teamcc's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries

teamcc's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member teamcc on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/teamcc en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:42:15 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com The missing days in October — Red Bay, Alabama, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/19/1258684531/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/19/1258684531/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/19/1258684531/tpod.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:42:15 -0500 October 10-14-- the missing days!

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Red Bay, Alabama, United States

Don't know how but I was informed I had forgotten a few days of October! So-here they are-- October—10/10 at 10:10 AM – Two months since Charlie passed away! I sure do miss that guy! I did manage to sleep till 7 this morning. It has, for the time being, quit raining but still very overcast so expect more. I sorted through some stuff in the file and threw out what I could—I guess we need a bigger file! Then I mixed up some of my very good soft ginger cookies and will refrigerate and then bake them this afternoon. Didn't get them baked- maybe tomorrow. It has sprinkled off and on all day and never got above 60 degrees. Very few people ventured outside – there a lot of empty sites tonight, but those with Monday appts will all hit here tomorrow. I have been checking air fares to and from Hawaii for Feb/March. Would have been nice to fly to Portland and on to Hawaii with Carol and Jerry, but-the round trip cost for that is $1061, and only $545 from Phoenix to Kauai. I have been reading the tributes on Charlies CaringBridge site tonight. We have so many good friends – and that is really what life is about! People, friends are very important! There were 1700 visits to the site – Thanks to all of you for being there for Charlie and me. Called Betz tonight and we had a great and long chat. There is snow in Montana-earliest ever!In January – 163 lbIn October  - 139 lbOctober 11th—tried to sleep in again but still didn’t do it. It was cold when I got up even though the bedroom furnace had been on all night. I had decided to walk up town today for milk, bananas and a few other items so about 11 when it finally warmed up to 62 I set off with my backpack loaded with umbrella and rain jacket. I wanted to do the one cache that is in town too- and it turned out to be a round trip of almost 3 miles but I did get the cache and it was a very clever one and I felt good to have found it. I was really dragging by the time I got home. I had put the groceries in the backpack which did make it easier but still—I weighted them at home and the pack was 17 lbs!  There is one more cache here in the opposite direction and I will try to get it when I recover from this trip! There are only the 2 caches here-a third one, in a totally different direction from these 2 has been archived and quite honestly I am glad! I scanned a bunch of stuff for the Biehns that I have had for some time. One was 23 hand written pages from Charlies Father telling about his life as a small child. Really interesting. I typed it up so it is readable. The hand written one has been copies several times and is getting hard to read. There were a few words I never did figure out! So it’s bed time and I can hope they will call me to the body shop this week!! Since there is no body of water here I wondered about the name of the town – Red Bay – but found out it is named for the 'Red’ Bay tree!  Now it makes sense.October 12, 2009 – It started raining around midnight and rained till mid afternoon, a good day to stay inside and do nothing. No geocaching for me today. Late afternoon Vera came over and asked me to go to a damaged foods type store over in Mississippi-about 3 miles from here. I did go and we had fun there and both bought a couple sacks of stuff! Then Carol came by to tell me there is a single lady, name of Dottie, in site one and I’m to go meet her. She normally winters in Myrtle Beach but is going to AZ this year. I will check that out tomorrow, and I HAVE to wash clothes in the next day or two!  I am anxious to get out of here—Wed morning will start my 4th week here, and that is more than long enough with no car and lousy weather.I just sent John more money—that is $950 plus a new phone since late august! He needs a job!! I need him to have a job!!Oct 13th—Another night with little sleep. Up at 6:45 No one came by to get me for coach work so headed for the office to find out why. I did accomplish jogging their memories that I was still here, but also found out that I am not in the line for the bodyshop like my Bay 5 guys had told me. When they get done with me then I get on the list for body shop—so that will mean more days here waiting. Went to the shop where they were finding out the price on a piece of molding I wanted—They can only sell by the entire piece-it was 8 ft and I needed 6, and it was $4.75 a foot! Wow-decided I could find something I liked just as well somewhere else!  Back home and went to the laundry-first time since leaving Ohio so really needed to do it. After that I stopped at site 1 where I had been told a single lady resided. Dottie is her name and originally from NY, and been full timing for 2 years. I enjoyed her and we talked for 4 hours!! Couldn’t believe how the time went by! As I was leaving she mentioned that we were expecting a storm (me with no radio or tv!) and they were sandbagging around the area!! Scary! It’s been grey out all morning but no rain. As I walked back to my site 22 I stopped to talk to a guy who also mentioned the incoming storm, then Vera came out to tell me that the guys had been by to get me for work. I just walked into the house when they came by again and said 7am in Bay 5! Hoorah! Hope they get all my stuff done tomorrow. Back into the coach and I heard the first raindrops hitting. That was just about 3pm. It is now 7 and has not let up for a minute—2-3.75 inches expected by noon tomorrow!! It is pouring so hard it is hard to hear in here! So I am going to snuggle up in bed and watch a video, set the alarm and be over there at the bay 5 at 7 am!Oct 14- Wednesday-The start of my 4th week here! It poured rain till after midnight, then just stayed grey and yucky all day long. I was up and over at the bay before they had the door open. The guys got right to work and by 10am I was finished. The slide out took nearly all of that time-they finally had to take some inside trim off and peer inside, but eventually they got it where it would go completely open again.  Now they can put in the work order for the body work! I thanked them and drove back to my site, got settled in, jacks down, slides out, water and electric hooked up and was just going back into the house when phone rang—and Tiffin had some questions on the insurance for the body repairs. Then the guy pulled up in front and said bay 19, right now for body work!! WOW! This was 10:30! So I undid everything and drove over there. They worked till 3, their quitting time, and have fiberglass in holes. Tomorrow at 7 am I will go back so they can sand and whatever all they do and then paint!! Cannot believe I am finally almost done here!! I did some visiting this afternoon, and washed the driver window that they fixed – all is ready for me to drive WEST! 
]]> Alabama to Gold Canyon Arizona — Gold Canyon, Arizona, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/18/1257214360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/18/1257214360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/18/1257214360/tpod.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:41:59 -0500 Oct 15-Oct 31--Alabama to Gold Canyon AZ

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Gold Canyon, Arizona, United States

Oct 15th- Thursday—My phone woke me at 5am to tell me its battery was low! It was set for 6am alarm, but I got up anyway. As I got up noticed it was beginning to sprinkle out! And now an hour later it is RAIN! All I have to unhook this morning is the electric, but gonna get wet! I am in the bay in the motorhome and notice a new one come in next door to me—and it is my neighbors, Vera and Richard. I talked to my 'guy' and found that it will not be done tomorrow, that they should be able to wrap it up on Monday. I had just gotten a note from a local cacher asking if I wanted to cache on Saturday and I told him I would be gone, but just sent him another email to say I would be available, so hope for good weather on the weekend. Drove back to site at 3pm and decided to clean out the electric and water bays! They are a mess of stuff just crammed into them. I also wanted to fill the fresh water tank- It had run out while over at the body shop! Richard came over and helped and explained a bunch of stuff with the sewer and water. I did not have some of the required sewer hookups so bought some-now I know we have had them but who knows where they are now!! Got a new sewer hose too- I have a little 6 ft one the probably never will be long enough to be used and the big long one is acting like a sprinkler hose. Richard got the fittings off it and fixed the new one. I put some Clorox in the fresh water tank-driving tomorrow will slosh that around and hopefully clean it out, then I’ll drain it tomorrow night and fill again and be ready to go! I’m not sure if I’m excited or scared about doing this on my own—But I’m not in any hurry and I KNOW I can do it! The body work looks great, now they just have to paint it and luckily it is a solid color, didn’t get into any of the colored trims. OOPs, spoke to soon- there is a dark gray stripe going through it. It quit raining about 10 this morning but right now looks like more coming in- If I leave Tue morning it will be just one day short of a month here in Red Bay Alabama. After 5 I heard a knock on the door and it was the cachers 'PTCruiser", Jim and Andrea Green and we had a fun chat. Jim is going to come by tomorrow and take me out for a while. I'm looking forward to it. October 16th-Friday—Back to Bay 19 at 7 am. But they had me drive right on through it into Bay 24 for paint. Around 10 Jim Green showed up to take me caching. We had a great day! 15 caches and I got to see more of Mississippi and Alabama. The parts we were in reminded me of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. We did drive to the highest point in Mississippi - Woodell Mt.-806 feet!!! We drove on and around the Natchez Trail and we visited the Coon Dog Cemetery! Only special and winning coon dogs are allowed to be buried here. I really had a good time, and was so good to get out of the RV park and see some of the area. Home after 4:30 and they had brought my coach back to my site for me. Went in and got it all set up. Then Andrea called to ask me to go the McDonalds for supper. This is their Friday night ritual – and I joined them, then back here so they could see the motorhome all set up. Last night it was rather crowded with none of the slides out. We will go towards Tupelo MS tomorrow. My internet is acting up and I have not been able to download my caches yet.  October 17th- a fun Saturday. Andrea and Jim were here around 9 and off we went for another day of caching. Now, they have done all these caches, and most around here so they did none they can log in all the time they took me out. But-we really had fun-They got to laugh at me floundering around at some while they knew I was off in the wrong direction! We saw lots of new trees and nuts and just lot of new to me stuff. Yesterday I saw my first cicada and a snake, can’t recall what kind but not a water moccasin. Saw one buzzard today. And—it was an entire day with no rain—cool-in the low fifties though! Anyway- we did 28 caches and I have just spent 3 hours logging 24 of them when computer decided I was done for the evening. I also have to log the 14 from Friday yet plus one from Thursday and I have one of Jim and Andreas ½ mile from here to walk to tomorrow. We had dinner in Tupelo at Taco Bell-I haven’t been in one for so long I couldn’t decide what to order. So all in all it was a great day. Really enjoy Jim and Andrea too. Too bad we didn’t get together earlier in the month, but he had had and operation and is just recouped enough to be out doing all this walking, and we did get in a fair amount of walked, and also driving on the Natchez trail.  It was so nice to be away from the park here and out sightseeing – It would have been a shame to be here for a month and not see any of the country. We drove from Red Bay toward Tupelo on the road I will leave on this Tue. We also drove to the RV place where I am to go for the appraisal for the probate and met the guy who is doing it for us. I have a lot more confidence in the road and the directions now.  October 18th—I somehow slept in till 7:30—so nice! Now at 9:30 it is up to 47 degrees, up from the low of 37 when I got up! Frost on all the cars! But the sky is all blue, not a cloud in sight-something I have not seen since arriving here.  I hope it warms up enough for me to walk to the one remaining cache here in town. I spent over 2 hours logging caches last night, and still have Fridays to do. My phone has taken to not ringing – I just open it and find messages on it!! So after 9 I checked it and had 3 messages—One from Andrea who said there was a new cache out and they were on their way to pick  me up—don’t know how long since she called, but hopped in the shower and when I got out they were here! Drove about 20 miles and walked into a woods—and there it was- a co-first-to-find! One the way back they stopped at 5 more for me-I think I will have 50 for this area! Still have the one I can walk to from here-maybe this afternoon, maybe tomorrow. They seem to be really enjoying taking me and I’ve enjoyed their company very much. It finally got up to 52 degrees but with the blue sky and no wind it is really quite nice out. Back to the park about 1:30 and lots of caches to log. I got all but one logged tonight- have to find out the identity number for it- it was our first to find. I am still way behind in emails- I just get it to manageable and 30 more pop up! Tomorrow morning 7am I go back to bay 24 and hope they get me all done tomorrow so I can leave on Tue. Trying to get to bed early tonight, but that usually does not happen!Oct 19th –Monday –Up early to 34 degree temperature!! Everyone keeps saying that all the rain and now this very cold temp is not normal for down here. I drove over to bay 19 this morning where they would complete the paint job. Andrea called and asked if I wanted to go out for a couple of caches with Jim, so he arrived here about an hour later. We stopped at the library to chat with Andrea then off caching. Well, a couple turned out to be all day and 14 caches! I also saw my first armadillo, even though it was dead – strange creatures! I had a fun time, and even thou temps in high 50s it was blue and no wind so not too bad. Back to visit her at library and then on home where I found my MH all set up in my site and waiting for me. Did the sewer and grey water without too much problem. Hose slipped off once but I was right there and pushed the plunger back down to stop the flow. Filled the fresh water, Richard helped put the ladder back on the rear, and the rear looks great-they did a perfect job! So I just have to settle up in the office tomorrow and be on my way. Another adventure in the new chapter of my life.October 20, 2009 Tuesday- Up early and Jim showed up at seven, I was hoping he would come later cause I think checking out of here might take a while. I arrived at the office at 7am and it took till almost 11 before they got all the paperwork completed and somewhere around 11 I was on my way west with first stop in Sherman, with Jim following me as far as the freeway – 17 miles of 2 lane road that sure felt like 50 miles! Just west of Tupelo I stopped for the appraisal on the motorhome for probate. I had been here Sat and set up an appt for today. But Mark was out of town when I got there - they took down all the essentials for him and I hope we can take care of it this way. I was a tab bit upset at this since we were counting on him for the appraisal! On I went and through Memphis - lots of very narrow construction miles and lots of trucks--I think 15 trucks to every one car! I may not have breathed all the way through but I did it!! Now at 5pm I am at a rest area just east of Little Rock AR and eating, computing and maybe a nap till after rush hour a bit. Plan to take my time and no set date for arrival, but I am out of Alabama after 27 nights!  1150 miles to go!! And so far my first solo trip has been fine~~~~~ I tried to send this earlier and net had gone off, so here I am at 9pm in a Wal Mart in Hope Arkansas~ I pulled into 2 rest areas and they were FULL! so kept going - last 2 hours or more have been in the dark-I hate driving in the dark, anyway still doing fine and going to get some sleep and start all over again tomorrow! I had 67 new mails when I logged on and hardly made a dent in them—10:30 and I’m off to bed.October 21, 2009-Up early but had a good night sleep! I left Hope Arkansas a bit after 7am – I was anxious to get going. Stopped for fuel at Mt Pleasant Tx ($146). When I pulled into the bay at the front of the Love’s, cause I could not see how the trucks got to  the back, I pulled too far to the right and ended up right between two pumps, so no one else could use either of them! I tried to back up and straighten out but without a spotter decided just to park there. The hose reached but it was so taut that if I had let go of it would have pulled out of the motorhome! Then pulled forward and got out of the place with no mishaps. Stopped at the next rest stop for breakfast and shortly after that it started to rain. It was pouring, the kind that swirls up around the vehicles and make it hard to see, the white lines disappear into it! Nuvi took me right through downtown Dallas and Ft Worth! We have always gone around but I wasn’t paying attention. And downtown there was a wreck—1 ½ hours to go .6th of a mile! Two hours to go through Dallas! I had seen flooded areas as I crossed into Texas and I see why. This rain never stopped. I stopped at several rest areas-today my back hurts and I really could use an hour of back massage! On to Abilene TX for the night. Nuvi sorta failed me here-took me almost to WalMart then a new freeway screwed us up! But she found me a way to recover – you would have thought I was Charlie the way I was weaving that behemoth around the city streets – did I mention that it was also 5:15. Finally I was settled in, the only motorhome here tonight-maybe others are still trying to find this place!! In to shop and get my hair cut—a bit shorter than I had in mind, but it grows out fast! The rain water was up to the curbs all over town, and has poured ever since-hope I can get out of town in the morning. Right now I am going to take an Aleve and go to bed. Yesterday was 326 miles and today was 359—that wreck put me a couple hours behind. So I have gone 687.3 miles from Red Bay and have 682.2 till I arrive in Gold Canyon hopefully on Friday if I don’t stop to visit friends along the way – not sure who is in AZ yet—Oct 22, I was up at 6 and on the road very shortly after and it is still very dark. Missed a freeway sign drove around a couple of blocks and then onto I-20 heading west. Stopped at a rest area but too cold to have breakfast here, but it did quit raining earlier this morning. Stopped for fuel at Colorado TX ($123.40). Later stopped for a nap but just can’t sleep –anxious to be in AZ! At the next rest stop I stopped to check on the map-Nuvi wanted me to leave I-20 and go north through Alamogordo-all secondary roads, I turned engine back on and did all I need to and it would not move! Tried several times but a bell kept screaming at me! Finally could see the air pressure was not coming on at all. Now what!! Got the book out and was going to call Freightliner but when I gave it one more try I could see the pressure come back up. Will have to keep an eye on that. At the next place I stopped it happened again and this time could not get it to air up, so called Freightliner in El Paso and talked with service manager Ted, who was very helpful. He talked me through starting it and suggested I stop by the Freightliner place on the east end of El Paso-which I did 5 hours later. He went through everything and all seems to be OK. He gave me some pointers on air brakes and then as it was after 4:30, he suggested I park out front of the place till about 6:30. I know from in the past that El Paso has horrible rush hour traffic! So am now parked and waiting – going to fix my dinner and by then maybe can leave and hope to get to Deming NM for this evening. After the sun went down I took off and accidently pulled into the Flying J drive instead of frontage road to freeway – but I wanted to fill up anyway and put what I think will get me the 329 miles to home tomorrow!! ($64.81 for 24.5 gallons). ¾ of the way there! Other RVs are parked here for the night so I joined than instead of driving on as when then sun went down it started getting dark and I’ve had enough night and rain driving. I certainly have learned a lot on this excursion, and have lots more confidence than when I left Red Bay! So far I have not run over any curbs – Charlie hit a minimum of 1 per day! I did some practice backing up here in the parking lot. I’m still tense and my back still aches but that will pass! 37 miles to the New Mexico border and then 6 more hours and I can park it! 8:30 and off to bed, hoping to be up early to go through town.For you who asked—my address will be:6601 E US HWY 60  Site 392Gold Canyon AZ 85118Same phone number – 480 287 0007I am paid through Jan 5th, and do not know if I will continue here or move after that time. Oct 23- Friday. Last night I could not sleep, my restless legs were really bad, so at 10PM I got back up, and in my pajamas drove on through El Paso. This is bad driving even at this hour-the road was full and they were all in a hurry to get somewhere! I drove 45 miles to Las Cruces Wal Mart and was finally able to settle down and get some sleep. Every clock in here is different so not sure what time I got up 5-6-or 7 but the sun was just ready to show itself. A shower and I was on my way again. As I neared the AZ border I realized that Nuvi wanted to take a secondary road and come into Superior, but I have done that narrow windy road several times in the past so re set it to take me on I-10 to Eloy and then secondary roads for a shorter time. I am stopped now just at edge of NM. This will be a bit longer trip then Nuvi's way but I think it will be faster and easier for me. Shortly after crossing into AZ my eyelids were getting heavy so I stopped at a fuel station, tipped my seat back for a short and refreshing nap - and I woke up almost 2 hours later!! Next stop was just east of Tucson to visit friends Brad and Dixie. On through Tucson with construction, narrow lanes and much traffic, then off freeway to head for Gold Canyon. The town of Coolidge was construction for about 2 miles, through town and very narrow – can’t believe I got through without hitting a cone or something. Finally I pulled into My park! Checked in 15 minutes before closing time and shortly at my new site. With a great spotter I even backed it in and it is very straight! I didn’t do anything with motorhome, no elec, no jacks, no slides out – that can all wait till tomorrow. Steve showed up – I can look down the street and see his house – and invited me to a ‘happy hour’ with he, Jayne and 3 other couples. Enjoyed it, but I have only snacked a bit today and I had 2 glasses of  wine – that’s one more that I normally drink – and when I went home a bit after 7 I just walked in, straight through the house and went to bed! And was asleep immediately! But I woke up at 1 and could not get back to sleep, but sure feel better and will type here a bit and then go back and try to sleep. It was 1340 long and lonely miles but I did it and by the end I was driving much better-in fact at times I thought I was in my van! The back roads the last hour didn’t even bother me. I really feel good about what I accomplished and have confidence to drive it anywhere, well almost, now.October  24 Sat—I finally got back to sleep for a couple of hours and up at 7. Got all my clocks on the same time now!  Jacks down, slides out, elec, water and sewer hooked up, floor mopped and stuff all back in its places! Blue sky and already at 9am is 70 degrees! I had hooked up the water to city water, but did not throw the switch ‘up’ to change from onboard water to city water. About 2 hours later I went out for something and there was a lake, pouring down into the dry creek bed! It even cut a gully there! Well, I wanted to flush the holding tank out good and this should have done it!! I got the glass coffee table set up outside along with the palm tree and the big Mexican vase and a couple of chairs. Wayne and Ro came by later and he helped me get the jacks level—I had them down but not level. Then he got the glass top for the outside table from behind the couch for me. He suggested I not put it there again too! I rode back with them in the back of the Rubicon (they had bought Jayne and Steve when they bought a new 4 door one) into AJ to where Charlie and I lived last year to get my GMC van. Surprised that it started right up, but all the tires were low so I followed them to their house where Wayne aired them all up. I washed enough windshield to get me home and after talking some more I headed back. Nice to have it all level and the sun shield up in the front-the sun will be coming in my front window all winter. I am back to over a hundred emails to catch up on! Someday I will get caught up!Oct 25th Sunday—Just figured out my fuel costs to get here and it was around $800, approximately 6.8 MPG and I drove carefully. Hung around the house this AM, a visit to Jayne and Steve and he tried to fix my mop with no luck. I cleaned a bit in the bay on the shady side, then started figuring out the bills for the repairs to send to Darlene. Jayne came by and I went to Walmart with her and took the mop to return – and the lady there was able to make it work!! Another stop for veggies and home. Not a real exciting day but it was relaxing—and warm!October 26th-Up early, as usual. First was a stop to see Nancy at State Farm for van insurance, then to Wells Fargo to add some money to my account before tomorrows Visa credit card bill arrives, got the van washed, back to park here to pay my rent, which they had forgotten to collect Friday evening. Jayne dropped by while I was sorting stuff in the outside bays on the shady side-can do other side tomorrow morning. I was looking for my Halloween stuff but not found it yet. Tonight was a magnificent sunset—brilliant colors and lasted what seemed like a long time.  Oct 27 Wed – Up early again. When it warmed up went out to do some more sorting and looking for Biehn stuff that I should not have to send back to them. Not much here and a lot they prob don’t want either but will send it anyway. Jayne had asked me to dinner tonight, so showered and over there at 5. Ro and Wayne were coming too, but they had taken their cat in for a tooth cleaning and it had a heart attack under the sedation! They revived her and took her to the Animal Emergency hospital for monitoring over night! They did arrive much later, but no problem as we talked and drank wine and the dinner was Chile Soup so could just simmer on!! They finally arrived, a bit shaken by the ordeal but ready for eating. The soup was good- just spicy enough and the soup and the bread were just what this overcast day needed!! Since early afternoon the wind has been steady and strong, blowing up dust and reducing visibility. The temp was comfortable but the wind was not!Oct 28th - up early again. The sky is blue and the wind in very mild today, but it picked up later and was very cold for here. Long pants, sweaters and jackets! I stayed in all morning and then to town for a bit of shopping – didn’t find stuff I wanted, BUT—got a pair of knee length pants in SIZE 8! Cannot remember when I was a size 8 last-I love it! Got an inexpensive phone from WalMart – this park has a phone system for residents – just dial 1 and the site number of anyone in the park. Then I realized I had just gotten rid of the phone line I had in Alabama cause I couldn’t think of any reason I would ever need it!! Isn’t that the way it goes! So back to store tomorrow. At 3:30 they had a Halloween social hour with a magician and food, enough to call it dinner, and I met several people including the other Phaeton that is 2 spaces from me, on the other side of a park model. Back home and shut all the windows and turned on the heat! And now am going to bed at 8:30 to read for a while. I cannot get the TV to even turn on, and yes it is plugged in, and the little red light that indicates it is getting power is on!!Oct 29-thur-I was cold all night, even with the furnace in bedroom running. It was 42 this AM! And the high for the day was 59! I had planned to go to my storage shed and start weeding things out and cleaning to see if I can get it from 3 5x15 ft units (connected with walls removed) down to 2 units. I put my desk that I built on Craigs list last night and while there will see what else I can live without! I would like to get it down to one unit but think that may be impossible! So I stayed in all day and did stuff around here-I finished scanning some stuff Charlie had left in here for the Biehns and they will also get all the originals. I did find a phone cord and went out in the dark to try it, but no dial tone- will try again in the daylight to see if I overlooked something. Still cannot get the TV to come on, and it was on in Alabama-at least once when a neighbor fixed it for me. Nothing has changed, except there should be more channels here, so don’t know what the problem is. Everything appears to be plugged in. Am hoping for weather over 60 for tomorrow - one thing I want to get is my witch hat for the dance Sat night. I hate going over there alone but am going and hoping for some singles I can join. Male or female- I’m not choosy!!October 30-Happy birthday to my niece Minda!  Up early and did stuff around the house waiting for the temp to finally hit 60!  At 58 I headed west stopping first at the Pinal County Fed Credit union where I am moving my banking. After many years with Well Fargo I am leaving them—they started a $25 per month fee on my checking account, without notification of any kind to me and refused to change it. This took longer than I would have liked but got checks ordered and am all signed up. Then on to my storage shed where I spent about 3 hours but did get everything moved into 2 of the 3 units I had. That cuts the costs down per month a bit. Jayne had suggested I look at Frys Super stores for dishes like I had gotten from them 4 years ago that Charlie broke all but the bowls when he pulled into fuel station in motorhome and hit a ditch at a slant and all the dishes flew out of the cupboard and broke!! They didn’t have my same ones—that would have been too easy, but I did find a set that I like almost as well so now have dishes. Since leaving Ohio all I have had are the 4 bowls left from that broken set! You can eat most anything in a bowl!! Then home and brought in all the stuff I had brought back with me (I did take a load down and leave it in the storage place). I wanted my southwest comforter and a blanket I liked, some books, the fans and stuff to use here. So again tonight I have stuff stacked here and there waiting for a place to put it. Now off to bed and my book!Oct 31st Halloween—Happy birthday to my friend Sharon! I spent the day not doing much, still putting things away, in one place today and then change it to another, I did get my heat blanket and Southwest comforter on the bed and I like it. Lots of little stuff that takes time and every small chore turns into something larger! But early evening I showered and dress for the Halloween party. Black gauze skirt, black top, and witches hat—not much but did not find the box of seasonal stuff in the storage yesterday. I sat with a ‘younger’ couple. We couldn’t talk much cause the band was so loud. Very good, but loud!  He has a GPS and is wanting to try geocaching so will get together with him later. The decorations were great and the music was great and since this is a younger crowd there were a lot of dancers. Unfortunately everyone was a couple – did not see any singles except me. I did have a good time though.The bad news today was that Wayne and Ro's cat did not survive. They had 3 cats and lost one in 07, one in 08 and now one in 09. So sad for them.So now--one to the month of November!!
]]> Alabama, what can I say! — Red Bay, Alabama, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/17/1255643810/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/17/1255643810/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/17/1255643810/tpod.html Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:40:42 -0400 October - the first half - -Still in Red Bay Alabama

