January 29, 2005

January 29, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre & Livingston, Texas

DAY 225

 

Today was cloudy and cool.

I got up early this morning, and fulfilled Joanne's birthday request for a pancake breakfast this morning. What a good husband I am, n'est-ce pas ? After breakfast, I went to Arley's trailer to continue reprogramming numbers in his voice activated telephone. That took up the balance of the morning. I added some numbers, and had to review and identify all the numbers in the system, so that the mystery numbers, disconnected numbers, and numbers of dead people could be identified and deleted. Given that Arley is blind, and his record keeping is somewhat lacking, this was quite a task. Plus, he keeps the temperature inside his trailer set at 80° . Sheesh !

This afternoon, Bo and I did another obedience session, the second with the choker, and in the Centre's empty parking lot, without the distractions of people, dogs, rabbits, etc.. With the choker, and without distractions, we're finally making progress. Late last night, while out for his bed time walk, he took off after a little bunny. I just about sprained my thumb hitting the retractable leash brake. Gee, he's fast !

I spent the latter part of the afternoon working on the equipment inventory in the Centre, with Joanne assisting me. What a good wife she is, n'est-ce pas ? I finished everything inside the C.A.R.E. Centre main building, which is a logical place for me to leave this task. Hallelujah !

Tonight we went to Livingston for Joanne's birthday dinner, at Pueblo Viejo, which translates from Spanish as Old House. It was a very authentic Mexican restaurant, as opposed to Tex-Mex like Texas Pepper where we went with Rodney last week. The interior walls of Pueblo Viejo were fluorescent lime green stucco. Our waiter, Ringo Ramito Solis, came from Guadalajara, Mexico, two years ago. Joanne got drunk on one Raspberry Margarita. Admittedly, it was a very huge Margarita. Since Polk County, where we are located, is a dry county, one must be a "member" of the restaurant's "private members club" to order a drink. A "membership" normally costs $5.00, but when Ringo found out we were Canadian, he went off to talk to the restaurant management, then came back with a "free" membership, and our drinks. He asked us for a Canadian dollar as a souvenir. We didn't have one with us, but will be happy to bring him a Loonie on Monday as we are leaving Livingston. We had some difficulty understanding his Mexican accented English, and he had some difficulty understanding our Canadian accented English.

DSK

January 28, 2005

January 28, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre & Livingston, Texas

DAY 224

 

Happy Birthday, Joanne

 

Today started out cold and raining heavily. I got out of bed to go walk Ginger, then Bo, in the cold rain, then crawled back into bed soaking wet and cold. I fell asleep again and stayed in bed under the warm covers until 11:00 A.M..

I have been trying to avoid the Centre, and the petty politics within, during regular business hours. I've been fairly successful, but today I got nabbed by Carol while I was in the Centre for just a minute. She wanted to "discuss" what's going to happen to Rodney's dog Ginger after we leave here on Monday. I've been trying to avoid that discussion because we don't agree on the subject. She's determined to see Rodney get rid of Ginger, and I'm determined to see that Rodney gets to keep Ginger. For at least the short term foreseeable future, the score is me ; 1, and Carol ; zero ! We have arranged for another volunteer to walk Ginger every morning, and set up a tie out for Rodney to put Ginger outside the motorhome every evening for ten minutes or so.

When Joanne went to work on supper preparations at 2:00 P.M., I headed into Livingston. I found the local pet supply store, and bought a training collar / choke chain for Bo. I've been trying to accomplish formal obedience training with Bo without using a choker, but it's so difficult to get his attention and keep him focussed, I've decided to give in and try using a choker. I wish they had never been called chokers or choke chains. The more appropriate name for them is training collars. They are so often misused, and calling them chokers just adds to the misperceptions of how they are to be used correctly. Anyways, we had a training session this afternoon using the "choker", and it went well. Bo is so small, I have to be very careful to give only very gentle corrections, but it was the same with Nikki. After the pet supply store I went to Wal-Mart and bought Joanne a birthday cake in their bakery. Here in the U.S., the Wal-Mart stores include full line grocery stores within. From Wal-Mart, on to the Post Office to see if the last piece of mail we're expecting here in Livingston had arrived yet. It still had not arrived. That means we're going to have to go into Livingston Monday morning, on our way out of here, towing the trailer. I'll have to park the rig in a shopping mall nearby and walk tothe Post Office. It's not possible to get into the Post Office's parking lot with the truck and trailer.

When I returned to the trailer, Lorri phoned to wish Joanne a Happy Birthday. I worked out a plan with Madeleine and Amelia to phone this evening, and while they sang Happy Birthday to Aunt Joanne, I rushed the hidden birthday cake out of its hiding spot and lit the candle on the cake. By the time the nieces were finished singing Happy Birthday, ( one after another ! ), the cake was ready for Aunt Joanne's wish, and the blowing out of the candle. I only had one candle, and that one was recycled. HA HA HA ... it was the candle I kept from my 50th birthday cake. I don't know why yet, but the phone call from the little nieces was made while they were inside The Bay, shopping. I can sort of imagine the scene inside the department store. " Mommy, Mommy ... it's 7:30 ... we have to phone Aunt Joanne now ! ! ! "

Just before dinner, I went into the Centre and worked for an hour on the equipment inventory. A little bit more this weekend, and I'll quit at some logical point. Let the next stooge pick it up from where I leave off. I loudly sang Happy Birthday to Joanne in the dining room just as she finished serving dinner to the participants, before serving herself and me. Many of the participants wished her a Happy Birthday, and one even had bought her a card. We like most of the participants, and most of them like us. If it weren't for the petty politics and power mongering going on here, this would be a really great place.

DSK

January 27, 2005

January 27, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre & Livingston, Texas

DAY 223

 

Today started cloudy and cool, and by evening it was raining. Of course, the "powers that be" would not permit our Lake Livingston State Park outing. It's either too cold, or too hot, or too windy, or too sunny, or too cloudy, or ... ! Maybe when hell freezes over !

I spent most of the morning at Arley's, working a little bit on reprogramming of his TV satellite channel selections, and mostly working on reprogramming his speaker phone with voice activated dialer. He needed some phone numbers deleted, some added, and some changed. What a piece of junk ! I guess voice recognition technology was quite poor just a few years ago.

After lunch I worked on draining and disinfecting our fresh water tank. I do this task every three months. Drain the tank, pour in a few cups of bleach, fill the tank, run the bleach solution through the cold water lines. Let it sit. Run hot water until the bleach solution fills the hot water tank. Let it sit. Tomorrow I'll drain the lines, the hot water tank, and the fresh water tank, then flush and refill.

After that task, we drove into Livingston for chores and shopping. On the way in, we stopped at a local flea market / garage sale / junk dealer, looking for a toaster and a small vaccuum. What a lot of worthless junk in that place ! We bought a toaster and a vaccuum at Wal-Mart later. After the junk dealer, we stopped at the local RV supply place for an interior light lens for the trailer. They didn't have what I needed. Zero for two ! On to the Post Office to see if the last piece of mail I'm expecting in Livingston had arrived. It had not. Zero for three. Out of town to the west, and down Hwy. 190 a few miles to check out a restaurant, to see whether it's an okay place for Joanne's birthday dinner on Saturday. Her birthday is tomorrow, but we can't go for dinner tomorrow. She's making dinner for the Centre tomorrow. It was fine. We'll go there Saturday evening and celebrate her birthday. A Mexican restaurant. An enchiladas and margaritas kind of place. The Eiffel Tower it ain't ! Finally, Wal-Mart. Toaster, little vaccuum, groceries, head for home.

I unloaded and put away the groceries and supplies, while Joanne went to visit Arley before supper. She needed to help him prepare a mail order for some clothing. I napped with Bo.

After supper, we watched part of this week's episode of Apprentice. Then I walked Ginger in the cold rain. Neither of us liked it much. I spent a long evening working on 2004 investments analysis.

DSK

January 26, 2005

January 26, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre & Livingston, Texas

DAY 222

 

Today was another beautiful day. When we drove through town early this afternoon, the temperature display on the bank read 78° .

Today was one of the more satisfying days of our time here at C.A.R.E.. We spent the day doing things for participants that actually had some impact on their well being and welfare. Of course, every thing we did today was behind of the backs of the Centre's administrators. I started with my dog nail clipping clinic. I was going to conduct this clinic at a preset time, in the parking lot, but that proved impractical, so I just went from rig to rig of the people who expressed a desire / need to have their dog's nails clipped. I started with Rudy's dog Cody ( fat stupid dog ! ). No problem, Cody flips over on his back to have his ample belly rubbed whenever I approach him. OK ... rub, rub, clip ... rub, rub, clip. Next it was over Warren and his fat lab, Sheila. These old folks must be feeding their dogs a bit too much ! Sheila was jumping all over me until Warren put a hand gently on her head, and she calmed right down and sat still while I clipped her nails. Another one, no problem.

I diverted over to Arley's, because Joanne was going over to see him about something, and she had asked me to come over and attempt to reprogram Arley's TV satellite channel selections for him. Well ... OK ... an hour and a half later, I managed to finish deleting the 2 channels he wanted deleted. A manual would have helped. They sure don't make electronics very intuitive to work with these days.

By then it was noon, and time to head into town with Rodney, for lunch at Texas Pepper. Rodney had presented us with a gift certificate to this restaurant a week or so ago, in appreciation for walking Ginger 3 times a day for him. We had an excellent lunch in this Tex-Mex restaurant. Over lunch, we discussed how best to have Ginger's needs attended to after Joanne and I are gone. We don't want to involve the Centre in these discussions, because they will just "strong arm" Rodney into parking Ginger at a kennel, as they did before Christmas. At Rodney's urging, starting about a week ago, we changed from walking Ginger three times a day, down to twice a day. Rodney thought that if Ginger could be conditioned to needing to go out only twice a day, it would make things easier all around. With only one "accident", the very first day, Ginger has adapted. So ... we are going to ask one of the semi-permanent volunteers, who has three dogs of her own, if she will undertake to walk Ginger every morning. Rodney has difficulty with the coolness of the mornings. For Ginger's evening outing, I proposed Rodney put her out, outside the rig, on a tie-out, and just leave her outside for 5 or 10 minutes. He thought that was probably workable, so as soon as we returned, I set up a tie out outside his motorhome for Ginger. I gave him a nylon tie-out that we had, which is obviously of no use to us with Bo. He's already chewed through a nylon tie-out ... twice ! We bought a chain tie-out for Bo. I checked Ginger's nails, but they didn't need clipping. The groomer we took him to a few weeks ago must have done it when she gave him a haircut.

