Orlando Hospital

Orlando Hospitalization  

1/6/ - 1/13/13  

Sunday, ate some pizza and salad and then we went to a few souvenir stores to look around.

Monday, took John to VA. Checked in, sent to Green Team, then to enrollment (since we are with Boise VA), back to Green Team check in, saw doctor, sent to x-ray, back to Green Team check in, then doctor.

Doctor looked at x-rays and said, you've got fluid on the lungs and are in heart failure. You are going to the hospital. The VA is only a Medical Center with no hospital so they contract with Florida Hospital Winter Park. The VA in Orlando was so busy. We arrived at 11:00 a.m. It is take a number, but for all the places we went he was headed to hospital around 2:30 p.m. They have pretty organized processes and don't mess around.

 

Tues. John in hospital, tests. I called Robert and he talked to his Dad. We discussed his coming to stay with us in a few weeks and also go to Mexico. This will give him some down time and give us plenty of time to talk about future plans for us all. I did go in the pool since it was so warm I walked right in. That is very unusual for a heated pool. Went in hot tub too and relaxed. Got to sleep about 4:30 a.m.

At the condo there was a fire drill. That was fun at 10:00 p.m. while in my pajamas. I grabbed my purse, and leopard blanket and went down 6 flights of stairs -- barefoot (what was I thinking or not). Got to the bottom and remembered that I had car keys so I went and got my flip flops, thank goodness. Seems someone burnt some cookies in the oven. Waited outside for about 45 minutes until all clear and waited another 15 minutes for elevator. I wasn't about to go up 6 flights.

Fire truck at Bldg. 14



Wednesday and John had his chemical stress test. He said it was a bit scary at times, but much better than he thought it would be. 

 

Thursday took him to Florida Hospital Orlando for cardio cath. No extreme blockages, stent blocks OK around 60%, 20% of heart left. After his first heart attack in 1999, he lost 50% of his heart function. Doctor said he needs to eat right low fat, low salt. After test sent him back to Florida Hospital Winter Park. Probably send him home tomorrow.

I called Robert and we talked a bit. Today was his last day in the Air Force. He seems pretty happy about that. I love that they offered him a bus ride back to Boise. How rude. Anyway, he is flying home Sunday and will stay with Cathy for a little bit. We appreciate her generosity so much and I know Robert is happy to have a place to go and one where he will feel good.

Friday another day in hospital. Won't let him go home yet want kidney irregularity to be straightened out. You take these tests and take heavy medicines so everything in the body goes wacky.

Saturday, was positive he was going home. Doctor came in and said that he could not go home because he had to have his blood work done tomorrow which is Sunday and there is no doctor available for John who can review his coagulation. We will have to go to VA on Monday and figure out what we are going to do. Doctor wants his blood clotting checked every single day until they are sure about dose, so he can go home Sunday.  I had to pack and move to another resort - from Kissimmee to Orlando.  Too bad it wasn't the other way around since Orlando is closer to hospital.  So John will come home to a new place.

 

Sunday, yeah, picked up John about 11:30 p.m. We went over to Subway for lunch since he had not eaten and it is healthy. We have to watch fats, salt and now Vitamin K. That sure limits what he can eat, but we will do our best to be careful. After lunch we stopped at Whole Foods and got some food. Boy is that stuff expensive. Picked up a few things. Came back to room. John laid down and took a good 2+ hour nap and I made our dinner. It is the evening, so we'll eat, watch a little TV and get to bed. It is so nice to have him home.

 

 

 

Orlando Hospital

Orlando Hospitalization  

1/6/ - 1/13/13  

Sunday, ate some pizza and salad and then we went to a few souvenir stores to look around.

Monday, took John to VA. Checked in, sent to Green Team, then to enrollment (since we are with Boise VA), back to Green Team check in, saw doctor, sent to x-ray, back to Green Team check in, then doctor.