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Red Bay, Alabama, United States

October 1-2009 – a Thursday. Slept good – didn't wake till after 6! Did more of the woodwork this morning and got sidetracked by several other small projects. Took a walk to the office to mail some letters, then a walk around the park and talked to a few people. It is hard for me to do that as I always feel I am intruding on them. This evening I finished the woodwork and now will do windows and mirrors tomorrow. I will only have carpet and stone tile floor to do then—and then think about the dirty outside! Jimmie was going to do it for us before Charlie went to hospital but never did. A guy told me there is a guy near here that will wash and wax a 40’ coach for-------$350 !!! I don’t think so!! I have my big tall ladder and may start on that, a bit at a time. We can’t 'wash’ them in our spaces but I see others with a rag and spray bottle doing theirs! Maybe I will even get some help?? I understand someone will come by a day before my turn in the bays for repairs and go over everything with me. That is good, give me time to secure everything and be ready. They start work at 7am here. One of the sliding pocket doors at the bedroom came off the track today and I cannot fix it so one more thing on my list.Oct 2nd—Up at 6 again, but got lots done today!  First washed all the windows and mirrors inside the coach. That went so fast I went on to tomorrows tasks! I moved everything off the carpets and vacuumed them, then went for the rug cleaner—and we didn’t have any-I had forgotten to put it in the coach when I left Centerville! So walked a couple of blocks to a True Value Hardware and got a spray can of what looks to be good stuff, and it was –will take another spraying of it in a week or two but looking much better—we had spilled a bottle of wine and only dabbed it up and this cleaned it good. Put all the furniture and stuff back and then on to the stone tile flooring that I was dreading doing. Has some cleaner and did about a third of the floor and ran out. It was not going good anyway-the dirt is down into the stone and just doesn’t want to come out. Hard to tell the color of the tiles now-kinda all grey! Well, this new stuff is fantastic—It is Armstrong ‘once and done’ floor cleaner, and it works!! It will need to be redone shortly to get some of the really deep stuff, but the change is unbelievable! It actually got into the stone and cleaned it! WOW! Had to do it by hand on knees, but was worth it! The tiles look almost like new—now if I could get the grout cleaned would be very happy!!!!! After a rest I cleaned the front window and the driver console, and that is the end of in the coach cleanings. Looks so much better in here! Now to attack the outside of the coach! That will be a challenge for me. There is a dog pound just behind this RV park! It seems to be full of yappy little dogs—they just go on and on with the irritating barking. It poured rain most of the night and then today was a beautiful day! October 3d, Saturday—A good night of sleep. It was cool this morning so I didn’t get started till around noon, but then I sorted out the tool bin, jeep stuff and motorhome hitch stuff and now I know where things are. Then took the ladder down from rear of motorhome-it is hard to get off and to put back on! And started washing the motorhome – what a job – By 3:30, with some breaks to talk with people, I had finished the right side and the rear. Tomorrow will be the left side, the front and all the windows! Sure does look better though. I keep hoping I will get called Monday to begin repairs, but doubt it. Monday will be day 13 here. The sun was out all day and tonight it is clouding up again. Sure hope it does not rain tomorrow – now that I have started these tasks I want to finish them. Talked with Carol and we finalized a Hawaiian trip in Feb staying for 2-4 weeks- not sure of just how long yet but something to look forward to.Oct 4th—Up at 7 to find it lightly sprinkling, not  a lot but too much to wash rest of motorhome-maybe it will clear up later. At 3:30 the temp is 60 and it has been raining heavily since about 10:30 – too much to even go outside let alone do the cleaning! Fixed sauerkraut, wieners and a beer for supper. Had bought the kraut to make a sauerkraut pie for Charlie-He had wanted to try mine, and never got it make. The forecast is for rain and storms clear through next weekend!! It is now 8pm and still just pouring rain-has never let up since mid morning! 55 degrees out and I have the heat on!  Not a very exciting day!Oct 5th – Monday – I was up at 6 again, hoping for dry weather to finish washing the motorhome. Normally I eat and mess around before my shower, but today decided to take it first thing. Had just gotten dressed and heard a knock at the door—a man stood there and then handed me a sticky note that said Bay 5. I said when and he said ‘Right now’! WOW—It took me about 15 minutes to get the coach in order so I could drive it over to Bay 5. I was excited! This is day 13! Had to unhook all the services, up the jacks, in the slides and fix all the loose stuff, and then drive off, alone, But I did just fine and even drove it into the bay! I was able to stay right there all day and the 2 cute and young guys worked around me, but with me right there it was easier to point out stuff to them. They even noticed a few things I hadn’t seen that needed fixing. The rattle we hear under the corner of the slide, that was once fixed by tightening a bolt, turned out to be serious and 2 long supports under the slide were replaced and now I know where to tighten occasionally. The gap under the stove and sink turned out to be a bad support of the entire kitchen counter causing it to slip off a support and was sagging down causing the gap. They got the furniture builder over to tell them how to fix that-something I thought they would not bother to fix and find it was also serious. Six lights were totally replaced and lots of other items got fixed today. They got through about half of my list so I report there at 7 am again tomorrow morning.  Oh, and it is raining again tonight! When they are through with me they will give the work order to the body shop and that may mean a few days of waiting again. Oct 6th a Tuesday. I woke at 3 and could not get back to sleep, so finally got up at 5. Just before 7 I was driving over to Bay 5 where they spent the day working on me again. Only a few more and the body work to go. Cloudy, cold, overcast and rain sprinkles all day. My neighbor came to the bay to get me about 11 for a trip to the grocery store—I was out of milk and that is a catastrophe for me! So got a couple sacks of groceries and back. At three the guys go home so sent me back to my site, but before going there I decided to drive down the street about ½ mile to a fuel station. By myself—Except for Charlie talking me, via phone, into moving the coach in Florida one time, I have never driven it entirely alone!! I had butterfly stomach and was nervous, but things went well. I had to circle the building to get on another road that connected to the one I had come on but it was easy-Just keep telling myself I am 40 LONG feet of vehicle. Have filled up twice now since leaving Centerville at total of $375. Probably 2 more fill-ups on the way to AZ at least. It’s 6pm and just looked out the window and the sky is black! Really black and the wind is picking up – I hate to say so but it looks like a tornado sky! I went out and folded the big ladder and laid it on the ground-don’t want it blowing into the coach exterior, and now the rain is coming and the wind is getting serious. Got back in the house just in time!  It was a short lived storm but intense for a bit. I had an urge to call son James tonight and did, and found he was ready to call me! His dad, my ex, is in the hospital and this time will go to a nursing home if/when he gets out.  He has cystic kidneys and had a transplant some years back and needs another but not ever been healthy enough to get it. He turned 76 on August 10th, the same day Charlie died.  I need to get to bed, and get some sleep tonight, as the guys will be over here at 7am to finish up some of the work.Oct 7th—I was up early but the guys didn’t show up till afternoon, and only to put on an antenna and plugs under the mirrors. It rained and thundered last night, the mother of all storms! It was raining so hard I could hear it without my ‘ears’—so loud it hurt! During the night it looked like a lake out here and this morning you would never know it had even rained. Was cool all morning but early afternoon I was able to go out and finish washing the motorhome. Now all I have left is to wash the windows outside. Today I talked with several other people here - that was good for me. Then one of them noticed that my rear tire is LOW. This is the one John pumped up before we left Ohio. I was hoping that it was just low then and not a problem. Called the road service with our insurance and they were no help! They could tow me to someplace (out of the question) or send someone out with a new tire, but couldn’t send someone by to take this one off and check to see if it can be patched. This is the new tire Charlie got when one blew coming back for Oshkosh Air show last year. I went to the office to ask for a recommendation and they called someone who was to come over and help, but it was only a few minutes till quitting time so no one showed up, will go back in the office tomorrow.  So ends day 15 in Red Bay Alabama.October 8th – Thursday-Up early again- I just can’t seem to sleep past 5:30! I was hoping the tire guy would come by last night but he did not so went to the office again and they called him again, he lives in Golden MS, just across the line. He had not shown up by 9:30 and my neighbors were waiting for me to go with them to the Tiffin Factory where we were taking a tour of them building the motorhomes. I love tours of building stuff and this was no exception. Mr Tiffin has streamlined the process and he builds almost everything in house- frames, windows, just everything he can giving him more control over the process. The tour is twice a day and some people keep going back—you seem to see different stuff each tour. Came back to the camp and found a guy inside one of my outside bays! All I could see was torso and feet! They are trying to figure out why the slide will not go completely open on the one end. Brought their supervisor out and he had no suggestions so are waiting for the manager to come and look at it tomorrow. My list is getting smaller and smaller-mostly just waiting for ordered stuff, except for the fiberglassing. Will be glad to get that started. About 3:30 the tire guy arrived, a young, well mannered and personable guy who is very knowledgeable and found a nail in the tire. Fixed it and did the WD40 fire trick to get the seal back onto the tire. I have seen it on youtube, but never in person, and it works! $60 for coming out and repairing the tire. But it had to be done! I will be broke by the time I get to AZ at this rate! I called the Freightliner place and they will call back. I need the air bags looked at and a leak in the engine compartment-the E in PHAETON is solid black from oil or something. Been that way a long time but I want it checked. I asked about the transmission oil change, the indicator has been on for some time, and they said it would be $450!!!!! Wow. After some talking she said it would be done at 3 years or 75T miles, whichever came first and I am not to either yet, and an oil change is $250 including oil and filters! After dinner I watched some home movies of the Biehns 1988 Christmas!! Didn’t realize we had them with us so they go in the pile to send back to the kids.October 9th a Friday-I have nice neighbors on either side of me and both are taking good care of me. Richard and Vera and Carol and Stan. I was up at 5:30 again-getting to be a habit! After it warmed up a bit I went out to wash the windows-not that big a job but moving the ladder 20 times and up and down it gave me plenty of exercise! Of course it started to rain shortly after I got started, but just did a few sprinkles and stopped. I walked to the office to see if I had any mail, though didn’t expect any. None. Then to a place the neighbor had told me about called half price Tiffin, it’s off in a corner of the building and no sign on door.  It is stuff they have salvaged from motorhomes or excess or overruns. I wandered around and finally found a piece of trim I wanted, but then it was lunch hour and they could not give me a price. Left and talked to a guy for about 20 minutes and checked back- still too soon, so went home. Vera came by to talk a bit, then left as it began raining. The afternoon had 4 very hard rain showers—and humidity of at
]]> Off to start a new chapter in my life!! — Red Bay. Alabama, Alabama, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/16/1254358471/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/16/1254358471/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/16/1254358471/tpod.html Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:45:31 -0400 September--From Washington DC to Red Bay Alabama

