We arrived in good shape Saturday evening about 5:00 p.m. The trip was good, well, mostly good. We left home about 9:00 a.m. Friday morning. Got through Cincinnati with no problems, it was a no work day. Stopped that night in northern Georgia at a Walmart. I shouldn't have been surprised that the parking lot was still almost full - Black Friday shoppers. There was room at the back under a light pole, my favorite place to spend the night at Walmart. I went inside and did a little shopping, when I came out 3 other RV's were pulled in so I felt better.
We got a real early start Saturday, the GPS said we would be there by 2:00 in the afternoon. Atlanta was busy, with a lot of traffic and a lot of exit only lanes and merging traffic. I tried to go with the flow of traffic which was often over the speed limit. No one wants to drive behind an RV so I got passed a lot.
The brake light had been coming on after about an hour of driving for some time. I got to worrying about it being something actually heating up in a wheel. I was hoping it was just a bad connection. I had asked the RV repair people to check it and they said there was no problem.
I stopped at a Subway for a sandwich, got a foot long so it would be for lunch and dinner on a busy day of driving. I was sitting in the RV in the parking lot eating 1/2 the sandwich when there was a knock on the door. A man wanted to talk to me about my back tire. I went out to talk to him and his buddy. He said the one tire was wobbling when I drove in and he could fix it at his shop just one exit back north of there. I told him I would think about it. Was I being scammed?
I got back in the RV to find that my 1/2 sandwich had been consumed by my furry friends. They all looked guilty so they all got yelled at. Luckily I had put the other 1/2 in the frig. Plan B.
I got to thinking about the brake light and the tire and decided to maybe let him take a look at it. After they got their lunch I got out and said they could take a look at it and told them about the brake light. Before I knew it they had a jack under my RV and had the tire off, right there in the parking lot. The back wheels are duals, as they took off the inside tire on that same side they saw brake fluid dripping down.
Of course, they said I needed 4 new back tires at $150. each and I said no. We had a little discussion and I decided they should fix the brake fluid leak and put my spare tire on instead of the worst one they took off. They wouldn't take a check and they couldn't take a credit card and it was Saturday afternoon. They kept offering to take me to an ATM machine and I refused (were they out of their minds?). I felt a little trapped sitting there with my tires off.
They did the job I asked and I paid cash which was agreed on before they did the work. So I was either royally scammed or saved from a major accident by Murphys Auto Repair, I-75 exit 92, Arabi, GA. I guess I will choose to think they were honest men and they did me a favor by noticing that tire.
You have seen those pictures of plumbers with their head under the sink, taken from behind? Well, an overweight mechanic on his back, head under an RV is another whole picture. I didn't take it, his buddy was watching me. The whole thing took about 2 1/2 hours. After that we made good time through construction in south GA. I even passed some people poking along.
So far I've only found deodorant to be missing and that was easily fixed, Walmart.
We have had a leisurely day today taking walks and a nap. I'll post some pictures another time.
Later....
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
It's going to happen
There were times during the last couple of weeks that I didn't really think I was going to get to run away from home this winter. There were times I wasn't sure I even wanted to put out the effort. But now that the day is tomorrow and I am as ready as I'll ever be I am excited about it.
Even tethered to doctors offices it will be fun and everything will be okay. I have a campground in mind near Lake City, FL. I even have an alternative campground near there if the first one doesn't work out. There always needs to be a plan B.
I had a great Thanksgiving dinner at my daughter and son-in-law's home. Nine people were there and we pretty well destroyed that turkey along with all the fixings.
My Grandson ran in the 5 mile turkey trot race this morning and finished at an average of 9 minutes per mile. The only hard part was he and his Mother finding one another after the race. There were at least 7000 people running through the streets. The times were kept by a gizmo attached to each runner's shoe and read by other gizmos that they ran by at three check points along the route. Amazing.
So tomorrow morning we do all the last minute jobs and pack the last minute items and drive away. I will not post again until I find a WIFI connection. I hope that will be Saturday night in Florida.
Later....
