Fall has arrived in Sampson County

Yes, fall has arrived. Cool nights and bright sunny cool days. The leaves are turning. The cotton and peanuts have been harvested around us. Now the fields look sort of sad. Just the dead plants are left in the cotton fields. The peanut plants have been prepared for pickup and use as cattle feed.
And we are still here in Sampson county. In the past couple of weeks we've continued to provide support for my Mom and Dad as they recover from their illnesses. Both are making some progress but it is slow. Dad's blood pressure is still preventing him from getting his therapy regularly. Hopefully the next week will be better for this. He has a follow up with his Rehab doc in Raleigh on Monday. We hope he will continue his therapy for another month at Betsy Johnson. Especially since he hasn't been able to work for the past two weeks. Mom's hearing hasn't really improved much. We hope every day that it'll finally be returning. We appreciate your prayers and kind thoughts. If you're down this way, please stop by for a visit.

Last Saturday we went to Huntersville, NC with Van, Rita and Daniel to The Carolina Renaissance Festival.
http://www.royalfaires.com/carolina/Default.asp?Page=65

This a 16th century European style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty, and much much more. The 14th annual season runs on Saturdays and Sundays until November 18th. This was the third time Rita, Daniel and I had been. Gary and Van had never gone before. Rita, Daniel and I enjoyed it.
But, I don't think Gary and Van want to return. Just not their "thing".
There was lots of walking involved. Much to see and hear. There were even "rides" for the young. We ate a Scotched Egg for lunch. This is a boiled egg, surrounded by sausage and baked. Actually pretty good.
While there we saw the Ded Bob Show (skeleton puppet), the London Broil (juggling w/ fire) and Dextre Tripp (With vaudevillian style, Dextre astounds his audience, executing acrobatic feats including slack rope walking, juggling fire and walking an incline rope with a deftness that belies his surname.)
Everywhere you looked there were folks in costume. Fairies, knights, monks, ladies in waiting, pirates and even the "Queen".
It was great fun. So..if you get a chance..check it out. One more weekend to go.

Reflections and Comments

I don't think I've mentioned recently that I really love your comments regarding our Blog. Your responses really help keep me encouraged to continue writing it. If my Mom and Dad continue to progress we hope to get back on the road again after Thanksgiving. So..if you like something, please let me know. If you don't like something..keep it to your self..he he...just kidding . :o)
All comments are welcome. I enjoy writing this, but as most of you know I have never claimed to be a writer. So..warts and all...here it is..

I've thought a lot lately about our lifestyle change and recent events. While I miss traveling and meeting new folks..one of the best benefits of our life is our ability to change our plans in a minute. Coming back to NC to help out my parents was absolutely necessary for me. I am blessed that Gary loves my parents as much as I do and has been so willing to be one of their "go to" guys. We appreciate every day we have with them and hope to have many more.



This picture is my brother Rob and Coach K (if you don't know......... Duke's basketball coach). Rob has been a Duke fan all of his life. Gary and I have attempted to help him with this problem..you know...everyone should be a Carolina TarHeel..right!!!! Anyway..not too long ago Rob enjoyed another birthday and his wife Jeannie arranged for him to meet the Coach. I think it was when their sons were at Coach K's basketball camp this summer. Anyway...I don't think Rob has washed this shirt ever since the Coach touched it. Can you tell by the big grin...how happy this made Rob?

Well..going to town again..Dad is at therapy(with Gary) and Mom and I are going to meet them to go to Howard's restaurant in Lillington. If you are by this way, try it out. Good BBQ and even better pineapple cake. Afterwards, Dad is getting a much needed hair cut.

Love to you all..Deb

Update from Sampson County, NC

Gary, Ellie and I are still in North Carolina helping my Mom and Dad. Dad is recovering from the heart attack and mild stroke pretty well. He has been going to outpatient Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy at a local hospital 2-3 times a week. The only issue he has right now is an elevated blood pressure that is slowly responding to bp med. Hopefully by the time he sees his doc next Tuesday it will be at or near normal. He is working on his exercises at home too.

