Driving again

I finally got Steve to bring back my truck today. He had left his car here earlier in the week and I didn't want the keys - I've never driven it and recovering from eye surgery isn't the time to get comfortable driving something new. I almost got worried that my kids were conspiring to keep my keys, but they wouldn't dare!

I needed some prescriptions refilled so I drove about a mile to Bel Air supermarket, and picked up a few goodies while I was there. I parked in the back of the lot where I could take up two spaces and didn't have any problems, although I wouldn't want to drive very far or into unfamiliar territory. I can tell my eyes are getting better little by little, even though I have a ways to go.

Jeannie bought me a rice cooker as a housewarming gift, and I just made the perfect batch of rice! I have a craving for fried rice and I'm now frying the bacon for it. I've tried making it with pork as well as chicken, but I don't think anything beats bacon fried rice. I will be very careful when I save the grease and put it into the fridge.

Steve is still getting phone calls about the truck. I could sell it in a heartbeat if I was so inclined. A lot of guys want an F-350 with duallies and an extended cab/long bed. I got it (plus boot brushes on the running boards) and I ain't letting it go, at least for now.

Things are looking better

I was so glad to see the eye surgeon today. He is wonderful and inspires confidence and hope. According to him, my eye is fine although still a bit swollen. He gave me 3 different eye drops to use, and I will go back for my next follow up on June 10. As for driving, he thinks I can drive as soon as I feel confident about it, but to avoid night time driving. One thing I really like about him is that even when his waiting room is full, he will give you the time you need. So while I sometimes get aggravated at the long wait, I am grateful he doesn't rush me out. He has been doing eye surgery for 30 years, as his father did before him, and I couldn't feel any better about the care I'm getting. My visit today took a little over an hour, which is some kind of record for me.

I haven't heard from Steve today, so I don't know if the RV dealer ever showed up or if the couple who looked at the RV yesterday has called about it. With a purchase that major I would be surprised if they don't look around some and weigh their options carefully.

I put a lot of things away that I brought from the rig yesterday, but still have bags and boxes sitting around waiting for me to do something. Today was doctor day so I don't feel like doing much of anything else. I notice that I can deal with one major thing or outing each day, but let the rest go until tomorrow or next week! I definitely need a bookshelf and a small computer desk which would bring much needed order to the apartment.

I mailed off my volunteer agreement this morning, so Lassen will be waiting for me on July 1.

A little action

Today was a busy day with the RV. Steve got so many calls from guys wanting to buy the truck - many offering cash on the spot. So he re-wrote the ad, indicating that it was the RV for sale and that the seller would consider selling both as a package, or the RV by itself. A number of dealers have called, including one who wants to view the 5th wheel tomorrow, so Steve and I went over this afternoon to try to get most of my junk out of it, and to clean it up a bit.

While we were working he got a call from a woman who wanted to come over to see it as soon as her husband could join her. We rushed and just about had everything looking spiffy when they arrived. They really seemed impressed and eager, so after spending some time looking at it they returned home to see what kind of cash they can come up with. They discussed price with Steve - I tried to stay busy taking bags out to the truck, but talking to them and answering questions when I could. I think they have a good idea what my bottom line will be. I have set the price to sell quickly, and I consider it a fair price. I would come down by a small amount but not by much, and I am adamant about it. I will come down by the lowest amount I think it would cost me to have the rig recaulked. Although Joe and Donald are willing and capable of doing it, it would take both of them a couple of full days, if not more. I just want a quick sale and am willing to make an adjustment.

It's ironic that now it is all clean and empty of clutter, how beautiful it really is and how I can see that so plainly now. I always knew it, but then I also know every little thing wrong with it. I just want it to be over with soon so I can get on with finding a suitable truck camper. I originally thought I would require "X" number of amenities, but now that I'm looking at only part-time RVing my requirements are a lot less. Most people who buy a TC are probably outdoors people to begin with, and I doubt I will be spending the bulk of my time indoors anyway. I am now dreaming about the visiting the Redwoods and the CA North Coast, maybe Mt. Shasta, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, possibly even Yellowstone. There will be so many more opportunities open to me and I won't have to worry so much about bridge clearances, winding roads, pull through spaces, etc. AND I WILL KEEP MY TRUCK!