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Red Bay. Alabama, Alabama, United States

Sept 1 - Tues – Up early but didn't get on the road till around 10. I had planned a stop with friends in NJ but that didn’t work out, but checking the map discovered I wasn’t that far from Allentown PA where a dear friend of Charlie’s lives. We had not notified her of Charlie’s passing because last time we were there her Alzheimer’s was causing her problems. I didn’t want to phone her the news either so decided to make a side trip there. I arrived and a young gal answered the door – Rosalie was there and she recognized me and looked past me to find Charlie. I told her about him and she just fell apart—We talked and cried and after a few minutes she disappeared into her Alzheimer’s state! From then on it was 'who did you say died?" and lost any coherent conversation. I talked with the caregiver, told her the facts in case Rosalie became aware of them again and left. So sad to see people like that, but glad I delivered the news in person. The caregiver is only there from 10-6 each day and she is alone the rest of the time—that is scary! Leaving there I headed to Washington DC, relying on Nuvi to get me there. Uneventful trip – did get caught in Baltimore rush hour traffic (it was a bit after 6pm), made a few unscheduled detours as Nuvi didn’t give me time to get from left to right lanes a few times! But I arrived at cousin Jill and Dan’s place in Arlington Virginia at 7:30. She is on the 12th floor of a condo and can see the Pentagon just across the road out her living room window. We talked, fixed a salad with Lebanese bologna and turkey, talked till midnight and finally gave it up—she has to work tomorrow!Sept 2 – Jill had left for work when I got up. This is a relaxation day for me—I have 260 emails after dumping the obvious bad stuff! So catching up my blog and emails most of the day.  Did some reading and spent some time on the patio where I can see the Pentagon, the Lincoln and Washington memorial and the top of the White House. The Pentagon is just across the road-one condo building between us and it.  I also had 2 emails from Chuck disputing that Charlie wanted me to have the Jeep. He had been teaching me all about it and how to hook it up and use everything and the night before he went into the coma we had talked about everything and he had said he wanted me to have it and take it to AZ, but Chuck and Dar are doubting my word. Really hurts me. They have no need for it except to sell it for cash.When Jill got home we walked over to a big mall for dinner and to browse a bit, then back home—up all those stairs we had gone down!! Sept 4 = Up early – Jill has left at midnight to drive to pick up Dan at Hanover Base. She got stuck in traffic jam at that hour and was 45 minutes late/ They brought some other military guy back and dropped him off somewhere, but with him in the car Jill got no sleep/ They arrived just before 9 and I was ready to leave so said my hellos and goodbyes and they went to  bed. Jill was going to try to sleep a bit then go in to work, and I loaded the car and headed West. Nuvi took me on a tour of the town-right next to the Pentagon and then headed North- I stopped and checked and this wasn’t the road I had wanted to be on but easier to follow it than try to find my way back to the other road. Somewhere on Route 50, a windy road in the country I came upon a cow in the road. It kept going back and forth, its hoofs slipping on the pavement as cars stopped and waited for a safe time to drive on. Later I was stopped by a cop—I had been clocked at 69 going down a steep grade—limit was 55, but he just talked to me and gave a verbal warning. Finally back onto a real freeway and home. I went by the house to pick up the mail and it appears no one has been there since I left. Next stop my motorhome, unloaded and tried to put all the stuff I had brought over earlier away. It’s going to take some time to get organized. Here it is after 10 and I am not in bed yet. Since Charlie died I just keep putting off going to bed as long as I can! Sept 5th- Saturday – Up early and started trying to reduce the number of emails but they come in as fast as I delete them! Still over 200. Finally went out for milk- had to find a store near here-after driving a couple miles realized the Sam’s Club is just behind me a bit. I spent the day putting more stuff away and it is looking pretty good in here. But bedtime comes early with no elec-I only have enough to use the refrigerator, and using computer but really shouldn’t on that low of voltage. Decided to head over and get the Jeep for the parade on Monday, but when I got to CB could not find it. Looked for a place where Chuck would allow me to park the motorhome since he wants me to leave ACE. Joe parked in the one we used to use. It had electric but not sure about water. I just don’t see any place that would work though he told me there would be. Then down to Larrys shop but that has no hookups either, so took a tour down RT 4 toward Germantown and back home, a big circle. I did stop and do the cache that a fellow cacher had dedicated to Cubpilot (aka Charlie) (GC1Y41Q) and he did a good job with it. Back to motorhome and by now dark so off to bed. I did call Darryl about the Jeep and he told me Chuck had locked it up and taken the keys, which include a motorhome key and other personal keys of mine. Darryl said he would meet me tomorrow so I could get the Jeep for the parade.Sept 6-Sunday. A very business like and not friendly, email from Chuck stating that they do not believe what Charlie told me about the Jeep because he did not call or have a notary write it down. It was 10 pm and he had no idea he would be in a coma the next day – so therefore I am a liar. If I had told them that Charlie said to give Dar or one of them something special I suspect they would believe that, but not when it is something in my favor. I will not be able to get the Jeep out for the parade and I feel bad that Darryl is in the middle of this. What could he do when Chuck demanded the keys! Now they want to give me the oldest Ford Taurus in the company and it can’t even be towed behind the motorhome. Charlie had also told me he wanted me to have all my fuel and food paid for till I got safely to AZ, and they offered $1000 when I leave—that may get me half way home fuel wise! None of them have called or emailed since I returned. I am really feeling alone. First I lose Charlie and now his family. I’m guessing there is a family thing tomorrow for Labor Day but no one has invited me. I thought I was through crying but this has been a bad day and I am so very sad. Chuck did tell me I could move back to the house—that they were so anxious for them to move into – and now not in any hurry. That took all the rest of the day to pack up, a couple of car loads and move back. I am not comfortable in the house. It’s big and empty and with the changes they made not at all comfortable, but if I want elec and a toilet I guess this is it till I am have all my plans in place. I miss Charlie much more over here than in the comfort of the motorhome. Oh, why couldn’t he have just even wrote ‘Connie Jeep Yes’ on a paper and signed it, but he didn’t cause he kept saying his kids would take care of me!  So it looks like my new life will not only have no Charlie in it, but no Jeep to continue what we both liked so much to do. I need to put my stuff away here but I am reluctant to do so—will do what I can to get gone as soon as I can, and forget my dreams of finally finding a real family to be part of. And my knee that I fell on in Ottawa is still puffy, black, blue, dark pink, green, and no pain to walk but today I just leaned against something and it has not stopped hurting since. Ankle still swelled a bit too, but not hurting. Didn’t help packing all that stuff from motorhome to car to motorhome to house either. Before I left the motorhome I opened the refrigerator for something and a Corona beer jumped out, hit the floor cap side down and splintered into a million tiny pieces plus the beer running across the floor. I had glass all around my bare feet and had to carefully back out and start cleaning out the mess! So much cleaning to do there when I do get back in it!September 7th—Could not sleep, I need my pillow that I had forgotten to brong from the motorhome and will get it tomorrow. I was finally up at 4:30 and tired all day but couldn’t nap. A huge thunder storm this morning and rain poured!  It finally quit just before the parade was to have started but I didn’t go cause by then would have had to park a long ways away and more storm predicted. I did gather more of Lindas stuff together for Ruta and Jessica who may come by today. (they didn’t-she was not feeling well). Still trying to catch up on emails and now down to 120! I finally put all my stuff away here and it looks better. Then this afternoon another thunder storm and rained even harder. This house needs new gutters, or hopefully just need cleaning. I heard a drip and traced it to the bay window in kitchen where it is coming in over the window in a tiny crack. It rained so hard that our street looked like a river, all the way across it! Visibility was way down. Joan called – they are on their way to Alaska for their annual fishing trip. Anyway it was what Charlie would have called a wasted day. September 8, 2009, a Tuesday and my 69th Birthday. This was always a special day for Charlie and me—Out somewhere for a 4 or 5 star dining experience – We were in Atlanta for one, then Chicago and then Cincinnati last year. He made my day fun. I took some stuff to the motorhome and brought some back. I have not found the Jeep registration yet-It has to be in the stuff I gave Dar earlier. I took my big ladder back, and with it was able to pull the ‘shrubbery’ out of the top of the rear slide out!  Dar had answered a few small questions for me so making some progress. Tiffin called and we talked about the motorhome getting fixed. I sent them the list of stuff that needed attention and hope I can be ready to take care of that late Sept or mid Oct. Driving down there is still scary for me, but once I am on a freeway I will be ok. It is fuel stations that scare me! And finding my way alone – it always took the two of us to get anywhere, even with NUVI. I’m looking at his fuel list and see we have not gotten any fuel since on the way home in Spiceland, and not sure what state that is, possibly Indiana?? So with coming on home, spending the week in Columbus and using the generator so much it will be low to start off with. There is a place we always stopped a ways into Kentucky that I hope I can get to. This morning was foggy, not bad here, but radio had many schools starting late because of it! If this were Oregon kids would never get to school on time! I did have several calls and emails from friends, even our dentist, but not a word from any of Charlies’ family. I hunted everywhere for the phone charger, really thinking I had used it here, and finally gave up and drove back to the motorhome—where I found it 3d place I looked (or is that ‘the last place I looked?’).  More thunder storms this afternoon and tonight. It has rained so much here this summer that it still looks like early green spring, though leaves are starting to fall here and there. John IM’d me and he was going to be kicked out of his apt in 3 days—sent more money to him-I sure hope he finds work soon cause I can’t afford him much longer! He has quit drinking, and smoking less, also eating less! Just got a bit of old furniture but is trying to sell it so he can eat and hoping to give blood again. Off to bed finally!Sept 9th—I’m just not sleeping good. Had to get up this morning though and go to doctors to have blood drawn to see if the cholesterol and thyroid meds are doing their jobs. After coming home I didn’t go out any more-just hung around here. I had good intentions of getting stuff done but didn’t do anything. Bob Biehn had called and I though he was coming by but they had to go look at a house they may buy. Around 7 Ruta and Ryan, 14 and Jessie, 16 this weekend, came by. I have been putting stuff of Linda’s - the kids grandmother - aside for them and while here we found a few more things they wanted of hers. There were dishes from Jessies great grandmother that she will really appreciate some day, though she was impressed by them now and they had handwritten note on them from grandma Linda to Jessie. They stayed a couple hours and we all enjoyed the visit. Jessie b’day party is Saturday and I will try to get to it.September 10th—Happy Birthday Darlene. I am still getting settled back into the house and about the time I am done putting stuff away will be time to pack up the motorhome and be on the road. I did get my application to a credit union mailed and will move from Wells Fargo as soon as possible, ~ they have started charging me $25 per month service charge and can’t talk them out of it so will move—The big banks don’t need my money anyway. Dar was over this afternoon to pick up Charlies mail and bring me the plant Livingstons had sent. She also brought the hitch for the motorhome and the part off the Jeep! I guess that makes it final that Charlie is not getting what he wanted for the Jeep and I am car-less for the trip home and no more Jeeping! That really hurts and I really feel Chuck is doing it for ‘control’ and $$’s. Somehow I have to get my stuff out of the Jeep! Lots of personal stuff still in it and Jim’s tools! Darlene never mentioned anything about it. I ordered a camera stand (joby gorillapod)  for Jessies birthday party sat night. She really liked mine so seemed like a good idea. Later Jim, a guy I had met on line, called me and we talked for a long time, ending with a date for a drive tomorrow afternoon. Should be interesting ~ I feel strange going out but sure will be nice to have someone to talk too.Sept 11—The 8th anniversary of the 9/11 twin towers attack in NYC. So sad watching those pictures again, but still, we need to watch them to remember. Dar was coming over but not here by the time I took off for my ‘date’. He was nice enough but doesn’t listen – only concerned with talking about himself—I would guess that if he were asked could not tell you anything about anything I had said. We did go to an Arboretum that I had not known about and I will go back – it is a neat place. Also, Dar told me the ‘cub’ was sold today –she was coming by to get some cub stuff from here. I asked Jim to drive us out to the hanger so I could say goodbye to ‘cubby’! I hope it has a good home. It is all cleaned up and looks terrific. We stopped for coffee and a choc milkshake for me and back home by 6. He wanted to touch and hug and hard to avoid it, though I tried. I think he might be nice for a friend, but not a mate, but I think he is thinking that, and I told him I was leaving in a couple of weeks so I think he is rushing things. I have decided that this was not a good idea. Tonight Dan called me and we talked for 1 ½ hours. He and I have corresponded and used each others shoulders for over 3 years now. We do not plan to meet, we just enjoy our friendship and being able to be honest with each other about things in our lives. This is only 2nd or 3d time we have talked and did enjoy it. Sept 12th- Up early and off to Walmart for groceries and I bought a new printer, for less than the HP cartridges for the HP we had in the motorhome! It is also smaller and lighter. It’s a beautiful day out, finally like summer! I hung around here till late afternoon, then a trip to the motorhome and then on to Huber Heights where I attended the 16th birthday party for Jessie-my adopted grandchild! It was a luau and outside. Around 16 teens came and went—We ate and played games and I really enjoyed being around teens.  Linda, Charlies significant other before me, is the mother of Jessie’s father Greg and wife Ruta. They also have a son Ryan who is 14. Jessie has missed her grandmother and we get along great so I’m going to enjoy her and Ryan. It looks like I am out of the Biehns life so have to reluctantly and sadly give up Nik and Charlie3 as grandkids!  Ruta and Greg gave Jessie a car for her birthday—now she has to get a license! It’s a used Ford Bronco SUV but in great shape. I left after 9 and headed back to my lonely house. As usual hard to get to sleep – hope it improves after I move into the motorhome and leave here. I heard from Wayne, Carols ex, and he can come and ride with me while I drive back to AZ. Sept 13-Sunday- and finally a summer day! Another trip to the motorhome. I have one more box of stuff for John that I had been going to take to him when we left Washington but since we came straight home am having to find everything and mail it to him. This is 3d and I think last box of stuff. Had a long phone call from Wayne and Ro and a surprise email from Martin in Scottsdale AZ. Finally got the emails down to 50!!  I also sold 80 more golf balls today-and he may bring friends back for more. I even actually cooked a meal for me! I have just been grazing but make chicken cacciatore from recipe Becky gave me.Sept 14th- A Monday, a blue Monday! It started out good but later I went to the motorhome to get the box to mail to John, then out to CB to empty the Jeep of my personal stuff. It was locked up tight and Darryl did not have the key. He called Chuck who said Dar had it and she was out of town for a day or two. I had really wanted to get this over with. After getting home Darlene came by, I guess she was not out of town, to ‘have a little talk with me’. The gist of it is they need money and the Jeep is a start on getting some. Also the piper cub-already sold, this house and the 4 duplex rentals will be sold. I was not sympathetic to her. Her take is that they are giving me $300,000 of gifts. We only paid $160T for the coach, which has to be appraised now, and 45%-the Inheritance tax- goes not to me but to the government.  