Tag Archives: Family

Day 71 – Sunday – No Agenda

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It was around 12 degrees outside this morning when I got up at 0630 so I turned on the fireplace and went back to bed. It’s not a real fireplace. It’s an electric portable one that we store under the bed when we travel. So, technically, it’s a heater that looks a little like a fireplace. It works perfectly to keep the house warm.

Twelve degrees was an exaggeration, too. It was more like 20 … no, it was actually 47. Still, for Arizona, that’s cold, don’t you think?

Diane and I both wear Fitbit devices to keep track of our sleeping patterns and how many steps we take throughout out days. It’s interesting to see how well we sleep but it doesn’t work every night because one of us forgets to switch the mode to do that. This morning, I found that I got a 77 last night. Not too bad but being in the 80’s is better. I don’t do that very often.

The reason for my low scores is that no matter when I go to bed, I wake up between 0500-0600 every morning. That’s when my brain turns on. I’d really like to go back to sleep, but a lot of stuff is going on behind my eyes making it difficult. Most days the theme in my head is a reenactment of the dog fight Max and I got in while visiting a park in Imperial Beach, CA. I shared this many posts ago, so I won’t subject you to another rendition of that event. The repetitive morning episodes has convinced me that my continuous exposure to that event is PTSD.

Yup. Most people who suffer from PTSD were exposed to traumatic events related to warfare, not dog fights, right? Well, I’m sure PTSD can be triggered by any traumatic event. I speak as an expert though I’m not one. The point where I have to get up to end the memory is when I extract Max from the jaws of this big dog who was doing his best to kill my little friend. I always prevail but lingering in the back of my mind is the fear of what could have happened had I not been close enough to intervene.

OK now. I got that out of my head, and we can move on to something more pleasant.

It’s another beautiful day here in Tucson. Bright clear skies, and just a little chilly out there now. Diane said it’s supposed to be around 81 today, according to the weather people. It’s yo-yo weather; up and down. Yesterday evening, before the sun went down, we were lounging on the patio, and it was perfect. We haven’t had many days like that because previously it was just too hot. Being from the NW, we run out of sweat quickly, so it’s no fun being outside in the heat, watching your skin just wrinkle up and flake off in little, tiny pieces. It’s like having dandruff all over the exposed parts. Not very attractive. I think I read in a comic book that after a while the flaking stops, and everything just turns brown. I don’t know how long that will take, but it hasn’t happened, yet. My little stick figure legs will never get brown because it’s just too chilly for short pants. There’s just something about walking around in short pants on a clear, sunny day, and having to walk fast to stay warm just isn’t appealing. So, I wear long pants so Max, and I can just walk slowly, enjoying the scenery without feeling the need to shiver.

Around noon Diane went to the commissary to, once again, replenish our depleted food supply. Max and I stayed home and took a long walk. When we got home, I reclined on the couch to watch TV for a bit and fell asleep for a little while. Thankfully, I woke up before Diane returned so I was alert and able to help carry everything into the bus. I did it in four trips and everything fit in the proper place depending on whether or not it was frozen, cooled, or just happy in a warm cupboard.

Then we ate what was left of the meatloaf, the potatoes and a new can of peas. Both the peas and potatoes were smothered in an excessive amount of butter and a little sprinkle of salt and pepper. The meatloaf received an additional layer of ketchup. Sunday Linner was very good.

To end the day, we were blessed with this …

Good night.

Day 70 – Saturday – Sun City Arts & Crafts Festival

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This was Diane’s selection for us to visit today. The GPS predicted it would take us about 45 minutes to make the 20+ mile trip, but it seemed longer. It wasn’t unpleasant, just long. Max said so.

The facility at the end of our ride was the Sun City Community Center which lives on a golf course. Without being able to see any of the fairways, I knew this was true because the building was surrounded by golf carts. Not all of them had golf clubs attached, but enough of them did to validate my suspicions …

One of the fairways was just over the trees in front of the carts. I know this is true because I walked over there and looked.

