Places...... What's your guess?

Cullman,  AL

Way back when we were full time RVing and traveling the country, I posted a couple of blogs where I displayed some pictures and asked who knew where they were.     We no longer full time or even RV but I have lots of pictures and lots of memories.

So, it that spirit.......   How many can you guess...

This might be a toughie....

Ancient stuff

Easy one.....

Eastwood fans

Crossing over

Threading

Leonard looking Presidential

The opposite side as above

Solemn

Fit for a King

Did you recognize any?


Until next time.

These things I know

Cullman,   AL


I have lots of time to think these days.    A lifetime of memories, regrets, reflections.

The last week or so have afforded me many quiet moments.    Leonards body is having difficulties adjusting to the new dosage of his medication for Pulmonary Aterial Hypertension.   It has caused debilitating side effects that leave him exhausted.    He sleeps fitfully during the night.  Days are spent in his recliner mostly napping.   He is always cold.  Cold.   He has not gotten "dressed" for a week.  He wears a tee shirt and sleep pants.  And a sweater.   And a heavy robe.   And is covered by an electric throw.

The medication was supposed to be increased again today.   We've had conversations with the specialized pharmacy that oversees the dosage.  They will talk to the doctors down at University of Alabama hospital and decide where to go from here.     In might have to remain the same for now or even be cut back to the lower dosage. 

This thing I know....  We are so fortunate that our doctors here in Cullman referred us to UAB for his care.   We trust the staff there. 

This thing I know....  We trust the nurses and pharmacists at Accredo (the pharmacy).  We are grateful they referred us to The Assistance Fund.  Between our Prescription insurance and the Fund the $20,000 cost each month is taken care of.

This thing I know...   I am grateful for the 7 years after retirement we traveled the country in an RV.   We met great people.   We saw things I never thought I would see.    We have those memories.

This thing I know....    We decided to settle at the perfect time.   Gods timing is always perfect.  We found the perfect house for us while in Pennsylvania.   I "just happened" to go online and found this house shortly after it was listed.   Within days we were on our way to Alabama after our offer was accepted.   This gave us over 2 years to make those changes we wanted.   More land was cleared.  The shop was enclosed.   Painting done inside.  Light fixtures changed out.  Shiplap installed in dining and living areas.  Carpets changed.  Pond dug.  Anything more we would have liked done is just cosmetic.  Nothing that has to be done.

This thing I know....   I love our church family back in Upper Deerfield,  NJ.  When in the area we visit.  Its like going home.    And we found the perfect church here in Cullman.   After visiting a few others, when we walked in the doors we knew.    Our new Home Church.  Sharon Grove UMC.

This thing I know.....   Another Gods timing.   Before we retired and traveled, we joined a club for RVers called Escapees.   The very first magazine I received from them had an article about an organization of the United Methodist Church called NOMADS.   This is for people who travel in RVs and do 3 week projects throughout the country.  At churches, campgrounds, retreat centers, neighborhoods, etc.  We joined and had the honor of doing many projects for the 7 years we were active members.

This thing I know....   We are blessed with many friends throughout the country.   We are blessed when those who travel in RVs find their way here.   We love looking out and seeing an RV parked in one of the sites we installed shortly after moving here.   We are blessed with those other friends we have in both NJ, TX and Louisiana.

And most of all.  This thing I know.....   Our richest blessing is our families.   Our 5 children.  Our 14 grandchildren and 3 great grand-children.    Our sisters and brothers.    Our cousins whom we still maintain a contact with.    And thankful we are still able to travel and visit.

This thing I know.....  Life has had it's up and downs.   There have been heartaches.  There have been hurts.   But more than that there have been good times.   Fun. Excitement.  And most of all an abiding love for God, each other,  family and friends. 

Until next time.

So many pictures I didn't take.

Cullman,   AL

Here we are back in Alabama after a several day trip to the northeast.  A review:

December 19

We left home and as our usual practice after driving 397 miles we over-nighted at our nephews house in Rural Retreat VA.    Forgot to take pictures of the humans...... Kelly, Jason, Lance and Emilie.    But I did take pictures of our boy Biscuit playing with their 4 puppies.

