phyllser

Well, I was a little annoyed when Earl decided we were going to press on today! Especially when it started raining again soon after we left! And then it just got worse and worse! I might try that new instant Starbucks with Apple's recipe. Not really espresso, but I might like it. And I only get a latte once or twice a week in CA... only when we go in to DHS or over to Costco/Wal-Mart.... my boyfriend, John will be glad to see me again. He'll probably give me a freebie!! He does that every now and then. But I could try the homemade ones in between. Used to have an espresso maker to make my own but it was a cheapie and it didn't last long. We've met the nicest people at this park. It's very small... only a few RV slots, so maybe that's why people are so friendly here. Always meet someone when we stop. People next slot are 80ish, sold their home, put all their belongings in storage and bought a 5th wheel to travel in! They're headed for Thousand Trails in Indio! Will be in that area for a few months so we exchanged cards so we can get together down there. New managers of the park are really nice, too.

Rain stopped...walked across the highway and got my latte. Met nice people in the rig next door...80 yrs old and they sold their house to travel in 5th wheel RV!! They are headed to Thousand Trails in Indio! Told them to call us when they get down there! Worst of the storm is supposed to come tonihgt!! Left over spaghetti.. a little pasta/green Beans for early dinner... no lunch. May snack later.

Only made it 86 miles... raining too hard. Stopped in the middle of the redwoods in a place we've stopped at many times but now under new ownership/management. In fact, owned by the Assemblies of God now but still operated as an RV park. Also have year round campground facilities.. cabins, too, I think. Nice place, nice people. I wonder how wet I wll get if I walk across the highway to the espresso place!??

Well, so much for staying put today. The rain stopped and the sun peeked through a hole in the clouds, so we are hitching up the car and ready to pull out. Someone has ants in his pants. We are only 300 miles from DS and don't really have to be there before Friday. I said we would be there Thursday and DIL has a big football dinner that we could help with. But no problem getting there by then either if we wait until tomorrow. But... we're going to drive through the redwoods and see if we can find some mud slides or maybe catch up with the rain and wind!! LOL

GREAT.... I learned the hard way... to take a pain pill about an hour before PT, especially when I was still getting in home PT. By the time I switched to outpatient, a couple of ibuprofen would take care of it. Yes, I'm bad... I took ibuprofen for a few weeks even though we're not supposed to. It took the edge off enough that I wouldn't have to take the vicodin. If you can do a movie, and get in and out of the car already, you're a better woman than me!! I had a tough time sitting through church 3 weeks out, and didn't even attempt the car for 2 weeks. So I didn't get cabin fever.... I gradually increased my scooter time... I mean I HAVE to have my SF, FF lattes!! So I was crusining around the neighborhood on the scooter before I tried rides in the car.

GREAT... I had a big weight gain, too. Surgery on Tues... when I got weighed on the Wii on the following Monday morning I was way up. Can't remember how much... but I think it was about 10 lb. But next Monday it was gone, following Monday about another 6 lb gone. It's not only the IV fluids, but your leg is quite swollen and lots of Water weight in that entire leg that you are not aware of. Trust me... it will drop off, probably in about another week. The more you move and exercise, the more the swelling will go down. CPM machines... (continuous passive motion) some doctors use them, others don't.. I didn't have that either. And they tried to put TED hose on me but my feet are small and my calves to big, so they had one on that leg but it fit so poorly that they took it of and left it off. I did have those little pumper things on my feet the first two days. Yes.... do contact your doc about the faintness/dizziness. Your blood count was low... BP low, you may need a transfusion.