Even tethered to doctors offices it will be fun and everything will be okay. I have a campground in mind near Lake City, FL. I even have an alternative campground near there if the first one doesn't work out. There always needs to be a plan B.
I had a great Thanksgiving dinner at my daughter and son-in-law's home. Nine people were there and we pretty well destroyed that turkey along with all the fixings.
My Grandson ran in the 5 mile turkey trot race this morning and finished at an average of 9 minutes per mile. The only hard part was he and his Mother finding one another after the race. There were at least 7000 people running through the streets. The times were kept by a gizmo attached to each runner's shoe and read by other gizmos that they ran by at three check points along the route. Amazing.
So tomorrow morning we do all the last minute jobs and pack the last minute items and drive away. I will not post again until I find a WIFI connection. I hope that will be Saturday night in Florida.
Later....
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Funny
A book I read recently suggested that when you get your fortune cookie you add the words "in bed" to the fortune. I get my fortunes inside the wrappers of Dove chocolates. Most recently I have found "Embrace Life..." and "Go ahead, have another..." .
It might be just as funny to pick any place like "at the mall" or "in the kitchen" but somehow "in bed" is the funniest.
Later....
It might be just as funny to pick any place like "at the mall" or "in the kitchen" but somehow "in bed" is the funniest.
Later....
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Getting There
The countdown is going okay, not great, but okay. Someone gave me several Vince Flynn books to read on my trip. Since I finished and returned my library books last Saturday I started one of the books, just to see if I would like them. Well, now I am captured by this suspenseful writer. And to top it off I saw Vince Flynn interviewed by Glen Beck on Saturday. He is dyslexic and cannot read aloud or spell very well. He must have a very good editor.
So between reading a few pages and remembering to pack laundry detergent and reading a few pages and writing down the number of prescriptions and - oh yes - put in dog toys and heart worm pills and reading a few pages, and putting in the skillet cover for making meat loaf on top of the stove (I have no oven) and mailing packages - well, you get the picture.
I still plan to leave Friday morning, but it may not be early. I know I will forget something, that's a tradition. I just hope it is something easily found at a Walmart.
Of course the dogs have figured out that something is in the wind and watch anxiously out the window every time I carry something out to the RV.
Later ....
So between reading a few pages and remembering to pack laundry detergent and reading a few pages and writing down the number of prescriptions and - oh yes - put in dog toys and heart worm pills and reading a few pages, and putting in the skillet cover for making meat loaf on top of the stove (I have no oven) and mailing packages - well, you get the picture.
I still plan to leave Friday morning, but it may not be early. I know I will forget something, that's a tradition. I just hope it is something easily found at a Walmart.
Of course the dogs have figured out that something is in the wind and watch anxiously out the window every time I carry something out to the RV.
Later ....
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Countdown
The lists of lists are growing instead of shrinking. I got the RV plugged into electricity yesterday. The tool box is checked and a few things need to be added. The refrigerator isn't on yet but a list has been made for its contents.
Went to the antique barn Friday and hugged everyone goodbye.
Christmas gifts are being bought, wrapped, and prepared for mailing.
Clothes are being sorted. Had to check the weather for the destination to remind myself that I won't need turtle neck tops there.
Teddy got a bath this morning. Needless to say, he hates baths. He smells a lot better now. Don't know what he got into.
I find myself turning from one thing to another without making progress. I call that spinning. That's when I have to stop and do something else for a while, like post on blogspot.
A bit more shopping today and then get down to it and get it done.
My grandson is running in a five mile Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving day. It's lots of fun. Many people wear costumes for this race. I'm sure he will have a good appetite for dinner.
Later....
Went to the antique barn Friday and hugged everyone goodbye.
Christmas gifts are being bought, wrapped, and prepared for mailing.
Clothes are being sorted. Had to check the weather for the destination to remind myself that I won't need turtle neck tops there.
Teddy got a bath this morning. Needless to say, he hates baths. He smells a lot better now. Don't know what he got into.
I find myself turning from one thing to another without making progress. I call that spinning. That's when I have to stop and do something else for a while, like post on blogspot.
A bit more shopping today and then get down to it and get it done.
