What a tiring day! I thought I was only supposed to see the dr to determine that my wound has healed - maybe an hour at most. Took 3 hours in his office for him to gather all the results of the tests from last week, then I had to go thru the whole pre-op process again (another 4 hours).
But the good news is that I am cleared for surgery tomorrow. See you on the other side!
Monday, July 28, 2014
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Day 32 of the Journey (Shabbat) - Lynn Haven, FL
A day packed with a strong message about journeys.
We enjoy some bible study and this week we read about the Israelites 42 stops during their 40 year sojourn in the desert. The message that kept popping out at me is that life is a journey and every time we're put into a difficult situation or have obstacles block our path, or even take time out for good stuff, that is actually a stop along the way. We are meant to stop at that juncture. There is always a reason, whether it's for healing, learning, self-reflection, growth or something else.
This was relevant enough in our static lifestyles, but even more literal in our desire to be on the road. Every time we have a diversion from our travel plans, we need to remember that there is a reason and try to learn and grow from it rather than get all upset and focus on "if only, if only."
We enjoy some bible study and this week we read about the Israelites 42 stops during their 40 year sojourn in the desert. The message that kept popping out at me is that life is a journey and every time we're put into a difficult situation or have obstacles block our path, or even take time out for good stuff, that is actually a stop along the way. We are meant to stop at that juncture. There is always a reason, whether it's for healing, learning, self-reflection, growth or something else.
This was relevant enough in our static lifestyles, but even more literal in our desire to be on the road. Every time we have a diversion from our travel plans, we need to remember that there is a reason and try to learn and grow from it rather than get all upset and focus on "if only, if only."
Friday, July 25, 2014
Day 31 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
This has been a week of travel, and I am very grateful that with all the movement in and out of the car, I did not dislocate my hip again!
On Tuesday (last posting), an additional trip was made to the hospital outpatient services for an EKG and more lab work.
The visit to the hematologist confirmed that I had severe anemia and he ordered an iron infusion (all day on Thursday) and a blood transfusion (almost all day today). He is certain this is all caused by the gastric bypass I had in 2008 (body doesn't absorb iron) and I will need to have an infusion every 12-18 months for the rest of my life. He also ordered me to take B-12 shots which I will also always need to do. Mitch is administering them to me. He did his first one today and I didn't feel a thing. He said it hurt him more than it hurt me!
Anyway, hopefully all I have been through this week will pay off and I will be able to have the surgery on Tuesday to fix my hip so that I can once again move freely and provide a much more interesting adventure log!
And one more time - can't say it enough - soooo grateful to Fred & Twila for letting us stay here and also for being able to use their brand new "baby" - the SUV - to get around in as the other car is too low. We can't use the "bull" because it is parked at a weird angle in the driveway and if we unhitch it, we will never be able to hitch it back up, because we need a straight path and there is no room to do that. I just hope we'll be able to drive the beast out of the driveway when the time comes! But that's a worry for another day.
On Tuesday (last posting), an additional trip was made to the hospital outpatient services for an EKG and more lab work.
The visit to the hematologist confirmed that I had severe anemia and he ordered an iron infusion (all day on Thursday) and a blood transfusion (almost all day today). He is certain this is all caused by the gastric bypass I had in 2008 (body doesn't absorb iron) and I will need to have an infusion every 12-18 months for the rest of my life. He also ordered me to take B-12 shots which I will also always need to do. Mitch is administering them to me. He did his first one today and I didn't feel a thing. He said it hurt him more than it hurt me!
Anyway, hopefully all I have been through this week will pay off and I will be able to have the surgery on Tuesday to fix my hip so that I can once again move freely and provide a much more interesting adventure log!
And one more time - can't say it enough - soooo grateful to Fred & Twila for letting us stay here and also for being able to use their brand new "baby" - the SUV - to get around in as the other car is too low. We can't use the "bull" because it is parked at a weird angle in the driveway and if we unhitch it, we will never be able to hitch it back up, because we need a straight path and there is no room to do that. I just hope we'll be able to drive the beast out of the driveway when the time comes! But that's a worry for another day.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Day 28 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
Tomorrow's exciting travel plans:
8:30 am - wound care
10:00 am - family physician
11:20 am - hematologist
Sigh.
8:30 am - wound care
10:00 am - family physician
11:20 am - hematologist
Sigh.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Day 27 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
Yet another instance of life not going according to plan. I have to trust that things happen when and why they do for a reason. Only God knows that reason, but all the same, I need to have faith that there IS a reason.