Mary Lu, who has three dogs, and had expressed a desire to have their nails clipped, changed her mind, so it was on to Jan, and her Dachshund, Jazzy. Gee ... Jazzy's nails must have been an inch long ! Jan said she hasn't been able to cut Jazzy's nails without the help of her husband. I think he died about three years ago ! I wonder if it's possible Jazzy's nails haven't been clipped in all that time ? Anyways, Jazzy was another no problem clipping. When I finished with the dog, Jan asked me if I could try to solve a car problem she was having. She had recently had an oil change, and since then, she has had a dashboard "problem light" showing. I checked the light, and it was some sort of strange symbol that if I used a lot of imagination, might resemble a radiator with low fluid. Why don't they just print "check coolant" or something other than these hieroglyphic symbols ? I topped up her coolant level, and her dash light problem was gone. She thinks I'm a hero ! Magic performer, travelogue slide show presenter, dog nail clipper, and car repairman !

Back to our own trailer, where it was time to give Bo a bath. He was stinking like ... well ... a dog ! This was our first bath for Bo. He behaved very well, although the trailer bathroom is a bit cramped for bathing a dog. Much to our surprise, when he's soaking wet, and all his hair is slicked back and off his face, we realize he looks very much like a Miniature Dachshund. Especially his face and head. We now think he is likely a Yorkshire Terrier crossed with a Miniature Dachshund, maybe even the Long Haired Miniature Dachshund. As soon as I was finished rinsing him, and he shook once, he looked like a slightly thick Yorkshire Terrier once again. It has been a long time since I've had the joy of watching a dog do the after bath "dry off happy dance". It makes me laugh ! Just like Nikki our Bichon Frisé who died a couple of years ago, Bo prefers to do his drying off dance on the duvet on our bed.

DSK

January 25, 2005

January 25, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 221

 

Today was sunny and warm. Those of you who are following my blog must be getting tired of reading that. Too bad ! Go eat some snow ! NYAH NYAH NYAH !

Now ... the ongoing saga of Lorri's birthday gift for Joanne. I phoned the Escapees Mail Forwarding Service first thing this morning to speak to the lady who signed for the package on Friday, and who wasn't in yesterday. They used their online access to the UPS tracking system to verify that they had indeed returned the package to UPS yesterday morning. It showed as being scanned into the UPS facility in Conroe, Texas yesterday at 6:07 P.M.. I phoned the local UPS Manager. She tracked the parcel further. By 10:00 A.M. she had tracked it from Conroe, Texas to Houston, Texas, to Mesquite, Texas, to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on its way back to Amazon.com / Toys R Us. Fine ! Let it go back. Lorri can give Joanne a birthday present next summer ! At least now we all know not to have anything shipped by a private courier to a General Delivery Post Office address.

I forgot to mention on Sunday that we all learned, much to everyone's dismay, that Teddy is long enough to be able to reach a front paw over the front edge of the stove, when he stands against the front of the oven, and stretches. He stuck a paw over the front of the stove "reaching" for a pot cooking on the stove that smelled appealing to him. He burned a paw. We didn't realize his body and legs were long enough to enable him to stretch and reach that high. Singed cat hair sure stinks ! Stupid cat ! Have you noticed that my life seems to revolve around a stupid cat and a bad dog ? As I type this at 10:30 A.M. they are lying cuddled together in a sunbeam, slowly licking one another. Very sweet !

I took Bo for a lengthy obedience training session this afternoon. We're making progress ... maybe ... I think ... I hope. His attention span is so short, and he's so easily distracted. Keeping him focussed is difficult.

I spent a couple more hours this afternoon and evening working on the equipment inventory. Joanne helped me for an hour after she was finished her afternoon shift of preparing, serving, and cleaning up after supper. We've both exceeded our agreed upon "work hours" obligations. The WorkCamping deal is a fully serviced RV parking site for 16 hours per person per week, for the four and a half week period that we're here. Our obligations were for each of us to work 72 hours for the month of January. So far I've worked 74.5 hours and Joanne has worked 83.5 hours, on assigned work. I've also worked 25 hours and Joanne has worked 33.5 hours on "unassigned work" that the Centre's administration doesn't even know about. They have received "good value" from us, so I feel very little motivation to put much more effort into this equipment inventory nonsense. I don't want any more WorkCamping jobs, at least not for the foreseeable future. We've already committed to 4 months at West Hawk Lake next summer, and beyond that, I don't want to do any more of this "volunteer" work.

DSK

January 24, 2005

January 24, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 220

 

Today was bright sunshine, and warming throughout the day. The temperature overnight dipped to 29° , but by mid-afternoon it had climbed well up into the 70's. Late last night I had to disconnect and drain the outside water and sewer hoses, and reconnect them this morning.

Today falls into the category of "you win some, you lose some".

WIN ; This morning at 7:30 A.M., while we were still sleeping, there was a knock on the door. Joanne scurried from the living area, where she was sleeping on the sofa with Teddy and Bo, into the bedroom, where I was sleeping with Rain. I answered the door. It was a woman from Rainbow's Edge by the name of Phyllis Bridges. She had heard we were leaving today ( we're actually leaving next Monday ), and she had come to adopt Rain. WOO-HOO ! ! ! Rain has a new home ! ! ! I told her we were still sleeping, we weren't leaving today, and we'd come over to her place later with Rain. Phyllis and her husband Frank live in a park model trailer ( mobile home ) in the permanent resident section of Rainbow's End. They have a ten year old, very docile, very small female Yorkshire Terrier. They rescued the dog a few years ago from a puppy mill operation. She had been used as a breeding bitch. When they got her, they took her to the vet to be spayed. The vet said that wasn't necessary. She had had so many Caesarean deliveries, she was no longer capable of reproducing ! They had to have all her teeth removed they were so rotten. She now has a new companion. Rain the cat ! Phyllis found out about Rain from Susie and Ray Gearing who had sent an e-mail plea for a home for Rain to all their friends and neighbours here at Rainbow's End. Thank you very much, Susie and Ray. We were very reluctant to have to take Rain to the animal shelter. The chances for adoption out of a shelter for adult cats are slim to none. Good luck, Rain. You were a sweet kitty to have around for the last couple of weeks.

LOSE ; I got a text message on the cell phone on Friday from Lorri telling me that she has tracked Joanne's online ordered birthday gift. Ordered from Toys R Us, shipped by UPS, delivered Friday. It had previously been shipped to Conroe, Texas, and returned. Conroe is halfway between Livingston and Houston, so maybe about a half hour from here. I don't know why it went to Conroe. Lorri had addressed it, correctly, to me at General Delivery, Livingston, Texas. General Delivery mail is held at the Post Office for pickup by the recipient, and it's how travellers get their mail. OK ... I went to the Post Office to pick it up. It wasn't there. I phoned Lorri and told her. She told me the shipper was UPS, so I drove to the Livingston UPS office. It wasn't there, but they told me that the Post Office refuses to accept packages for delivery from private carriers like UPS or Fed Ex, addressed to Post Office Boxes, or General Delivery, or any other Post Office facility address. NOW they tell us ! ! ! I phoned Lorri and told her. She called the Livingston office of UPS, because she had the shipping tracking number. UPS tracked it to the Escapees Mail Forwarding Service Office, where it had been delivered and signed for on Friday. Either upon advice from the Livingston Post Office who refused to accept the package from the UPS driver, or on his own initiative, the UPS driver decided that anybody using a General Delivery, Livingston, Texas address MUST be an Escapee, so hence he delivered it to the Escapees Mail Forwarding Service Office here at Rainbow's End. Well intentioned, but misguided, unfortunately. We drove back to Rainbow's End. The Mail Forwarding Service Office realized after accepting the parcel on Friday that the addressee ( me ) was not a subscriber to their Mail Forwarding Service. They had no way to know who I was or where I was. They returned the parcel < sigh >. I phoned UPS in Livingston again. The manager there, whom I had spoken to earlier, and Lorri had spoken to, insisted that UPS does not have the parcel. If UPS had picked it up from the Escapees Mail Forwarding Service Office, the driver would have immediately scanned the package into their computer tracking system. I exchanged heated words with the UPS manager, then went back to the Escapees Mail Forwarding Service Office. They checked again ! No parcel. I exchanged heated words with them. Now they admit that maybe they didn't return it to UPS. Since it was addressed to General Delivery, a Post Office address, maybe they returned it to the Post Office. Either UPS has it or the Post Office has it, but the Mail Forwarding Service doesn't have it. They can't be sure where it went because they receive a HUGE volume of mail daily from the Post Office, as well as UPS, and they return a huge amount of undeliverable mail daily to the Post Office, as well asUPS ( and Fed Ex and the rest of the private couriers ). The Escapees Mail Forwarding Service is managing mail for many thousands of travelling Escapees. Their facility is larger than the Post Office in Livingston. AND ... if they did return the package to the Post Office, it would have gone on the Post Office truck that comes here twice a day direct from Houston. The package wouldn't have gone to Livingston, where the local Post Office staff would have kept it. It went to Houston. HOUSTON ! ! ! To paraphrase Apollo 13, “Houston ... we have a problem”. AND ... the person who signed for the package in the Escapees Mail Forwarding Service on Friday, and then realized it was undeliverable ( from their perspective ) wasn't in today. Maybe she'll be in tomorrow ! Maybe she'll remember whether it was returned to UPS, or the Houston Post Office. I give up ! ! ! I expressed my dismay ( read whatever you want into that ), returned to the trailer, phoned UPS, expressed my dismay again, then phoned Lorri and told her this tale of woe.

