(Tucson, AZ - Wilmington, DE)
The sun was barely up, not hardly light yet but certainly not the darkness of night. I was woken up by a strange sound and realized it was the new ringtone Bob put on his phone. What the heck? Who is calling this early? It was 5:15 a.m..
I listened and heard Bob say, “Ok, Bill.” My heart started racing. I knew this wasn’t going to be good. I heard myself yelling out loud, “No!” “No!” and then I heard Bob walking. He was coming to tell me bad news. It was either my dad, Bill, calling to give bad news about my mom or is was my brother, Bill calling giving news about one of my parents.
I sat on the side of the bed and waited for what seemed an eternity but in reality was only seconds. Bob said, “That was Billy.” I knew then it was my brother. I looked at him, tears streaming down my face and asked, “Which one?” He said, “Its your dad, he’s had a stroke.” Afraid to ask but having to know I asked, “Is he alive?” Bob assured me he was. Oh, thank God. I asked how bad it was and Bob said, “You need to go home Snook, I’ll get online and start looking for a plane ticket and you get packed.”
I needed to talk to my brother. I called and asked him to tell me what happened. It was then I heard the word massive for the first time. Even though I knew what I was going to do I asked Billy if I should come home. I heard him take a breath and answer, “Yeah, you need to get here.” This was bad. This was the phone call I never, ever wanted to get.
I sat there, frozen in time, too numb to think or move. I was jolted when the phone rang again. It was Jim from Florida and he started the phone conversation with, “I might as well just say this up right up front.” I braced myself for what surely was going to be more bad news. He said, “Montana is out, we can’t go, Ar has an aneurysm in her carotid artery.” Oh no, what more can go wrong? I told him what was going on in our lives. After consoling each other and giving a pep talk we agreed to keep in touch and that we could call each other any time of day or night.
I threw clothes in a suitcase and truly didn’t know what I was packing let alone keeping the difference in seasons in mind.
Bob found me a flight into Philly airport leaving Tucson at 1:05 and landing on the east coast at 10 pm their time. This was going to be the longest day of my life.
It was so hard to leave Bob. I hated the idea of making this trip by myself but Bob needed to stay here in Tucson with our 5th wheel. There have been too many instances where the people who move the rigs around the property just park it and don’t plug it in to the power supply. He also has a doctor’s appointment next week that has been scheduled for quite a while and one he has to keep. It was just as hard on him, seeing me off in the state I was in and wanting to be in Delaware with the rest of us for whatever was to come.
As I thought, the flight took forever. We got into Philly a half hour ahead of schedule but got stacked up and had to circle for 20 minutes.
Billy had stayed with my dad in the hospital all night and was exhausted. His daughter, my niece, Ryann came to pick me up. Nothing had changed since I boarded the plane in Tucson. No improvements were forthcoming.
We stopped to get something eat as I hadn’t eaten since the day before.
At eleven I was finally walking into my parent’s home, the house I grew up in. Mom just held me tight and then finally we sat and she told me every detail as to what has happened so far.
I think we have hope. I want to have hope.
Friday, March 22, 2013
3/22/2013 I'm Going Home
Hi folks,
Just to let you know I'm gonna be away from my computer for a little while. I'm flying home to Delaware this afternoon as I'm needed there. Please keep my family in your prayers. My dad, has had a massive stroke and I need to go home.
Snookie
Just to let you know I'm gonna be away from my computer for a little while. I'm flying home to Delaware this afternoon as I'm needed there. Please keep my family in your prayers. My dad, has had a massive stroke and I need to go home.
Snookie
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
3/20/2013 Back in the Rig Again.
(Tucson, AZ)
We returned to Lazy Days after a miserable night of,,,,well, we can’t call it sleep because neither one of us got much at all.
The bed was uncomfortable, the pillows too soft, the sheets felt like burlap and it was noisy. Between people coming and going and highway traffic, it was just a miserable night.
We came back to the service lot to find out that we would be able to move back into the 5th wheel at the end of day. Dan, our service tech added hydraulic fluid, tightened a few things and it looks like we’re good to go. He measured where our jacks were sitting and we’re hoping there is no change come morning. If there isn’t then it will prove that these extra problems were all due to a low fluid level. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
Bob wanted a sub sandwich for dinner. I got online to find a sub shop and I checked out a few websites that were complete with pictures and they just don’t make subs like we have on the east coast. We finally opted for a trip to the grocery store to buy rolls and lunchmeats and cheese and we’ll make sandwiches tonight for dinner. We’re both hankering for a good cheese steak or sub.
