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Happy R'Versary! (final post in this Chapter) Day 2195 (Year 6, Day 356)

Land O'Lakes, FL

Of course, once again, the math doesn't add up.  This should be Day 366 (leap year), so I'm not sure where the 10 days went.

Today marks the beginning of the 7th year that we will be RV full-timers (http://mitcheryl-rv-journey.blogspot.com/2014/06/day-2-of-journey-st-cloud-fl.html)  

Although it began as an interesting adventure, the past several years have taken us a bit off our planned track (my favorite saying is "plans are made in bubbles."  To recap our lives since then:

2014 started off with a bang, as about 2 weeks after moving in, I dislocated my hip for the 3rd time.  We landed up living with Mitch's brother for a few months until I had the surgery and recovered.  So we were really ready to start our journeys in late 2014.

2014-2015, we had hoped that Mitch would be able to continue to find freelance IT gigs wherever we went, so we had the flexibility to travel and and when we wanted.  Mostly our travel plans were made around attending various RV rallies in various states.

Unfortunately, around the middle to end of 2015, we realized that the employment plans for Mitch were not working.  The gigs he needed were mostly found in the big cities, where we had no intention of being (visiting, perhaps, but not living there).  We needed an alternative, and he was fortunate enough to hook up with a company that did utility inspections (gas lines).  They had jobs all over the country, so although we could no longer travel where and when we wanted, we still did get to see a bit of the country, and would stay in places anywhere from 3 to 9 months.  

This was our lifestyle until the end of 2018, when the utility inspection company closed down shop due to a lot of mismanagement at the top thus causing them to lose almost all of their contracts (and the need to layoff all their contractors).  We were in VA Beach at the time and had no idea what the next steps would be.  We decided that since it was the middle of the winter, we would go someplace warm while we figured things out.  We landed up in Zephyrhills, Florida, about 25 miles from Tampa.  We thought we would be there only for about 3 to 6 months, but turns out we were there for 18 months (a year and a half!!!) with Mitch unemployed the entire time.

Thankfully, this year (2020) in March, right before the coronavirus pandemic started to hit hard, Mitch found gainful employment with NCR, repairing ATM and cash machines.  We moved to Land O'Lakes in June, where he could be at least 1/2 hour closer to where his jobs are.  Although the company has work all over the country, it is not like short term gigs where we can travel.  Mitch needs to establish himself with the company before he can ask for a transfer and then, who even knows where that would be to?  In any event, it does look like we'll be staying put here for at least a year, if not much longer.

So, at this point, I think I will start Part III since I really don't have much, if anything to tell about any more. With the pandemic and both of us working, we don't have the opportunity to go out anywhere anyway and since we're not traveling, there's really nothing exciting to share.  I will continue to post about our lives that family & friends may need to know.  And I pray that some day in the next few years I can start Part IV when the journey continues.  That may just need to be when/if we're able to retire and travel freely once again.  At that point, I may even be able to convince Mitch to downsize to a smaller RV that allows us to stop and pull in almost anywhere.

Saw orthopedic surgeon - Day 2195 (Year 6, Day 356)

Land O'Lakes, FL

It has been 3 weeks of waiting but I finally saw a new orthopedist regarding my hip.  He comes extremely highly recommended by numerous sources and he does live up to his reputation (not to mention how hot he is!! 😊

Bottom line is that he WILL do the surgery, and most of the visit was describing the risks, which I am willing to take (especially since the % are very low) to have a better quality of life, especially to be able to take longer walks again.  It will probably be at least another 3 months though, so watch this page for updates.

Nothing else to report.

A few photos - Day 2187 (Year 6, Day 348)

Land O'Lakes, FL

It was a bit too hot and I was a bit too sore to make the trek down to the lake today, but I took a few "local" photos.

The main entrance, from inside the entrance (this is just steps from my front door, to the right)

Our site. I don't know why, before coming here, I didn't remember any trees.  There are plenty!  In fact, the tree in front gives plenty of shade.  I sat outside for a while today.  Although it was very hot in the sun, it was about 10* less in the shade, and there was a pleasant breeze.

The next 2 photos are looking towards the end of my "street."  The 2nd one is a zoom-in.  If you look closely at the center, the blue you see is a glimpse of the lake.  Hopefully later this week I can take more photos of some of the landscaping along the route and of the lake itself.

This week - Day 2186 (Year 6, Day 347)

Land O'Lakes, FL

Not too much exciting going on.  Mitch's schedule keeps changing every few weeks so it's hard to get adjusted to anything.  He's been working Sundays 8-5 and Mon-Thurs 1-10.  Today he's working 10-7 and will be back on days (Mon-Thurs 8-5) for the next 2 weeks.  Then he reverts back to nights.  At least he has a job!  Not complaining.  Variety is the spice of life!  Meanwhile, he's loving his commute.  Well, not exactly loving it, as who can love commuting?  But he's certainly very pleased with getting home in 10-15 minutes instead of an hour.

Yesterday was Shabbat and for the first time since the beginning of March, our shul decided to hold limited services (once again, thrilled about the commute there--8 miles instead of 20). Chairs were 6 feet apart, everyone was required to wear masks, door handles were constantly cleaned (and there was hand sanitizer stations in several places).  Socializing was strongly discouraged and there was no kiddush lunch.  We didn't have a minyan (10 men) so we couldn't read from the Torah, so I'm not sure how that would have been handled (hopefully we'll find out in the coming weeks). This definitely is a different world we live in. Judaism places great value on life and it is forbidden to do anything that threatens it.  Since this coronavirus is extremely contagious and can potentially be fatal, doing anything to help spread the disease is strictly forbidden.  Thus the reason for all the precautions (unlike many churches, protests and Trump rallies where there are thousands of people gathered in a tight space without any precautions).