While I was in the Centre after dinner tonight, presenting a slide show, Bo ate one of my slippers. Bad dog ! Again ! ! !

DSK

January 23, 2005

January 23, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 219

 

Today was bright sunshine, but a bit cooler. Had to wear a jacket. AAAAAWWWWW ! Don't you hate having to wear a jacket when it's already the latter part of January ? HA HA HA ! Time to start heading further south < snicker >.

Did a bit of routine maintenance this morning, including repairing the computer cord with the Bo bite mark. Bad dog !

I helped Joanne all afternoon with supper preparations. She was quite imaginative in her planning today, and the participants were especially pleased. I don't think there's much creativity in the meal planning process here, on a regular basis. We started with pâté de saumon hors d'oeuvres. As the participants gathered in the dining room for supper, we walked around with serving trays. They were pleasantly shocked. The main course was chef's salad with turkey, ham, eggs, and cheese. Dessert was apricot rice pudding. The after dinner entertainment was a slide show I presented on our summer's travels. Another shock ! They usually finish eating and all shuffle back to their rigs for another lonely evening. I had a larger audience than I did last night for my Paris trip slide show. I was asked to present another slide show tomorrow evening. I guess many of the participants miss being "on the road". However, showing these people slides of our summer's travels in Canada makes me aware that most Americans, even those that travel extensively as RV'ers, will never venture beyond the borders of the United States. Canada is as foreign to them as France.

During conversations today, one told me she had no desire to ever visit Mexico ( which is immediately south of here ) because ; 1. she doesn't speak the language, and 2. she sees enough Mexicans in Houston ! Another told me he doesn't want to visit Canada because he heard that "they don't like Texans up there". HUH ? Many of them have reservations about visiting Canada because they won't be allowed to carry their guns over the border with them. Louise Schweyer was asked recently "How do you people protect yourselves ?" Easy ! We don't let Texans with guns across. HA HA HA !

DSK

January 22, 2005

January 22, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 218

 

Today was sunny and warm, with a light breeze, temperature in the high 70's. This evening cooled off a lot, and the wind picked up. The next few days will be quite a bit cooler.

This morning there was a knock on the trailer door, and when I opened the door, there were Harv and Louise Schweyer from Hamilton, Ontario. They are members of Escapees Ontario Chapter 18 that we became friends with at both the Chapter 18 rallies that we attended, and at the Fall Escapade in Indiana. They are at Rainbow's End for a couple of days on their way to the Mexican Connection Rally, an annual pilgrimage of Escapees to Mexico. They knew we were here, because they have been talking to Sandy and Peachy McGeachy by e-mail. Sandy and Peachy are also going on the Mexican Rally. It was great visiting with Harv and Louise. We like them a lot. They’re great people. They thought Bo was a great addition to our family.

This afternoon while working with Bo on obedience training < sigh > he and I walked all the way from C.A.R.E. through the old campground part of Rainbow’s End and over to the new campground section, where the Schweyers are parked. Bo and I found them sitting outside their rig, having a beer at the picnic table with 2 couples from Alberta Chapter 44. One of the couples is going on the Mexican rally. The other couple is hosting an Alberta Chapter 44 Winter Rally in early March at Mesa, Arizona, just before Spring Escapade in California. I happily accepted their invitation to join Chapter 44’s rally. When I told Joanne about it later in the day, she was pleased, and looks forward to meeting a bunch of Albertans in Arizona.

Joanne went to work this afternoon. She was responsible for preparing supper, by herself. Usually there are 2 people working on each meal, but this weekend, each meal is being prepared by only one person. I spent the late part of the afternoon washing the roof of the trailer. I’m finally finished washing the trailer exterior, top to bottom. At one point I went inside the trailer to fill a bucket with warm, soapy water, and when I came back inside an hour later, I discovered that I had the left the door open between Rain in the bedroom, and Teddy and Bo in the living area. Much to my surprise, and relief, nobody was mortally wounded. If Bo or Teddy approaches Rain, she growls softly, and they keep their distance. Teddy always did, but at the beginning, Bo was a bit too stupid to realize that this cat won’t tolerate having her face licked, or toes nibbled, like Teddy does. It was obvious when I came inside after leaving the door open for an hour that some sort of agreement had been reached between Rain and Bo. AND ... Bo’s nose still seems to be attached to his face !

However ... in that same vein, while I was detaching the computer’s power cord, to take my computer into the Centre to provide a slide show of our France trip as entertainment after dinner, I discovered a tooth mark on the power cord. One bite, tooth mark right into the cord, copper wire inside exposed. I guess SOMEBODY got 120 volts up a tooth ! Seems to be only the one bite mark. Maybe one bite was enough of a lesson. No wonder his hair always looks so messy. He spends his days finding ways to electrocute himself.

My Paris trip slide show was well received by the women. The men weren’t interested. Tomorrow the women would like to see a slide show of our summer travels.

As I type this late in the evening, the door to the bedroom is open. Everybody seems to understand “the rules”. Rain is on our bed, where she always is. Teddy and Bo are lounging around in their sheepskin beds on the floor in the living room.

DSK

January 21, 2005

January 21, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre, Schwab City, Romayor, Ace, & Livingston, Texas

DAY 217

 

Today was sunny and warm.

I spent part of the morning repairing a 12 volt fan/heater for Arley. The plug was broken. I bought a new plug and cord assembly a few days ago, and replaced the plug and cord. When I returned it to Arley, he said he didn't want it any more, he just wanted it fixed, and then he wanted to give it away, to us if we wanted it, or to the Centre for their next garage sale.

After lunch, we decided to go do a bit of grocery shopping, and exploring. We wanted to drive to Schwab City, the next town over, in the opposite direction from Livingston. We thought we'd buy our groceries there, and see the town. Well ... there wasn't really a town. A road sign identifying the town, a church, and not much else. We turned off on a side road, and wandered over to another town, Romayor. Same story as Schwab City. We took another back road, this time over to the town of Ace. Same story again. A bunch of little non-towns. Finally we drove back all the way to Livingston, and did our grocery shopping.

When we returned, we went to social hour. Today's hostess was Kay Peterson. She always hosts Friday's social hour when she's "home", here at Rainbow's End. Kay and her husband Joe were the founders of the Escapees RV Club 26 years ago. I made a second and final desperate plea for a new home for Rain. Got a hug from Miss Kay !

After social hour, Joanne and I worked together for an hour on the equipment inventory. I really appreciate her assistance and encouragement on this mindless task. Just as we were finishing, Kitty came over to see us with her 12 year old grandson, Trent. We had met Trent before. He comes to visit his grandmother quite often. He's a sweet, bright boy. Kitty had told him about my magic show, and Trent wanted to ask me if I would teach him a magic trick. I had him meet me back in the Centre an hour later, and I spent about half an hour teaching him my favourite rope trick.

The couple who had hosted our Christmas dinner table, Ray and Susie Gearing also came over to see us while we were working on the equipment inventory. They had heard my plea at social hour for a home for Rain, and they wanted to see her. They already have 4 cats, and don't really want another one, but they don't want to see Rain end up in the animal shelter. They will try to worktheir network within the permanent resident section of the park in an effort to find Rain a home. They asked us not to take Rain to the animal shelter next week without seeing them first.

I'm hopeful they can help us avoid having to take Rain to the shelter.

DSK

January 20, 2005

January 20, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 216

 

Today was sunny and warm ... no wind ! A perfect "June 18" day. I've got a huge chip on my shoulder over the cancellation at noon yesterday of our planned trip for today to Lake Livingston State Park. There's a bigger picture / hidden agenda at play here. I don't know exactly what it is, and I don't really care to know, but I'm certainly pissed off ( as are others ) ! As a pilot, I'm familiar with making "go / no go" decisions based on weather, and one doesn't make weather based decisions 24 hours in advance ! One makes the decision 30 minutes before planned departure / takeoff time !

I started work early this morning, eager to finish this mind numbing assignment of taking inventory of chemicals. I was eager to move onto something that might be more meaningful, might have some impact on the welfare and well being of the participants here. I finished ! As soon as I had finished, I was assigned the task of taking inventory of all equipment ; TV's, VCR's, computers, fridges, stoves, cars, and on and on and on. AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH !

I'm demoralized. I've got better things to do with my life ! I want to do something that actually has some benefit for someone. Like walking Ginger for Rodney. Like Joanne visiting Arley daily. Like performing magic that people are still raving about 2 days later. Joanne will generously help me, with moral support if nothing else, get through the next ten days here. She's encouraging me to grind through this nonsense task, but at the same time do some of the things that I've thrown out as worthwhile ideas for us to do. I'd like to conduct a free dog nail clipping clinic for all the participants who have dogs. Perhaps have a "pet parade" in the parking lot on a sunny, warm day. I'd like to present a computer slide show, perhaps of our Paris trip. The participants here sorely lack social stimulation, in my humble opinion, and the administrators have volunteers like me recording data on hundreds of containers of chemical products, and recording serial numbers of freaking microwaves ! ! !

Take a deep breath, Daniel. By the way, while sitting next to Kitty at supper tonight, she asked me if it was okay to call me Danny. I said that I would actually prefer Dan or Daniel, although most everybody here seemed to be calling me Danny. She said "oh, yes ... you're in Texas now. Daniel is too formal, and Dan only has onesyllable. Texans prefer informal names, preferably with more than one syllable". Then she went on to explain how her given names were Kathryn Louise, but she had been known her entire childhood as Kitty Lu, and as Kitty since she's been an adult, and Miss Kitty since she's been "senior". Miss Kitty ? ? ? What is this, Gunsmoke ? The staff here address the older women as "Miss First Name". Guess I'll have to start calling ma petite ingenue as Miss Joanne.

