Happy Thursday

Sitting in the office this morning in the warm sunshine.  It's fun watching the golfers and all of the golf carts.  Sometimes we get lucky and see some local cranes!  It's very appropriate because the main road into Quail Meadow is named Crane Creek Road!

Momma crane and three offspring - sorry about the screen!  

Cranes and palm trees - still sorry about the screen!

Hutchinson

A beautiful day for a drive - so we took our very favorite route - Hutchinson Island!  We stopped and admired the ocean at Jensen Beach, another favorite.  The surf was really pounding with the full force of nature.  The red flags were flying, so the public was not allowed in the water - but there were many many beach sitters enjoying the sun and sand.  One young woman spoke to the Lifeguard and got permission to try surfing - she seemed to be somewhat of an expert - so she was the only person in the water.  It was fun to watch her.  I love this place!

Over the bridge at the end of the Island in Fort Pierce is the Captain's Galley - perfect for lunch!  And then we drove home past the Manatee Center, another favorite!  What a gorgeous day.

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11/12/2014	You found  KB Park		Visit Log
We can't compete with the cuteness of the previous finders but we did find the cache and sign the log book. Thanks DanVero for placing and maintaining these caches in the area. We ran out of time today but the others give us another reason to drive over here and enjoy the scenery.
11/12/2014	You found COCONUTS!		Visit Log
We just drove down here from Traverse City in Michigan to escape winter and enjoy the sun. We love our Lake Michigan, no sharks, no salt, but we'd rather wade and swim in the water instead of walking or skating on it. As soon as we got settled into our Palm City condo we came over to Hutchinson to enjoy the views. This cache is one of the reasons we became addicted to this activity. Truly, were it not for Geocaching, we would never have known that this beach access existed. We were the only ones in the parking lot today as we signed the log and replaced the container as found. Also, this is the first time we've see this neat and inexpensive method of keeping the contents dry. TFTC
11/12/2014	You found  PSL – to Jensen Beach – It’s Just “BEACHIE”		Visit Log
We scooted out of Michigan last week just ahead of winter and moved into our Palm City condo. After unpacking and getting settled, we had to come over and make sure there is still an ocean out there. This is our favorite viewing park and lo and behold, just to add to our pleasure, there is a new cache here. We invited some friends to come down but they just sent us this message; It’s Winter in Michigan And the gentle breezes blow. Seventy miles an hour, At thirty-five below. Oh how I love Michigan When the snow’s up to your butt. You take a breath of winter air And your nose gets frozen shut. Yes, weather here is wonderful, So I guess I’ll hang around. I could never leave Michigan ‘Cause I’m frozen to the ground! After waiting out two cars of muggles, we signed the log, took the pic and replaced as found. TFTC Mrs. Bend with the bison tube
11/12/2014	You found  Where The Sidewalk Ends		Visit Log
The Basswood Bend snowbirds have just escaped the ice and snow of northern Michigan and landed in Palm City for the winter. A glance at the iPad showed that this cache was just across the green from our condo. As part of a morning walk, the cache was grabbed, log signed, and replaced as found. Thanks gettinlate for gettin me off my rump and out for a stroll this morning.

Dr. Vickers and the Veterans Day Parade

When I was a child, it was called Armistice Day:

Armistice Day (which coincides with Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, public holidays) is commemorated every year on 11 November to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. While this official date to mark the end of the war reflects the ceasefire on the Western Front, hostilities continued in other regions, especially across the former Russian Empire and in parts of the old Ottoman Empire.

My parents always referred to November 11 as Armistice Day - and I still think of it that way, although the name Veterans Day has been in use for decades!  Old habits die hard.

This morning in Stuart they had the annual Veterans Day Parade.  It lines up right near the hospital and doctors offices - a crazy traffic situation.  I had my first appointment at 10 a.m. with my new Florida nephrologist, Dr. Jean Vickers.  It was so interesting, because the parade was forming less than a block away, right outside our window!  It was really funny when she was trying to check my pulse with the persistent loud drumbeat coming at us - we just had to giggle.  Dr. Vickers is young, funny, peppy, knowledgeable, interesting, helpful and compassionate.  She spent an hour talking to me, and I was very impressed.  I'm having a paracentesis next Monday, and doing a holter monitor thingy starting Friday morning.  I also have a couple of new prescriptions.  Hooray for the medical profession!

