Saturday, August 8, 2009

A CHANGE OF PLANS

Scoopy in the center at Umpqua Golf and RV Resort One of the advantages of this lifestyle is the flexibility to make quick adjustments.  We got a message on Friday morning that my (Laurie’s) dad had a stroke (not “major”, thanks goodness) on Thursday and was in the ICU.  We packed up and were headed south by 10:00 am, logging a record travel day for us, 364 miles and two metropolitan areas.  Odel did a masterful job!

We stopped for the night in Sutherlin, Oregon, at Umpqua Golf and RV Resort (read our review here), where we paid a great rate of $15 for full hookups in a pull through site so long we didn’t have to unhook Jules.  As I write, we are soon to cross the Oregon/California border, with Redding as our goal for the night.  We’ll be at the Placerville Elks Lodge (our “home” lodge) tomorrow night, able to visit my dad in the rehabilitation unit.

I know we have a lot of family and close friends who follow our blog, along with many friendly strangers.  Though I debated posting this, I know many folks would become concerned if the blog was not updated for a couple of weeks.  The latest word we have on my dad’s health is promising.  I probably won’t be posting much for awhile, but we are expecting a reasonably good outcome.

By the way, today is our 8th wedding anniversary.  We are heading from lovely 65 degree weather in Oregon to California summer weather, close to 100 degrees for the next 10 days.  Odel is behind the wheel, piloting us south with no thought other than to see what we can do to be useful to my parents.  There is no better husband than mine.

Enjoy yourselves.  Guard your health.  Hug your loved ones, and be happy.  As my friend Bobbie Chapman always signs off: “Remember, you are loved”.

at 12:10 PM

18 comments:

  1. gypsysmomAugust 8, 2009 at 5:32 PM

    Happy Anniversary. I didn't realize you had been married such a short time. (We're about to celebrate our 15th and it seems like just a little while ago we were standing saying our vows.) You talk like a long married couple and I mean that in a good way.

    Best wishes for your Dad's speedy recovery.

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  2. Doug & JoAnnAugust 8, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    Our thought & prayers are with you and your family. Hugs to all of you.
    Doug & JoAnn

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  3. Fred WishnieAugust 8, 2009 at 6:32 PM

    Happy Anniversary and our thoughts are with your dad.
    Fred & Jo

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  4. Art In The SunAugust 8, 2009 at 7:12 PM

    We will be thinking of you and your Dad over the next week, sending all of our best wishes for his recovery. Happy Anniversary to you and Odel, if your marriage is as wonderful as ours is, then you are well and truly blessed. Sharon and Allan

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  5. squawmamaAugust 8, 2009 at 9:28 PM

    My thought & prayers are with you and your family. I hope your dad has a speedy recovery... Travel safe my friends!

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

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  6. AnonymousAugust 9, 2009 at 8:02 AM

    Family comes first. You take all the time you need before your next blog; we'll wait.

    a SKP boomer

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  7. Sue MaloneAugust 9, 2009 at 11:44 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing this, Laurie, just for the chance to wish you and your Dad good thoughts and prayers. As one of those "friendly strangers" I care much about you and Odel. Happy Anniversary to you both.

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  8. AnonymousAugust 9, 2009 at 4:39 PM

    Congratulations Laurie and Odel! You are a model couple! Here's our most sincere wishes that your dad recovers quickly! Love, Paulette & Ray

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  9. Bobbie and JimAugust 9, 2009 at 8:25 PM

    Congratulations on your 8th anniversary. Sorry to hear about your Dad, Laurie, but thank you for updating your blog and keeping us all informed of your life changes. We are all family and we care. Know, dear heart, that you are loved. Bobbie

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  10. Cathy RobnikAugust 9, 2009 at 11:05 PM

    Happy Anniversary to you both. And a speedy recovery for your dad. It is wonderful that we can just move our homes wherever we need to be. Travel safe
    Cathy

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  11. Margaret WrightAugust 10, 2009 at 7:31 AM

    Our thoughts are with you and your family. And a belated Happy Anniversary! Stay safe and take your time updating us, but know we all care!

    Margaret and Ian

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  12. dianneandfrank.blogspot.comAugust 10, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    A most happy anniversary to two of the most "together couples" we know. Please know your dad,your family & you will be in our thoughts and prayers as your dad makes a full & healthy recovery!! Hugs, Frank & Dianne

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  13. IdahoRVAugust 12, 2009 at 10:05 PM

    Laurie & Odel,

    Our best wishes for a happy anniversary as well as a speedy recovery for Laurie's dad. Safe travels friends!

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  14. JBAugust 17, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with your father and best wishes on your anniversary.

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  15. JBAugust 17, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with your father and best wishes on your anniversary.

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  16. RVVagabondAugust 17, 2009 at 5:03 PM

    I've been quite lax in reading blogs since I've been busy with personal stuff, but I'm sorry to read about your dad's stroke. I hope by now he's doing better and I wish you a most sincere belated Happy Anniversary!

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  17. LauraAugust 20, 2009 at 5:50 AM

    First Happy Anniversary!
    Yes, I agree we can change our mind and head out where ever we need to be at a moments notice. I fact 4 years ago we had to leave Alaska (I was glad it was at the end of our time there) but we went from Alaska to New Jersey. Thank goodness we were there when we needed to be.
    Hope your dad gets better soon.
    Laura

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  18. Gloria(Sister) Mason WebbAugust 21, 2009 at 4:32 PM

    Hi Odel and Laurie-
    Surprised to hear from me- I Know. After reading the blog, I'm glad to know that Laurie's father is better. You know that I know about taking care of parents-but was such a humbling experience and I am glad that I had that opportunity to take care of my parents in that they took wonderful care of my siblings and me. Tell Laurie that we will keep her family in our thoughts and prayers.
    Gloria(Sister) Mason Webb

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