Just behind me from where I took this picture, was some sort of game field but I have no idea what kind of game it might be.

Instead of a game thing, it might have just been a design element for the grounds. The area is surrounded with BBQ pits, benches, and small parking spots for the golf carts. Perhaps one of you can provide info on what this is for. My first thought was some form of bocce ball. If I’m right, I’ll be surprised.

The inside of the community center was jammed with tables surrounded by people. All the crafts were made by the people selling the products and there was some really beautiful stuff. There was also some skeptical stuff just to keep things even, I guess.

My favorite was a display of cards and framed watercolor paintings by Lori Nalewicki. On the end of her table was one of a javelina that I recognized. I’d seen the same one at the Saguaro National Park West gift shop. She confirmed that her stuff shows up in a lot of places. Her art is whimsical and just the way I like it.

Diane loves birds and couldn’t leave without getting the one to the right of the donkey.

On the back Lori wrote the name: “Birds, a Bee, and a Melody”. It’s very simple and meaningful. At this time, she has no idea where it’s going to hang. I say that, but I didn’t ask. I’m just guessing.

For some reason she had me take a picture of this. I don’t know what it is, but she liked it. But not for $400.00.

On the way back to town we encountered an opportunity to visit another craft sale. We were in Oro Valley, and this isn’t far from that. When we got to the venues, they were all just packing up to go home but one lady helped Diane get a few Christmas decorations. On the way back to the main road we got a great view of the western edge of the Catalina Mountains. Pretty dramatic.

This is the left edge of the mountains we can see from the RV park. Even though this is called the “foothills”, the elevation is about the same as the Air Force Base we’re living on.

That’s it for today. Now all I have to do is figure out what to eat for dinner. I’m thinking I’ll have another salad because there’s one avocado I need to eat before it turns black.

Day 69 – Friday – Massive Flea Market

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This day took us to the Desert Skies United Methodist Church, which is far, far away from the location of our currently chosen domicile. Actually, it’s only 12 miles and 23 minutes away. The GPS took us through uncharted territory on the way so that was nice. We’ve been traveling around the area almost daily, so the roads are becoming familiar, so it was nice to go to a place where the roads were not familiar. We’re almost to the point where we could be dropped pretty much anywhere in the town by helicopter, and we could find our way home. That’s just a working theory at this point. We’ll probably never know if it’s really true.

We found the church easily, and we quickly discovered that it’s a large, well-attended church. The first clue was that we parked in one of the first spots we saw when we drove into the parking lot, then had to walk 1/4 mile to the church and the area where the flea market was being held. I didn’t measure it, but we could have parked much nearer to the action if we’d known how to get around in the large parking lot. It’s not one large area, but small pockets of parking spots linked to the main building by a winding lane and paths through a forest of native trees, plants and cacti.

Once we navigated the correct route, we were in the midst of the largest private flea market we’ve ever seen. All of the parking lot near the church proper was covered with very organized tables covered with small items, and segregated areas of appliances, furniture, and anything else too large for a table. It was amazing.

Diane found all kinds of stuff that she wished she could have snapped up for gifts, but our current living conditions aren’t conducive to hoarding so she withheld her desires and kept her wallet in her purse. Most of the time.

The prices were very reasonable, so it was a challenge.

Need cookbooks? They had a bunch of them.

It only took us a couple of hours to look at most of the things on display. Diane found 3 small items that she couldn’t live without, so we paid for them ($7 total) and went looking for the car. That’s not true. We sat Diane down on a handy bench near the front access to the church, then Max and I went looking for the car. I drove it back to pick her up. Then we went looking for lunch.

I found a place named Ziggy’s on Google and the name appealed to me because we once had a little poodle named Ziggy. We had him for 18 years. They had a few tables outside so we could take Max with us. Diane had a patty melt and I had a Ziggy burger. Both came with two 1/4-pound beef patties which is a lot more than we normally eat. Well, more than Diane eats, anyway. She asked for one patty on the side so she could give it to Max for his lunch. I ate both of mine which I’m sure doesn’t surprise many of you who know me. For some odd reason I’m blessed with the ability to eat an enormous amount of food. I may have mentioned this previously. If so, please forgive me for repeating myself.