Trip is going well. Slow... but we like it that way! 200 miles 1st and 2nd day, and I think we did about 175 today, but shopped in Bandon OR this morning with my sister. Bought a cute top... purple w/hummingbirds and lots of sparklies! And, a new rain jacket because one i had went in the Goodwill bag. And I bought 4 bottles of wine, a very small amt of chocolate!! And cinnamon toothpicks! We are probably going to stay put for two nights now. We are just north of Eurkea CA, on the coast, with a huge nasty storm due to hit after midnight. That's why we're not planning to move tomorrow. And we drove 30 miles further than we planned to stop today because place we usually stay after leaving my sister's has no wi fi, no cable, can't get satellite signal, poor showers, herd of elk which is nice, and interesting, but they tend to leave deposits everywhere. Nothing to do there. At least here I can watch TV tomorrow, play on the internet and read my book. There.... I'd just be reading my book! You know what.... you will never find the PERFECT parent and there's no way to be the perfect parent !! we have all made our mistakes that have impacted our children in one way or another. We have to accept the fact that we did the best that we were equipped to do with our kids..... in your case, you're still in process. Do the best you can, pray to God to help you give your kids what they need to reach their full potential, and to know that they are truly loved and cherished, and then sit back and trust God! So glad you are finding some peace in your home. Praying for Michael to find what he needs to come back and function in your family in an acceptble manner, and in a way that will not be detrimental to himself or his family. It's obvious that you love your kids with all your heart and soul. They have to know that, and that will impact their lives in a powerful way! There's a gal in our TOPS group that always says, when someone has a gain, "YOU'LL GET IT OFF!!" AND YOU WILL! YIKES!! Hope you don't have the dreaded SWINE FLU!! Going around like crazy, I guess! BIL is hospital administrator in a small town hospital in OR. He is implementing more precautions today including personally customized masks. DS works for the hospital but not IN the hospital. Her office is offsite... she's hoping NOT to have to go over to the hospital until it's over!! Only place worse than a hospital to spread something like the flu is school!!! Yeah, that's pretty cold!! Earl says weather report looks like you might get a LOT of rain down there in southern CA!! We are going to stay put tomorrow! Yeah, antibacterial stuff and masks!! The uniform of the day!! NO WAY!!

Scooter... well, after using it all this time, it's scary not to...esp for a 3-4 hr outlet mall excursion. I wanted to walk from RV park over to the mall. My sister talked me in to taking her car. So we did that. Then I did walk for probably at least an hour before DH found us. He did not undertstand where we were! Kept telling him the very north end of the mall, and he kept getting more and more frustrated until I figured out he was on the inside tract and we were on the front side! I TOLD him... we're on the I-5 side... I can see the highway in front of me. But he didn't get it, so I had lots of walk time before he brought me the scooter. Then last night they wanted to take the car and I said NO.... I CAN WALK! So they finaly let me walk! So... I'm fighting other people, too! Today my sister and I walked around Bandon OR and visited several shops... 2 hrs... without the scooter. Then DH wanted to drive the RV down to pick me up...again I said I CAN WALK!! So I just have to keep telling him I CAN WALK! The knee hurts if I'm standing still, waiting in line, waiting to check out, and it was hurting this morning after about the first 90 minutes of shopping, but not too bad. All dr's are different. I was surprised about the brace, too. I didn't have one, but I had that ice wrap around my knee almost constantly the first two weeks or so. Never used crutches either. PT had me go from walker to cane after a couple of weeks. Now I can do without the cane, but often use it if I think I"m going to be encountering curbs or steps without a railing. Can't yet step up with the operative leg, which is a frustration... esp to DH!! I really liked the walker up to a point. But,after a couple of weeks.... I felt it was inhibiting my walking and getting in my way. That's wen the PT guy said I could switch to the cane.

Glad to have you back here! Great pictures.... can't believe the baby is THAT big already!! What a cutie! You did a great job with the photos. I have a small Canon camera that I like, too. It fits easily into my purse, or even a pocket. LAUNDRY???? Are you nuts??? (You probably know that's one of my favorite phrases! LOL!) You should not be taking a shower without DH in the room. About first 2 weeks, DH was there or in the next room and I had walker right there and a chair so I could sit down to get dressed. Take it easy, girl!! Yes, planning to enjoy the RV park a lot more this year. Did some walking at the outlet mall w/sister and friends yesterday before DH brought my scooter. Arrived at my sister's this afternoon and we walked to their favorite Mexican restaurant.... four blocks down and one block over! Good walk for me.