Mom is still struggling with bronchitis and sinus/ear problems. She has fluid behind her left ear drum that is really causing her more hearing loss. And as many of you know, this is especially tough for her since she already has total hearing loss in the right ear. She went to an ENT doc last week who did a very through check of her ears and sinuses. He thinks it could take 2-3 months for the fluid to clear out and her hearing return. YUCK!!! While this is actually good news (as compared to her original problem (tumor) returning) this was not the news she really wanted to hear. He did say if she isn't better by December, he could put a tube in her ear to help with the drainage. But, he didn't recommend doing it yet. So each day is a real challenge for her. All of us are working to make sure she hears what is said but it is tough for us all.

On Friday, Gary and I took off and went up to Durham for the weekend. For more than the past month we have prayed for rain. Wouldn't you know it. Just when we decided to ran off for the weekend it started raining buckets of water. And...we started down the road and realized that Gary had "forgotten" to put on the extended side mirrors we use when towing. Definitely NOT what we needed with the rain coming down. We turned around at the church parking lot up the road and came back to the house. Gary dropped me off at the curb and I went to get the mirrors. Jumping from puddle to puddle in my bare feet. He went on down the road and turned around to come back to pick me up. We went back to the same church lot to put the mirrors on. (We waited for a bit until the rain let up some.) Then, went on. We stopped in Benson at a Mexican restaurant we've found. Very good food and very nice folk. They even have a rib-eye steak for Gary that is pretty good. As you know by now, I love Mexican food and Gary DOESN'T. On we went in the pouring rain. As you can imagine I-40 was a difficult place to travel. I think we saw/stopped/crawled along...at least 3 wreaks while going the 73 miles to the Peaden's RV Park.
The Peaden's are our best friends in Durham. We stayed with them earlier this year(August..the hottest one on record!!!).
We had dinner on Friday night with Gary's sister Sherry and her husband Doug. Sherry is also recovering from some heart problems she's had recently. She looked great. Doug is "sort of" looking forward to retiring from Sears Automotive Center in November. He said he really didn't want to retire but felt the time was right anyway. Sherry has a BIG honey do list waiting for him. Good luck Doug. Sounds like you're going to be busy!
On Friday night Van, Rita and Daniel went to Ruth's Chris restaurant in Cary. Rita's nephew Mark married his love Marady on Friday. Her parents gave the dinner in their honor. I'm told the food and service was excellent. Especially the Chocolate Sin dessert.
Saturday morning we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Afterwards we did a little "shopping" at Van's favorite store...Lowes. I think I've mentioned before that he never misses their Saturday morning yard sale. We also went to Carolina Stained glass so I could look for a piece of red glass. I want to make my Mom a Cardinal bird sun catcher. No luck. But it was fun to look at the glass and things they had on display. I miss doing the glass work since I haven't been able to do very much lately. Our last stop was at the Bicycle Chain bicycle shop. Ever since I saw Gary and Suzanne's recumbent bike/trikes at Escapade I've been thinking about getting one. No luck there, although it was helpful to talk to them about the bikes. The salesman had some good information about bikes in general for those of us that are "weight challenged" and "balance challenged" . I'm going to keep researching. I really can't buy one until I have a house to hang it on as we travel anyway. After the shopping we came back to the Peadens and enjoyed a good nap. Dinner was at TGI Fridays. Not my favorite restaurant (to pricey for their steaks) but Van loves their salads. Gary and I shared their rib/chicken combination and it was pretty good. Afterwards we splurged and went to Goodberry's for ice cream. (Shhh..don't tell my doc).
We visited with Van and Rita today and then came on back to Sampson County this afternoon. Thanks again to them for their hospitality. We love you'll.

VERY IMPORTANT...
THANK YOU.. TIM AND TERESA. Tim and Teresa came down this weekend to stay with Mom and Dad. Gary and I appreciate it very much. It made the trip to Durham worry free knowing they were going to be around for them. Tim walked right into his own "Honey do" list when he arrived. We had learning when the rain started that the roof on the house was leaking (in the car port thankfully). He climbed up/on the roof, found and fixed the leak. He cleaned out the gutters, and cleaned up on the workshop. Thank you. On Sunday, Teresa and her long time friend Tina came too. Teresa cleaned the house and cooked. I think Mom and Dad really enjoyed visiting with you.