DSK

January 19, 2005

January 19, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre & Livingston, Texas

DAY 215

 

Today was partially cloudy, and warmer. First thing this morning I headed into Livingston. I had a persistent slow leak on the street side inner rear tire. I took it to A TO Z Tire in Livingston 3 weeks ago. They couldn't find a leak, so they tightened the metal screw in valve stem in the hopes that that would solve the problem. It didn't. The tire continued to lose about 10 pounds of pressure per week. Today they actually did find the problem. The braided metal valve extender had a very slow leak. Gee ... a couple of months ago I changed from the $10 a piece rubber dually valve extenders to the $20 a piece braided metal dually valve extenders. The rubber ones were proving to be a problem and the braided metal ones were supposed to be superior. A TO Z Tire says all dually valve extenders are an imperfect concept. You can't live with them, but you also can't live without them on a dually. I discarded the leaking braided metal one, and replaced it with one of the rubber ones that I had kept as spares.

While I was waiting for the truck to be brought in for service, I walked a few blocks over from the tire shop to a barber shop to get a haircut. This particular barber shop had been recommended to us by another Escapee. Joanne had her hair cut there about a week ago. As I approached the door, at 11:00 A.M. the woman was just locking up and leaving until 1:30 to attend to some personal business. Welcome to the small town concept of small business. She referred me to another shop in town. I went there after the truck was finished. There are three places in Livingston to get a haircut, and they are all very old fashioned, small town barber shops. The one I went to was a small, old storefront operation on the main street, Hwy. 190. Two red vinyl barber chairs, red and white spiral barber pole out front, looked like something out of an old Western movie. It was run by an elderly man and his middle aged daughter. The old man was born in St. John, New Brunswick.

After getting a haircut, I checked out a local Tex-Mex restaurant to see if it was a good place to take Joanne for her birthday. Yesterday Rodney gave us a gift certificate to this restaurant, Texas Pepper, as a gift of appreciation for walking Ginger three times a day while we've been here. It was a very busy place around 1:30 P.M. with the lunch crowd. I looked at the menu, and it was appealing. Joanne has been wanting to go to a Mexican restaurant while we're here. I'm not sure that's where we'll go for her birthday, though. I think we should invite Rodney to go there with us for lunch one day. He's lonely, and doesn't get out much. He got approval from his doctor about a week ago to resume driving, so he has been out on his own a few times in the last week. He's a little worried that he might not be quite ready to resume walking Ginger by the time we leave in a week and a half. Tonight we're going to invite him to join us when we take Ginger out for an evening walk, as a prelude to walking Ginger by himself when we leave.

We just found out from Marsha Squires, one of the other WorkCampers / Volunteers that the Centre has cancelled our planned outing for tomorrow to Lake Livingston State Park. I went over to the Centre to see Opal, the Activities Director, to find out what's going on. She claims that "the nurse" cancelled the outing because tomorrow is forecast to be somewhat windy. Sunny and in the 70's, but a bit windy. Whatever ! ! !

We went into Livingston for supper. Joanne has been wanting to have a "junk food" outing, so we went to Cici's, a pizza restaurant with a buffet dinner. Good food ! Place was full of cops ; Sheriff's Officers, State Troopers. I guess Livingston needs a doughnut shop. HA HA HA HA HA HA !

Another Texas observation ; 100 % of automotive advertising on television is for American made trucks. Ford, Dodge, and Chevy, trucks only, no car advertising. And every ad is Texas specific. For example, the Dodge ad features Terri Clark, a country singer singing an ad jingle " it's bigger in Texas, better in a Dodge ".

Rodney declined our offer to come for a walk with Ginger. Said he's too busy balancing his cheque book. Must be a big job, with his amount of money. HA HA HA HA HA HA !

DSK

January 18, 2005

January 18, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre & Livingston, Texas

DAY 214

 

Today was cloudy and cool. I felt lazy and crabby.

I puttered away the morning doing some minor maintenance on the trailer. Joanne took Rain over to visit Arley, the old blind man she visits for an hour daily. She had an idea that if Arley and Rain hit it off, maybe Arley might consider adopting Rain. They didn't hit it off particularly well. Neither seemed to like the other much !

This afternoon we went to Livingston to run some errands. First stop was the local vet where we had taken Bo to be neutered and vaccinated just before Christmas. We had heard that they are sometimes willing to accept strays in their clinic, and they will attempt to adopt them out. Well, they are indeed willing to accept a stray cat for adoption, for a $10 fee. If an animal isn't adopted after a reasonable period of time, they are euthanized. They say that they are so unsuccessful at adopting out adult cats, that almost all adult cats that come in end up being euthanized because they can't find a home for them. They suggested we try the Polk County Animal Shelter on the other side of Livingston. We drove to the animal shelter, which was somewhat difficult to find. It's hidden behind the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Polk County Jail. The sign says that they are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. but when we arrived it was just after 3:00 P.M. and the yard gate was closed. I walked around the yard gate and over to the building. The building was locked and appeared empty. As I was walking back towards the gate, some a*****e came out of the Sheriff's Office, walked around the shelter's yard gate and as he approached me, threatened to arrest me for trespassing. I suppose I should perhaps consider wearing a sign around my neck that says "I Am Canadian ... in an extremely crabby mood ... and have a great deal of contempt for law enforcement". I mouthed off at him exuberantly. Somewhat to my surprise, he backed down and apologized. The animal shelter is a one person operation, and the one person is on vacation this week, so the shelter is closed for the week.

I'm not sure what we're going to do with Rain. I guess we'll take her to the shelter next week.

Next stop was the Post Office. Our December mail package, sent by Sharon a week ago, had arrived, as did a Priority Post package she had sent with our vehicle registration and insurance renewals. Still no sign of the November mail package she mailed in mid-December.

Last stop was Wal-Mart for our weekly grocery and supplies shopping. While I was getting some refillable water jugs out of the truck, the parking lot security guard came by to chat, having noticed my Canadian license plate. I wonder why Wal-Mart parking lots need security guards driving around in golf carts ? This security guard was Native American / Indian. He looked and sounded just like a Winnipeg Main Street Indian, except he had a Texas drawl. Sorry ... it seemed amusing. Like bumping into someone outside the Sutherland Hotel who sounds like John Wayne.

Another Texas observation ; most meat products sold here have little tiny fine print on the package that says "enhanced 10%" or "enhanced 15%". I'm not exactly sure what they mean by "enhanced" as it relates to beef. Chicken is "enhanced" by the addition of 10% or 15% "broth". Chicken "broth" is comprised of water, salt, and ... phosphates ? ? ? ! ! !

Tonight Jonathon and Victoria were finally eliminated from Amazing Race. Hallelujah ! I can't decide which I hated more ; his abusiveness or her hysterical shrieking and whining.

DSK

January 17, 2005

January 17, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 213

 

Today was another bright sunny day, still a bit cool. In the mornings, on bright, sunny days, the male Cardinals sing. How nice. And a pleasant reminder of warm, sunny days in our screen porch on Quigley Hill Road. We had a mated pair of Cardinals nesting in our forest for the last few years. I used to enjoy being on the porch, listening to the male Cardinal singing. In addition to the many Cardinals around here, the park is full of robins. I wonder when they got here from the North ? I wonder when they will begin to return to the North ?

Last night's temperature dipped down to near freezing over night, so we let Rain sleep inside the trailer for the first time. I slept with her in the bedroom, and Joanne slept on the sofa with Teddy and Bo.

A couple of observations about Texas ; within minutes of introducing myself to people as Daniel, they begin calling me Danny. I hate being called Danny, but they all carry hand guns so I'm reluctant to complain ! I guess Daniel is too formal sounding for Texans. Maybe that explains why old women here have names like Kitty. How many women named Kitty do you know ?

I spent part of the morning with the Executive Director and the Activities Director planning a day outing on Thursday to Lake Livingston State Park. There's a lot of regulatory bureaucracy involved in taking a bus load of people from a senior's day care centre on an outing. One can't just throw the old folks in the bus and hit the road ! The rest of the morning I spent dumping black water ( sewage holding ) tanks for those participants who can't do it for themselves.

Immediately after lunch I performed a half hour juggling and magic show. It went very well. I still got it ! Prior to a couple of months ago, at YMCA Of The Ozarks, I hadn't done magic for about 15 years. I did a bit of magic at Trout Lodge, and it removed some of the "rust" from my magician skills. I had the courage today to do an illusion I had not performed for 15 years. I didn't have the self-confidence to try it a couple of months ago at Trout Lodge / YMCA Of The Ozarks. I performed it as my finale today, and it went flawlessly. ( bowing and doing my Elvis impersonation ) Thankyou ... thankyouverymuch.

I spent the rest of the afternoon continuing work on the chemical inventory. I finally finished the respite cottage shed. Now I've got themower garage and the respite cottage garage left to do. Joanne is going to help me work on it for awhile tomorrow.

I've decided to begin formal obedience training with Bo. Today was day 1. It didn't go very well. He has the attention span of ... of ... well ... a Yorkshire Terrier !

DSK

January 16, 2005

January 16, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 212

 

Today was a bright, sunny day, a bit warmer than the last few days, but still a bit cool. I slept late, then started my day slowly. Made myself some café au lait, then took Bo for a long walk in the sunshine. I don't think I've been getting out in the sunshine enough lately. I have suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder for a number of years, living in Ottawa. I thought that I would be immune to it this year while travelling, away from winter, and especially Ottawa's cloudy, gloomy, freezing rain winters. But I still have been feeling a bit negative the last few days. I get up early, rush through morning chores ( walk Bo, feed Teddy and Bo, shower, dress, walk Ginger, bring Rain in from the truck, bring Rain's dishes and litter box in from the truck, feed Rain, clean Teddy's, Bo's, and Rain's eyes, open the blinds in the trailer, make the bed ... ), and rush off to "work". My current assigned task of taking inventory of all chemicals is mind numbing boredom. The days are still short, and I think I need to be out in the sun light more. After a long walk this morning in the bright sunshine, I felt great all day.

I spent the morning repairing the rips in Teddy's tent ( stupid, fat dog Cody ! ), and washing the last side of the trailer. Now all that's left of the trailer cleaning is the roof. I spent half the afternoon doing maintenance on a lawn tractor, and the other half continuing work on the chemical inventory taking < big sigh >. I like to "work" on Saturday afternoons and Sunday afternoons while Joanne works in the kitchen. She is assigned to prepare weekend suppers. Working Saturday and Sunday afternoons allows me to avoid some of the petty politics and turf wars that are evident here Monday through Friday. It also entitles me to eat supper in the Centre with Joanne on the evenings when she's making supper. Volunteers are allowed to eat a meal in the Centre on each day that they "work". Tonight Joanne and Mary Lou made the best meal that I've had since we've been here.