Doctor looked at x-rays and said, you've got fluid on the lungs and are in heart failure. You are going to the hospital. The VA is only a Medical Center with no hospital so they contract with Florida Hospital Winter Park. The VA in Orlando was so busy. We arrived at 11:00 a.m. It is take a number, but for all the places we went he was headed to hospital around 2:30 p.m. They have pretty organized processes and don't mess around.

 

Tues. John in hospital, tests. I called Robert and he talked to his Dad. We discussed his coming to stay with us in a few weeks and also go to Mexico. This will give him some down time and give us plenty of time to talk about future plans for us all. I did go in the pool since it was so warm I walked right in. That is very unusual for a heated pool. Went in hot tub too and relaxed. Got to sleep about 4:30 a.m.

At the condo there was a fire drill. That was fun at 10:00 p.m. while in my pajamas. I grabbed my purse, and leopard blanket and went down 6 flights of stairs -- barefoot (what was I thinking or not). Got to the bottom and remembered that I had car keys so I went and got my flip flops, thank goodness. Seems someone burnt some cookies in the oven. Waited outside for about 45 minutes until all clear and waited another 15 minutes for elevator. I wasn't about to go up 6 flights.

Fire truck at Bldg. 14



Wednesday and John had his chemical stress test. He said it was a bit scary at times, but much better than he thought it would be. 

 

Thursday took him to Florida Hospital Orlando for cardio cath. No extreme blockages, stent blocks OK around 60%, 20% of heart left. After his first heart attack in 1999, he lost 50% of his heart function. Doctor said he needs to eat right low fat, low salt. After test sent him back to Florida Hospital Winter Park. Probably send him home tomorrow.

I called Robert and we talked a bit. Today was his last day in the Air Force. He seems pretty happy about that. I love that they offered him a bus ride back to Boise. How rude. Anyway, he is flying home Sunday and will stay with Cathy for a little bit. We appreciate her generosity so much and I know Robert is happy to have a place to go and one where he will feel good.

Friday another day in hospital. Won't let him go home yet want kidney irregularity to be straightened out. You take these tests and take heavy medicines so everything in the body goes wacky.

Saturday, was positive he was going home. Doctor came in and said that he could not go home because he had to have his blood work done tomorrow which is Sunday and there is no doctor available for John who can review his coagulation. We will have to go to VA on Monday and figure out what we are going to do. Doctor wants his blood clotting checked every single day until they are sure about dose, so he can go home Sunday.  I had to pack and move to another resort - from Kissimmee to Orlando.  Too bad it wasn't the other way around since Orlando is closer to hospital.  So John will come home to a new place.

 

Sunday, yeah, picked up John about 11:30 p.m. We went over to Subway for lunch since he had not eaten and it is healthy. We have to watch fats, salt and now Vitamin K. That sure limits what he can eat, but we will do our best to be careful. After lunch we stopped at Whole Foods and got some food. Boy is that stuff expensive. Picked up a few things. Came back to room. John laid down and took a good 2+ hour nap and I made our dinner. It is the evening, so we'll eat, watch a little TV and get to bed. It is so nice to have him home.

 

 

 

Ormond Beach - New Year's Eve

Ormond Beach

 (needs photos) can't get photo thing to work

December 30, 2012 January 5, 2012

Sunday we took a walk on the beach and went to grocery store. In the evening went to movies to see Django. Looked around the beach area downtown and they have a neat open air band shell and they had an ice skating rink -- temporarily up during the holidays.  That was cool right on beach boardwalk area.  People were having so much fun ice skating.  I like palm trees and ice skating.

 

New Year's Eve.........yeah. We were invited to a couch surfer's house (Dawn and Al, and three of their friends) for turkey dinner at 5:00 p.m. and around 10:30 p.m. we all headed downtown for Daytona Beach Street Party. Live music, food/drink vendors, ball drop at midnight and fireworks over the ocean. We had such a great evening and a New Year's Eve like we haven't done for a long time. It was nice to party. Robert called to wish us a Happy New Years.

