Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 34 degrees, high 63 degrees, partly cloudy skies
I slept a little better last night, getting about four hours. I can remember when I worked that there were many times that I got by with that much sleep for weeks at a time. It's a little harder to do that now, and I really don't want to. I'll be glad when I get back to my normal sleep habits.
This afternoon, our son-in-law John took our grandkids Julian and Zoe for a hike on the hiking trail that runs through Elkmont. Their interest in the hike was sharpened by me telling them what I had found on the trail, including the site of the Sulphur Creek Trestle Battle of the Civil War. As I mentioned in my post about the battle, it was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, with over 200 men dying in the battle. A person would never know now that a battle that bloody took place there. It is very peaceful and quiet.
I would have gone on the hike with them, but I'm still not up to the walk. Maybe next time.
Tonight, we went with Lori's family to a local Mexican restaurant named Casa Blanco in Athens for supper. This restaurant was a new one for us, and it makes three out of three local restaurants that we would eat at again. The food reminded us of the Tex-Mex style of food that is so prevalent in Texas. I had the enchiladas, while Carolyn had a quesadilla. John and Julian had the mixed fajitas, and they said they were very good. Good food and service, reasonable prices, and I'm sure we'll go back.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Fort Worth, Texas: Where The West Begins
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
More Tests, Positive Results
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 48 degrees, high 61 degrees, clear skies, breezy
I had another bad night as far as sleep is concerned, only getting about two hours. The doctor was called this morning, and he had me go to the hospital, where I underwent some more tests. Those tests resulted in a change of my medicine. Some medicine has been stopped, while others have had their strength and frequency increased. This is the most positive thing that I feel has happened since I began having my problems last June in Florida. At that time, the doctors added more medicine, with no apparent positive effects. I am hopeful that positive results will be seen quickly. What will positive effects be to me? Just to feel good again, with the energy to do the things that I love to do. Like RV, golf, fish, RV, RV.....
Our son-in law John's mother lives in Huntsville. Her birthday was today, and we shared her special day celebration by having dinner (supper to country folks) with her tonight in Huntsville at the Macaroni Grill. We had a great meal, and enjoyed seeing Mary again. Here's hoping she has many more birthdays just as good as today was.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Aransas Pass, Texas: Saltwater Heaven
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 48 degrees, high 61 degrees, clear skies, breezy
I had another bad night as far as sleep is concerned, only getting about two hours. The doctor was called this morning, and he had me go to the hospital, where I underwent some more tests. Those tests resulted in a change of my medicine. Some medicine has been stopped, while others have had their strength and frequency increased. This is the most positive thing that I feel has happened since I began having my problems last June in Florida. At that time, the doctors added more medicine, with no apparent positive effects. I am hopeful that positive results will be seen quickly. What will positive effects be to me? Just to feel good again, with the energy to do the things that I love to do. Like RV, golf, fish, RV, RV.....
Our son-in law John's mother lives in Huntsville. Her birthday was today, and we shared her special day celebration by having dinner (supper to country folks) with her tonight in Huntsville at the Macaroni Grill. We had a great meal, and enjoyed seeing Mary again. Here's hoping she has many more birthdays just as good as today was.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Aransas Pass, Texas: Saltwater Heaven
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Lori And Family Arrived
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 60 degrees, high 70 degrees, cloudy, windy
Lori and her family arrived here early this morning about 0100 hours. Obviously, they were tired after the long drive from Texas, so after a quick hug, they went to bed. Lori was the first one up this morning, as she's always been an early riser. Much like her parents. We got caught up with what's been going on, and then I had to go to the hospital in Athens for more medical tests. By the time I arrived back home, the rest of the family was up and stirring, so the donuts I picked up in town were welcomed.
After lunch, Lori and John went for a drive down memory lane, looking at the places that Lori remembered from the time we lived here in the 1980s. She agreed with us that Athens hasn't changed much in the last 21 years, except for the traffic being worse. It's good to know that some things haven't changed much.