Ocala

The nicest motel so far.  Comfort Inn and Suites - every room is a suite.  It's a very lovely place.  It was full, but actually very quiet and peaceful, just what we needed!

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11/07/2014	You found  Don't feed the bisons		Visit Log
We are a couple of snowbirds on our way south for the winter. We made the mistake of hitting Atlanta during rush hour and, although we vowed to cross the line into the Sunshine State by evening, we were running out of both daylight and energy by the time we reached Ocala. We actually landed the last double at the motel where we stopped. This morning we launched our Florida stay with this find. Thanks for starting us off with a smiley.

Dalton, Georgia

We've stayed at this Comfort Inn before.  It is in a beautiful setting.  Nice view out of our window.

The blue dot is the back of my iPhone!

Dalton is a city in Whitfield County, Georgia, United States. It is the county seat of Whitfield County^[3] and the principal city of the Dalton, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Murray and Whitfield counties. The MSA received national attention throughout the "Great Recession" as having one of the highest unemployment rates in the United States. The rate remains at 11.9% as of January 2013. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 33,128, with the total metropolitan area having a population of 142,227.^[4] Dalton is located just off Interstate 75 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest Georgia and is the second largest city in northwest Georgia, after Rome. Dalton is home to many of the nation's floorcovering manufacturers. Dalton has many historic houses, landmarks and a rich Civil War history. Dalton is home to the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center which showcases the Georgia Athletic Coaches' Hall of Fame and holds events year round.

Dalton, Georgia, was named for Gen. Tristram Dalton of Massachusetts

11/06/2014	You found  NWGTCC		Visit Log
A couple of Wolverines on our way to our Florida condo for the winter spent the night in the motel down the hill. I needed to stretch my legs and saw there was a cache only 2 tenths of a mile away. A look at the climb or hike changed my mind so we drove up to find it on the way to dinner. Signed the log, managed to get it back in the container and returned it to its hiding spot. TFTC
11/06/2014	You found  SEWER WATER II		Visit Log
A couple of Snowbirds fleeing the cold stopped for lunch on the trip south. After a fine meal, we checked for nearby caches and saw one within 100 feet of the car. Can't pass that up. Made the find, signed the log and replaced in its cool hiding spot. TFTC

At Last

We are not in Florida yet - but we're on the way.  Spending the night here in Dry Ridge, Kentucky.  The river house is locked and empty, and our belongings are all in storage for the winter. 

 We spoke to the builder of our TC condo, and he thinks that they might have the roof on it in a week or so.  They are making progress, but of course timely completion depends on the weather more than anything at this point. 

 The move was tiring, but we did hire very efficient packers and movers, and also a couple of maids to collect all the dust that had accumulated under some of our furniture!  It all went smoothly, and after the long delays we experienced, we were very ready to have it done at last!  That was our yesterday!

After locking the house we headed for Belleville, where we went to the monthly 

Belleville retired teachers breakfast this morning.  So we got good hugs and well wishes from everybody,  and began our trek south. 

We haven't connected with many people in Palm City enough to call them friends.  We do know all of our close neighbors, and of course we connect with Laurie and Chip's friends too.  All good things will come in time.  We also see several Michigan friends who are down there - meeting for lunch, etc. Also, we have met a lot of people through our hobby of geocaching - enough for a hug and a handshake :)

The community now known as Dry Ridge was settled about 1792 as Campbell's Station near a spring said to have medicinal qualities.

A post office called Dry Ridge was established in 1815 at an inn. Dry Ridge takes its name from a ridge surrounded by inns where travelers stopped for water before proceeding.

The Gods Are Angry

Something we have done in our lives has really angered the gods.

 Our first clue was the low ball sale of our property.  That was followed by the delay of a whole year waiting for ground to be broken for our new condo.

