More Medical Issues

Health Update

There will be no playtime in Paradise this year. Paulie was a bad boy and is suffering the downside as being a casualty from the 'Cost of High Living'. Damn!

For a person who has been healthy all his life this old age is for the pits. 

I tell all the young girls that I am really a young man trapped in an old body. I have found of late, that to be true. 

First I find out that my knees are running bone on bone (can't even chase the young stuff anymore), then my gall bladder starts screaming 'Get me out of here' and now my heart is telling me to slow down 'old' fellow, you ain't what you use to be.

Fortunately I never did 'Catch one of those young-uns' or I would have had an unrecoverable heart attack. Lucky for me that the heart condition was discovered before one did happen or I wouldn't be here to talk about it.

Today we had a pre-op with the surgeon and was advised that I require a quadruple bypass and my heart is running on ⅓

capacity and I must take it easy. 

I'm booked for pre-op instructions   on the 12th (may possibly be brought forward). My surgeon, Dr. Carolyn Teng is a very personable young surgeon, I'm pleased with what I saw and feel that I am in good hands. She feels that a knee replacement in May is quite acceptable. 

The cortisone shot I received from my knee Dr. has eased up that concern.

I will be in intensive care for the 1st day, in hospital care/therapy for 3 to 4 days. Pro-0p recovery is crucial for the first 2 to 4 weeks with a minimum of 8 weeks to up to 6 months total recovery depending on a persons fitness. 

I am fortunate to have a cute built in care giver. I have a large 'ship horn' on order so Jane will hear me call from a distance, at least 3 city blocks, lol!

My frame of mind is positive and I am so grateful that this was caught before something serious happened. Now let's get it over with!

I'm still considered a time bomb at this time!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

ONTARIO-2014

Howdy Y'all!

Here is an update from our travels from Texas (Late Oct.) to today Sept. 24th, 2014.

As usual we left Texas with a few $$$ in our pockets and arrive in Canada with fumes in the gas tank, this year was without exception but with a twist.

In Bowling Green, Kentucky we had to replace our inverter, (electricity conversion to battery power). We were fortunate to have found a dealer capable of taking us on as we arrived and had the necessary labour and parts to get us back on the road within four hours. We were not prepared for the $500 cost of repair. We proceeded from Pilot 'Flying J' to 'Flying J's' all the way home. We had a fuel charge card and were successful all the way home including a couple of stops in Canada.

We had a scare at the Canadian border tho! We traded in our 23' motorhome for a 29' motorhome in Texas with an out of pocket difference of $200.00 which to me, should be the amount we should pay taxes on, since we already paid taxes on the original trade-in vehicle. NOT SO...they charge 13% on the cost of the purchased vehicle, fortunately they only wanted 5% at the border and the balance of 8% when we change license plates on arrival home. We had to come up with $585 (which we didn't have) or the motorhome would be in a compound until such time  that we could pay. Four of the Canadian BP personal got together and allowed us some 'special' privileges and we were able to scape up $430, we had $20 left to get home...and we made it. The CDN BP were real angels, BUT were not to say that and tarnish their tough image.

Before we could re-license to Ontario plates we needed a safety check, in Canada, Ontario for sure, our standards are very strict and thorough. We needed a complete front end plus hubs, rotors and callipers. To bring her up to standard was another $3000. 

Fortunately Jane had her job waiting for her and I was able to pickup some handyman work, our small retirement fund is now almost dry. Hopefully we will be able to downsize in Texas and reduce our maintenance cost and budget for at least another 2 Winters in the South.

I finally got to see a surgeon and I am booked for a knee replacement on our return in May. Sure got a runaround until I found a Doc. that seemed to be sympathetic to where I was at, bone on bone?? Most are so busy, even this guy is quoting 24 months, emergencies are less, a lot less, apparently 9 months is an average wait. He gave me a cortisone shot right in his office and it has made a big difference, he said it should last at lease 3 months. I'll get another shot just before we leave.

Summer up in Canada was below normal where temperatures only once hit 31 Celsius (88 F) with cool evenings and many wet days. The weather throughout the world seems to be off the norm! Global...'Something'!

I received a call from a collection agency Re: The RGRegional Hospital bill that has not been paid ($15,000); I called the Ins. adjusters and they never even received one for that amount, I asked what did they receive and they said one for $98,000 and a bunch of small ones! Hopefully it all got resolve after a lot of phoning back and forth. One bottleneck was my Doc. not sending my medical history for over 6 months, these guys are so busy it's hard to stop and do this paper work. When I told him they were putting my account into collection he did it that day.

Don't go on vacation without Medical travelling ins., maybe it is expensive, but it's worth it.