Yesterday, also, we took another walk down to the lake.  We discovered the swimming area, which I would never go into, as it looks like it's full of reeds, minnows, algae.  I suppose that's what a lake looks like.  Thanks but give me a well maintained blue swimming pool and I'm happy!!!  We did discover that there are 2 public docks: 1 that has a gazebo at the end and the other is open and designated for fishing (there were quite a few people on that one yesterday).  We sat in the gazebo on the lake for about 20 minutes, but then the sky grew dark and we heard the distant roar of thunder.  Being that I was having problems walking, I wanted to get a head start back to the rig so we wouldn't have to try to outrun the rain.  Have to remember that this is Florida during the summer, where afternoon rains and t'storms are an almost daily occurrence. (BTW, sorry that I still haven't take any photos of my walk to the lake and the lake itself.  Haven't had the energy or motivation to take that walk by myself and the only time I did was on Shabbat, with Mitch, when I can't use my camera).  Still on the waiting list for when those other folks move out so we can have a lakeside site.  But I suspect that may not be happening any time soon.  This is fine, though.  I am not as miserable as I thought I'd be.  I can live here for a while.

Nothing else new.  Business is still somewhat slow, but we are still very grateful for our health, a roof over our heads and food on the table.

Next impressions of new place - Day 2179 (Year 6, Day 340)

Land O'Lakes, FL

It really is a matter of perspective, and sometimes just turning your head in a different direction or walking out your door.

Yesterday, despite being on the edge of a tropical storm and thereby experiencing all day rains, at times torrential, we actually had about an hour or 2 where the rain stopped.  Despite everything being wet and there being numerous puddles along the way, Mitch and I were determined to follow through on our desire to take a Shabbat walk to explore the lake.

Turns out the walk itself was very manageable for me, although I did need to stop a few times along the way.  Our street is actually very lovely.  Almost every home has a screened in porch and there were actually only 1 or 2 homes that had visible clutter and/or were in severe need of a good wash.  For the most part, almost every home had beautiful landscaping: lots of plants and flowers and chockies.  Grass is kept trimmed and it is very clean and neat looking (I hope to take some photos later this week).  So, to reiterate, although the view out my window and the noise at this site, needs a bit of imagination to tolerate, all I need to do is walk to the end of my site and look to the right to see a better view, and all I need to do is take a 5 minute walk to enter an almost different world.

When we got to the lake area (at the end of the road, which is no more than 1/10th mile), it was absolutely the difference between night and day compared to our site.  It was SOOO serene, and instead of roadway traffic, all you could hear was the sounds of the water birds (even saw a few cranes and herons) and the splash of the water against the dock.  There is a small pavilion and a public dock with a gazebo at the end, complete with chairs.  There was actually a gentleman sitting on the bench, fishing.  There is one RV site there and we're on the waiting list for when those folks move out (they were supposed to leave in March as they, like us, travel for work.  But due to the pandemic, they can no longer work and therefore have nowhere else to go at this point).

And the "exciting" stuff going on this week:

1)  Need to have the roof replaced.  As mentioned a few days ago, when we arrived and were pulling into the spot, the limbs of the tree did some damage to the roof.  We had our RV tech come and take a look (and also sent a lot of photos to the insurance company) and it was determined by both that the entire roof needs to be replaced, as just patching that one little area wouldn't guarantee any long term prevention of future leaks (thankfully, insurance will cover all this).  They plan to start the work this coming Tuesday (6/9/20).  They will also replace the fabric on the back awning and all 3 slide toppers, which all have tears (hey, it's a 12 year old unit; these things get worn out.  Also covered by the insurance check).

2)  Sewer (drain) fly infestation.  It was explained that this was most likely caused by all the shaking up when we moved (it truly is like going thru an earthquake zone when you tow as no roads are 100% smooth).  These flies (look like gnats) live and plant their larvae in the gray and black tanks but as long as the tanks are flushed constantly and you sit still, mostly you won't see more than a few at a time.  But this time around, moving caused a very severe infestation.  It was so bad that when I needed to make the challah on Friday, it took 2 of us: one to work the dough and the other to stand and swat the flies away so they wouldn't land in the dough.  Cooking has been extremely difficult in that regard (not getting gnats in the food).  Sitting at my table, my face was red due to constantly hitting myself (actually trying to swat them away from my face and hitting myself in the process.  A few times they got in my eyes and nose).

Thankfully, by today, we have the situation under completely under control.  We flushed and back-flushed the tanks, put solutions of apple cider vinegar & dish soap in cups near the sinks (you'd be surprised how many gnats were found dead in the solution), and poured dish soap into the drains.  Also filled a spray bottle with a dish soap solution and shot at them (they died instantly when I was able to make contact). Seemed to work!

Anyway, hope to get more photos this week.

PS:  In case you're wondering, this is NOT the place where they make the butter.  That is Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin.

First impressions of new place - Day 2175 (Year 6, Day 336)

Land O'Lakes, FL

I haven't had the chance yet to walk around and explore, so more will come, but here are my first impressions from what I've seen in the last 2 days.

For one, Mitch was super ecstatic about his commute: he said it only took him about 10-15 minutes to get home last night (as compared to almost an hour).

The view out my windows:  the view from the back window is right up against the trailer behind us, with a rusted awning and air conditioner unit. I closed the day shade so at least I don't see it and there's still some light coming in.  This is acceptable. I was concerned about looking out my "office" window and seeing a rusted shed, but all I can really see is a small portion of the corner of the roof.  Mostly I see our tree and the highway, the trailer across from us and if I move my head a bit, 2 bushes with pink and lavender flowers.  Not as pretty as Zephyrhills, but not as terrible as I anticipated either.  I can live with this view.  And if I sit outside, I will see more open space (and the highway) instead of the shed, which was what I originally feared.  On a side note, being right off the highway, the noise is horrific.  But I'm sure at some point we'll get used to it and be able to tune it out.  Bottom line: not as bad as I feared.  Not great either, but I can learn to live with it.