I guess the next major occurrence was the failure of our dryer, resulting in six weeks of not being able to do laundry at home for reasons too numerous to mention.  The dryer failure was closely followed by the breakdown of the dishwasher.  This resulted in 2 weeks of paper plates and washing dishes by hand.  Then we were presented with a huge dishwasher repair bill, which if we had been informed of the amount, we would have just bought a new dishwasher.  That's enough proof of angry gods.

  But wait.  The day before yesterday, the garbage disposer backed up.  Dick had to go under the sink, take the pipes apart and clear everything out.  At least it was a quick fix, and no repair bill, but still...

This morning at 2:30, our furnace quit working.  We have sold our house, and the movers are coming tomorrow - what exquisite timing.  Fortunately Team Bob is available on short notice on Sunday.  The repairman is here now.  The new motor plus service call is $709.  I can't even believe it!  Knock me over with a feather.

 Yesterday I said that we are finally on top of everything.  Pride goeth before a fall.  So somehow we have angered the gods mightily - and I haven't even brought up the bad medical diagnosis and the broken down tractor.  So, we're very sorry for whatever we did, angry gods.  Enough already?

Game Day

As far as packing for our Big Move, we finally feel like we're on top of things.  We have done everything possible that we can think of to do - the car is all packed for Florida, and we're in good shape in the house.

 From here on in, we are depending on the folks from Bayside Moving, and our housekeepers Danielle and Brook to tie up all of the loose ends, and clean up an empty house.  From here on until the house is clean, Dick and I are just putzing.

Homecoming:

Johnson, Darboh Break Out; U-M 'D' Wears Down IU for Homecoming Win

11/1/2014

Photos  | Postgame Press Conference 
Drake Johnson ran for 122 yards and two TDs, Amarah Darboh caught nine passes for 107 yards and a score, and the U-M defense kept Indiana to just 24 yards passing while forcing two fumbles in a 34-10 homecoming win.

Meanwhile, in NYC:

Esmertina Bicklesnit

In NY with Tom and Deanna Leist Aliano seeing October in the Chair http://stagebuddy.com/reviews/october-chair-fragile-things

Happy Halloween

Halloween in Palm City :)

We love our nieces - here's another great email:

I wonder if your packing is done. I wonder how you are feeling!  I hope that by now you are more happy that condo construction is under way than sad about leaving your home of so many years.  The Doug Steiger families and John Lichtenberg clan have such special memories from Basswood Bend.  Thank you for sharing it with us for so many years.  

I think that your departure date is November 1.  Safe travels to you!  Enjoy sunshine and being close to Laurie, Chip, and Dylan.  We'll see you in the summer.

With love,

Susan

Thank you Barb, Sharon and Susan :)

Reflections

Reflections upon packing everything we own:

1. We have toted many, many bags of trash out of the house.  It's mostly things that have outlived their usefulness, are expired, really old, or just not worth keeping.

2.  We have toted many, many bags of recycling out of the house as well.  The recycling bags fill up every day - it's so astonishing and incredible - our version of shock and awe.

3.  We have donated over a thousand dollars worth of items to the Women's Resource Center and to Goodwill over the past few weeks.  Clothing, sports equipment, bicycles, helmets, household items, dishes, coffee mugs, and so on and so on!  Whew!  But it does ease the guilt of getting rid of things.

4.  I have learned that I have too many things that are precious to me.  There are some things that I just cannot part with - most especially old letters, my fat lady sculpture, and a teddy bear.

5.  Even though I have gradually been getting rid of old clothes for months now, I still have way, way too many clothes.  It's very hard to choose what goes into storage, what goes to Florida, what I will wear on the road south.  I change my mind every day.

6.  Adam, Barb and Chris have really helped us clear things out.  Adam has really helped Dick with the barns, and with storing some things for us.  Barb has accepted some historic family items from Mother Gen and some other things as well.  Sharon took GenFest items and some pantry things that I'm not allowed to eat!  They've all been so helpful.