It sure was good to get back home this evening. Familiar surroundings, soft sheets, fluffy towels, yep, good to be home.
I called Jim this evening to check on Arlene and could not have received any better news. She’s off the ventilator, the tubes have been removed, she’s asking for ice and popsicles and is doing very well considering where she was a few days ago. Again, thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. They were answered!
Day 8 of these full-timers lives in a visit to a service center - down.
We returned to Lazy Days after a miserable night of,,,,well, we can’t call it sleep because neither one of us got much at all.
The bed was uncomfortable, the pillows too soft, the sheets felt like burlap and it was noisy. Between people coming and going and highway traffic, it was just a miserable night.
We came back to the service lot to find out that we would be able to move back into the 5th wheel at the end of day. Dan, our service tech added hydraulic fluid, tightened a few things and it looks like we’re good to go. He measured where our jacks were sitting and we’re hoping there is no change come morning. If there isn’t then it will prove that these extra problems were all due to a low fluid level. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
Bob wanted a sub sandwich for dinner. I got online to find a sub shop and I checked out a few websites that were complete with pictures and they just don’t make subs like we have on the east coast. We finally opted for a trip to the grocery store to buy rolls and lunchmeats and cheese and we’ll make sandwiches tonight for dinner. We’re both hankering for a good cheese steak or sub.
It sure was good to get back home this evening. Familiar surroundings, soft sheets, fluffy towels, yep, good to be home.
I called Jim this evening to check on Arlene and could not have received any better news. She’s off the ventilator, the tubes have been removed, she’s asking for ice and popsicles and is doing very well considering where she was a few days ago. Again, thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. They were answered!
Day 8 of these full-timers lives in a visit to a service center - down.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
3/19/2013 Guess where We Are?
(Tucson, AZ)
Did you guess Lazy Days? You’d be partly right. Our home is in Lazy Days RV Center but we’re in a Days Inn!
The hydraulic leak we came in here for has caused our fluid level to get too low and the hydraulic jacks can not do their job the way they should now. Because we weren’t scheduled for service today to have this addressed the front end was really low and dropping. When this was pointed out to our service advisor things moved quickly and we were taken to the service bay within the hour. Because they put it on jack stands we were not permitted to stay in it so we ended up at the Days Inn down the street.
Jim called us early this afternoon to give us an update on Arlene. They were taking her out of sedation but she still wasn’t responding.
After dinner at Denny’s we settled in for the evening.
Before it got too late I called Jim to see if there was any change and he relayed some good news. When he went back to the hospital after dinner he gave his usual “Ar, I’m here” greeting. Much to his delight she opened her eyes. He held her hand and asked her to squeeze. He said she nearly ripped it off his hand. He moved to the other side of her bed and tried that side. Once again she showed good strength as she squeezed. Folks, she’s coming back!
He went to tell me that in the morning she’ll be given an MRA. Maybe that’s a more intense test than an MRI….I forget what he told me. Anyway, if that turns out good they will remove the tubes and ventilator.
Jim and all those who hold Arlene dear thank you for your prayers. So far it looks like they are being answered.
This was our Day 7 in Lazy Days Tucson.
Did you guess Lazy Days? You’d be partly right. Our home is in Lazy Days RV Center but we’re in a Days Inn!
The hydraulic leak we came in here for has caused our fluid level to get too low and the hydraulic jacks can not do their job the way they should now. Because we weren’t scheduled for service today to have this addressed the front end was really low and dropping. When this was pointed out to our service advisor things moved quickly and we were taken to the service bay within the hour. Because they put it on jack stands we were not permitted to stay in it so we ended up at the Days Inn down the street.
Jim called us early this afternoon to give us an update on Arlene. They were taking her out of sedation but she still wasn’t responding.
After dinner at Denny’s we settled in for the evening.
Before it got too late I called Jim to see if there was any change and he relayed some good news. When he went back to the hospital after dinner he gave his usual “Ar, I’m here” greeting. Much to his delight she opened her eyes. He held her hand and asked her to squeeze. He said she nearly ripped it off his hand. He moved to the other side of her bed and tried that side. Once again she showed good strength as she squeezed. Folks, she’s coming back!
He went to tell me that in the morning she’ll be given an MRA. Maybe that’s a more intense test than an MRI….I forget what he told me. Anyway, if that turns out good they will remove the tubes and ventilator.
