Now, where were we?

Okay, we took the RV (Jacks in a Box) to the Chester Fairgrounds for the agility trial weekend. We only screwed up once...when we tried to get in the wrong gate. The guy who runs the grounds said we could fit...but we are kind of attached to the side view mirrors, so we decided to not force the "bus" through that small hole.

We had to unhook the car, unhook the towing dolly and drive the car through the gate and the rig backed up and went around to the other...big...gate.

I think I have already written about how the rig was wonderful when it poured rain all day Saturday and how much I loved being able to lie in the AC when it got so hot on Sunday. So, I won't bore y'all with that again.

We have been busy buying more stuff for the RV....a step for outside, when the steps are raised up due to leveling...sometimes you really have to climb to get to the first step...this step sits on the ground and helps with this problem.

We also got a boot tray which we quickly learned we needed when it was pouring out and we were coming in with wet, muddy shoes. We also got a fold up clothesline...it will fit in the shower or we can put it outside. Picked up a small air compressor, a voltage meter (to check the electricity at the sites we go to); more silverware, and a grab bar for the shower.

The place is looking good. Of course, Sandy had to buy all new kennels, doggie beds and doggie blankets...the "old" ones just wouldn't do, obviously. Oh well, it doesn't break the bank and it all looks good.

We took the rig to the local RV campground in Lisbon, to dump the poop tank. Sandy was all worried about this job and was driving me nuts. So, we took a Sunday drive and went over there--Ross Hill Road Campground. We loved the place! So nice and neat and the lady was very friendly. We are thinking about camping there, in a site next to the Quinebaug River some weekend. Just to get away. We can bring the kayaks and explore a part of the Quinebaug we have never been on. We could also invite our friends to come visit, have a meal with us...it's close enough for people to come on over. I'm thinking we will be doing this...soon.

Anyhoo, Sandy hooked up the hose to the poop tank, I set the other end in the dump tank hole and held it down tight. She held her end tight (we both had rubber gloves on) and pulled the lever, releasing the "load"....it went roaring down into the septic tank. Then she pulled the handle, releasing the gray water tank contents....this roared out also and while it traveled the length of the hose, it helped rinse out any remnants left from the "black tank." Then I went into the RV, fired up the generator, turned on the water pump, put some Dawn for dishes in the toilet, pumped the water a bit to get clean water and Dawn in the poop tank, ran clean water through the sink, into and out of the gray water tank and out the hose, rinsing it out with clean water.

We were professionals.

Sandy admitted later that she had been really stressing about doing this job and was extremely relieved that we accomplished the task successfully. We know that it won't always be that easy...we have heard horror stories about tanks that are higher than the RV, places where you have to run the hose over walls, etc. But our virgin experience was wonderfully easy and trouble-free.

We were going to take Jean to Maine this weekend, for Mother's Day and for her birthday. We always go to Maine this time of the year. This time we were taking her in the RV. Well, Nami (Jean's dog) came up to the house Sunday, went upstairs and apparently jumped off the bed (we didn't know any of this) and tore her knee....she had surgery on the other knee two years ago...had torn the MCL...this time it was "only" the CCL...whatever that is. She was operated on Tuesday and is coming home tomorrow, so Jean can't go to Maine.

We are still going and will be taking Truman, the seasoned traveller, with us. Should be fun. Hope to get some shopping done at Reny's and that place we found last time. Going to go back to the moccasin place too.

I finally got back in the gym yesterday. First time in ages. I did a little over an hour workout/stretch session. Came home energized, cleaned the house, made chicken dinner, etc. I have been making myself go to bed early and get up early and it's working. I have more energy now and feel better too.

I went to see my Nurse Practitioner yesterday and asked her to recommend a therapist for me. She thought I wanted a nutritionist because I had told her I was concerned about the weight I'm gaining. I told her, "no, I know how and what to eat, I'm doing emotional eating and I need to work on that."

I know it's time to see someone to talk about the whole cancer bit, all the stuff with Bob Miller and Wini and the pressure I'm feeling about that situation and anything else that comes up and I'm sure there is other stuff.

