OT July Chit Chat

[Howie]

Beer has water in it, so I guess I drink plenty of water.

[Virginia]

Agate, so glad you appointment went well this time. I know you were disappointed last time. Maybe she will work out after all.

[agate]

I would definitely consider going back on Copaxone. I went off it because I didn't think it could be doing me any good based on what I've heard (that these drugs aren't known to work with SPMS OR with people my age OR with people who've had MS as long as I have). Another reason was that it was causing crippling groin pains but I'm not sure what those meant. They stopped when I stopped the Copaxone.

Still another reason was the possibility of an "immediate post-injection reaction." Supposedly those last only about half an hour but I've read entirely too many posts by people who landed in the ER with a much longer and more serious reaction.

Living alone, I don't like to risk keeling over with no one around to help. I did keel over after an Avonex shot, and that was unsettling.

Virginia, I liked the neuro much better. She must be the sort of person who doesn't insist on having everything the way she as the doctor wants. Some doctors get huffy and might even tell you they can't treat you any more if you won't take their advice.

I was prepared to hear that from her, and in that case I'd have had to shop around for another neuro. I'm really glad I can stick with her. I'm used to going to that particular place, which isn't very far from here, has a convenient washroom, and the place where I need to wait for the van isn't impossibly drafty.

There is a pretty good assortment of magazines to leaf through in the waiting room too.

People waiting in neurology offices are usually people who are suffering, or they wouldn't be there. I look at all of us waiting there with our gimpy legs and our walkers and wheelchairs and realize that neurologists still don't know much but we're hanging onto them for the sake of what they do know, and we keep hoping they will be able to help us.

I've heard that people with seizures can be helped dramatically by the right neuro, for instance. So they're trying. They're not just trying to peddle the latest drugs--though of course they're going to be enthusiastic about any drug that they think will work.

This neuro didn't seem gungho for any particular drug. She was upfront about the risks and the black-box warnings.

[Jeanie Z]

:) Agate I am glad your neurologist appointment went well.

My van is still in pieces with the dash out, etc.They said it may take another day or two. Ouch, I need it to go shopping.

Trump submitted a new man for Supreme Court. I hope he does not get approved as he is far right.

I hope having no van in the carport does not give anyone the idea no one is here. I set the alarm and the outside lights are on. Jeanie :)

[Jeanie Z]

:) I just went online and placed a grocery order to be delivered. I spent $124.41. To be delivered at 2 PM today. This is my first order so I will find out if it works well. Jeanie :)

[agate]

Jeanie, until a couple of years ago I was using the Safeway online grocery ordering service regularly since 2009. My order usually came through exactly as I'd ordered it though maybe with one or two items out of stock. There were a few times when the delivery didn't get here on time, and a couple of times when I had to wait a couple of days beyond the scheduled day but those were due to weather problems.

The fresh produce was always fresh, and the frozen items were still frozen. I've been happy with their delivery service though I haven't used any others. I used Albertson's a couple of times but that was about 10 years ago--that worked well too.

Never had many problems with charges or billing. Sometimes I got part of someone else's order or got a few items that were wrong. Problems were always straightened out speedily.

I hope you'll find online shopping to be a convenience.

[Catdancer]

I wish there was a grocery delivery service here in the country! I would definitely use it! I do buy some non perishable stuff from Amazon, and occasionally walmart....but having access to fresh stuff would be wonderful!

[Jeanie Z]

:) I placed the order last night after midnight. The order was delivered and the bill was $88.13 instead of the $124 estimated last night. However it was a learning experience, as I clicked on a banana and wound up with only one banana.

A few things were buy one get one free and I ordered one and did not get a free one. I guess I needed to click 2. A lot of items were not shown but I discovered I was only seeing one line of things and there were several lines. I have plenty to eat now and if my van has to stay another night I will be okay. I ordered from Instacart. Jeanie :)

[Sunshine]

How much extra was it to be delivered?

[Lazarus]

Jeanie, until a couple of years ago I was using the Safeway online grocery ordering service regularly since 2009. My order usually came through exactly as I'd ordered it though maybe with one or two items out of stock. There were a few times when the delivery didn't get here on time, and a couple of times when I had to wait a couple of days beyond the scheduled day but those were due to weather problems.