7. I'm so glad that we have hired a moving company to take all of our things to storage.  I'm not so sure what we would have done otherwise.

8. We have too much china, too much crystal, and too many everyday dishes.

                                                         ***********

This week we have been working with the vendors for our yet-to-be-built condo. We have seen Deb at Floor Covering Brokers, Erica at Kitchen Choreography, and Beth at Nature's Edge.  We have pretty much finalized all  wood floors, tile, carpeting, counter tops, cabinets, sinks and tubs.

Next project is to select appliances -  refrigerator, stove, micro hood, dishwasher, washer and dryer.  Whew.  We have met with Rebecca at Sears, and with Dave at Max's.  We are leaning strongly toward Max's.  We really like the Frigidaire Gallery series of appliances with the brushed stainless steel (no fingerprints!).

After today, we'll be in T.C. for five more days only.  Our countdown has begun.  I feel like Robert Frost - "And miles to go before I sleep."

Laurie and Chip

Thank you ever so muchly !!

These two have really been working hard in our behalf!

 We wanted new johns in two bathrooms, so they went shopping, hired a plumber, waited around for the plumber to come, and so now we have two new johns!

 Laurie didn't like the blinds in the office, so she went shopping, and now there are new blinds in there!  She also found an office file cabinet - we really did need that!

 Chip didn't like the trash set up in the kitchen, so now we have an under the sink pull out trash bin!  How great is that?

The washer and dryer were sitting on a cement slab, which didn't sit well with Laurie.  Now we have indoor-outdoor tiles in that area, and the tiles are non-skid!  Checking out the installation, Chip discovered a small leak in the hot water line.  So the plumber was called back out, and now we are back in the laundry business!  Wow.

 And that's not even counting the time last summer when Laurie went over to our house and discovered that the AC was not working.  That can be really devastating in humid Florida!  So she called the repairman, and of course had to wait for him to show up and fix the AC.  We feel so super lucky to have these two looking out for us :)

Copper Falls, Tub, Framing

Lunch at Copper Falls for Kathee with the Friday volunteers - Dick Joan, Peggy, Nancy F. and Kay.  It certainly is a lovely place!  The rocks and water right outside the window are really spectacular.

Dick found the whirlpool tub he wants at Lowe's - now he just has to give the make and model number to Brian ant the tub is taken care of.  It's our first upgrade.

Drove past the new condo lot, and discovered that they are setting up the framing for the walls of the lower level!

Hooray for framing!  And the colors aren't bad either.

My heart rate will not calm down.  It's been 130 since the end of lunch 2 1/2 hours ago.  And irregular - don't forget irregular.  This is a totally new symptom for me.

Our Eight Hour Day

Our day was well planned - first the dentist, then the blood test, drop book at library, shop for a jet tub for our new condo, and maybe get lunch somewhere, and then go home and pack some dishes.

Day began at the dentist for the routine 6 month cleaning and check-up.  It was long - she numbed my gums - a new experience - and so the mouth felt weird through the whole thing.  But all is well and I don't go back for another 6 months.  It took one hour and ten minutes.

We were at Thirlby Clinic for a blood draw and a pneumonia shot for Dick.  All I did was to ask if Dr. Burke could fit me in sometime soon for a consultation about my recent elevated heart rate.  After a lengthy discussion with his nurse (Barb) she and Dick convinced me that I should go to the ER.  I kept repeatedly saying I don't want to do that, I really don't want to do that!  I remember going to the ER with Mom a couple of times and remember it being tiring, stressful, frustrating, and lengthy - especially lengthy.

To make a very long story very short, we went to the ER.  We were there for seven (7) (VII) hours!!  We saw Annie, Renee the nurse, Dr. Fowler (I really liked him), Sarah for blood draw, another Sarah for chest x-ray, Megan for another blood draw, Kelly for transport to nuclear med., Molly for the VQ test (?) - it's testing how efficiently your body is delivering oxygen or something - I have to look it up:

[The test is performed in the radiology department of a hospital or in an outpatient facility. You are asked to put on a hospital gown. Once you are ready, multiple pictures of your chest are taken from different angles, using a special camera that detects the radionuclide. For half of these pictures, you are asked to breathe from a tube that has a mixture of air, oxygen, and a slightly radioactive version of a gas called xenon, which can be detected by the camera, and which measures airflow in different parts of the lung. For the other half of the pictures, the camera tracks the injected radionuclide to determine blood flow in different parts of the lung.]