My grandson is running in a five mile Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving day. It's lots of fun. Many people wear costumes for this race. I'm sure he will have a good appetite for dinner.
Later....
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Books and Stuff
I have been making lists and checking them twice - no I'm not Santa - just getting ready to run away from home for 3 months.
Today I went to the Salvation Army Thrift Store to look for paperback books to read while away. I found several. They have changed how they price books at that store. They base the price on the original price on the book. I refuse to pay for than $1.50 for a used paperback so some of my choices went back on the shelf. Of course, I had to look for items to put in my space at the antique barn. I found a Fenton 2nd, a small vase. The vase is perfect but the artist messed up the painting on it. I guess they had to learn how somehow.
Today there was news about this "area"s mayor. The police and FBI raided his office and confiscated his computer to check it for pornography. Someone turned him in and his home was searched Nov. 5. Being out of the local gossip loop I knew nothing about it till today when it hit the news. I guess we have it all - right here in the area.
After several phone calls my medical records have been faxed to a doctor in Florida near where I will be staying. I have an appointment there Dec. 2nd so that gives me a time frame for getting there. I have even programmed the doctor's and the campground's addresses into my GPS.
I have stocked up on dog heart worm pills and flea drops - major expense. I also have a box of 100 doggie doodoo bags from Walmart. My raincoat and rubber boots stay in the RV. Just need dog food and have to remember to take their dishes out right before we leave.
Last night my two daughters and I went out to celebrate Lory's birthday. Forty six years ago tonight I had my first child. They carded her when she ordered a drink. It made her evening. Then the waitress said they had to card everyone as they had gotten into trouble for serving alcohol to someone underage. Oh well, it was still fun. She got her gift of a camera and took pictures of her food before and after she ate. Her sister took a video of her eating. A good time was had by all.
Later....
Today I went to the Salvation Army Thrift Store to look for paperback books to read while away. I found several. They have changed how they price books at that store. They base the price on the original price on the book. I refuse to pay for than $1.50 for a used paperback so some of my choices went back on the shelf. Of course, I had to look for items to put in my space at the antique barn. I found a Fenton 2nd, a small vase. The vase is perfect but the artist messed up the painting on it. I guess they had to learn how somehow.
Today there was news about this "area"s mayor. The police and FBI raided his office and confiscated his computer to check it for pornography. Someone turned him in and his home was searched Nov. 5. Being out of the local gossip loop I knew nothing about it till today when it hit the news. I guess we have it all - right here in the area.
After several phone calls my medical records have been faxed to a doctor in Florida near where I will be staying. I have an appointment there Dec. 2nd so that gives me a time frame for getting there. I have even programmed the doctor's and the campground's addresses into my GPS.
I have stocked up on dog heart worm pills and flea drops - major expense. I also have a box of 100 doggie doodoo bags from Walmart. My raincoat and rubber boots stay in the RV. Just need dog food and have to remember to take their dishes out right before we leave.
Last night my two daughters and I went out to celebrate Lory's birthday. Forty six years ago tonight I had my first child. They carded her when she ordered a drink. It made her evening. Then the waitress said they had to card everyone as they had gotten into trouble for serving alcohol to someone underage. Oh well, it was still fun. She got her gift of a camera and took pictures of her food before and after she ate. Her sister took a video of her eating. A good time was had by all.
Later....
Sunday, November 15, 2009
New License
Friday I went to the state office to renew my drivers license. I was right behind an older woman who walked with a cane. One of those canes with four parts at the bottom - and she was having trouble reading the eye chart even with her glasses on. I had to use my glasses but had no problem reading the chart.
I made a comment to the clerk that I appreciated the fact that they take away your old license with the old picture on it before they show you the new picture. No one wants to really see what 4 years have done. The clerk had no sense of humor but other people chuckled.
After our pictures were taken the lady with the cane and I sat and waited for our new licenses. We shared our new pictures with one another and I was shocked to find she was a year younger than I am! That was a shocker. I am grateful that I am as able to be active as I am.