December 20

The next morning we drove a little over 400 miles to our daughter and SIL's Terri and Steve near Hershey, PA.    Again no pictures.

December 22

We drove the 2 1/2 hours over to NJ to attend one of our "home" churches in Upper Deerfield.

Back in November I saw a message on Messenger from a name I did not know.   As Messenger can be a problem, I did not open it.    Early in December Daughter Terri told me she had been receiving a message.   She looked at it and it was from a woman who had purchased our old house in NJ.   That was my message too.

Some of our readers know we owned this house from 1992 until we started fulltime RVing in 2009.  My daughter Terri then bought it from us.  She owned it a few years before relocating to PA.  The house was sold to people who practically destroyed it until the bank foreclosed.   The house was built in 1850 and beautiful.   We made improvements including 2 additions.  Terri and Steve also made improvements.

The house sat empty for two years.   We would stop by to check it out.  We always left it upset.  But now happy news..... this couple researched us as previous owners and were interested in the history of the house and what it looked like when we owned it.    Len and I met with them.

Here are pictures I did take.

Looking from the front entry.    There was a wall and closet here.  The destructive owners knocked that wall and closet out and you can see the steps on the right to the basement.  The tiled floor beyond the basement steps is the original kitchen which we used as a laundry and 2nd kitchen.  Beyond that is the large kitchen and family room.

This is the inside of the front door.   Don't ask me what they did.  We had installed a beautiful wooden door with glass insert.   This is a cheap metal door.  And where is the trim????

This is a 3-season room we added on to the back of the house connecting to the family room.  When we looked at it from the outside all the windows were dirty and moldy.  This couple has cleaned the windows and room.

This is the kitchen and family room.   We added the propane fireplace.  They are installing the island.  We had all floors redone.  They have had to replace some boards as some of the 150+ year old boards got destroyed.

The formal living room.   What did they do!!!!!!

We had replaced all the windows in the house.   We noticed some must had gotten broken as there were no cross dividers.   These are how they should look.


We feel confident that with time (and money) this young couple will restore the house to it's original beauty.   On a side note:    Because of the condition of the house and property they paid only $4,000 more than we did in 1992.

When we left the house we met with Len's best friend, Jim, for breakfast.   Again no picture.

Then we drove the 2 hours to daughter Amy's and SIL Scotts house is Maryland for a few days stay.

December 25

Christmas.

Here is Charlotte and then Abby.

Not sure what this gift was.  But it must have been good.

Abby loves her make-up.  

We had a lovely few days visit and as always Amy is a great cook.

December 26

We headed back to Terri and Steves.    This is grandson Justin and his girlfriend Karlie walking the dogs.

December 27

Justin, Karlie, Len and I met up with my sister Debbie and her granddaughter Siani and friend Dominique at the Lenox Store in Lancaster, PA.  After a few purchases we all went to Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, PA.   I always find lots of jellies, salsa, beets, pickles there that I just have to have.    After lunch we said our goodbyes to the all as Justin and Karlie returned to Philadelphia and Debbie and girls to NJ.

December 28

Terri and Steve and Len and I met up with our friends Darlene and Jim who are part-time RVers.  They leave this week for Florida.  After dinner we all went back to Terri and Steves house to continue our visit.   No pictures, of course.

 This one I thought to take.   Terri puts several trees around the house.   One is always a live tree.   They all went to a tree farm where one was selected and Steve and Justin cut it down.    They brought it home and decorated it.  The next day they noticed the bottom limbs were dropping needles.   Just a few.  Then a lot.  Each day the branches going up the tree were dropping needles.  The slightest touch caused needles to drop.   IT WAS A FRESH CUT TREE.   After only a few days it had to be taken down.  After getting un-decorated this is what was left.  Bare branches and a mess to clean up.   The tree must have been diseased to have died and dried this fast.  It was kept in water the entire time.

December 29

We head from home.  Again over-nighting at Jason and Kellys where we showed our appreciation for their always hospitality.   (When there earlier Leonard had 3 helpings of Kellys stew).    We took them to Ruby Tuesday for dinner.