When we arrived home everything was as we left it. The park turned on the water and cleared the lines of anti-freeze.

The extreme Winter up here cause ice build up to the point that our storage shed almost collapsed. The next door neighbour came to our rescue and cleared the roof, the mobile was undamaged. I added some extra bracing as they are calling for another bad winter. 

I put a coat of stain (Blueberry) on the new deck. I thought Jane was nuts, but it turned out to look dynamite!

Side deck

Rear deck

Some bad news about my Roadside Canteen, the new owner let the business slide, lost all my customers and abandoned the business. He still owed us ⅓ of the ownership. We will have to bit the bullet on that one. To late to repair the damage and start from scratch.

The Works-Take Out

Off and on over the Summer I have been scanning old pictures, slides and negatives into my computer.

1st job @ City of Ottawa as a Draftsman

Still have a long way to go but talk about nostalgia, memories and fun. I'll bring the remainder with me and do some down there too!

My 1934 Ford Coupe-1957 Olds Motor

On Aug. 28th we spent the day with friends from Dubai, we are Aunt and Uncle (Godparents) to their marvellous children. We had a lot of catching up to do and spent the day in Bobcaygeon, a Summer Resort area about an hour North of us. He went back to Dubai on Sept. 5 for another 3 years but left his family in Toronto. They want their children to be educated in North America. Quite the sacrifice to make to earn more money and not be with his family. He does visit his family at least twice a year tho.

I was working on my computer and this weird sound came from nowhere and up pops my friend Naresh on my screen. I have had Skype since the beginning but never used it. The picture was crystal clear as well as his voice....all the way from Dubai too!

I thought this was so cool, I called my friend in Ireland, my Sister in Victoria, BC and my Brother in Ottawa. I will be using it more often now!! Much better than Google Talk which I have been using (no picture).


Jane was able to get 4 days off so we took the motorhome to visit my family in my hometown, Ottawa, Ontario.

Beautiful Ottawa and Parliament Buildings

We also wanted to give the truck a dry run to ensure everything is okay, the round trip was 400 miles (2000 to Texas). Ottawa is very scenic and is the capital of Canada, for my US friends.

Our 1st day was spent in Brockville (1000 Islands area). We enjoyed the day and night with my sister Carol and Barry, her daughter Debby brought over her 3 year old twins....what a hoot we had with them....non-stop speed....they are so beautiful. 

Rick & Peggy's Cottage

View from the window-serinity

The next 2 days & nights were spent with Brother Rick & Peggy at their cottage in Quebec about and hour north of Ottawa (near Gracefield, QC). We had a lot of catching up to do on our lives and needless to say the wee hours of the morning came quickly. 

Lu & Ron's Cottage

On the way home we stopped at my oldest Sister's cottage in Norway, QC (Quebec). Lucille is in her early 80's and her husband Ron is probably late 80's, we had a nice long chat on what's going on and we shared the last 3 days of our trip, showed pictures of Texas and Lindsay. 

We got home around 8 PM and it had just turned from dusk to night. They were all appreciative of us taking the effort to go see them, and for us, it was oh so rewarding too!

Tomorrow I'm off to do a stress test in Orillia, Jane has an appointment at the same hospital too, good planning on our part as it is about 1 ¾ hours away. Our Doctor is very diligent on keeping us healthy and alive and we thank him for that.

I just took our motorhome "lucky" over to the compound for storage until Oct. 27th when we start our journey south once again. Jane wants to tour a cotton plantation so I guess we are stopping in Louisiana.

Clear the Tracks, where coming home!

It is that time of the year to say 'Goodbye' to our Winter Playground. Our departure date is next Wed. April 24th, subject to weather conditions (Hurricane Season). Our route pretty well has to follow 'our plan' as we have to rely on 'Pilot Flying J Service Centres' as our means of fuel and food.

The Park seems so strange with hardly anyone around. I almost made it to the pool today, I think I have been there only once so far this year; don't ask me why I don't go more often??? Tomorrow is going to be a cool 75 F so it will be a work day to get things ready. 'Georgie' the Motor Home was brought over on Mon. and has been cleaned inside and out, the gas tank is full and ready to go.

Since my last Blog update of March 16th we have not been to active. Our St. Patrick's Day parade was another success and with good weather too!

Jane Modeling 

We attended many 'last' functions: Pancake B'Fast, Bike Club, 1st Responders, Bean Bag Baseball, Line Dancing, Live Entertainment, Fri. C/W Dance....... Jane and a bunch of girls went on a 'Ropa' day, got lot's of stuff 'almost free', lunch and fun.