Carolyn and I went to the WalMart Mall to pick up some things for supper, including a couple of pizzas. Lori's family is vegetarian for the most part, so when they visit, we have to change the way we plan our meals. Tonight's supper consisted of a large cheese pizza and a large supreme pizza, along with a huge salad that Carolyn prepared. Pretty good food.
Shortly after we moved in the new home base, I installed a wireless router so visitors could use the Internet while visiting. Today was the heaviest usage of the wifi signal yet, with four computers online at the same time. The signal worked fine, with no apparent slowdowns. Looks like the plan was successful.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Angleton, Texas: Honor, Heritage, And Tradition
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 60 degrees, high 70 degrees, cloudy, windy
Lori and her family arrived here early this morning about 0100 hours. Obviously, they were tired after the long drive from Texas, so after a quick hug, they went to bed. Lori was the first one up this morning, as she's always been an early riser. Much like her parents. We got caught up with what's been going on, and then I had to go to the hospital in Athens for more medical tests. By the time I arrived back home, the rest of the family was up and stirring, so the donuts I picked up in town were welcomed.
After lunch, Lori and John went for a drive down memory lane, looking at the places that Lori remembered from the time we lived here in the 1980s. She agreed with us that Athens hasn't changed much in the last 21 years, except for the traffic being worse. It's good to know that some things haven't changed much.
Carolyn and I went to the WalMart Mall to pick up some things for supper, including a couple of pizzas. Lori's family is vegetarian for the most part, so when they visit, we have to change the way we plan our meals. Tonight's supper consisted of a large cheese pizza and a large supreme pizza, along with a huge salad that Carolyn prepared. Pretty good food.
Shortly after we moved in the new home base, I installed a wireless router so visitors could use the Internet while visiting. Today was the heaviest usage of the wifi signal yet, with four computers online at the same time. The signal worked fine, with no apparent slowdowns. Looks like the plan was successful.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Angleton, Texas: Honor, Heritage, And Tradition
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Getting Better
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 49 degrees, high 73 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Today, I continued my recuperation from the doctor visits and medical tests of the last week. I slept better last night, but better is a relative term, especially when getting four hours of sleep is considered an improvement. I'm hopeful the sleep will continue to improve.
Terri and Thomas were still here today, so we enjoyed having them around. They had to leave late in the afternoon so Thomas can be in school tomorrow. Sure was quiet when they left.
Lori and her family will be here late tonight, as they drive up from Bay City, Texas. I'm sure they will be tired after the long drive, but they can recuperate tomorrow as I go through some more medical tests. I'm hopeful that I'll be feeling well enough to spend some time with them as Lori shows her kids where she lived for several years and graduated high school. Why is it that kids think their parents didn't have a life before they came along?
That's about it for a slow news day from us. The pace will pick up in the next few days.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Missoula, Montana: We Like It Here
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 49 degrees, high 73 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Today, I continued my recuperation from the doctor visits and medical tests of the last week. I slept better last night, but better is a relative term, especially when getting four hours of sleep is considered an improvement. I'm hopeful the sleep will continue to improve.
Terri and Thomas were still here today, so we enjoyed having them around. They had to leave late in the afternoon so Thomas can be in school tomorrow. Sure was quiet when they left.
Lori and her family will be here late tonight, as they drive up from Bay City, Texas. I'm sure they will be tired after the long drive, but they can recuperate tomorrow as I go through some more medical tests. I'm hopeful that I'll be feeling well enough to spend some time with them as Lori shows her kids where she lived for several years and graduated high school. Why is it that kids think their parents didn't have a life before they came along?
That's about it for a slow news day from us. The pace will pick up in the next few days.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Missoula, Montana: We Like It Here
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Sick, Again
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 65 degrees, mostly cloudy skies
Well, this is the first post in three days, and that's unusual for me. Except for being sick or unable to get an Internet signal, I have posted every day since I started the blog. The total number of missed posts now equals about seven.
Why didn't I post the last three days? A little matter of being sick, and having many medical tests performed to try to find the reason. I have been having some problems for a while, and like most people, I waited until I couldn't go any longer before going to the doctor. I had a general idea of what my ailment was, and had an appointment in two weeks to see a doctor for a second visit about it. However, I got worse, and called to see if I could see the doctor sooner. An hour later, I was in his office, being given a barrage of checks and tests. I walked in to the doctor's office, and shortly after, was being moved in to ICU in a wheel chair. How's that for a kick in the pants? I didn't realize I was as sick as I was.
