GRANDPARENTING ADVENTURES

If there is anything in this world that does not change; it is that time keeps marching on! Sound like a country song? It seems the days blend together and before I realize it, another week has passed.

 Cheryl and I have been living a routine lifestyle for the past year. Of course, it began with my recovery period from surgery; it seems we became used to staying in one place. Our willingness to remain anchored grew as we decided to help out our son and daughter-in-law by watching our grandson during the week while they work. Naturally, we became attached to this special little guy and enjoy having him around, but it has inhibited our travel plans somewhat. We would gladly bring him along with us, but then his mom and dad would miss him for days, if not weeks at a time!

 The changes that we are experiencing in our lives seem not to be uncommon. Every time I read my favorite RV blogs, there appear to be more fellow RVers leaving the full-time RV lifestyle. There are a few who have purchased traditional "sticks and bricks" houses and sold their RV homes. Some have downsized their RVs and bought a house, with the intention of not giving up traveling in the RV altogether.

 We have been considering how to manage our change in lifestyle. One option is to find a suitable house, sell the motorhome and buy a nice "class-c" RV for traveling part-time. If we chose this avenue, the best of both lifestyles would be possible.

 When we first started our full-time adventure, we intended to travel as much as possible; then purchase some land near our family and "slow down." This plan now seems less enticing, but still an option.

 Our lack of direction has left us planning for more traveling, and delaying the final decision. We will probably keep procrastinating until my "old eyes" cannot see the road well enough to travel any longer!

 In conclusion, I leave you with this advice; if you see this grey haired old guy driving a 40-foot motorhome on the interstate, find an exit!

LIFE FOREVER CHANGING

It has indeed been a while since writing a blog post! What has been happening with Don and Cheryl? Life has been happening! We have experienced a lot of changes over the past couple of years.

 At first, my only excuse for not writing was laziness and lack of anything to write. Since my last post, we have taken trips to Lookout Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gulf Shores and Red Bay Alabama; then our lives took a somewhat expected, yet traumatic turn!

Early in my life, doctors who treated me would hear a mild heart murmur. I finally visited a Cardiologist in 2001 and was promptly diagnosed with early stages of aortic valve stenosis. It was mild at this point; he told me we would follow up regularly. The "follow up strategy" continued until November 2016.

Upon reviews of the last echocardiograms and ultrasounds, my Cardiologist prognosis was that I needed aortic valve replacement surgery. He also recommended it happen sooner than later!  I was shocked by his conclusion, although not unexpected, my aortic valve was failing to do its job! My initial reaction was, "maybe after the Escapees RV Rally"! Amazing how the mind works when in shock!

I quickly discovered, waiting was not going to be possible. The simple task of rising from a chair, walking outside the coach had become difficult and left me short of breath. After consulting with one of the best heart surgeons in Louisiana, we scheduled the surgery for January 31, 2017.

My surgery was successful with no problems (at least I was informed of any). There was a slight problem in ICU with AFIB, but thanks to the efficient nursing staff and an excellent heart surgeon I survived!

My recovery was reasonably quick, thanks to Cardio rehabilitation. Six months after my heart surgery, our adventures on the road continued sporadically. Our first trip was to Red Bay Alabama; we finally had the motorhome remodeled as we planned before the operation!

We are now making preparations for a short stay at Gulf Shores Alabama in June. After a little time with family at the beach, we may head to South Carolina to visit with more family. We hope to increase our trips gradually and increase my blog post as well.