BTW Dar said Darryl had the key and Darryl thought Chuck had it. So when they decide who has it maybe I can clean out my stuff. I am really stressed tonight. I did hear from Tiffin today and they don’t have any appts for months! They will put me on list for cancelations. They will cover most of the problems under warranty, but some will not be and Chuck and Dar had told me, at least in the past, that they would cover those. Dar also told me in lieu of a car they will give me $2000 to get back to AZ and cover car rentals and fuel. I would rather have had the jeep but I guess this is it! So sad, but money rules!Sept 15th – a do nothing day. It is bedtime and I’m still in my ‘jammies’! Just hung around all day and am bored! Tiffin called and suggested I come down as soon as I can before the bigger crunch of snowbirds arrives! They do have a campground for $10 a night while I wait, but no vehicle to use and town and stores are a ways off. So will see what I can do here to get things rolling and then be off. I really can’t account for what I did today-nothing worth remembering! As Charlie would say—A wasted day! I do have hives from the stress of the last few days and they hurt! Still, I’m thankful my Lupus affects my skin and not my internal organs as it does to so many people. I did order a phone for John who lost his other one – at least it only had a few minutes left on it!Sept 16th Wednesday—Up early to the pounding of hammers-a guy was out on the deck-right outside the bedroom window-fixing up the deck! I went to store for my pills, and bought a radio for John. Tried to get the box of clothes and ‘stuff’ for him mailed, but UPS and FexEX wanted $51 dollars!!!! USPS was even higher! So not mailed yet! I did 2 geocaches, but just not any fun alone and hard for me to drive AND watch GPS. Sure do miss my honey, for this and so many other things every day! Sept 17th-thur-Up early again and the workers were here at 8, though Dana had called a bit before to let me know. Later Dana and Darlene showed up to see what all needs repair here so they can sell the house. They are both wanting to remodel the entire place—I disagree with them, but not my house. They are talking about major moneys and making choices that I feel buyers would rather make. The guys worked on the deck all day, not done yet. We talked about selling a few big items on Craigs list but could not get a commitment out of them. I sent email to an RV dealer about 50 miles from here to see if he can do the repairs that I would prefer to have in AL, but getting to be more and more of a hassle-can’t get appt-have to just go there and wait till they have the time to do it, and with no car to explore the countryside would be really boring! I am getting anxious to get out of here- though I have commitments until after 23rd of sept.Sept 18th-I could not sleep last night—I guess just too much going on and too many decisions that need making. I got up and did some house stuff, tried reading, tossed and turned, and finally sometime after 4 finally got to sleep. Then around 9:15 the phone rang! It was Dana and after that could not get back to sleep so got up and showered. Over to the motorhome, some shopping that didn’t pan out—Mailed Johns last package – he also got his new phone today. The guys worked on the deck most of the day again. I had emailed an RV dealer about 50 miles away about doing the motorhome work, but he told me I would be better off at the factory-that it would take 3-4 weeks at any dealers by the time they ordered and got all the parts and then hoped they got the right ones and also could not do fiberglassing. So it looks like back to Alabama and am now negotiating with John and Barb Martin to go down with me and then they drive back. If I can get some boxes will start sorting things out here to make it easier for the kids to clean—pictures in one, Charlies personal in one, Charlies company memorabilia, etc. I am bored and need to do something! Ruta called and I am going to a 'HalfTime USA Band Festival' with bands from 10 high schools showing off their routines. I enjoyed it- sure different from when I was in the high school band! Well, off to bed and hope it’s better tonight. Sept 19th—I did finally get to sleep in a bit, but Dana woke me to say a guy would be by at 10:30 to look at bathroom tile floors. So I hung around here and finally called her back at 12:30 to say he had never arrived. I loaded the car with stuff I don’t need for everyday use, getting ready to leave. Dar had sent  me a note saying she would bring the Jeep key over here today (but she never did!) and that Joe was going to take the motorhome somewhere for a value assessment on  Monday. I told her I would be there – that he was not driving off in that alone! And they do not want any help with the stuff in the house – only family will do that, he had told me what he wanted done with some of the stuff but they do not want imput on anything. I had thought a few days ago that things were going rather smoothly again, but now am convinced it is really not. I want to get gone from here. All the mis-trust and such is spoiling my memories. I have ear doc appt tue morn so will try to take off for Alabama after that. I had been mentioning the tow dolly all week in my notes to Dar and suddenly today she happened to mention that they had sold that!  Well, that takes care of John going with me as we needed that for his car to come back home, and looks like he will not be available till end of week anyway, so, I have decided to go it alone. Scary, but I think once I get it fueled up, I will do fine. Would be nice to have a co-pilot, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. From AL to AZ still in the air too as we were planning on using the tow dolly for Waynes Jeep too. Now don’t know what is going to happen. I guess if I get to AL alright I can prob get on to AZ by myself! I did apply for a site at Canyon Vista in Gold Canyon – should hear from them soon.  John M just called me and he reluctantly says he will drive down with me this week-end, but I think I will just leave Tuesday.Sept 20th Sunday—Took a load to motorhome and tried to find water drain, but no luck. Found out the hitch needed some more repair.  Dar was to bring Jeep key by but didn’t. I just hung around, bored, and not even a book to read- Finally found an old Readers Digest! I think I am ready to leave. Picked up my Avon order from a month ago too—Just busy work today.Sept 21-Up early and took stuff to the motorhome and put stuff away. Running out of room! Finally got a hold of Darryl and he has the Jeep key at last! I took the tow hitch out with me—It does not lock when I swing it up to not be used. They redid a part on it. I cleaned the Jeep out—took everything that was mine from my Tracker and Jims tools. Then shopping for ice cube trays for my John, milk and books for me—but left them in the car or I will be up all night reading! John called several times and he and Jake are planning to go with me, BUT, I have been on the computer for hours trying to get a one way rental car back to here—and there is no such thing. Avis did have some, but all are ‘out’, so not sure what will happen. I may be going alone yet! Carol and I talked for a long time tonight too—So finally off to bed—but the sheets and my PJs are in the clothes dryer—I forgot about putting them in earlier—Sept 22-Tueday-Up early and loaded up the last stuff and the refrigerator stuff, said goodby to the house and the life I have had there and off to the Motorhome. Put stuff away and tried to clean it up a bit. Took an package to UPS then across town to my ear doctor who tested me again and only made minor changes on my hearing aids, Back to motorhome and only there about 2 minutes before John and Jake arrived. John checked tires for air, one was down quite a bit and aired it and checked everything that needed checking. I took the Dish receiver (Dar had called 3 times telling me I HAD to get that out and get it to her) and some other stuff of Charlies to the office where a receptionist gave me a sealed envelope with my ‘travel/fuel’ money-check in it. Dana arrived and was very cold to me – I thought we were closer than that. I asked for and later she brought out a paper giving me permission to take the motorhome out of state and just handed it to me and no words, no goodbyes or anything-Chuck never came out of his office! So much for a warm and fuzzy sendoff! I was hurt that not one of the family called or told me goodbye, but it was not unexpected. We headed out at 12:02 and first stop was Sam’s club for fuel—and it refused my Sam’s card ~ said it was not valid-so I guess I’m already off the company card-didn’t even wait for it to expire. We had 5 gallons of emergency fuel Charlie had stashed so put that in as we were pretty low. Then off again and about 7 miles S of town stopped at a Pilot, and had nothing but trouble getting fueled, 3 trips to the office-we were furthest stall out, and then when I turned the pump off John was all excited – seems I had left the gas cap on the other side open- and fuel came spewing out it and all over!! Finally off again and drove straight to the Alabama border – a fast trip too. Charlie put the speed on 62 and said others could pass him if they needed, John drove at 70 to 80 all the way! I spent most of the time on the computer at the table looking for a car rental one way back to Dayton! There is no such thing! They advertise such but it does not happen! We stopped for the night at Decatur AL, had dinner at Ryans Buffet-much more food than I needed, then on to a Comfort hotel for the guys-they did not want to sleep in here. I am parked in the Hotel parking lot. I enjoyed listening to the guys talk about their experiences in boot camp in the 50s. It had been a long day but almost to Red Bay, though we still have no way to get the guys back to Dayton. I had told them I could not find anything and suggested they bring a car but they were both so sure I was wrong. We even stopped at a Welcome center in AL and they helped them for about an hour and did not find them a way home. I suggested the go to a truck stop and each get a ride with a trucker! Lol  -  So it’s off to bed for me.Sept 23- Up early and started looking for a way home for the guys again- nothing yet. They came to coach about 8:30 to get me for breakfast in the motel. Then we called Tiffin and they will take us to a rental when we find one. It rained during the night, but was dry when we left. Shortly after started it started again, quite heavy, and we cannot get the wipers to operate except on spray water to clean mode! They are reading all the instructions but not working. They are edgy today, and I don’t blame them, about getting home – though I really did suggest strongly that we drive their car down here. Finally figured out the wipers.  And finally we arrived at Red Bay, Alabama-on the Mississippi/Alabama border. We first drove into the new Tiffins shop, and they directed us down the road a piece to the campgrounds and repair sheds. Really impressive seeing a sea of Tiffins, all ages parked in 3 long rows! I am in space 22, furthest row out but a straight shot to the office doors. Since it had rained all was wet and puddles, and you’ve never seen anything till you try to walk in THAT mud, even on the gravel it is slippery as all get out-I almost fell everytime I got near it! After much negotiating we finally found a car and then the journey began---- I am sooo sleepy- We arrived here with still no way for the guys to go back- They had been so confident that they could just get a one way rental anyplace, though I had tried all I knew of and all said NO--only between major airports and not all of them , and then they need to have a car that needs to be 'returned' to said airport. I suggested several times that they just drive Johns car down!! After getting here and having everyone try they finally gave up and I was finally able to get a 24 hr turnaround rental. A Tiffin guy took us to the rental place about 40 minutes away-got car and left around 3:30, John and Jake took turns driving and only got lost once in Louisville when Jake tried to find a place to pull off to trade drivers and ended up on another freeway heading wrong way. We arrived back in Centerville at close to 1 AM. I tried to sleep on the way but couldn't- all to wound up!! Sept 24th Thursday - - -So guys picked up their car at Ace in Centerville and headed home to Springfield; I bought a big coffee to go and headed back south! This side of Louisville as I left a Rest Area I hit a chunk of concrete, prob a curb that a trucker had ran over and broke????, who knows, but I did not see it and it shredded my tire--we are talking 3AM! and rain. (drove about 1/4+ mile before realizing problem was serious and stopping), and me beside the road feeling VERY vulnerable!! Finally a cop showed up, then I got hold of the roadside assistance who said they couldn’t get anyone out for at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours! The cop finally, and very reluctantly, changed the tire. I had gotten the tire out but no way could I get the nut off the mickey mouse jack stand. Even he had a very hard time of it and then had to figure out how to open it and make it work with no instructions. But eventually back on the road, and then had to go to the airport to AVIS which opened at 5 am-it is now 4:40--still pouring rain and took a while even with Nuvi to find it but they were great and gave me a new rental and I was on my way again-soooo glad I had opted for the extra insurance!!-So I started out in a black Pontiac and arrived back in AL in a white Chevy! Arrived back at airport in Muscle Shoals Alabama around noon and the guy to meet me was there about 5 minutes after. I had called him when I was an hour out-- Sure glad that is over! But no shower since Tues morn and no sleep since a short night Tuesday night! I am bushed!!! But back, and in the coach, and will just wait now--They 'may' be able to do the fiberglassing soon, so really need to know if insurance will cover it. The rest could be 2 weeks plus before they get started!! The park has 93 sites and all but a few full of Tiffins waiting. They have 44 bays to work on stuff. I only have a few items that could take a while- most are little things that can be taken care of quickly. It is hot and VERY muggy! I napped for about an hour but just to wound up to really sleep—Oh, I drove by the Saturn car factories, somewhere on Hwy 43 between Nashville and on the way to Muscle Shoals—love that name!!!Sept 25th –I got a very good 10 hour sleep last night and feel much better this morning. And finally a well needed shower! About 9:30 a guy came to tell me that it would be 2 ½ weeks before I get service. I tried to find someone who can do the appraisal for probate. Dar had called Tiffin and we were under the impression I could get it done here, but no one here knows anything about it. Then no water. I got out the book and tried all things it mentioned but no water. Saw a guy wandering around so asked him to help and he told me all the water was off. His wife went to office and they said some customer had hit a faucet and broke it and water would be off till it was fixed. I was glad it was not my problem, I’m sure I will have many of my own making as I go along! Nothing else exciting the rest of the day- Just hot and muggy and boring. Now a weekend where no work will be getting done and there are a lot of empty spaces in the park so that means several are repaired and out of here.Sept 26th A Saturday and nothing happening here at the Tiffin factory repair shop. I woke to grey skies and shortly it began to RAIN! Torrents of it! Looks like we are parked in a lake! I started quickly closing windows, but the 2 bedroom ones already had rain pouring in – this is one of the things I need fixed—the awning is to narrow, letting rain pour down the sides and straight into the bedroom windows- even if they are open just a tiny bit! This is what drowned Charlies phone a while back!  Later a lady named Susan came by to see if I wanted to go to the store with her, but I wasn’t even out of my jammies yet! Finally did get dressed and out to empty my chair of water. Took garbage out and talked with Susan and husband Craig for a bit, another guy came by and we compared leaking windows, he came over to look at mine, and ended up fixing my TV-I couldn’t even get it to turn on, but with a bit of magic he did it! But was not worth it – there are 3 stations  here- 1 is hunting, fishing and guns etc, and the other 2 are nothing but cooking and travel, both the same station. No news, no nothing else! Not too exciting! Still trying to catch up on emails, down to 75 tonight—A pretty sunset and quickly dark around here. My good news is I have lost 21 lbs now! And all my pants are falling off – I had to get a belt!! But I feel better and I hope I look better too.Sept 27th Last night I took a ‘real’ sleeping pill and was out by 9! Woke this morning about 9 feeling groggy, but took shower, ate and did jigsaws on computer. Went to bedroom around 11 for something and thought it would feel good to lay down a minute or two and when I woke it was AFTER 3 PM!  I guess I am still not caught up on my sleep! Rain again this morning but clear and blue in afternoon. Went through stuff in the files and have started a stack to send back to the Biehns. Also gave me a chance to see where stuff is in case I need it. I have stacks of stuff and papers all over waiting for me to find a place for them. Way too much stuff in here! Two boxes to be mailed tomorrow-that will help with the clutter. It is 9 m and I am off to bed again!!!Sept 28th- A lousy nights sleep but up early. Didn’t do much till around 11 when I showered and went to the offices to see about a car to borrow. Finally a guy gave me the key to one- a Chevy Citation! – I don’t know what year but it had lead a hard life!! The back of the seat was permanently in the ‘nap’ position so had nothing to lean against. Couldn’t get the hand brake off-really was pulled on as tight as possible, and this is a stick shift, but that is least of my worries-I can drive that! Finally got it into reverse and left the lot for downtown and considering the size of the town I could not find the postoffice – even Nuvi was confused and took me to several different locations, but finally found it and as I pulled into lot to park it was uphill just a bit. I stopped, put it in 1st and it rolled backwards, tried again and same thing and now I know why the emergency brake was on so tight! Mailed my packages and then could not get it into reverse at all! Finally just let it roll back and turned sharply, going just barely far enough back to go to 1st gear and miss a sign to get out of the lot. Next stop was the Piggly Wiggly-I haven’t seen one of those since my early childhood!! I pulled in a space that would not require backing up to leave the lot, did my shopping and took the wreck back to the factory! What an experience—At least I blended in with the other towns people!!  Just hung around here the rest of the day. Every day I try to get some area cleaned, sorted or whatever, hoping by the time I leave here everything will be in great shape.Sept 29th – Up early again but did sleep last night. I don’t seem to get going to early these days-finally a shower and today did the entire bedroom, emptied everything and started over—then I did all the wood in bedroom with Old English—and will work my way through the entire coach in next day or two. Would like to do the outside too, but not sure I can handle that alone. Still can’t find a radio station that gives news and have just given up on the TV.Sept 30th, a Wednesday and the last day of another month! Not a good night of sleeping, again! It was cold too, down to 48. I did the woodwork in the bathroom area today, then sorted through some shelves in the living room, found some stuff I had forgotten we had—like the envelopes we could never find!! Dar got me a claim number from the insurance so I was able to get Tiffin over here to give an estimate on the fiberglassing repairs on the rear. He didn’t tell me how much but was sending it to the insurance company direct – Charlie did have $1000 deductable so they probably won’t cover any of it. But it was worth a try. So another day gone by-I have been here since last Tuesday evening, though Wed and Thur were taken up with getting John and Jake home – so maybe I am closer to getting work done??
]]> Charlies battle with Leukemia — Dayton, Ohio, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251803183/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251803183/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251803183/tpod.html Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:02:30 -0400 August-- Losing Charlie and starting a new chapter in my life