I was supposed to have the revision surgery tomorrow to fix my hip. Was given a time to be at the hospital at 5:00 am. First sign was a call that since I couldn't provide a urine sample at the lab during the pre-op intake, I would need to have it done at the hospital by catheter. They can't do the surgery until the results are in, so that would mean a delay to later in the day. Disappointed, but I could live with that.
A few hours later I got a call from the doctor. He wanted to see the bed sore again, as he was pretty certain that unless it was 100% healed, it was too risky to operate due to the potential for infection. I was not at all happy to hear that, as I want this nightmare over already. But I went to his office. He felt it was healed enough that he would take the risk if I absolutely insisted, but he gave me a 15 minute lecture spelling out how bad the risks of infection would be and if he did proceed, it was still at a great risk. I have to trust his judgement.
In addition, my labs came back showing my iron level so low that he said it was "transfusion level low". He wants me to see a hematologist to determine the cause. I've had low iron for a long time and confess I haven't taken my iron pills since I was last in the RV, but it shouldn't have dropped that low. I just hope that won't be an issue to postpone surgery as well.
Again, I need to give thanks to my dear, dear family for giving me a safe and loving place to stay during this ordeal.
I was supposed to have the revision surgery tomorrow to fix my hip. Was given a time to be at the hospital at 5:00 am. First sign was a call that since I couldn't provide a urine sample at the lab during the pre-op intake, I would need to have it done at the hospital by catheter. They can't do the surgery until the results are in, so that would mean a delay to later in the day. Disappointed, but I could live with that.
A few hours later I got a call from the doctor. He wanted to see the bed sore again, as he was pretty certain that unless it was 100% healed, it was too risky to operate due to the potential for infection. I was not at all happy to hear that, as I want this nightmare over already. But I went to his office. He felt it was healed enough that he would take the risk if I absolutely insisted, but he gave me a 15 minute lecture spelling out how bad the risks of infection would be and if he did proceed, it was still at a great risk. I have to trust his judgement.
In addition, my labs came back showing my iron level so low that he said it was "transfusion level low". He wants me to see a hematologist to determine the cause. I've had low iron for a long time and confess I haven't taken my iron pills since I was last in the RV, but it shouldn't have dropped that low. I just hope that won't be an issue to postpone surgery as well.
Again, I need to give thanks to my dear, dear family for giving me a safe and loving place to stay during this ordeal.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Day 22 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
Mitch is out and about running a bunch of shopping errands. Not sure if I mentioned that on the day he was backing the CoW into his brother's back yard, he drove under a tree with low branches and put quite a few holes and tears into the newly resealed roof. Fortunately, it is fixable with a certain kind of roof patch, and there are tons of RV places down here to buy it.
I also have him looking for a boat cushion; it's a kind of pillow that doesn't sink in when you sit on it. Most chairs are too low for me to sit in, as I can't bend my knee and can't go down more than 90 degrees and when I use a regular pillow, I sink into it. I had one when I had my hip replaced 4 years ago, but got rid of it during the purging process.
Our hosts are returning some time tomorrow, so I will also pull out the whip (figuratively) on Mitch to get rid of all the clutter that needs to go back to the CoW, to scrub the counters, wash the dishes (he's been doing that anyway), and sweep & mop the floors. I plan to inspect his work, so watch out Mitch if it doesn't meet my high standards! I can't wait to be back living in my new, smaller, easier to keep clean home on wheels!
The only other item of major inconvenience I'm dealing with right now is a newly formed bed sore on my buttocks which is getting progressively worse (it's about a Stage 2.5). I do get up out of bed every hour and walk around the house for at least 15-20 minutes at a time, but I guess the sore formed during the rest periods in between and at night, when I can only lie on my back so as not to rotate my leg/hip (which in and of itself is a major inconvenience since I'm a very restless sleeper - tossing and turning all night). We've been treating it with Bacitracin but it hasn't helped. I called the doctor's office. Apparently they can write an order to have a home health care wound specialist come out to the house to assess it and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Now it's just a matter of getting the dr's office to actually write out that order. They do take their dear sweet time doing things and I guess since it's not a life or death emergency, the end of the day is good enough for them. Sigh. Patience my dear!