Dick is reading a great book with good stories about growing up in northern Michigan at the turn of the century and beyond.  He kept me entertained reading me some of the best ones.  He had his iPad and I had my phone, and of course there are also magazines around, but it all gets old quickly. Hours
of waiting - but even after infusing 2 liters of saline to increase fluid volume, my pulse was still jumping all around.  I felt fine - not dizzy, didn't feel sick at all - just tired of being there.

Dr. Fowler came in at last and summarized:  kidneys are working well, no pulmonary problems, heart rate is high because of low blood volume - heart has to work harder. Stop taking diuretics.  Drink plenty of fluids and call Dr. Burke in the morning.

Finally, we were free at last.  Had a late dinner at Rico's - we hadn't eaten since breakfast.  Have to check in with Dr. Burke in the morning.

To summarize, today I got 8 hours and ten minutes of medical attention, and all I got out of it was clean teeth.

The most impatient patient.

Dick patiently waiting with the patient who is not very patient!

Dick's reaction when we are finally set free!!!

Rainy Day Tuesday

Met with Beccy, Lynne and Brian this morning to sign the purchase agreement for our soon-to-be-built condo.

We had a very productive meeting : altering the floor plan a bit, discussing floors, cabinets, etc. etc. and swapping stories.

 Beccy is the one who keeps us all on track - asks all of the most important questions, and just generally gives us good support.  She is actually looking forward to taking over the planning and implementation of plans while we're in Florida.

We felt good when we left.  Our first assignment is to pick out appliances - make, model numbers, etc. so that Brian can plan accordingly.  Everything is included in our allowances except for the washer and dryer.

We had lunch at the Omelette Shoppe for the first time in ages.  Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries is still the best!

Then Dick got a clean bill of health for another year from Dr. Gillette, so that's another big plus.

Found this video on Facebook, and it just shows why I love that show! :

Columbus Day

Now there is a move abroad to rename the holiday Indigenous Peoples Day.

I think of this every year on Columbus Day:






But this entry on Facebook really made my day!

Bank of Ann Arbor

We will not be closed for Columbus Day today because Columbus is in Ohio.

Babs and Shon

Adam came over this morning with the trailer and cleaned out the barns - hooray - another big job done.  he has been such a big help to us in trying to empty things out.

John and Sharon drove up from Lansing to say good-by to the house and the river.  We had fun visiting, and they helped by carting away some things from our pantry - less for us to deal with!
Barb met us all at Schelde's for brunch, and it was so enjoyable.  The food was delicious, and the conversation was even better.  We had a wonderful time seeing all three of them!  What a terrific day.

In the evening we got a "keeping in touch" phone call from Susan.  She volunteered to come up and help us any time we need help with the packing, sorting, etc.  So far all of our girls (Laurie, Jana, Barb, Sharon, Melanie and Susan have offered to help us out that way.   We're doing OK on our own so far, but we'll see....crunch time is fast approaching!

Sharon sent this email after their visit - it is so thoughtful and sweet - it really touched me:

Hi Uncle Dick and Aunt Nan:

It was so great to visit with you on Sunday.  Thanks again for a delicious brunch and great company.  You both are doing a remarkable job sorting and packing up all of your house.  I know that it has to be a bitter sweet experience, but I am sure it has brought you some smiles, chuckles and great memories as you have uncovered mementos that you didn't even remember than you had.  Your home on the Boardman will always hold wonderful memories for all of us.  We are so grateful for all of the time we were able to spend there.  We were all so lucky that you chose to spend so many years there and include all of our extended family in so many special adventures.