After lunch we drove randomly for a while just looking at the area and found our way home like magic. It was a good trip and a good day.

Once home I took Max for his normal after lunch walk and he wore himself out, so he took a nap with his lamb.

Then he took a nap on my lap.

Then it was time for bed.

Day 67 – Wednesday – Jerrie’s Echo Cardiogram

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1015 – My appointment was scheduled for 1100 and I was asked to be there by 1030. That meant we’d have to leave home no later than 1015 to make it on time. We knew that was true because we did a test run yesterday to make sure. As it turned out, timing on Tucson streets in the afternoon are not at all like the reality of Tucson streets in the morning. So, we were between 1-2 minutes late.

The early check in process involved registration into the Houghton Hospital system. My test was ordered by the VA Hospital, but they couldn’t get to it in a reasonable amount of time, so they sent me to a private hospital off the reservation. It was a good decision because Houghton got me an appointment within 3 days.

After checking in with the receptionist, I waited until 1111 before they finally called me into reservation room #2. The registration person told me her name, but I don’t remember it. I do remember that the tech assigned to do the testing was Vanessa. I didn’t get to see her until about 30 minutes after the registration was complete. The delay, I was told, was related some difficulty with surgery. That’s all I know.

Vanessa took me back to her testing room somewhere deep into the innards of the main floor. Once in the room she told me to strip, which I did. All the way down to my belt, as directed. All she needed access to was my chest, where my heart lives. Then I laid down on the table, on my left side with my left arm under the pillow supporting my head. That was comfortable for about 20 seconds before my left arm started making noise in my head about the pain. My left arm and shoulder aren’t my favorite body parts for that reason.

We talked throughout the test that took about 30 minutes. I was surprised I was allowed to speak but she said it was OK. So, I learned that she was an Air Force Brat who grew up in Ohio after her dad left the Air Force. She graduated from Ohio State which was evident because of the red and gray stocking hat she was wearing. Kind of odd for Tucson, I thought, but she looked good in it. She said her boyfriend also graduated from Ohio and said they went to Pittsburgh to see the Ohio vs. Pitt football game recently. It was a “hectic 3 days”, in her words. She’s not a football fan. Being from Oregon, I had to point out that I’m a fan of the Ducks who knocked Ohio out of the #1 spot on the NCAA ratings list. She was OK with that.

Diane, by the way, dropped me at the front door of the hospital then parked in a spot nearby. I knew that because she texted me. She could have come inside but was OK sitting in the car, waiting for me.

When I was done with the test, I was released into the wild without having to gather any papers regarding the service provided. So, I walked out and reconnected with Diane. She was glad to see me even though I had been gone long enough that she didn’t recognize me right away.

She gave me a choice. Home, or Lunch. I voted for lunch. She picked two places near each other about 30 minutes away. Oddly enough, they were close to the VA Hospital. We drove to the first one, parked, and entered expecting a good lunch. But we were totally ignored at the order window, so we left and found #2 about 3 blocks up the street. It was Rollie’s Mexican Food.

At Rollie’s were greeted with open arms and it smelled great. Diane had an order of rolled tacos and I had my routine burrito. Diane loved hers and mine was OK, and it was really big.

We ate it all, then went back to free Max from his jail. He needed a walk.

When we got home, Max was actually up, walking around. That’s rare. He’s usually laying in the driver’s seat so he can look us in the eye without raising his head letting us know he wasn’t happy about being left alone. This time he was showing his happiness about our return. He came all the way down the stairs but didn’t leave the bus. He came back up the stairs with me and stayed really close until I adorned him with his harness and attached the leash. Then he was happy.

We took the promised long walk then returned home so I could rest. It’s been a busy day.

