On The Road Again

We made it for Mel's Family pictures on Monday, a little late, but we made it.  After that we did some of the running around we needed to do, getting home about 9:30.  Christmas Eve Day we had our family dinner at Lynne and Rick's house (Thank you), with plenty to eat and fun for all.  Christmas day was breakfast at Mel's and then head over to dad's for Ham and the Holiday visit. 

 

We managed to get a visit into the Tree Farm, over to see Jen, Greg and Aunt Ada for a short 1 - 1.5 hour visit, and managed to run into Lorin and Terri at the Legion, that was about the extent of our visits.  I did get to spend a little more time with Melanie and made Shane stop in New Year's Eve before he headed back to his new home, Morgantown, WV so I could say good-bye to him. 

 

Somewhere after Christmas and before New Year we noticed the front step cover getting slower and slower, until it didn't work.  After some checking it ended up being the chassis batteries (engine batteries), so Brad took them out and headed over to the Tree Farm with them to put them on Mark's charger.  He got the batteries back the next day and hooray, they were charged and worked.  We kind of nursed them the rest of the time there, even getting Rick's trickle charger in case we needed it.  But the batteries were fine and worked with no more problems. 

 

We spent New Year's Eve with the Shirks enjoying too much to eat and an evening of card playing.  We got up the next day, headed home, stowed Rudy and then of the Chris and Thom's for Pork and sauerkraut.  It was nice seeing the rest of the family before we headed south again. 

 

Thursday was my Dr. appointment.  The walker can go to the way side, and a couple, more aggressive exercises to do.  Need to get that hip stronger so I can get rid of the cane as well.  Appointment made for the end of February, so now it's just the final prep for the trip south.   A couple of stops on the way to and from the Dr., groceries and what not, then a phone call to dad hoping to do a casino run tomorrow.   

 

Well Friday didn't work out very well, the snow came down fast and furious Thursday night, we didn't even go to the Legion for the drawing, and Friday morning the roads were OK, but it was better to change plans to having lunch.  We managed to get some more things done in the AM then headed over to dad's, where Brad ended up shoveling out his drive way as well.  We went to the Brown Stone for lunch, then back to the house so Brad could finish the drive (where we had originally parked).  We visited for a little longer, then headed home, time to finish packing then head over to Lynne and Rick's for the night.  We finished packing up the RV, slides in and every thing stowed, but the water pump is not working, but we set off to the Shirk's for dinner and cards. 

 

Leaving the snow behind!!

Saturday we get back to the RV about 9:30, excited and anxious about the trip.  I head into the RV first and notice something is wrong....it is bitter cold.  For some reason the propane heater never ran (maybe forgot to reset after changing propane bottles), but what ever happened, the final results can't be good.  We changed to the RV propane and all started to work, but at this point we have no idea what damage might have been done.  We stressed a little and decided, what the heck, finish packing and get the heck out of town.  We didn't get on the road until 11:00 but we made it to Carolina Crossroads RV Park about 5:30, only to find the car battery is dead.  Then we get parked and find out the water pump is dead, no problem, until we realize that the water from the hose runs through the pump and it is spewing water.  OK,  time for a little more stress....what good does that do,  a glass of wine, egg sandwich for dinner and we'll get things ready in the morning.  But what more can you ask for, we are headed south and it's all fixable. 

 

Sunday Brad got up, got the water pump out, the car started and then we headed off to the Tractor Supply Store for a battery pack, stopped for breakfast, another stop or two (letting the car run), then back to the CG, turn the car off and hope for the best.  Brad did some more things out side the RV (50 degrees), while I worked on finding a replacement water pump.  Water pump found, 200 miles south and a plan to pick it up tomorrow, boiled water for dishes, showers in the bath house, then off to dinner.  Back home, Brad getting the stuff done he needed to do then off to bed (still fighting the remnants of a cold).  I am finishing the Blog, packing up what I can and off to bed soon. 

There will be more of the blog coming soon,
Diane and Brad

 

Waiting on Christmas

Well here we are, still in Dillsburg waiting on Christmas.

The last weekend of deer season, 12/14, Brad headed up to the Ochenrider camp, leaving Thursday and letting me at home in the RV.  Friday night my sister rescued me, taking me to her house to ride out the pending snow/ice storm.  I do owe Kate a big thank you since she ran to Patterson's and picked up the Christmas gifts that I had ordered, Thanks Kate.  Not a bad deal for me, and unfortunately for Brad, no deer.