1St Responders Team - 2013

Jane was a model in the annual Style (Fashion) Show.


We had a  nice 'Farm' type Easter Luncheon, again more food than you could eat. These Sr. Grandmas sure know how to cook.

C/W Entertainment

We had a nice visit with friends (Alex and Mary) from our old park
 (Alpine RV Resort in Lindsay)

Poinsettia's in bloom

   who were renting a Park Model for 2 months at Victoria Palms Resort (larges park in the RGV). Lynda (my Ex) and Art dropped by with some parcels to take home (they fly now).

Then the sad part of wishing everyone a safe trip home as they were leaving each and every day. We received many emails from those that arrived safely but in cold, sleet and snow, next year they may stay longer.

Last year we stopped over with our good friends Vic and Pat in Kentucky, and we were looking forward to the same...but NO! They decided to become permanent 'Texans' and liquidated their 'Kentucky' holdings. Several other of our friends are considering doing the same. Being CANADIANS, we are not allowed.

This will be the last 'BLOG' of this series. We have accomplished our 5 year plan in 3 years. Mobile in Canada, Motorhome to travel and a Mobile in Texas.

LIFE IS GOOD, Eh!!!

STOP the CLOCK!!!!

It seems to have been awhile since we chatted. Jan., Feb. and March are the busy months while everyone is here. This year we were only at 95% capacity, most parks are at 60% capacity or less, a sign of the times?? The economy of course is a major cause, high fuel costs is another, but the one the parks are concerned about is that as the older generation passes on they are not being replaced by the younger generation. Not sure what or where the younger retirees  are doing/going?

Jane recuperating

The last post was Feb. 8th, on Feb. 9th at 2:30AM we had an emergency with Jane, persistant severe chest pains, we as 1st responders called the 1st responders for help. Within minutes we had a team at our door as well as a couple of retired nurses, the ambulance arrived shortly thereafter and off to McAllen Heart Hospital. The test showed a deficiency of manganese (who would of guessed), thus causing muscle spasms in her chest. They administered liquid manganese and finally after 2 1/2 hours the pain subsided and once stabilized we were released at 6AM. We found a local Doctor for followup and everything seems to be back to normal. Jane was quit weak with a bruised type feeling in her chest. We didn't know how important manganese is to our heath, apparently it controls muscle action and a deficiency could cause death if not treated immediately.

I wish I could say, on to better news, but we had a further financial setback with this car that we bought. One thing after another, a new battery, a new tire and the last one was ball joints. When they pulled the wheels they found that both front coil springs are broken. We repaired the ball joints and are being careful on our short trips. I made a deal with our lawn maintenance contractor, the car 'as is' for 12 months of lawn care. We will bite the bullet, take the loss and bring down Jane's PT Cruiser in the Fall and just leave it here.

Now onto better news.

We worked the Valentines Day Dinner/Dance for our admittance and it was worth it. Great food, entertainment and fellowship. I have bum knees so dancing was at a minimum. As it turned out Jane was still recuperating so we left early.

The next day we were off to our annual bike to breakfast picnic at Edinburgh Municipal Park where we did some biking, damaged a whole bunch of donuts and coffee.

On Sat. the Park had it's second 'Yard Sale' but we played low key and stayed close to home so we didn't have to buy that 'thing' that we can't live without but never would use it. Been there, done that too, right, aye!!!!

Daisy, Jane, Paul & Marco Polo

We have to buy our special dog food from the vet. that contains medication/pain control for Polo's #5 hip dysplasia. (Thank goodness for spell check) We pay $77 per bag here, in Canada, the same bag is $106 and it lasts about 3 weeks. That is the typical 'Cost of Living' ratio down here, at least 30+%.

The Park sponsored a NASCAR party in the Rec Centre using their big screen but unfortunately only had about a dozen people show up. There seemed to be lots of private parties going on throughout the park. May need a little more promotion next year.



On Feb. 25th they had their annual 'Quilt' Show, quilting is very popular here in the park and they produce beautiful quilts.

The Texas Grandmas donate small quilts to the 1st Responders to give to patients that have to go to the (cold) hospital in a (cold) ambulance. PS: I think that's why Jane got sick; shush, don't tell her I said that. Instead of going to the Quilt Show we had to rush to Mexico to get Jane's medicine that she ran out of....it was her 'stay nice' medication so there was no argument on my part, off we went immediately, to save the marriage, lol!

Most meds are cheap in Mexico, but this one wasn't one of them. We searched for $64 and couldn't make it and offered to try to get some from my debit card out of Canada. He gave us the meds and said to pay him on our next visit...can you believe that, I guess we looked desperate and honest OR he knew what these pills were for and wanted to save my life, lol!