I will mail the work agreement to Lassen when I am out tomorrow. My appointment with the eye surgeon was moved up by a couple of hours, which means I will have the entire morning to sit in the waiting room. I'm taking a book I've been wanting to start reading. Steve kept my truck so he can go directly to the storage lot tomorrow, and Jeannie will pick me up for my appointment. She would like to have ordered me not to drive yet but didn't dare, but I decided to wait one more day until I can get an assessment from the doctor. See, I am impatient but I'm not stupid nor do I want to have or cause an accident. I'm actually a pretty smart old lady!

More stuff to find a place for

Steve and I went over to the 5th wheel today to pick up some things I want/need, including my desktop computer and some books. Now I have boxes cluttering up the living room again. At this rate it will be a while before I can post photos, but I did take a couple of the bathroom. The photo below is the only one to come out ok and I didn't have time to fool around with it. After this one, the living room will be the last to photograph.


We decided to advertise the 5ver and truck as is and see what kind of response we got. He emailed me a while ago with the 1st offer, which was very low. The interested party indicated they might go just a bit higher but not much. I will have to think about it - he just wants the 5ver and not the truck, so I would probably buy a truck camper (cabover) and keep my truck. I am giving it a week, and then we will rethink it. With my sight being as it is, and the fact the guys (2 sons and s-i-l) will find it difficult to spare a lot of time to fix it up, I think the best, quickest, and easiest for me is to just sell it as it is.

At least I'm off to a good start.

The Universe is against me driving!

Early this morning when I took the dog out I found my truck was hemmed in by a large F-150 with double cab and huge tires. One of his (or her) tires was the width of one set of my duallies, and the truck sat up much higher off the ground. I admired it going and coming back, and came inside to eat my breakfast before driving to the grocery and my RV storage. It soon occurred to me I wasn't going anywhere as long as that truck was parked next to me. That space is usually empty and I have a difficult time backing up and pulling forward several times, but with a big vehicle parked on my bad side and me with no depth perception I decided not to try. Some force is against me!

This photo doesn't do the truck justice. It was gorgeous!



Jeannie drove over later on and took me to get groceries, but I am bound and determined to go to the RV storage tomorrow. We'll see what is thrown up to block my way.

I've been domestic today

Every now and then even the worst housekeeper has to clean up a little, and I decided to start on it today. I've let things go since my surgery, but enough is enough. I didn't do the floors because I'm obeying the surgeon's orders not to bend or stoop down. I don't have a mop and always clean the kitchen and bathroom floors the old fashioned way - on my hands and knees.

Here is a photo of the kitchen.


I can't tell you how much I enjoy this kitchen. It's roomy enough to move around and prepare meals in, but it's still not overly big. The stove and refrigerator are space savers, and for once I can see the top of the fridge to know when it needs to be wiped off. I still have a few empty drawers and cabinets, but probably that won't last.

I think I've already posted pictures of the bedroom, and when I finally get the boxes emptied and disposed of that are sitting at the end of the couch, I'll take a picture of the living room. I do have just a little bit of pride, you know.

When I do any cleaning at all you know I am bored, and today is no exception. I can't stand not being able to drive, or rather, being cautious about driving. I need to go to the grocery, but I am going to wait until I can drive myself. Independence rocks, and I'm ready to start rockin' and rollin' again!

Giving up the keys

The Sacramento Bee had an article today about when it comes time to give up your car keys, and featured a local woman who said, "I gave up smoking; I gave up drinking; I gave up men; the hardest thing I ever gave up was my car keys". It's a scary thought, but it will happen to all of us someday. That puts some pressure on a person to get out there and do all the driving they can for as long as they can. I thought I would be back in the driver's seat by now, but I'm sure not ready yet.

I spent the day at Jeannie's house, watching the girls while she and Donald began cleaning the garage. They still have a long way to go. The girls are so sweet and easy to look after, although the little one sure gets around quickly.

I was up very early this morning - Jeannie picked me up at 7:15, so I'm going to turn in early tonight and stay in bed a little longer tomorrow morning - IF Lady lets me.