TRIP - DAY 5

I woke up bright and early in the morning so that we could be out of the campsite at 8:15 a.m. It was a 3-hour trip to Grand Tetons National Park. We drove through Caribou-Targhee National Forest. It was a lovely drive on my way to the Grand Tetons National Park. I tried to stop for as many historical sites as I could so I could learn more about the area. I also listen to a PBS show about the California Trail and the Oregon Trail. 

I got two Grand Tetons national park around lunch time and I stopped by the Smiths and got some gas prior to going to my campsite. I got to Gros Ventre campground a little after lunch time. The two retired folk who registered me were super super nice. I went to my campsite ate some lunch with Sunny and then drove out to fill the van up with water and dump the garbage. Once those two tasks were complete, sunny and I went to Jackson, Wyoming. 

I decided that we were going to go to see the National Museum of Wildlife Art. I saw some amazing very expensive pieces of art. And it was a lovely way to spend an hour. Sunny stayed in the van while I went to the museum. After the museum we went to Jackson to mail postcards and cards. Then we went to go see the cowboy bar which is famous for having saddles for bar stools. The cowboy bar was closed but we went to the Trading Post and bought a couple of chochkeys and more postcards. 

Then it was time to get back to the campsite to make dinner. I planned to make mushroom stroganoff. By using the instapot and the stove to make the pasta, I had a delicious dinner. I also have some left over to eat tomorrow. 

Their meditation and social media posts, it was time for bed. I have a big day tomorrow checking out the Grand Tetons. 

Until tomorrow...

TRIP - DAY 4

Today I slept in late. It's been weeks since I've been able to sleep late. I spent a little bit this morning organizing my bins because I haven't been able to find some things such as my scissors. So it feels a little bit better having things more organized. 

Right before lunch time I went down to the city of Hot Springs Idaho. Unfortunately, when I left the campsite I neglected to unhook the electric cord. I had pulled out of the campground driveway and was just entering the highway when a car came up next to me and started waving and screaming. That's when I realized the cord was dragging behind the RV. I quickly stopped the van and grabbed the cord. I then returned to the campsite and found my surge protector in the campground driveway. Lucky for me the cord detached from the post and not from the van. I think they're designed that way. I checked the post and it seemed fine. These surge protector tong bent a little bit but I was able to bend it back with my pliers. 

At that point I got on the road again to go to the hot springs. I was lucky I found a parking spot right away and went inside to soak in the hot spring. I tried the 105° pool and then the 106 to 110° pool. They were nice to soak in but they didn't seem as hot as everyone else was saying they were. Maybe it's because I'm used to soaking in a hot tub? 

After my hot tub experience, I was lucky enough to shower off with some soap. This was important because I did not have a shower the whole time I was in Crystal Springs because they do not have water. I only had a sponge bath while at Crystal Springs. 

After the hot tub I drove back to the campsite because it was starting to rain and I wanted to eat lunch. Sunny and I ate lunch together and then I took a walk around the entire campground. It really was a lovely campground with green grass, babbling brook and clearly designated sites. 

I had some time to kill so I wrote out some postcards, colored in my adult coloring book, and caught up on social media. 

I ate the leftover black bean pasta and Bolognese for dinner. 

Until tomorrow...

TRIP-DAY 3

This trip has been a lot of driving. I can't wait for a couple of days when I am not driving almost all day. 

This morning I got up and took a shower in the camp showers. This campground is so nice. The bathrooms are clean and the grounds kept very nice. The staff was nice too. 

I left that campsite at 8:15 and drove to the Walmart to get a few things and some more water. After leaving the store I started driving to my next location when I looked at the gas gauge. I had four bars going on three bars. I needed to get gas. I was almost to my destination so I continued. 

I went to the Minidoka National Historic Site. It was closed but I could still walk around. I got to the main gate and it was freezing a windy. I walked around a bit and then drove to another part but it was starting to rain. I felt I saw enough so it was in to find some gasoline. 