Brad made it home Sunday, came home, unpacked, then headed over to Lynne and Rick's to pick me up.  We had a good day of cookie baking and managed to get a little more of the shopping done.  The rest of the two weeks, we did our weekly lunch with dad and Brad helped with a little of the shopping (not his thing ) but I managed to get a few things and a lot of my wrapping done here at the RV.  Friday the 20th, Brad had to be at the airport about 11:00 pm, to pick up Shane and bring him back so he could get his truck, then Saturday, up at 6:00 to head over to the storage unit, where the moving company was packing up his things to take to Morgantown, WV. 

Later on Saturday, Brad and I headed over to the Shirk's, where I helped bake some cookies, and Brad came back to get Rudy, time to introduce him to the Shirk household.  The dog meet and greet didn't go too bad, so off to dinner at the Bonefish Grille, and home again for cards.  We spent the night, had breakfast in the morn, then Brad and Rudy left, while Lynne and I headed out to finalize our Christmas shopping.   I think we finished our Christmas shopping , but I still need some gift bags and another stop or two, but the most of it is done, yea. 

Today the car went to BJ's to get the oil and transmission fluid changed and tonight we are getting pictures taken.  We are slowly packing up the RV, planning on moving December 26, laundry is running and I'm sorting and packing, on a gray rainy day. 

Watching the Big Move

The word was put out, moving day is Friday, with the moving guys scheduled to be at the storage unit by 8:00 AM.  We got up and took our time getting ready, heading over to dad's to drop off some veggie soup and give him back his kettle.  After that over to Lynne and Rick's to help (supervise) the move.  Mel and crew were there, most helping, some just visiting, Brad got right to work and I just sat around.  Chris and Thom stopped in, not for long as they were exhausted from their all night shopping trips.  We were there until about 6:00, then headed home, Lynne and Rick worked a little longer then headed back to the apt. for the night. 

Saturday Brad and I got up, headed over to get Dad for lunch.  We had lunch then headed over to Lynne and Rick's so Dad could check out the house.  Me, I still got to watch, but got a little help in by writing down measurements as Lynne called them out.  Brad headed out to take Dad home, Lynne headed out to tend to Bailey, while I waited at the house for Shane to show up.  He is leaving for Texas tomorrow and needs some help from Brad and I.  OK, the help is a ride to the airport at 5:00 AM, ugh, but we'll do it,  signing of his lease and the payment for move in.  

Sunday Shane was here at 4:50 AM, ready to hit the airport.  I said good-bye, wished him luck and sent him and Brad on their way.  Brad got back, we napped and then kinda of putz through the day. We worked around here and then headed over to see the progress Lynne and Rick made on the house.....looked nice.  

The rest of the week was just spent sorting things in the RV, Physical Therapy, nurse visits, lunch with dad and last but not least, my Friday morning doctor appointment.  Heading in with high expectations of getting rid of the walker, but it's not to be.  According to the Dr. he has much better, long term results if his patients use the walker for a longer amount of time, so I'm still using it.  I was so upset, but here I am, still using the walker.  We stopped and did a little shopping on the way home, then got Brad packed up and headed up north for hunting.  The rest of the day was a bit boring, but Brad made it up north, I managed to get myself dinner and we all survived.  

Saturday, Mel and crew came over to visit for a little while, and Lynne stopped over and picked me up to go shopping.  We had a Starbucks coffee, made a few purchases and got me home about 9:30.  No deer for Brad, but I am slowly getting the Christmas shopping done. 

Snowy Day

Sunday Lynne and I were headed to Dad's for lunch, but about a mile down the road, she turned around and dropped me off at the house.  The roads weren't bad, yet, but in about 2-3 hours when we would have been heading home, they might have been......no reason to take the chance.  Brad got home mid afternoon, unpacked and then took care of all the things that needed done, that I couldn't manage. He has been so good to me.

Monday Brad headed out to get propane, mail some things , and picked up one or two things that we needed from the store.  I got a call back from the Dr. office, so about 2:30 we headed out for me to get a blood test.  We headed back home, then went out for dinner, to Flap Jacks Pub (it was OK.)  Back home for a restful evening. 



Rudy waiting for
Dad to come in
 

Tuesday we got up to everything being covered in white, oh how pretty.  There is only about 2 inches of snow on the ground, so not too bad.  Brad headed out for a hair cut, while I did a load or two of laundry.   Back home, did some more things around the house, inside and out and now we are just waiting to go out to dinner with Lynne and Rick. 