I also have him looking for a boat cushion; it's a kind of pillow that doesn't sink in when you sit on it. Most chairs are too low for me to sit in, as I can't bend my knee and can't go down more than 90 degrees and when I use a regular pillow, I sink into it. I had one when I had my hip replaced 4 years ago, but got rid of it during the purging process.
Our hosts are returning some time tomorrow, so I will also pull out the whip (figuratively) on Mitch to get rid of all the clutter that needs to go back to the CoW, to scrub the counters, wash the dishes (he's been doing that anyway), and sweep & mop the floors. I plan to inspect his work, so watch out Mitch if it doesn't meet my high standards! I can't wait to be back living in my new, smaller, easier to keep clean home on wheels!
The only other item of major inconvenience I'm dealing with right now is a newly formed bed sore on my buttocks which is getting progressively worse (it's about a Stage 2.5). I do get up out of bed every hour and walk around the house for at least 15-20 minutes at a time, but I guess the sore formed during the rest periods in between and at night, when I can only lie on my back so as not to rotate my leg/hip (which in and of itself is a major inconvenience since I'm a very restless sleeper - tossing and turning all night). We've been treating it with Bacitracin but it hasn't helped. I called the doctor's office. Apparently they can write an order to have a home health care wound specialist come out to the house to assess it and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Now it's just a matter of getting the dr's office to actually write out that order. They do take their dear sweet time doing things and I guess since it's not a life or death emergency, the end of the day is good enough for them. Sigh. Patience my dear!
Monday, July 14, 2014
Day 20 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
I saw the orthopedic surgeon today. He is very confident that the revision surgery in which they will replace the liner and put in a larger head as well as a lip, will give me the stability I need. He is hoping not to find muscle damage or that the stem needs replacing.
Surgery is scheduled for a week from tomorrow - Tuesday, July 22nd. I have an appt at the hospital on Friday for pre-op testing.
Getting in and out of the car today was the most terrifying action this week, as the seat was low and I had to twist and bend my leg to get it to fit in the short space.
Since there is nothing really adventurous to report these days, I may take a break from posting unless I really have something important or interesting to share.
Thank you all (y'all) for being here for me! Your kind words continue to guide me.
Surgery is scheduled for a week from tomorrow - Tuesday, July 22nd. I have an appt at the hospital on Friday for pre-op testing.
Getting in and out of the car today was the most terrifying action this week, as the seat was low and I had to twist and bend my leg to get it to fit in the short space.
Since there is nothing really adventurous to report these days, I may take a break from posting unless I really have something important or interesting to share.
Thank you all (y'all) for being here for me! Your kind words continue to guide me.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Day 19 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
UPDATE: It took a while to get started, but Mitch did come through and cleaned almost everything up. Still not perfect by my standards, and probably not to our hosts' standards either, but at least it's 1000% better than it was this morning.
______________
I find myself sitting on the pity pot today - depression is settling in, due to a combination of boredom mixed with complete helplessness and frustration. Other than my hourly walks around the house, which last about 10-15 mins, I am still terrified to move, which includes even sitting on any chair in the house. I also see this place, which is not ours, going to pot, as my husband is not the best housekeeper and although he means well, I really do need to nag at him to pick things up, wash them off (including his spills which he allegedly doesn't see), remove his clutter, etc, etc etc. Normally, I would just clean up after him when I saw that he is too distracted to do it himself, but I am not in any condition to do so. So I have to keep asking, and that only gets him more frustrated, since he's already taking care of me (by cooking, tightening my brace and pretty much playing fetch). Our very gracious hosts are out of town for a week visiting their daughter (it was a surprise, so I couldn't mention it earlier). I'm just so nervous that they will come back home to a pig sty. It's bad enough that almost all our belongings (clothes & food) have been brought in from the CoW to the house, but they are not in any semblance of order and are laying all over the place. I just wish I could bend and twist and put things away (then again, I'd be on the road, living my new adventure if that were the case). I ask Mitch, but he just gets very frustrated and angry when I make any suggestions.
So back on the pity pot for the rest of the day....
