Help Me Monica

09/27/2026

Interesting veteran info:
In Dec 2025, Congress passed the Medal of Honor act HR 695 that increased recipients special monthly award/compensation for living recipients from roughly $1,406.73 per month ($16,880.76 annually) to an annualized rate of around $67,500 or roughly 5x the previous amount. Amazing tax free stipend for the courageous heroes. 💙

07/13/2026

🥞 Diner Review: Checking out the Perkins Value/Classic Breakfast 🥞

I recently checked out the $7.99 value Fab Five at Perkins (note: it’s NOT in the 55+ section, just the regular menu!).
For $7.99, you get 2 pancakes or toast, 2 strips of bacon 🥓or sausage , and an egg 🍳The pancakes are nice and thick—they actually passed my "fork lift test," which some other big-name casual diners usually fail! The sausage was cooked fresh and not dried out or miniature-sized, the restaurant was clean, and the staff friendly and attentive.

My only critique: Like most diners, the coffee is definitely overpriced, even if it is "all you can drink."
⭐️ Overall: 4 out of 5 stars!
Quick tip: They sometimes offer $5, $6, and $7 specials, but availability can be hit-or-miss depending on the day and location, with us being advised that one general manager temporarily stopped it at 11:00 am. Nevertheless, ask the hostess for the separate promo insert when you walk in so you don't miss out! It is rarely in the menu because their insert promos rotate. The Fab Five is in the main menu.

Last note: My research showed a price increase from $4.99 to $7.99 in the last couple years, and the calories count went from 480-580 calories to 430-510 calories for the Fab Five, respectively.
A bit less food for a bit more money, but still a decent deal in today's economy!

07/12/2026

Wow! Big Boy train!! What a sight! Such an experience to see.

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is the world's largest operating steam locomotive. Built in 1941, this 133-foot-long, 1.2-million-pound behemoth was the star of a massive coast-to-coast tour to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, marking the first time a Big Boy crossed the Mississippi River.

07/12/2026

Celebrating 10 years of dedicated senior care in the Valley. From travel companionship to respite care, let me take some tasks off your hands so you can recharge.

08/25/2025

I want to remind all the lovely seniors of Walgreens Seniors Day:

Walgreens offers a senior discount on the first Tuesday of every month, known as "Seniors Day". Customers aged 55 and older can receive a 20% discount on eligible regular-priced items in-store and online, as long as they are enrolled in the myWalgreens rewards program. Some items like alcohol, dairy, and to***co are excluded from the discount.
To access the discount online, you need to use the code SENIOR20. For in-store purchases, you may need to show proof of age to the cashier. Make sure you enroll in rewards program!

If you need a senior companion for shopping, send Help Me Monica a message or call!

07/18/2025

Go anywhere you want---not just where the bus takes you!

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas friends!

11/11/2024

10/09/2024

I was on Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach this morning (pet sitting and watching the beginning of Hurricane Milton’s feeder bands) and saw a group of women on these new exercise gliders while looking out at the beach.

Very impressed with the location of these placed by the city! We could use these at our Ohio community parks!

Praying for our friends on the west coast of Florida. I return to Ohio Saturday the 12th.

07/15/2024