More later,
Diane and Brad

I Can't Believe We ate All That

25 Nov (Brad B-day)  The visiting Nurse was here about 9:30, check blood pressure, blood clot counts, temp and what ever else she needed to due....will return on Friday.  The Physical therapist showed up about 10:30 and went through the list of 10 exercises I had to do, takes me in and out the door (making sure I can do the steps), then headed out after about an hour.  I'm finally getting out of bed by myself, no more help needed to move the leg, yea.  My knee and leg are swollen quiet a bit, looks nasty and hurts.  

26 Nov The Occupation therapist shows up at 9:00 AM making sure that I can get in and out of shower, dress myself, including socks and shoes and we worked on getting me into bed so no more sleeping on the sofa.  My incision has cleared up and is no longer oozing anywhere, so Diane gets to shower in 48 hours hooray.  

Wed 27 Nov.  The Physical therapist shows up and worked on getting  Diane up and down the steps and in and out of car (can't miss Thanksgiving Dinner).  We did about 1/2 of my exercises, and I am happy to say I am doing them correctly (ha ha), then off he goes and here we sit.  We did some things around here, including laundry, then Brad headed out to the store, for B-Day cards and a few other things we needed.  Left over veggie soup and grilled cheese sandwich.  Not a bad day.  

Ready for Thanksgiving!!

Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. We got up, had breakfast and by 9:00 Diane was in the shower, ahhhhh, what a feeling.  It took a while to get me ready, between the shower and getting to blow dry my hair, I felt like a new person.  We finally headed out about 11:30, my first car ride since surgery, heading over to Deb's (jokingly called the convalescent home), this year for dinner.  The food was great and somehow, Brad and I got to sit at the table for the first feeding round.  The food was delicious and Deb made 2 Turkeys so people would have some left overs (thanks Deb).  Brad and I hung out until about 3:30, and were the last ones to leave, heading home, slowly, as I wasn't ready to get back in the house and be stuck there.  I did see two large buck on the way home, and they were so close to the CG that Brad ended up going around the block trying to get another view, but alas, they were gone.  When we got home, the temp. had started to drop, so inside with me, off on a walk for Brad and Rudy.  We just hung out, having Pumpkin Pie for dinner and enjoying the last of the Turkey Day dinner.  

Diane and Brad

Another operation

We are back to Wednesday, November 13.  So this is just going to be more of a summary of all the stuff that has happened. 

Wednesday I was taking dad to the Dr. and then borrowing his car, but while I was getting ready in the AM, our electric in the RV quit working.  Oh well, Brad took me over to Dads, then back to the RV to work on the electric, for the next 5 hours (glad I was gone).  It really ended up being nothing, but the process of elimination took forever.

Brad ended up going hunting, leaving Thursday morning and getting home Sunday afternoon.  I visited with Dad and Aunt Dot while he was gone, made a few meals for them, shopped with Lynne, stopped at Mel's and just enjoyed my alone time, but was really glad when they(Brad & Rudy) got home. 

Monday I took Dad and Aunt Dot over to see Mike in the hospital, Friday 11/15 he had a triple by-pass and this was the first they were able to get over.  He had lots of visitors, so we didn't stay long, just enough to say 'Hi' and move on.  We did manage to have lunch at Friendly's and I made sure they still had leftovers for dinner. 



Then comes Tuesday 11/19, the first picture is me in the pm after my hip replacement, but the second picture is Rudy and I, enjoying our sofa time together, taken on Saturday, when I was a much happier person, being at home finally.  The visiting nurse showed up on Saturday and  tomorrow( Monday),  the Physical Therapy  starts up.....this might be interesting. All in all I'm doing good and can't wait to be taking care of myself again.  Brad has been doing just a great job of looking after me. 

 Thanks for the visit,
Diane and Brad

More time in Dillsburg

Tuesday, November 5, Brad was going to help Shane move some of his things into storage, while I headed to the Dr.  My appointment was at 9:30, and I didn't get in until 11:00, I was a little upset, but then I was really impressed by the attention he gave, so all was good.  After that I met Brad and Shane at the storage unit and was sent right out to get pizza, so much for helping.  They got that unloaded, got his stuff out of our unit and were headed back to his house for another load.  I gave up and headed over to see dad for a while, with a cup of coffee in hand.  I stayed until about 5:00 when Karen and crew showed up, then headed out, in the dark...ugh.  We headed into the Legion for dinner so we could sign the book, talked with Lance for a little while, then headed home just in time to watch NCIS.