Thanks to everyone that has helped my Mom, Dad, Gary and I. Without you all, this would be so much more difficult. We love you and appreciate everything. Love, Gary and Deb

Tonight, another work week started for me. I sure am blessed that I am able to work part-time while everything as been going on here. I thank UNC HealthCare for allowing me to work with them again. I love the flexibility of this job.

I talked to my daughter Jenn this evening too. Her husband Mark is working "local" this week, so hopefully we'll be able to see them. Jenn has started working with a local publishing company selling advertising space for them.

Good night everyone......love Deb

He's Home!!!

After 22 days Mom and Dad are smiling as she cuts his multiple patient ID tags off.

Thanks everyone for your support during this difficult time. My Dad is improving daily and we are very happy he is home.

Update on Deb's Dad

My Dad is getting better each day. His hand and arm have improved some but have a ways to go. Right now he still isn't able to use his right hand for much. Today the OT person taught him how to use an adaptive strap on his hand to hold a spoon or toothbrush. It isn't easy when your hand has no fine motor skills. If his blood levels are good tomorrow, he will move to the Wake Med Rehab Hospital. He will be doing physical and occupational therapy for at least 3 hours each day. He will be learning to feed himself and other personal care all over again. They'll also work on rebuilding his overall strength. Right now, walking farther than to the bathroom is an adventure. We're not sure how long he'll need to stay there. Hopefully, long enough!! Thanks everyone for your kind words, prayers and support. They mean so much more than Gary, my Mom and I can say. Love to you all.
Deb

Back in North Carolina

On Tuesday we learned my Dad had been admitted to Western Wake Hospital in Cary with gallbladder trouble. Upon discussion between him and his doc, it was discovered he'd also been having chest pain so a Cardiac Cath was done on Wednesday morning. Two heart vessels were found to be blocked and he was transferred to "Big" Wake Med for an angioplasty w/ stents placement. He came through the procedure OK. However, later in the evening he had a stroke. Fortunately it appears to be a small one with only residual paralysis/numbness in his right hand. He also has some mild weakness in his right leg.
We left Indiana on Thursday and came 949 miles back to NC arriving about noon on Friday. He is still at Wake Med recovering. I've been transporting my Mom back and forth to Raleigh from their home in Sampson county. He had a better day today getting out of bed once, sitting in a chair and walking in the hall for a few feet. Hopefully he will continue to improve each day.

Searching that “Perfect” RV

As you know by now we’re looking for our next home. We’ve visited at least a dozen dealerships traveling between NC and Indiana. We’ve used our RVIG.org research information and searched the internet. We’ve talked to other full-timers during Escapade and since. We’ve made a list of 5^th wheels that meet the criteria that is important to us.

1. Safety..Specifically how will it tow? What is the dry weight of the unit? How much can the frame and axles carry safely? How much can it carry? What is the weight limit for the rig?

2. It needs to have at least 2 slide outs. One in the bedroom and another in the living/dining area. Space..we need more space. OK..I admit it..living in 208 sq feet after a two story house with over 2800 sq feet is HARD and I don’t want to do it any more!! Can you hear me stomp my feet???

3. It can’t be too long. We’d like it to be not longer than 32-33 feet exterior from the hitch pin to the back bumper. That is a challenge. Of course the floor plans I really like are usually longer by a couple to three feet.

4. Price has to be within our budget. We’re using the Nash as a trade in but will probably finance some of the purchase price and don’t want to price ourselves out of the ability to drag this thing down the road. We’d like to find a gently used rig that is on our list but so far that hasn’t worked out.

5. How well is it made? Is it sturdy enough for a full-timer or was it designed and built for a weekend/vacation rig? We need this one to last a long time. I don’t want to shop for another RV any time soon. The factory tours we’ve been on and the RVIG.org research information we’ve been using have helped us learn about this for some models. We’ve also talked to other owners to learn about their experiences with various brands.

