Beginnings and Endings....

The middle of winter signals the time of year for RV shows all around the country.  I made my annual pilgrimage to the RV show in Spokane.  Maybe one day I will actually be in Quartzite for the RV gathering and will no longer be dreamin!!

I go back and forth as to what I would like to have as far as an RV for future travels.  I'm thinking of a cross country trip in the future and have a hard time visualizing pulling a trailer through the cities of the NorthEast.  I do love the retro trailers that are coming out now though....a touch of the old stylin and a touch of the new..... a frig and air would be nice.

 Since I already have the truck.....it would be a hook up and go!!

Or maybe a turtle..... and carry my home on my back.  

  I even found one that would work with my truck......light and comfy.

                    I'm seriously considering trying out another option for this summers travels.

Saturday, was the 1st Blogger Fest in Arizona sun.  A group of more than 50 bloggers got together for a meet and greet.  Sure would have loved to be there....maybe it will come together again and I will be able to attend.  I have met some of those that were able to attend and there are many more wanderin souls I would love to meet.  Sounds like they had a grand time!!

I found myself as a bystander in a drama at the RV show.  I was talking with a salesman when a frantic young man ran up to the sales person yelling for help.  We followed him back to an area where a woman had fallen.  It became quickly clear that she was desperately in need of medical attention.   When I left the area, someone was doing CPR on her.  While I don't know the outcome, the situation looked grim. The events added a somber cloud to the day and after I walked around for some time later, I wasn't able to focus and left soon after.

  

Some Call this Medical Care

The winter dulldrums have set in so it seems a good time to address medical issues and get them out of the way.  A foggy day at Turnbull Wildlife Refuge matches my mood.  Since I have been without medical insurance a great deal of my adulthood it seems a number of issues on the back burner are begging to be addressed.  I should begin by stating I am grateful to finally have insurance.  I am however distressed at how diligent I am needing to be in order to receive any benefit of medical treatment.

Last year after the mass enrollment of Americans via the Affordable Health Care Act, I  started another waiting game..... waiting for the selection of Insurance Company.......waiting for the paperwork to arrive in the mail to verify the information......waiting to find and select a primary care clinic....and finally the assignment of a primary physician.

Then came our wonderful Utah trip and after 6 weeks at home on the road again for our nearly 8 week trip around Washington State. Being at home through the winter months while Hailey is in school seemed like a great time to address all our medical issues.  I should have sent a notice to the insurance folks....

I chose to use a clinic I had used when I had no insurance and received excellent care.  The clinic I was assigned to use was 30 miles away, near where I previously lived.  If I stayed with the previous clinic it would be a 60 mile round trip to each doctors appointment..  It required special permission to change to a Doctor closer to home which took five weeks.  After approval I finally had an appointment December 1.  Nice lady but I felt rushed and she made it clear there would only be time to deal with one issue for each appointment....... common on folks, at this rate we won't make it through by medical history before summer.   I had blood drawn and an ex-rays  order on my back and hip and another appointment made for the following week.

The Doctor ordered physical therapy without results of the ex-rays and order medications for my high cholesterol.  It took five more weeks to get pre-authorization for the physical therapy and medication after many, many calls to the insurance company and doctors office.

In one of my calls to the Doctors office, I was told that I need not call again, that they would call me when the authorization came through.  Two weeks later, when I call the insurance company, they had never received the request for authorization.  Clearly, I needed to do the follow up calling.  

In my opinion, going to the Doctor is only the first step towards medical care.  Medical care is what happens after seeing the doctor on the path to wellness.  It seems to me that the process as become concluded in many extra steps that must be managed by the patient.  My biggest concern is for those patient who are unable to advocate for themselves......  Who speaks up for them? 

After annoying persistence with the insurance company and Doctors office, today, the physical therapist went over the results of the test with me.  The vertebrae sit like joined  blocks on top of each other protecting the spinal column. In my mid back one portion of a vertebra has collapsed due to an injury and healed into a v shaped wedge which applies pressure on the spinal column.  The pressure causes pain and numbness that increases throughout the day and more with activity.  It is natural for the spine to try to compensate and straighten itself which causes more arches and bends.  So at this time, the treatment seems to be to try and strengthen the muscles in my core and back to provide better support. 

I guess only time will tell.

Some call this medical care.......

 

the verdict is still out as far as I am concerned.

A Flurry of Holiday Cheer and Lights

Some of my fondest memories of the Christmas Season are viewing the outdoor decorations and Christmas lights.  Christmas lights have always captured the child lurking in my soul.  As a child we searched out Christmas lights on the way to visit relatives during the Christmas Season taking different routes each trip to ensure we saw as many different light displays as possible.

My Grandfather and father handmade a life size Christmas display one Christmas of Santa, his sleigh loaded with Christmas packages and reindeer.  It was mounted with lights glowing on the roof of my Grandparents house.  Each year Santa returned to my Grandparents house for many years and then upon our house eventually on my parents house.  I wish I had pictures to see the display but it remains intact in my memory.  As a child I loved this magical time of year.