I had to drive about 15-20 minutes to get the closest gas station. Once I filled up, off we went to see the Crators of the Moon National Park. By this time, it started to pour. I arrived at the first pull out and hit out with my new yellow boots on, to walk around. The site reminded me of the volcano park in HI I went to. When I got back to the van, I decided this was as good a place as any to make and eat lunch. 

Yes, that is snow! 

After lunch we went to another pull out and then go to my next camp ground. I'm staying at what id probably a very nice campground but since I am one of two campers, I can only set it has beautiful grass and a lovely stream out back. 

 

I'm so tired. I'm going to sleep.

Until tomorrow...

TRIP- DAY 2

I got up right on time and got going early at 8:15 a.m. . I had to drive around 300 miles till next destination which was Jerome Idaho. I mistakenly thought there was a gas station on the way there and I made it with just a small bit of gas in the tank to the gas station. 

After a driving a bit it started to rain and this weird light appeared on my dashboard. It only concerned me because the icon had an exclamation point next to it. In my book an exclamation point means emergency. So I pulled over and called support. My simultaneously texted my cousin and asked her to sis trying to figure out what this light means. Tech support was a bit slow and their first response was "does the van still run"? I told them that yes the van still ran but I'd like to know what the light means. If the engine's going to conk out, it might be helpful to know what the light means. After a little bit of time I was given the answer that the collision sensor is malfunctioning. I also found out that the collision sensor can go off in very heavy rains. Since it was raining that's what did it. 

I got back on the road and continued on to my final destination Jerome Idaho. I needed a break at one point and wanted to eat lunch so I stopped and a lovely little museum called California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko, NV. It was a very very cute representation of people coming to CA during the gold rush. 

I got back on the road and arrived in my campsite in Jerome later than expected. I had the chili that I made at home for dinner and settled down to watch TV. 

I did dump the toilet compartment for the first time. It is a compartment that comes out and I could wheel it to a bathroom toilet and dump it. Fun times in Van life! 

Until tomorrow...

THE TRIP STARTED- DAY 1

I woke up early and got straight to work putting thingsd in the van. I got a lot of the moving done last night but because I was emotionally exhausted, I stopped earlier than I wanted to. 

Last night when I got into bed, I looked over on Lucky's side and was shocked she wasn't there. I was sad all over again. My sweet baby. 

After lugging am hours worth of stuff, I had to clean out the house. This was a task I planned to do yesterday. I checked all the windows and doors, took out the trash, and unplugged things. I was finally ready to go. I could now put the bird in the van. The Bungee cord I brought out was so old it was petrified. I had to get another bungee cord to anchor the birds cage. 

I got in the driver's seat and...I had to pee. Ugh. I went to pee and realized I forgot two important things: my toll gizmo and my phone holder. 

I was finally off! To the pharmacy to get my prescription that the insurance company forgot to fill. This gave me more practice parking. 

Then we were really off. We drove to a location that I knew had easily accessible restrooms. Then the next stop was lunch. I couldn't find a nice park or rest stop so we went to a Target parking lot that was not crowded. It was fine for a quick lunch. 

We stopped off at a rest stop to stretch my legs and saw this:

Yes, that is snow!! 

I was two hours late to leave and three hours late to the time I said I was going to arrive at the campsite. The owners were very sweet.

I got kind of set up, meditated, had a veggie burger for dinner and now I am relaxing. You could hear a pin drop in the RV park. Except the train that comes by every few hours. 

Tomorrow is another travel day. Another 350 miles. Good thing I made some playlists. 

Until tomorrow...

A VERY SAD DAY

I'll start off by saying last night Lucky had a very bad night. She has been shivering for about 5 days and then she seemed to be thirsty but didn't want water. She didn't eat and didn't want her nightly treats (something she really enjoyed). 

This morning I was taking her to the vet for her travel papers. The vet and I spoke about how she lost 3 lbs in three weeks even though she ate. She seemed very much in pain. The vet and I discussed how taking her on this trip would not be fun for her in this condition. Not to mention what if she got very ill and I was in the middle of nowhere. 