6. There are a few other “minor” considerations that won’t break the deal if we like the rig overall. Nightstands beside the bed. A desk in the living area. The bath all in one room. A closet that could be used for a stackable washer/dryer unit. No combination units please.

We went to three factory tours while we’ve been in Elkhart County. We started with the Carriage RV plant on Monday morning. A very knowledgeable guide, Jennifer took us through the plant in about an hour. We learned quite a bit about how an RV is built and specifically how Carriage is built. We were especially pleased to see them building the Carriage Cameo 5^th wheel since this is a model that has made our list. The best part of the tour was the folks building them. We were able to get in their way and ask them questions. They really do a lot of quality control checks. We liked that a lot. Red tape used to mark items needing attention was everywhere. Better to find these at the factory than at the dealership or worse yet in your campsite.

There are a couple of floor plans in this line that may be OK for us. Neither is exactly what we want but pretty close. I like the plan that has the entire bath room inside a room best. And there is an extra wardrobe next to the bed in that same design. We’ve learned that extra storage is very useful to have. Of course these are new rigs and we’d really like to find a used one that is in excellent condition.

http://www.carriageinc.com/carriage_cameo_fifth_wheel.php#

On Tuesday afternoon we went to SunnyBrook RV for their tour. I must say they don’t put much effort into this. The plant had stopped working for the day. No employees were present except the gentleman doing the tour. He seemed to view the tour as a bother and wanted it to be over as soon as possible. Also, the rig being built that day was their entry level travel trailer. Not at all what any of us in the tour were interested in. We were told they build one type of unit for 2-3 weeks then change off to another. We were just unfortunate to arrive in the week they weren’t building the SunnyBrook Titan (which is on our list). We learned they don’t make their own frames (Carriage makes theirs). The gentleman wasn’t very knowledgeable about the frame. He just knew who they bought it from. Not how it was made. We couldn’t even see the frame very well. And it wasn’t the one used on the Titan anyway. Overall, I came away with an unpleasant taste in my mouth about this whole event. Disappointment!!! We’ve probably removed the Titan from our list due to it’s weight. It is a pretty heavy 5^th wheel for it’s size. And that is our most important criteria. The rig must never exceed weight limits for the truck or the frame.

Wednesday afternoon we went to Heartland RV. This was a real eye opener. We’ve been looking at these 5^th wheels ever since they started manufacturing them in 2006. They are really pretty. And if we were looking for a vacation/weekend rig we’d probably go for it. But, it isn’t built for a full timer(in our opinion). The cabinets are stapled together (not screwed). And they use a hydraulic system for the slides. It is also the tallest we’ve looked at. We’d worry a lot about bridge heights if towing this one. So, regretfully we’ve taken it off the list.

We’ll keep looking and learning. The right rig will present itself at some point.

Escapade in Goshen Indiana

Escapade is over. (Except for the hitch-up breakfast tomorrow). It has been great. We met some very nice RV'ers and learned a few new things. We've enjoyed it very much.
Yesterday was Gary's birthday. Pretty low key without a big hoop la!! I cooked a BBQ pork roast for dinner. It was pretty good and Gary seemed to enjoy it.
Afterwards, we went to the Ham'o Rama. This was a talent show performed by our fellow Escapees. It was good. Professor Sex was there. Along with Elvis and Johnny Cash. There was an accordion player, a xylophone player, a piano player and several singers. Line dancing too.
At the closing ceremony, we learned the official count was 845 RVs and 1615 people. (At least my memory says that, I didn't write it down when it was announced. This is the most RVs in one place that I have ever seen. Tonight some of them started pulling out toward their next adventure. We're staying here until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. We're still 5th wheel shopping and plan to visit some manufactures in the area before moving on.