We have a group of people from our old Canadian Park (Alpine Resort) that stay at "Victoria Palms RV Resort", it is huge, 2200 sites (we have 400), and we were invited to join them for their Pot Luck get to gather at Al and Laura's. It was on this trip where I picked up a screw and ruined a tire. Another couple Ken and Joan have a site over in Mission, Texas and they were having a CDN get together next weekend. It seems that our major activity is 'Eating' and my expanding waistline can verify that.



On March 1st our park sponsored a new activity 'Ice cream social' and it was FREE! With 'FREE' comes a major turnout, the place was packed, all for an ice cream carton with a cookie. Of course we were there because it was 'FREE' and we like ice cream. It was fun too!

March 3rd was a full day, we took Alex and Mary (visting at Victoria Palms) from Lindsay to the local Mexican Flea Market at 9AM, at 12:30 we had our annual Canadian Pot Luck lunch and at 3PM we were of to Ken and Joan's in Mission for their Pot Luck. I know this may be hard to believe but I did not touch a morsel of food for fear of exploding. My freshly baked bread went over well and I had one slice left over for breakfast.

Our 1st Responders Leader that got this organization on the road is a nurse and she also offers blood pressure testing for us at 7AM on Tuesdays. Jane should be monitoring her BP as it has been known to be erratic and still is. We stayed for 'pancakes and bacon' which also is available for $3 on Tues. AND I love pancakes down here. I never eat them at home, I even cook my own down here????

March 5th was our second organized trip to see the local NBA basketball farm team 'The Vipers'. They picked us up, fed us, played bingo for us with great prizes, great seats and drove us home just-in-time for our 10PM curfew, some couldn't make it and napped on the bus, one guy we call 'Big Richard' actually was Zzzzzing during the game.


March 6th was a fun start, my front wheel collapsed and had to tow the vehicle to an auto repair shop. What I originally thought was a brake problem turned out to be ball joints and broken coil springS. I patched it up for the rest of the season. At 11:30 AM was the annual 'Style (fashion) Show', Jane was one of six models. It broke her heart to have to give back the clothes that she chose to fashion, everyone said she looked good too!

We are seeing more and more of 'Last of the Season' functions, March 7th was our last 'Baked stuffed potato', these are to kill for and will be missed by these flavour buds in my mouth.

On the 8th was our last official 'Bike to Breakfast' trip, which is our annual BBQ, where we trailer the bikes to Memorial Park, coffee and treats, do some biking to and from Edinburgh Municipal Park and then pig out with the best sausage on a bun and hamburgs ever. The ladies bring salads and deserts and there are lots of cold drinks.

March 9th we received our very 1st response to a medical emergency. This nice lady has had some ongoing medical issues, Jane held her hand and gave her some warm words of encouragement until the ambulance arrived.

Pat, Vic, Bob and Betty

Russel & Dee

Violet

More FOOD

On the 12th, our good friends from Kentucky (Who decided to sell everything and move here permanently) had their annual departure party which they decided to call their 2nd annual 'Hacienda Night'. It was a nice gathering of close friends and of course a ton of awesome home cooked 'FOOD'. I should mention that our dear 94 year old friend Violet was out and about on her own after missing most of the winter from a fractured pelvis. So glad she is back in the kitchen too, her chicken was out of this world.

Progresso Mexico

On the 13th we went back to Mexico to pay off our debt with thanks and get 'Heart-worm' medicine for the dogs. We did a quick walk, mistake, as Jane blew her last $5 on a green too-too that fell apart and went into the garbage when we got home.

Flag Presentation

Canadian Corner

On the 14th we had the 'BIG' even of the year, the parks 'Appreciation Day Event' (FREE) with a total turnout. Always a fun day with lots of laughs and food of course. This year it was 'pulled pork' instead of greasy Churches Chicken. The presentation of your State/Province/Country is always a heart warming experience 'All for one and One for all'. 

Daisy McNulty

All this was followed with entertainment until tired.

Bruce on the right is a professional entertainer

Today was our annual St. Patrick's Day Dog Show. There were roughly 30 dogs and 1 cat. They were all dressed up in their 'GREENS' for the day. Always fun and amazed at how well behave they all where, including the brave cat. We even had a huge but friendly Bouvier and his Dad Pierre from Sherbrooke Quebec.

Pierre and Theo

Tomorrow will be another fun filled day with our annual decorated bike, golf cart, motor scooter parade. In the afternoon Jane are going to visit friends back at Victoria Palms that will be departing soon.

As the say down here

Adios Amigos, until we meet again!

Paul & Jane