A round bandaid about the size of a quarter is stuck to my nose.
I find the dermatologist’s office in a maze of medical buildings. I know it’s the right place because her name is emphatically proclaimed in raised bronze letters by the door. I fill out four pages of forms and wait in the room named for that purpose along with twelve other women. What? Men don’t have skin?
I don’t get to see the dermatologist.
My guess is she’s presently behind a curtain in Oz. However, the physician’s assistant is available. Another woman (the physician’s assistant’s assistant?) inserts a needle into the side of my nose to numb it. I feel a little woozy so the P.A. A. tilts the chair back until my head is way lower than my feet in order to embarrass me into feeling better. She also gives me a little battery-powered fan so I can blow wind into my face. Then the two of them high-tail-it out of the room. What? Am I radioactive?
I’m told it will be a week to ten days before the results come back from the lab. The area of concern is small, only about the size of a dull pencil’s point. Chances are it’s basal cell which is not life threatening by any stretch, or it’s nothing at all. I’m supposed to wear this thing on my nose for a week, which seems a bit excessive to me.
But who am I to argue.
I remember when a bandaid on my face would make me self-conscious. That was a very long time ago. The great thing about “maturity” is you don’t give a flying whoop what’s on your face, as long as you’re healthy. So, as the saying goes, I’m good to go. Go where?
Outta here, that’s where!
I’ve got a signed contract on my house, and Felix has gathered up his cash and is ready to part with it. All that’s left is for the attorney to say the title search is done. My attorney . . . She looks like she should be texting her middle school pals instead of handling real estate transactions. When I was outlining the conditions of the sale, I half-expected her to break in with “OMG, he’s paying cash? LOL!”
Felix and I go over the contract together at my kitchen table.
"Face each day with a smile." That's my motto!
We review each of the items in the contract and sign. I bring up the topic of Janie and how we’re going to transition her to living with him and his son, Julio.
Well, well, well . . . That’s when the proverbial bomb hit the fan. Huh? Whatever.
Felix casually comments that Janie will have to be an “outside dog.”
My brain slows into shock. “What do you mean she’ll have to be an outside dog?”
Felix looks down at Janie, peacefully resting on the kitchen floor. “I’ve got an allergy. I can’t have her in the house.”
“WHAT?” I am stunned.
“ I guess I could get a dog house and . . .”
I cut him off.
“No, no, no. Janie is used to sleeping inside and coming in and out pretty much as she pleases. If you can’t continue that for her, I’ll have to find someone who can.” Felix! Why didn’t you tell me about this allergy sooner! Now, after all this time, I’ve got to find her a home in a matter of days . . . .
What to do in a crisis?
Go to the computer, that’s what. I frantically email a few friends, but, to tell the truth, only one seems to be a possibility. . .
And thank God in heaven, she emails me back saying, “Yes.”
rvsue
Oh Sue … what a traumatic day on several levels! I’m glad the “procedure” went well. A week with a band-aid? And how are you supposed to keep it dry while showering/washing your face? The visual of trying to makes me smile …
But your poor Janie! 🙁 Good thing they don’t understand everything we say or she’d be giving ol’ Felix the cold shoulder. And God bless your friend. She’s the PERFECT new caretaker — and was always meant to be her new home.
So, when is blast-off day?
Hi, Laura!
I was told I can get the little “wound” wet, so that’s not an issue. I just wash it with a vinegar solution, use vaseline (???), and replace the bandaid.
Janie is happy as always. My friend and I are going to introduce the dogs to each other today. Stay tuned for how that goes!
Blast-off day is about to be figured out. Soon! Believe me, when the date of departure is determined, I won’t be keeping it a secret!
I know I must’ve missed it, but why can’t Janie come with you?
Hi, Steve!
I don’t think I can handle three dogs on leashes in strange places every day. I can see Spike going bonkers and all three getting excited and I’m tangled in leashes and falling down.
A bigger reason than that is the small living area. My trailer is 17 feet long and that’s exterior length! We will hardly be able to move with 2 dogs and 1 person.
Another big reason is the expense. My reduced retirement income will barely allow me to provide for two dogs. I want them routinely vaccinated, annual check-ups, heartworm free, flea/tick free, etc. If you have a dog, you know how expensive dog ownership is.