December 30

Getting an early start (shortly after 4 am) we got home at 11:30.   We noticed the lid was off the dog food container and it was mostly empty.    That night I put a watering can on the lid.  This is what I found the next morning.

Will get bungee cords and tie  the lid down. 

January 1

We go to Son Lennies and DIL Lois for dinner.   What do you think?   Will I remember to take a picture.   Probably not.

Until next time...... have a great New Year you all!

What happens with snow, ice or wind

Cullman,  AL

I am always amused with what they consider a snow storm in Alabama.   This is last weeks blizzard.

School cancelled.    They are not prepared to handle the ice that lays on the overpasses, etc.

I guess neither am I.   When the temps sink, we get ice on all three sets on steps leading down from front porch and back porch.    This is the front porch on the day we had snow.

A few days later, December 12,  all steps were iced over.   I just didn't realize how much.  As is my usual practice I feed the ducks in the morning.     When the ducks see me on the front porch they run to greet me.  OK..... it's not me they are glad to see, it is the feed.    On this morning I saw the bottom couple of steps looked icy.  My plan was to go down ONE step.   I stepped down, my feet went out from under me and I did two complete flips landing on the concrete stepping stones at the bottom.  My head slammed against one of them.   Blood everywhere from my nose.

I dragged myself inside and got cleaned up as we were leaving for Louisiana a short time later.  I hurt a bit that night.   I had large bruises on my left leg.   And I had a large knot on the side of my head.  Surprisingly I did not hurt much the next day.   The knot on my head has gotten a bit smaller but still is tender when I touch it.  So, okay... don't touch it.

We went to Louisiana  with no issues.   Well, not exactly.   We got packed to go and our new-to-us car battery was dead.   Our dear neighbor jumped it off and off we went.   We stopped in Meridian, MS at a Ford dealer.  They said the battery was not a problem.

I had booked us at the Quality Inn in Laurel, MS, about the half way point.   The sweet woman at the desk asked me how I was.  I told her about falling that morning.   She said she was moving us to a room where we would be parked by the door instead of having to walk through a courtyard.  Everything was fine.  Until 2 am when the door opens, a woman looks in and backs out quickly.

In the morning I go to the breakfast area.  A man sees me and points to the desk clerk and says "She's the culprit"   She comes from behind the desk and hugs me and apologizes.  She said she thought that room was empty until another guest walked in and saw us.

Then we go to the car.   Dead battery.   The man who spoke to me earlier came and got us started.  Nice people.

When we got to Sulphur, LA we went to the Ford dealer.  Yea, we needed a battery.  We only got the car two weeks before but it is 3 years old and has been sitting in a garage most of the time.  Understandable.

We spent 3 nights at Len's brother and SIL, Royce and Susie.   They always treat us well.  Fried shrimp and catfish on Friday, turkey on Sunday.   Saturday was East family Christmas party at sister and BIL Sissy and Davids house in Orange, TX.

This is daughter D'Juana and grandchildren Lindsey, Jared and Alex.  They drove in from Pearland, TX.   SIL Joe could not make it.  This week he is really busy.   He is the Head Band Director of Pearland HS.   20 HS bands from around the world are invited to march in the Rose Bowl.  The 350 members of Pearland HS is one of them this year.   We are rightfully proud of Joe.

We left Sulphur on Monday December 16.  We drove again to overnight at the Quality Inn in Laurel, MS.  Waiting for our arrival was Priscilla, the original lady who checked us in a few days earlier.  She apologized for the interruption in the middle of the night.  She neglected to change our movement in their system causing her replacement to give our room to other people.    Then she handed me a card and a gift bag containing these items.  Mugs for Len and me and a toy for Biscuit.

Around 6 pm we got an alert on our phone for a Tornado warning.    It was dark but everything looked fine outside.  Then we heard a roar.   I knew what that meant.   Len said he felt the bed shake before we heard the roar.   Biscuit was running in circles.   He got him and we  went to the large bathroom area.   It only lasted a few seconds.