______________
I find myself sitting on the pity pot today - depression is settling in, due to a combination of boredom mixed with complete helplessness and frustration. Other than my hourly walks around the house, which last about 10-15 mins, I am still terrified to move, which includes even sitting on any chair in the house. I also see this place, which is not ours, going to pot, as my husband is not the best housekeeper and although he means well, I really do need to nag at him to pick things up, wash them off (including his spills which he allegedly doesn't see), remove his clutter, etc, etc etc. Normally, I would just clean up after him when I saw that he is too distracted to do it himself, but I am not in any condition to do so. So I have to keep asking, and that only gets him more frustrated, since he's already taking care of me (by cooking, tightening my brace and pretty much playing fetch). Our very gracious hosts are out of town for a week visiting their daughter (it was a surprise, so I couldn't mention it earlier). I'm just so nervous that they will come back home to a pig sty. It's bad enough that almost all our belongings (clothes & food) have been brought in from the CoW to the house, but they are not in any semblance of order and are laying all over the place. I just wish I could bend and twist and put things away (then again, I'd be on the road, living my new adventure if that were the case). I ask Mitch, but he just gets very frustrated and angry when I make any suggestions.
So back on the pity pot for the rest of the day....
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Day 18 of the Journey (Shabbat) - Lynn Haven, FL
Took the day of rest to a whole new level of resting! Other than my hourly walks around the house, just read and napped all day.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Day 17 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
I would like to make it my goal to have an entry a day, even if there's nothing to write about -- although I do hope when this little hip adventure is over, we can commence our travel adventures. Soooo many obstacles along the way, preventing us from doing so. We've gotten so close this time...
Nothing to report on for today, just the same old routine. Working on laptop in bed, getting up and v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y doing "laps" around the house about every 1-2 hours, repeat all day. Trying to do a little VA business but not highly motivated. Watching a little tv and remembering why I would never pay for the "priviledge" of watching it!
Nothing to report on for today, just the same old routine. Working on laptop in bed, getting up and v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y doing "laps" around the house about every 1-2 hours, repeat all day. Trying to do a little VA business but not highly motivated. Watching a little tv and remembering why I would never pay for the "priviledge" of watching it!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Day 16 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
Today's challenge of the day - getting our prescriptions from CVS. First, had trouble the other day as rx for percoset was from Lake City (didn't fill it the day the hip came out). Today, they said they were out of percoset, but also refused to fill Mitch's rx for his ritalin, as it's from a NJ dr. Called main office - Caremark who said this was a CVS policy and the pharmacist had the right to refuse to fill a rx for whatever reason.
Mitch will mail his rx in and we'll try Publix or Winn Dixie or another local pharmacy for mine.
Mitch will mail his rx in and we'll try Publix or Winn Dixie or another local pharmacy for mine.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Day 15 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
I suspect location will be here for quite a while. I am so incredibly grateful for the support of Fred & Twila; I don't know what I would do without them.
Still not much in terms of my recovery, as I'm not in recovery phase yet. While I do need to get up and keep the blood circulating, every step I take is a risk of popping out the hip again and I don't feel confident that "being careful" is enough, although that's my only option. I meet with the orthopedic surgeon again next Monday, at which point he will probably schedule surgery.
Meanwhile - the beast: it took 2 days but the mobile tech from Good Sam finally found the 1" bolt that was missing from the slide and was able to fix that problem. We also discovered the house batteries were dead. Mitch took them to a battery store where they refused to sell him a new set. "Did you check the water level?" No. Well, they're bone dry. Lesson: you need to check and maintain batteries that aren't maintenance free!
They also tried to reposition the beast to get it out of the backyard. Success finally came about 4 hours later and after removing the fence. Is there any other way we can turn these dear folks lives upside down?
Mitch did go out on a job today at least. I have work to do but am not really getting as much done as I should. I hope my client understands.
Still not much in terms of my recovery, as I'm not in recovery phase yet. While I do need to get up and keep the blood circulating, every step I take is a risk of popping out the hip again and I don't feel confident that "being careful" is enough, although that's my only option. I meet with the orthopedic surgeon again next Monday, at which point he will probably schedule surgery.
Meanwhile - the beast: it took 2 days but the mobile tech from Good Sam finally found the 1" bolt that was missing from the slide and was able to fix that problem. We also discovered the house batteries were dead. Mitch took them to a battery store where they refused to sell him a new set. "Did you check the water level?" No. Well, they're bone dry. Lesson: you need to check and maintain batteries that aren't maintenance free!
They also tried to reposition the beast to get it out of the backyard. Success finally came about 4 hours later and after removing the fence. Is there any other way we can turn these dear folks lives upside down?