While at the license office a young man came in with a little boy. The little boy had a very skinned up face. There was a case in the news earlier in the week about a 5 year old boy riding in the back of a pickup truck. The truck's driver was drunk and he hit a tree, the boy flew out. This was the boy. The man with him was talking about it and the boy was looking uncomfortable being talked about. I told him he was one tough kid and he grinned. He showed me where they had stuck him with needles. He said he didn't even say ouch. I told him he was allowed to say ouch. By the way, the boys mother has been charged with child endangerment and has lost custody of him. I don't know who the man was with the boy, maybe a family member or a foster parent.
Who knew a trip to renew a drivers license could be so exciting and informative.
Later....
I made a comment to the clerk that I appreciated the fact that they take away your old license with the old picture on it before they show you the new picture. No one wants to really see what 4 years have done. The clerk had no sense of humor but other people chuckled.
After our pictures were taken the lady with the cane and I sat and waited for our new licenses. We shared our new pictures with one another and I was shocked to find she was a year younger than I am! That was a shocker. I am grateful that I am as able to be active as I am.
While at the license office a young man came in with a little boy. The little boy had a very skinned up face. There was a case in the news earlier in the week about a 5 year old boy riding in the back of a pickup truck. The truck's driver was drunk and he hit a tree, the boy flew out. This was the boy. The man with him was talking about it and the boy was looking uncomfortable being talked about. I told him he was one tough kid and he grinned. He showed me where they had stuck him with needles. He said he didn't even say ouch. I told him he was allowed to say ouch. By the way, the boys mother has been charged with child endangerment and has lost custody of him. I don't know who the man was with the boy, maybe a family member or a foster parent.
Who knew a trip to renew a drivers license could be so exciting and informative.
Later....
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Results
Today I had the appointment with the doctor to get the results of last weeks tests.
I am still stable. That's the good news. The doctor wants to change the hormone blocker pills I am taking so I got a new perscription. No new tests until March. I'll have to be back by then. I'm sure winter will save a few blasts for me when I get back.
Now I get to plan for my winter run-away-from-home. I need to get my driver's license renewed and get new stickers for the vehicles - all will be due before I get back. And I need to find a doctor there for the every four weeks treatment and get my records sent there. And I need to be sure the campground I go to has WIFI so I can stay in touch.
The RV has been checked out. The ABS brakes don't work but I don't like them anyway. There will be a lot to do and I don't plan on leaving until after Thanksgiving anyway.
FUN FUN
Later.
I am still stable. That's the good news. The doctor wants to change the hormone blocker pills I am taking so I got a new perscription. No new tests until March. I'll have to be back by then. I'm sure winter will save a few blasts for me when I get back.
Now I get to plan for my winter run-away-from-home. I need to get my driver's license renewed and get new stickers for the vehicles - all will be due before I get back. And I need to find a doctor there for the every four weeks treatment and get my records sent there. And I need to be sure the campground I go to has WIFI so I can stay in touch.
The RV has been checked out. The ABS brakes don't work but I don't like them anyway. There will be a lot to do and I don't plan on leaving until after Thanksgiving anyway.
FUN FUN
Later.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Living in an Area
When ads on TV try to target this area I live in they mention the neighboring towns and then add "and the ********* area". That's how I know we are an area.
Last night as I was getting ready for bed I heard police sirens and fire truck horns and sirens so I went to look out front to see where they were headed. The first police car made the turn toward the school buildings.
All the school buildings are together from kindergarten to high school and they are just around the corner from my house. After the police car came a fire truck blasting away. Then came two yellow school buses. That explained everything. They had won a football game. Someone had called ahead and had the police and the fire trucks meet them and escort them to the school. More fire trucks and police cars followed and lots of cars blowing their horns. I found my keys and pushed the panic button to start my car alarm going so I could share in the celebration.
That's the fun of living in an "area". Bet that doesn't happen in bigger towns. It somehow makes up for the times I get angry at the place. Like the time I called the police about charity money not going where it should. I got a call back from a minister, who was also the fire marshal, who was the minister where the money was supposed to go, who was banned from counciling couples due to his reputation with women.
We have it all in this area.
Later.