There is a great deal of activity here.  We are a few feet away from the dumpsters, so of course there is a lot of foot and car traffic of people bringing their trash. On a positive note, it makes it incredibly easy for us to dump our trash.  At Z'hills, Mitch would put the bags on the hood of the car and drive it to the dumpster on his way out.  In other places, we had to do the same thing, or walk a bit of a ways to get there.  So this is very convenient.  Unfortunately, they don't have a recycle program here so we'll need to find where the public recycling place is.  After 1.5 years of recycling our  plastics, it sickens me to think how much we were throwing out and sending to the dumps (which would eventually find its way to the oceans and kill the fish and birds).  I really want to be able to continue recycling, even if it's a bit inconvenient to bring it to a dump site.

Back to activity... the park is basically a large circle and I've seen quite a number of people either walking or bike riding around it.  Most of them pass our site between 10 and 20 times.  I'm hoping at some point I will sit outside and start a conversation with all the passersby.  I'm also hoping that the weather will permit on Saturday for me and Mitch to take a walk to the end of our road where the public access to the lake is.  We're told there's a dock where we can fish.  I'm hoping there are chairs there as well.  Really looking forward to learning how far it is (can I do the walk?).  Overall, I'm feeling extremely positive that there are a lot of good, friendly folks here and we will make a few new friends.

Moving Day - Day 2173 (Year 6, Day 334)

Land O'Lakes, FL

As always, must start out by counting our blessings and being thankful for the positive, which is that we made it the 25 miles safely.  Of course, it was not without incident:

• took an extra 1/2 hour to get on the road because, just like the day we arrived (Jan 14, 2019: https://mitcheryl-rv-journey.blogspot.com/2019/01/arrived-day-1663-year-5-day-194.html), we were stuck in a rut and it took some shoveling and setting down wood under the tires.
• Driving over went smoothly (although there were a few times Mitch didn't turn wide enough and ran over the edge of the sidewalk), but getting into our site was quite a production.  The site, as well as the road we're on, is very narrow and the site itself is on a strange angle, complete with a tree with very low branches.  We had someone from the park (an experienced pro) help back us in, but it still took almost 2 hours, plus a little bit of damage to the roof before he brought out the chainsaw and cut down the branches (hopefully it only went through the outermost material and not deep enough to worry about a leak).  If so, then it's just a matter of patching rather than replacing it.  We will explore more later or tomorrow morning.
• The water hoses didn't reach the spigot so Mitch had to run to the store to buy extension hoses.
• We brought along a hitchhiker.  Just as we were closing the door in Zephyrhills, a frog jumped inside.  We couldn't get him out, so we may have a new pet who is probably hiding in the pipes somewhere.

So, although the aim was to leave at 9:30 and be all settled in by 11; noon latest, it is now 2:30 and although I finished the unpacking, there are still a few more things left to do before we can shower and finally relax.

Update on my PT - Day 2167 (Year 6, Day 328)

Zephyrhills, FL

Ok, I didn't think I'd write from this address again, but alas...

As you know, I've been going to physical therapy (PT) since March.  I started out going for the pinched nerve in my neck/shoulder for which I was on the 1-10 pain scale of a constant 9-10.  After a few weeks of PT, I felt relief and as of now, you'd never know I even had a problem there.

However, simultaneously, I was having lots of problems with my left hip.  I was well aware that the arthritis was bone on bone and nothing short of a replacement will solve the problem.  But I decided that since I have all these therapy sessions scheduled, I'd focus on the hip since the neck was resolved.

So I've been working with PT for the last 1.5 months.  Since we're moving on Monday, today was my last day at this location.  The outcome:  my therapist feels that I've made excellent improvement in most mobility.  There are, of course, certain movements I can't make without extreme pain due to the bone grinding on the bone, but for the most part, I do have improved mobility.

For now, the recommendation is the next step really needs to be seeing an orthopedic surgeon and planning a hip replacement.  The PT place does have an office near my new location but my therapist recommended to wait about 2 weeks -- to continue my daily exercises and see whether I'm feeling any relief, if it's gotten worse or stays the same before making an appointment for more PT.

So... stay tuned.

Feeling melancholy - Day 2164 (Year 6, Day 325)

Zephyrhills, FL

This is most likely the last time (after 16 months) that I will be posting from this location.  Next will be LOL (Land O'Lakes, FL), as G-d willing, with no obstacles, we will be moving out one week from tomorrow (Monday, June 1st).  When we first arrived here, after Mitch lost his job at the end of Dec. 2018 (we arrived at this location Jan. 4, 2019), we thought it would only be for a few months.  But we have faith that G-d has plans for us, and things turned out well when he landed a full time job (and I lost a lot of work from my clients) just as the pandemic hit.  If you've been following my blog, you know the reason we are moving.

I'm feeling a bit melancholy not only because I'll miss the aesthetics of this campground, but because of the friends I've made here, especially Ellie.  She also has a BFF here (Carol) who's been here for about the same amount of time (5+ years) and as it turns out, Carol is leaving on the same day we are (due to the virus, she lost her job and can't afford the rent here so needs to live with her children hundreds of miles away). Ellie also lost her husband a little over a year ago, so needless to say, this is a very devastating situation for her.

So we planned a special get together with us, Ellie and Carol yesterday.  Had to be outdoors so we could sit separated.  It was a very enjoyable evening, especially when Ellie brought out her guitar.

Thankfully, we'll only be about 25 miles away, and Ellie frequents a health food store that we also go to, which is about 8 miles from our new location.  So hopefully we'll still be able to see each other.

Anyway, will keep you posted from the other side of this adventure!  Confession: I really miss traveling!!!  But it is what it is.  G-d willing, someday we'll be able to retire, trade in our beast for something more travel-able, and really spend time in the rest of the country.  But, alas, plans are made in bubbles.  Just need to take one day at a time.