I still do wander different roads today in search of unique lighting displays.  It is one way I relive the magic of Christmas's past.  I believe there have not been as many light displays as years past.

Coeur d Alene Lake has lights that light up around on the North end of the Lake.  There is a boat cruise that we have taken in the past..  This year I went a on a driving tour around the lights of the lake with some of the other sisters.  The Boardwalk around the Marina has many displays and others only available from the boat tour.

The boardwalk as viewed on the internet
           
  A holiday dinner with Sisters on the Fly at the Cedars Floating Restaurant

 

                             ......we added a certain 'glow' to the festive atmosphere of this elegant restaurant.

You can see some of the lights on the lake behind Carolyn on the right pic.

  The Motto of the Sisters on the Fly is..... We have more fun than anyone.................. And We Did!!


This year the Gaiser Conservatory in Manito Park was remodeled and decked out for Christmas with lights, poinsettias and other Christmas Blooms.  I have visited the park many times in the past but never when it was lit with Christmas lights.  There are two wings, one for tropical plants, one for desert plants and the center main entry section which contains a waterfall and pond with benches for sitting on a quiet day.  This night there were hundreds of festive participants waited their turn in line to view this free Christmas lighting extravaganza. Auntie, Hailey and I were able to find a handicapped parking space right in front and were met by an display elf assistant who moved us to the front of the line.
 

Even the lines and crowds of people do not dampen my spirits as I take in the beautiful display and I was able to  get some decent photos without all the onlookers.

 





Probably one of my favorite views was outside the observatory. One of the inside helpers from "Friends of Manito Park" suggested that I take a picture of the observatory outside before we leave.  I am so glad she did.  In my rush to leave all the people and congestion I might have missed the glorious sight.

Isn't it gorgeous ablaze in in colored lights?

What a beautiful gift to the citizens of Spokane this lighting display has been.  How wonderful if it were to be open more days to allow more to view its wonder.

James King is up for national honors for Best Private Holiday Light Display in USAToday.com's annual contest.  James and his wife Karrie painted and cut out some 55 Disney characters to complement the 9,000 lights on their Spokane, Wash. home.

The couple, both Disney lovers who met in the fourth grade, spend over 40 hours on their display in an effort to give a Disneyland-like experience to those who many never get to visit the California theme park.  I have seen many fabulous displays showcased on television from around the country but this home displays the love and and Christmas spirit one family has to offer.  People come from miles around to view its festive lights.

It comes alive with the lights and music.

And close to home a little friendly competion between husband and a wife

Hers........................................His

New York may have the Empire State Building....

(from the internet)

But Spokane has the Steam Plant Stacks

And Finally.......One house has been a showcase for over fifty years. Each year the owner has built a new light displays having worked on them throughout the year and over the years he has garnered a faithful following.  I went by again this year and this year found a sign instead......

After fifty years of displays...... you deserve a rest...... 

More than children are disappointed.

but I'll be back next year for you see, some of the kids never grow up.

We found some spectacular lights...... some simple.  But I enjoy them all.

Hope your Holiday was Merry!!

Finding a little Ho, Ho, Ho

While maintaining a large house, farm animals, a job and growing children, it was difficult to do all the things I wanted to do around the holidays.  Sometimes my Ho, Ho, Ho got lost in all the frenzied preparations.  The list of all the things that make a perfect Christmas grew longer and longer.

December 18, 2008 

I lead a simpler life today. 

Yet, the dream of making a gingerbread house has remained. 

 

I dreamed of a beautiful house covered in candies sitting in the center of our table but it was always bumped down the list by other pressing activities. One year I even made the gingerbread walls, gathered the candies and yet, the house remained in pieces....

Saturday, I woke up ready to embrace creating a Christmas Vision I have long held. 

Rather than risking not getting to the creation step this year, I decided to jump to the building step.  This year I gathered graham crackers, candies and whipped up a batch of Royal Frosting and set out to build a Christmas Trailer much like my own little Lolita.

                                                          Royal Frosting -  Whip together

                                                                       2 egg whites

                                                               3 cups powdered sugar

                                                  a little water to desired consistency

                                

 Gluing the graham crackers together using Frosting. 

I piped on frosting for the vertical walls before construction of the wee trailer house.  Apply candy quickly as the frosting drys hard in just a few minutes.

 After several hours of work, this was the finished product.  While it resembles Lolita.... I must admit it looked a little like a fourth grader made it.  SO...............

The next day, I made another wee Christmas trailer.

While I visualized making this in my trailer one day..... (all the better without the baking stage) I have also decided that postponing activities to someday  only leads to disappointment and dreams deferred. 

While not quite the reality to match my "Christmas Vision", I have embraced my inner fourth grader and have my wee little Lolita! 

 Today was a fine day to enjoy the Christmas Spirit!!

Lolita Basking in the Morning Glow

A neighbor across the river where Lolita is Winter Parked posted a sunrise picture.