 

Wednesday was another long day.  I left the house at 9:30, stopped at Lynne's and swapped cars, then headed over for Aunt Lida and hit the road to pick up Aunt Dot.  It was a nice ride, but we stopped to visit Aunt Loretta, Uncle Kenny and crew when we got there, a nice visit and all seemed to be doing well.  Aunt Dot called up there to let us know she was back home, so we said our good-byes and headed out.  I managed to find Aunt Dot, got her loaded into the car then off to the 901 Bar and Grill for lunch.  None of us were disappointed with our meal and if we were hungry afterwards, it was our own faults.  Back on the road, arriving at Dad's about 3:00, Karen brought him home today and Aunt Dot is going to stay with him, since he is required to have somebody there for about 2 weeks.  I stayed about 20 min. to let Aunt Lida visit then took her home, swapped cars at Lynne's, met Brad at Mel's to drop off Monique's car then finally made it home.  Baked beans and hot dogs for dinner, a little chat with Lynne, then off to bed by 10:00, it has been an exhausting couple of days. 

Thursday was a stay at home and get caught up on Laundry and cleaning.  We ended up having to go to the Laundromat with 3 loads and I did 2 here at the house.  That took most of the morning, then we meet Shane and Alysha for lunch at Bakers.  Back home, try out the part for the refrigerator, not what we needed, so get that ready to return.  After that we got ready and headed into the Legion for drawing night.  No Lorin and Terri, so we had dinner, stayed for the numbers, then headed home.  For some reason we are both still really tired, so off to bed about 10:30.

Friday I got up and made 2 meat loaves, one for dad and Aunt Dot and the other for us.  We hung out here at home for a while then headed over to dads about 1:00.  We got there, visited for a while, then headed out to the grocery store to pick up some supplies for them.  Back to dad's, put the stuff away, got the meatloaf in the oven, when cousin Frankie showed up (Aunt Dot's son) and then Karen came in.  We visited with every one for a little while, then headed home.....to much commotion.  It was almost 7:00 until we got home, so we just ran into the VFW for dinner.  It was nice to visit everyone and I hope they all enjoyed the meal. 

Saturday Brad headed out in the morning to get propane in the small tank, while Lynne picked me up and we headed out.  First stop, lunch for Rick and Brad and a trip to the new house.  We ended up being there longer that planned and it was almost 1:30 until we got moving again.  First stop was JC Penny's where Lynne was looking for window treatments for the house, but the only purchase made was by me, 2 new shirts.  After that we stopped at Starbucks then off to Bed, Bath and Beyond where I managed to find what I was looking for.  We then called 'Your Place' to order Stromboli, stopped at one or two more places, got the Stromboli, stopped for beer then headed to Lynne's.  Brad was already back at our place showering and taking care of Rudy, Rick was showered, Lynne walked Bailey and I put the Stromboli in the oven when Brad called and said he was headed back to the Shirks.  We had a nice dinner and then Lynne and I kicked butt playing cards.  The guys got tired, so Brad and I headed home (me with a smile on my face). 

Sunday Brad dropped me off at Bakers to have breakfast with Shane and Lynne.  Shane is leaving today for Morgantown WV and a new job.  Brad is helping  Rick spread top soil getting ready for the landscaper, at least 2 days they've been at it now.  After breakfast we stopped at Giant, bought some soup for Dad and Aunt Dot, then took lunch over to the guys.  We then headed out to dads, where Lynne heated up the soup for them for lunch.  We hung out until about 4:00 then her and I went to the grocery store (after a Starbucks stop), the guys quit about 4:30, but Lynne took me home and then headed off herself.  I had put our meatloaf in the crock pot before I left, so we had a nice meal, food is in the house and we had a nice weekend to boot. 

Monday was another round of Dr. appointments.  Mine was a 9:40 and as the last time, he didn't come in until about 11:00, but that was ok.  We then stopped for lunch, back home, a quick shower for Brad and he is off to his appointment.  He stopped on the way home and returned the refrigerator parts in the mail, then he made it home.  We had another crock pot meal, cleaned up, watched Bones, then Brad was off to bed by 10:00 and me about 11:00.  These appointments, just too darned many of them. 

