The Joy of Being There
One of the greatest benefits of the RV lifestyle is that you can be in place when significant events are occurring. Danny and Kim are expecting Brayden any time now (likely today) and we are here – not 1500 miles away. Kathy is aquiver with anticipation and it is fun to watch her as the event is unfolding. The video camera is ready!
If we are lucky Time Warner will arrive today and reestablish our tie with the world of entertainment and biased news reporting. We have been without television since our arrival at the house on Crossfield in Irondequoit. Kathy has kept the radio going and I have been reading my Kindle and surfing the Net. Yes, I know that Network Television is next to worthless but we miss it when it is unavailable. Even the twisted Evening News with Katie Couric is entertaining in its own peculiar way.
Kathy has been busy on the phone with family members working out the details of clearing out the contents of the house. It’s interesting to observe family dynamics in these situations. It brings home to me the fact that there is no “perfect family.” All families have issues, especially large ones with multitudes of opinion and diverse agendas. We all struggle through life’s difficulties as best we can and it, often, isn’t much fun to watch. Despite sensitivities, harmony can be preserved with a mutual commitment to civility and fairness (easier said than done). All-in-all, things are going pretty well on this front here in Rochester.
Hopefully, next post will bear tidings of Brayden’s arrival.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day Forty-three
Time to Catch-up
Being somewhat busy since arriving in Rochester I have been remiss in keeping up our blog so I will now make amends.
Last Wednesday Kathy and I flew back from Florida. It was a memorable flight as we sat on the macadam for over two hours. Actually, we departed Orlando almost exactly to the minute we were to have arrived at our destination. However, it wasn’t too painful as I, for once, took the upgrade offer to business class. While sipping generous libations we were faintly serenaded by crying babies in the rear of the plane (where we would have been had we not upgraded). The steward was making frequent trips to the galley with baby bottles warming formula in the microwave. Our seats were considerably larger than the ones in the rear so we were quite comfortable. Kathy’s remark regarding her first experience with Business Class was; “not too bad!”
Dave & Jan fetched us from the airport in spite of our belated arrival and we all had a bite to eat on the way back to their home. It was nice being reunited with our mobile abode and Tartar was extremely pleased to discover he had not been abandoned. Our hosts informed us that Tar had made preparations in the event we did not return in that he promptly took over theirs. He dominated the two larger breed residents (Jake and Lilly) generally bossing them around and getting his own way. Jake’s place in his owner’s bed was forfeit as well. Upon our arrival Tartar yelled at us for a considerable time to insure we understood the tremendous inconvenience we had put him through (although he had been thoroughly pampered during our absence).
Thursday we vacated Dave and Jan’s driveway and relocated from Hilton, NY to Rochester at Kathy’s mother’s house. We began by moving in essentials and arranging things to suit our needs during our residency. I also checked with the local RV dealer about our needed repairs. It was a waste of time dragging the fifth-wheel to the dealership as the service writer was off that day and there was no one else to address our problems. I returned next day (sans the RV) and discussed our situation concerning water invading the unit when towing in the rain. News not good – warranties do not cover leaks (even leaks that came with the unit when new). Our dealer in Florida worked on our unit soon after we bought it and we thought we had the issue resolved. I guess we haven’t driven through enough water since then to prove otherwise until this trip north. Oh well, it’s only one unresolved issue in our life so how bad can it be.
Sunday, Father’s Day, we experienced our own version of Modern Family. Danny and Joey treated their father, and step-father, to a round of golf. It was a gorgeous day, the course beautiful, and the four of us had a wonderful time. Kathy cooked us a Father’s Day meal afterward and, all-in-all, it was a great day.
Yesterday we ran errands and paid bills. Tartar and I both were shorn but not at the same shop. This is good because my haircut cost me considerably less that did Tar’s. Our little black dog was quite pleased with his new summer “do” and strutted around to let everyone know.
Today, we’ll just take things as they come. Still working around the house but it is, presently, precipitating outside restricting our options. Hope to get together with some of Kathy’s family that we have not seen since our arrival.