I enjoy therapy...I learn a lot about myself and I feel it really helps me. I recommend it to everyone and I know it's time for me to return to therapy.

I hiked up the stairs after I saw Kathleen, to the woman she recommended, she called her "Faith Hope"...turns out her name is Faith Marion...dunno where Kathleen got the Hope part, they found that to be funny, up there in the office where the woman works. Anyway, they couldn't make an appt for me because their computers were down! I called this AM to see if the computers were working and they still were out of commission. I told them I'd wait for their call.

Sandy got nervous when I told her I was going to go to therapy....guess she thought there was really something seriously wrong and maybe it was about her....NO! She should see a therapist about that kind of thinking.... Our relationship is stronger than ever.

I just want to be able to laugh like I used to. I haven't had a belly laugh in a long time. I think I've "numbed myself out" about the cancer and I know I need to get "in touch" with my feelings about it. I also have been in denial about my Dad and every time I see him I realize more and more what the future looks like for him and us.

Speaking of my Dad...I was going to take him home with me tonight, but Wini reported that she was feeling much better, had been able to sleep more and so we changed the plans. I went up and took them out to lunch at the sandwich place near the train station. Good sandwiches. Then I took Bob to the optician and got the nose piece put on his old glasses. As a matter of fact, the guy put two new nose pieces on. Bob had been wearing the glasses with the metal bracket for the nose piece sticking into his nose!

Then I bought new glasses for Bob. We designed some very lightweight frames for him, with temples that would hook around his ears. That way they will be less likely to slide off his face when he's working out in the yard...that's how he lost his glasses...they slipped off in the leaves and he was distracted and didn't look for them right away. They were lost forever. So, Bob will have new, fashionable frames in about two weeks.

Oh, and his vision is soooooo GOOD! I got a look at his prescription and I wish my eyes were that good! He's only a -2.00! C'mon!

Then we went back to the house and I called the phone company and discontinued his phone service. It was the end of an era. He has had that same phone number since 1978 when he married Loretta. It had to be done. He was paying every month for phone service he never used. He has a cell phone that he uses for long distance calls.

On my way home I stopped at Westview and picked up another application for admission. Wini can't find the one we got before. She is starting to lose things, forget things, confuse things...it's a real circus up there somedays.

The big accomplishment though was this: I have been trying to get Bob to take Tylenol Arthritis Formula with every meal, to keep his back pain down to a manageable level. Dr. Botta agreed and said he should keep the bottle right on the table so he remembers to take them. Wini and I have been feuding about this...she keeps insisting the doctor said Bob should take the pills "as needed." I point out that we are trying to keep the pain from getting to be too much...and he needs to take them whether he feels pain or not. Wini keeps saying "as needed"...but then wouldn't give them to Bob when he complained his back was hurting.

She wants him to ask for the pills...she doesn't want to "impose" anything on him. She is in denial about how much memory he has lost. He won't ask for the pills, because he forgets that he has pills!

I bought a bottle of the medicine, put it on the dining room table and told Wini and Bob that Dr. Botta said Bob should take them with every meal. She agreed (knock me over) and I was able to get Bob to take them with his lunch. I wonder if she remembered to have him take them with supper. Oh well...I have done what I can.

Wini is now sharing Bob's financial info with me, now that she knows that I have legal authority. Thank goodness for Bill St Onge, and Bob, who made these legal arrangements back in 2009. She will now listen to me when I ask her to hang onto his bills and bank statements/investment records when they come in the mail and show them to me when I come up. Bob is relieved that he doesn't have to handle his finances any more. Bob always suffered and hated doing the bills, banking, etc. Now he has handed it over to me...and oh, I have always hated that stuff too!

We talked again about Westview and getting his name on the list, which he agrees is a good idea. I also asked him to think about what he would want in his memorial service when he dies, what music, etc. He will think about it and we will talk again. I feel that I have to speed up these things as his memory is really failing. He couldn't tell me his favorite aria....maybe he will remember. Wini also talked to me about getting him a big grave stone...he would be buried with my Mom and she only has a flat stone. It keeps getting overgrown and it is difficult to find. Wini thinks that Bob's stone should be in keeping with what the rest of the people "in the neighborhood" (at the cemetery) have for headstones.