Last night as I was getting ready for bed I heard police sirens and fire truck horns and sirens so I went to look out front to see where they were headed. The first police car made the turn toward the school buildings.
All the school buildings are together from kindergarten to high school and they are just around the corner from my house. After the police car came a fire truck blasting away. Then came two yellow school buses. That explained everything. They had won a football game. Someone had called ahead and had the police and the fire trucks meet them and escort them to the school. More fire trucks and police cars followed and lots of cars blowing their horns. I found my keys and pushed the panic button to start my car alarm going so I could share in the celebration.
That's the fun of living in an "area". Bet that doesn't happen in bigger towns. It somehow makes up for the times I get angry at the place. Like the time I called the police about charity money not going where it should. I got a call back from a minister, who was also the fire marshal, who was the minister where the money was supposed to go, who was banned from counciling couples due to his reputation with women.
We have it all in this area.
Later.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Laptop Healthy Again
Picked up my laptop from the shop Thursday and today I finally got around to turning it on. It works great. I am back onto the genealogy thing with papers spread out all over the counter.
Blank census forms are great to have so I can read the headings with a magnifying glass and try to figure out what I'm looking at. Even the blank forms are interesting. In 1820 the only names written down were the head of the household, the men, everyone else just got counted by the age range they fell into, there were columns for "Slaves" and "Free Colored Persons", no names just a count of how many were in an age range, like under 14, between 14 and 26 etc. Not much political correctness back then. Only free white men had their names recorded.
We've come a long way baby!
Later
Blank census forms are great to have so I can read the headings with a magnifying glass and try to figure out what I'm looking at. Even the blank forms are interesting. In 1820 the only names written down were the head of the household, the men, everyone else just got counted by the age range they fell into, there were columns for "Slaves" and "Free Colored Persons", no names just a count of how many were in an age range, like under 14, between 14 and 26 etc. Not much political correctness back then. Only free white men had their names recorded.
We've come a long way baby!
Later
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday at the Antique Barn
Spent all day today at the antique barn where I have space. It is only open on Friday and Saturday and it is a co-op, the people who have space to display their items work the desk and keep the place clean, etc. I even sold a few items last week-end. A lot of dealers from other antique shops come there to buy things to put in their space at shops in other locations. The dealers at the barn are all friends and have known one another for a very long time. It's hard to get any work done when you have to catch up on all the news with your friends.
Yesterday was the PET scan, it takes 2 hours total. The first hour is a nice nap with warmed blankets covering me while the radioactive sucrose finds the "bad" cells and lights them up. The second hour is laying on a tray and slowly sliding into a tube. It starts at my feet and when it gets to my hips the arms have to go up over my head. When it is all done it takes a moment to get the arms working again. Also I have to keep my eyes shut and imagine green pastures as I have a little claustrophobia. Not fun but not a big deal.
Now the hard part, waiting for the results next week. Most of our lives we seem to be waiting for something. Life happens while we wait.
Later
Yesterday was the PET scan, it takes 2 hours total. The first hour is a nice nap with warmed blankets covering me while the radioactive sucrose finds the "bad" cells and lights them up. The second hour is laying on a tray and slowly sliding into a tube. It starts at my feet and when it gets to my hips the arms have to go up over my head. When it is all done it takes a moment to get the arms working again. Also I have to keep my eyes shut and imagine green pastures as I have a little claustrophobia. Not fun but not a big deal.
Now the hard part, waiting for the results next week. Most of our lives we seem to be waiting for something. Life happens while we wait.
Later
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
After Scan
Okay I survived the CAT scan. Doesn't take long, first a weigh-in and blood pressure and blood test. Then lay on a tray, get an IV of IVP (contains iodine which I am allergic to). Then hold your breath while the tray slowly slides you into and out of a donut shaped thingy, with your arms over your head. 30 seconds is the longest time for holding your breath. There is a couple of silly faces that show you when to hold your breath as well as a voice that tells you, and there is a countdown on a digital readout above your head.
Now I need a nap as I am crashing from the hepped up part yesterday.
All done till Thursday when I get the PET scan. Need to drink 48 ounces of water tomorrow and not do anything strenuous - I can handle that prep.