Being somewhat busy since arriving in Rochester I have been remiss in keeping up our blog so I will now make amends.
Last Wednesday Kathy and I flew back from Florida. It was a memorable flight as we sat on the macadam for over two hours. Actually, we departed Orlando almost exactly to the minute we were to have arrived at our destination. However, it wasn’t too painful as I, for once, took the upgrade offer to business class. While sipping generous libations we were faintly serenaded by crying babies in the rear of the plane (where we would have been had we not upgraded). The steward was making frequent trips to the galley with baby bottles warming formula in the microwave. Our seats were considerably larger than the ones in the rear so we were quite comfortable. Kathy’s remark regarding her first experience with Business Class was; “not too bad!”
Dave & Jan fetched us from the airport in spite of our belated arrival and we all had a bite to eat on the way back to their home. It was nice being reunited with our mobile abode and Tartar was extremely pleased to discover he had not been abandoned. Our hosts informed us that Tar had made preparations in the event we did not return in that he promptly took over theirs. He dominated the two larger breed residents (Jake and Lilly) generally bossing them around and getting his own way. Jake’s place in his owner’s bed was forfeit as well. Upon our arrival Tartar yelled at us for a considerable time to insure we understood the tremendous inconvenience we had put him through (although he had been thoroughly pampered during our absence).
Thursday we vacated Dave and Jan’s driveway and relocated from Hilton, NY to Rochester at Kathy’s mother’s house. We began by moving in essentials and arranging things to suit our needs during our residency. I also checked with the local RV dealer about our needed repairs. It was a waste of time dragging the fifth-wheel to the dealership as the service writer was off that day and there was no one else to address our problems. I returned next day (sans the RV) and discussed our situation concerning water invading the unit when towing in the rain. News not good – warranties do not cover leaks (even leaks that came with the unit when new). Our dealer in Florida worked on our unit soon after we bought it and we thought we had the issue resolved. I guess we haven’t driven through enough water since then to prove otherwise until this trip north. Oh well, it’s only one unresolved issue in our life so how bad can it be.
Sunday, Father’s Day, we experienced our own version of Modern Family. Danny and Joey treated their father, and step-father, to a round of golf. It was a gorgeous day, the course beautiful, and the four of us had a wonderful time. Kathy cooked us a Father’s Day meal afterward and, all-in-all, it was a great day.
Yesterday we ran errands and paid bills. Tartar and I both were shorn but not at the same shop. This is good because my haircut cost me considerably less that did Tar’s. Our little black dog was quite pleased with his new summer “do” and strutted around to let everyone know.
Today, we’ll just take things as they come. Still working around the house but it is, presently, precipitating outside restricting our options. Hope to get together with some of Kathy’s family that we have not seen since our arrival.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day Thirty-seven
Life Goes On
Yesterday was a poignant day. My grandmother’s funeral service at Woodlawn Cemetery was well attended as friends and family gathered to say goodbye. Afterward there was a dinner at church and many joined us there. Many memories were exchanged and teary eyes were not uncommon. Gramma had expressed her wishes for a simple affair without much fuss and I think that we achieved that. The day was more like a family gathering with a potluck dinner to finish things up.
Last evening found us at Bonefish Grill with a large table of family members. In memory of two summers ago with Gramma in New Hampshire we all hoisted a margarita. Why a margarita, you might ask? That summer, two years ago, my grandmother had declared that our journeys around the state of New Hampshire were, in part, a quest to discover the best margarita. She pronounced the libation we sipped in the veranda of a quaint inn on Newfound Lake to be the best. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon while we were on our weekly drive to visit a location of note in Gramma’s memories. Of course, in doing so we created another pleasant memory.
Kathy and I fly back to Rochester, NY this afternoon. TarTar is waiting there for us and, of course, the remainder of our RV adventure. We are uncertain as to the length of time we will need to stay in New York, nor exactly where we might go when we leave there. But, isn’t that what makes it an adventure?