 

Rest of the week was pretty calm, some beach walking, some rainy days. We did rent two movies and we enjoyed: Men in Black 3 and Hope Springs. They were both good.

Tuesday had a few drinks, walked on the beach, hot tub, and we just had fun being stupid. Had Mexican food at a place called Peppers and they had the best Mexican rice I have ever had. I just could not believe how good it was.

It rained Wednesday, so  trip to Walmart to pick up some stuff.  

Thursday, a little rain.  Took a free tour of the chocolate factory, Angell & Phelps.  They had some good stuff, chocolate potato chips and also bacon.  We got samples.  Fun seeing them make choc. covered cherries.

 

Friday, packed up luggage and got stuff into car. Went to dinner at Greek Restaurant and had gyros. John had Greek lemon chicken soup and we both thought it was awful. To me it tasted like a nursing home smells. Weird stuff.

Saturday, checked out, stopped for breakfast. Made a detour to Deland and looked at their historic district which consisted of Stetson University, founded 1883, which is the oldest college in Florida.  Found a used book store where we were able to get credit for some books we gave them and John replenished his Clancy books. Got to Kissimmee and checked in. 

We went to Old Town to see the Saturday night cruise. This is the old cars and they had over 150 of them. There were some real nice ones there. I didn't like looking at cars at night because I couldn't see the true color or details, but it was fun. They also had a little band on stage that played “do wop” music from the 50's and 60's, so that was a trip down memory lane.   Fun evening. 

 

 

Ormond Beach - New Year's Eve

Ormond Beach

 (needs photos) can't get photo thing to work

December 30, 2012 January 5, 2012

Sunday we took a walk on the beach and went to grocery store. In the evening went to movies to see Django. Looked around the beach area downtown and they have a neat open air band shell and they had an ice skating rink -- temporarily up during the holidays.  That was cool right on beach boardwalk area.  People were having so much fun ice skating.  I like palm trees and ice skating.

 

New Year's Eve.........yeah. We were invited to a couch surfer's house (Dawn and Al, and three of their friends) for turkey dinner at 5:00 p.m. and around 10:30 p.m. we all headed downtown for Daytona Beach Street Party. Live music, food/drink vendors, ball drop at midnight and fireworks over the ocean. We had such a great evening and a New Year's Eve like we haven't done for a long time. It was nice to party. Robert called to wish us a Happy New Years.

 

Rest of the week was pretty calm, some beach walking, some rainy days. We did rent two movies and we enjoyed: Men in Black 3 and Hope Springs. They were both good.

Tuesday had a few drinks, walked on the beach, hot tub, and we just had fun being stupid. Had Mexican food at a place called Peppers and they had the best Mexican rice I have ever had. I just could not believe how good it was.

It rained Wednesday, so  trip to Walmart to pick up some stuff.  

Thursday, a little rain.  Took a free tour of the chocolate factory, Angell & Phelps.  They had some good stuff, chocolate potato chips and also bacon.  We got samples.  Fun seeing them make choc. covered cherries.

 

Friday, packed up luggage and got stuff into car. Went to dinner at Greek Restaurant and had gyros. John had Greek lemon chicken soup and we both thought it was awful. To me it tasted like a nursing home smells. Weird stuff.

Saturday, checked out, stopped for breakfast. Made a detour to Deland and looked at their historic district which consisted of Stetson University, founded 1883, which is the oldest college in Florida.  Found a used book store where we were able to get credit for some books we gave them and John replenished his Clancy books. Got to Kissimmee and checked in. 

We went to Old Town to see the Saturday night cruise. This is the old cars and they had over 150 of them. There were some real nice ones there. I didn't like looking at cars at night because I couldn't see the true color or details, but it was fun. They also had a little band on stage that played “do wop” music from the 50's and 60's, so that was a trip down memory lane.   Fun evening. 