Moving? - Day 2144 (Year 6, Day 315)

Zephyrhills, FL

No real news since last time, but some updates:

Coronavirus - as of this writing there are about 1.2 million reported cases and about 69,000 deaths.  Of course, since there is still a lack of adequate testing, I'm sure those numbers are doubled or tripled.  There have been a lot of protests and many states are now re-opening, which I think is a huge mistake.  I guess all we can do is continue to protect ourselves (social distancing, hand washing) and wearing masks in public places so we don't infect others in case we're carriers.

Physical therapy - for the most part, I'd say the problem with my neck/shoulder is almost completely healed.  I have some stiffness sometimes but mostly you'd never know there was a problem.  I wish I could say the same about my hip.  The therapists have been focusing on exercises for that but right now (after about 3 weeks) I'm not feeling much of an improvement.  I definitely need a hip replacement but that clearly needs to wait until this coronavirus thing is over and the hospital staffs are better equipped to give me the attention I'll need (not to mention the risks I'd be taking even being in the hospital or rehab).  I'm sure I can find another doctor who's willing to do the surgery before I lose the weight, even though I've been doing pretty well with that.  Anyway, I have about 6 more sessions before we move so we'll see if there's any progress by then.

Moving - you can see from my last post how very unhappy I am about moving away from this campground we've been at for the last 15 months.  I enjoy seeing the grass, trees, wide open spaces and the company of my friends here.  At the "other place", the site itself is extremely claustrophobic and there is nothing aesthetic to look at, either sitting outside or from the windows.  But Mitch's 1+ hour commute is very tiring so there is really no option (especially in light of the next paragraph).  I am extremely grateful, more than words can express - to Mitch for giving me an extra month to adjust to this fact.  He initially said it was to give us both time to see if there could be another solution, and despite my researching, no, there isn't one.  But thank you Mitch for allowing me the extra time to "grieve".  I guess (like it or not), I'm ready to move on.  So unless (G-d forbid!) some kind of obstacle gets in the way, move out day is Monday, June 1st.  It will be to Land O Lakes, which is about 25 miles SW of where we are now, and about 15 miles and 1/2 hr closer to Tampa where most of his work is.

So today I learned that Mitch's work schedule has changed a little over the next few weeks.  He has 2 days off a week, which for now are Fridays and Saturdays (so he's working Sundays).  He's also been working 8-5 daily (leaving home at 6:30am, coming home around 6pm).  Starting today and for next ?? weeks, he will be working M-Th 1-10pm.  So that totally screws up our schedule, especially in the evenings when our routine is: he comes home from work (6pm), we have dinner while watching some tv until 8:00 and then he gets ready for bed (in bed by 8:30, asleep by 9).  So now I need to figure out what to do about dinner and our tv watching.  Maybe I can adjust my own work schedule so we can watch in the morning?  When he was out of town, I'd eat whatever I could make real fast or not eat at all.  I'll need to force myself to still cook a nice meal for 2, even if I just eat it myself so he can have dinner (leftovers) for the following day.

Yes, I accept this challenge.  As I know I've mentioned in one of my much earlier posts, that one of my many character flaws was the need to have everything in my life planned out to the minute.  If anything went wrong that delayed the plan, even by a few minutes, I'd have a major anxiety attack.  Since living on the road, one of the first lessons I learned is that "plans are made in bubbles" - there will ALWAYS be something unexpected thrown in as a monkey wrench, and I've been learning to cope with that and accept it as a new way of life for me.  I'd like to say I've been mostly very successful over the last 6 years.  So, again, although Mitch's new (temporary??) schedule is putting a wrench in our daily routine, I will figure out a way to make it work.  In the scheme of things, it's really NOT A BIG DEAL!!!  I always need to remind myself how much things could be worse, take every moment to THANK G-D for all of our blessings, and just deal with "the small stuff."

Update - Day 2129 (Year 6, Day 300)

Zephyrhills, FL

Can't believe it's been 30 days since I last posted! (apologies to those who were waiting with baited breath for my sleep-inducing words).

The corona virus on still rages, with over 700,000 known cases and about 36,000 deaths (again, probably much, much higher as there isn't enough testing to know for sure. I'm convinced that there are millions more people who are infected and who even died, who weren't tested and therefore aren't in the count).  So far, thank God, Mitch and I are asymptomatic, although we're living as if we and everyone out there is infected and taking every precaution possible (my throat has been a bit scratchy for about 2 weeks, and I'm starting to have some breathing problems, but it's that time of year and I'm 99.9999% certain it's my elm allergies, as was proven last year.  Thankfully, I still have the inhalers left, if needed).

At the last post, I had just started physical therapy for the pinched nerve in my shoulder/neck.  I'm pleased to say that there is a 95% improvement now.  I have graduated from a level 9-10 constant pain to a level 1 mostly, with occasional zero.  PT really works!  My hip has also gotten to such a point where I can't even lift my left or straighten from a bent position (which makes climbing steps or getting into the car very difficult).  The physical therapist has just begun working with me on that so hopefully I will start seeing improvements soon.

On another note, we had been considering moving to a place closer to Tampa so that Mitch's commute could be lessened (it currently takes him about an hour).  There were a few places we looked at, but they all had waiting lists (one has a 2 year list!).  Well, one of the places just opened up and they had 3 sites available. It's really more of a trailer park with a few spots for RVs squeezed in between the homes.  We took a look at the sites and chose the best of all evils and left a deposit.  But, quite honestly, I'm extremely unhappy.  If nothing else, I enjoy looking at nice scenery out the window (or outside) while I'm working, or when I have leisure time to sit or walk outdoors (it soothes the soul).  The only scenery this places offers when I'm sitting outside is facing a rusted shed and other worn down trailers**.  Although I feel I would be totally miserable living there, it does cut Mitch's travel time down very significantly, so feel I have to grin and bear it and accept that is one of the trade offs we make in a marriage.  Which is more important - the lesser commute or the need to see serene things out the window?

** We couldn't really spend too much time that day because (1) we were with the park manager, and (2) it was raining and we were riding around on her golf cart.  So we didn't really have the ability to get out and digest the site.