The fresh produce was always fresh, and the frozen items were still frozen. I've been happy with their delivery service though I haven't used any others. I used Albertson's a couple of times but that was about 10 years ago--that worked well too.

Never had many problems with charges or billing. Sometimes I got part of someone else's order or got a few items that were wrong. Problems were always straightened out speedily.

I hope you'll find online shopping to be a convenience.

I use Peapod. It is a great service. Easy online ordering. Fruit/veggies perfect...if something is not perfect I email them and they immediately take it off the bill.

Peapod is service connected to Stop?,&Shop grocery chain.

[Virginia]

Linda, I do not have Peapod in this area.

Jeanie, I too was wondering what the delivery charge is and how do you tip on something like this. I know how to tip in restaurant, but not to delivery people. I have never even ordered a pizza to be delivered to me.

If I try it I expect I will also use instacart. I think they are connected to Lowe's Foods here, but I am sure it is different in other parts of the country. I wish Harris-Teeter had a delivery service because I am more accustomed to what they have and what I can get from them. However, they do not have this service.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

I started using Instacart in February this year to avoid people in the grocery stores during flu season. We have always shopped at 5 different groceries to get the items we want/need, because not all stores carry the same products. Initially, only 2 of the 5 stores were with Instacart. A few months ago, 2 of the other stores were added. I doubt that the fifth store will go with Instacart, as it is a very small chain. Unfortunately, that is our favorite store, and it's where we buy our multi vitamins, which is their brand. So every couple of months, I actually go to the store.

Depending upon how long Instacart has been serving your area, you may find that more stores will be added in the future.

Instacart makes tipping easy, once the order has been fulfilled and delivered. They provide a scale for tipping the shopper from 5-20%. They also provide an opportunity to post a complaint, and they respond quickly. All of this is done on line. I use my computer email, but most people use the app on their cell phones.

It took me a few times of ordering to figure out the process and to make sure that I've covered everything with the order. If I have a problem while ordering, I just call Instacart, and they resolve it over the phone.

You have the option, when you order any item, to include "Instructions" for that item. I usually state: "No replacement. Thanks." Or, I'll state: "Organic only. Thanks."

You can also chat on line with your shopper, while they are shopping for you.

You can choose the day and 1 hour delivery frame for every order you place.

Because I intend to continue to use Instacart for perpetuity, I paid $149/year for delivery. I place an order nearly every week, since I shop at 4 different stores. So, that is a savings for me, but for others, who won't use it frequently, it may not be a savings.

I factor many things into the cost of the service: the time it takes me to get ready, drive, shop, load/unload, lift, carry. I'm also saving gas, and we have a 1998 Dodge Ram with a w/c lift. Gas is expensive!

Since I started using Instacart, my back is much improved. Standing and walking around a store for an hour, plus the lifting and climbing in/out of the van was very stressful for me and wore me out completely by mid-day. And for me, it is so much better to not be away from Jim and Jon for 2 or more hours.

Jeanie ~ I did the same thing the first time I ordered. One banana and one tomato! You'll get the hang of it soon. I'm really glad you tried it!

To me, this is a blessing. It came at the perfect time too, as I was worrying what I would do about grocery shopping should Jim or Jon get very ill to where I couldn't leave them.

Please feel free to ask me any questions about Instacart. If you go to their website and enter your zip code, you will find the list of stores they serve in your area.

Love & Light,



Rose

[Cherie]

I use Peapod and have used it for 10 years now. Rarely a problem. Jeannie, with Buy one Get one, you have to order two then the second is free. Sometimes they have a bunch (5-6) bananas or a 3 pound bag of apples or 5 pound bag of potatoes. Otherwise you order by the single item.

If you have a Whole Foods in your area, Amazon prime now uses them for fresh grocery delivery as of just a few months ago.

[Jeanie Z]

:) The first order had a free delivery. I only had a dollar which I gave the young man. I will get some small bills for when I order again. Several things I regularly buy I did not see there, but do not need any of those right away. Next time I will spend more time looking but it was very late when I placed that order. Instacart delivers for Publix here. That is where I usually shop. Jeanie :)

[Sunshine]

How do they make money? They have to have staff shop each item, and drive it to the customer