Then sirens, crashing, and stillness.   We looked outside.  Metal and insulation lay in the parking lot.  The car parked next to us had a window broken out.  Another car down the parking lot lost windows.
This car did not fare well either.

Cars across the road were heavily damaged.   Buildings nearby had damage.  Debris everywhere.

Electricity was out from the time the tornado hit until about 2 am.   I understand that other parts of town were much heavier damaged.   Daughter Terri said it was on the news in PA.

We got home yesterday about noon.  We are packed to leave tomorrow morning for PA, MD.   Wonder what this trip will hold.

Until next time.

Whew! Lots accomplished

Cullman,  AL

Are you like me?   Do you have things THAT HAVE TO BE DONE but you put it off and it is always in the back of your mind?    And then when it's finally done you think.... WHEW!

Here is my list.

Yearly Medical Insurance Decisions.

It's that time of the year for us old(er) people.   Do we change supplemental insurance plans? what about Prescription Part D of Medicare?  Do I keep what I have?   For the last few years our Prescription Part D is the WalMart plan.  Perfect as we full-timed.  Every where has a WalMart.  And the cost was reasonable.   This year when we got our renewals....wow.   An increase from about $28 a month to $56.  Time to start looking around.

I went online to the Humana site and the Medicare site.  It was all confusing.  To add to the dilemma is the medication now prescribed for Leonard.   The cost is $20,000 a month.  We were notified that Humana accepted it as a Tier 5 medication.  It means that  our cost would still be $2,000 a month.  We were told since he has a rare ailment there was a Foundation where we could apply.  They will pay the cost.   So. We didn't want to mess with changing his plan.   I finally called Humana and talked to an agent.   Leonard remains on the $56 a month Premiere Walmart plan.  Due to the few meds I take I am moved to a Walmart plan at a cost of under $14.00 a month.   Now that is off my mind of things to do.



Selling the RV.   

We know we can no longer keep the RV.  Leonard can go longer assist in setting up or taking down.

We made a deal with the dealer from which we purchased it.   We hooked it up Saturday and off we went with it yesterday.  The dealer is about 40 miles away.   We get on the road and realize we did not bring the title with us.   So we knew we would have to make a return trip.  Normally Leonard always checks the tires before we get on the road.  He didn't this time.   We get about half way there and he can feel the rig pulling to the left.  He pulls over, I get out and check tires.   The rear right tire is low.  We find a station about a mile up the Interstate.  Pull in.... it's closed.  Another one about 4 more miles.   We air up and on our way. 

Of course the money we agreed on was prior to inspection.   The inside perfect.   Everything else perfect but small hardly noticeable dents on the black panels along the bottom. I am sure this was done by flinging stones when mowing.   Cost us over $1,000.   Still we came away with enough money to buy a car plus a few hundred.

Getting a Car

We had decided to get a more efficient car and use the truck only when a truck is needed.  It had to be something Leonard could easily get in and out of.   We found this 2016 Ford Escape. The best part it has only 9,064 miles on it.  Was garage kept and hardly used. 

One more thing taken care of.

Unloading the RV

When we knew we were going to sell the RV,  I started unloading it a few things at a time.  Saturday morning son Lennie and DIL Lois came to help finish it up.  How much stuff could a 38 foot travel trailer hold????   A LOT.   So something now on my mind..... to get down to the house basement and go through it.

This is no where near all of it.   The things stored in the underbelly went into Lens shop.  This stuff is in the basement waiting for me to sort.   I had already brought all the food in.  Sunday morning a gentleman at our church announced he would be taking items to an Indian reservation.  This is something he does twice a year.   He followed us home and we donated two large boxes of items and two arms loads of bedding.

Car and Truck Insurance

Our homeowners and vehicle insurances renew the end of December.  I hated the renewal amounts.  A few weeks ago Len and I  went to several agencies for quotes.   That was prior to getting rid of the RV and getting the car.   This morning we followed up on a few.  Glad to say by shopping around we save a total of $859 a year.   Whew!  That is off my mind now.

