Well, today was supposed to be the day that I packed up and moved off of the refuge to the private campground at the end of the entrance road. You know what they say about the best laid plans. A message finally came through on my cell phone yesterday that I should call the orthopedic department at Mayo. My coverage here pretty much sucks, so it took a day or so for the message to get through. When I called back, they told me I had to come in for some more x-rays. Since it’s a 45 mile drive, and it seems nothing with any medical appointments is expedited quickly, I changed my plans. It took most of the morning to get those x-rays done. I’m glad I did it though, as the doctor needed them to use as a template for my prosthesis.
When I called yesterday, I told them I seemed to be developing some congestion in my chest. I haven’t had a cold or flu in almost ten years! I was avoiding, as well as I could, all the other volunteers and staff that were sickly the last two weeks, but to no avail. I just don’t want it to curtail or postpone my surgery. I also gave my brother, Kurt, a call since his plans were to head out from Arizona early this morning to get here. Uf-Duh! Why is it there always seems to be a fly in the ointment? Thankfully, his response was that it might only add a week to his stay with me, and was okay with that. Thank you Nurse Ratchet!
My congestion today didn’t seem much worse than yesterday, so the doctor just told me to drink lots of liquids and take my vitamins. I can do that. I’ve got my fingers crossed that it won’t get worse before Tuesday. I also asked about a handicapped tag for my car. (wish I had done that two months ago) Getting that accomplished turned out to be an adventure.
After the doctor filled out the necessary paperwork, and it was notarized, I headed for the DMV in Waycross which was on my way home. You know how DMVs are… packed with a gazillion people. After a while I found out I would have to go to the county courthouse in the county I was staying in. Okay, so I drove back to Folkston. After waiting there a half hour, they sent me somewhere else. At place number three, the lady first told me since my residence is in South Dakota, they couldn’t issue a tag to me. I told her I would be living on the refuge until the end of April. She then told me to sit down and wait as this might take some time.
It did take some time, but finally I was successful. Never thought I’d need one of these, but it was worth the all the waits.
Back at the rig in the afternoon, I started my preps for moving tomorrow. I’m happy to report that I asked for two of the male volunteers to be assigned to help me, and my request was granted. They’ll be here tomorrow at 9:00 or so to help me do the outside work. All that bending stuff with the hookups and such are beyond me right now. They’ll also travel the five miles with me to Okefenokee Pastimes and help me set up. I normally have to be very independent, but I’m thrilled to turn over most of the physical work tomorrow.
As for tonight’s concert? As I started this post, the volunteer village was surrounded by a pack of coyotes. They barked, yipped, and howled around us for a good five minutes. ‘The Call of the Wild’! I was the only one in camp this evening, so only Emma and I got to enjoy this concert. Her hair was kind of standing on edge…
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
Oh I LOVE hearing a pack of coyotes talking to each other... kind of lonely and eerie. Even better is reading that your plans are still on track. Glad to see that you got a "handicap" permit. That will make life a lot easier for you in the next few months. Hope your move goes smoothly.
ReplyDeleteyou had me concerned for a minute! I thought you were going to say that surgery was postponed! So glad you asked for help moving. Smart move. You might try some zinc. It helps me avoid a cold when I feel one coming on.
ReplyDeleteI still get angry every time I think about the fact that they are making you move for the surgery! I certainly wish I had gotten the temporary parking pass when I broke my leg. Just getting to the door of anyplace just about did me in. (I did develop stronger abs tho while hiking around on crutches. Fingers crossed for you to get this behind you!!
ReplyDeleteA concert in your honor....What a plus!!!
ReplyDeleteThe lower half of the coyote is all green. Is that my iPad or something about that pic? The concert sounds nice.
ReplyDeleteWith all the exercise you're getting jumping through hoops you should be in top shape for your surgery.
ReplyDeleteUgh -- nothing is ever easy at the DMV! Glad you were finally able to get a handicapped parking tag. And good for you asking for help for tomorrow. Hope all goes well with your move.
ReplyDeleteYour concert reminded me of a time when Rufus, our cocker was alive. We were turned in for the night, the windows were open and coyote's began howling. Rufus came up to my ear, and in his quietest voice, he'd bewff in my ear. He didn't want to make a scene, but wanted me to know something was out there. Good luck on Tuesday, I'll be thinking of you!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope everything will work out OK for you. I will keep you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you have help with moving. I know you are pretty good about getting everything done yourself but this is one time when help is the best. There were times this last year when I sure wished we had a handicapped sticker for Jim. But down here you can't find open handicapped parking spots because everybody is old. Your concert reminded me of when we were camped at the Wolf Sanctuary in NM. We had the wolves howling on one side and the coyotes answering on the other. It as fantastic. And our girls didn't seem to pay any attention to them.