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Dayton, Ohio, United States

A note-- as of this blog, I can put info in by 'places' or happenings so always look at the bottom of this first blog to see more listed, then click on them to read. August 1, 2009 – I could not sleep and finally after midnight took a sleeping pill—but was still up at 7:15! Charlie was off to Springfield and I caught up on house things here. Reboxed over 2000 more golf balls too. Then discovered I have 2 doctor appts at the same time Monday. I thought I had all of them straightened out with no conflicts, but missed this one. Both for long tests so will be hard to reschedule, and now I cannot notify the one till Monday morning, and appt was for 8:30! Left a message at the hospital but who know when they will check those! Charlie played golf today so not home till after 3. He caught me napping! At 6:30 we met with his friends, Linda and Phil, and Suzee and Ray at Marion's Pizza. I love their pizza! We spent 2 hours just eating and talking – I enjoy them. Phil had a new Corvette to show off- a pretty dark green.August 2 Sunday-I was up at 7 and Charlie followed after 10. He has been running a small fever the last couple of days but we don’t have a thermometer with us.  We went out to ACE, swept the concrete on the side of the building and moved the motorhome over there. Now we will be able to get electric to keep the batteries charged. This week they will get a cord into the building. Next stop was at CB where we left the broken hitch for Darrell, his maintenance man to rebuild. Leaving there we drove to Larry’s shop but he was not there but on the way back Charlie spied a small trail going down beside a bridge so we tried it out. It is apparently an ATV trail, judging from the width of it, but we managed to do all the little and some big dirt climbs. As we left we saw more trail leading down to the Creek so you know where Charlie went! Down under the bridge and across the creek where we could see a faint trail - -followed it for a bit and then into the creek-muddy and probably 10-24 inches-till we could not/should not go without someone to tow us out. He stopped and contemplated it for some time and then reluctantly backed across the creek and we headed home.  He went to Walmart for some groceries, to return a 'jack’ that had broken first use, a thermometer and to look for new tow safety cables for the Jeep/motorhome. No cables but got everything else. We ate dinner and he took his temp-101.4 – at 101.5 he is to notify his doctor—any bets that he will do it?? Now at 8PM he is sitting here in his chair at the table sound asleep. And he does not look well. Lethargic most of the last 2 days, but does have chemo tomorrow in Columbus, his last one up there – the rest will be just a few miles from home.  A bit after 8 I got him awake long enough to go to bed!August 2, Monday – Up early and I finally reached the hospital to cancel my one appointment, then off to Dayton to my other appt and Charlie was off to Columbus for his chemo. I had a nerve conduction study, a CUS and a TCD—whatever that stands for. I was home after 11 and got our laundry done. Charlie had a bad night. That temperature he has had gotten bad – he had gone to bed at 8, and when I went at 10 I reached over to touch him and he was literally dripping water! He got up and I pulled the covers back and the bed was drenched! The pillow wet through and his entire side of the bed just soaked—clear into the mattress. We got him dry bedding so he could get back to sleep. At least the fever seemed to have broken.  When he called from Columbus this evening he said his temp had been back up to 101.6 while up there but seemed normal now. They were way behind on his transfusions and chemo so he won’t be home till at least 9PM. Starting to rain again and maybe thunder storms again tonight.  Almost 11PM and still no Charlie. Hope he arrives soon – it’s been a long day for him! And he did arrive at 11, after stopping on the way home for a waffle. We had a small bowl of tapioca and off to bed. He is still running some temperature.August 4-Tuesday- I had a bad night sleeping and to add to that we had a severe thunderstorm! The sky was lit up constantly for a couple of hours-lots of close lightening too. Our street looked like a fast flowing river! Charlie had a high enough temperature to go to emergency room as dictated by Dr Byrd, but you know he did not go! He has blood in his mouth again – happens often and we do not know why and he does not ask the doctor about it. He didn’t get up till after 10 and Dar came by shortly after that to have him sign some papers. She asked him about a small problem at the factory – getting routine maintenance done – and he lit into her, she is only a woman, she can’t change anything, wasn’t her business to take that on, and she had never held a full time job! She had, too, when she worked full time for CB! Short of it was he had her in tears and both wanted me to take their side! After she left he ate and took off at 12:45 for a Dr appt at 2pm 8 miles away. Hope he wasn’t driving to the wrong doctor-supposed to be Dayton, not Columbus! It is thundering again and so dark you cannot see without the lights on. Charlie called about 2:15 and he was at the correct doctor, and they were putting him in the hospital right now! He said they told him ‘hospital or go home and die’!! Can’t get much plainer than that! He will have his chemo there tomorrow. He is going to call later and I will take him his computer and whatever else he wants. Big thunders and rain again (yet!). I headed to the Miami Valley Hospital about 4, had trouble parking the Jeep- it is 6’6" and the parking garage is 6’8” and I choose not to chance it. Nothing has been done for him yet, his temp is still up, though they did take lots of blood to do cultures to try to find what his infection is. I ate dinner with him-he ordered extra- and was home by 7. Seems he is spending a lot of time in the hospitals lately, and me home alone. He is ‘down’ tonight-well who wouldn’t be—It’s been a while since he really felt good. Dar and I talked several times today.August 5 Wednesday- I didn’t sleep good but had to get up early for a doctor appt. I have a growth on my finger- It has been frozen off twice and cut out once and is back bigger than ever. No one seems to know what is causing it. I was referred to a hand surgeon, and even he didn’t know what it was. Thinks it ‘might’ be a strange wart, but only way to know is to cut it out and biopsy it and if a wart it will just grow back! I am going to try to get the biopsy that charlatan in AJ ‘said’ he had done-he never notified me about it. I guess I will have to learn to live with it. Got home about 11 and had email from Charlie, and WOW – he is in serious trouble!!He has SEPSIS, a life treatening infection and hard to fight even with an immune system, and he has NO immune system!! Here are 2 sites with some info in it and you can Google for more. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sepsis.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000666.htm He said that he could be in the hospital from a week to ???, depending on how his body responds. Not sure what is happening with the chemo, if they will give it or suspend it for now. This is really serious. I called Dar and she will tell Chuck and Joe. He wants clothes so will take him some this evening.Wednesday evening - Dar and I visited Charlie today and Chuck and little kids were arriving after we left. Not really any news but did talk with the bacteriologist. They do not know just what is causing the infection so have him on a strong intravenous antibiotic that covers a broad range of infections. They are doing cultures and hope by Friday to have the name of his infection so they can target it specifically. His temp was up to 102.3 while we were there, and they had hoped the antibiotic would have begun to kick in by now. He really feels 'punk', just not good. As I was leaving he held my hand and said he didn’t think he could beat this one! I am very sad this evening – I can’t imagine not having my Charlie around!August 6th- I hung around here all morning, finally took a long shower and off to see Charlie. Tom Trokelman was visiting with him when I arrived. Then Dr Yanes arrived – I had not met him before. He did not deliver good news. They still don’t know what the infection is and are changing to a broader anti-biotic to try and catch the culprit, hoping to start the fever going down even before they get the results. Charlie wanted to go home tomorrow, but Doc put an end to that – said he might get out next week, or after the weekend, but they MUST get the fever down. He was 101+ today.  Jim in Moab called and we talked about Charlie and then about the deal to help him out in his new business –Outlaw Jeep Tours. Charlie declined because of his health but I am still interested. He has done a great job with the business so far and has some good ideas for next season. Charlie had helped him develop the new ideas while we were out there. Carol and I talked about her weekend in Bend and visiting Jerry in Sisters. August 7th-Friday- I was up at 6-could not get back to sleep. Bobby Biehn called and we made arrangements to meet at the hospital. Dar called and is picking me up in a few minutes to go to hospital and Bob Biehn, wife Patty and son Jacob showed up. They brought Charlie 3 little flowerpots with succulents in them, really nice. Jacob is around 4 and is a Downs syndrome child. Cute as a button and so huggable and cute. Charlie really enjoyed the visit but it wore him out. After they left I got him to take a walk in the halls- his back was hurting from being in the bed so long. He did say today that he thought this might be the end, that he had the feeling he would not make it home this time. I didn't leave till after 3. Dr Yanes was in earlier, the test results are not back yet, but his temp was 99 today, so maybe, just maybe, the new antibiotics are beginning to do some good. The doctor wasn't really encouraging, but did say he really expected Charlie to be gone 5 years ago-glad he didn't place any bets on it! He said if it were any other patient he would not be giving much hope, that Charlie on 'paper' looks very bad, but in person he is much better than his records would suggest! Everyone at the hospital is amazed when they find out he has had CLL for 20+ years, and according to the doctor, the worst kind of CLL one could get, and still going!  He is bored, no appetite, he doesn't feel good and he wants to come home.August 8-Saturday—Dar and family and Kim and Charlie3 were in to visit. Sometime during the day he noticed his leg hanging over the side of the bed and could not feel it!! He can move it and control it though. They dook him for an MRI thinking maybe a TIA, but no results till tomorrow. Dar called me as they left the hospital to fill me in. I wasn’t going in till around 5 but after this call I headed down there (2:30). He cannot feel from mid thigh to mid calf. But he can stand on it and control it.  He is still hot and sweaty but temp only indicates high of 99.6. We finally decided he really did need a shower. I got him into the shower and sat him in a chair. Took forever for the water to get warm and then I scrubbed him – I was WET when it was done but he smelled a lot better. Then had to get him into new gown and pants—hard for him to stand on one foot to get bottoms on and finally dressed and now his feet do not want to lift to walk and he is listing to the right-nurse got on one side and me on other and we eventually got him back into his clean bed. Now the leg is beginning to move-vibrate, twitch, jerk, whatever, but he can think it to stop and it does – that is good. Dar and I were on the phone several times this evening. At 9:30 the substitute infectious medicine/bacteriologist showed up and was quite concerned and checked him very closely! Determined that there are numb spots in his back too, and ordered an MRI on his spine for tomorrow. He does not know what is going on but it seems serious. He also has shots of neuralgia on his face- right side. All this on his right side seems to indicate a small TIA type stroke, but his talking and reasoning seem good, at least the same—lol. Very lethargic tonight now and keeps saying he just doesn’t understand what his body is doing to him. They brought in scales to weigh him and he is 210. He is not eating but weight seems pretty close to what it was at home. He started at 263 in January on his ‘diet’, which basically consisted of just eating less food, and this time he stuck to it. He again mentioned that he really didn’t think he would be leaving the hospital and we needed to talk about some things. We did a lot of reminiscing about our great years together, and how good things had been for each of us, but mostly he was wanting to make sure I was taken care of with the jeep and the motorhome and enough cash to get me back to AZ, and also to get the repairs done on the jeep and Motorhome. He was so worried about not having gotten those repairs done, he kept saying her wanted everything in tiptop shape before I hooked up the Jeep and headed west. He kept telling me not to worry about a thing, he knew his kids would take care of me. I finally headed home at 10 – and really hated to leave him. He is in a private room, but it has a second bed and we are free to us it any time, for nap or to stay over. I will take advantage of that if things deteriorate more. Joe finally called- He had gone to Sturgis with 3 guys to the motorcycle thing. Lots of car trouble but finally home. He called his dad and never asked how dad was, just rattled on about his trip. Well, that’s Joe. It was late when I reluctantly headed home.August 9—today is my class 51st reunion picnic back in Oregon – the first one I have missed. I called Charlie at 8:30 and he was still sleeping but will shower and head down there soon, planning to spend the day and night.  I called him at 8:45 and he took forever to answer and was sorta incoherent, I asked about his leg and he mumbled ‘what’ leg, so I showered and headed right down there. He was asleep but woke when I touched him but he is not talking, he is whispering very low and has limited vocabulary ‘Oh me, Oh boy, I hurt’. Then back to sleep. Dar arrived and we sat in the hallway talking with the nurse. Seems he was ‘hurting’ about 4 am but he can never say where, Just ‘I hurt, all over’. They gave him Percocet and he slept, but that should be worn off by now and isn’t. He was opening his eyes and looking at us and whispering but I think he was aware we were there. His entire right side is now affected by the ‘no feeling’. Sometime mid morning they gave him morphine. At 1 they took him for an MRI of his spine and said it would be about a half hour. By 2 we were concerned and by almost 3 we were very concerned, By then Chuck and Dana had arrived. They finally told us they had to give him more morphine to calm down the light body tremors he had, and finally they returned him to the room. Joe, Jenny and Joey arrived too. Everyone finally left and then Darlene headed home, leaving me here as I had planned to spend the night. By now his right side had completely ceased to more, his eyes seldom opened and he was not hearing us. About 10 our wonderful nurse decided to call in an assessment team, and what a bunch they were, I lost track but at least 7 non doctors who were great in several fields. They took over and did many tests in room and to send out. By now his left side seemed involved, and when they did what they said was a very painful blood gases test on his arm he did not flinch or flicker an eyelid, so we now know both sides of his body are not functioning. They have also determined with this group looking at yesterday MRI that he did indeed have a stroke, though a strange one because the symptoms came on one at a time, gradually losing more and more. They called Dr Yanes who called Darlene and the decided on a DNR –do not resuscitate- and she came back to spend the night with me. August 10 - By midnight nothing is working, he is not swallowing so the mucus collects in his throat, he cannot control his bladder and his eyes when open are vacant. They gave him more platelets hoping to ease some symptoms and are giving him morphine as needed. Dar is sleeping in 2 chairs and I am on the bed but it’s now 5:15 and I never did get any sleep. I also had to get a guard to take me to my car as it had to be moved to another lot. Bad to think I need a guard here at night but they thought so. They don’t want him to hurt so are doing all they can, though I doubt he would know that he hurts. Not a part of his body has moved on its own for hours now except the swallowing – we keep swabbing his mouth out cause it must by dry. I need sleep but not to be. 5:50 and he is taking a long time between breaths and a couple minutes later his heart was still feebly working. Chuck just arrived and calling Joe. Darlene went for a nurse and when she returned he took a couple more of the long pauses and a gasp and suddenly no more sound! We just cannot believe it-we talked and rubbed and squeezed around his neck hoping to force more breaths but he really was finished with this world. Looking at him laying there without the ability to use any part of his body did convince me that he would never have wanted to survive in that kind of a body. It was time to let him go. We all spent some time alone saying goodbye-he looked so peaceful it was really hard to believe he was gone!  Joe finally arrived but too late, though Charlie was not aware any of us were there. We sat in the room for about an hour talking, then packed up end each headed home, me here to the house where I am now living alone! I was here about 8:30 and waited a bit but finally called Carol-3 hour time difference, and we talked another hour.  Then I started calling the names on my list, which was mostly the people that the family does not know, our out west, caching and 4 wheeling plus a few other friends. Later Dana came by and I showed her all the house lights that do not work since they did the painting and remodeling of our house-she called a guy in and he will be back tomorrow to try to find the answer and fix them. Basement over pool table and over doorway, livingroom and floor lamp and fan, bathroom over tub. Later Chuck arrived and then Dar. They had been at the mortuary talking about arrangements. No one could agree on anything even the day. They finally all left, with clothes for Charlie. I resumed making and returning calls, and finally after 10 started getting myself to bed. I have not slept since the fitful Saturday night. I did forget to mention—while I was sitting here on this hot and muggy day looking out at the lake the sky suddenly darkened and the wind was ferocious whipping and twisting the trees along the lake, followed by very close lightning and thunder—Then the rain came with great force and amount! I laughed to myself and said "Yes Charlie, that was a great good-bye you just sent me’. I think he was telling us he had gotten to his final destination.Aug 11-Tue-is it only Tuesday- seems like days should have gone by. Many phone calls between family and me and incoming calls and still a few I have not called, but getting it all done. The guy came and fixed the lights-It wasn’t a tough job like they had thought-all the dead lights were not connected-he found the problem with each of them except the pool room. It is 3 pm and I still have not eaten- I need to do that but I also have to get the CD updated for the service. It will be 3 pm Saturday the 15, but still not sure where it will be. Charlies sister Kathy and I talked and she and Amber and Tiffany are planning to drive out from Bounderant Wyoming. I did get a good night sleep and felt much better today, but those tears just keep rolling out with no control.August 12-Up late and did stuff for the service most of the day. Finally out to Hall’s Jewelry-a fav place of mine-and it was closed. I need the chain on the necklace Charlie gave me for Christmas shortened as I want to wear it Saturday. After that a much overdue hair trim and some grocery shopping. I have not been hungry so just drinking an extra large fruit smoothie around 3 in the afternoon. I know that is not good and will get back on track shortly—must say it helps my weight loss! Dar called while I was getting groceries to say she was sitting on my porch waiting, so home and we did more planning – expecting at least 300 people!! Things are falling into place now. I framed pictures and put a name tag on each tonight. I also went to the motorhome and it’s ready if needed for sleeping my guests. August 13th- Thur – Spent the day on computer, delivered Charlies Army discharge to Funeral home, went to have necklace he gave me for Christmas shortened – but will take it back next week as he couldn’t have it done till Tue., had to run to the store for butter tonight, I am making ginger snaps and Key Lime cookies for the service. Will cook them tomorrow. Also went to motorhome, taking pillows, and met Darryl Layman there. He did a temp electric hookup for me and will do a permanent one if I plan to stay there much. We also got the diff cover ordered for the Jeep and Darryl will take care of that for me. Then tonight cleaned the house as Kathy and daughters may arrive tomorrow and Al and Joy will be here Saturday. Also we are going to use this house for anyone who wants to join us after the service. I think we have it all in hand and hope it goes smoothly. Dang I miss that guy!August Friday the 14th- I got some sleep-that is good! Dar and I were on the phone constantly today taking care of ‘little’ but important things. I went in at 1:30 for my Mammogram, followed a bit later by my bone density test. I had cancelled these while Charlie in Columbus hospital and decided I better just get it done today! Mammo was ‘clean’ today – last time there was something questionable on it, but a clean bill of health on that. Will be early Sept when I get bone density test results. Dar and Jimmie were over after I got back home to pick up the pictures and stuff we had selected last night. Jimmie decided to take his other ‘pig’ of quarters that grandpa had given him as first grandchild. And again the pig got broken so I am trying to patch it. This one is pink and stands at least2 feet tall so you can imagine how much $$$ it holds! He will put it in CD or money market for college, as that is what Grampa intended it be used for.  So many nice tributes coming in for Charlie. He was very well thought of in the area. We expect a large crowd tomorrow. I did get the cookies made, ginger ones and Key Lime ones, about 12 dozen! That won’t go far but will help. I also finished cleaning the house if any choose to come by here after. And now after 10 so off to bed. I had hoped Kathy and girls would be here tonight so now will expect them in the morning. Though Charlie is being cremated, there will be a viewing tomorrow. I hope I can handle it without breaking down – just the thought of it makes my eyes start ’leaking’! I will take lots of tissues!!August 15th –Saturday – Such a sad day. I got things ready to go then waited—Joy and Al Cheney arrived around 1, and I was happy to see them. We talked till time to get ready to go. I wore the red filmy skirt Charlie and I had bought in Myrtle Beach and a black top and the diamond necklace he gave me for Christmas this last year. I was driving the Jeep as they wanted it outside the building with a big sign that said ‘Charlie Biehn (Cubpilot) FMCA 4 Wheelers, Moab Utah, Miami Valley Muddy Buddys, Geo-caching vehicle’. Kathy called and she was looking for our house and was lost and finally got her aimed the right way –they quickly changed clothes and headed to the hall. The setup was very nice, big round tables, food at one end, memorabilia on a side wall-lots of pictures and stuff, flowers all around, a few rows of chairs and Charlie in a casket over in a corner. The service was great, around 300 people we think! Just a couple of talkers, no preacher and we all just mingled and talked! Charlie was in the corner in a casket and I wasn't sure I wanted to go over to him, but did, several times, and once little Nikki and Charlie3 were both clinging to me and Charlie looked up and said 'are you still my grandma?' and you know what that did to my heart!! and my tears!! Wednesday we will bury his ashes at a private family service--oh I don't even want to think about him being cremated! That means he is really gone! now I'm crying again- He has so many friends and so many people were there- I was surprised to see that I knew quite a few of them. The service started at 3 and I think it was around 7 when we left-never did look at a clock. The food was good and I think the ‘Celebration’ came off very well. Nikki rode home with me in the Jeep. We had all the food brought here to the house and all the family plus a few. I would guess around 30 people eating, imbibing a bit and talking. Finally at 11:45 I whispered to Jenny and ask if she would take Joe home so we could get some sleep! Joy and I cleaned the house a bit and off to bed, them in our big bed, Kathy and girls in the basement and me on the couch, and I think we all got a good night sleep. A long and emotionally exhausting day – don’t want to do this again soon! Oh, the Muddy Buddys-wow what a bunch! We had been to a Jeep-in, one meeting and to Haspin Acres with them - - they sent a magnificent floral arrangement and 5 of the guys and one gal showed up for the service. Also some geocachers were there. We have great friends! Sunday August 16th- Joy and Al were up early and off to Minnesota – a long drive. Kathey was up then and we had coffee and talked. We knew the family wanted to do something this morning and finally they called and we all went to Joes and fixed breakfast-I cooked 3 packages of bacon—Me and charlies sister Kathy and daughters Tiffany and Amber, from just below JacksonHole Wy, Joe and Jenny, Dar, Chuck and Dana, A German exchange student living with Chuck, Joey and a friend of his. After breakfast we walked through the woods at Joes, about 1/2 mile to the Miami river, it was just full of canoes and kayaks today and we waded in the river, the kids and Chuck and Joe used the rope swing to jump in the river, a perfect family outing, and I cried about how it was what Charlie wanted his family to be. Then we drove to Clifton Gorge where they used to camp and rock climb and we walked down and up the river. then to Youngs farm, kinda like Tillamook cheese factory, but they have EVERYTHING here, Welcome to Young's Dairy.com - Yellow Springs, OH  Working dairy farm with restaurant, bakery, miniature golf, driving range, and batting cage. Yellow Springs, OH. www.youngsdairy.com/  where we all had a big ice cream-then Kathy and girls left for Wyoming, and we went back to Joes where I got my car and headed to my empty house! Yes, I had tears at each event today! It was an ideal family day-except for no Charlie. I made a few phone calls to thank people and now I'm sitting here having a margarita and reminiscing. August 17-Monday- I am not getting any good sleep at night!  I put off going to bed till late and then wake early! I really miss Charlie- It has been 2 weeks since he was put into the hospital and not home since then. I know it will get better, but it will take time. I took a load of my stuff to the motorhome today – I am trying to get all my stuff moved out of here so Chuck and Dana can get back to making this house theirs. Thunder storms today and lots of rain, but in the mid 80s. August 18th – Another night without good sleep. I packed more stuff and took another load to the motorhome. A bit at a time.  Friends Tom and Jean Lawton had called yesterday and were in town and planned we to get together this morning but they called and put it off till Friday morning. They are friends from AZ but they had known Charlie here in Centerville in the Ski Club in the 60/70s. Small world.  I got Charlies computer cleaned up of my stuff and now just need to transfer some photos to mine. So off to bed again.August 19th – Wednesday—I didn’t sleep well again and up early—did house stuff, computer stuff and about 1 got dressed for Charlies burial in Dayton at Woodland Cemetery. There were a few microburst rain/thunder storms here this morning. I was ready when Dar and Jim came by, wearing my skirt from Italy, and since I was going in the Jeep Jimmy elected to ride with me. Dar yelled to me that no matter how he begged he could not drive it! The ceremony was nice and brief-About 20 family and including Gary, John and Jake –Charlies closest friends. A few said things about him, the Army Honor guard, did a Flag opening and refolding, and a bagpipe player did Amazing Grace. After standing around talking, it had rained before and after the ceremony, we all drove down the hill to an eatery—not particularly good food but good company. I then drove the Jeep home, but on the radio started hearing of tornado warnings in our area! That was 5PM and it is now 8:30 and still under alert.  That is all that has been on the TV and radio since then. In Dayton, right below the cemetery the town is flooded – over 3 1/3 inches rain, viability .2 mile, lightening, thunder and more rain. I did take another load to the motorhome right after arriving home and before the storm really hit. About 9:30 I saw lightening flash IMMEDIATELY followed by the thunder, really rattled the house!August 20th I’s been 10 days since Charlie died, and I am still having trouble accepting that he is really gone. I had an early doctor appt in Dayton where it had been flooded last night, but all was well today. The tests I have had didn’t show anything and I will go back to them in 6 months. Then I went up to the 10th floor to Charlies Dr Yanes, his oncologist of 20+ years and left him a ‘handout’ from the service. After that out to the cemetery for some alone time with Charlie. The storm last night had torn and blown down lots of rather large limbs throughout the cemetery. Looks like Charlie had a wild send-off!Before going home I delivered another small load of my stuff to the motorhome, and then came home, and catching Bobbie at home I took over the blankets I had borrowed for the downstairs beds. We enjoyed a talk-she is a realtor and trying to sell Chucks house. After being home a bit I decided to take another load over and check on the refrigerator.  I was talking in the next to last load of clothes when I slipped on the angled step at the end of the bed and heard a crack in my ankle. WOW-it hurt, and no one to cry too. I sat on the computer chair that was nearby and wheeled into the bathroom to get an elastic bandage onto it! Finally hobbled out using my walking stick that I had just carried in. I managed to get the last load of clothes just onto the RV passenger seat and go back to the car. Then had to get fuel and parked with wrong side to the pump, not noticing that till I had gotten out, so hobbled back to car and moved it and started again! Then finally home. About 10 I remembered this was garbage night so had to get the big can and the recyclable bin out to the street! A margarita and off to bed! I still need to get water to the RV, find a honey wagon, and have the elec fixed but think I will move in tomorrow and hopefully leave for my trip Saturday.  August 21 Friday- Up and finished packing my stuff, took a load to the motorhome and later 2 friends Tom and Jean stopped by and helped me get the Jeep out to Darryl. Back to the house and Dar was there looking for papers but we talked a bit and they left. Dar and I went through some stuff and she left. I took the last stuff to the motorhome and started putting things away. At 5 I fixed a tray of cake/breads from the service to take to the Muddy Buddy meeting where I spent the evening—back home and Called Kim to have her get the package for Angie, then she came over for a visit. Sometime after 10 I finally started packing for my trip. First night in the motorhome alone.
]]> You can see the pentagon and WDC from her window — Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251718148/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251718148/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251718148/tpod.html Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:43:19 -0400 August-- Losing Charlie and starting a new chapter in my life