So I decided the best course of action was to let her pass on. I told her she was fearless, brave and that I loved her very much. I held her through the whole process of one needle and then the other. She looked so sweet at the end. 

I know I did the right thing. My friend heard that I was doing this and she came to the vet office to be with me. The veterinarian staff told me I was a good mommy and I gave Lucky everything any dog could ask for. 

Throwback photo

Rest in Peace Lucky 2007-4/23/2024

Once it was over, my friend and I went to my home where my friend cleaned up the dog stuff while I relaxed and got myself together. Today was the day I was getting the van. 

My friend drove me to the area and we had a quick bite to eat. Then we went to the van location and aftera LONG wait they spent an hour showing me how to use the van. My friend videoed most of it. 

Then I drove home and began packing it. I'm hoping nothing happens to it overnight. I did not pack the electronics, cold food and the bird. I'll do that tomorrow morning. I need to get done sleep.

Until tomorrow...

2 DAYS TO GO

I started out this day taking the bird, Sunny, to the special vet to get a health certificate. I know many people bring their pets to different states but some of the campsites say you have to show a health certificate if asked. I felt it was better safe than sorry. I would be devastated if one of my pets was taken away because I didn't have the certificate. In case you haven't heard avian flu is on the ride. 

Sunny dud great at the vets. The guy pried open his beak to check fir upper respiratory infection. He got weighed and the guy said he was a big bird. I asked if he meant fat but no he meant his bone structure is big. Sunny doesn't seem big to me. 

Sunny got to try out my latest impulse purchase: a bubble backpack. It is a backpack with a plastic bubble for the bird/cat/animal to look out. 

Sunny looks so happy. 

Then I ran to get my missed blood test to check my A1C. Results not in yet.

I came home to do some work and some tasks on my list. One of them was to walk down and get a prescription. My doctor called in some gabapentin. I'm not sure I'm going to take it but better to be safe than sorry.  On the way back I stopped to get ice cream but the ice cream parlor was closed. I ended up getting a pint of Ben & Jerry's non-dairy. It was good but not the same. I ate 1/2 pint. I tasted good! 

I did a few more tasks after dinner and now I Am going to bed. 

Until tomorrow...

3 DAYS TO GO

I spent the day doing so many things. I finished re-uploading music fit some entertainment during the drive. 

I made some more of those amazing homemade granola bars. I finished laundry. I deep cleaned the bird cage.

I weeded the backyard (it was beginning to get over run by clover and I planted seeds. I'm growing peas, green beans, yellow squash, lettuce and cucumber. I'll get a tomato plant when I get back. I already have mint, parsley, chives, oregano, rosemary, a strawberry plant and blueberries. 

It is three days until I take off on my campervan adventure. I have moments of fear and excitement. I think I will feel better once I get the van. 

Until tomorrow...

4 DAYS TO GO

Today was the date of two events. First the neighborhood watch community block party. I walked Lucky around the corner to see the excitement. Lucky was not impressed. 

I decided to attend the vegan pop up for Earth Day.  I was excited when I arrived. DirtyDawg, the new hot dog company was there sells by a vegan hot dog with vegan bacon and mustard, mayo and ketchup. They served it with grilled onions but I took a pass. There was someone selling juice, tostadas, and lasagna. It was a nice sunny day. 

I came home and did more packing and cooking. I made chili to freeze for the trip and barbecue tofu for the next few days. Busy day. It will be busier tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

5 DAYS TO GO

Today was a day for errands. I went to acupuncture and she put needles in my foot. I always feel better after acupuncture. I am not always sure if it works but I always feel better after a session. 

It's five days until I leave on my trip. I had so many things to do including getting some labs done. The lab screwed up and didn't take my blood so I have to go back on Monday for blood work. 

I found out that the main person at the Arthritis Foundation passed away. It was pretty sudden and sad. 

Until tomorrow...