Yesterday was a poignant day. My grandmother’s funeral service at Woodlawn Cemetery was well attended as friends and family gathered to say goodbye. Afterward there was a dinner at church and many joined us there. Many memories were exchanged and teary eyes were not uncommon. Gramma had expressed her wishes for a simple affair without much fuss and I think that we achieved that. The day was more like a family gathering with a potluck dinner to finish things up.
Last evening found us at Bonefish Grill with a large table of family members. In memory of two summers ago with Gramma in New Hampshire we all hoisted a margarita. Why a margarita, you might ask? That summer, two years ago, my grandmother had declared that our journeys around the state of New Hampshire were, in part, a quest to discover the best margarita. She pronounced the libation we sipped in the veranda of a quaint inn on Newfound Lake to be the best. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon while we were on our weekly drive to visit a location of note in Gramma’s memories. Of course, in doing so we created another pleasant memory.
Kathy and I fly back to Rochester, NY this afternoon. TarTar is waiting there for us and, of course, the remainder of our RV adventure. We are uncertain as to the length of time we will need to stay in New York, nor exactly where we might go when we leave there. But, isn’t that what makes it an adventure?
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day Thirty-three
The Passing of the Matriarch
I arrived back in Winter Garden last Sunday. It was a little late so I waited until the following morning to visit my grandmother at the hospital in Clermont. Being unsure of my expectations I approached her room cautiously. How would she look? What would her mental state be; lucid or out of it?
As I sat in the chair next to her bed I reached for her hand and identified myself (she was legally blind and needed verbal id). Her response was an enthusiastic “Hal! Finally someone is here that can take care of my situation.” I responded with, “what can I do you for you?” Having placed both her hands over her mouth she acted as if she were trying to cough and then exclaimed; “Wipe it! Wipe it!” There was a box of tissues on the bed so I grabbed several and proceeded to wipe her mouth. Her immediate indignant response was; “Not my mouth, wipe my a**.”
Ella was there with me and we all three had a good laugh. Gramma was very concerned that they weren’t going to allow her to go home that day but she was back in her own bedroom by three in the afternoon. Hospice was in place and was very helpful. Things went downhill from there as far as her physical and mental state was concerned. The deadline for hospice Critical Care was twice extended and, after a very quiet day Thursday, my grandmother left us at 9:40 p.m.
All arrangements are in place and are in accordance with my grandmother’s wishes. She asked that there be no church service and public viewing. Her wish was for a simple graveside service without a lot of to-do. We are abiding by her instructions and she will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
As I sit here writing, Lee, Julie, and Laurie are due any moment having driven from Myrtle Beach where they were celebrating their tenth anniversary. Kathy is flying in from New York tomorrow evening and other family members are coming from around the country. It is a sad occasion but it is also poignant as this event is a stark demonstration that life goes on.
We will miss Isabel greatly and she was a grand lady. In her ninety-seven years she witnessed many world changing events and mind boggling technological advancement. She watched her family grow and her community change. Through it all, she demonstrated an easy grace and balanced mind. May she rest in peace.
I arrived back in Winter Garden last Sunday. It was a little late so I waited until the following morning to visit my grandmother at the hospital in Clermont. Being unsure of my expectations I approached her room cautiously. How would she look? What would her mental state be; lucid or out of it?
As I sat in the chair next to her bed I reached for her hand and identified myself (she was legally blind and needed verbal id). Her response was an enthusiastic “Hal! Finally someone is here that can take care of my situation.” I responded with, “what can I do you for you?” Having placed both her hands over her mouth she acted as if she were trying to cough and then exclaimed; “Wipe it! Wipe it!” There was a box of tissues on the bed so I grabbed several and proceeded to wipe her mouth. Her immediate indignant response was; “Not my mouth, wipe my a**.”
Ella was there with me and we all three had a good laugh. Gramma was very concerned that they weren’t going to allow her to go home that day but she was back in her own bedroom by three in the afternoon. Hospice was in place and was very helpful. Things went downhill from there as far as her physical and mental state was concerned. The deadline for hospice Critical Care was twice extended and, after a very quiet day Thursday, my grandmother left us at 9:40 p.m.