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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Sept 1 - Tues – Up early but didn't get on the road till around 10. I had planned a stop with friends in NJ but that didn’t work out, but checking the map discovered I wasn’t that far from Allentown PA where a dear friend of Charlie’s lives. We had not notified her of Charlie’s passing because last time we were there her Alzheimer’s was causing her problems. I didn’t want to phone her the news either so decided to make a side trip there. I arrived and a young gal answered the door – Rosalie was there and she recognized me and looked past me to find Charlie. I told her about him and she just fell apart—We talked and cried and after a few minutes she disappeared into her Alzheimer’s state! From then on it was 'who did you say died?" and lost any coherent conversation. I talked with the caregiver, told her the facts in case Rosalie became aware of them again and left. So sad to see people like that, but glad I delivered the news in person. The caregiver is only there from 10-6 each day and she is alone the rest of the time—that is scary! Leaving there I headed to Washington DC, relying on Nuvi to get me there. Uneventful trip – did get caught in Baltimore rush hour traffic (it was a bit after 6pm), made a few unscheduled detours as Nuvi didn’t give me time to get from left to right lanes a few times! But I arrived at cousin Jills place in Arlington Virginia at 7:30. She is on the 12th floor of a condo and can see the Pentagon out her living room window. We talked, fixed a salad with Lebanese bologna and turkey, talked till midnight and finally gave it up—she has to work tomorrow!
]]> a vist with jeeping friends — Torrington, Connecticut, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251631610/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251631610/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251631610/tpod.html Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:41:48 -0400 August-- Losing Charlie and starting a new chapter in my life

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Torrington, Connecticut, United States

August 30th-Sunday – The weather today determines if I stay another day or head out. After breakfast –late-Jackie and I headed out to the old town to investigate some buildings and walk through the town. Back home where they said goodbye to son Laurent as he went off to his last semester in college. We did a bit more on the genealogy and finally and reluctantly I packed up and headed south. I spent time exploring a few small and interesting towns, and arrived in Torrington Connecticut a bit after 5, and just in time for dinner. Wayne and Ro are jeeping friends from Arizona and I enjoy their company. Their 20+ age granddaughter is also here for a week. Ro and Lindsay slept in the master bed, me in the spare bed-where Lindsay had been staying and Wayne on a cot downstairs. It was a long day of driving but sure enjoyed the evening with friends. We watched all the movies of Charlies jeeping from the spring and summer and reminisced about the jeeping we had done together. A note from Becky and the house is sold! That was fast! Now she had lots of decisions to make. August 31- We all had a good night sleep and all slept in. It turned out to be a cool day so we spent most of it inside, but did walk around the neighborhood. Just an enjoyable day—and Ro fixed a great dinner. They have the house sold so had the kids buying it over tonight to see what furniture they want to buy, plus some they gave them. Tomorrow morning I will head southerly again. Really have enjoyed this stay and a chance to get to know them better.
]]> A genealogy stop — Amherst, New Hampshire, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251458773/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251458773/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1251458773/tpod.html Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:40:20 -0400 August-- Losing Charlie and starting a new chapter in my life

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Amherst, New Hampshire, United States

August 28th Friday- Up fairly early- I am still not getting the sleep I need. We talked and reminisced about the time I have spent here at Beckys and then I was packed up and off. I took stuff out and closed the door, Becky opened it to check something and Boston streaked by her and out the door so we had to do a cat rescue before I left. First stop was to get a tired aired up-It was looking squishy and is now better. Nuvi said I would be there by 6:30, but with one nap stop, rain starting mid New York and getting dark-I am on a non freeway winding and narrow road-hwy, 7, 9 and 101 to Amherst New Hampshire where I will meet a cousin of Jim's that we had corresponded with for many years and never met. Nuvi did a good job and I arrived just after 8 –they were getting worried- I didn’t want to take the time to stop and fire up the computer for her phone number—but only an hour over due from what I had emailed her. Both of her kids are still home from college – Well, son Laurent has one more semester and Nathalie graduated this spring but is still at home. Husband Chris also there. We talked till midnight, Chris had gone to bed earlier, then Laurent packed all my bags in and off to bed where I was so wound up I was awake at 2, so took a pill and then up just before 9. It is overcast and still raining out.August 29 Saturday—Up early but not much sleep- Just couldn’t get to sleep- My mind has too much going on in it! It rained all night and is still raining. We did the breakfast things and then I got on computer- We did a bit on the genealogy stuff and then out in the rain for a few chores and to see the town. A neat old town with a lot of history (Amherst NH), back home in the rain, talked and did more genealogy, had a family dinner and just a comfortable family night. And it is still raining. I called Wayne and Ro and will see them when I leave here.
]]> Visiting Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1250940253/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1250940253/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/15/1250940253/tpod.html Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:38:09 -0400 August-- Losing Charlie and starting a new chapter in my life

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

August 22- Sat- Up about 7, finished packing, loaded the car and in my pajamas drove back to the house to shower! And off at 8:45. A few stops on the way, one 20 mile rainstorm that let me only go 20 MPH and visibility down to 1 ½ car lengths—What a rain storm! I stopped several times but could not nap so drove on-Gas in NY almost $3 a gallon. Nuvi showed me a 12 hour trip but I made it into 16 hours, and NO geocaching. Arrived at Beckys in Ottawa Canada at 12:45 and went to bed shortly thereafter. A long day.August 23- We slept, with the cat joining me now and then, till around 9, low key morning and then a drive around the city- Lots of very old, huge and beautiful buildings, and lots of rain so everything is still green. Back home and talked, had a wine, talked, ate dinner, talked and after 11 headed for bed- I am still tired from lack of sleep the last 2 weeks-hope to eventually feel caught up. Boston the cat has entertained us for most of the day. I enjoy having a cat around. I later realized all those magnificent old buildings were the Provincial Government offices—the equivalent of our Washington DC.August 24th- Up around 8 and amid morning Beckys realtor was by to sign the papers to sell her house, while I tried to catch up on email – down to 168 messages, going to be a long time before I actually get caught back up. I like to keep it down to around 20 messages in my inbox. I was using her computer for about an hour when it went off line and will not get back on. Later we went for a drive to look at RV's as she is thinking of temp living in one till she decides where to live for sure. Then a drive around some more of this picturesque town, back to home, some wine, lots of talk of her mom and my Charlie dying. Becky fixed us her Chicken Cacciatore for supper, with more wine. A bit of taking turns at the computer and putting my family Tree maker onto her computer and finally off to bed at 1:30!!August 25th- I slept in till 9:30 and felt so good. We were going to a steam train engine place but had a complete change of mind and went to Old Chelsea in Quebec State to the LeNordik Spa for the Nordik baths. www.lenordik.com  We arrived at 11:30 and didn’t leave till 3:30 and we were so relaxed we didn’t want to walk to the car! We used the outdoor hot tubs, Nordik waterfalls, cold and cool thermal baths and lounged in the various lounging chairs around the property soaking up some sun. Then in for a shower and a gym style dressing room – been a long time since I have been in that situation! Lots of young couples and LOTS of good looking bikinis and bodies!! Leaving there we toured up to a mountain where we could look out over the valley and the river, really pretty and green and then home where we had more wine, brownies, supper and more wine. I got on the computer and Becky mowed the lawn. Her realtor and husband were coming over to make sure all is looking good for the realtors walk through thur morn and the openhouse on Sunday and he was doing some repairs for her.   August 26th – We had a busy day getting the house all cleaned up for the real estate open house tomorrow-waxed floors, worked outside, swept the front, got cobwebs off the outside windows and when we were done it looks pretty darn good around here! Finally had a small sandwich for a late breakfast/lunch, and I took a shower. Then we headed down town and did a lot of walking to the Parliament, Senate and a gorgeous old hotel -?? Lanier, everything is so old and so neat and I love the architecture around here-but then I love most of the architecture wherever I am! After that to the Sweetgrass Aborigine Bistro for a great and different dinner – www.sweetgrasbistro.ca  Becky had the soup of the day- carrot, and the White Bass dinner and I had the Rabbit pasta and wine for $100 plus tip. Very good and finished by sharing Warren’s Jamaican Rum Bread Pudding. We sat at an outside table and enjoyed a light breeze and could watch the street. After dinner we walked some more through an outdoor market and back to the parking garage. Going home was pretty to see all the downtown lights. When we walked into the house there was no cat waiting for us- we called and no Boston came! There had been her realtors husband here doing some repair work on the garage door. Becky was almost panicked! Not that I blame her at all. She checked all the upstairs rooms and then the basement and finally the garage and one lonesome and scared cat came running out to us! Took garbage out, made a list for do in the morning as we have to be out of here early, with the cat, for the realtors showing.August 27th- Thursday- We were up early, finished spiffing up the house, took all the cat evidence out and about 8"30 headed out to take Boston the the Petsmart PetHotel! What a neat and professional place!  Then we were off to Merrickville to play tourist in a neat old town that probably lives on tourism.  We spent a couple of hours there, finishing our tour with an ice cream cone. Back to town where I fell asleep in the car waking as Becky pulled into the Hospital for her 2 pm mammogram. While I dozed she was examined and after returning to the car we headed to a park where we could both nap, but by the time we arrived, and talked we were wide awake so decided to do the 2 geocaches that are in the park. That involved at least 1 ½ miles walk and possibly even more, but a beautiful warm and light breeze day. Right away I stepped on the sloped side of the walkway and went down! Same ankle that was just getting well failed me. I lit on both palms and my right knee and hit hard! Scared Becky, and me too, but after picking myself up found that ankle hurt but less than before and knee looked and hurt but walkable-so continued on. Arriving back at the car I didn’t feel too bad but will by morning. Knee is bruised and swelled a bit. By then it was time to have our meal at the Oyster Bar, where we both had shrimp, but different dinners and a good South African red wine. By now we could go to PetHotel to pick up Boston who seemed to have enjoyed his stay. Arriving home the last of the house 'lookers’ were still there so we parked a bit away and waited for them to leave. There have been lookers there all day! That’s good! Finally in and looking around the house found that the last guy DID NOT shut or lock the back door. Needless to say Becky was very unhappy and called her realtor who will reprimand the guy that was here. We are both ready for bed!
]]> July- Jeep Wheeling and Chemo — Columbus , Ohio, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/14/1249093463/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/14/1249093463/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/teamcc/14/1249093463/tpod.html Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:32:58 -0400 July - Jeep trip and Chemo

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Columbus , Ohio, United States