Hey... guess what?? They sell those "comfort" seats at Target for about $20. They have three different styles including the really wide one I got my husband. Oh... my!! I bought two jackets today... one jeans jacket, one mandarin style dressy jacket... tried 18/20 and my friend and the sales clerk both shook their heads and said "TOO BIG"! So they brought me 14/16 in each. They fit!! I said "NO WAY!" So I bought both of them!!

So sorry for all your financial struggles! You work so hard. That has to be frustrating! Yeah, still can't believe I can actually wear a 14/16. Should've taken them back to the Nike store. I went in there and asked if they had any womens' sizes and the sales girl said, "no, we don't have anything bigger than XL"! That pissed me off! Hmmm... should've showed her the label in the jacket I had on... XL, and last pair of Champion work out pants I bought were XL. Young Snot!

PT had me using the walker for several weeks. In fact, he ordered me a new 4-wheel one with brakes. But I think I went to a cane about 2 weeks after I got it! Oh well, I'll have it when I have to get the other knee done! Sounds like you're doing really well. I didn't have to wear a brace at all, but I had that electric ice wrap thing. I pretty much wore it all the time for the first couple of weeks... but probably shouldn't have. It just made my knee feel good. But sometimes I would try to turn on my side during the night and the big ice jug it was attached to would fall on the floor and there would be chaos! I am not a back sleeper either! In the hospital I could get over on my side by using the bed rails. But when I got home, it was a while before I could do it. And it hurt!

Fibroids are too big the doctor said?? Quiet here today. We had a good day... left RV park around 8:30 a.m., I think. Got here to outlet mall/RV park at noon. DS & BIL were waiting at the RV park office for us to get here. We didn't waste too much time before we headed over to the outlet mall. My sister bought a LOT of stuff! Clothes, coffee grinder, etc. and BIL.. mega clothes.. pants, shirts, etc. They are headed home now. Also met some old friends from 25 yrs ago or so.. They live in the area and saw on FB that we were going to be here this afternoon and asked if they could come over and meet us. So we all shopped together all afternoon and had a great time. We were in Dress Barn and I had bought nothing but a pair of sandals in the first store we were in when my friend found a jeans jacket she thought I'd like. So I tried it on... she and sales clerk both said at the same time... TOO BIG! It was 18/20~! So they found me a 14/16 and it FIT!! So I said, if its a 14/16 and it fits... I'm BUYING it whether i need it or not!! Then they found me a pretty blue dressy jacket... kind of mandarin style, same size, and it fit too. I said... now I don't know which one to buy!?? So my sister said... buy BOTH of them! SO I did! But they said they'd go outside and keep Earl busy, but it didn't work. So he caught me at the cash register! But he let me buy them anyway! :thumbup::biggrin: Can't believe I can wear a 14/16!! Relaxing with a glass of wine. We drove 197 miles today! We do take our time! Oh... I bought a SNUGGIE, too... blanket with arms! It's soft and cuddly.

Hi, All! Will try to keep this quick... tired, and babysitting grandkids.. in fact, we've been with them since 9:30 a.m.! First Thomas... Grandparents' day at pre-school... then lunch with DD & all three kids and three of my friends, and DH. Then babysitting the rest of the day. I want to go home to my RV! GREAT... you are doing wonderful! I think you're doing better than I did!! I used a walker for 3 weeks I think. Then to the cane. Now only using that if I have to do steps, curb or uneven ground. So glad you don't have too much pain. Yes, I shared my jerky from Apples with DH, too, because he was such a GOOD nurse. I had to have his help to get up to BR at night, and he'd fill my ice bag machine. I'd say he was up with me at least 3X a night for the first week or so. And I had to have alot more help than just a chair the first week! Wanted him there to take his hand while I got in and out, besides having a chair there. Laura, so very sorry to hear about your Dad. It must be so frustrating that it took them so long to figure out what was going on! Will keep you in my prayers as you deal with all this! AH... hear DD & SIL coming in! HOORAY! We're done! I can go home.. and maybe have a glass of wine! Yes, Janet... we should be there about the 23-25th. Depends how long we stay in Three Rivers. Will probably be anxious to get there by then.