Twenty-Third Day – Monday

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Today there is a definite change in the weather with fog all over the place. It was pretty dense until noon when it warmed up and lifted so we could actually see all the way across the harbor. I should have taken a photo, I know, but I forgot to stuff my phone in my pocket before taking Max out on a marathon walk down the beach. It wasn’t really on the beach but it’s a path through the sand next to the water so that counts. We walked 1.67 miles. I know that’s true because I counted my steps. There were 4200 of them and I measured my step at about 2 feet. Close enough. Max took many more steps than I did mainly because he doesn’t walk in a straight line. He’s very much a zig-zag walker.

As I sit here, the breeze is blowing gently, and Diane spied the USS Michael Monsoor (DD-1001) returning to port. She missed it last week when it went out and was bummed.

She enjoys watching the ships come and go without having to be concerned that I’m on one of them. It does, however, conjure up many memories of days gone by.

Diane is the only one who worked today. She did the laundry. I helped a little, but I’m not allowed to do laundry unsupervised because of previous infractions involving one of Diane’s favorite sweaters. It was pretty bad. I had no idea an entire sweater would fit in the lint trap of a dryer. Lesson learned.

She also vacuumed up a mess of Max hair that he isn’t shy about sharing. I think we should save it and make him a pillow, or four. From the amount of hair, he loses one has to wonder how he isn’t bald.

The day ended with me watching the Monday Night Football game between Cincinatti and Washington and Diane watching The Voice. Now I know why we have 2 TV’s. I heard her laughing in the bedroom so The Voice must have been pretty good. I probably should have watched that, but I couldn’t change the channel. Diane took my remote with her.

Actually, that’s a blatant lie. I had the remote. I just don’t know how to use it. Diane always changes the channels. I just call out the numbers.

Time to quit.

Twelfth Day – Dish Debacle at Fiddler’s Cove

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This morning, I woke up with an optimistic feeling about my chances of defeating the Dish Gremlins that have plagued us since our arrival here. It’s very perplexing to have such difficulty with a system that has functioned perfectly for us all up and down the west coast, into Montana & Utah, and pretty much ever where else. Then we started this adventure, and we’re currently parked in probably one of the best areas in the world for complete access to every satellite ever launched in the last 150 years. There must be something about going south that Dish just doesn’t like. Making matters worse (for me) the Dish support folk’s solution for everything is to rescan the channels, over and over. I’m really tired of doing that.

I guess I’m just being a whiner, aren’t I? But that doesn’t really matter because I’m the customer which makes me always right. Right? Now I must pause and plan the rest of my day. It’s only 0930 but I’m sure I need a nap.

No, no nap. Not yet, anyway. Instead, we put Max in the car and headed to Imperial Beach so Diane could get her toes done. She does that once in a while. Max and I dropped her at the nail place and continued on to the Veteran’s Dog Park so Max could run free. He hasn’t done that in a while.

When we got to the park there were 3 big dogs who greeted to him, and everything seemed to be Ok. Then, all the sudden one of the big guys got a little pushy and Max objected with a growl, then the fight was on. The big dog grabbed Max by the neck and shook him like a dishrag and I was sure he was going to die. It was pretty horrible. Ignoring all the things about getting into the middle of a dog fight, I got into the middle of it because no one else seemed to be doing anything.

I succeeded in getting Max away from the big dog and he seemed to be OK and I was amazed. I later found one puncture wound on the back of Max’s neck and that was all. Me? My right arm and hand were well used in the extraction and I’m OK with that. Max survived. Had I not intervened when I did, I have no doubt he would have died.

The owner of the attack dog helped clean up my wounds using some supplies provided by a gentleman who apparently lives in his car in the parking lot. Then I went back to the toenail place to get Diane. She was a little surprised to find me with my right arm all bandaged up and, after hearing the story, took Max back to the RV and took me to the Sharp Coronado Hospital Emergency Department. It’s interesting because they appear to be working in the parking lot and that’s where patients wait until the doc can see them. I asked the nurse about that, and she said they’ve been working that way for the last two years. Seems to work OK because from the time I checked in, saw the doctor, got cleaned up, got my tetanus shot, drove to Walgreen’s for my prescription, then back to the RV was about 1.5 hours. That would never happen at home.