6 DAYS TO GO

I have plenty to do before I leave on my trip. Lots of work to wrap up, packing and cleaning. Who wants to return to a messy home? 

Today I went to my last physical therapy before I leave. My heel and area right in front of my heel are killing me. It hurts to walk so I drove to the appointment. It amazes me how I went from feeling slight pain to horrible pain. I wish I never went to that other physical therapist. He caused the inflammation in my heel by being to hard on my foot. My therapist put some tape on my foot to help support my ankle. I am not sure it helped. 

The thing helping the most is soaking my foot in hot water. I make the water as hot as I can stand. I am also taking Advil to try decrease the inflammation. I have 6 days to stop the pain. 

Until tomorrow...

ONE WEEK TO GO

With one week to go, the packing and preparing is going full steam. I verified the appointments for the dog and bird. I'm getting them both health certificates before we travel. 

I have containers with 1. Fun & Electronics, 2. Camping & Hiking stuff, 3. Pet stuff, and Kitchen stuff. It's hard to tell if I have too much stuff. I'll have to wait until I get the van to see what fits. 

My foot problems continue. Some days my heel feels okay and other days it hurts to walk. I'm sleeping in a foot brace at night that keeps my foot perpendicular. 

Lucky seemed better today and she ate three single-size applesauce-sized cups of chicken. Last week I was lucky to get her to eat one cup. 

Until tomorrow...

EIGHT DAYS TO GO

After a long day working, I began packing for my trip. I have things organized by section: kitchen, clothes, pet stuff, etc. It is making it easier to see what I have. This evening I counted out and put my vitamins in ziplock bags. The bottles take up too much space. 

My one dilema is whether it will be cold and do I bring my heavy ski coat. Or do I just use my hiking puffy. I don't know. 

Until tomorrow...

NINE DAYS TO GO

Nine days to go. My vacation is beckoning. 

Today I took Sunny the bird to get his wings, nails and beak trimmed. He needed it a lot. I got a bunch of food to take on the trip. 

I finished invoicing my client tonight, before I leave. 

Today I dealt with the insurance-company-who-must-not-be-named. I was told to call a week after to get a vacation override. Did you think this was going to be easy? Then you'd be wrong. Five phone calls later it was the end of the day and I was told to call back tomorrow. 

Until tomorrow...

KID GOT FOOD POISONING OR STOMACH FLU

First thing this morning I got the call from my ex-foster kid. He was ill all night. 

Last night after getting home from the train, he ordered food to be delivered. About 4 hours later he was super ill. 

He didn't know what to do because this was his first time being ill. I had many phone calls helping talk him through. He wanted to go to the hospital but no one could take him. I'm sure he will be fine. 

I invoices all my clients. It was hours of work. Each time I tell myself I won't let it go this long but then I get busy and forget. 

Until tomorrow...

MY VISITOR LEFT TODAY

After breakfast, I (we) cut up apples and bananas to put in the dehydrator for a delicious and healthy snack on my trip. I think I was more excited about it than he was. 

Then we went to the store for containers. I decided after watching some videos, I want some of my stuff in containers in the van. Last thing you want is for your items to roll around while you drive. 

When we got home, we played a game and then he asked me to drive him to another store. I did but I wished he had asked sooner because we drove back to the same area. Such a waste of gas! Plus they didn't have what he wanted. I picked up some snacks for my trip. 

Then it was time for him to catch the bus. He only stayed one night this time because I had work to finish before I leave. He got on the bus with no issues except he didn't bring appropriate clothes and he was wet and cold. You can tell kids but they need to learn on their own. 

Until tomorrow...

I HAVE A VISITOR

My ex-foster kid arrived this evening. This was his first time taking both a bus and train to get here. I drove down to the bus station and picked him up. 

We had a nice dinner of homemade vegan pizza. He says "it's actually pretty good". This time I bought the vegan pepperoni. He said "it tastes like the real thing ". Great praise. 

We watched some TV before hitting the hay. 

Until tomorrow...