Mitch is out in the field today (yes, on a Sunday).  He said that before he comes home, he will return to the park, go to the site and take photos of what the view will look like from sitting outside and looking out the back windows.  I'm praying that when he sees what I think he will see, he will agree that it's too much for me to bear.  Then again... trade offs!  Whose needs are more important - his to have a shorter commute or mine to have a pretty view?  That is the question.  Stay tuned...

Yet Another medical update - Day 2099 (Year 6, Day 270)

Zephyrhills, FL

I'm mentioning this for prosperity, as I know all my readers are fully aware of the global situation right now -- the coronavirus pandemic.  At this point in time (and things change on a daily basis), many states have declared mandatory quarantines -- what they're calling "social distancing."  Pretty much all schools have been closed, as have restaurants, bars, concerts, anywhere where a crowd might gather.  Even Broadway has been cancelled, and the news staff (anchors, even weathermen) as well as talk show hosts are live streaming from their homes.  Everywhere is like a ghost town. There have been thousands of deaths in China and all over Europe (with Italy being hit the hardest).  It has reached the US, but as we all know, the US is very far behind where it should be in terms of mitigating and being prepared, including testing. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are starting to get overwhelmed and are severely understocked (mostly due to people hoarding masks, gloves and sanitizers). So while the infected and death counts seem very low right now, it's only because only a very small percentage of people have been tested. We're certain there will be millions affected by the time this is over.

As for us... for me I can't really say the self-isolation is affecting me in any way due to my lifestyle.  Since I work from home, my daily routine hasn't changed at all.  And since my severe hip arthritis makes it difficult for me to walk, and now the pinched nerve in my neck (still not 100% sure of that diagnosis but something's going on causing severe pain in my upper back, neck and down my arm) makes it even harder to get around, going anywhere "fun", even out to eat, is something we haven't done for a while either.  The most I'm able to do is sit outside (which I'm doing right now, enjoying looking at the green leaves of spring, the blue sky dotted with a few fluffs of white, and listening to the birds chirping and the gentle flow of water from the fountain of my neighbor's koi pond).

For Mitch, he started his new job last Monday and with the exception of 3 days, has mostly been at home doing online training.  Even when he's out in the field, he's repairing, maintaining or installing ATM machines, so he's not in a situation where there are other people around, other than his 1 coworker, and they try to keep their distance.  We are both being very vigilant with using hand sanitizer or washing our hands.

As for my health, I has my first physical therapy session yesterday.  Mostly my therapist (Lucas) did an assessment by doing a lot of pulling and prodding and massaging and manipulating.  He agreed partly with a pinched nerve but feels there may be something else going on the shoulder area.  In any event, he said it's not their job to find a solution, only to help with the symptoms and alleviate the pain.  And that's fine with me.  I left with 6 different exercises to do.  While in the initial stages where it's very painful, I'm confident that this will help tremendously in the long term.

That's it for now.  Everyone stay safe and sane!

Another medical update - Day 2089 (Year 6, Day 260)

Zephyrhills, FL

Saw my PCP yesterday.  He said the nodules were nothing to be concerned about.  He did seem convinced that I have a pinched nerve being caused by the arthritis in my spine.  He showed me some images of how the nerves are attached in the body and I could clearly now see how it IS very possible that the pain in my shoulder blade and down my arm is being caused by a pinched nerve in my spine.

The treatment plan at this point is for physical therapy (I start next Thursday) and then an EMG test (earliest appt is April 20th) to determine exactly which nerve is being pinched.  From there, I would have an MRI which will tell if it's in the muscle or bone (if bone, then I'd need surgery).  Meanwhile, I will have completed 4 weeks of PT by the time the test is scheduled, so things may even be better by then.

He also suggested I increase the dosage of the nerve medication, which I did and it seemed to give me a bit more relief.  So as of today, I still have pain but not to the level where I'm crying, so definitely an improvement.

As for Mitch, he got his company car (a mini-van: it's actually a rental until his real car comes in).  So many great perks with this company!  And it's work he enjoys doing.

Medical update - Day 2082 (Year 6, Day 253)

Zephyrhills, FL

First, Mitch officially starts his new job with NCR on Monday, March 9th.  It couldn't come at a better time as we're at the limit of the credit card and have just incurred close to $8K in new medical bills (explanation below).

I have been suffering greatly for almost 2 weeks now with excruciating pain in my upper back (from shoulder blade, horizontally outwards, and down my arm to below my elbow).  Pain level is mostly at 10 on the scale (lowest has been about 8) and is just about 24/7 and doesn't matter if I'm at rest or moving.

I went to Urgent Care on 2/26 where the PA I saw didn't even examine me.  He asked where the pain was and when I showed him, he immediately diagnosed torticollis, gave me a steroid shot, and rx of Prednisone and muscle relaxants and recommended Tylenol.  When I got home and looked this up, I think he pulled that diagnosis out of his tush as it didn't even come close to my symptoms.  Naturally, none of this helped (and Tylenol never does anything for me, ever!  I don't think my body can absorb it).

In any event, by Sunday (3/1), I was still screaming in pain.  A nurse friend suggested it could be cardiac related and I should go to the ER instead of trying to get an appt with my doctor (and at the risk that he'd recommend a different dr and I'd get bounced around for a few weeks).  So, I took the advice and got a full work-up at the ER.

Thank G-d, cardiac was ruled out (they did chest xray and CT Scan).  The diagnosis was that (in addition to the bone on bone arthritis in my hip and knee), I also have arthritis on my spine which is currently causing a pinched nerve, which explains the pain.  I was given a medication for nerve pain as well as 2 different pain pills (1 narcotic but only 9 pills total so that's not for the long term). 

Although I am still in great pain, I do see a slight improvement.   For example, when taking the meds, the pain level goes from a 10 to about a 6 (although it only lasts about 2 hrs max).  I also slept thru the night last night for the first time in almost 2 weeks rather than waking in the wee hours in pain (although I was screaming in pain when I did get up).