ReplyDeleteIf I have to go to the DMV for anything I almost need Valium. I can't believe anyone gets
ReplyDeleteanything done with them. Nightmare! Good you get help to move.
Isn't it scary how we can be so independent all our lives, but when we just can't do it ourselves we are sure glad to have help! It kind of rankles, but thankfully help is there. I'm envious about hearing the coyotes - love 'em!
ReplyDeleteWhat a send-off for you and Emma by the wolves. Good luck with your change in location--sounds like things are falling right in place. Stay healthy!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you have some helpers to get you moved safely. Hope you don't have too much trouble with that cold, Marti and I are both fighting colds right now.
ReplyDeleteCall of the Wild, what a nice send off! :c)
nice that you and Emma had your own private concert tonight! hope the cold goes away quickly and you can get on with the next step!!
ReplyDeleteWe used to hear coyotes often at our house. Then after many years our last cat disappeared and the coyotes stopped coming around. Now I have a bobcat.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see all the ducks are lining up and the refuge loaned you some help!
ReplyDeleteThe handicap permit will surely help. Keeping fingers crossed for no delays with the surgery; after getting so close, a delay would be disappointing. Looking forward to your impressions of the campground.
ReplyDeleteWe had those musicians right here in downtown San Antonio the other morning. Fingers crossed that everything goes well with your surgery. Enjoy that handicapped tag, while you have it :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a lot braver than I am. If I was surrounded with coyotes, I am not sure I would call it a concert.
ReplyDeleteHow nice of the two volunteers to help you move out and in. Don't over do it. Safe travels.
I am glad you got the handicap permit...but since coming South once again...there is lots of competition for the parking....good news though. Home Depot seems to have an abundance of handicap parking.
ReplyDeleteGood luck fighting that congestion. Hope it disappears as quickly as it arrived and that your surgery goes on as planned.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so envious of your coyote concert. I heard them once out at Chaco Canyon during a dark stary night. One of my best memories ever.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry I didn't think to ask if you'd gotten your handicapped tag. It does seem to take forever.
Hope that congestion disappears and everything is a go for your surgery so you can get on to the recovery. Can't wait for Nurse Ratchett's visit. Glad you've got the help you need to move. It's wonderful to have help when you really need it.
It is nice of them to give you some support in moving and setting up again.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of the coyotes at night and early morning. They have been very active lately.
Hope the cold stays at bay for you.
Glad to hear you are almost ready for your surgery. Hope you conquer your cold in time. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteIt's always great to have a couple of able bodied young'uns to do the heavy lifting. . .yes indeed. . .good plan!
ReplyDeleteI know you will be glad to have all this done and over with. . .hang in there!
Hugs & prayers,
Janice
ReadyToGoFullTimeRVing Blog
FaceBook.com/ReadyToGoFullTimeRVing
Howdy Judy & Emma,
ReplyDeleteGET OVER THAT CONGESTION; USE LOTS OF VITAMIN C!!! Getting a handicap permit is hugely difficult, unless you 'work' in the 'healthcare industry'; they ALL have them and park in the handicap spaces; I usually just say "Oh mentally handicapped, huh!" and they cuss me out!!! All of the doctors, their wives and kids use them!!!
Hope EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT FOR YOU!! Give Emma a pat and hug for me!!!
I’m sure the handicap sign will come in handy after your surgery, best to be safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had some help moving and getting settled in your new camp, independence is good but a strong back is better.
For what’s it is worth, I take a natural herb for decongestion. You can find it at any Whole Food store or Health Food store, maybe even Walgreens. It is called Mullein by Solaray. I have never had any adverse reactions with this herb and if rids you of all congestion from your head to your chest in a couple of days. I usually, take it at the first sign of any congestion.
Good luck with your surgery. Praying for your swift recovery.
Good luck with the surgery and hoping for a fast recovery!
ReplyDeleteI guess Emma did not enjoy the concert as much as you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your surgery. I'll miss your wonderful pictures while you are recuperating, but they will be something to look forward to. Take care, you are in the thoughts of many!
ReplyDeleteI'm catching up on your blog this evening. I've fallen behind on everyone, but wanted to read back on your surgery and all. Wow, they put your name on your placard? I now have a permanent one because of the chronic issues with my foot. it does come in handy if the parking lots are big.
ReplyDeletethis place is full of coyotes. their concerts kind of give me the willies .