March 21, 2007
-
Three Days and Counting
We are down to the wire almost. Yesterday was a big packing day for me. I also had a HUGE pile of stuff that was either duplication of things we already had at our Alabama house or (blushing here) clothes that I was no longer able to wear but just hated to give up. I got serious with myself and started really going through them. End result was either a trunkful of stuff for Goodwill or someone from Freecycle. Freecycle won.
I emailed this gal that had come to pick up some really good dishes, crystal, pots and pans and other household items for her brother and his family. He had taken a civilian job in Columbia after retiring from the Army. He and his family were only there a short time before he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer. To receive the medical care he needed, the family had to return to the U.S.A. but couldn’t afford to reship all their household items. They could only take what they were allowed on the plane.
Needless to say, Freecycle helped furnish their home and they were sadly lacking a lot of things other than essentials. I was told the sister-in-law cried when she got all the stuff I sent to her. The dish set alone had all the goodies that go with it, including matching coasters, casserole, lasagna pan, etc. etc.
The gal came over within 45 minutes and took everything I had, including the clothes. She not only saved me the trip to Goodwill but I know that anything they do not use will go to someone else in the Freecycle group. Bless you Michelle.
The Beast and I were concerned that we might not make our self-appointed deadline but, now that all the excess stuff is gone, I could do a more honest appraisal and we will make it easily. Friday morning we will do the final loading of the trailer (it’s more than half packed already) and we will hit the road on Saturday morning sometime. We only hope to make it as far as Valdosta the first day (we no longer drive to exhaustion now that we are older and wiser) but will still make it to NE Alabama and our home on Sunday afternoon. All without killing ourselves (grin).
One scary thing happened a couple days ago. Sister #3′s significant other (they’ve been together over 20 years now and are more married than some married people I know) recently had some hair-raising back surgery. He actually had two spinal discs CHISELED out and replaced with titanium disks or some such metal. I read enough about what was done to be scared to death for him and know more than I ever wanted about it. He was doing wonderful (I spent four days with them shortly after he came home from the hospital and was amazed). Then, on Sunday morning, the incision was inflamed and oozing a watery pus. His temperature had dropped and he was only semi-lucid. He refused to let my sister call 9-1-1 (they won’t take a patient that refuses service) so she tried squeezing some of the liquid, cleaned it off with alcohol and put some antibiotic ointment on it. Monday morning she got ahold of the doctors office and he told them to come right in so he could check it out.
Turns out it was NOT really unusual for it to happen. The doctor squeezed more of the fluid out, cleaned it up, bandaged it and sent them home with a prescription for antibiotics. After just two days, it’s looking much better and he’s back on the road to recovery. At his age (in his 70′s now), you worry about everything that happens to them. My sister would be a lost soul without him, too, I think.
Today I get the results of my neuropathy test and my prescription, I am sure. A break in the routine we’ve had going but I’m sure I will be glad to get out in the sunshine for a bit. I’m getting a bit sick of being indoors when the weather here has turned to the good. It will be Takeout Food Time after today because the kitchen gets packed up and the fridge cleaned out. Garbage and recycling day is Thursday and the Beast will not want to make a run to the dump before leaving unless absolutely necessary. On Thursday, he will mow our yard for the last time. After that, the riding mower goes to our neighbor. He sold it to him at a good price (it’s less than a year old and works like a champ) and the neighbor is going to keep the lawn cut until the house sells. Good deal for everyone. The neighbor is semi-retired and has the time.
Not sure when I will be able to add another entry. Might not until we actually get to the Alabama house but I’m sure the trip itself will be an adventure. As a diabetic, I need regular meals. As a MAN, my hubby could get by on snacking items (nuts, chips, cookies, milk, Cheesit’s) so I am glad we have our cell phones. If he goes too long, I call him and tell him “IT’S TIME!” and he grudgingly stops somewhere. I love the roadside signs we have here in Florida aloong our interstates. Before each exit, it has signs that tell you what food restaurants are coming up. Makes it very nice if you want a Micky D’s, Denny’s or something nicer…..TGIFridas, Olive Garden or Ruby Tuesday’s for example.
Once we are on the road, it will be a relief from all this damn packing.
Have a great day!