I don't know, but I think the reason we got a flat stone for my mother is because that's all they would let us get in that area...I have to check that out. If they let us get a bigger headstone, we will get one for both of them.

See, this is the stuff that has me in it's grip now. I have to deal with this stuff and my own stuff too. I need a therapist!

Okay...have to sign off and watch the Sox game. I'm worried about Gerry Remy...what is wrong with him, where is he? Is the cancer back? I don't know what's going on and it's driving me nuts! Anyone know?

Later!

Oh...here's a video of Todd running Rocky, on the day Rocky was stressed out. He settled down after this run. Look in the background and see the RV.....

Quick update and I'll write more later.

Suffice it to say that "Jacks in a Box" paid for itself last weekend at the agility trial! We appreciated its heat on Saturday and its air conditioning on Sunday. We had some troubles sleeping Friday night, but slept like logs on Saturday....we agree that the mattress is just right!

We did great getting it ready to go and did just fine driving up and back, despite the downpour we drove back in...Sandy did great. Good experience.

We look forward to taking the "big trip" to Maine next weekend. Can't wait!

More later....

Big day tomorrow...going to see Dr. McCourt for my CT scan and CA125 results. Hoping for the best of course.

Getting the "big rig" (we're going to have to come up with a name for it) ready for the weekend. It looks like it's going to rain all weekend, so we'll be enjoying the sound of rain pitter-pattering on the RV roof, instead of the tent!

Mary Anne came over for dinner tonight and Carol joined us. We had a great time, yakking and chowing down on Chinese food. Drank the Liebfraumilch that Trudy had sent over...first time I've ever had it...and I really liked it!

Janet and I went shopping for snacks/drinks for the volunteers at the trial. Spent $250 today and I still have to pick up bananas, apples, milk and creamer. We stocked up on water, coffee, tea and lots of chocolate....something agility people always appreciate.

Oh man, the Little Caballito just got called out and Francona got thrown out of the game. I can't stay up to watch this though. I have too much to do tomorrow before my appointment.

Anyway, not a long diatribe here to tonight...just a little update.

Later....

We brought the RV up to our house last night, after seeing Ryan's lacrosse team beat Fitch. Sandy drove the RV (in Friday night rush hour traffic) and I followed in my car. It was good experience for her.

I had trimmed a bit of the fruit tree by the driveway, but apparently, not enough. One branch caught the plastic clip for the slide-out awning and bent it a little. Sandy and her mother panicked about it, but I put it in perspective for them. In the scheme of life, it's nothing. Sandy fixed it today.

We are going to have to cut that tree down. I hate to lose it, but we do have another one just like it right behind this one. We can always plant another tree somewhere in the yard. If we cut this one down, we can park the RV in the existing driveway and if we do decide to make a driveway "pad" for the RV, it would be a lot easier to do with that tree gone.

Jean and Sandy went shopping at Walmart with a $100 gift certificate Sandy had won. They had their shopping list for the RV and came home with dog kennels (we have SO MANY FREAKIN' KENNELS); cleaning supplies; paper goods, tea kettle; cooking utensils; heavy duty extension cord for the RV power; white water hose for the RV....good deals.

Jean and Sandy raked leaves out front and I put the stuff away in the RV. Then I cleaned downstairs, including washing the floors. Good jobs, well done. Very satisfying. Now I'm watching the Red Sox beat Toronto. Nice.

Tomorrow we are going to Jean's for dinner--Taylor and Andrew will be there. It'll be good to see them again...and hear about Taylor's harrowing episode of getting stuck in the elevator at work (L&M). She was already paranoid about elevators...I'm sure this episode helped. She called Andrew to "talk her through it" until they rescued her.

Sox win! Nice catch by Mike Cameron to end it.

Hoping the weather improves so I can get out in the yard and clean out my gardens...stuff is coming up and the old, dead stuff is still on top. That's not good.

Oh, and I have to shop for next weekend's agility trial. I have to pick up the snacks for the volunteers, lots of bottles of water, apples, bananas, hard boiled eggs, etc.

And I have to plan our "menu" for next weekend, when we go on our first RV "trip." Can't wait!

