September 3 - October 7, 2023
Tombstone, Arizona
Over the last few years Bill has dealt with multiple health issues that we've known would eventually take us off the road. Last Spring he was told that when we returned he had to get a fistula "installed" to prepare for eventual dialysis. All of this contributed to our reduced travel route for 2023.
Upon our return we're happy to get his care transferred to a specialist who comes highly recommended, and who is also in much closer Sierra Vista. Tucson for several treatments a week just wasn't going to be practical.
Meeting Bill, the doctor is confident he is a long time from dialysis. Test results show just the opposite, and he is immediately scheduled for the fistula. Complications keep that from happening as planned, increasing the urgency. Fortunately a temporary option is available that expedites the dialysis, and hopefully the surgery done on Friday will make that happen.
So big changes for us moving forward, with RVing likely off the agenda for good. Dialysis is a life-saving blessing, but it is time-consuming, and it is forever. We're grateful we bought the house when we did, and that we've made it a nice home we enjoy. Being "out in the country" with 360 degree views and lovely weather most of the year was, and is, a good choice.
Dialysis away from home is possible, so visits to the family in SoCal will still happen. We plan to make Bill's 50th high school reunion in April.
Bill is feeling fine and I'm making peace with all our changes. His Dallas Cowboys are having a great season, and my Pittsburgh Steelers have to get a lot better fast :-)) He plays Cribbage every day that his buddy is available, and I'm finding projects around the house to keep me busy.
One attempts normal when faced with the unknown.
It's been a hot September (although much cooler than nearby Tucson). We've had a few deer visits, while the Quail, Dove and Finch remain here en masse. They could go through a pound of feed a day!
Cochise County is large in size, but small in population, with lots of natural, historical and geological diversity. I'm looking forward to exploring, and learning about. as much of it as I can.
 |
| We do get the occasional interesting wildlife - I can never tell which end is the head on a Walking Stick! |
 |
| It's not unusual seeing Praying Mantis, but this year we've had a dozen hanging out for weeks. |
 |
| Simple drama on a drive to town. |
 |
| Sometimes we have two dozen Quail in the yard. |
 |
| A pair of cute fawns follow Mom to the water barrel. |
 |
| The Lowell District of Bisbee is like a walk through the past - a favorite stop for good breakfast at the BBC. |
 |
| A distant cousin rolled into town years ago and never rolled out. |
 |
| Okie dokie, gonna just keep on walking! |
 |
| Back porch evenings. |
 |
| I love watching the clouds change. |
I'll keep blogging for now. There are many things still up in the air, with lots of opportunity to find adventure in our new reality.
Well, I can sure identify with the medical challenges you and Bill are facing. Same thing here with Kelly and I. How in the heck did we get to this ailing Senior stage so fast anyway. I sure liked seeing your pictures of Lowell. Lots of great memories in that area for us. Oh how I wish I was there walking around in the Dragoon, Mule, and Chiricahua Mountains again. All the best to you guys and I hope everything works out reasonably well for you. Cribbage....holy smokes I can't even play 52 Pick-Up or Crazy Eights.
ReplyDeleteThanks Al. Too much math for me to even consider playing Cribbage - but it's popular with many of our friends!
DeleteOur hearts and thoughts of recovering health go out to you. You are right, you did buy at the right time, so that is a blessing. Loved your pictures of Lowell, such a cool place!
ReplyDeleteThanks! We're making the best of the blessings we have.
DeleteAt some point we will hang up the RV keys. Glad you have your home and friends, and those critters that stop by to entertain. Even the mantis are praying :)
ReplyDeleteWe have a cribbage tournament when the family gathers. My nephew is hard to beat
LOL, yes the mantis is on it! A tournament sounds fun, we should plan that when the kids are all together :-)
DeleteBest of luck with whatever the future holds for you adventure loving folks. Health and age eventually catches us. There is still lots of living ahead as you have just started another chapter in your lives.
ReplyDeleteDeb
Thanks Deb. Indeed there's much still to see and do, just differently now.
DeleteWishing Bill as smooth sailing as possible in this new normal. It truly is fortunate that you have found a great place to land that brings you so much peace and joy.
ReplyDeleteAs you know we can't always know what is ahead of us, just have to make the most of it when it arrives.
DeleteWe all hope you'll continue to blog....no one wants to lose track of two people who've become dear to us. And, knowing you, I know you'll find "new normal" adventures to share, small pleasures in life are often underrated. As always, we send our most positive thoughts for the best transition possible.
ReplyDeleteThanks much, yes I'm confident we'll figure out a way to make more great memories moving forward. Thankful always for your friendship.
DeleteJoe and I will add our positive thoughts for Bill. It is an adjustment to settle in to a new way of living after having been so adventurous. I have no doubt that you and Bill will find your way in this new journey. And like Sue, I am hopeful you will continue to stay in touch thru your blog. You are certainly in a gorgeous part of our home state with so many fun, historic, and beautiful places to find adventures.
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed to be where we are for sure. I'm happy to have your blog for finding all the wonderful places you visit nearby!
DeleteThat isn't the kind of news you want to hear is it! You are truly fortunate to have purchased the home you did, at the time you did and close to a city with good medical care. We wish Bill all the best as this new normal goes foward.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janna. You're right about not wanting the news to come this quickly for sure. Grateful to have made a home here with all we need :-)
DeleteOh, dear friends, this is an enormous life change. I'm glad you have a beautiful home in a place you enjoy, that good medical care is nearby, and that you will still be able to travel to see family. You have such a gift for enjoying the small pleasures of life, no matter where you are. We send our love to you and Bill and wish you ease in finding your "new normal." ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks much Laurel. Once the treatments begin we can figure out what our options are and then make the best of them. We're blessed in many ways.
DeleteYour positive outlook to this curve in the road will get you through to your new normal. It seems we are all approaching that time where we can expect more challenges. Luckily, we all have so many wonderful memories of our time on the road to carry us along. Stay strong and we're sending Bill so many positives thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. I'm so, so happy I did the blog from the very beginning of the preparation and all the amazing exploring we've done! And the forever friends we made in our travels are the biggest blessing of all.
DeleteSorry to hear about Bill's condition and sending all the best.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gaelyn. It's been a helluva time for many of us!
DeleteI can't believe I didn't comment on this. I feel like I remember doing it but perhaps it's my email I'm remembering. I'm hoping things are progressing in the direction you want and that you'll keep all of us who care for you up to date. Your wisdom in observing that "one attempts normal when faced with the unknown" is so totally what we did over and over after David's diagnosis. I've just never heard it put so perfectly. My thoughts and hugs are with you both.
ReplyDeleteOn a brighter note, the picture of Penelope made me laugh too. Hats off to who ever took this. She will love it in a few years.
Things are going well and the cooler temps are giving more options for getting out to explore. Pen's mom took the photo and posted on Instagram - she said she just couldn't help herself :-)))) Hope your world is looking brighter!
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Bills health. Is this a temporary condition or will he have to go every week? It’s nice you have a home that’s all renovated. I’m sure that’s comforting.
ReplyDeleteIt's forever unless he gets a transplant which is remarkably a possibility. Our little house is a blessing.
Delete