 

 

Bahamas End - Titusville and Ormond Beach

Bahamas End -- Titusville and Ormond Beach

 

 12/22/12 - 12/31/12

Spent Saturday packing and getting organized for our departure tomorrow. We did take the shuttle into Port Lucaya for a last delicious gyro. Later we took Curtis and Shelby out for Italian dinner at Giovanni's. While there and since it was our last night decided to try conch again. I ordered a conch fritter appetizer. We all shared it and again and for the last time I realized I do not like conch.   I have to face that I do not like Bahamian food.   I've given it a fair chance and some cuisines just aren't for me.  Giovanni's was decorated for Christmas and looked very pretty and festive. We all ordered something different and everyone enjoyed their food.

Shelby and Curtis

Great CS friends

 

Woke up early, checked out and Curtis and Shelby came to pick us up for the airport. It was so nice of them to drive us over. We checked in at 8:30 a.m. and went into the terminal. Delay after delay. We got a dinner voucher of $12 each. We had to use it at the front snack bar. I didn't want to trust the food so I got 4 butter croissants, 2 Fritos and 2 Pepsis and John 5 croissants and 2 Cokes. At least the croissants were delicious (we did not eat them all). Back through security, sat another several hours. By the time we flew to Nassau we had been in the airport for 9 hours.  We were exhausted. 

In Nassau we picked up luggage, went through U.S. Customs  (that was a bit odd) and then went to get shuttle to go to International Terminal. Last trip we had paid $6 to taxi to the other terminal. When we got off the plane a guy was saying Taxi, need a taxi? I asked how much and said last time we had paid $6. He quoted between $6 and $9, and I asked which is it $6 or $9. He decided to be a butt and said $9, so we just left to get free shuttle. This taxi ride is about 4 minutes long just to the next door terminal, but too far to walk with luggage unless you're 21 and have one backpack. Waited and waited for shuttle. Finally a cab driver, Jonathan, came over and said he would take us over for $6. I am so thankful he came over. He was heaven sent. He took us to the terminal and told me to go in because he wasn't sure our plane was going to be there. I went in and the entire International Terminal was empty. Jonathan came in and said, let's go I'm taking you back to domestic. Bahamasair will give you a room, taxi and meal.

So back to Bahamasair domestic, told them our story, and they did give us a room at the Wyndham (a Casino) in Cable Beach that was very nice. They paid for our cab over and back and that was pretty far. We did pay Jonathan for the ride over and back to International and gave him a major tip. I felt he saved us that night and that he was our Guardian Angel sent to us.  Airline gave us each $15 for breakfast and $30 each for dinner. It was late when we arrived, so we ate a $75.00 dinner -- shared a Caesar salad (odd flavors for this salad); John had fried Macaroni & Cheese; and I had grilled pork chops w/french fries. I had to send my chops back for more cooking, fries were very good. I think Bahama cooking is not good and the spin they put on standard recipes is not good.  I did not like one item we ate in the Bahamas except these fries (all others we had were soggy, not crispy) and the Greek gyros I lived on. I think I would starve if I had to eat out in the Bahamas. 
 

Pool at Wyndham Casino Resort, Nassau

Cool water slide

Christmas Eve. I got up at 5:00 a.m. so I could look around the hotel since we arrived at night and I couldn't see anything. It stayed dark outside until about 6:40 and I did manage to get a few pictures so I'd remember Nassau. Our cab driver, Jonathan, picked us up at 7:00 a.m. and took us to the airport. We checked in, looked around, and sat and waited.  We were full of fear when we heard the announcement that our flight was delayed and they would get back to us.  Luckily only one delay and instead of us leaving at our original time of 10:30, we did fly out of Nassau at 11:40, and let me tell you we were happy.