Without going in to too many details, the problem concerns my heart. I remained in ICU all day, and was released late in the evening the same day as my condition stabilized enough so I could go home and be ready for more tests at the cardiac unit of Huntsville Hospital the next morning.
The next morning, which was Friday, I underwent more tests. Some possible reasons for the problems were ruled out, but one test revealed a problem that happened several years ago that I had been unaware of. Luckily, I did not have to undergo any treatment after the tests, and was released late in the day.
So, what does all this mean? I'm not sure yet, as more tests are scheduled, and my doctor will have to review the results of everything that has been done so far. I do know that I don't feel any better. I have a lot of problems sleeping with the symptoms that I am experiencing, so I have gotten very little sleep over the past week. Help for the symptoms will have to wait until we find out what's causing them.
I did find out that apparently my lifestyle habits were a plus as far as preventing worse damage to my heart. But..... Like many men, I put off going to the doctor when I should have, often finding a reason for what I felt, or rationalizing why I didn't need to see a doctor, when perhaps I should have. You can bet I won't do that again.
Sometimes, getting sick brings unexpected bonuses. Our daughter Terri and her son Thomas, who live in Tuscaloosa, were going to visit next weekend. With my stuff going on, they decided to visit this weekend. It's great to have them here. Then,
our daughter Lori and her family will be here tomorrow from Bay City, Texas so Lori see for herself that Dad is okay. That touches me deeply. We were planning to go to Texas in a couple of weeks, but with what I'm going through, we may have to put that trip off for a short time.
So, that catches up what we have been doing. It's not nearly as much fun as RVing.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Beaufort, South Carolina: 300 Years Of History By The Sea
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 65 degrees, mostly cloudy skies
Well, this is the first post in three days, and that's unusual for me. Except for being sick or unable to get an Internet signal, I have posted every day since I started the blog. The total number of missed posts now equals about seven.
Why didn't I post the last three days? A little matter of being sick, and having many medical tests performed to try to find the reason. I have been having some problems for a while, and like most people, I waited until I couldn't go any longer before going to the doctor. I had a general idea of what my ailment was, and had an appointment in two weeks to see a doctor for a second visit about it. However, I got worse, and called to see if I could see the doctor sooner. An hour later, I was in his office, being given a barrage of checks and tests. I walked in to the doctor's office, and shortly after, was being moved in to ICU in a wheel chair. How's that for a kick in the pants? I didn't realize I was as sick as I was.
Without going in to too many details, the problem concerns my heart. I remained in ICU all day, and was released late in the evening the same day as my condition stabilized enough so I could go home and be ready for more tests at the cardiac unit of Huntsville Hospital the next morning.
The next morning, which was Friday, I underwent more tests. Some possible reasons for the problems were ruled out, but one test revealed a problem that happened several years ago that I had been unaware of. Luckily, I did not have to undergo any treatment after the tests, and was released late in the day.
So, what does all this mean? I'm not sure yet, as more tests are scheduled, and my doctor will have to review the results of everything that has been done so far. I do know that I don't feel any better. I have a lot of problems sleeping with the symptoms that I am experiencing, so I have gotten very little sleep over the past week. Help for the symptoms will have to wait until we find out what's causing them.
I did find out that apparently my lifestyle habits were a plus as far as preventing worse damage to my heart. But..... Like many men, I put off going to the doctor when I should have, often finding a reason for what I felt, or rationalizing why I didn't need to see a doctor, when perhaps I should have. You can bet I won't do that again.
Sometimes, getting sick brings unexpected bonuses. Our daughter Terri and her son Thomas, who live in Tuscaloosa, were going to visit next weekend. With my stuff going on, they decided to visit this weekend. It's great to have them here. Then,
our daughter Lori and her family will be here tomorrow from Bay City, Texas so Lori see for herself that Dad is okay. That touches me deeply. We were planning to go to Texas in a couple of weeks, but with what I'm going through, we may have to put that trip off for a short time.