Mitch did go out on a job today at least. I have work to do but am not really getting as much done as I should. I hope my client understands.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Day 14 of the Journey - Lynn Haven FL
Stayed in bed most of the am. Saw ortho Dr in pm who recommends revision surgery asap. Needs my op reports first. Have appt next Mon. Not up to writing more today.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Day 13 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
I wish I could say we all did something fun today, but we spent the day in the ER as my hip dislocated again today. All I did was sit back in the chair. Thank God for Fred and Twila! I hope to see an orthopedist tomorrow. can't wait until Aug. at this point.
meanwhile still need to get the slide fixed and the angle to get out.
meanwhile still need to get the slide fixed and the angle to get out.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Day 12 of the Journey (Shabbat) - Lynn Haven, FL
Being the Sabbath, nothing at all to report. Just took it very easy today. My head was still mostly out of it; I didn't even feel like reading.
Twila and Fred are such WONDERFUL people. We've been with them before but never really on a one to one basis like this. We've been living in their house which they opened up completely to us - no questions asked. They put so much time, effort and money into making a great looking lawn, but didn't even freak out when it got dug up by the truck (I hope we'll be able to help fix it). They are so very generous and a lot of fun to be around. I am grateful to have this time to spend with them. Hopefully the rest of the visit I will be more fun to be around. I know you guys are reading my blog -- so let me say I can't thank you enough for all you are doing for us.
Here's to a really great 2nd half of the visit (picture champagne flutes clinking), fixing the CoW and getting out of the back yard!
Twila and Fred are such WONDERFUL people. We've been with them before but never really on a one to one basis like this. We've been living in their house which they opened up completely to us - no questions asked. They put so much time, effort and money into making a great looking lawn, but didn't even freak out when it got dug up by the truck (I hope we'll be able to help fix it). They are so very generous and a lot of fun to be around. I am grateful to have this time to spend with them. Hopefully the rest of the visit I will be more fun to be around. I know you guys are reading my blog -- so let me say I can't thank you enough for all you are doing for us.
Here's to a really great 2nd half of the visit (picture champagne flutes clinking), fixing the CoW and getting out of the back yard!
Friday, July 4, 2014
Day 11 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
Still no clue about how we're going to reposition the beast to get it out of the back yard. Mitch and Fred cut down a lot more branches in the meantime. I forgot to mention yesterday that the ground was wet and the beast got stuck in the mud. 4WD to the rescue, although it left holes in the ground which had to be patched up.
But another problem discovered today: note: it is the Fourth of July -- the kitchen slide will not close. After looking through a lot of manuals and going on the internet, Mitch finally caved in and allowed me to call roadside assistance to bring in a mobile technician. Unfortunately, being a holiday weekend, they couldn't find anyone available and told us to try again on Monday. We have questions out to the forums and hope maybe someone can suggest something we haven't figured out yet.
Meanwhile, I'm not feeling 100% up to par yet. Still in a bit of discomfort, feeling like I'm still under anesthesia (groggy) and deathly afraid to move.
Mitch did figure out that the electric he was trying to hook up to controlled the house a/c which is why it kept blowing the fuse. He is trying to locate a better outlet, so hopefully we'll have power in the CoW tonight. Otherwise we're welcome to stay in the house.
Never a dull moment, that's for sure!!!
But another problem discovered today: note: it is the Fourth of July -- the kitchen slide will not close. After looking through a lot of manuals and going on the internet, Mitch finally caved in and allowed me to call roadside assistance to bring in a mobile technician. Unfortunately, being a holiday weekend, they couldn't find anyone available and told us to try again on Monday. We have questions out to the forums and hope maybe someone can suggest something we haven't figured out yet.
Meanwhile, I'm not feeling 100% up to par yet. Still in a bit of discomfort, feeling like I'm still under anesthesia (groggy) and deathly afraid to move.
Mitch did figure out that the electric he was trying to hook up to controlled the house a/c which is why it kept blowing the fuse. He is trying to locate a better outlet, so hopefully we'll have power in the CoW tonight. Otherwise we're welcome to stay in the house.
Never a dull moment, that's for sure!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Day 10 of the Journey - Lynn Haven, FL
This day was truly another adventure. Although yesterday I posted that Mitch wanted to leave between 3 and 6 am, we woke up at 7, but still wanted to get as early a start as possible. But plans are made in jello... I DISLOCATED MY HIP AGAIN (the last time was Easter Sunday, and before that was July 6, 2012. Hip replacement was 2010). It was really quite amazing how the ambulance guys were able to get me out from the bedroom, down the bedroom stairs, around the galley counter and down the rig steps. This is becoming a chronic condition -- I do plan to speak with my orthopedist next week and figure out what can be done other than wearing a brace full time. I cannot live like this!