The wounds were much more impressive while they were bleeding and lost their splendor once they were cleaned up and bandaged.

Now it’s all wrapped up. And they hurt, especially the one on my forearm. I’m looking forward to seeing how colorful my arm is tomorrow.

Other damage is to both shoulders and my left shoulder was almost normal again. I guess I am destined to have sore shoulders forever. That sounds like a complaint, I know, but I’d do it again to save our little dog.

The dog that gnarled on us is the one on the left. The more I think about the attack, the more I’m convinced that Max was the instigator. We know how touchy he is to be bumped by a foot and I’m pretty sure he threw the first punch. So, perhaps he learned a lesson. Doubt it, but you never can tell.

We’re sitting outside on our patio digesting our supper and thankful that Max appears to be back to his normal, loveable self.

What a day.

Farewell 2023

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Since today is the last day of the year, and it’s been a while since I’ve shared anything with you, I thought it might be OK if I ended it with a recap of what we’ve been doing all year long. It will only take a couple of minutes.

January – Went to Hawaii for a couple of weeks.

February – Winnebago Friends visited and parked in our front yard for a few days. Then we visited Beverly Beach State Park.

March – Had all the carpet removed from our new home so LVP could be installed everywhere. We also invested in new counter tops in kitchen and both bathrooms.

April – Flew to Fort Lauderdale to spend some time acclimating ourselves before cruising through the Panama Canal. Visited Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, San Diego, Vancouver BC, and Seattle.

May – Stayed in Salem for a few days for Jeran’s graduation. Adopted Max after a trip to Albany after Church on Mother’s Day. Mid-month we camped out at the Cornelius Eagles Lodge visiting with our Winnebago friends.

June – Visited Nehalem Bay State Park for a few days. Diane got a pedicure, and I got a haircut. Ended the month visiting in a Chehalis Eagles’ parking lot with our Winnie Friends.

July – Stayed close to home.

August – Packed the motorhome preparing for September trip to Utah. Yes, it took most of the month because Diane planned a looong trip.

September – Started the RV trip with 4 of our Winnebago Friends, and their 2 RVs. It lasted the entire month. Really, it did. It actually had to because it was on our schedule and reservations had been made. Halfway thru the month our friends had to leave and head back north for home. We continued on spending a few extra days in St. George, UT. During that time, we left the RV sitting and drove to Surprise, AZ to visit big brother Jack for a couple of days.

October – Finished the Utah trip on the 10th, after spending ten days on the Oregon Coast. Gilligan turned 16 on the 5th.

November – Spent a few days for Friendsgiving in Gresham parked in front of our friend’s home.

December – Visited friends in Keizer and parked in their driveway with another RV. Also took a trip to Seaside for a few days for Diane’s Birthday.

After going through all of that I can see that we were pretty busy all year. When I started this, I wasn’t convinced that we were so busy, but Diane’s Calendar Entries don’t lie. Plus, during all that time, everyone in our entire family, and yours too, probably, had a birthday in there somewhere. We went a lot of places and saw a lot of stuff.

I’ve kinda lost my touch for getting info out regularly and I’m sorry about that. This recap will have to do for now and I’ll just make a revelation to do better in 2024. Or is it that other “R” word, resolution. Yes, that’s it! Resolution! I’m going to make one of those. I shared with Diane that it’s been at least 15 years since I didn’t honor my resolution because I didn’t fail even one time. Nope. I resolved to NOT gain 125 pounds during the new year and worked really hard to make it work. So far so good. But now I’m going to have to be more regular next year.

It’s 9:45 pm right now and past my bedtime so I’m going to wrap this up. Diane and I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Be kind to one another and stay safe.

Ciao