Tuesday, Brad has another appointment, this time for the scope down the throat.  No food, water, coffee, nothing for him this morning....that means I need to get my own coffee.  We headed out about 8:30 getting there a little early, but they took him right on time.  I have about 1.5 hours to wait, so needless to say, I ran out and grabbed something to eat and a cup of coffee, I know, not fair.  I was back in the waiting room when they called and about 10 min. later I was called back to meet with Brad and the Dr.  We got the cursory report and then headed out to feed Brad and load him up with some caffeine.  We then headed home, took care of Rudy, got some things ready to mail and headed back out.  The post office, rental place, a nose around the Shirks house, Sheetz, Lowe's, Home Depot and then we headed home.  I almost forgot, we did stop at Bakers for Beef Pot Pie which we deemed good enough to get some for Dad and Aunt Dot.  We then headed home, took Rudy for a walk then tried to watch NCIS, no luck the antenna was not cooperating, so I am working on the blog, Brad walked Rudy and now at 9:30 is off to bed, I am right behind him another busy, early rise day tomorrow. 

 

A Week in Dillsburg

Tuesday Brad was heading back to the Shirks, while I stayed home doing laundry, cleaning and making a spaghetti for dinner.   He was gone most of the day and got home about 5:00.  Shane was coming over for dinner, he needed to talk and ended letting us know he took a new job and was moving to the Pittsburgh area.  All I can do is hope that it all goes well for him.

 

Wednesday Dad was scheduled for open heart surgery.  He needed to be there a 9:00, so Lynne and I headed over about 10:00.  We went in and talked with him and Karen (she took him to the hospital) and then the waiting started.  His surgery was schedule for noon, but at 1:00 he was still there.  Chris came over and then about 1:30 I called Mel to come meet us for lunch.  Lynne, Mel and I headed up to the 11th floor, while Chris and Karen waited with Dad.  About 2:30 the Doctor finally came in, only to let us know that they didn't have the heart valve they needed.  Glad I wasn't there, I think Karen and Chris got a little explosive on the Doctor and then the DR. Assistant...what a day.  Lynne, Mel and I headed out, while Chris and Karen waited on Dad, home we all go.  While we all did the hospital wait, Brad was back at the Shirk house hold helping Rick finish the patio.

Thursday I am off again.  Poor Kaydence had a blood transfusion last night due to her sickle cell disease, it has been a rough kind of day for the poor child.  So I borrowed Monique's car (thanks Monique) and headed over to Hershey Hospital to visit Kaydence.  Lucky for me she was doing much better and we actually had some great play time together, coloring, and playing with the toys.  Poor Keisha was in and out all day, going home to shower and then off again to register for classes.  Great-great Pappy Angeli came over for a visit, so while Keisha was there, Mel, Pappy Angeli and I headed down to eat, then back up to the room so Keisha could go register.  About 3:30 Pere came over after work and it was about time for me to leave, 4-5 hours was long enough to visit.  She was doing well, took a good nap, but when the Dr. and nurses came in to do their tests, poking and prodding the poor child just cried, broke my little heart.  Back home for dinner at the Legion  (drawing night) where we ended up seeing Lorin and Terry and then Shane came back and had dinner with us.  One of these days I do need to get to the grocery store.

Friday is here and it's surgery day.  Today dad had to be at the hospital at 5:15, so Karen took him, again, and Brad ran me over to the hospital about 6:00.  I got there and Chris was there (should have bummed a ride), I got to see dad for just a few minutes, then he headed to the operating room, and the waiting begins.  We headed up to the 11th floor café and as the sun came up we watched all the city traffic arrive for the day.  Chris and Karen walked to the car, back up to the waiting room.  About 10:00 Karen and I were headed down stairs for a cup of coffee when we ran into Willie (one of the hospital workers) and he told us to make sure we were back by 10:30.  Sure enough, the word was put out at 10:30, surgery was over and they were moving him to a room on the 5th floor.  We all ended up being there rather late that night, dad was awake, a little rough looking, but awake and responsive.  Back home to wait to see how tomorrow goes.

Saturday morning Lynne and I headed over to the hospital about 9:30 and stayed 'til about 1 or 2, left so he could rest before more visitors showed up.  Lynne, Rick, Brad and I finally managed to have dinner together at the Pizza Grille, but the rest of the day was a blur. 

Sunday Brad headed over to help Rick, so Lynne and I went out to breakfast without them.  After that we both managed to get our grocery shopping done and I even managed to make a crock pot full of chili.  About 2:00 we headed back to the hospital, visited until about 6:00 then headed home, both of us exhausted and ready for a relaxing (ha ha) evening. 

Monday everybody heads back to work, so about noon, Brad and I headed over for a little visit.  We had a nice visit for about 2 hours, even getting dad a cup of good decaf from the coffee shop.  We left and then I find out, he really had a flurry of company after that, not sure how much rest he got, but I guess it was all good.  Brad and I made a few stops on the way home, left over chili and a lazy night, Bones on TV and an early to bed night.