The hip was reset and we left the hospital around 3:00. Fortunately we were still in the Walmart parking lot and never unhitched the truck (that would have been disastrous, as I'm in no condition to navigate or drive). We did manage to get to Fred & Twila's house in Lynn Haven (about 3.5 hrs away). Mitch never inflated the air bags in the suspension so it was quite a bumpy ride. Turns out the street was very narrow. I have no clue how he did it, but with guidance, he got thru the house gate and parked in the back yard. There's a tree in the middle of the yard, which offered up it's branches and caused some scratches in the new paint. It's parked at such an awkward angle, though. We have no clue how we're going to get it back out. But that's a worry for next week.
We found that the electric wasn't working, but it was getting late and dark. We were invited to sleep in the guest room inside the house and deal with all the problems in the morning.
The hip was reset and we left the hospital around 3:00. Fortunately we were still in the Walmart parking lot and never unhitched the truck (that would have been disastrous, as I'm in no condition to navigate or drive). We did manage to get to Fred & Twila's house in Lynn Haven (about 3.5 hrs away). Mitch never inflated the air bags in the suspension so it was quite a bumpy ride. Turns out the street was very narrow. I have no clue how he did it, but with guidance, he got thru the house gate and parked in the back yard. There's a tree in the middle of the yard, which offered up it's branches and caused some scratches in the new paint. It's parked at such an awkward angle, though. We have no clue how we're going to get it back out. But that's a worry for next week.
We found that the electric wasn't working, but it was getting late and dark. We were invited to sleep in the guest room inside the house and deal with all the problems in the morning.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Day 9 of the Journey - Lake City, FL
We woke up at 7:30 this morning, but admittedly didn't get functioning until closer to 8:30. We were finished packing up the inside and out and ready to hitch by 10:30 (mostly because Mitch wanted to do a little more organizing). It took us only 1/2 hour to hitch up -- not bad for the first time doing it alone. I was the one taking instructions, but found that I am much better behind the wheel with Mitch navigating.
Getting out of the campground was another story. Recall these are winding, narrow streets. At one point we almost took a tree with us. We had to maneuver back and forth before making it around the curve. But we made it without a scratch! Wish I had taken a picture of that narrow curve.
We got on the road by about 11:15. Mitch was exhausted by then so we stopped at the first rest area about 1/2 hour away so he could close his eyes for a catnap. After 10 minutes he got a phone call from one of his contractors, offering him a job for Monday. He went back to sleep for another 10 mins and then ran into the Dunkin Donuts to get some ice water and 2 bagels for lunch.
We hit the road again and drove another hour and a half until we reached the half way point we had decided on - a Walmart in Lake City (wallydocking = overnight parking at Walmart). Here's where today's 2nd adventure begins:
Mitch plans to get up in the middle of the night and do some shopping (they're open 24 hrs) and hit the road by 6. Not sure why he wants to leave that early; I guess to avoid traffic and also give him time to pull over several times to nap. He can't seem to go more than an hour at a time before getting tired, and I'm not feeling confident enough yet to drive it without his being outside guiding me. He's getting really good at driving and turning. We will still need a lot of practice backing up, as we haven't figured out which direction the CoW wants to go when we turn the wheels.
Anyway, really exhausted, probably from all the heat. It's only 8:00pm but I'm going to bed now. Good night!
Getting out of the campground was another story. Recall these are winding, narrow streets. At one point we almost took a tree with us. We had to maneuver back and forth before making it around the curve. But we made it without a scratch! Wish I had taken a picture of that narrow curve.
We got on the road by about 11:15. Mitch was exhausted by then so we stopped at the first rest area about 1/2 hour away so he could close his eyes for a catnap. After 10 minutes he got a phone call from one of his contractors, offering him a job for Monday. He went back to sleep for another 10 mins and then ran into the Dunkin Donuts to get some ice water and 2 bagels for lunch.
We hit the road again and drove another hour and a half until we reached the half way point we had decided on - a Walmart in Lake City (wallydocking = overnight parking at Walmart). Here's where today's 2nd adventure begins:
- The GPS did not take us on the most direct route but rather had us drive about 10 miles on a narrow two lane road with a few turns.