Fall Escapade-- RV Rally in Goshen Indiana

We arrived bright and early Sunday morning in Goshen. We'll be staying here at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairground for the Fall Escapees RV Rally. The Escapees RV Club is a club for full-timing or full-timing wannabes. Check out this link for information about this fun and friendly organization. http//www.escapees.com/index2.asp

There are over 1000 RVs parked on the fairgrounds. It is mind-boggling to see so many rigs in one place. We've already met some great RVers. Two couples we'd met at the LOW we attended in Kentucky are here. And several of the instructors we met are here too.

Our next door neighbor is from Titusville Florida, down the beach from where we occasionally stay in New Smyrna Beach. Gregg and Judy are from Michigan and are full-timing in a Nu-Wa HitchHiker Champagne 5th wheel. It is a beautiful rig. Very high-end costing over $80,000. Way more than we plan to spend on our next rig.
Gary and Suzanne ride around on the coolest bikes. Suzanne's is a recumbent bike. Gary's is a recumbent trike. I think I'd like one of them. Both of them look like fun to ride. I found this web site that has bikes like them.
http://www.industrialbicycles.com/Kettwiesel%20Al.htm

Yesterday afternoon we heard a high school steelband. They were awesome. They won first place in a National championship. Check out their web site and sample their music. Click on the Merchandise tab, then you can click on each title to hear it. They are an amazing group of young musicans.
http://www.pantasia.org/

Today we've been to a couple of classes, then went to the RV show that is here. We saw some beautiful BIG 5th wheel rigs. Carriage Cameo and Carri-Lite. None of them were the size we're interested in. (31-33'). It looks like the manufacturers/dealers brought their best to show off. We' re a little disappointed that Heartland didn't come as scheduled since they make the BigHorn 5th wheel which is one we've been considering. Hopefully we'll be able to go over to their manufacturing plant next week for a visit.

North Carolina and Onward

We moved to my Mom and Dad's house near Spivey's Corner, NC just in time for my Dad's birthday. On Sunday we had a great reunion of most of my brothers/sister and family. In all, we celebrated 6 birthdays in our family for August. Lot's of tasty food was consumed.
Then the rest of the week went downhill from there. My Mom had chest pain on Monday and we spent the next two days in Betsy Johnson Hospital. After tests and more tests at Wake Med on Thursday, it was decided she didn't have a heart attack and in fact has a "pretty good" looking heart for her young age :). It never was decided exactly what caused the pain, but I still believe it was likely related to her cutting up 5 chickens for the reunion on Sunday.
Anyway, the doc says use Alieve if it happens again. A good thing came out of this, she did meet a new local doctor and has decided to stick with him, moving her care to his office. Much better than driving 45 minutes up to Fuquay every time she needs a doc. I think my Dad's going to switch to him too. Dad had a tough week too, not feeling well and was in the doctor's office on Wednesday. A urinary infection was discovered and he started antibiotic treatment on Friday. The both seemed to be better on Saturday so we moved on up to Kerr Lake for Labor Day. Every time I talked to them after that they said they were feeling better. Hopefully, that trend will continue this week.
On Saturday when we arrived at Kerr Lake, Gary's sister Sherry, her husband Doug, both of her sons Tim and Todd and wife Donna along with all their kids (except Samantha) were already at the campsite enjoying the great weather. Tim's wife Crystal stayed at home recovering from some surgery she'd had the previous week. Our friends Ken and Laverne were there. Also, Van, Rita and their son Daniel too. On Sunday Jenn and Mark came up too. Everyone had a great time doing what we do at the lake..playing in the water, playing in the sun,reading, relaxing, eating and more eating, and just enjoying being together. Ken had found a new game (similar to Horseshoes) and almost everyone tried it out and seemed to like it pretty good. Two golf balls are strung together and thrown at a stand to earn points. Like I said, like throwing horseshoes but different. The weather was wonderful. It had cooled down to the 80's with even cooler nights. Heaven on Earth!!!
On Tuesday morning we headed out toward Goshen, Indiana. We're going to an Escapees Club Rally. I'm told upwards to 900 rigs with folks meeting to learn new things, enjoy music, crafts, food and making new friends. We've been looking forward to this rally (our first) ever since we heard of it last year. Several other "Class of 2007" full-timers will be there and we'll be able to meet face-to-face.
Along the way, we've stopped at several (6 so far) RV dealers looking for our next home. We're going to upsize to a 5th wheel trailer. Hopefully in the next month of so. We're looking until we find just the right one.
Tuesday night we stayed a Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground in Swananona, NC. This cg is very nice as long as you have a strong engine for your vehicle. Up hill all the way. Definitely worth it though. Nice folks and very reasonable price. Wednesday morning we went on west and then north. We stayed at the Levi Jackson State Park in London Ky. We've stayed here several times. It's a good state park (10% discount for AAA). The internet reception wasn't good though so we got out early today to continue on north. I've got 12 more hours to work before Saturday.
So, we're back on the road again. We should be in Indianapolis this afternoon. Love to you all...Deb