Jim and all those who hold Arlene dear thank you for your prayers. So far it looks like they are being answered.
This was our Day 7 in Lazy Days Tucson.
Monday, March 18, 2013
3/18/2013 Lazy Days–Day Six????
(Tucson, AZ)
I think this is Day 6 here in Lazy Days Tucson.
After hearing about our friend Arlene things are kind of topsy-turvy and we pretty much don’t know which end is up.
Arlene is still under sedation and they tried to bring her out of it enough to communicate but still no response. Your prayers are still welcomed and needed.
On to life here at the service bay. We were told that we were going to have to move today from one side of the lot we’re in to the other. Seems as though a rally is scheduled here starting Wednesday and our 50 amp spot has been rented by the rally attendees so we have to move to a 30 amp site. Thankfully, it isn’t that hot today so its no big deal for us.
We’re not scheduled for the service bay today. We have an AC that has decided to send out a slight vibration so I walked down to add that to our list of things to get attended to. While there our Service Advisor, Liz, said that she could get us in tomorrow but if Rally participants came in we could lose our spot. I talked it over with Bob and we decided to wait till Wednesday for service because we couldn’t take the chance of losing our spot since we have an extra freezer on board and we need to be plugged in to power. So nothing is getting done for two days.
Ah, the life of a full-timer!
I think this is Day 6 here in Lazy Days Tucson.
After hearing about our friend Arlene things are kind of topsy-turvy and we pretty much don’t know which end is up.
Arlene is still under sedation and they tried to bring her out of it enough to communicate but still no response. Your prayers are still welcomed and needed.
On to life here at the service bay. We were told that we were going to have to move today from one side of the lot we’re in to the other. Seems as though a rally is scheduled here starting Wednesday and our 50 amp spot has been rented by the rally attendees so we have to move to a 30 amp site. Thankfully, it isn’t that hot today so its no big deal for us.
We’re not scheduled for the service bay today. We have an AC that has decided to send out a slight vibration so I walked down to add that to our list of things to get attended to. While there our Service Advisor, Liz, said that she could get us in tomorrow but if Rally participants came in we could lose our spot. I talked it over with Bob and we decided to wait till Wednesday for service because we couldn’t take the chance of losing our spot since we have an extra freezer on board and we need to be plugged in to power. So nothing is getting done for two days.
Ah, the life of a full-timer!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
3/17/2013 St. Patrick’s Day
(Tucson, AZ)
I had plans of making today’s post all about St. Patrick’s Day. With a last name of Quinn, would you expect anything less? I had collected Maxine cartoons and stories and jokes and I had it all planned out. But last night all that changed.
I called Arlene last night. Arlene of Arlene and Jim. The friends we made at the beach last summer, the ones who we met in Cocoa Beach, Florida in October and then spent a week together in Key Largo this past November. The Arlene and Jim that we’re supposed to go to Montana with this summer.
I had reason to call her last night and Jim answered the phone which is unusual. At least when I call. I started the conversation with, “Hey Jim, how’s it going?” and I got a shock when he said, “Not good, Snookie.” I knew immediately I wasn’t in for good news.
A little background is in order. A week ago Arlene flew to Baltimore to be with her toddler granddaughter who was in John Hopkins hospital and to help her daughter once the little one was discharged. All was good on their home front and Arlene flew home. So, so far we have two plane rides and time spent in the hospital.
Wednesday Arlene came down with what she thought was a 36 hours stomach virus. Something that was making its rounds in Baltimore.
It turned out to be something more. I’m not going into medical detail here because the details aren’t mine to give.
I will tell you that Arlene is in the hospital in ICU. Friends, Arlene is very sick. I tell you all this in hopes that those of you who pray will do so for our friend. She needs your prayers. Jim needs your prayers.
I will also tell you that Arlene is heavily sedated and when they try to bring her out of it so that she can communicate through eye blinking or hand squeezing she is not responsive. I tell you this so that you understand the magnitude of what they’re dealing with and why I come to you for prayers and or at the very least good thoughts for our friends.
Thank you.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
3/16/2013 Saturday in the Service Lot
(Tucson, AZ)
No work getting done on our rig today. Still waiting on authorization. I think we’re beginning to hate that word. AUTH-OR-I-ZA-TION Yep, we hate it.