VISITOR TOMORROW

Tomorrow my ex-foster kid is visiting for a night. I had to order some food to be delivered. My ex-foster kid eats a lot of food. 

I had acupuncture to help with pain and to relax before the visit. 

Until tomorrow...

WEIRD DAY

Today was a weird day. After working a bit, I took Lucky on a car ride to the pet food store. We got some containers of dog food. I bought some last week but I bought the wrong flavor and she got a bit sick. I may try them again this week. 

Then after working a bit more, I got a call that my taxes are complete. Just in time to make my IRA contributions. 

Hours later my ex-foster kid called to say someone he knew passed away. I think it was his first person who died. He was very upset. We all have to go through our first death. I think it is part of life to learn how to work through your grief and trauma. 

Until tomorrow...

SECOND ARTHRITIS MEETING MISHAP

Today was our arthritis meeting. I was early to the meeting so I could set it up. I looked and looked for my link as a facilitator but no luck. I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out how to log on does the facilitator then I went on as a participant. Turns out in the past couple weeks another member took the training to also be a facilitator. She figured out how to go on and host the meeting and then I went in as a participant. 

We had a good meeting where people shared ideas of different tools to open jars and cans. It was very enlightening. 

After the meeting the other facilitator and I looked at the correspondence and found out that somehow or another my email got switched with someone else's and that person is probably getting my invitations. So that's why last time and this time I was not able to log in and be the facilitator.

FINISHED A PROJECT

I am so happy! I finished one more big project for work. These projects are behind schedule but I'm getting them done before my trip. 

Tonight I watched some videos of my camper van in the cold weather. It made me feel more confident about camping in very cold weather. 

Lucky seemed better today. She isn't shivering like she was. She isn't cold, I think it is pain. I've also increased the gabapentin dose. 

I walked 5,120 steps today and my foot/heel is feeling a bit better. I think I found something that makes it feel better: I'm using a facial roller on my calf. A facial roller is a stone roller that you run across your face to get rid of wrinkles. Since my calves are so tight and painful, I thought I would try running my facial roller and it seems to be working. I'm still wearing the night boot to keep my foot in the right position and doing my physical therapy exercises. 

Until tomorrow...

HOW FAR DID I WALK?

I was supposed to work today but I didn't get any sleep last night. I was up about 10 times. I tried my audiobook, a meditation, nature sounds, reading a book and watching TV. Nothing worked.

I really tried to work but I kept falling asleep! 

I wanted to put these totals of the distances per month that I walked: 

* January I walked 143,028 steps approximately 64.34 miles

* February I walked 139,820 steps approximately 62.90 miles

*March I walked 169,801 steps approximately 76.34 miles. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE WITH BROTHER

This day started out so nice and ended so badly. 

My brother and I went to another neighborhood to walk around and get my glasses adjusted. We had Vietnamese food again but this time at my favorite place. I thought they had closed during COVID but they didn't. I have had dreams about their vegan banh mi sandwiches. 

Then after walking around we got ice cream at a particularly good ice cream place. I couldnt resist and I got two scoops of vegan ice cream. We took our ice cream to the park and sat in the sun. 

Once we got home we played game of Battleship. My brother used to always beat me and today was no exception. 

Then it was time to take him to the airport. We decided to stop at a hiking path first and take a little hike to see a lake. 

After I took my brother to the airport, I started driving back home when at an exit some car almost hit the side of my car when he decided to merge right into me while driving on the left shoulder. Then he pulled up next to me on the right and started beeping and yelling at me. He was calling me all sorts of not nice and four letters names. Then he pulled in behind me beeping and yelling at every stop sign and stop light for 2 miles. It may not seem like a far distance but when you are in bumper to bumper traffic it seems like a long time. I tried to lose him but he followed me each time I changed lanes or made a turn. Finally, out of fear for my life, I drove to my local police station. I also kept an eye out for cop cars on the way but there is never one when you need one! 

