nothing to it...  When i arrived at the DMV i was given a ticket with a number on it.  I was in the queue for service.  My number #516.  Then i hear over the speakers, "Now serving number 302."  I expected it to be a long wait, so i took my book and kindle.  Turns out i needed a pillow too.  Now dont let me make it sound too bad.  The DMV was just crowded, loud and very busy with several long lines wrapping around the room.  (one note:  i didnt see ANY beautiful people at the DMV.  Not a single person in a suit and tie.  No business casual.  Every person was dressed "blue collar" including me.)  At the window next to me was an older lady of about 75 who had to take a driving test and failed it. Her instructor told her she did everything well except the '3 point turn.'  She was crying because she failed it.  He said, "Mam you can come back on Monday and take it again.  You will only have to pass the 3 point turn."  Now i had seen it all.

DMV Done.

Next week - finish tying up the boat with every rope i own in case a storm heads this way.  Clear off every piece of equipment from the deck and tie down the dinghy on the bow.  In addition i am meeting with a Marine service company about painting the boat bottom mid july.  It's still not time to relax and play golf....

I hope you are NOT headed to the DMV this week!  

- safe driver Skip

PS.  i tried my best to get a good DMV photo.  i combed my hair, wore a clean shirt and smiled with my eyes open.  But it's guaranteed, NO drivers license photo ever looks good.  Oh well, i can retake the shot in 8 years.

 Barracuda

The best remedy for the DMV?  Apple Pie!