Now you get to make new memories in Florida and eventually in your new condo in TC.  I think you said that today is when you sign the purchase agreement.  Hope that goes well.  I was excited to see the location of your new condo and think it is really a beautiful area and very convenient to get to everything.

Stay in touch and if you need us to come up and help you finish packing, etc. just let me know.

Love, Sharon

Anticipation/ Excavation !

Errands in the morning - fun driving around in our new car!

We went back out to look at our hole in the ground.  Progress has been made, and most of the framing for the footings has been done.  My fingers are crossed for continued fast progress!

And now for something entirely different from MLive.com:

The Wolverines, playing with a tattered offense, clawed and scrapped and fought -- and even limped -- their way out of hell, for now, with an 18-13 win over Penn State. They found out that they can win a football game again. They found out that not quitting was the right move. They found out what leadership means. And, just as important, they found out that -- despite nasty talk of boycotts and protests angeneral rage -- they've still got perhaps the biggest fan base in America supporting them.

Medical Maintenance

Another paracentesis, this one ordered by Dr. Barnes, to be followed by an infusion of albumin.  I'll have to look that up. (Tech Natalie, Dr. Space )  We were at the hospital at 7:45, and we were all finished by 11:30, so it wasn't so bad.

Dick is so great - he very patiently waits with me, reads his book, and is just generally available for conversation or whatever.

At the Infusion Clinic


Followed by lunch at Bubba's :)

Some News is Bad News

This feels like being dismissed, or maybe just dissed.

 My oncologist says that he's not my most important doctor at this point.  According to him, the cancer is not the biggest problem.  Evidently, the liver disease and the failing kidneys are much more important.  He says that any treatment he could prescribe to shrink the cancer could not be done because of damage that might be done to the liver and kidneys.  He has no alternatives, and I won't see him again until we get back to TC next year.   The kidneys were damaged because of paracentesis = evidently removing a lot of fluid can damage the kidneys.  In the future they can only remove 2 or 3 liters at a time, followed by a shot of albumin - not sure why.

 Thankfully I have a nephrologist and a gastro-enterologist to turn to, in addition to good old Dr. Burke.  The nephrologist's office is helping me contact a Dr. in Florida.

We continue to be discouraged, disheartened, disgusted and disillusioned by the Michigan football program.  I never thought I would see the day when that program would be so undeserving of respect .... because, after all, "It's Great To Be a Michigan Wolverine."

Oh Happy Day!

This is the day we've been waiting for for an entire year!

 Ground has been broken at 4113 Lone Pine Drive.  Hallelujah !

 Of course there's no telling how much they will be able to complete before bad weather arrives - but at least we know that all of the permits are in place, and plans are underway!  Such good news...and such a relief!

It will not change our plans to leave TC on Nov. 4 for Florida.  But we may actually have a place to come home to next spring.

                                                         **************************

Michigan Relinquishes Little Brown Jug to Gophers

Michigan opened the scoring on a 10-yard touchdown rush by De'Veon Smith, but Minnesota answered with 30 straight points to take back the Little Brown Jug in a 30-14 final.

CARS

The 1936 rogue standing by the 2015 Rogue.  

Farewell Jeepie!  You were a ton of fun.  Farewell good old dependable RAV4 also.

Happy Birthday Ricardo !

So, we are getting a new car!  Turned in our jeep today - Rav tomorrow we hope.  We're getting a Nissan Rogue.  It's black and beautiful.  Pictures later.  Happy Birthday Dick!

But then:

Para..What?...Again?

Munson Ultrasound - Heidi and Dr. Klegman

31 minutes - 8.875 L

So lucky Dick spent part of his birthday in the hospital cafeteria.  Poor guy.

Jana Jana Jana

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANA!   You're not really 48.  You're 39 with nine years experience :)

Michigan Schooner Festival

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Starts September 19, 2014 Ends September 21, 2014

Michigan Schooner Festival 2014

Thank you to all who made this year's Schooner Festival a success! While the weather wasn't as cooperative as it could have been, it was still fun for all. Thank you to all the wonderful presenters, to the crews of the boats who had to endure wind and rain, to the great volunteers.