July 1, 2009 – We are having Oregon days here—overcast and bits of summer rain—Charlie left about 11 to have lunch with Gary W, not returning till after 2 – they had a good time! We went through our stacks of mail and paid our bills, took care of everything in the stacks! I fixed hamburgers for supper, and tapioca for a later snack. Joe and Joey came for a visit and stayed over an hour. Nice visit. Charlie still going on the blood from Bellevue, but tonight he was dizzy when he stood up so slowly getting rundown again. Today is 10 ½ days since his last top-off – the longest he has gone in a long time. Coming back from his blood letting and in the Jeep Charlie spied a box turtle on Alex Bell Road. He stopped, went back for it. They are endangered here. Put it on the floor of the Jeep while he did the blood thing and when he got back it had climbed onto the seat-my side- and left a large and smelly 'deposit'! Charlie didn’t have anything to clean it with so came on home! Put him in a big plastic tub and called Dar – they have turtles at their house, pets in an aquarium, they named her Rubi after our jeep and took it home. The next day they released her into their woods where they have previously released a male turtle—maybe they will find each other?!July 2nd-Thursday-Charlie was up early and off to breakfast with his friend Nick Guardiola. Nick is 86 and still going strong! He arrived home about 9:30 and hit his chair for a nap till after 11. 3 pm and Charlie is finally calling the doctor about an appointment, but had to leave a message and they ‘will get back to him’! I weighed and have now lost 13 lbs and plan to lose 5-10 more. It was a cold day-only very low 60s today, so we hung around the house. We did go through some ‘stuff’ stored in the bedroom and threw out a bunch of it. We will try to go through the entire house a bit at a time and throw away or save, but thin out the ‘stuff’. He called about the jeep repairs but not done yet. July 3d Friday- We both had trouble sleeping last night so at midnight I took a PM pill, and at 3 AM I gave Charlie a real sleeping pill. Off to sleep for both of us – I was up at 9- a real sleep in for me, and Charlie didn’t wake till 11:15! We didn’t do much around here – he spent most of the day engrossed it a book- something he rarely does! Wager with the Wind is a true story in Alaska and involves a Piper Cub- a great book and he spent most of the day on it! I talked with Jim next door and we decided to have the fir tree between our houses removed. It is big and scraggily and hanging into both of our gutters. I have trimmed and trimmed at it but it is just ugly! Dar had called and we all are going to Brookville, NW of Dayton, to the second Dayton TEA Party. Really enjoyed this one in the Golden Gate Park, a delightful place. Lots of speakers and we enjoyed them all. The first Dayton TEA party was in April on a very cold evening. Gloves and heavy coats required! Speeches, some music and lots of booths before the city fireworks which were set off just about a block from us. Perfect place to watch them! We didn’t get home till after 11:30! There were fireflys in the park too- only the second time I have seen any! Last time was in St Joseph Missouri in 1957! July 4th- Saturday – This was Jim and my anniversary—always a neat day for it- fireworks and picnics! Up early to go to Springfield for the Jeep and for Charlies regular breakfast group. It was fun having breakfast with 7 guys! After breakfast I came home in the car and John took Charlie to get his Jeep from Johns ‘Pit’. They are calling for rain most of the day into the late evening. Also calling for a very large storm midweek!  Charlie arrived home after 2, we went over to the motorhome to leave the tow stuff – he finally got that locked piece sawed off, then back home where he took a nap. I rigged a rope for our jeep stool and hope we will always remember to bring it into the Jeep! Just got word that Trish and Brians unborn baby is not doing well and they are going to give him, yes it’s a boy, they just found out, a second blood transfusion – they believe it to be Fifths disease – I was researching this and it is scary for unborn babies!  Left around 5 for Dar’s house for 4th of July picnic – in the rain! Dar, Jim and Jimmie; Joe, Jenny and Joey; Jennys sister Joanne; Chuck, Charlie3, Nikki and a cousin Kayla and Charlie and I were there. As always a good meal- Nikki, now 11 years old, is learning to cook so she fixed the potato salad – her first attempt! Dar gives her a lesson a week and they cook dinner for one of our families-We get our turn in a week or two! It rained all afternoon and evening. Dana showed up, after driving back from Florida on a work related job, and brought gobs of great firecrackers. She got them in Tennessee where they were selling at half price and she got a huge amount of really good ‘crackers for $100. It was still misting out but we all went to the yard and had our own display – much nicer than going back to town and fighting all the crowds! One cracker fell over and had us all scurrying around. One part of it went under Charlies chair, I was standing behind it, and grazed my ankle! A lot of excitement and we were all very lucky to not have injuries! It was spinning and throwing the huge explosions, one of the prettiest crackers we had, in every direction! Shortly after that we headed home, and got caught in Centerville fireworks traffic! Police at every intersection! When we did get home we went straight to bed – past our bedtime! A fun family day. July 5 – Still damp outside but not raining – yet. I was up at 8 and Charlie will be up eventually. He is having trouble with low blood pressure again. This happens when he is beginning to need transfusions and caused him to be very dizzy when he stands up. We hung around the house till around 3:30, still in jammies, having a nothing day!  Then Charlie suggested we drive out to the hanger and check on the Piper Cub—so we dressed, I grabbed the camera and out we went. There was a problem with the hanger door lock and Charlie went to the office to get a handful of keys in hopes one would open the mickey mouse top lock, and the first key opened it. We talked a bit and decided to fly – I knew we would – I brought the camera! The Cub even started on second pull of the propeller – something it rarely does. So off into the warm and blue day we flew—circled Dar’s house a few  times but no one came out so went on to Wilmington at a grass air strip, parked and walked a couple of blocks to a local eatery where we have eaten before. I had blackberry pie and Charlie had coconut cream and we shared them. Then back in the air and back to the Wright Bros Airport. As we were getting ready to put Cubby back in the hanger the guy Charlie has been letting fly the plane and his wife showed up – great timing, so as we left they were getting into the plane. Back home where we just snacked for dinner and spent the rest of the evening, reading, computing, doing laundry and house stuff. Looked at my ankle and that firecracker did touch me—ankle all bruised and tender. It hit that inside ankle bone—a 1/8th inch to the left and I would have had a more severe problem!July 6th Monday – Charlie did not get a good sleep last night so did manage to finally sleep till 10 this morning. About noon we went out for grocery shopping, then home to snack a bit. He tried to call the doctor again and again had to leave a message! He is not happy about that, and our personal and wonderful family doctor left his practice here in town to be doctor for the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, so can’t even contact him. The weather is beautiful and the sky blue-summer may be here.  I made some kabobs for dinner, turned out good, but messy so will probably just stir-fry them next time. The sauce is BBQ sauce and frozen orange juice and is great! Charlie is still breathing fairly good, but lightheaded when he gets up and BP is low, so sure wish we could hear back from his oncologist! Read the book ‘The Appeal’ by John Grisham and I highly recommend it to everyone. Really an eye-opener – things are not always as they seem! His ‘A Painted House’ is also excellent and one of my very favorite books!July 7th Tuesday – Charlie was depressed and lethargic last night. He is upset that the doctor has not gotten back to him and I will guess he will try phoning him again today. Good news on friends baby. Trish reported that the doctor sees some of the water in the skull of baby decrease and they are putting the next transfusion on hold while they watch him closely. Charlie’s doctors nurse finally called and gave him an appt for NEXT Monday! That will be 19 days since his last blood!  He decided to go down to the factories today and talk with some of the guys, and show off his Jeep! Didn’t go into any of the offices – said he would rather talk with the workers. He finally arrived home after 7 – We had leftovers from the 4th and hamburgers for supper and chocolate ice cream for a bedtime snack. Something neat this morning – we looked out onto the deck to see a WHITE, all white, squirrel with pink eyes. He stayed on the deck to entertain us for a few minutes. First time I have seen one like that here.July 8th –I woke to the prettiest sky this morning- a deep, soft orange! With the reflection from the lake everything was bathed in the color!  Charlie slept in again-then we just hung out here today. At 6 we dressed up and headed out to dine at El Meson, an upscale Columbian and South American place where we had a filet mignon, but a bit different here. It comes cooked rare on a 600 degree plate—you slice it as thin or thick as you want and lay the slices on the plate to continue the cooking to the doneness you want. Mine was just perfect, with a sauce of mushrooms and ‘stuff’ to dip it into, a salad, black beans and saffron rice – everything was perfect. Charlies kids went to school with the owners kids so they sorta knew each other. We got to talking to him in the foyer and he gave us a tour and history of the building-It was put together with several small building that were there and filling in the alleys to bring it all into one unique building where he can serve several hundred at once! He has kids from schools bus in to eat there-they have to order in Spanish- and gives them food and history and then teaches them how to dance—He is quite the guy- name is Herman Castro. He is getting together a tour to Spain and I got the info on it as I am interested in going. Leaving there we drove SW and first stopped at one of his old employees new business and chatted with him a bit. Larry called Charlie his ‘wish you were my dad’ and they get along great. While I was out of the room he told Charlie ‘that his girlfriend was gorgeous, and how did he get so lucky’! I had met him in the past and he said he just didn’t remember me as I was now! Then we drove to Germantown and I loved it—Sooo many really old building – some are spectacular too. It’s a place I could spend some time just walking around and gawking at the buildings! An finally home by 10 PM. The license plates for the Jeep arrived today, finally, and we can get the insurance and tell Steve we have it so he can take his off.July 9th- I had a 9 AM appt at the doctor for blood test for my cholesterol re-check. Will see Dr Zaki next week. Charlie wasn’t up till after I returned home. It was misting this morning and now just grey and blah! We didn’t do anything exciting till after dinner when we went for another drive – this time to the historic town of Lebanon, and again many unique and well kept very old houses. Enjoyed all of it plus the 3 airports we visited. At one Charlie talked to them about an airplane jump, a tandem one as his legs will not let him do a solo one anymore! It was dark and almost 10 pm again, but these rides are fun and I am seeing places I had not been before. We did stop by the airport –oh, 4th one tonight- and picked up 2 of the 10 boxes of golf balls as I have them on Craigs list right now. There are 550 balls in each box! We’re trying to sell them for $50 a box, but tonight I put another ad on for 10 cents each with minimum of 100 balls. Made us a chocolate shake for our night snack - -mmmmmm good!July 10th Friday – Up early with Charlie following around 10. Going to be hot and muggy today!  We drove over to the motorhome to look for some stuff and talk to Dana, made the bed and back home. Later Dar called and said she would be at the condo rental so we drove over to look at it. It is a come down from the house but I think we could do fine over there if it comes to that. Dar and her dad were talking business so I finally took the car and went home. They came here about an hour later and were still talking business. Now to get some decisions out of Chuck and Dana about what they want to do. More important is getting Charlie to go through all his stuff here and make a zillion decisions!!!! I sold $25.00 worth of old golf balls today—around 275 of them – only 5245 to go! We drove to Penn Station for a Club submarine sandwich for supper – we shared a medium-10" one. I spent some time going through a box we carry in the motorhome full of electronic stuff and what we could not identify or knew we didn’t need got thrown out. Now you know we will need some of it next week!  My doctor called to tell me that my thyroid was ‘off’ and they were ordering pills for me. Strange- no symptoms but will talk with doctor next week. They didn’t mention the cholesterol that I was taking pills for and the tests I had were to check on that. July 11th – Charlie was up and off to Springfield before I got up. Showered and did house stuff till Dana called and then meet her at Bob Evans for our breakfast.  Home after 10 and shortly after that the rain came down, and the skies rumbled. Lots of rain. Charlie got home around 1- they had tried playing golf but the severe rain pushed them off the course at the 4th hole. They finished their ‘game’ at O’Charlies for a libation! We went to Sam’s club for some cheese, and forgot our card! They gave us a temp but did not have my discover card so had to limit ourselves to what cash we had! We had 62$ and our total was 58.20$. Home where we had the Rotisserie Chicken we had gotten at Sam’s and good as always. Texas had AZ weather today-103 degrees! Later in this evening we went to downstairs the lake level and played 3 games of pool, 2-1 in Charlies favor!July 12th Sunday – Up early to a blah and foggy morning – the first time I can recall seeing fog in Ohio! Charlie up a bit later and still feeling well – even his puffy ankles are almost normal. Only problem he seens to have is the BP is a bit too low and he is lightheaded when he gets up. Amazing for 3 weeks since last transfusions! Just after noon he suggested we drive to Lebanon in the Jeep to a ‘Jeep-In’, so by 12:45 we were on our way. It’s around 20 miles – we weren’t expecting much, but there were about 40 jeeps there. They had a ramp to drive up to test the suspension and articulation of the suspension and Charlie enjoyed playing on that. We heard someone say very tentatively, ‘Charlie’ and there was a couple we had jeeped with in Moab. They had been behind us when the Cherokee rolled over in Moab – what a surprise to see them here! Also good to see someone closer to our age! Enjoyed talking jeep with all of them and will probably go to a camp and jeep next weekend in Indiana. Got home after 5pm. Charlie got a Twitter from Robert (Bobby) Biehn tonight. He is Chucks adopted son from his first marriage. Looks like he is in Barstow Calif. (He lives near us here, and is a truckdriver-here to west coast and back route)July 13th Monday- Charlie had a doctor appt with his oncologist at 11:50 and thought they might keep him for blood. But they did not! His numbers were down, as usual, though he doesn’t feel bad like he has in the past when he was so low. He was home around 1 – His news is not really good. He is probably out of options, his doctor suggested just doing maintenance on him as he is really in the last stages of his disease. That is not good news! But he also is contacting the Ohio State Medical Hospital where Charlie has gone for experimental stuff before. They are to call back and set an appt. Dr Yanes seems to think they might have something for him to try. He said Charlie is the ‘poster boy’ for the last experimental thing that he tried – the only one still around!! Dr Yanes also told him that last October he figured that Charlie would not make it far into this year!! He is like the Energizer Bunny, or the Timex watch! So this is kinda an up/down day! After he got home we had to get a prescription for him and pick up one for me so off to Wal*Mart. The first thing we did was go to the Nails and toes place there for a pedicure-for both of us. They really felt good and our toes are ready for a few more months! I got gold polish but Charlie declined the polish—haha. Did the grocery shopping, got our meds and home where we had a pulled pork dinner. It was still light out so went to the motorhome to drain water and refill it and deliver a few things back to it. We may use it this weekend. While we were working on the motorhome Charlie kept showing me stuff on it and how to use or do it! Finally he said you will be driving this soon-I’m giving it to you in my will, unless you would rather have a ‘stick’ house somewhere!! Wow—I would love to have it!!July 14th- Hung around the house in the morning, then out to do some chores – Post office, jeep store, Hall’s Jewelry – to fix an old gold bracelet of Charlies. Some links needed fixing. It was determined it was not worth fixing, but, the guy offered to buy it as it was 14k gold. He gave Charlie $160 for it!! The necklace Charlie gave me last week is worth $600 – sure didn’t expect that! Then we went caching-first time since June 6th- and found 6 rather quickly. Then to Krogers where Rob from the Jeep Club runs the meat dept, but he was not there. We did get a nice big filet for supper and enjoyed our meal. Later Chuck stopped by for a visit. We talked about lots of stuff, but no business—that was good.July 15th-Wednesday – Up early for an 8:30 Doctor appt for me. I need thyroid meds, and the cholesterol is down quite a bit, but need it down a bit more. Charlie up and on the phone trying to get it settled where he would go for blood – Dayton or Columbus. At 10 they finally decided on outpatient at Dayton MVH. He still needs to see Dr Byrd in Columbus. Coughed up blood this morning. That and the lightheadedness usually come when he is overdue for transfusions. Hospital called and Charlie off for treatment. I spent the afternoon cleaning house, then cleaning up computer – bored with Charlie gone. At 5:30 I called him and they were on second bag of whole blood and had 2 bags of platelets to do yet. He thought he might be home around 10 tonight. He has an appt in Columbus with Dr Byrd on Monday. I called Ivy Jo tonight as we had not heard from her in a long time-Her mom just had a transfusion but is doing OK.  I baked cookies, sorted golf balls, just all kinds of things cause I was bored and finally just after 9 Charlie came home. He had 2 units of whole blood and 1 unit of platelets and he has color again! Hope it lasts for a while.July 16th Thursday – We both slept in till 9:30—Good since we were both awake at 4! Charlie went to the factory today for whatever reason. I called him at 5:35 to tell him we had to be somewhere at 6pm. He arrived home a bit after 6- sat down and did some stuff and finally changed his shirt. It was a GeoEvent at a park- we arrived and ate our dinner (chicken sandwiches) some desserts (I had brought choc chip cookies) then took off on a quest for 4 caches at different parks in the city. We were first to find on 2 of them! Hard to believe cause after the first one we couldn’t figure out how to manually put coordinates in our GPSs. We were late getting back to the host park, but enjoyed more dessert and chatting with the cachers that we knew and meeting some new ones. Anyway we had a good time. Home by 10 pm.July 17th- up early again for an appt with Dr Joel  for a neurology followup on the CAT from April. It is in Dayton next door to Charlies oncologist.  I tried to follow Nuvi to the doctor but no one told it the Bridge was out and closed. It kept turning me around and insisting I cross there!! Could not get an alternate route out of it! Finally saw a way to drive back south and get onto the freeway and start over and eventually got to office, a few minutes late. I like the doctor, Joel Vander?????, and after much talking and finding he is an avid bicyclist and bikes in Park City and Moab Utah, we discussed my body and I will go back for several tests in a couple of weeks.   Back home and Charlie was still sleeping!  After noon we took some stuff to the motorhome and turned on the refrigerator, ready to leave to tomorrow. A bit before 6 we headed to ‘The Greene’ and El Toro Mexican for a meeting of the Muddy Buddies, the Jeep Wrangler Club we had joined. Had our meal there and met more of the gang and are ready to go wheeling this weekend. Home by 9 PM. We are packed and only have to get refrigerator stuff tomorrow. July 18-Saturday – Up early for Charlie to go to his ‘guy’s’ breakfast thing in Springfield. When he gets back we will be off. He was back a bit after 10 and we loaded up the car and Jeep and over to ACE where motorhome is stored. Unloaded and parked the car, hooked up the jeep and we are off. It was about 2 hours to Haspin Acres (Haspinacres.com) and as we left Laurel Indiana there was a fork in the road and a sign pointing straight ahead for the park-Charlie went the other way! It was 10 miles before we could find a place to turn around!!!!  