YAY!!!!

later...

Check out this deal: I go to Kohl's to buy a new Cuisinart coffee pot. First I check out ratings in Consumer Reports...no way I can go wrong with a Cuisinart...they are the highest rated in every category...even the "Keurig-type" category....Keurig is actually WAAAAY down the list. Cuisinart is the tops.

But I digress:

I go to Kohl's and decide to upgrade my existing pot. I had the single serve, dispenser model. I opt for the double wall stainless steel carafe type. Cost $99.

BUT WAIT! This is KOHL'S I'm talking about....

So, it cost $99.99.

Sale price: $89.99

minus my 20% coupon

minus the 15% Senior discount I talk the girl into giving me

minus the $10 Kohl's dollars I got

AND....

the register spits out a manufacturer's rebate: $10 off!

So...original price was $99

my price: $44.86

I LOVE KOHL'S!!!

I went up to get the CT scan done this AM, but really wondered if I was going to make it there, for several reasons. First, the first bottle of the CT scan drink went down smoothly, but then came out just as smoothly. Usually I don't have the runs like that until I come home from the test, but last time and this time, it hit before I even got out the door! I drink the second one en route and fortunately that one stuck until after I got back home, but that first one! WHOOO!

Also, it started POURING when I got on I-95...I mean POURING...and of course the idiots don't slow down at all. Well...sorry! I slow down! They were flying by me, spraying water up over my car! I almost pulled over at an exit and turned around...but no, I plowed on. Saw a good accident at the 95-295 merge....she ran that SUV right up into the woods! I'll bet she had the four wheel drive on and thought that would save her.

Then, when I got into Providence, the damned roads were FLOODED. I mean FLOODED! The water was right across the street and DEEP! And of course the idiots were speeding along, spraying water everywhere.

The CT scan was pretty uneventful after that....except that my vein was pushing so hard it forced the cap off and blood went all over the place. I didn't pay attention...just told her that something was "leaking" and laid back and closed my eyes. I let her clean it up.

Then I went to the main lab at the hospital to have my CA 125 test drawn. They were nice down there...HUGE improvement over the bitches in the outpatient lab at the chemo center. They had some trouble with the vein in my other arm...she said it was "gushing." Dunno why I have such good pressure today. Oh well.

I don't know if I was supposed to go get that special blood test done for the research study...but I deliberately avoided going over there and asking about it. I didn't want to have to deal with the bitches at all today. My little rebellion.

It must be Spring...I got the spring comforter down from the attic and switched it out. Sandy will be pleased when she realizes it. We have been very WARM at night lately.

Sox are in last place, but that will pass...I'm sure of it. WHISTLING....

Jessica is going to bail me out tomorrow...she'll bring a dog for the show and will be on with me, we'll bullshit for an hour. Should be fun!

I have to work on lining up more guests ahead of time!

Later...

Holy Smokes! I haven't been here in ages. Let me see....what has been going on?

Well, we had a wonderful week at Disney World. The accommodations were great, the weather was great (for the most part), the company (Sandy) was fabulous, the food was fantastic and all in all, it was a awesome vacation.

We went to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios one day while we were there. Loved the butterbeer and am looking for a legitimate recipe for it. We don't know how the "head" on the mug lasted so long. The drink was drained to the bottom and yet there was still foam! Unbelievable.

It rained the day we went to HP....we waited over an hour (our longest ride wait of the whole trip) for the "castle" ride. Part of the line was in the downpour. I was so disappointed when we finally got onboard...it was one of those wild, twisting, stomach jarring things....I felt the nausea about a quarter of the way into the ride...when we were flipped on our back and twisted around violently. I closed my eyes, put my foot against Sandy's foot to give me some bearings and hoped for the best. I didn't puke, but it was damned close!

I did have the thought, "I've made it since 1986 and through chemo without puking and now I'm going to lose it on this damned ride?" Fortunately I made it out into the cool, clear air before that happened, but I needed Sandy to help me out!