A funny incident happened when I walked Bo after supper. He had been alone all afternoon, and so when I took him out, he was all cranked up and full of energy. He ran down the road in front of me, and yanked the retractable Flexi leash out of my hand. It made noise as it bounced down the road, slowly retracting toward him. He looked behind him to see what wasmaking the noise, and was startled by this thing "chasing" him down the road. He circled, looking over his shoulder at the Flexi "chasing" him, and the closer it got to him, the faster he ran back to me. He got back to me, and cowered behind my legs, just as the Flexi "caught" him. Poor Bo. I "saved" him from that mean old Flexi leash.

DSK

January 15, 2005

January 15, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 211

 

Another sunny but cool day. This morning we attended the C.A.R.E. Centre monthly fund raising pancake breakfast. Twice now I have typed a lengthy, negative diatribe, thought better of it, and deleted it. For a variety of reasons, I'm in a negative mood, and having difficulty stifling my urge to rant in writing.

I spent the afternoon continuing to work on the chemical inventory. I'm now in the respite cottage's shed. It's so full of stuff, it will probably take me at least a couple more days < sigh >.

We found out at supper tonight in the Centre that Rain was owned by one of the residents in the permanent section of Rainbow's End. There is a section of the park that has permanent residences ... you know, stick houses ... and Rain belonged to one of the houses there. Her owner decided recently that they no longer wanted a cat, and out Rain went. I'm so appalled at that kind of despicable behaviour towards pets !

Bo was a bad dog today. He ate an eraser that Joanne left within his reach, on my computer desk. He can reach the corner of my computer desk when he stands on the edge of the sofa. Then we had to yell at him to stop nibbling at Teddy's feet like Teddy was some kind of chew toy. When he nibbles at Teddy's toes, Teddy bites him softly on the top of the head, but not hard enough to make Bo stop. Bad dog !

When I walked Bo just before bed time, there were coyotes howling across the highway. Bo was worried. I promised him I wouldn't allow the big bad Texas coyotes to get him. He didn't seem reassured.

DSK

January 14, 2005

January 14, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 210

 

Today was sunny but cool again. We're having a bit of a cold spell, Texas style. Day time temperatures this week were and will be in the high 50's and low 60's, while night time temperatures were and will be in the high 30's and low 40's.

On the mornings when I don't have to go to "work" early, I make myself the most wonderful café au lait using the coffee and chicory mix that Joanne bought me for Christmas ( rolling eyes ) at Café du Monde in the French Market in New Orleans. The other Christmas gift she bought me in New Orleans ( rolling eyes again ) was a kitchen apron. One of the most amusing and endearing qualities of New Orleans is its sense of irreverence. The shops along Bourbon Street are filled with articles of clothing imprinted with amusing, irreverent slogans laced with obscenities and profanities. Suffice to say I can't really wear my apron in public.

One of the participants here at C.A.R.E. is a seamstress. She has a sewing machine set up in a small room in the Centre, and she spends a good part of each day sewing anything and everything for anyone and every one. When she sews something for someone, she asks that they make a suitable donation to C.A.R.E.. She presented Joanne with a head scarf to wear in the kitchen, instead of the disposable hair nets that are the alternative. I noticed that she has made chef style hats for the men that work in the kitchen, so I had her make me a black chef’s hat to match my black, obscene New Orleans apron. I was so looking forward to wearing this combo next summer back in Manitoba, when barbecuing for family, until Joanne pointed out to me that by next summer her niece, who is about to turn six years old in about a week, will be able to read well enough to read obscene four letter words on Uncle Dan’s apron. “ Mommy, mommy ... Uncle Dan’s apron says **** ”. HA HA HA HA HA HA ! Every kid should have a rich old aunt and obscene old uncle.

This morning we set off to run errands. First stop was the local vet, to buy more heart worm pills for Bo. We realized that if we would run out of heart worm pills next summer, a vet at West Hawk Lake or Kenora would require Bo to have another blood test, prematurely, before dispensing more heart worm pills. We bought another six month supply, so now we have a year's worth. Next stop was the Post Office in Livingston to mail Sharon's birthday gift, and check if any mail had arrived for us. No < sigh > ! Than a stop at Wal-Mart to buy a few groceries, and look for a fine mesh screen patching kit, or something else suitable to repair the tears made in Teddy's tent by our neighbour's fat, stupid dog.

Since Livingston is about 3/4 of the way from Rainbow's End to Lake Livingston State Park we decided to go see it. We had already offered to take a bus load of C.A.R.E. participants on a day outing to the park, so we thought we should check it out. What a great park, and particularly suitable for a day outing for a group of seniors. The day use area has eight screened shelters, each with a picnic table inside, as well as many outdoor picnic tables. Everything is wheelchair accessible. There is a fishing area, docks with ducks swimming around, a waterfront paved walkway, parking for the C.A.R.E. bus, accessible washrooms, etc.. We're going to take a bus load out for a picnic lunch and some fishing, duck feeding, etc..

We went to social hour today and presented Rain for adoption. No takers. We're very disappointed. Looks like we'll be taking her to the animal shelter in Livingston early next week. We took her to social hour on a leash, wearing Teddy's harness. She's very good on a leash.

As I type this, Bo is choking on catnip, because he just tore open one of Teddy's catnip sacks. He's a very nice dog, but not always a good dog !

I barbecued for supper. I haven't been doing much of that lately, since it gets dark so early. After supper, we watched a bit of TV, then I worked on December month end accounting, and 2004 year end accounting. I finished the day by preparing a lengthy e-mail to Eric Pryor, my accountant in Ottawa, about our 2004 corporate and personal income tax issues.

DSK

January 13, 2005

January 13, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 209

 

Today was sunny, but quite cool. The temperature dropped a lot over night. We had a violent thunderstorm just after midnight last night. Bo was very scared. I guess that's understandable for a dog who has experienced Hurricane Ivan in his "sweet home, Alabama".

I spent my work day continuing on the chemical inventory taking. I'm so bored with this task my mind is numb. One more day of it and I should be finished, I hope. After work, I napped with Rain. She cuddles to me while I sleep, like Toby used to. It reminds me of how much I'm still grieving for, and miss Toby.

After napping, I went online to do some banking, and search for something. I wear SAS shoes, which are made in San Antonio ( San Antonio Shoes ), Texas. I wanted to find out if it was possible to buy their shoes directly at the factory, or if they have a factory outlet store in San Antonio or anywhere else in Texas. No luck. Their only factory outlet store is in Las Vegas.

Walking Ginger three times a day, walking Bo about 5 times a day, moving Rain, her litter box, and her dishes from the truck to the trailer in the morning, moving Rain and her stuff from the trailer to the truck in the evening, feeding Teddy, Bo, and Rain 4 times a day, playing with Bo to burn off some of his excess energy ; I'm surprised there's time left in the day for anything else !

DSK

January 12, 2005

January 12, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 208

 

Today was warm, cloudy, and windy. Apparently Texas winters are quite windy, although we haven't had much of that since we've been here.

This morning I did some work on my digital photos. This afternoon I continued washing Harvey the trailer < sigh >. I washed the back, the top of the living / dining slide and a bit of the street side. That leaves the rest of the street side, the top of the bedroom slide, and the roof. I suspect the roof will be the most difficult.

We trimmed Rain's claws today. That went well. We put her into Toby's sling carrier, and took her outside for a walk. We wanted to see how she behaved in the sling carrier. It didn't go great. We are hoping to take her in the sling carrier to social hour on Friday, and exhibit her during announcements. Nancy the nursing aide will not be adopting her. Her husband disapproves.

After many months of procrastinating, I went online today to the Ontario Provincial Parks website to retrieve an application for their photo contest. I wanted to enter a photo I took in The Pinery Provincial Park in October. The contest ended December 31. < shrug > Win some, lose some !

My sister says in an e-mail that the wind chill factor in Winnipeg / Lorette was -50 degrees a few days ago. I just about peed myself laughing. Sorry, Sharon. Joanne asked what the wind chill factor here is. My answer ? About +75 just now when I walked Bo at 10:00 P.M. HA HA HA HA HA HA < SNORT >.

I spent part of the evening working on Misty Ventures & Developments' 2004 T4 summary. My President & C.E.O. skills are getting a bit rusty < chuckle >. Considering that we owned our last store for only the first 2 months of 2004, Joanne and I sure were paid a lot last year. I hope that Misty Ventures will be as generous in 2005. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA < SNORT CHOKE > !

DSK

January 11, 2005

January 11, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre & Livingston, Texas

DAY 207

 

Today was sunny and warm. I had to wear shorts and a t shirt < snicker >. When we drove through Livingston at 3:00 P.M. this afternoon, the temperature display on the bank said 78° .

I worked from 8:30 A.M. until 2:30 P.M. on taking inventory of chemical products in a large storage closet in the C.A.R.E. Centre. Joanne worked in the kitchen, on lunch, for the same hours. As soon as we were finished work, we rushed off to Livingston, to the Post Office. Bo was very eager to go for a ride, so we brought him along. The only ride he's had in the last 3 weeks has been a few hundred feet when we moved from the Rainbow's End side to the C.A.R.E. side. I think he has hitch itch. I know I sure do. We mailed a package to Madeleine for her upcoming sixth birthday. We checked on our November mail package mailed by Sharon a month ago. It's still not here. I assume that means it's lost forever < sigh >. Stupid Post Office !

When we returned, Joanne went off to visit Arley, which she does every day for an hour. I put Teddy outside in his little tent, while I prepared to continue washing the trailer. Rudy came by, walking his fat dog, Cody. Cody came running over. Rudy and I both assumed he was running over to visit me. WRONG ! He was running over because he saw Teddy in the tent, and was charging over to attack Teddy. Stupid, fat dog ! He leaped on the tent to get at Teddy, ripping through the fine mesh screening in three places with his stupid, fat claws. Stupid, fat dog ! As soon as Rudy and I realized that Cody wasn't rushing over to see me, but rather to lunge at Teddy, Rudy yanked back on the retractable leash, and I tackled Cody. Stupid, fat dog ! ! ! Teddy was a little surprised, although he's pretty laid back about other animals.