 

On Christmas Eve we literally had 3 hotel rooms paid for. The Wyndham in Nassau paid for by airline. We had our hotel room in Orlando (Super 8 online price $41.00, senior rate) since we were expecting to arrive to pick up car at around 7:30 p.m. and did not want to drive to Titusville that night. Then our week rental in Titusville. Weird how that all worked out.

Arrived at Orlando, called the car storage shuttle and walked down quite a way to wait for it. Got our car and it was so nice to get in it and drive away. Off we headed to Titusville to our room at Vacation Villas. Stopped for lunch and John checks his phone and there is a message from resort. Said they are leaving at 3:00 instead of 4:00. Well we're an hour away and it is 3:50, so John calls them to say we are on our way. No answer so he leaves a message and he never heard back.  Since we're in Orlando we don't see any reason to drive an hour to have the office closed, so we decide to get a room. Go to Super 8, where we had paid last night but not stayed. Now the lady says their rate, best they can do is $99.00. I said I don't think so, we'll go somewhere else. She manages to go down to $79 so we take it. Went to first room, it was moldy smelling so I charged to front desk and asked for our money back and said we're not staying in there. She says try another room and it was much better so we did stay. Got to room, got online to find a Christmas Eve service. Went to a wonderful church for 8:00 p.m. service and then back to room to bed. 
 

Huge Christmas Tree at

Orlando Airport

 

Figured no one would be in office in Villas in Titusville on Christmas, so we got a room at the Wyndham Orlando Resort (same price at Super 8). Had lunch at the most unusual McDonald's huge and had their BBQ pork sandwich. This place is two stories with games and different areas for kids. Very different, but this is Orlando mecca for kids. Finally able at 4:00 to check in to resort. Unpacked a few things and headed to hot tub, steam room and dry sauna. Wanted to take advantage of it all. Met a nice lady, Mimi, at the pool and we visited a bit. We walked around and saw Mimi again by the bar so sat down with her and her husband, Mark, for Happy Hour.   Fun visiting with them and hope to see them again when we get over to their side of Florida.

Named the most unique

McDonald's in the world

 

Checked out early since John had a doctor's appointment. We had to get his defibrillator battery checked. I wanted John to go "home" for doctor but he said no. I did research on the internet and found a highly rated doctor who specializes in defibrillators. What a nice staff and doctor.. The internet sure does help in life and I'm so thankful for it. Battery does not need replacing and John has appt. to come back in two months to check it as it is getting close. Dr. did talk to John about his medication. Said one Rx he is taking could turn him blue if he gets too much sun. We have been in the sun a lot and are tan from the Bahamas. I will get him to put on sun block 50.  He thinks it would be cool to be blue. That's John!!!!

Drove to Titusville and found Vacation Villas. Yuck, I can't believe this place is on RCI as a resort. We knew it wasn't the best place, but it is just not what I expected. It is like 1970. It is not dirty it just seems creepy to me. John thinks it is fine and roomy, but I'm creeped out. If it wasn't paid for, I'd be gone. I guess I can tough it out. With the travel/Christmas problems our 7 nights turned into only 3 nights of staying here so I will have to handle it. I will not cook or eat or even drink here.

Thursday we drove out to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is a world famous spot for birders. Stopped at the Visitor's Center and then took our picnic lunch and headed out to the beach. Long nice beach, lots of people fishing. Drove to an area to try to see Manatees, but we had no luck.  We have to track some down.  They are so neat and we've got to see them.

 

Turkey Vultures

These birds are everywhere and can cause big

problems.  They will tear rubber trim off cars

in the Florida Everglades.

 

Friday, off to pick up our mail in Cocoa Beach. The mail store in Boise messed up our mail and sent it to the wrong town -- a resort we'd been to about 6 weeks ago, not happy. Just drove around and went to Walmart to pick up a few things and went to a few local parks. Watched some type of water bird dive down to get fish. He stayed under the water for so long and came up so far from where he drove down.  Fun to watch.