Quick check in. No computer for a couple of days. At DD #2 today... Grandparents' Day at Thomas' pre-school, then to lunch with DD & all three kids and three old friends of mine from when we lived here in the 80's. Geez... THEY'RE getting OLD!! LOL... they are all about 10 yrs older than me, so I saw myself 10 yrs from now and took some mental notes! :thumbup: Then... babysitting the REST of the day! A little annoyed that DD & SIL didn't think maybe they should stay home and spend the afternoon/evening with us! NO... oh, you're going to stay in the RV down here... oh, well we haven't had a chance to go to dinner and a movie in a LONG time. I don't have much patience today, so I have not appreciated being stepped on, tripped over, fell on, and everyone else gets to watch what they want to watch on TV... news for grandpa, after Charly monopolized the TV with XBox all afternoon, and then nagged me the whole time I was trying to watch Grey's Anatomy (recorded last night) because he wanted to watch Myth Busters! GRRRR!! So I guess I don't get to see Private Practice. Yes, grandma is a bit cranky tonight! Yes, nice to have sleep number bed in the RV, too, but it's not quite the same. It's on wood platform instead of the usual sleep # box. Don't know why that should make a difference, but i seem to get shoulder aches sleeping on it and I don't at home. I'l get used to it.. just takes a few nights of tossing and turning. Plus it's been pretty cold out there! Heat is too intense if we put it on very high, so we keep it on low if at all. I think it's a cheaper model than the one at home because it's just not as comfortable. I'l tell you what is pretty neat.. I fit sideways on the couch and don't necessarly have to put the foot rest out. More comfortable than the foot rest, too. But, we're just about done with the goodbyes, and I'm ready to be on the road in the morning. Tomorrow will be a short day because we're only going a little past Portland. Meeting my sister & BIL at outlet mall down there. Do a little shopping. Maybe they'll stick around for dinner... or maybe not. But then we'll drive down to their place the next day. Slow going the first couple of days. Monday afternoon we'll get serious for a few days. Plan to make it to DS on Thursday so we can see DGS football game Friday night. He's the QB & DIL says it's a very "physical" and not so nice team they're playing so, praying they don't hurt him! May not get a chance to check in tomorrow... can't remember if the park we're staying in has wi-fi, but I think they do. Oh... one more thing... Tracy finally had MRI Wed, and talked to her dr. today.. she has several clusters of dying fibroids that are causing all the pain and other problems. Dr. said pain might last 6 weeks or 6 months! So she is thinking she wants to opt for hysterectomy. Problem is, fibroids are too big to do it laproscopically, so she'd have to have an open procedure... NO FUN!!