When I got you the police station, there was a loading zone parking spot, I pulled in and turned off the car, unhooked my seatbelt, grabbed my keys, unlocked the door, before opening the door and getting out. Over my shoulder I locked the door with my key fob and ran across the two lanes of traffic. I went into the police station and out of the corner of my eye I saw his car blocking traffic half pulled in behind my car. 

I went in and told the police there was a guy following me. I was shaking at that point. I didn't know what this guy was going to do. Did he want to yell at me? Did he want to punch me? Did he want to shoot me? He obviously wanted to follow me home and at least intimidate me. 

I stayed in the police station for about 25 minutes. I was hoping I would not get a parking ticket and that the guy would leave. Finally it was clear there were no cops available to escort me to my car so I peaked out and the crazy guy seemed gone. The cop at the desk said to come back if he was still out there or followed me again. It was just luck that I found a parking place right across the street the first time! 

I went out and he was gone. I quickly got in my car and drove around a bit and then home. I half expected to see him pop out from an alley or parking spot. 

I can honestly say I was scared. Who gets that crazy over a merge? That guy clearly needs anger management classes. If didn't think the world has gone crazy, I do now. I'm not sure I will sleep tonight. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY TWO WITH BROTHER

Today we both did our PT, then we walked around the neighborhood. We had lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant. The food was okay. 

He helped me figure out the GPS and helped me unscrew my mailbox for my trip. I need the mail to fall into a box so my friend can come collect it. 

I made a vegan dinner for us. Barbecue tofu, green beans and a special couscous dish. It was delicious. 

He introduced me to the show Hacks on Max. We watched two episodes and I liked it. 

Until tomorrow...

MY BROTHER IS VISITING

I had a particularly hard day at work and right after work ended, my brother came from the airport. He flew in from the East Coast to stay with me for a couple of days. 

He was super respectful and wore a mask until he tested himself for COVID. Then we ordered a vegan pizza for dinner. 

Until tomorrow...

I SAW MY VAN🚐

I got going early and did the few items I had to do . I moved a meeting to the afternoon and I took off. I drove 40 minutes in my car. Yes, it made it there and back easily. I found the rental place and the employees were so nice. They took me through a van and showed me everything. They also answered my questions. 

I wanted to check out the storage since this van is smaller than the one I originally rented. There is storage but we will have to see how much when I bring it home. I am going to make a pile of necessary items and a pile of "would love to bring" items. 

I also wanted to find out about the fridge. Some RV or van fridges only run when the RV/van is not running. Since I have a bunch of orencia, I need to have constant refrigeration. 

Lastly I wanted to find out about the heat. How does it run and will it be enough for the cold weather. Will the pipes freeze? No. The water heater heats the pipes. 

Now I just have to wait three weeks to go! 

Until tomorrow...

MADE A MISTAKE

Fir months Lucky ate boiled chicken that I boiled. When I went away and left her with the dog sitter, I boiled chicken in advance and froze it.  Well, with this trip coming up, I had to find an alternative. I tried four different brands of people-grade chicken in a can.  She only really liked one of them Stella & Chewy. I got two cases today. One was chicken & chicken liver and the other was supposed to be plain chicken. It wasn't. It was chicken and salmon. I now have an unhappy doggie with an upset tummy. I'll have to get the plain kind tomorrow. Poor baby's tummy is making the same noises my tummy used to make when I would eat dairy products more than 10 years ago! It sounds like the food is going to crawl right out of your tummy! 

Until tomorrow...

APRIL FOOL'S DAY

I just looked back at last week and I was going to say the same thing this week. I'm drowning in work. I just worked until 10:00 at night to catch up.

Although it is April fool's Day and Cesar Chavez Day, I went to a doctor's appointment. After the chip incident, I had a sore throat for a long time. But I also had sort of pain underneath my jaw. My doctor decided I should go see an ENT. The ENT was very nice and listen to me. He did a lovely test where he put a little camera down my throat. It was easier than I thought. He didn't see anything but he definitely said that if I don't feel better when I come back from my trip, he would order an MRI.

Until tomorrow..