 

Saturday we were happy to get out of the place we were in and Titusville in general. Drove to Ormond Beach and had a nice breakfast along the way. Found our hotel. Can't check in until 3:00 so we drove around, went to the beach and picked up some shells.  Looking forward to the New Year.  We have been so blessed and we are thankful.

Bahamas End - Titusville and Ormond Beach

Bahamas End -- Titusville and Ormond Beach

 

 12/22/12 - 12/31/12

Spent Saturday packing and getting organized for our departure tomorrow. We did take the shuttle into Port Lucaya for a last delicious gyro. Later we took Curtis and Shelby out for Italian dinner at Giovanni's. While there and since it was our last night decided to try conch again. I ordered a conch fritter appetizer. We all shared it and again and for the last time I realized I do not like conch.   I have to face that I do not like Bahamian food.   I've given it a fair chance and some cuisines just aren't for me.  Giovanni's was decorated for Christmas and looked very pretty and festive. We all ordered something different and everyone enjoyed their food.

Shelby and Curtis

Great CS friends

 

Woke up early, checked out and Curtis and Shelby came to pick us up for the airport. It was so nice of them to drive us over. We checked in at 8:30 a.m. and went into the terminal. Delay after delay. We got a dinner voucher of $12 each. We had to use it at the front snack bar. I didn't want to trust the food so I got 4 butter croissants, 2 Fritos and 2 Pepsis and John 5 croissants and 2 Cokes. At least the croissants were delicious (we did not eat them all). Back through security, sat another several hours. By the time we flew to Nassau we had been in the airport for 9 hours.  We were exhausted. 

In Nassau we picked up luggage, went through U.S. Customs  (that was a bit odd) and then went to get shuttle to go to International Terminal. Last trip we had paid $6 to taxi to the other terminal. When we got off the plane a guy was saying Taxi, need a taxi? I asked how much and said last time we had paid $6. He quoted between $6 and $9, and I asked which is it $6 or $9. He decided to be a butt and said $9, so we just left to get free shuttle. This taxi ride is about 4 minutes long just to the next door terminal, but too far to walk with luggage unless you're 21 and have one backpack. Waited and waited for shuttle. Finally a cab driver, Jonathan, came over and said he would take us over for $6. I am so thankful he came over. He was heaven sent. He took us to the terminal and told me to go in because he wasn't sure our plane was going to be there. I went in and the entire International Terminal was empty. Jonathan came in and said, let's go I'm taking you back to domestic. Bahamasair will give you a room, taxi and meal.

So back to Bahamasair domestic, told them our story, and they did give us a room at the Wyndham (a Casino) in Cable Beach that was very nice. They paid for our cab over and back and that was pretty far. We did pay Jonathan for the ride over and back to International and gave him a major tip. I felt he saved us that night and that he was our Guardian Angel sent to us.  Airline gave us each $15 for breakfast and $30 each for dinner. It was late when we arrived, so we ate a $75.00 dinner -- shared a Caesar salad (odd flavors for this salad); John had fried Macaroni & Cheese; and I had grilled pork chops w/french fries. I had to send my chops back for more cooking, fries were very good. I think Bahama cooking is not good and the spin they put on standard recipes is not good.  I did not like one item we ate in the Bahamas except these fries (all others we had were soggy, not crispy) and the Greek gyros I lived on. I think I would starve if I had to eat out in the Bahamas. 
 

Pool at Wyndham Casino Resort, Nassau

Cool water slide

Christmas Eve. I got up at 5:00 a.m. so I could look around the hotel since we arrived at night and I couldn't see anything. It stayed dark outside until about 6:40 and I did manage to get a few pictures so I'd remember Nassau. Our cab driver, Jonathan, picked us up at 7:00 a.m. and took us to the airport. We checked in, looked around, and sat and waited.  We were full of fear when we heard the announcement that our flight was delayed and they would get back to us.  Luckily only one delay and instead of us leaving at our original time of 10:30, we did fly out of Nassau at 11:40, and let me tell you we were happy.