Finally into the park and paid $13 each. Drove around hunting for the rest of our group- this in the motorhome and finally parked it and used the Jeep for the exploring. Never did find them so, found a place to park the motorhome just as several of our members showed up and all parked here with us. Wasn’t long before we were out on a trail and later found it was the hardest one in this 700 acre private park. This ‘park’ is on a hill top and lots of challenges, and trails just everywhere-bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, Jeeps-just everything and our guess is 4-500 people here!. So off we went, and in the first 5 minutes found a gully with MUD about 10-15 inches deep (that how deep the mud was, not the gully, the gully was probably 6 feet down to the top of the mud) and like cake dough! Jeep #1 went in first and in backing up to get out he jammed his tailpipe, was winched out and had to do surgery on the tail pipe. Then we went into it and ALMOST made it out, but almost doesn’t cut it so had to be winched—but the guy coming to winch us got stuck in another hole, and after we got winched out it was his turn to get winched! Then on to the hardest hill in the park, and of course Charlie had to try it, and he did eventually make it to the top and down again. Another guy popped a spring out (it rolled down the hill-ping-ting – ping-) but he was able to jack jeep way up and put it back on. Another guy broke his drive line, And Dennis laid his on its side! Had a heck of a time getting it on its wheels-no way to get a jeep near him to use winch, but they were able to somehow use a Hi-Lift jack as a winch and righted him, but his front tire lost its bead and was FLAT. Charlie to the rescue with an air compressor and it worked. By this time it was after 6 so we headed back to camp where we all talked for some time and then the guys helped Charlie take his doors off so he could be a ‘real jeeper’ when they went out again and I stayed here. I guess they had a few challenges out this time too and were back at dark. We had help putting the doors back on, then fixed hot dogs for our dinner. There is a campfire so will close this and join the group. At  11:30 the crazy guys, and that includes Charlie, decided to go for a jeep ride in the forest—Off they went and I went to bed. They were back at 1AM and had gotten stuck in a mudhole and had to winch each other through it! Charlie was really revved up when they returned. Something funny happened as he returned- he looked in and thought he saw me walking around in the coach and then as he parked our door opened and Kyle stepped out of our motorhome. He is a 13 year old, very large lad, as big as any of the guys here and bigger than some! He has a big fat face, feminine lips and an earring. I suspect his IQ is not too high, but mostly he just stands around. I had only been in bed about 15 minutes and not asleep and did not feel or hear him come in or move around (normally I would feel those things but not if someone was being ‘sneaky’) but then I did feel/hear fast footsteps rushing across the floor-and my mind wondered how Charlie had done that before opening the door (I assumed they were Charlies) then hear Charlie at the door calling good night to the guys—He said Kyle had come out of the door as he got to it, and said nothing, just walked away. Spooky and I do not like that he was in here. Especially sneaking in like he must have. Not sure how we will handle it today. Charlie and I discussed this a bit and talked about his ride and off to sleep—but my restless leg syndrome kicked in and did not get much sleep.July 19th Sunday—I was up at 8 to an overcast day – feels like rain, and hope not cause the trails here are impossible when wet. We left after 9-5 jeeps and headed down a creek bed, full of big shale-like rocks—Kevin started off the day by losing the coil spring—3 times – and had to put it back on-He was getting good at it, but the last time he broke something else and this was last time they could put the spring back on. Then Dennis lost his clutch, in a bad place in the creek and they actually towed him up one of the steep long side hills! Took his Jeep back to camp and he called someone to come and get it. And we all went back out. The next challenge was a tall undercut waterfall. Charlie is the only one to FINALLY make it and he was really rough on the Jeep!  I think I got a movie of it, then we headed back to camp because the flatbed was here to get Kevins Jeep. A quick lunch and back out at 3pm. Discovered this morning that Charlie had lost our license plate and the geocaching holder somewhere, sometime yesterday. This was going to be an hour ride and then leave for home, but—time flies when you are having fun! We did some very extreme stuff, slipping and sliding and bumping us up over stuff! There was a big crevase of red soil and looked untried, so you know these guys had to do it. First time all made it but later we ended up back at it and they had to try it again. Kevin layed his on its side, and then so did Charlie, but his was more dramatic! Took a tow on both ends to finally get him righted, and now Jeep has lots of white smoke pouring out of it! (see photos and movies on our site-http://community.webshots.com/user/cstahlman) Finally decided to call it a day and then had to find the way back out of the woods. You could see our smoke trail for miles!! So we arrived back at camp after 6, packed up – aired our Jeep tires and the other guys too, and we were off arriving home around 9. Unloaded Jeep and fixed some chili for supper. What a weekend- really was fun and exciting, though maybe a bit toooooo exciting now and then! We had the doors off again today and kinda fun-finally got warm enough to take sweater off. Mud flies all around us-our tires are outside the fender wells! Probably missed reporting some of the stuff, but just toooo much going on.  I did ask Kyle what he was doing in our motorhome and he told me he was not in it! I stared him down and he said he came to use the bathroom, but he never was near it cause the door toilet door was open and I would have seen it move if he had come down the hall – I told him I did not believe him and he walked away. I did tell him he was never to come inside it again – no exceptions. So we still don’t know why he was in there, but it spooked both me and Charlie!July 20-Monday- We both got a good night sleep and Charlie left for Columbus and Dr Byrd about 11 (1:30 appt) and didn’t know if it would be just an appt to discuss options or if he would be getting blood today, and I think he is about due for it again. I am doing house stuff, and reading a good book. Also getting our pictures downloaded and on our webshots page. That took several hours! Around 4 Charlie emailed me that he had not seen the doctor yet, and finally at 6 called to say he had seen him and was on his way home. He will go to the hospital in Columbus on Wed morning and will stay for 5 days!!!! They are going to use a new chemo on him. I will know more when he arrived home.  Charlie is home and all I know is that this is a new chemo that will ‘attach to and kill’ all the leukemia cells in his body—so hope it works and that his body is still capable of making new ‘good’ cells. He will go to hospital Wednesday in Columbus morning.July 21 - Up and hung around here till Charlie left to meet Darlene for lunch at El Mason. He didn’t get back till late. I worked on our photos more, messed here, read a book – I need more reading stuff! Fixed a pair of Charlies short pants. When he came home he took the Jeep out for a washing – cost $9 in quarters to get it reasonable clean—lots of mud chunks on the underside! When he returned we cleaned the inside- what a job! Took over an hour to make it presentable! It is still smoking but mostly when it idles. We did notice that the left side is several inches higher than the right—not sure why! Bobby Biehn called Charlie and they talked for a long time – Charlie can’t recall when he last saw Bobby. Spaghetti for supper and then grocery shopping.July 22 Wednesday – Both up early as Charlie leaves for Univ Hospital in Columbus to begin a new round of chemo-something that doctor thinks ‘may’ help him. The treatment isn’t so long but they will keep him for 5 days to make sure there are no side effects. I will stay here and we will be in touch – cell phones and email are wonderful! I have some projects I want to work on. And it is raining this morning, dark and dreary!  I went out shopping and bought a 5’ Palm Tree – now how am I going to get it in the motorhome! Also a few other things and even started my Christmas shopping. Then out to Wright Bros Airport to Charlies hanger. The cub is gone so hoping it is getting its annual physical! It was pouring rain as I manhandled 3 big boxes of 550 golf balls each and one smaller one out the hanger and into the Jeep! I had sold them on Craigs List and needed them at home to be picked up Friday morning. Back home I did some research on the chemo drug they are giving Charlie. It is called CAMPATH and looks to be a very strong drug. They gave him all kinds of things to stave off infection and side effects and then give him a bit each day, increasing it as the week goes on. It looks to be a 12 week program with treatments 3 times a week. I am anxious to hear how he is doing and find out what the schedule will be.July 23d- Thursday - - This is a big and empty house when I am alone here! Hung around the house this AM and in afternoon drove over to Wal*Mart to pick up my prescriptions and just look around for a while. Back home where I had an email from Charlie: Awoke around eight o'clock after a night of good rest interrupted by the regular activity of the hospital during the night. Still got good rest. Lot's of attention this morning. I got two units of blood and one unit of Platelets yesterday in preparation for my chemo scheduled for ten o'clock this morning. I feel great. Chuck has invited us for a cook-out on Sunday and I accepted assuming I feel up to it following my chemo. Give me a ring if you get the chance.So I called him later and we talked about his treatment- He got some chemo today, will get 3x that amount tomorrow and 10x on Saturday and should be able to come home Saturday evening. Then we will go back next Monday AM with the motorhome. He will have treatment M-W-F and we can explore Columbus and Cleveland on Tue and Thur. If all goes well they will make arrangements for him to get a good part of the rest in Dayton, about 8 miles from home. The Vietnam Vets will be by tomorrow for a lot of stuff I have packed up, and the 2000 golf balls should be gone tomorrow. And the rain is finally over and should be nice tomorrow.July 24th—Up early and about 10:30 Nate came from Fort Wayne Ind to pick up the 2000 golf balls! Plus he bought 400 extras! Vietnam Vets picked up the sacks of donations I had put on the front porch, and after breakfast (brunch??) I headed to the motorhome to do some cleaning – it was needing it after the wind and red sand dust at Haspin last weekend.  Dana came out to visit for a bit. I got almost home and realized I had not turned the power off so went back – glad its only 3 miles from home! After dinner I spent the evening in the storage room in the basement. Chuck and Dana had just dumped our stuff into it and I cannot find ANYTHING! Now it looks better and I know where some of the stuff is. Charlie called and he had his second dose today and no problems with it. He was walking outside with his IV pole following him! Said he really was feeling good. Will have a bigger dose tomorrow and come home in the evening.July 25-Saturday - I woke to a thunder storm this morning! And now the rain is coming down~ There is a momma duck and four babies walking at the pond edge--not newborns but still pretty small! Dana and I were going to breakfast, but she called just after 8 to tell me she couldn't - today was not a good breakfast day as they have to have Buddy, their old dog, put down this morning--He is really bad, sick and very old. When I saw him a couple weeks ago I was surprised that he could still get around. All the kids are there and will participate in letting Buddy go. I am cleaning around here, and will make one trip to the motorhome to do some final stuff, then relax the rest of the day. Well, some relaxing and baked some cookies. It’s nice to have a real oven-the convection oven in the motorhome and I are not on good terms! My note from Charlie this morning:I felt so good last night that after a short walk I decided to climb the ten flights of stairs to my tenth floor room. Made it with no problem. They woke me at 3 am to get an early start on my chemo but then the system broke down and they just got me on my platelets around 10:30 and then my chemo and then a bag (or two) of blood so I'll not be home until probably well after six, maybe as late as eight o'clock. Everything of course depends on my acceptance of the Campath this afternoon. I'll call you later.He called around 5 to say they had ‘let him out’ and after checking out the suggested place to park motorhome he will head for home and should arrive around 7. And he was home a bit before 7, looking really good, full of energy and skin color is best it has been for a while. This is probably due to the transfusions as the chemo has not had time to work. It’s good to have him home, even though we will head back to Columbus Sunday evening or Monday morn as his appt isn’t till 3 PM.July 26th-Sunday-We slept in a bit, then got our day started. We were to go to Chuck and Danas for a picnic around noon but after a call or two decided on 6 PM. So we just messed the rest of the day. Charlie had gained 14 lbs in the hospital-can’t believe that but then they were pumping stuff into him all the time he was there! At last over to Chucks and heard the story of them putting the dog Buddy down yesterday. Joe and Joey, Dar, Jim and Jimmy arrived and we all enjoyed the evening. Kabobs of veggies and other of meat for dinner and then gooey brownies, just the way I like them, for dessert. We didn’t get home till after 9, and to bed at 11. Charlie had a bad sleeping night but not me!July 27th- We were up early, Charlie looking tired, but he sure feels good! About 9:30 Dar showed up with some papers he needed to sign and he did sign them but said they were wrong! Chuck is NOT the CEO of the companies, only of ACE! I don’t think he should have signed them but no one asked me. After Dar left we rushed around to finish packing up and over to the motorhome. In a few minutes he had the Jeep hooked on the back and I had stuff put away inside. An uneventful drive to Columbus but when we got there could not find the parking lot we were to park in. Parked in a student lot and went to the building we needed to get a permit and ask where we should be. The gal who checked us in was actually illiterate—and working on a college campus. 5 dollars per day to park, and we will be here 3 nights-simple huh! But she calculated it as $20 and no matter what Charlie said she said 20 and he finally just paid it!He could not believe she actually had a paying job. Said she did not know ANYTHING and then gave bad directions to where we were to park. After driving motorhome up and down the roads and turning impossible turns we found it—across the road from where we had been parked originally! By now it was time to get him to hospital so did that and I came home and setup the coach. He will call me to come after him later.  It has been hot and muggy here at the motorhome so I have all the windows open. He called about 9 and I drove over to pick him up – we snacked for supper and then an early bed. Oh, a security guard came by to tell us we were in the wrong lot and will have to move – he did say we could wait till morning.July 28 – I was up at 7:30—Charlie still sleeping. Cannot find out thermometer but think he is running a fever.  He was up a lot later and seemed fine. Around noon we set out to cache a bit and after finding one out of 3 we gave up and went for a ride to a mall he wanted to visit. After much driving we were at the wrong mall—Eastgate, instead of Easton! Much more driving and we arrived. It is like The Greene in Dayton, but MUCH larger. It looks like a downtown shopping area in about the mid 50’s – lots of street parking and not an indoor mall. We spent a bit of time there – they had water fountains for the kids, the kind that come randomly out of the ground, and today a young fellow was playing the guitar with songs they could participate it – really entertaining and the kids loved it. Some more walking and then headed back to the motorhome, had a pina colada, showered, dressed up and back to the same mall for dinner at McCormick and Schmick Seafood. A good choice for the evening-Charlie had Albacore tuna RARE, and I had tilapia-both very good. Home again and a bit of computering before bed. On our way home from the mall, just about 50 feet from where motorhome was parked we were pulled over by a policeman! No license plate – we knew that and Charlie had taped the second one-without a tag inside the back window-but the window is tinted and no one can see it! He and the cop talked a bit and then cop went into his car to check us out, and Charlie ducked through the hedge to the motorhome—he needed a pit stop NOW. When he came back I went over and got a hearing aid battery so I could hear out of both ears! After a bit we were given a warning and now Charlie has to do something about the tag-no more procrastinating! July 29th- Wednesday –Up early to find it had rained most of the night. By 8:30, in pouring rain, I had delivered Charlie to the hospital for another chemo and was going to grocery shop but came home instead. Then it POURED rain for several hours and now at noon it is a slower but steady rain. I cleaned out some of our cabinets-we have a tendency to just stuff things into them and then don’t know what is there. I did the book one today hoping to find an unread book hidden there but no luck. I have started a cross stitch for something to do.  Can’t use electric much, not sure why, but batteries not holding a charge like in the past.  It was 107 degrees in Salem Oregon yesterday, breaking ALL records, and it was 128 degrees in Bullhead City, Az. A bit after 2 Charlie called for me to come and get him, then a stop for groceries and home.  We are parked at the Schottenstein Center -  Basketball and events   http://www.schottensteincenter.com/  in Grey 2 lot, just a couple hundred feet from the building – and it is huge! Very attractive and probably as big as a square block. The BIG Buckeye Football stadium is just a couple blocks away to the south. After dinner we took a walk around the ‘schot’ as it has temp quit raining!  Back in the motorhome (mobile mansion) and we had such good music on the radio that we danced for a while—our dance lesson paid off as we did pretty good!July 30th Thur- So muggy and rainy last night that we did not sleep well, and our bed sheets are really all twisted up! Finally just got up and when Charlie put the music on again, it was Patsy Cline singing and we were dancing before even getting dressed! (should I tell you that??). This morning we were going across town to a tire recycling place to meet John Martin who was bringing up a load of tires and Darlene was coming with him. It cost him $400 to ‘give’ them his load of tires! We were hoping for a tour of the place, but not to be. No one there to give us the tour and we were not wearing hard toed shoes. Charlie used to sell cutting blades to them but lost it and is hoping to get their business back-they have 18 plants in the US so would be nice business. John was driving his truck with a long high dump on it, and Charlie talked them into coming back to where we are parked for a while—We were leading them and we took a wrong turn and got us, and him, lost! Finally back to motorhome where John grumbled for a while—later we headed out with John and me leading and Charlie and Dar in the Jeep, and John got  us ‘turned around’ for a bit but finally found the Cracker Barrel where we had a great lunch. We came back here and they headed back to Springfield where Dar had left her car. Nice weather, but muggy, while they were here, and rained after they left. The Dayton Hospital called and they are expecting Charlie there tomorrow and the Columbus Hospital is expecting him here! Hope they figure it out tonight!  At 6pm they gave us a choice and we decided to stay here for tomorrows chemo. Just much easier.  A little more dancing in our mansion, a walk outside, while it is not raining and off to bed.July 31st Friday-Up early and Charlie not far behind me-It has rained heavily all night and still sprinkling. The Dayton Hosp called to see why he was not there! Now we are not sure again, but going to hospital here in a few minutes—Monday when he should start his treatment in Dayton from Dr Yanes is in question again as Yanes will not be in! So they will try to sort it out but he may need to come back to Columbus for the Monday one. We can’t stay over cause I have Dr. appts Monday and Wed in Dayton.  I took Charlie to the hospital and came home where I cleaned out several cabinets and have a pile of unused stuff to take to the house. He called me a bit after two and off I went to pick him up. I had the motorhome all ready to go except for hooking up the Jeep and putting the leveler legs up. He hooked up the Jeep while I checked that everything inside was ‘rideable’ and off we went, but we kept hearing strange noises but no place to pull over, more noises and when he had to stop quick some lurching! The Tattle Trail was screaming telling us something was wrong with the Jeep and finally found a place to pull in, that we would normally never even attempted! Back to look at the Jeep-----and the Hitch had broken, 2 welds broke and it had come out of the motorhome. All that was holding the Jeep was the emergency chains, and one of them only had a few fine wires still intact in it! WOW! This could have been a real mess!! As it was the Jeep, on each turn we made, had hit the rear of the coach-the lurches we had felt- and broke the fiberglass!  Two holes about 6-8 inches and one scrape on the side. I though Charlie was going to cry – I know I was ready to. Nothing we could do but strap the hitch onto the front of the Jeep, pick up all the pieces and drive home. I drove the Jeep and he drove the coach. Our plan had been to spend the night in Springfield, then go to his Saturday breakfast and drive on home, but after this we just drove home. Parked the Coach, unloaded our stuff and came to the house. It had been a fun week - till all of this happened.  We don’t know, and won’t for some time, if this new treatment is helping Charlie. Only time will tell, but I’m sure hoping it does what it is supposed to do. And Charlie will go back to Columbus for treatment Monday and then the next ones will be here in Dayton. It’s now 8pm and Charlie has been ‘chipper’ all day, except for the Jeep incident, and now he is just sitting, looking spacey and at 8:30 went to bed! Said he is tired, just exhausted. In less than 5 minutes he was in bed and asleep!
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