We took a ride to look for a Ford dealership because we’re due for an oil change and past due for shocks. Could make for a very long ride to Montana if we don’t get the shocks replaced. So we found the dealership and we were in the Fast Track Lane and this young fellow comes out and asks what we need, our name, our phone number and he took the VIN number. He left us with, “Ok, someone will call you with a day and time.” What? No appointment date can be given today? The whole thing just really seemed strange to us. I think if we had gone inside we would left with a date and time. They must do things differently here in Tucson. And we don’t think too much of it.
Another stop at Safeway to pick up a few things and we headed back to Lazy Days to settle in.
When we returned I decided to go over and find out what activities there were because the days are starting to get long and boring here. I found out there were in fact no planned activities. Oh great! I stopped in the Florizona Restaurant to pick up a sample menu while I was there.
Before heading back to the house I stopped to meet the couple from Delaware. They were from downstate Delaware and were on their way out the door when I stopped by. It was still nice to talk to someone who talks and sounds like me!
It was warm this afternoon but not unbearable so I decided to take a walk with my camera. My attention was caught by a row of small travel trailers on the outskirts of the main block in the Lazy Days property.
This is the latest in small trailers.
Did I say small? How about this? I can’t even imagine climbing in through that door!
Interior shots.
The whole thing is a bed with an air conditioner two small shelves and two small cabinets.
Another small storage area. I imagine one would keep the clothes and other things in the tow vehicle.
Of course even people who own this teeny tiny trailer must eat and there IS a kitchen!
A sink, a stovetop, storage, counter space and a shelf but I don’t see a fridge.
I did get a chuckle out of this.
That little gem retails for $10.000.00!
This,,,,
…..turns into this.
You can see the table and it drops down to help make the platform which is covered with seating cushions to make the bed. (Oh my achin’ back!)
This next one is a bit bigger than the first one I showed you. Not much, but some.
The inside.
Makes me so thankful for our 38 footer!
PRIVATE NOTE: To the reader who types my name into the Bing search box to find the blog, the follower and very frequent reader who was in San Antonio but now in Corpus Christi, why don’t you just put the blog in your favorite places, make it easy on yourself Mrs. E! <<<<<(very big grin)>>>>>
No work getting done on our rig today. Still waiting on authorization. I think we’re beginning to hate that word. AUTH-OR-I-ZA-TION Yep, we hate it.
We took a ride to look for a Ford dealership because we’re due for an oil change and past due for shocks. Could make for a very long ride to Montana if we don’t get the shocks replaced. So we found the dealership and we were in the Fast Track Lane and this young fellow comes out and asks what we need, our name, our phone number and he took the VIN number. He left us with, “Ok, someone will call you with a day and time.” What? No appointment date can be given today? The whole thing just really seemed strange to us. I think if we had gone inside we would left with a date and time. They must do things differently here in Tucson. And we don’t think too much of it.
Another stop at Safeway to pick up a few things and we headed back to Lazy Days to settle in.
When we returned I decided to go over and find out what activities there were because the days are starting to get long and boring here. I found out there were in fact no planned activities. Oh great! I stopped in the Florizona Restaurant to pick up a sample menu while I was there.
Before heading back to the house I stopped to meet the couple from Delaware. They were from downstate Delaware and were on their way out the door when I stopped by. It was still nice to talk to someone who talks and sounds like me!
It was warm this afternoon but not unbearable so I decided to take a walk with my camera. My attention was caught by a row of small travel trailers on the outskirts of the main block in the Lazy Days property.
This is the latest in small trailers.
Did I say small? How about this? I can’t even imagine climbing in through that door!
Interior shots.
The whole thing is a bed with an air conditioner two small shelves and two small cabinets.
Another small storage area. I imagine one would keep the clothes and other things in the tow vehicle.
Of course even people who own this teeny tiny trailer must eat and there IS a kitchen!
A sink, a stovetop, storage, counter space and a shelf but I don’t see a fridge.
I did get a chuckle out of this.
That little gem retails for $10.000.00!
This,,,,
…..turns into this.
You can see the table and it drops down to help make the platform which is covered with seating cushions to make the bed. (Oh my achin’ back!)
This next one is a bit bigger than the first one I showed you. Not much, but some.
The inside.
Makes me so thankful for our 38 footer!
PRIVATE NOTE: To the reader who types my name into the Bing search box to find the blog, the follower and very frequent reader who was in San Antonio but now in Corpus Christi, why don’t you just put the blog in your favorite places, make it easy on yourself Mrs. E! <<<<<(very big grin)>>>>>
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