I have an appt with my doctor on Monday (3/9) so we can discuss next steps: chiropractor, orthopedist, PT, other??  Meanwhile, just need to keep taking the meds, heating pad and resting as much as possible.  Not doing too much client work (I'm so far behind right now but they are very understanding that I'm only working on time critical items right now, in between meds when I'm at the 6 pain level (which is now as I'm writing this post instead of working).  But the pain has crept back up so I'm going to cut this short now and go back to bed.

Just one other item I need to watch for... the CT scan revealed 2 other things: a hiatal hernia and nodules on my adrenal glands.  Dr. said nothing to panic about but I should definitely talk to my dr. about it.  So watch this space for future updates.

Update on job offer - Day 2070 (Year 6, Day 241)

Zephryhills, FL

Mitch passed the written test with flying colors!  The company is now in the process of putting together his official offer letter.  Next step is passing background, credit and drug tests, which there shouldn't be any problems with.  So... he could start working (hopefully) within the next 2 weeks.

This job is very much in line with what he was doing before we hit the road: a systems engineer, installing and repairing ATM machines and POS (point of sale) systems.  Most of the work will be in the Tampa area.

Oh, did I mention -- he also gets a company car!!!  That means I'll have a way to get around without the extra expense of buying a used one or using taxis.

Medical & job updates - Day 2069 (Year 6, Day 240)

Zephyrhills, FL

On the medical front, regarding my hip: saw the doctor yesterday (as a reminder: I have severe bone on bone arthritis.  I've been holding off on doing anything about it since we arrived in FL since Mitch was looking for a job.  Although we've been here for over a year, we've been spending our time wondering whether the next week would be the one where he gets an offer and we need to relocate.  So I was hesitant to make a long term commitment to care).  But since things have finally sort of worked out (that we'd be in this area), it was time to finally get the wheels in motion.

Unfortunately, this doctor is extremely cautious and advised that he wouldn't touch me until I lost at least 40 pounds (on a great note: since I've been on the keto diet for the last 2 months, I'm down 11 pounds).  So figure at this rate, maybe another 6-8 months.  Certainly, I can get a 2nd and 3rd opinion and find a doctor who's willing to do this now, but I appreciate the reasons he gave: surgery of any kind on an obese patient really does have extreme risks.  Meanwhile, he recommended more exercise, and possible physical therapy.  Sadly, most movements, especially anything involving moving my hips such as lifting my leg (for stairs or my step stool to get into the truck), bending, or even lifting the toilet pedal, is excruciating. Guess I've lived with it this long enough, I'll suffer for a few months longer.  Need to rely on my cane to get around more and I got a temporary handicap sticker so I don't need to hike at the stores.   Will use our pedaler and try to take more walks a bit more often, despite the pain.  It is what it is.  Doctor suggested a shot for temporary pain relief but I refused based on the pain I experienced getting a shot for my knee (also bone on bone).  Mitch is totally against my decision, claiming (and he's right!) that I'm too wimpy-- choosing not to experience a minute or 2 of extreme pain versus who knows how long relief (then again, there's no guarantee the shot will even work).  I do reserve the right to change my mind and get a shot in the interim.

Meanwhile, on the job front.... last posting said that Mitch finally, after 1 year+, got a job.  He was fired after 2.5 days, which actually was a good thing.  It was not at all a good match.  Besides the fact that he needed to get up at 5:00 am to leave by 5:30 am, drive 1.5 hours to the job site to arrive by 7am, work at least 11 hours and not arrive home until almost 8pm (and to do this 6 days a week!), he was under the impression the job would be IT related. Turns out it was predominantly construction, not something he has experience in or is interested in.  If they didn't let him go due to his lack of construction experience, he surely would have quit.  Just wasn't the right fit.

On a more positive note, however, there were several positions that were very interested in him back in November-ish.  Last week he got calls from 3 of those companies who were finally ready to move forward; one of which was more than extremely promising.  They were ready to hire him but he needs to pass a written (online) test first, then background and drug tests.  He took the written test yesterday; we're awaiting the results. If he passed, then the job is his. 

I hope to update this post tomorrow!  Please send your prayers!

Lovely weekend - Day 2067 (Year 6, Day 238)

Zephyrhills, FL

Jess and Griffin came down to visit this weekend.  The last time we saw them was for our vow renewal in November 2018.  They arrived around 10:00 pm on Saturday night.  We met them at our local brewery (first time we've ever been there; really lovely place.  When we have some discretionary income, we'll need to go there more often, especially on trivia night).  We had a few drinks before they closed at 11, and then came back to the RV for a little while to finish chatting.

On Sunday, we got together at 10:30 am and went to a local diner for a nice breakfast (fyi, I'm proud to say that I stuck very well to my keto diet the entire time!).  Afterwards, we drove into Tampa to visit the Florida Aquarium.  It was a very nice place, although I think the Baltimore and Ripley's in Seivierville, TN were a lot nicer.  I took a bunch of pictures of various fish, but I don't think I'm going to post them here; just keep them for my own sake in the files.

We were finished with the aquarium around 4:00 pm.  The plan had been to travel about 20 miles to Clearwater Beach to experience the "sugar sand" but 1) my hip was in a bit of pain, despite renting a mobility scooter to get around; 2) we were all pretty tired; and 3) it was cloudy so we didn't think we'd get to see a nice sunset anyway.  We had made dinner reservations at a place in Tampa on the water, but the reservation wasn't until almost 8pm (the only time they had) and none of us were really up to trying to find something else to do in the area for the next 4 hours (especially since most places close at 5 except the bars).  So the next plan was to go back home and nap, and then drive back to Tampa for dinner.  But by the time we got back, it was pouring and we decided it really wasn't worth the hour schlep back to Tampa.  We wanted a nice dinner, so decided to go to a Bonefish Grill in Wesley Chapel (where the shul is, 1/2 hr away).  That was a great decision.  Afterwards, we came back to the RV and watched some comedy shows on YouTube.  We all parted ways around 11:00.