 

On Christmas Eve we literally had 3 hotel rooms paid for. The Wyndham in Nassau paid for by airline. We had our hotel room in Orlando (Super 8 online price $41.00, senior rate) since we were expecting to arrive to pick up car at around 7:30 p.m. and did not want to drive to Titusville that night. Then our week rental in Titusville. Weird how that all worked out.

Arrived at Orlando, called the car storage shuttle and walked down quite a way to wait for it. Got our car and it was so nice to get in it and drive away. Off we headed to Titusville to our room at Vacation Villas. Stopped for lunch and John checks his phone and there is a message from resort. Said they are leaving at 3:00 instead of 4:00. Well we're an hour away and it is 3:50, so John calls them to say we are on our way. No answer so he leaves a message and he never heard back.  Since we're in Orlando we don't see any reason to drive an hour to have the office closed, so we decide to get a room. Go to Super 8, where we had paid last night but not stayed. Now the lady says their rate, best they can do is $99.00. I said I don't think so, we'll go somewhere else. She manages to go down to $79 so we take it. Went to first room, it was moldy smelling so I charged to front desk and asked for our money back and said we're not staying in there. She says try another room and it was much better so we did stay. Got to room, got online to find a Christmas Eve service. Went to a wonderful church for 8:00 p.m. service and then back to room to bed. 
 

Huge Christmas Tree at

Orlando Airport

 

Figured no one would be in office in Villas in Titusville on Christmas, so we got a room at the Wyndham Orlando Resort (same price at Super 8). Had lunch at the most unusual McDonald's huge and had their BBQ pork sandwich. This place is two stories with games and different areas for kids. Very different, but this is Orlando mecca for kids. Finally able at 4:00 to check in to resort. Unpacked a few things and headed to hot tub, steam room and dry sauna. Wanted to take advantage of it all. Met a nice lady, Mimi, at the pool and we visited a bit. We walked around and saw Mimi again by the bar so sat down with her and her husband, Mark, for Happy Hour.   Fun visiting with them and hope to see them again when we get over to their side of Florida.

Named the most unique

McDonald's in the world

 

Checked out early since John had a doctor's appointment. We had to get his defibrillator battery checked. I wanted John to go "home" for doctor but he said no. I did research on the internet and found a highly rated doctor who specializes in defibrillators. What a nice staff and doctor.. The internet sure does help in life and I'm so thankful for it. Battery does not need replacing and John has appt. to come back in two months to check it as it is getting close. Dr. did talk to John about his medication. Said one Rx he is taking could turn him blue if he gets too much sun. We have been in the sun a lot and are tan from the Bahamas. I will get him to put on sun block 50.  He thinks it would be cool to be blue. That's John!!!!

Drove to Titusville and found Vacation Villas. Yuck, I can't believe this place is on RCI as a resort. We knew it wasn't the best place, but it is just not what I expected. It is like 1970. It is not dirty it just seems creepy to me. John thinks it is fine and roomy, but I'm creeped out. If it wasn't paid for, I'd be gone. I guess I can tough it out. With the travel/Christmas problems our 7 nights turned into only 3 nights of staying here so I will have to handle it. I will not cook or eat or even drink here.

Thursday we drove out to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is a world famous spot for birders. Stopped at the Visitor's Center and then took our picnic lunch and headed out to the beach. Long nice beach, lots of people fishing. Drove to an area to try to see Manatees, but we had no luck.  We have to track some down.  They are so neat and we've got to see them.

 

Turkey Vultures

These birds are everywhere and can cause big

problems.  They will tear rubber trim off cars

in the Florida Everglades.

