Location: Rosedalel Highway, Bakersfield, , Ca

I recently went to Black Angus for my birthday dinner, and because I wanted lobster, and was low on money, chose the steak, lobster and shrimp special.  I was so disappointed that I will NEVER return there. The steak was so bland, that neither salt nor sauce would  give it a flavor. The shrimp were excellent! But the lobster was NOT lobster. It was Langostino, which translates into "prawn", but is actually a type of crab. Call it what it is, but do not think consumers are so unaware that they will not recognize the difference between  lobster and langostino.  Back to my favorite restaurant, Outback, and I will now purchase and cook my own lobster when I want it.  Consumers, beware, seems to be the slogan of the day, as many places require us to read ingredients, check out the so-called specials and become detectives before we even leave our driveway. 

Location: 2401 San Ramon Ct, Bakersfield, Ca 93304

Today I purchased a printer cartridge packet and was shocked to see the packaging. I first had to figure out how to rip it apart, and then after getting to the products, was dismayed at the left over plastic and paper. I purchased 3 small cartridges, and had 3 times as much plastic encasing the cartridges.  What are they protecting? Someone stealing a cartridge?  Fine, then put it in a covering that fits the product. But don't overdo the packaging to make it look like I got more than what was actually there. I know the size of a cartridge so the packaging didn't entice nor fool me.  The government wants us to cut down, go green, and recycle, but what about manufacturers?  If we evidentally are going to have a Nanny state, let's start at the top. Government, big businesses and those who have the money to waste (our taxpayers money) need to clean up their own backyard before coming into mine. Keep your large packaging and plastics, downsize it all, and help us to do our share in recycling.  Now, I have to figure out how to get rid of this large piece of non-usable plastic, thanks to Canon.  Maybe they could set up a bin to throw this worthless excessive packaging into,  and thus  help us to recycle. Better yet, fire the packaging designer and hire one who thinks of the environment and doing away with waste.   

Location: 2401 San Ramon ct, Bakersfield, Ca 93304

It was so wonderful to see that the Military men/women who are fighting in Afghanastan were given citizenship this week... Of course, they had to swear allegiance to America to enlist, but now, on this second swearing in, they are Americans. I am so proud of everyone in the military, regardless if this war is right or wrong. I am glad that they are being given the highest honor, being an American.  Hopefully, if any are hurt, they will be given all of the medical help they need.  Another blog, I know, but just a wish thrown in with this congratulations to all of them.

Location: 2401 San Ramon Ct, Bakersfield, Ca 93304

After living in the Netherlands for ten years, I come back home to the biggest health insurance mess I've ever seen.  I was spoiled in Holland because I had only to pay about 150 Euros for coverage, which included hospital, doctor, prescriptions, and even home visits if necessary.  I simply had a medical card, showed it once to doctor, and it was then put in his computer. From then on, when I went in, I had only to tell him my address, and he had all information about me, medically. He could see if I had gone to a specialist, or eye doctor, because all information relating to my health went to one place,and each doctor could access it.  He could type on his computer the medicine I needed and I could go to the druggist and pick it up, free.  Less paperwork, less confusion, less mistakes and so simple.  When I went into the hospital, I didn't have to sit and answer all of the questions pertaining to payment; it was already in the computer and I only had to show my medical card.

I return to California; my spouse cannot get insurance coverage because he is from Holland, legally in this country. I had to fight to get my Medicare B card, and finally was able to do so after 7 visits to the SS office. I was not able to get the Prescription Plan because I couldn't figure it out in the short time period they give us...November until December.  Read fast, everyone!  Now it is that time again, and have lovely thoughts of Holland, and how efficient they are with paperwork, hence less landfill.  I have read, for one month, plans, and am still confused. I've went to the Office of Aging, and am still confused. I go online, and am still confused. 

Oh, how I wish politicians didn't have insurance given to them so abundately, and they would have to go through what all seniors have to go through. My husband, retired, with a heart condition, was told to go to work if he wanted proper coverage.  Two days after retiring in HOlland, and arriving in Bakersfield, no welcome but told to go to work, again. 

What is the answer?  I have none, as I see too much insensitivity and lack of concern from those who represent me.  I see the power in Washington going to them with raises, just as the University system does....giving to themselves and taking from the ones who pay the money to them for other uses.  I am not ashamed to be an American; I am ashamed at the government that promises everything and gives nothing..

Location: 2401 San Ramon Ct, Bakersfield, Ca 93304

I was so excited when I saw the government was investing in new helicopters. Only the best for our guys/gals who fly to protect us. But alas, another fiasco, and waste of taxpayers money.  The helicopters, according to the media, can't fly in hot countries, and will have to have air conditioning added to  a new tune of billions.  The idea for new helicopters were to make them easier to turn, fly, and to lighten them.  Now we have to add AC units to each of them. There are also other problems with them and they want to just "scrape" them.  Guess we could send them only to Alaska, or donate them to the Anarticia regions, or maybe a Christmas gift to our cooler friends in Canada. Woe is me, and thumbs down to the government leaders, one more time.  Do they really think that money they throw away is Monopoly money, a chance to buy Park Place and win the game?  Maybe someone can inform them that being a politician isn't a game.  Or is it?  Maybe I'm misinformed in addition to being disappointed and disgusted with my elected officials who represent (?) me.  .   

3 weeks ago I went to have eyes tested,  new glasses made, went to foot doctor and then to store to have shoe inserts made, then went to the Adult Aging Services to get information for Prescripton D choices.  All of this was to be done and promised to me within a week to 2 weeks.  The glasses came, and I could not see a thing. The girl told me to wear them for a week to try them out. I couldn't see to read the test card. Got my money back. Still have to find out if prescription was wrong or the glasses.  The doctor needed to send a prescription for the inserts before they were made and it took a week to get that done; still waiting on inserts.  Called Aging Services with request for a call back; still waiting for that.  I have wasted time that I could have used in a better way than re-doing all of the above.  Does any one care anymore?  Or is the consumer not important anymore.  ARe people making enough money that they don't have to do a good job the first time?  And why am I treated like I AM THE PROBLEM when I call several times to get some action on my request?  I feel so powerless, because there is nothing I can do about any of the above. Except change foot and eye doctors, find out other places to get information on Elderly advice needed . My dream is that, if no one wants to help or to do a good job, that they would just say so. Then I would now have my glasses, my inserts and my information.      

I am so confused as to why they can't have a fine or punishment for those people who WON'T leave the fire zones, until the last moment. By then, the firefighters are trying to get to the area and these people are hampering the crisis.  One lady said she would leave when the apples on her tree started to fry/bake.  Come on, now, because some of these homes are owned by people with money doesn't mean they have individual firefighters at their call.  We encourage these people to stay until the last moment by having no consequence; they know no one will let them burn up, so they are taking advantage of taxpayers money. 

I don't wear a cross to show that I am a strong Christian, and yet somebody thinks a picture in a school room is going to make children think more about God/the Nation.  These things are instilled inside of people, not worn or displayed outwardly, as a Pharisee-like behavior.  IMHO.  Sitting in a garage does not make someone a car; hanging a picture or displaying a slogan is just as powerless.  Think of all of the homes which have a Bible and a flag.  Most of this is out of duty or an upbringing; rarely does it mean our nation is a Bible reading, patriotic nation.  This has to come from the heart. Thankfully, America is wonderful because of believers of doing good,  and of  patriotic people. Let's not forget tolerance.  Who do we fear? It's not of God, and He is big enough to take care of Himself, without us making huge issues out of small stuff. Let's keep our balance in ALL matters of the heart and of God.. People learn by our fruit( our lifestyles), not by posters and slogans.