Trying new Food

Now this is very trivial.   You might be aware that I subscribe to a food delivery service of misshaped veggies and fruits.  This came last week.   What the heck is it????   Celery Root.  Finally cooked it.  Diced it up and boiled in heavy cream, milk and nutmeg.  Then spread cheddar cheese on it and bake til brown.   Wasn't half bad.  I say half because half of us like it and half didn't.  I'll let you guess which half of us didn't.

Until next time.

As we continue on

Cullman,  AL

Way back in 2007 or so I started a blog as we prepared for retirement and planned for our full time RV lifestyle.    At that time the blog had a different name:     theeastsheadwest.blogspot.com 

I blogged on our preparations for RVing,  the trips we made and destinations.   Online I met many other RV bloggers.   Some have passed, some have quit blogging, many have now purchased homes and settled around the country, some still as fulltimers.    I cherish those continuing friendships.

We now find ourselves in a new season of our lives.   Fortunately we purchased our home 3 years ago come December 28.   We have made changes and improvements.  In this new season, we know we can no longer do those things that require strong bodies.  We can sit back and enjoy our remaining years.

Recent enjoyments:

Last week, with son Lennie and DIL Lois,  we went down to Birmingham to see the Christian comedienne Chondra Pierce.  What a hoot!

Chondra is the most awarded Comedienne ever.   We understand why.    This show lasted 3 hours!

We usually leave our Beagle Biscuit outside when not at home.  He meets us when we enter the driveway.    Once we left him inside when I took Len to the ER and got home late.  He had chewed a wooden blind.   As it was cold out last week when we went to the concert, we left him inside again.  When we opened the door he shot out like a bullet.    He has never done his business in the house, ever.    He must have tried to get out on his own.   Our door facing.

We will be buying a kennel for him this week.   Hate to do that but with cold weather he can not be outside when we are not home.  And not allowed to try to escape to the outdoors to do his business.

This week we had a visit from our friend Jill Steel who we met earlier in the year at our last NOMADS project in Georgia.   She was on her way back from out west headed toward NC and then NJ.   Always glad to have someone park in one of our RV sites.   During her 3 day stay she and I walked through Ava Maria Grotto here in Cullman.   This is a must-see for any of our visitors.   Another is Clarkson Covered Bridge.

We drove into town to see the recently constructed German pyramid set up for the Christmas season.
If anyone knows the German name for this, I sure would be interested to learn.

Another day we went to one of our favorites in nearby Decatur.  Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.  It is time for the migration of Sand Hill Cranes.   They are there by the thousands.

The refuge has a informative visitors center.  Here is Jill again.

This is a special recognition to our son Lennie.   Leonard is no longer able to lift his arms to do some basic tasks.     Our back porch lights blew out last week.  It needed a new ballast and bulbs.   A day later the light bulbs went out on the front porch.   He changed to bulbs and installed the new ballast.  Wow!   Now we can find our way into the house.  Both front and back.

Our Muscovy's are getting well brazen when they want food.   I expect they will come in house soon and demand to be fed.

As I began todays blog, our life has changed.   I no longer blog on RV lifestyle.   I no longer blog on long trips and sights we see.   This has morphed from an RVing blog to our life blog.  We realize that Leonard is no longer able to assist in setting up and tearing down the RV.   We will be selling it.

He is now on oxygen full time.   In addition to a concentrator in the house, we have purchased an Inogen One concentrator so he is more mobile.   He has started the medication Adempas.   And that is a life long medication.  It can only be purchased through a specialty pharmacy.   We were told the cost is $20,000 a month.   The doctors at UAB applied to our prescription insurance.  It was approved but at a cost of $2,000 the first month and $500 therefore.   But Adempas referred us to a Foundation for people with this condition.   We applied and were approved.   The cost will be either 0 to $10 a month.   Praise our Lord!!!! 

A nurse came on Friday and spent 3 hours with us.   We are told his Pulmonary Aterial Hypertension (PAH) is very rare.   Only about 200,000 people suffer with it in this country.   He will not get cured,  the meds are to slow the progression.  It might take up to 18 months to see a difference. 