August in North Carolina

Since August 1st we've been back in North Carolina staying at our friend's Van and Rita's. We're parked in their driveway. They had installed an electrical outlet and sewer access for us to use. It has been great to be "home" again. We've visited with family and friends.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Eaten way too much good ole' NC food. Enjoyed some fresh vegetables from the garden. We've attended a wake for our family's friend Nanny, celebrated birthdays and an anniversary. We've visited our friends at our old employers (and my current employer). Gary went to the mountains with all his buddys on their annual camping trip. I went to the beach with my sister, niece and nephew. .
HOT HOT HOT!!!
This past week we had dinner at Village Diner in Hillsborough with Gary's sister and family. Doug, Sherry, Tim and Crystal, Todd and Donna, kids...Timmy, Samantha, Ashley, Lily, Jessica. An old friend I used to work with at UNC came by also. Janice Sumney. It was sure great to see everyone. Hopefully they're going to join us up at Kerr Lake for Labor Day weekend.
Friday night we visited with my brother Tim and wife Cheryl. They have completed a wonderful screened porch on the back of their house. It is a wonderful space to just kick back and enjoy life. We played a bit with their friendly dog Saber.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
This weekend we visited with Al and Betsy on Saturday and Steve and Robin on Sunday. Al and Betsy have moved to Oxford so Al can be closer to his job at the Oxford Ledger. As you may remember Al had a stroke last spring. He has recovered very well and returned to work a couple of weeks ago. If you can check out the paper. It is a very cool small town America paper.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Last night we had dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse with Van and Rita to celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary. Afterwards, we watched a DVD "Wild Hogs". Very funny.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
On Thursday we plan to move down to Sampson County to stay with my Mom and Dad for a week or so. Hopefully, we'll get to spend some time with our daughter Jenn and her husband Mark.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Ellie is doing pretty well. She feels so much better and wants to play. But, we're trying to keep it down so she doesn't have a recurrence of her pain.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Oh yeah..I almost forget..we bought a new truck. Well..new to us anyway. 2005 GMC 2500 Duramax Diesel. It'll pull up to 15,000 lbs. Now we can look for a new larger home. Oh Joy!!!
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Well..need to get back to work. Love to all. Deb....oh yeah...did I mention ..IT IS HOT HOT HOT!!!

Back in NC

We made it back to North Carolina on Tuesday. On Wednesday we took Ellie to our Vet. She has an "old" dog spinal condition. Very strange since we're pretty sure she is actually between 4 and 5 years old. The Vet took new x-rays and has sent them off to a Radiologist for review. He wants to make sure there isn't any bone infection that he can't see in the film. In the meantime, no cure for the condition just treat the pain and try to prevent flare-ups. We're pretty sure this one was caused by her slipping in wet grass on Sunday. Medication for pain and inflammation. Surgery is the only possible fix. Yuck!!! She got a shot of steroids yesterday and has started feeling better today. And she already doesn't like that she can't chase and run. Only walks on a leash for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. I think Gary will miss the playing as much as she will. This "cage rest" is to go on for 6-8 weeks. Patience is sure going to be needed. The vet was great and offered that we call him whenever we need to talk about what is happening to her. I guess this is better than some things but not as good as just a temporary injury. At least she isn't hurting as much today.