Today, the final day, the kids came over around 11 am and I made us a nice breakfast of challah french toast (scrambled eggs for me).  We then played a game of Scrabble and then watched some more comedy before leaving for a late lunch/early dinner at 3:30 (back to Wesley Chapel, but to the Red Robin).  We took 2 cars as they wanted to head to the airport by 5 and WC is 1/2 hour closer and en route.

It was really great to see them and spend time with them.  I really hope a lot less time passes before our next visit!  And I hope they had a good time too.

Job started - Day 2059 (Year 6, Day 231)

Zephyrhills, FL

Mitch started his new job today (hopefully you've been following the journey).  I was wrong about what he will be doing. The job entails installing antennas for 4G and 5G wifi so that all attendees at the next Superbowl will be able to access high speed internet.  Personally, I don't understand the need for this: are you there to watch the game or look at your phone the entire time?  But that is the state of our current society and if it means accommodating an entire stadium to meet their needs... (and offer employment!)

Halfway through the first day, he's already determined that he totally dislikes this job as it's totally mindless (very similar to what he did for the past few years when he inspected the gas lines).  He would much prefer a job where he can utilize his intellectual skills, but alas, it's the first job offer he's had in over a year and it pays well, so you gotta do what you gotta do.  Tomorrow he will bring a headset so he can listen to podcasts while he works, to make it a bit more palatable.  To remind us both -- we've eaten up 85% of our lifetime savings this past year so this job is really important to replenish the funds.

He did make it clear that he cannot work on Saturdays (boss has no problem with that), but he will probably need to work 10+ hours a day on all the other days.  We shall see once he gets the schedule.  This, of course, means a very large change in our routine that we've become accustomed to this past year: I start making dinner at 5:00; we eat at 5:30-6 in front of the tv where we watch stuff that we've downloaded, until 8:30.  Then we do our own stuff on the computers until about 9pm, at which point we go to bed and play on our respective tablets until we fall asleep (about 1/2 hr later).

Last night, Mitch went into bed at 8:00pm as he set his alarm for 4:30am and left home at 5:30am (he needed to be at work by 7 and it's an hour commute. He left some extra time for his daily prayers).  So who knows what our daily time together will be.  But we will adapt.

Plans are always made in bubbles, but here's what I would love to plan for:  I found a very nice place, only 8 miles from the shul (compared to the current 18) and at least 1/2 hour closer commute for Mitch (in Land O'Lakes, FL) but they don't have openings until after April (due to snowbirds).  It's right on Lake Padgett and a very lovely place; can't wait to move there!  Since we'll be there for at least a year, maybe we can buy a cheap car (and sell or donate it when we're ready to move) so I have a way to get around.  Most importantly, I can finally make plans to get my hip replaced as it's gotten to the point where it's very painful to just lift my leg to climb steps, let alone anything else.  I've been holding off all this time because for the last year+, we've always been living thinking that next week could be the time Mitch gets a job offer and we may need to move so I can't make the commitment for the hospital, rehab and therapy.  At least now we have a plan so I can proceed.  My appt with a surgeon is next week.

Next week (President's Day weekend), Jess and Griffin have generously decided to spend the time and money to come down to FL for the long weekend to visit with us.  Last time we saw them was last November for our vow renewals in Jamaica.  We'll only have all day Sunday and 3/4 of the day Monday to spend together, but better than nothing.  Can't wait!

Other than that, I expect that I won't be posting very much in the near future.  The purpose of this blog was to keep friends & family informed of our whereabouts and for me, as a journal of our adventures since my memory isn't all that great. But I expect that other than an adventure here or there, it will "a day in the life", with Mitch out at work and me at my computer, also at work, with nothing really interesting enough in between to report.

In other words, I believe, at least for the time being, although we have been "full time travelers", that title no longer applies since we'll be static in the same place for at least a year (as we have been this last year).  Not exactly the plan when we chose this lifestyle, but I have faith that we're exactly where we're meant to be at this point in our lives and pray that we have the guidance to make the most of it.

Best update yet - Day 2045 (Year 6, Day 217)

Zephyrhills, FL

With praises to G-d, who has answered our prayers (in His time, not ours), after 1 year and 1 month, Mitch has finally landed a job!  It's not exactly his first career choice (systems analyst or network engineer), and it will be physically demanding, but it's with a good company.  In a nutshell, his first assignment (for at least a year) is installing all kinds of computer equipment, cables, tv screens, antennas at the Buccaneer Stadium in Tampa, in preparation for next year's Superbowl!  The year after that, the Superbowl will be in Orlando, so the next assignment will most likely be building that stadium.  The hourly pay is decent, but the main drawback is it will be 10-12 hour days, and 6-7 days a week (he's hoping he can negotiate to have Saturdays off for Shabbat).

Right now, it's only a verbal offer.  A formal one will be made after they process the paperwork and do the background check.  Hopefully no skeletons in the closet!  (just kidding--he's had several done already, in order to work at the airport, at an Air Force base and in the school system).

Another drawback is that it looks like travel will be pretty stagnant for a while, although we still plan to live in the RV (unless we can find a 1BR apartment for $500/month or less which is what we'd be paying at the campground.  Not very likely in the Tampa area).  We do want to move to another place that's much closer to the shul (7 miles instead of 20) and there are 2 places to choose from that are resorts (complete with pool, exercise room, and all kinds of activites).  They're probably all full right now with the snowbirds, but we can wait a month or 2 when they start to leave.

So... onto yet another subchapter in this new chapter!  Hopefully the work will start next week.

Updates - Day 2038 (Year 6, Day 210)

Zephyrhills, FL

Regarding the truck:  finally got it back 2 days ago (Wednesday) after 2.5 weeks.  It needed a new IPR valve.  Not going to go into the technicalities as I have no clue, but it cost $2K to get it fixed.  Has something to do with the high pressure fuel pump which needs to be replaced at some point (about $6K).  Too frustrated to continue this conversation right now.