So, that catches up what we have been doing. It's not nearly as much fun as RVing.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Beaufort, South Carolina: 300 Years Of History By The Sea
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Leaks Stopped
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 69 degrees, cloudy until about noon, then clear skies
We allowed the toilet repairs from yesterday to mature overnight. After breakfast this morning, I checked to see if the repairs had held, and found that we had no leaks inside the house. The next check was under the house. I crawled under the house and had Carolyn flush the toilet several times. Again, no sign of a leak.
But..... As I was cleaning up everything and putting the tools away, Carolyn brought my attention to a verrrrrry slow leak for the hot water side of the guest bathroom lavatory faucet. Since I was already in the repair mode, I took the faucet apart to see what I needed for repairs. Then, it was off to town to find the parts.
My first stop was at Lowe's, but 30 minutes of checking what they had was unproductive. The next stop was at a local plumbing supply store, where they had what I needed. The parts seemed a little pricey for no more than what it took to do the repairs, but at least there is no linger a verrrrrry slow leak on that faucet.
After lunch, I rested for a short time, almost falling asleep. Rousing myself up, I got the new hedge clippers and extension cord, and started trimming some long neglected shrubs in front of the house. I asked Carolyn to look at the trim job as I went so I could get another set of eyes on what the job looked like. With her help, I got all of the shrubs but three finished. I'll finish those tomorrow, plus clean up my mess. And, I'll probably do some pruning on a couple of trees in the front yard.
And, see if I can talk Carolyn into giving my hair a little trim. As thin as my hair is getting, it doesn't take much to trim it now.
Tonight, a local restaurant was having a seafood special for senior citizens - meaning old folks - that was a good enough deal that we went to it for supper. For the money, it wasn't bad. Plus Carolyn didn't have to cook, and I didn't have to was the dishes. Winners all around.
This house stuff is getting too much like work. We need to take a trip.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Clemson, South Carolina: Biggest Little Town In South Carolina
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 69 degrees, cloudy until about noon, then clear skies
We allowed the toilet repairs from yesterday to mature overnight. After breakfast this morning, I checked to see if the repairs had held, and found that we had no leaks inside the house. The next check was under the house. I crawled under the house and had Carolyn flush the toilet several times. Again, no sign of a leak.
But..... As I was cleaning up everything and putting the tools away, Carolyn brought my attention to a verrrrrry slow leak for the hot water side of the guest bathroom lavatory faucet. Since I was already in the repair mode, I took the faucet apart to see what I needed for repairs. Then, it was off to town to find the parts.
My first stop was at Lowe's, but 30 minutes of checking what they had was unproductive. The next stop was at a local plumbing supply store, where they had what I needed. The parts seemed a little pricey for no more than what it took to do the repairs, but at least there is no linger a verrrrrry slow leak on that faucet.
After lunch, I rested for a short time, almost falling asleep. Rousing myself up, I got the new hedge clippers and extension cord, and started trimming some long neglected shrubs in front of the house. I asked Carolyn to look at the trim job as I went so I could get another set of eyes on what the job looked like. With her help, I got all of the shrubs but three finished. I'll finish those tomorrow, plus clean up my mess. And, I'll probably do some pruning on a couple of trees in the front yard.
And, see if I can talk Carolyn into giving my hair a little trim. As thin as my hair is getting, it doesn't take much to trim it now.
Tonight, a local restaurant was having a seafood special for senior citizens - meaning old folks - that was a good enough deal that we went to it for supper. For the money, it wasn't bad. Plus Carolyn didn't have to cook, and I didn't have to was the dishes. Winners all around.
This house stuff is getting too much like work. We need to take a trip.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Clemson, South Carolina: Biggest Little Town In South Carolina
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Toilet From Hell
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 32 degrees, high 62 degrees, partly cloudy skies
I got a good reminder today of why we enjoyed not having the responsibility of taking care of a house for several years while full time RVing. The home base we recently bought was in good shape when we bought it about three months ago. That means it had new paint, new carpet, new wood and tile floors, all new appliances, new heat pump and air conditioner, and just about anything else that could be replaced. So, there wasn't much for us to do to the house since we've been here.