All arrangements are in place and are in accordance with my grandmother’s wishes. She asked that there be no church service and public viewing. Her wish was for a simple graveside service without a lot of to-do. We are abiding by her instructions and she will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
As I sit here writing, Lee, Julie, and Laurie are due any moment having driven from Myrtle Beach where they were celebrating their tenth anniversary. Kathy is flying in from New York tomorrow evening and other family members are coming from around the country. It is a sad occasion but it is also poignant as this event is a stark demonstration that life goes on.
We will miss Isabel greatly and she was a grand lady. In her ninety-seven years she witnessed many world changing events and mind boggling technological advancement. She watched her family grow and her community change. Through it all, she demonstrated an easy grace and balanced mind. May she rest in peace.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Day Twenty-six
Addendum
The day is done. The funeral is over. The bike rack is assembled. The new tire is purchased, on the rim, and mounted on the back bumper of the fifth-wheel. The airline ticket is purchased.
Nelson’s funeral was very well attended and many people also went to the graveside service and the dinner at the Methodist Church afterward. Jan, Dave, and the family appreciated our presence and we were glad to be there at this time.
It required both of us to assemble the new bike rack and figure out how to make it fit with the interfering spare tire on the back bumper. We also have a stepladder strapped to the rear of the fifth-wheel and this contributed to the crowded conditions.
I am flying to Florida tomorrow and returning next weekend. Obviously, we both want to go but it isn’t possible at this time. Tomorrow morning I will pack and then Kathy will drop me off at the airport at the required time. I haven’t decided about carrying my laptop with me, not being sure if I want to carry an additional bag on the plane. If I leave the computer behind I will be offline for the next week and I’ll see you on the flip-side. Good night, all.
The day is done. The funeral is over. The bike rack is assembled. The new tire is purchased, on the rim, and mounted on the back bumper of the fifth-wheel. The airline ticket is purchased.
Nelson’s funeral was very well attended and many people also went to the graveside service and the dinner at the Methodist Church afterward. Jan, Dave, and the family appreciated our presence and we were glad to be there at this time.
It required both of us to assemble the new bike rack and figure out how to make it fit with the interfering spare tire on the back bumper. We also have a stepladder strapped to the rear of the fifth-wheel and this contributed to the crowded conditions.
I am flying to Florida tomorrow and returning next weekend. Obviously, we both want to go but it isn’t possible at this time. Tomorrow morning I will pack and then Kathy will drop me off at the airport at the required time. I haven’t decided about carrying my laptop with me, not being sure if I want to carry an additional bag on the plane. If I leave the computer behind I will be offline for the next week and I’ll see you on the flip-side. Good night, all.
Day Twenty-six
The Downside of the Nomad
One of the greatest drawbacks of RV living is geographic isolation. Kathy and I need to be in Rochester, NY because of her mother’s situation. Rita has been on a feeding tube for over a year in the nursing home. Kathy’s other siblings have been dealing with this but Kathy is feeling the pressure, as the oldest, to step up to the plate and do her part.
The rub comes is that we have family, back in Florida, with health issues. Especially significant at this time is my grandmother, Isabel Fowler. She is ninety-seven and recently fell and suffered a broken hip. Because of her other illnesses, diabetes, CHF, and leukemia, her immobility has her pushed her to the edge of survival. Fluids are building up in her body and she is now hospitalized with a large blood clot in her leg. The doctors have concluded that there is nothing they can do and she will probably go home under hospice care.
So, what do you do when you need to be in two places at once? Of course, this situation is no different than it is for those that have moved away from family, but it does become particularly relevant to the full-time RV’er. I mention this as many that choose to do as we have need to factor this dimension into their decision making process. To fail to do so might produce great angst if these circumstances are not anticipated.
Today, we are attending the funeral of the father of Kathy’s sister-in-law, Jan Lloyd. Being here we are able to do this. If we were still in Florida the expense of travel would prevent this. It is true that we are often pulled to be supportive in family situations but are unable logistically, practically, or financially to do so.