On the Mitch job front:  the company he's been doing gigs here and there for said (in writing): you are greatly in our 2020 planning.  He's working today for them and probably Monday.  We shall see how this goes, as they've been very unreliable so far; gigs have been few and far between.

In the meantime, he had a very promising in-person interview yesterday (which is generally the 2nd step after a successful telephone interview).  It went very well and the interviewer said he was being recommended to the hiring manager.  We hope to have an answer in a few days.  That would be a great opportunity, although it could be 12 hour days, 6-7 days a week.

Lastly, newest challenge:  we have mice!  Two days ago I saw all the signs (like a gnawed bag of flour and droppings in every drawer, cabinet and oven, and on almost all the counters).  Other than spending Sunday going around and under the rig to find all the possible points of entry and closing them up, need to buy some traps for inside.  At least I know I'm not going crazy when I thought I heard noises in the middle of the night.

Never a dull moment!!!

Truck update, a guest - Day 2026 (Year 6, Day 198)

Zephyrhills, FL

We do not have the truck back; now were told maybe Tues or Wed.  There is definitely a problem with the fuel pressure pump, as no pressure is getting to the engine (fuel line?), but as of Thursday, they were not able to determine exactly where the leak was.  At least we're home in the campground and not at "Camp Ford," and our neighbors have been very generous in giving us rides to the supermarket and elsewhere around town, including to return the rental car (we decided to keep it an extra day, on our own dime, so we'd have a way to get to/from shul).  On Monday, Mitch has another gig but will be out on the road with his boss, who will pick him up.  If our prayers can be answered, hopefully they will discuss an arrangement whereby they'll put him on full time, or at least guarantee more hours rather than a job here and a job there.

As for our "guest" -- Mitch was getting ready to go outside last night and when he opened the door, he let out a loud scream.  He did that a few weeks ago when he saw a giant beetle-like bug in the rig, so I thought it was another bug.  He yelled at me to come quick and look.  I went over but couldn't see anything.  Our little visitor was sitting inside the railing to our awning and I am too short to see it.  So he took a photo:



I just hope he finds another home before we need to close the awning again!

Complaining, yet thankful - Day 2023 (Year 6, Day 195)

Zephyrhills, FL

Ok, need to start off by being EXTREMELY THANKFUL for all our blessings.  Things can (G-d forbid!) always be worse.

That being said, the truck is at the mechanic and the symptom to be fixed is (yet again, for the 3rd time), a bad fuel pump.  This time, they diagnosed the CAUSE of the problem which has to do with something wrong with the gas tank which, allegedly, is not sending fuel properly to the engine, which is why the pump keeps failing.  So, at this point, they are replacing the pump and when they get the parts in for the tank, they will replace that, and hopefully we will never have this problem again!

Meanwhile, Mitch was called for a gig and the company agreed to pay for the cost of a rental car so he could get there.  SWEET!!!!

Weather -- need to wear 2 heavy layers plus heat and fireplace on in the morning, but absolutely GORGEOUS (high 70s/low 80s; sunny) in the afternoon.  Can't complain; just wish I had more time in the day to enjoy the great outdoors.

Updates and Poor Mitch! Day 2018 (Year 6, Day 192)

Zephyrhills, FL

I can't believe it's been a year and 2 days that we've been at this campground.  I feel like we can no longer call ourselves travelers.

Chanukkah has come and gone.  We didn't participate in the huge "street fair"/candle lighting that our shul sponsored.  We lit candles at home all 8 nights.  Being on a keto diet, I made cauliflower latkes (although on the last day, Mitch and I made real potato ones for him).

New Year's Eve was just another night of the week.  I guess we've become old foggies.  We just didn't feel that changing the number on the calendar demanded any kind of special celebration.  Not even our annual game of Scrabble, accompanied by alcohol and snacks.  We pretty much just spent the night watching our regular tv shows.  Oddly enough, we did stay up until midnight and watched the ball drop (the last few years, we barely made it until 10:00!)

Other than that, it's been same old, same old.  Mitch continues to get a lot of interest and has hot leads, but none of them seem to pan out.  As much as he hates to do it, he's now looking for something (at least temporarily) in retail; i.e. cashier at the supermarket.  Minimum wage is better than no wage, especially after what follows.  He is connected with a company that does phone installs/repairs but they've only been giving him some stuff here and there; nothing steady (yet-- they claim they want to put him on full time but are just too busy to get around to it).

Which brings me to the "poor Mitch" section.  He was called for a quick job yesterday (Sunday).  He needed to pick up parts in New Port Richey, and then do a repair at Busch Gardens in Tampa (1 hr away to NPR, another hour to Tampa, then an hour back home).  Halfway between NPR and Tampa, the truck broke down (yet again).  This happened at around 2:00 pm.  He called for a mobile mechanic, who finally showed up at 4:00.  Worked on the truck until 6:30, only to determine he couldn't fix it on the side of the road as it was probably either the fuel pump or the pressure pump.  That cost $600.  We called our local mechanic who told us to have it towed to his shop.  Tow truck finally showed up to get Mitch at 10:30 pm!!!  By the time they towed him and then he had to take an Uber back home, it was almost 1:00 am by the time he walked in the door.  So that was almost 12 hours sitting in a broken down truck.  Mind you, after the sun went down, it was in the 40's and since the engine didn't start, it was very cold as well.  Anyway, it's probably going to cost at least another grand to make the repairs (and who knows how long it will take?)

Meanwhile, all of my clients must have been catching up with themselves over the weekend, as I woke up to 55 emails to action!  I'm not complaining about being very busy; that's a good thing.  I'm just really exhausted right now.  So on that note.... hope I have more to write about.

Our daughter and her hubby are coming down to visit mid-February (just for the weekend).  I know I'll write again then; hopefully sooner if there's anything eventful.