That is, until yesterday. I wrote in yesterday's post that we had to do some repairs to the guest toilet when I discovered that the wax ring seal was faulty, allowing water to leak on to the ground in the crawl space.
I discovered this morning that the washers around the bolts holding the tank to the toilet were allowing a small leak. Deciding that it was best to put new parts in, I took the tank off the toilet, which involved removing bolts that were so rusted that I couldn't use a screw driver for help. Instead, I had to use vice grips to hold the bolts while I removed the nuts from the bottom of the bolts.
Finally, the bolts were removed and I wen to town to get more bolts and a wax ring to reset the toilet so the leak in that area would be stopped. As might be expected, the wax ring replacement was uneventful, and that problem seems to be resolved.
The installation of the tank bolts was not as easy as it might have been, since the directions included in the hardware package gave the wrong sequence of parts for installing the bolts. In other words, the directions said to use a metal washer inside between the tank and the rubber washer included to prevent leaks. Following the directions resulted in a worse leak than we had to start with. So, I followed my instincts, which I should have done to start with, and removed the metal washers, leaving the rubber washers to stop leaks. Success!!
Now, the toilet is sitting there with water in the tank, waiting for me to check it tomorrow to see if any other leaks show up. My fingers are crossed that the problems are fixed.
I know this was what seems to be a long, drawn out explanation of an issue we had today. My relating it was to remind myself that we don't want to get too complacent, just because we have been in a house for a couple of months. Things can and do go bad in a house, just like in an RV. However, for some reason, it seems easier in the RV when something needs to be repaired. It could be that I stay on top of repairs in the RV, not allowing things to get to the point that it becomes so difficult.
I'm ready to get back out on the road.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Reedsport, Oregon: Gateway To The Dunes
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 32 degrees, high 62 degrees, partly cloudy skies
I got a good reminder today of why we enjoyed not having the responsibility of taking care of a house for several years while full time RVing. The home base we recently bought was in good shape when we bought it about three months ago. That means it had new paint, new carpet, new wood and tile floors, all new appliances, new heat pump and air conditioner, and just about anything else that could be replaced. So, there wasn't much for us to do to the house since we've been here.
That is, until yesterday. I wrote in yesterday's post that we had to do some repairs to the guest toilet when I discovered that the wax ring seal was faulty, allowing water to leak on to the ground in the crawl space.
I discovered this morning that the washers around the bolts holding the tank to the toilet were allowing a small leak. Deciding that it was best to put new parts in, I took the tank off the toilet, which involved removing bolts that were so rusted that I couldn't use a screw driver for help. Instead, I had to use vice grips to hold the bolts while I removed the nuts from the bottom of the bolts.
Finally, the bolts were removed and I wen to town to get more bolts and a wax ring to reset the toilet so the leak in that area would be stopped. As might be expected, the wax ring replacement was uneventful, and that problem seems to be resolved.
The installation of the tank bolts was not as easy as it might have been, since the directions included in the hardware package gave the wrong sequence of parts for installing the bolts. In other words, the directions said to use a metal washer inside between the tank and the rubber washer included to prevent leaks. Following the directions resulted in a worse leak than we had to start with. So, I followed my instincts, which I should have done to start with, and removed the metal washers, leaving the rubber washers to stop leaks. Success!!
Now, the toilet is sitting there with water in the tank, waiting for me to check it tomorrow to see if any other leaks show up. My fingers are crossed that the problems are fixed.
I know this was what seems to be a long, drawn out explanation of an issue we had today. My relating it was to remind myself that we don't want to get too complacent, just because we have been in a house for a couple of months. Things can and do go bad in a house, just like in an RV. However, for some reason, it seems easier in the RV when something needs to be repaired. It could be that I stay on top of repairs in the RV, not allowing things to get to the point that it becomes so difficult.
I'm ready to get back out on the road.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Reedsport, Oregon: Gateway To The Dunes
Not all who wander are lost.
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