I voted on the way back from the doctor's office. Now I need to go to the library which has shortened hours because of the budget crunch. I voted for a new tax to pay for the library. The politicians like to cut the things most visible to the public. They certainly would never cut their own salaries. Try picturing a table surrounded by elected officials voting to cut their own salaries. Never happen.
Later
Now I need a nap as I am crashing from the hepped up part yesterday.
All done till Thursday when I get the PET scan. Need to drink 48 ounces of water tomorrow and not do anything strenuous - I can handle that prep.
I voted on the way back from the doctor's office. Now I need to go to the library which has shortened hours because of the budget crunch. I voted for a new tax to pay for the library. The politicians like to cut the things most visible to the public. They certainly would never cut their own salaries. Try picturing a table surrounded by elected officials voting to cut their own salaries. Never happen.
Later
Monday, November 2, 2009
Hepped Up
I am hepped up on Prednisone for my CAT scan tomorrow and my laptop with all the geneology data is at the shop (it isn't in any real danger - just it can't see the WIFI connection since I downloaded some updates to *&%$# Vista) and I'm supposed to be drinking chalky Barium Sulfate Suspension tonight - fool thing says Berry Smoothie on the label - like REALLY.
So I will vent on here for everyone to see. I have to take the Prednisone because I am allergic to the IVP - stuff they inject during the scan. I also take a pill one hour before the test and drink another "Berry Smoothie" 1/2 hour before the test. That is tricky since I live 1/2 hour drive from the place, and need to arrive 15 minutes early - etc. I will be drinking and driving.
The PET scan is Thursday. Here is more than you ever wanted to know about this stuff. The PET scan is flat, 2 dimensional. They inject radioactive sucrose in my veins for that and then wait an hour so it can go to any area that is wanting sugar, like the cancer cells or any area that is inflamed. So if something shows up on that they have to look at the CAT scan to see exactly where it is. I get these tests every 6 months or so.
I fool them by only taking 1/2 pills of the Prednisone. I'm not that allergic! I just get a few hives if I take nothing.
Then I wait for the results of these tests to see if I am going to be able to take a trip this winter or if they will want to change my treatment in some way.
There, I feel better already. My life is controlled by doctors and I am really grateful for that most of the time. Just now and then I get impatient about it.
I relegated Red and Teddy (30 lb. dogs) to their kennels (cages) last night so I could sleep better. I've been tossing and turning and sometimes they fall out of bed (single size). Silly never tries to invade the bed until I am out - unless I don't get up early enough - then I find a 65 lb poodle standing over me and she has very bad breath. The time change has them all confused but they will adjust pretty fast.
Later
So I will vent on here for everyone to see. I have to take the Prednisone because I am allergic to the IVP - stuff they inject during the scan. I also take a pill one hour before the test and drink another "Berry Smoothie" 1/2 hour before the test. That is tricky since I live 1/2 hour drive from the place, and need to arrive 15 minutes early - etc. I will be drinking and driving.
The PET scan is Thursday. Here is more than you ever wanted to know about this stuff. The PET scan is flat, 2 dimensional. They inject radioactive sucrose in my veins for that and then wait an hour so it can go to any area that is wanting sugar, like the cancer cells or any area that is inflamed. So if something shows up on that they have to look at the CAT scan to see exactly where it is. I get these tests every 6 months or so.
I fool them by only taking 1/2 pills of the Prednisone. I'm not that allergic! I just get a few hives if I take nothing.
Then I wait for the results of these tests to see if I am going to be able to take a trip this winter or if they will want to change my treatment in some way.
There, I feel better already. My life is controlled by doctors and I am really grateful for that most of the time. Just now and then I get impatient about it.
I relegated Red and Teddy (30 lb. dogs) to their kennels (cages) last night so I could sleep better. I've been tossing and turning and sometimes they fall out of bed (single size). Silly never tries to invade the bed until I am out - unless I don't get up early enough - then I find a 65 lb poodle standing over me and she has very bad breath. The time change has them all confused but they will adjust pretty fast.
Later
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