We enjoyed meals at Disney--the French bistro for lunch of the best french onion soup and best quiche lorraine I have ever had; Canada for filet mignon and maple creme brulee; the Undersea place for some awesome seafood (I'll be damned if I can remember the name of the stuff I had...I'll think of it later, I'm sure)....we were seated right next to the gigantic fish tank and the fish were coming right up to us....fabulous! We even saw a sea turtle in there.

We ate at Emeril Legasse's place in Universal and we enjoyed that. We really ate well all week, it was tough to come home to our plain fare. Good thing we walked so much at Disney, otherwise we would have both gained ten pounds!

Oh we went to Typhoon Lagoon one day. It wasn't too crowded and we found a great place to lounge in the shade, close to everything we were interested in doing. We had fun on the water slides and the wave pool and of course, the "slow float." It was just right...nice and warm and not too humid.

We had a great buffet meal at Animal Kingdom and saw some great animals there....the best being the silver-backed gorilla and babies. The guy who drove our safari ride was a flaming queen and he was hysterical reading the script and camping it up...the tourists laughed and didn't even know what they were laughing about. We did.

While we were gone, Jean stayed here and took care of the dogs/cat/house for us. Of course Truman had to act up, going after Rocky and then Bubbles and got bit in the leg in the process. Jean had to take him to Ocean State (it was a Saturday) and he had to get shaved up again and put on antibiotics...again. What a guy!

Jean was also busy collecting items for the RV...from our house inventory; from her house inventory and from shopping. She proudly showed off the stuff when we got back. We have linens; utensils; dishware; pots and pans; cleaning supplies, even toilet paper! The place is really shaping up.

We are taking it up here this Friday....it will spend the week here as we get it ready for our first trip...next Friday to the Chester Fairgrounds for the SNEAK trial. We are getting so excited for this. Sandy even got the day off from work so we have a three day weekend.

We will be filling the water tanks, water heater and getting the septic system ready. Scary stuff.

I joined a RV online forum and am learning a lot from the folks there. Got an app for my iPhone so I can access the site while we travel and also downloaded an app that has checklists for taking off, setting up, preparing to leave and RV inspections...so much to remember!

Frank has been studying the manuals (as have we) and checking the RV and has come up with ideas for how we can do things easier. He also went out and bought us $100 worth of TOOLS! Fantastic!

I was able to watch the March Madness games (UConn) while we were in Florida and then of course, watched the FF games. I was disappointed for Maya that the women lost, but I wasn't surprised...I had seen how hard Notre Dame played them in the Big East tourney and I knew it wouldn't be easy for them. I was so happy for the guys though, it almost made up for the women's loss. I loved both teams this year...so much fun and so satisfying to have won the national championship.

I'm looking forward to seeing Maya play in the WNBA and I have no doubt that she will do well. Now the Sun have acquired Kalana Greene, one of my favorites...I think they are going to do great things this summer...can't wait!

I go tomorrow for my CT scan...first one since December. I'm a bit nervous about it, given how tired I have been lately, the pains I have felt in my abdomen off an on over the past few months--don't know if they are from the mesh for the hernia or if it's the cancer coming back. Well, I'll find out next week when I see the doctor to get the CT results and the blood work answers.

I haven't been to the gym much as I was getting so wiped out after I worked out. I did reduce my workout routine...and it was better, then we went to Disney. I think Disney wiped me out too...I came home and could hardly move! Getting better every day, so I hope to return to the gym this week, maybe Friday or on the weekend. The weekend I think...Friday is going to be busy.

OH! We went to see the Celts Friday...with Ryan. We had great seats, down low in the corner, just behind the Celts bench. Got to see the team up close as they came in and out of the tunnel from the locker room. Tommy Heinsohn walked right in front of me as did Mike Gorman...it was awesome! And, they won! Every time I have gone to see the Celts they have won. Wish I could say the same about my trips to Sox games....

Speaking of which, the Sox are mounting a comeback vs the Rays right now...I'm going to sign off and watch...

If you are out and about on Easter weekend, come down to the Chester Fairgrounds to see the dogs run agility and I'll give you a tour of the new RV!

Later....

Long time no write. I'm thinking maybe this blog has run it's course....I'll keep posting at least until after my next check-up...which by the way I am having the same old trouble scheduling the CT scan for that visit! I have to stop typing now and call them again....