Swiftwater RV in the bottom left of picture.

Miss You Lolita..... Wish I was there!!

Keeping On, Keeping On.... and other Winter Ramblings

It seems last year I spent all winter resisting nesting and settling in.  My life seemed focused on living a mobile life while home based in a wintery location.  I sought out like minded outdoors people and followed new trails while planning for the escapes in the Spring and Summer.

If you have been following along for awhile, we have had some grand escapades and before you begin to worry we will again.  However, I find myself not working so hard at it.  Taking each day as it comes is my present motto.

Is this a sign that I have given up the dream of full time travel 

or 

simply a sign that I have settled in to a life that is different than I planned?

 

When I had a sticks and bricks house to maintain, a job, mini farm and foster children, a great deal of effort and money went into maintaining a home and family.  Get-always were always on the back burner and complicated to orchestrate.  A willing neighbor feed the barnyard crew but their was always so much to catch up with upon  our return.  While most of those responsibilities are behind me now, I at times find myself feeling like I am living in limbo. I know that my simplified life will allow us to travel again.

For now, a granddaughter who longs for roots and belonging in a school community hold us stationery for now during the school year.  We have been making changes to our stationery nest (carpeting in my room and decorating for the holidays) and attending church with Auntie.  After thanksgiving we again made a meal for a church sponsored homeless effort.   

Last spring and summer we were able to travel and fulfill some of my travel dreams. A trip to Utah and trip around Washington State satisfied for a time the wanderlust that I have always felt.  I struggled with  the physical demands of travel and hiking due to previous injuries.  So this fall during our stationery time, I have decided to address getting into better shape so that the injuries don't prevent me from doing the activities that I desire.  Trips to the doctor have resulted in physical therapy to try and strengthen injured areas. Therapy is certainly painful, but  I am hopeful that it will help.  We shall see.....

During the Christmas holidays, we are planning a trip to White Bird, Idaho to where the trailer is wintering.  We will be on winter storm watch so that we travel when the passes are clear of ice and snow. We hope to enjoy a winter holiday.   So far, no snow so I am praying for NO snow so I can be a happy camper!


Last year at this time I was moving into a carved out spot in the basement to capture some needed private space.  This year there is new carpet and Christmas decorations.  I do believe I am settling in.                           But then again....
                                                 my mind wanders to Spring....
                                                                                              to adventures yet to come.

           

            Long winter nights leave to much time for thinking.....

Another Day, Another Rant

In general, I have never been a great visitor of Art Museums or Art exhibits.  One clear exception is when the exhibit makes a statement about our world or human existence.  Such an exhibit recently opened in Spokane so I planned a day to take in the sights of a new local artist.  It is behind glass in a old storefront window.  (I used pictures from the web as my pics were not particularly good in the poor lighting and glass reflection)  Photos courtesy Stiggy Art.

Pic by Spokesman Review

  The Artist, Austin Stiegemeier, hailing from Rathdrum, Idaho recently opened the display he entitled "Violet is an Anagram of Love it."  (An anagram is a type of word play, the result of rearranging the letters of a word or phrase to produce a new word or phrase, using all the original letters exactly once.)

With the possession laden grocery carts and cardboard dwellings, the display makes a very public statement about poverty and urban decay and the way homeless people are treated in our society. 

 

Made entirely of recycled or abandoned materials, the symbolism between the materials and homelessness is easily recognized.

In a town that criminalizes homeless behaviors such as sitting or laying on a sidewalk, there is plenty to be said.  

"Violet conveyed a number of complex ideas at once. It’s a condemnation of the city’s controversial sit-lie ordinance. It’s an examination of poverty in our city. It’s a visualization of the queasy juxtaposition between the 9-to-5 life of downtown business executives and the panhandlers squatting in front of the high-rise office buildings where they work." (from the Spokesman Review, November 2 2014, in a feature article titled Art Installation About Poverty, Urban Decay.) 

 http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/nov/02/the-window-into-his-soul/

 Many people argue living on the street is often a 'choice' made after a lifetime of poor choices, 

What of those for whom there is no other option?

  Often we do not want to see the devastation that others face daily in their lives.  Does it cause  people to feel uncomfortable?

In a land that seems to have a growing list of thou shall nots, a 90 year old man, Arnold Abbott was arrested for feeding homeless people in public.  He vows to continue feeding the hungry with his last breath. 

"As Martin Luther King Jr., said, our responsibility is to disobey unjust laws," 25-year-old Nikki Rye, one of the three who was arrested with Abbott, told the Sun-Sentinel.

 "These actions violate basic human rights."

 

Visitors to the exhibit were invited to contiribute to the exhibit.  

(Note... those lying or sitting on the sidewalk were not arrested.)

All that remains is to outlaw all remaining expressions of dignity, compassion and humanity.

 Another Anagram for the day

 LISTEN

 Use all the letters........

 SILENT

It seems somehow appropriate for the day.