Eyeglasses from Costco

 This morning we went to Fort Wayne to pick up my new eyeglasses I bought at Costco.

Using my Medicare Advantage plan, I paid $40. Even without the insurance, the cost was $198. For no-line progressive bifocals. Hundreds of dollars less than what I paid 4 1/2 years ago at the eyeglass shop associated with the doctor that did the exam and wrote the prescription. The frames were less expensive, but I think the main savings were that Costco does anti-glare coating and scratch-resistant coating at no extra charge. For my last pair I think I paid about $100 each for those coatings and the insurance may have partially covered the scratch-resistant coating.

You do have to take in a written/printed prescription (nothing on your phone). You can get the exam at Costco; the optometrists are considered independent contractors. I had my exam from a local doctor. 

From date of order to finished eyeglasses was 10 days. Since we have Costco membership for my husband's hearing aids, getting eyeglasses there was a no-brainer. The optician who helped me select from my 3 possible frames and then did the measurements, told me that if I was unsatisfied with the prescription, I could go back to my optometrist and have him tweak the prescription. Costco would redo my lenses within 90 days with the new prescription at no added charge. 

I am still adjusting to the glasses, but I don't think I will need any changes.

Yesterday as I entered Martin's and headed to the produce section, I had to pass the floral department. Next to the aisle was a bouquet of 12 roses for $8.99. I couldn't resist. They called it a rainbow bouquet. They smell so nice.

My week is off to a good start. Hope yours is too.

Tomato Bombs

 As I walked thru Martin's grocery store Wednesday to buy some orange juice, I noticed some small tomatoes on sale. 

Bombs an interesting description. These are the best small tomatoes, even better than some I have purchased at farmers' markets. They are juicy and so sweet. I hope the store stocks them frequently.

We continue to have mild weather. My Home Chef order arrived this afternoon. We will have the trout tonight, the chicken tomorrow. I chose from the Sheet pan category so not much attention needed once in the oven. Home Chef has lots of interesting dishes, but some require a lot of prep and attention. Not these two.

Stocking Up on Food to Hibernate

 Because of my Home Chef meals at the end of last week, I didn't do a grocery store order for pick up until Monday. I thought I would do another order this weekend.

 After seeing the weather forecast, I decided to go to Martin's supermarket this afternoon. We mainly needed milk for next week. We are now well-stocked for the winter storm headed our way. We are on the line between rain and snow. We will probably get some snow, however, and because of the plummeting temperatures that snow will probably hang around. Welcome to northern Indiana January. 

I missed two of my Bible study sessions because of COVID. The group has been on a break because of the school district holiday/winter break. On Monday around 9 a.m. it will probably be zero degrees when I head over to the main building at Grace Village to join the group. I also have choir practice starting up again in the afternoon. Those folks who live in the apartments have the luxury of staying inside to get to those activities. The rest of us will have to bundle up.

I don't have any other activities next week so I plan to hunker down and hibernate in my warm home. My husband gets cabin fever; we'll see how quickly he braves the cold for a change of venue. 

I baked some zucchini bread this morning from my thawed-out frozen grated zucchini from summer. I bought some croissants on sale at Martin's. I was pleased to find that Aldi's still has its "holiday" cranberry and almond chicken salad. Chicken salad croissant in our near future. Martin's had a quarter of a pie for sale this week. I picked out peach which we will eat tonight. I have a bunch of chicken cordon bleu pieces in the freezer. I think we may end up eating that for our Sunday mid-day meal at home for a change. 

The forecast is for highs below 20 degrees most of next week. Brrr.

Hope you are stocked up well for whatever is coming your way. 

Pi Day

 Last year I forgot that the Martin's Supermarkets have a special on pi day: an apple pie for $3.14. Though we had some snow last night and early this morning, the roads were in good shape when I headed out to shop. The two people in front of me at checkout had apple pies. The store was well-stocked. I took the Cool Whip out of the freezer last night to ensure it will be thawed out for this evening.

 Supposedly the special price is for today only. The expiration sticker shows a later date, but I suspect the label will be covered over. I think the regular price is $6.99 but $5.99 with Advantage card. I don't think the $3.14 price requires the loyalty card. Anybody can walk in and buy the dessert for its "pi" price.