I am having minor separation issues re: big screen HD TV, always on DSL wi-fi, my electric recliner, king size bed, etc. But it's all good... I do love living in my RV, too. But I had to say good bye to my Primetimers friends today, neighbors in a few minutes, Tracy tomorrow... that will be the hardest. We've had our issues in the past, as you well know, but I think related to her health problems and teenager problems to a large extent. Our relationship has been going great this year, unlike last year when GD was making her crazy!! I have so much enjoyed having her just 7 miles away, meeting her at Surf Shack for a latte, as we did today, Sunday church and lunch, etc. It's just really been a joy! It will be hard to say good bye for the winter. I will be back up in Feb for a few days, and maybe they'll come down to see us for a few days.. they're thinking about it, and SIL is retiring 1 Jan!! He's older than her... 55, and he's got almost a full-time job managing his mother's multi-million$ estate. Plus his job is going to get very taxing in the very near future. So he's decided to call it quits and he's been really excited about it ever since he made that decision. Last PT today. She has been so supportive and complimentary. She was impressed that I walked to Riteaid last night! She printed out all the exercises she wants me to continue doing and gave me new resistance bands... upped me to "green". Told her maybe I'll see her next summer, if Dr. wants to do the other knee! Earl is still in a frenzy! Asked him to sit down and relax for our usual afternoon routine... Judge Judy and a glass of wine. But he can't settle down. He said he would, but he's been bouncing off the walls ever since.. cleaning, doing last load of clothes, etc. We're going to be back here tomorrow afternoon, so ...go figure!! Some of this could wait! I was planning to do the bathrooms tomorrow afternoon. Oh, well.. guess I won't have to! Irratic bathroom scale fluctuated between 198 and 202 this morning!! Almost to ONDERLAND! I'm guessing 2 lb down since Mon. So... we're about to leave for Tracy's and the RV. She's fixing us dinner tonight. I will be able to check in with you from time to time because I can't live without all of you!! XOX

Just skimmed through today's posts. Crazy man is about to move me and the cat in to the RV. Sleeping there tonight, down to "south end" tomorrow to spend time with DD#2 and grandkids on Friday. Thursday will be crazy. Get RV settled down there, then drive back up here... do last minute cleaning, DH has ophtham. appt for his glaucoma/cataract and I will spend some time with DD#1 and we make my last visit to my "Surf Shack" for latte. Then head back south after the eye appt. Friday spend with DD#2... Grandparents' day at pre-school, babysit all three kids in the afternoon/early eve so DD & SIL can go to dinner and movie. Head to just south of Portland Saturday morning. Shop at outlet mall with my sister there on Sat. Okay.. that's enough. I'll quit now. I think we have free Wi-Fi at the RV park there. will check in then. Happy Trails to us!!

Coming home towards the end of April, Candice. Sorry.. I forgot to tell you that! Alaska cruise would be great... if anyone wants to do that, always game for a cruise. Esp. Alaska! TRAVEL NAZI!!! I LOVE IT!! Hey... I decided to take on the steep condo driveway and walked over to the shopping center after dinner, and down to Riteaid to get Earl some sinus medicine. Used the cane because of the incline... but it was okay. Just didn't like the standing still while they figured out what to do.. I bought the wrong thing this afternoon so I was going back to exchange it for the right one! But was pretty excited that i walked it!!

Ah, yes, it would be great with scallops! I was just planning to use the dozen oysters, but I LOVE seafood of just about any kind. But I did just develop a taste for oysters this summer. That's why I'm still learning how to cook them right! I actually ate 6 raw ones this summer... it was happy hour at my favorite outdoor seafood restaurant. I'd had a glass of wine.. They didn't have the BBQ oysters that I wanted so I ordered 6 oyster shooters not knowing exactly what I was ordering. When the waitress brought them.. they were each in a shot glass with a slice of lemon and some seafood sauce... and they were raw! DD & SIL were there, so I had to eat them to save face! They were okay but I won't eat them raw again. I probably already told that story, but... there it is again!

LOL! Well, I picked up a recipe at Safeway or somewhere, but I didn't exactly follow it! First I sauteed some chopped up celery, thinly sliced onion, finely chopped garlic (2 cloves) in a little bit of olive oil and about a pat of butter. I think I put in just a dash of balsamic vinegar, but probably didn't need that. Couldn't really taste it anyway, and it gave it a little color. I used one can of 2% evaporated milk because I was making a very small amout of chowder. So I poured in a tiny bit of the milk, thickened with a small amt of flour. Then I added the rest of the can of milk, and a small package (about 8 oz, I think) of seafood mix...it had a little bit of shrimp, calamari, etc. in it, and I'd cooked a dozen oysters a couple of days prior that i put in, too. Actually, I sort of cremated the oysters! I'm just learning to cook them and everything I read says cook until the shells open. Well, it seems to me if you wait that long they are way over cooked! At any rate, they plumped up again when I put them in the chowder. I seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning. I think what really gave it a nice flavor was a few shakes of McCormick California Style Garlic Pepper. Gave it some tang... the pepper...and if I hadn't stopped when I did, it would've been too much. I didn't know what i was doing!! Earl has taken almost all the spices in to the RV already!! But we eat a lot of fish so the Old Bay was still there, and that Garlic Pepper.