The nurse will be back in 2 weeks.  Every month they increase the dosage.  He takes 3 pills a day, 8 hours apart.   If he misses 2 days the whole process starts over.   Should he go to the hospital he must take his medication with him.  The local hospitals would not have any nor can they get them.

So.... we are living with a chronic condition.   I will be posting less on traveling but more on living with this diagnosis.

Wishing each of you a blessed Thanksgiving.   Or as our pastor taught today..... we each need to have Thanks Living.

Until next time.

The past month and looking forward

Cullman,  AL

It's been it a bit since I have blogged.   It's not that nothing has happened ..... a lot has.

One thing that has become really evident .... I HATE SHOPPING.  But I knew that.   This includes grocery shopping.   I've tried a couple of the meal programs.   Ok for a while.    Gets rather expensive for what you get.

What I do now:

Meats.    Over the years I have occasionally ordered from Omaha Steaks.  Now this is mostly how I purchase all meats.   The more often I order, the more vouchers I receive for future order discounts.  Sometimes $15.00 sometimes $20.00.    I also joined their rewards program so I get points with every purchase to be used for various items.    I will not pay shipping so only order when shipping is free.  I like free stuff so will only order when they toss in a ham or a roast.   It's working well.

Groceries:    I LOVE the Walmart Pick Up System.    I go online, place an order, select a date and time and pull up to the  parking area where someone comes out and loads the truck.  No fees for this service.   And if they don't have what I order they will substitute a better item at no additional cost.

Veggies:    I joined Misfit Market.   Every other week I get a box of veggies and fruits at a cost of $22.00 plus shipping (dang.... have to pay shipping somewhere).   This produce is all organic.  It is produce that farmers can not sell to stores due to being misshapen or some other minor thing.  First weeks shipment.

Now to get the reader up to date.

We always enjoy company.   On October 11 our friends Kathy and Bill Waters pulled in with their motorhome for an overnight stay as they were on the way to a nearby NOMADS project.

We asked Kathy and Bill to invite the rest of the crew for lunch the following week.  Here are some of them.

Some of you know that Leonard has health issues.  We had to pull of off doing any more NOMADS projects as his breathing has become more labored.   Our family doctor and cardiologist diagnosed him with Pulmonary Hypertension.   This is caused by blood clots having gone to his lungs a few years ago and damaging one side of his heart.

Our cardiologist made arrangements for him to see specialists down at University of Alabama in Birmingham  (UAB).   We are assured this is a top-notch facility.   His first appointment was October 10 where they did some testing.  They scheduled him to return on November 11.

Our children are aware of the seriousness of this diagnosis and have been fabulous with helping.  Daughter Terri flew in from Harrisburg, PA on November 1 and left on the 5th.  While here she decided we needed more color in our living area.   One accent wall between living room and kitchen.

Oh yes,   she gave us more color.

On  Friday November 8 daughter D'Juana flew in from Houston.  Another big helper.   She left on November 12.

Our visit to UAB on November 11....    We had to be there by 6:30 am for Len to have blood work done.  Then there were appointments all day.   Breathing test, Right Heart Cauterization, CT scan, Electrocardiogram,  Doctors appointment.   We got out of there after 5:00 pm.  Long day.

In addition to D'Juana, son Lennie and daughter-in-law Lois were with us.  It is good that we all know what is going on.  They are all such a comfort.

This is the bottom line......  Len will be on oxygen 24/7 for the rest of his life.  The doctors are prescribing a medication that will improve his quality of life.  It is expected that it will allow him to be more active and able to walk more without having to stop and rest after only about 50 feet which he has to do now.    They are working with our Prescription insurance to determine what they will pay.  The cost of this medication is 20 THOUSAND a MONTH.   If they can not get this preferred med down to a reasonable cost there are options.   The primary option is VIAGRA!  Okay.... I can take the wisecracks.

Yesterday, with help from D'Juana going online and finding right answers we ordered an Inogen One.   It's portability will allow him not to be tethered to the house.    Here is Len with D'Juana

Although our NOMADS and camping days are most likely over, our traveling will not be.  We will be visiting family in Louisiana the second week of December.   And other family in the northeast for Christmas.

Until next time.