Rain's constipation problem resolved itself over night. We added a teaspoon of oil to each of her 4 meals yesterday. I guess that helped. Nancy, a nursing aide at C.A.R.E. is considering adopting Rain. She needs her husband's approval, and will discuss it with him tonight. They live on 16 acres of land, with 2 dogs and a cat, so it would likely be a pretty good home for Rain.

I spent 2 hours washing one side of the trailer. Now I've completed the front and one side. I have the back, one side, and the roof still to do. The roof is so filthy that mildew and algae are beginning to grow on it. What a mistake to let 6 month's worth of road grime build up on the fibreglass front, back, and sides, and especially the rubber roof.

The brightest spot in the night sky is the constellation Orion, directly overhead. Directly overhead ? ? ? That's not right, is it ?

DSK

January 10, 2005

January 10, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre & Livingston, Texas

DAY 206

 

Today was warm, humid and cloudy with a bit of rain in the afternoon.

I spent the entire morning working on my new assignment. I have to inventory all chemical products throughout the C.A.R.E. Centre, and all its out buildings like storage sheds, garages, etc.. This is a very large task. I started by designing a form to use, on my laptop, printing it, and photocopying it. By the end of the day, I had completed most of the Centre. Joanne helped me for part of the afternoon.

I took a break in mid-afternoon to go get a propane tank refilled, and I stopped at Joel West RV Repairs & Supplies to check the price on something I need. Rudy, the C.A.R.E. participant whose entrance way I redid last week was there bringing in his VW van for repairs. I drove him and his fat dog, Cody, back here to C.A.R.E.. I had to refill a tire with air, as well. That slow leak from a couple of weeks ago persists. I will try changing the valve extension, and tightening the valve core, and see if that solves the problem. The tire seems to be losing about a pound of air pressure per day. That might be too small a leak for a tire shop to be able to identify the exact cause or location. I've already had it worked on once, at a cost of $10, with no solution.

Joanne visited Gerri Gilkerson, the woman who had a mastectomy a few days ago due to breast cancer. They discussed breast cancer issues, post surgery exercises, breast prostheses, etc.. One of the hardest parts of Joanne's experience ( and mine ) was not having anyone who had walked the path before us to answer the many, many questions we had early in the process, particularly in the first few days after surgery. I hope it was comforting and reassuring for Mrs. Gilkerson to see Joanne's strength and vitality two and a half years after battling breast cancer.

By the way, Bo just about got a hold of Joanne's breast prosthesis the other day. " Oh, boy ... a new chew toy ". Stupid dog !

Rain the stray cat spends over nights inside the truck, and days in the trailer, in the bedroom with the door closed, isolated from Teddy and Bo, who stay in the living area. Bo is the problem, not Teddy. Not all cats are as willing as Teddy to accept a young, rambunctious dog, licking their face, nibbling their toes, etc.. We hope to be able to find a home for Rain within Rainbow's End. If not, we'll have to find a local animal shelter to take her to. She's a sweet girl. She spends the day lounging around on our bed, purring loudly, milk treading, and grooming herself. We've taken to calling her Princess Rain. She has long hair on her tail, and under her neck. The rest of her is medium length hair. She's tortoise shell coloured. Very pretty cat ! We realized tonight that she's constipated. I hope that problem resolves itself soon.

We made an evening run to Livingston after supper to buy diesel and groceries. We haven't been out in the evening for awhile. We're starting to get too immersed in these "old folk" lifestyle habits ! If we're not careful, next thing you know, we'll be going to sleep at 9:30 P.M..

DSK

January 9, 2005

January 9, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 205

 

Today was sunny and warm again. There was a power failure this afternoon that lasted a couple of hours. Who cares ? We're completely self-sufficient in the trailer, with or without 120 Volt power. It did, however, make supper preparation for Joanne more difficult. It's hard to prepare food for 50 in the dark.

After having her inside the trailer for a couple of hours last night, isolated from Teddy and Bo, we put Rain into the cab of the truck over night. She did just fine. I brought her back into the trailer this morning. I put her in the bedroom with the door closed, and Teddy and Bo stayed in the living area. Early this afternoon, I decided to introduce Bo and Rain. It didn't go very well. Bo jumped up onto the bed where Rain was. He approached her cautiously. Good dog ! He sniffed her nose. She sniffed his nose. She hissed. He jumped back and starting barking at her. She jumped back and started swiping at him. < sigh > Maybe later. Teddy seems content to just ignore her presence for now. He's used to us fostering all kinds of animals when we owned the businesses.

Rain is very happy to spend the day lounging around on a warm, soft bed. Her anxiety is diminishing, and she's becoming quite content. Joanne found a huge, blood filled tick on her neck this morning. I removed it.

I worked for a short time on the lawn mower maintenance this afternoon, then did some maintenance around our trailer. I fell getting out of the back of the truck, and bruised my leg pretty bad. It's the second time I've done that !

By the way, I'm having no difficulty whatsoever maintaining my quota of discarding five ladybugs ( from Missouri ) per day. On warm days like this, when they come out of their hiding places inside the walls, or wherever, we usually discard more than a dozen. That's a minimum of five per day, for the last six weeks. You do the math !

After Joanne was finished in the C.A.R.E. Centre's kitchen after supper, we rushed over to the weekly Sunday night ice cream social at the Activity Centre on the Rainbow's End side of the park. Another couple from Ontario Chapter 18 have arrived here ; Karl and Sandy Jacobsen. We don't know them well, but they're friends with the McGeachy's who are still here.

DSK

January 8, 2005

January 8, 2004

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 204

 

Today was another one of those perfect "June 18" days ; warm and sunny.

I had coffee in the C.A.R.E. Centre this morning, sitting around chatting with some participants and other volunteers, answering questions about Canada. It was disconcerting to find out that pretty much everybody here carries a hand gun in their rig. " For protection ! " Protection from what ? ? ? The little old lady in the motorhome next door to you ? ? ?

I put up six notices around the park today, looking for a home for "Rain" the stray cat.

I spent most of the day working on maintenance of C.A.R.E.'s two riding mowers. One is a lawn tractor similar to the one I had in Ottawa. The other is a commercial lawn mower like you see used on golf courses. I had to drive that one over to the air compressor station to put air in the tires. What a squirrelly thing to steer ! There’s no steering wheel. Just 2 large steering bars. Pull one forward, push one back, and this thing will dance pirouettes. I finished work on that one, and began work on the tractor model. I’ll work on the tractor model again tomorrow.

Joanne worked in the kitchen today, on the afternoon shift, preparing supper.

Bo has discovered gopher holes and come to a realization ; " OMIGOD ... I'M A TERRIER ! " He shoves his nose as deep down into the gopher hole as he can get it, snorts deeply, and begins to dig furiously. I discourage that !

About 5:30, just as it got dark, Rain showed up, ate supper, and left. I guess s/he has been stray long enough that s/he has reverted back to being nocturnal. Have to get her back into a domesticated situation so she will sleep at night and stay awake during the day.

At 7:30 P.M. we took Bo out for a walk, and there she was, sitting on the truck tool chest. After walking Bo, we checked her gender. She's a she. I brought her into the trailer, and lay on the bed with her for awhile, with the door to the bedroom shut to keep out Teddy and Bo. She appreciated being on a warm bed. I guess she's been cold outside for at least the last few nights.

I'm typing this at 8:30 P.M., trying to figure out what to do about her now. She's napping on our bed. Joanne thinks we should put her inside the cab of the truck for the night.

" The stars at night

Are big and bright

< clap clap clap clap >

Deep in the heart of Texas "

DSK

January 7, 2005

January 7, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 203

 

Today was cold and cloudy again. Late this morning when I drove to a local RV repair and supply business to buy some maintenance parts I needed, it was very foggy.

Last night's "stray" cat "Rain" was nowhere to be seen this morning, so I surmised that my theory was probably correct.

Last night we learned of two disturbing incidents that took place here recently. One of the C.A.R.E. participants with Alzheimer's was recently "mercy killed" by her husband, who then committed suicide. Over at the Rainbow's End side of the park, a "permanent" resident in the deeded lots section killed his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. SHEESH !

At social hour this afternoon, we connected with an old fellow who had just returned today from Houston with his wife. They were at Baylor University Hospital. She had a mastectomy 2 days ago due to breast cancer. He got up to announce their return, and update their friends on her condition. We went over to chat with him afterwards, to provide some moral support. We both remember well what a difficult and terrifying time he and his wife are experiencing at the moment. Now as they deal with the difficult first 2 weeks after surgery, they have to sit on pins and needles waiting for the pathology report that will determine whether or not she will require chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, etc.. Joanne will pay her a visit in their home on Monday. They are in the permanent resident section of Rainbow's End.

On the way back to C.A.R.E. after social hour, we chatted with a lady from California who was walking her Golden Retriever. Her rig is parked near where we found Rain the cat last night. We asked her if she knew where the tortoise shell cat lived. She said that none of her neighbours have a cat, and Rain seems to be a stray who's been hanging around for a few days. Sure enough, an hour later while I was walking to the laundry room to move some laundry from the washers to the dryers, I came across Rain once again. S/he was sitting under Mary Lou's trailer, meowing hungrily. I called him/her over, sat down on the side of the road, and talked and petted him/her for awhile. After I finished with the laundry, I coaxed him/her to follow me back to our trailer. I brought a large bowl of food out for him/her, and sat in the back of the truck with him/her as s/he ate a huge quantity of dry cat food. Joanne and I drove over to the laundry room to pick up our loads of laundry, with Rain sitting in the truck with us. I sat in the truck and socialized with Rain while Joanne went inside to fold laundry. When we returned to the trailer, I set up a water dish and a towel as a bed in the back of the truck. As I type this, s/he is still sitting on top of the tool chest in the back of the truck. From handling him/her inside the truck while we drove over to the laundry room, Joanne thinks it's a pregnant female. I don't want to spook him/her yet by checking gender. Maybe tomorrow.