- Pulled into the Walmart parking lot which was not a huge entrance. It put us in front of the store and there was no way we could turn down any of the narrow aisles with all the cars coming & going to get to the back of the lot.
- Had to go the first area that had a little space which was around the building, in the loading dock area. After a few forward and backwards moves, we found a good angle where we weren't blocking the fire exit or the trucks in the bays. We were low on gas so we unhitched the truck to get some (no truck stops nearby that would have allowed us to pull in with the CoW. We also passed a Moe's and decided to bring back some burritos rather than my having to cook. It took about 20 mins to gas up all the tanks and the heat was brutal. Oh, I should pause to mention that we first stopped into Walmart to load up one of their prepay cards so we could get a discount on gas at their station, only to find that they don't sell diesel there).
- Came back to our "site" to discover a security guard in his little cart waiting for us, telling us we couldn't park there.
- Hitched back up. This time it only took about 10 minutes! Yay team Mitcheryl!!! Of course, we more than made up the time with trying to move it over to the empty area, around the windy narrow islands. We did manage to get to that area and pulled into about 10 spots. A truck driver parked there told us we couldn't park in that direction because we needed to pull in the other way, otherwise they can't get out. That's where the real fun began because we had to pull around another really narrow island. A lot of back and forthing, but finally got it without doing any damage. We're now taking up about 20 spots (in the middle of 2 rows) but after all that, not to mention the severe HEAT while doing all this, we really don't care what the truckers have to say. We've been parked here now for about 2 hours and so far we've been left alone.
Mitch plans to get up in the middle of the night and do some shopping (they're open 24 hrs) and hit the road by 6. Not sure why he wants to leave that early; I guess to avoid traffic and also give him time to pull over several times to nap. He can't seem to go more than an hour at a time before getting tired, and I'm not feeling confident enough yet to drive it without his being outside guiding me. He's getting really good at driving and turning. We will still need a lot of practice backing up, as we haven't figured out which direction the CoW wants to go when we turn the wheels.
Anyway, really exhausted, probably from all the heat. It's only 8:00pm but I'm going to bed now. Good night!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Day 8 of the Journey - Clermont / Orlando, FL
Benjamin said he would be here at 8:30 this morning. He showed up at 11:00. But sparing you all the details and cutting to the chase - there was no rain today (YAY!) and he was able to apply all 4 coats of paint/seal. Which means the roof is done and we can leave tomorrow morning. Not that there was a choice. When he arrived late, he said if he couldn't finish today he would do so tomorrow. But I only have the site reserved until tomorrow (Wed. 7/2) and they said someone else had this site reserved starting tomorrow. They could give us another site, but -- referring to a previous day's post -- no way we could possibly consider attempting to get into a "standard" spot! So we are extremely fortunate that today things worked out.
Of course, the heat was extremely unbearable as the a/c had to be off. Not that I can complain because Benjamin had it far worse, working in the sun on the roof. At least I could sit in front of a portable fan.
Our newbie mistake for today is that Mitch thought he left the valve for the gray tank open yesterday. Apparently he didn't, so after about 3 showers, washing dishes and doing 2 loads of laundry, we discovered a flood! The water came back up thru the shower drain and sink. I think we caught it in time because throwing down about 6 towels soaked it up before it ran into the hallway and onto the carpet. Lesson learned: always keep an eye on the gray tank level, even if you think it's open!
Another little adventure -- had to go into Orlando to Camping World to pick up the vent covers and a few assorted other little items (new shower head, some drain covers and a better step stool). We stopped first for lunch at Golden Corral. It took a half hour longer than it should have at CW because their POS system was down. It's too bad because this is something Mitch does for a living (installing and fixing POS systems, among other techie things), but they wouldn't let him troubleshoot. They apologized for the inconvenience but didn't give us a free RV for our troubles! Oh well, such is life!
Mitch installed the roof covers and now we have some major cleanup to do. He started reorganizing the CoW's belly which still had a lot of Kevin's stuff that we probably won't need. Unfortunately, when we left Kevin's, we didn't have a lot of time and everything just kind of got thrown into storage willy-nilly. He did a pretty good job now. We just have a LOT of garbage and recyclable boxes we need to bring near the front office.
So tomorrow morning comes the next dreaded part - hitching up without supervision.
Oh, this little guy came to visit me while I was cleaning up the shards from the old vent cover:
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