Okay...I just called...nope they haven't recieved the fax for the order YET! I have been going at this since last WEDNESDAY!! I just texted Sandy and told her that I'm not going to arrange anything...if they want me to have a fucking CT scan, they can call ME!!

There...that made me feel better. I'm sick of people who can't/won't do their fucking jobs.

Speaking of jobs...I've been working....helping the Baton Boys with their tv show, working at UConn...picking up three days next month...and working for sportspage.com....covered the Big East tournament and the CIAC high school championships this weekend. I was supposed to go to UConn yesterday to cover the first round games up there, but I got the diarrhea again Saturday night, spent the night on the potty and was in no shape yesterday to drive anywhere, let alone sit for hours.

I have been piling the weight on again, and I'm not sure I know what that is entirely about. I acknowledge that I have been eating more...but I don't think that would account for all the weight, but I hope that I'm fooling myself. No bloat, so that's a good thing!

Anyway, we are going to Disney and I had to admit that I can't fit into a lot of my clothes from last summer...and the other day I had to go buy some larger sized slacks and jeans. OUCH!

Oh well...if the cancer does come back at least I'll have some pounds to lose before I get into the danger zone! I will have "stores!" Ha haaaaa

We are busy getting ready for Disney. Since we have rented a villa, with two outdoor patios, a king sized bed, queen sized sofa bed, kitchen, laundry, whirlpool and other amenities, we are SUPER PSYCHED! We are packing light...since we can wash clothes if we need to. My bag weighs only 21 lbs! We have purchased the meal plan, which provides lunch and dinner, snacks and drinks, and will go to the store to lay in breakfast supplies. I'm toting a bag of coffee because I can just imagine how much they charge for a bag of coffee at the Disney store! Sandy is bringing her tea...and I have my "tea to go" packs to add to water for my drinks.

We plan to hit the workout room a lot while we are there, to try to get into a routine. Also going to use the pool a lot and go to the water parks a few days. It is going to be 89 down there on Friday, so it should be hot enough for a swim.

We are so excited about this trip, our sixth trip to Disney, but our first trip down there alone. No Jean, Maria, Audge, kids, etc.....we enjoyed those trips, but it will be great to be there alone.

Oh, we are toting our laptops with us this trip...so we can keep up with Cityville...ha ha! Don't want those crops to rot! I'll try to blog our activities every once in awhile. We'll be taking pictures with our iPhones...no toting cameras this time.

We are going to get butter beers at Harry Potter world and I may spring for a wand from Olivanders for Sandy. She could use one I'm sure.

The new RV is safely parked in Jean's driveway. We had one little "incident" when Sandy got the cord for the awning jammed up in the works and we couldn't put it up or down. It was stuck part way open. She agonized over it all night, but the next day we heard that a lot of people with RVs have done similar things with their awnings and we got lots of suggestions. One of them worked. YAY! So now we know what to do.

We took the rig out Friday night to the Crystal Mall. Sandy wanted us to practice driving in parking lots. Well, all she did was drive it to the Mall, pull into two parking spaces (to see how much room it takes up and to see if she could get it between the lines. Then she turned the reins over to me. I too, pulled into a parking spot...coming closer to perfect than she did (polishing my nails now) and then I showed off by driving it down the aisle in the parking lot and making the tight turn at the end of the row into the adjacent row. Sandy was impressed. She did not want to try it.

We are planning our first trip-on Easter weekend to the Chester Fairgrounds for our agility club's trial. We'll park there near our other RV buddies, who will be available to help if we have problems. They expect us to conduct tours of the new "home" and told us they also expect us to make them a lobster dinner! WHAT?!

We are going to get an estimate of how much it will cost to have a paved "pad" put in our yard off the driveway for the RV, so we can keep it here. When we get back from Florida I'll call the guy who did our driveway in Norwich. He did a good job on that and on sealing our current driveway, without gouging us like some of the other guys around here.

We still can't believe that we have the RV...it's like a dream. I think after we take a trip or two it will sink in. And it will be fun.

Okay...I'm going to bite the bullet and call about that damned CT scan again. Wish me luck!

Later!