DSK

January 6, 2005

January 6, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 202

 

Today was cool and cloudy. I spent all day working on Rudy's entrance way. The pave stone walkway leading from the sidewalk to the bottom of the inclined wooden ramp leading to his motorhome door, had to be torn up and redone. It had to be widened and levelled. It was brutal, back breaking labour for 6 hours for me and my next door neighbour Ron Hopf. It's ironic that not too long ago I would pay people $60 an hour to do this kind of landscaping work for me, because I didn't want to do it myself, and now I'm doing it for strangers, for free ! I realized that Ron's reluctance towards this job a few days ago may not have been so much apathy as it may have been frustration with, and contempt for, some of the administrators here. I'm feeling that way myself already. I'm gaining a better understanding of my sister-in-law's observations and comments over the years about the trials and tribulations of working for non-profit agencies, particularly in the health care field, and particularly with a well intentioned, but sometimes misguided volunteer board of directors.

We went to the regular weekly Thursday evening communal dinner at Rainbow's End. We were surprised to see Sandy and Peachy there. After saying goodbye to us yesterday morning, a series of circumstances conspired to keep them here awhile longer. They'll probably be here until Tuesday.

As we were walking back to C.A.R.E. from the Activity Centre at Rainbow's End, in light rain, we heard a cat meowing loudly under a motor home. It was the meow of a hungry cat. We called, and it came over. I talked to it, and petted it for a minute. It was quite affectionate. My theory was that when its owners called it in for supper, it wasn't there, so they went out, and now poor kitty was stuck outside in the rain, hungry, and feeling sorry for itself. Joanne thought it might be a stray. It followed us all the way back to our trailer, crying all the way, so we fed it a bowl of cat food outside under the trailer, out of the rain. It ate a large bowl of cat food, so we gave it another. It ate the second bowl. Now Joanne was convinced it was stray. I didn't think so. An hour later I went out to walk Ginger. The cat was still nearby. An hour after that, I took Bo out for a walk. The rain had stopped, and now the cat was gone. I still think it was just a free roaming cat who was late getting home, and ended up being locked outside, in the rain, without supper. I guess we'll see tomorrow morning if it's still hanging around here at C.A.R.E., or has it gone back to Rainbow's End.

I named it Rain. We could have Bo, adopted at Rainbow Plantation, and Rain, from Rainbow's End. HA HA HA HA HA ! ! !

DSK

January 5, 2005

January 5, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre and Livingston, Texas

DAY 201

 

Today was warm and cloudy until late afternoon. Around 5:00 P.M. it cooled off, and started to rain. First thing this morning Sandy and Peachy McGeachy came over to say goodbye. They left this morning for Galveston Island State Park, south of here on the Gulf Of Mexico. After chatting with them briefly, I decided I want to go there when we leave here at the end of the month.

We went to Livingston and back 3 times today < sigh >. We were supposed to take Rodney and Ginger into town this morning as soon as the oxygen supply service came to replace Rodney's empty tanks of oxygen with full ones. We waited until 11:00 A.M., then Rodney phoned to find out what the delay was. Ginger needed to be into the dog groomer by noon. The oxygen guy wasn’t coming until after 1:00 P.M., so we headed off. We dropped Ginger off at the groomer, then Rodney treated us to lunch at a restaurant he likes called Catfish King. Great lunch ! And cheap, too ! We’ll be returning there. Joanne likes catfish. She dislikes most fish and all sea foods, so it’s nice to find a fish that she enjoys eating.

We rushed back to C.A.R.E., dropped off Rodney and his van, then jumped into our truck and headed back to Livingston. First stop was the Post Office. Our November mail package, sent by Sharon about 3 weeks ago still has not arrived. I’m quite concerned that it’s lost. Next stop was Lowe’s, a home supply store like Home Depot, to buy some sand and pea rock for the sidewalk and ramp levelling project I’m working on. Next was a health food store to buy some Spike, a seasoning we use. I can’t live without my Spike. Finally, Wal-Mart for groceries and supplies.

Back to C.A.R.E., unloaded the groceries, and bags of sand and rocks, then over to Rodney’s rig to pick up him and his van. We drove back into Livingston and picked up Ginger. He’s a miniature poodle, who until today had very long hair. We hadn’t really seen his eyes before today. As we were walking out of the groomer, I noticed a huge cyst on the back of one of his legs. It had been hidden under the long hair. We’ll have to watch it closely for the next few days, then probably Rodney will make an appointment with the vet to have it drained. Our last stop was to a shoe store to return the slippers that Rodney bought the other day < sigh >. As I waited outside the shoe store with Ginger while Rodney and Joanne went in, it started to rain heavily.

By the time we got back to C.A.R.E., it was 5:30, and getting dark. Joanne went to visit with Arley in his rig. Arley doesn’t go into the Centre for lunch and supper. He prefers to prepare his own meals in his own rig. Arley is blind, and living alone, and seems a bit uncomfortable in the Centre in a group environment. He’s really warming up to, and opening up to Joanne. She’s very good with people that way.

DSK

January 4, 2005

January 4, 2004

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 200

 

Today was warm and cloudy, with intermittent rain in the morning.

I was assigned to assist my "next door neighbour" Ron Hopf to level a paving stone sidewalk and wooden wheel chair entrance ramp into a rig. Shortly after we started work it became apparent that I thought it was a half day job, and Ron thought it was a half hour job. When it started to rain shortly after we started, it became apparent that Ron thought it was now a 15 minute job. I was reluctant to accept that, particularly since what we were doing was fixing up some previous volunteer's "half ass" work. I do not like work done like that, and I sure as hell am not going to do that kind of work myself ! Ron and I returned to the Centre for a cup of coffee and to discuss how best to approach this job. Ron's apathy and my determination, not surprisingly, resulted in me "inheriting" responsibility for the completion of this job, including purchase of necessary materials to do the job properly ( read that " my way " ) ! I spent the rest of the morning and the early part of the afternoon assisting the kitchen staff, which included Joanne, with lunch preparation and clean up.

At 1:30 I attended a kitchen staff meeting that Joanne invited me to, although I'm not really assigned to the kitchen as she is. I sat on the outside of the group around the table, and listened. When the meeting was over, and the rest of the kitchen staff left, Carol Dryton, the Volunteer Co-ordinator asked me a question, soliciting my "observations". She was rather surprised by my "double barrel" response. Well ... at least here I waited to be asked my opinions, unlike at YMCA Of The Ozarks where I offered it unsolicited.

Well ... you know ... if you can't stand the heat ... get out of the kitchen ! ! ! HA HA HA HA HA !

I finished the afternoon by installing a new smoke alarm in Loretta's converted old bus.

We attended social hour at 4:00 P.M., then chatted with Sandy for awhile. Peachy didn't come to social hour today because of a migraine. If her migraine disappears by tomorrow morning, they're leaving here to head southwest to Mexico.

Tonight was Amazing Race. Would somebody please shoot that jerk Jonathon ?

DSK

January 2, 2005

January 2, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 198

 

Today was another hot, humid day. Boo-hoo ! < snicker >

I spent most of the morning washing the front of Harvey. SHEESH ! What a tough job ! Four months worth of splattered bugs, baked on. I had washed the front of the trailer once before, in Kingston, Ontario, in September. The rest of the trailer hasn't been washed since we bought it. It now has over six months of full time travel grime. It's looking pretty bad, compared to all the other rigs we see. Now I'm beginning to understand why I see most RV'ers washing a small portion of their rig every few days. Trying to wash six months worth of road grime off the whole thing is going to be quite a daunting task. It took me half a day to do just the front. Live and learn !

I spent most of the afternoon reading, then napping, while Joanne went off to do laundry, and visit. Late in the afternoon she returned to the trailer with clean laundry, and Sandy McGeachy. We visited with Sandy for awhile, then I walked Ginger, then Bo, then set up the barbecue to prepare supper. It's been about two months since I've used the barbecue. What nice steaks they produce here in Texas !

We went to the weekly ice cream social, and spent the entire evening sitting around the Activity Centre chatting with friends. Some we've known for a year, some for a month, some for a week. This organization really fosters friendships. We said goodbye to some who are leaving tomorrow, including Hans and Peta. Don and Rona, whom we first met in Rainbow Plantation in Alabama, are leaving tomorrow as well. They are participating in an Airstream Caravan to Canada next summer that will be staying in or near Winnipeg to attend Folklorama in August. We have committed to visiting with them next summer, either in Winnipeg, or West Hawk Lake.

Bo just about caught a little rabbit tonight. WOW ... is he ever fast ! Good thing my finger on the retractable leash brake is even faster.

DSK

January 3, 2005

January 3, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 199

 

Today was sunny, hot, and humid. I wore shorts and a light t-shirt. HA HA HA HA HA ! ! !

My work days here at the C.A.R.E. Centre start at 8:00 A.M., which is a lot earlier than I would like, but ... ! My first job today was to empty, then back flush the black water tanks on 9 rigs, for participants who can't take care of it for themselves. The first two I did with John Dryton ( the "boss" ), and the rest I did by myself, while John removed the toilet from the second rig. It broke while we were back flushing. Fortunately ( for me ) it broke while he was working on it, not me. When I finished the tank flushing jobs, I was assigned to do some preventative maintenance to two golf carts. By the time I finished that, I was late for lunch. There was some grumbling from the kitchen about me being late, but since Joanne had spent the morning working in the kitchen, she made sure some lunch was kept for me. She started work at 8:30, working on lunch preparation, and wasn't finished lunch clean up until 1:30. Most, if not all, of her work will be in the kitchen.

After my late lunch, I had to relocate a very heavy picnic table, then lower three awnings on Rodney's rig. Of course, interspersed with all these chores, was taking both Bo and Ginger for morning and noon walks. I went with John and Doug to a local RV repair shop to buy the parts needed for the broken toilet. The shop didn't have the necessary parts, but sold us another broken toilet for $5 that we could cannibalize for the parts we needed. Back at C.A.R.E., I dismantled the first toilet, removed the broken parts, dismantled the second toilet, removed the parts we needed, then re-installed them in the first toilet and re-assembled it. John and Doug re-installed it in the rig.