 

Friday, off to pick up our mail in Cocoa Beach. The mail store in Boise messed up our mail and sent it to the wrong town -- a resort we'd been to about 6 weeks ago, not happy. Just drove around and went to Walmart to pick up a few things and went to a few local parks. Watched some type of water bird dive down to get fish. He stayed under the water for so long and came up so far from where he drove down.  Fun to watch.

 

Saturday we were happy to get out of the place we were in and Titusville in general. Drove to Ormond Beach and had a nice breakfast along the way. Found our hotel. Can't check in until 3:00 so we drove around, went to the beach and picked up some shells.  Looking forward to the New Year.  We have been so blessed and we are thankful.

Bahamas – Another Ho Hum Week in Paradise  

 

Pretty enough to be a post card picture

Clouds are perfect

December 15 -21, 2012

Monday went to scuba refresher with Grand Bahama Scuba (Fred and Melinda). It was fun and it all came right back to me. Just wasn't sure after a year, but looks like the old brain is still working. I talked with Fred about his little scuba school and with all the equipment (many sets of diving gear, space rental, 3 boats he has, air tank compressor) his investment is over $1M. That is amazing to think about. John couldn't go because he just can't breath well enough now to snorkel or scuba. He did lots of scuba in his late teens, so at least he hasn't missed out totally on the underwater. He kindly took shuttle and did our grocery shopping. Weird how the store has things one week, but not the next even when it was fully stocked.

Went to Marketplace and had a gyro for lunch. So delish I could eat one every day. Walked around and then went to Casino. No cruise ships in so it was extremely quiet in there. Weird to see the poor workers standing behind their game tables with nothing to do but stand there. Played a few slot machines, lost our money and left. Back at the resort and walked on the beach, watched the fantastic sunset. Met a lady who said the sunset reminded her of one she had seen with her dad over 50 years ago. It brought back so many memories for her and tears. I went over and hugged her and said that we never do forget our dear parents. She thanked me for the hug and said it meant so much to her.   Made us both feel good.

 

Beautiful Bahama Sunset



Spent part of day on the beach, in and out of the water, reading, had a beer. A beautiful day, calm water, just a few clouds. At 2:30 I was picked up for my scuba dive. Went out with about 8 other divers about one mile off shore to Silver Reef.   First time I scubaed with a group, but our dive master was great and we had two of their team along watching over us.  My greatest fear is being lost or left, so I'm careful about the company I scuba with.  I watched that movie where the two divers were left behind and eaten by sharks.  It was horrible so I'm probably lucky that I will even go out.  What a neat reef. So many beautiful fish. Fred said there are over 400 types of fish there. I got to hold a big sea cucumber, and a brittle star fish. Very good time and I had lots of fun. 

Gena with a Sea Cucumber

 

Lots of fish

 

 Woke up Thursday at 6:45 a.m. and wonder what is wrong with me being up so early.  It is probably that I don't stay up as late as I did before (1:00 or 2:00 a.m.).  Spent half day on the beach, finished my book. We had four books we'd read and gave them to some people we met. That will cut down on our return luggage. Went to office and picked up my scuba pictures on a thumb drive from yesterday's dive.

 



12/21/12 (Mayan end of world day) woke up to howling wind at 7:00 a.m. and a bit later got some pelting rain. Hope we get through the day and see the sunrise tomorrow. Took a walk on the beach, took a few more pictures and then came back to the room. Spent the rest of the day here due to the high wind. Read and took a nap.

I've been surprised at how little stuff a person can live with. I took one small suitcase and a carry on (computer, of course, and Rx, toiletries) and managed to do fine for four weeks. I actually didn't even wear all the clothes I took. Two pairs of shoes, tennis and flip flops unbelievable. Of course, we were in a tropical place and made up our minds that we were not going to get dressed up.   How simple.

I finally got this loaded onto my computer on Saturday, Dec. 29th.  Had all kinds of connection issues.  We're at the library in Ormond Beach to look up stuff and get this posted.  It is time to post my new blog today too.