So, the question now is what do we do? For Kathy and I to fly back together is prohibitively expensive. For me to return alone is still expensive but I have an offer of help. If I go alone, I leave Kathy alone to deal with the situation here. It’s difficult to know what decision to make.
Day Twenty-five - June 4th
Things That Go Bump in the Night
Our day began this morning at 3:30 a.m. with a significant thump and bump to the fifth-wheel. This particular event awakened both Kathy and I and we were somewhat anxious about the possible causes. My sleepy mind ran through a retinue of possibilities. 1. We blew a tire. 2. The weight of the trailer cracked one of leveling blocks. 3. The chain positioner popped on the kingpin support tripod. 4. One of the air cells blew in our Sleep Number Bed. 5. The water heater blew up.
Being too sleepy to get up and investigate at this hour, and in the dark, I relapsed to my former unconscious state upon the thought that I would check it out later in the morning. Arising about 7:30 a.m. I dressed and proceeded to investigate our situation. I checked all the possibilities and found nothing. Yeah, zip. Nada. Zero. I guess we now have a mystery on our hands.
Today we drove into Hilton, NY for a funeral viewing for Jan Lloyd’s father, Nelson Hare. We are sorry to see them for the first time, this visit, under this circumstance but glad that we can be with them. Afterward we found a local Charbroil house, and being Friday, we had fish fry.
On the return trip to Le Roy we stopped in Brockport at the Super Wal-mart which turned out okay for Kathy but was not so super for me. I was thinking I might purchase the trailer tire we require and have it mounted but, true to Wal-mart form, no one would wait on me. I found the tire myself on the stock racks but waited better than ten minutes at the counter for someone to appear, which they never did.
On the way out of Brockport we spotted a Dunn Tire Store and checked there. Two very polite gentlemen, in shirt and tie I might add, were eager and willing to assist me. The tire will be in on Monday and for less than Wal-mart's “low price”.
Both of us, now, are feeling very bloated from our fish fry earlier this afternoon and we have forgone our evening repast. We will sit around and bloat until bedtime, and then we will bloat in the reclined position. Hopefully, we shall un-bloat before tomorrow morning.
Our day began this morning at 3:30 a.m. with a significant thump and bump to the fifth-wheel. This particular event awakened both Kathy and I and we were somewhat anxious about the possible causes. My sleepy mind ran through a retinue of possibilities. 1. We blew a tire. 2. The weight of the trailer cracked one of leveling blocks. 3. The chain positioner popped on the kingpin support tripod. 4. One of the air cells blew in our Sleep Number Bed. 5. The water heater blew up.
Being too sleepy to get up and investigate at this hour, and in the dark, I relapsed to my former unconscious state upon the thought that I would check it out later in the morning. Arising about 7:30 a.m. I dressed and proceeded to investigate our situation. I checked all the possibilities and found nothing. Yeah, zip. Nada. Zero. I guess we now have a mystery on our hands.
Today we drove into Hilton, NY for a funeral viewing for Jan Lloyd’s father, Nelson Hare. We are sorry to see them for the first time, this visit, under this circumstance but glad that we can be with them. Afterward we found a local Charbroil house, and being Friday, we had fish fry.
On the return trip to Le Roy we stopped in Brockport at the Super Wal-mart which turned out okay for Kathy but was not so super for me. I was thinking I might purchase the trailer tire we require and have it mounted but, true to Wal-mart form, no one would wait on me. I found the tire myself on the stock racks but waited better than ten minutes at the counter for someone to appear, which they never did.
On the way out of Brockport we spotted a Dunn Tire Store and checked there. Two very polite gentlemen, in shirt and tie I might add, were eager and willing to assist me. The tire will be in on Monday and for less than Wal-mart's “low price”.
Both of us, now, are feeling very bloated from our fish fry earlier this afternoon and we have forgone our evening repast. We will sit around and bloat until bedtime, and then we will bloat in the reclined position. Hopefully, we shall un-bloat before tomorrow morning.
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