A long, hard day. I learned a lot about the internal workings of RV toilet systems. It was kind of nice to learn, and make learning mistakes, on somebody else's equipment. If and when our toilet should ever break, I should be able to repair it like an expert.

I washed, changed, and joined Joanne at social hour which was already underway. After social hour, we returned to the rig, where I began to work on one of the day / night shades in the kitchen. It broke last night when we were pulling the shades. By the time I got the blind fixed, it was time for supper. After supper, I spent the evening working onanalyzing the 2004 performance of our investments. Not bad. We've had worse years, we've had better.

I got a lot done today !

DSK

January 1, 2005

New Year's Day, 2005

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 197

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

______________________________________________________________________________

Today was hot and humid, partially cloudy.

We slept late, then did some maintenance and housekeeping chores this morning. After lunch, I took a nap, then went to the e-mail room to do some online work. Lorri phoned as I was driving from the C.A.R.E. Centre over to the Rainbow's End main registration building, where there is an e-mail room with phone jacks for modem connections. I was too lazy to walk over. Joanne went over to Helen Farrell's to check if she had remembered to take her new medication today. She had. Then Joanne went over to visit with Arley. She was going over to offer to take him for a walk, but he said he didn't want to go out for a walk. He did want a visitor, though, so Joanne spent much of the afternoon visiting with him.

Joanne and I reunited at 4:00 P.M. social hour. After social hour, we took Ginger for his afternoon walk. We take Rodney Elam's Ginger out three times a day for a few minutes each time. Ginger is ten years old, so doesn't take too long to get done what needs to get done. Not like taking a young dog like Bo out, who gets distracted from the matter at hand by every leaf that blows by. After walking Ginger, we took Bo out, and for the second time since we've been over here at C.A.R.E., Bo found something crunchy to eat while we're walking him. I don't know what he's picking up. Maybe gum balls from the gum trees we walk under. All of a sudden, he'll be chewing something crunchy, and when I yell at him and try to grab it out of his mouth, he just chews fast and swallows quickly ! Great ! Now we have a stupid dog to go along with our stupid cat !

We had a bit of a New Year's celebration dinner. I had crawfish étoufée, Joanne had boudin, and we shared a bottle of wine from the Ozarks. The crawfish étoufée and the boudin were bought at Poché's in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Boudin are spicy pork sausage balls. The bottle of Ozarks wine was a gift from Sharon and Jack Board, other WorkCampers at YMCA Of The Ozarks. Thanks, Sharon and Jack. < whispering and rolling eyes > Now we know why Missouri wines are not particularly well known throughout the world.

After supper, Joanne returned Lorri's phone call, and had a long chat with her sister. I did a teensy bit of year end accounting. Not much. I feel really lazy today.

DSK

December 31, 2004

New Year's Eve, 2004

C.A.R.E. & Livingston, Texas

DAY 196

 

Today was cloudy, hot and humid, temperature in the high 70's, with high humidity. Rather unusual for New Year's Eve, for us.

Six months ago, it was our plan to spend New Year's Eve on the Gulf Of Mexico in Galveston, Texas with Sep and Susanna Liang, our friends from Kingston, Ontario. Sep's work schedule did not permit that.

Today was a day of running errands around Livingston, mostly for Rodney Elam. First thing this morning we headed to Livingston with him. First stop was the Post Office, to see if our November mail forwarded by Sharon had arrived at General Delivery yet. It had not ! I'm concerned that a month's worth of our mail may be lost. Next stop was CVS Pharmacy to pick up a prescription for Helen Farrell, one of C.A.R.E.'s participants. Then on to three different shoe stores, in three different malls, trying to find a pair of slippers that fit Rodney. Having to go to three different stores in three different malls put us behind schedule, and Rodney's portable oxygen tank was almost empty. We headed back to C.A.R.E. to have lunch and pick up a full oxygen tank. After lunch, we headed back to Livingston, to Wal-Mart. We shopped for our own groceries and supplies, while Rodney did his shopping and had a prescription filled. By the time we returned to C.A.R.E., unloaded Rodney and his groceries, walked Ginger, returned the C.A.R.E. car, returned to our trailer, walked Bo, and put away our groceries, it was 4:00 P.M., and time for social hour. I was too tired. Joanne went by herself. Friday's social hours are "hosted" by Kay Petersen, co-founder of Escapees with her husband Joe. Joanne is a fan of "Miss Kay's" inspirational little stories.

At social hour Joanne reunited with Sandy and Peachy McGeachy, who have arrived here at Rainbow's End, from Rainbow Plantation in Alabama. After social hour, and my nap, we walked over to their rig with Bo, and introduced him to them.

Tonight was the Escapees New Year's Eve Party at the Activity Centre. It was hosted / sponsored by the Boots And Babes Square Dance Club. From 7:30 to 9:30 there was square dancing, and finger foods provided by the square dance club. At 9:30 the partying began, with a DJ playing recorded dance music. Alcohol was not allowed until 9:30, after the square dancing. Something to do with the square dance club's license. Joanne discovered when she went to buy a bottle of wine today at Wal-Mart ( yes, yes ... that is where one buys wine down here ), that one can not buy liquor in Livingston. Polk County is dry.

At midnight, we were served the traditional New Year's "Good Luck" meal of black eyed peas and corn bread. It was a great party, with great people. We really enjoyed ourselves.

DSK

December 30, 2004

December 30, 2004

C.A.R.E. Centre

DAY 195

 

Today was cloudy and warm, with intermittent drizzle.

Today was our first day of work at the Escapees C.A.R.E. Centre. My first assignment was to help another WorkCamper / Volunteer, Doug Cameron from California, load up some very heavy refuse and haul it to the dump. Apparently most of the WorkCampers / Volunteers are older than me, and either unable or unwilling to do heavy lifting. We hauled a dishwasher, a couple of water heaters, a large, heavy pump, and a truckload of other junk to the municipal dump. Joanne spent the morning socializing with Arley, an elderly blind man. She chatted with him in the dining room for awhile, then walked him back to his rig, and visited with him there for the rest of the morning.

Joanne went back to our trailer for lunch. I had lunch in the C.A.R.E. dining room. After lunch, we both spent most of the afternoon filling out paper work, and reading everything in the orientation binder. It's a collection of policies, procedures, guidelines, etc..

Late in the afternoon there was a small birthday party in the dining room for one of the participants. Rodney Elam was there. It was the first time we had seen Rodney today. Rodney is the 86 year old man that we met when we first walked by the C.A.R.E. Centre shortly after we arrived at Rainbow's End. We had made a commitment to him to help him with his dog, Ginger, who was temporarily in a nearby kennel. After the birthday cake and ice cream, we loaded Rodney into our truck, and drove him over to the kennel to pick up Ginger. The old man and his old dog have been apart for 2 weeks. What a happy reunion ! Happy man ! Happy, happy dog !

We ended the afternoon taking Bo for a long walk around the C.A.R.E. grounds, where we met many dogs and their owners. We didn't walk far, but we were out there for a long time, chatting with dog owners, while Bo romped with new friends. Before supper, I lied down on the bed to read a magazine, but quickly fell asleep. I guess it was a long, hard first day of work.

DSK

December 29, 2004

December 29, 2004

Rainbow's End

DAY 194

 

Today was cloudy, warm, and humid. Very warm ! We were up early, to be in time for the "magazine party" that started at 9:00 A.M.. Once every 2 months, when the Escapees magazine is published, everybody at Rainbow's End is invited to attend the magazine party at the Activity Centre. At each of the fifteen or so large tables in the Activity Centre, six to eight people, in assembly line fashion, stuff an insert into each magazine, stuff the magazine into an addressed envelope, the envelopes are bundled into batches of 2 dozen or so, the bundles are loaded into Post Office bags, sorted by zip code, and the bags are loaded into large wheeled carts, ready to be loaded into the Post Office tractor trailer truck. A hundred or so volunteers, working for less than 3 hours, get all the magazines ready for mailing. When done, pizza is served for lunch. It was fun. And very productive. I think there are about 40,000 copies of each edition of the magazine mailed.

After the magazine party and pizza lunch, and, of course, lots of socializing, we walked over to the C.A.R.E. Centre to confirm that we are moving Harvey over to the C.A.R.E. side of the park on December 31, and to see if they have work schedules for us for next week. As soon as we got to C.A.R.E., Carol, the volunteer co-ordinator, said they were getting desperate for more help, and asked us if we could start work tomorrow. We agreed, so we had to go back to the trailer, get it ready for travelling, check out of Rainbow’s End RV Park, hitch up, and move over to C.A.R.E.. Their RV sites are separate from the regular Rainbow's End sites. They have 38 sites for their program "participants", and 4 sites for volunteers / WorkCampers. Each participant site has a paved walkway to make them wheelchair and motorized scooter accessible, and a storage shed for wheelchairs and scooters.

By the time we got moved over to C.A.R.E., and all set up, it was time to head for the daily “social hour” at 4:00 P.M.. We don’t go every day, but Joanne wanted to go today. For the second time since we've been here, an elderly gentleman with a Cajun accent got up at social hour, and contributed a few "Boudreaux" jokes. Boudreaux is a popular Louisiana Cajun name. Louisiana jokes here in the deep south are like "Newfie" jokes in Canada. The essence of the jokes is that people in Louisiana, like Boudreaux, are about three fries short of a Happy Meal. Most of the Boudreaux jokes also involve Boudreaux's buddy, Gaston. Politically incorrect, but hilarious, especially when told by an old man with a Cajun accent and speech cadence.

By the time we returned from social hour, it was almost dusk, and were feeling tired. We worked pretty hard this morning at the magazine party, then rushed to get Harvey ready to move, hitched, moved, unhitched, and set up. Bo was excited about getting hitched up and departing. He was ready to “move on” after being in one place for 11 days. Bo has already developed the Escapees’ malady known as “hitch itch”.

DSK