I'm having opposite problem last couple of days... UGH! Not hungry! Seafood chowder that I made a few days ago for lunch.. 1/2 mug. DH is making me salmon for dinner and I am not the least bit hungry .... feel full, and don't know if I'll be able to eat it!

Maxine would be good.... but, no, they're Betty Boop! And I have a Betty Boop t-shirt to wear with those. The ones I wore to TOPS just kinda look like striped capris... blue & grey, etc. They're just really comfortable, and soft. I think I might have worn them to PT one day!!

Hope "Great" doesn't mind me sharing, but this is what she posted on FB earlier today: Day one with my new knee, pain has been minimal and they had me walk to the door already. Having a little blood pressure (too low) and blood count issue but seems to be resolving itself. Thanks so much for the good wishes and prayer.

So glad things are going well today, Jackie!

Hi, Jackie! Thanks for the encouragement... at a time when you need it much more than I do! Glad things are a little better with Court. Yeah... one of my sisters works with a gal who had bypass, was doing well with 55 lb loss, but still weighing over 300 lb, but decided she needed to reward herself for the 55 lb and eating all kinds of junk... donuts, 2 McDonald breakfast sandwiches at a time, etc. She's been doing it al summer apparently, so she's going to gain back what she's lost. Not listening to co-workers who have been trying to talk some sense in to her. Anyway.... Earl is in much better spirits this morning. Of course, he is always in a good mood in the morning! And we did find out that those neighbors upstairs are moving in to a rental house the end of the month. They decided a 950 sq ft condo is a little small for 4 adults (2 teenage daughters) and 2 dogs! Hello????!! So who knows what we'll have when we get back from the desert next spring!! I have to confess that I have a SF, FF latte just about every day when I'm at home.... once or twice a week when we're in CA. Yes, I LOVE the Wii Fit Plus! Have thought about the EA Active and the Resort Sports but don't know very much about them. Sometimes I read the reviews on Amazon if I'm thinking about buying something like that. In fact, that's why I decided NOT to get the Jillian thing when it came out. There was so much hype about it but when I went to Amazon.com, no one had anything good to say about it. DIL wanted it for Christmas, so I got it for her, but haven't asked recently if she's still using it. Another beautiful morning here. Can't believe how nice the weather has been all summer, and now fall! It's chilly, but clear skies, sunshine. Tracy is subbing at the school today... at a job she's actually applied for even though she doesn't REALLY want to go back to work!! They wanted her to do it for 3 days, but she has an MRI tomorrow to take a closer look at the fibroid mess, and Thursday she and I are going to spend some time together while Earl is at his eye appointment, and just before we head south. I am really going to miss her!! Sunday her hubby told us he's taking us both shopping for clothes when we get back in the spring!! I think he's serious! And Earl is stressing again at my lack of clothes.. telling me my drawers and closet here are empty, and I have empty drawers in the RV... that NEVER happened before, and the closet in the RV isn't full either... usually you can't get your hand in between things and impossible to find anything because it's cram packed!! I'll be fine. They do have places I can shop in CA, right Janet!!?? And there's always my pajama pants!! LOL! I wore a pair to TOPS yesterday and have two others that I sometimes wear in public... Tweety bird and -- my mind went blank.. the cartoon lady with the black curly hair who always wears red... sorry.. can't think!