I’ve got a Bridgette too, remember? Although I do have plans to add a second dog to my family. I won’t be getting it until right before I hit the road. I’ll have a German Shepherd and a Beagle to live with in a 16 foot trailer. This is gonna be interesting!
Oh, yeah. I forgot about your Bridgette. When I reply to a person I don’t always have their life details in my head. Sorry about that. Another social boo-boo on me!
A German Shepherd and a Beagle? What a great combination. You can do it! And yes, it’ll be interesting. At least you have one (GS) who can be a security dog, unlike mine, who are all mouth and not much else in that department!
I love it when people have at least two dogs. Then if you can’t take them somewhere, they have each other until you come back.
I’m excited for you, Steve. It will be fun to follow your adventures, too!
No worries. I was only reminding you of the k9 Bridgette connection we share :-).
At least you have a buyer with money to do the deal !!! I have had buyers but they can’t do the deal because of bad credit or no credit !!! My house has been up for sale for a year and we haven’t gotten to third base yet…….
I’m glad you have found a home for your pet, pets are wonderful, and a heavy responsibility for us that care about them.
Hi, Kay Julia!
Glad to hear from you again!
I know how very fortunate I am that we didn’t have to deal with a loan and all that hassle. It’s like I wrote in a post several weeks ago . . . everything seems to fall into place for this crazy plan of mine. Selling the house at the right time to a buyer with cash — hard to believe my good fortune. There are so many people whole dreams stalled because they can’t unload a house.
I hope you get the right buyer at the right time for you!
Oh my gosh, I would have cut him off too with “WHAT???” You can NOT put my baby outside!
My heart goes out to you, Sue, on several levels. I strongly detest going to the doctor, hate having ANYthing done to me, dislike waiting, and with the heat we are all having, wearing a band aid on my nose for a week would probably be impossible since I’d sweat it off in seconds after applying it. Thanks for sharing your adventures…good and bad. Our lives ARE made up of the good and the bad. Each time I see you’ve written a new post, I can’t wait to read it. I have become an avid fan of RVSue and ther Canine Crew! As a single Casita owner myself, I marvel at your bravery in selling your home to live in one, as much as we love our Casitas. Although I “graduated” from 32 years at school, I’m still subbing and working part-time. By the way, don’t forget to sign up for the Solos Rally at Pagosa Springs!!!
Hi, Debbie!
The dermatology appt. was not bad at all. I can’t just say I went to the dr., it’s nothing, and then move on to something else. I have a write a STORY about it. Heaven forbid I should have a real health problem, I’d have to publish an account of it in several volumes!
Your comments about being an avid fan delights me more than I can say. It is wonderful to write and know that somebody is actually going to read it! LOL
So you sub? And after 32 years? I only taught for 11 and it wore me out!
I don’t think I’ll do the Rally this year. I need to get my feet wet in this whole new world I’m jumping into!
One thing we found out after ordering the 17′ Casita is that all trailers are measured from the front of the tongue not the front of the trailer. Boy was that a surprise to find out we were actually getting a 14′ trailer not a 17′ one. Hope all goes well with the nose and the transition for Janie.
Sheila,
Hi! I’ve never even seen the inside of a Casita (in reality), so I’m going to be in shock at my orientation! I have to trust my adaptability will make it work for me.
I’ll be sure to post about Janie’s orientation to her new home. Talk about adaptable — Janie’s got that covered!
Hi Sue, be sure to post when you’ll be in Texas. We’ve been involved with kids and need a break so would love to meet you somewhere with our Casita even if just for overnight. Since I know of some couples either full timing or traveling for 2/3 of the year in a Casita with a couple of dogs, you’ll do fine. The small size makes it easy to keep everything in it’s place. FYI, rallies are a great way to see how other folks are configuring the inside of their Casita so you can copy the ones that work for you. And most rallies are pretty laid back. Join the group when you want or relax by yourself if you prefer.
I’ll say a prayer that the nose thing is nothing. You’ll definitely feel more comfortable starting your adventures knowing what’s going on. About the “all women”, could be the doctor schedules men on different days – or it may be that she doesn’t have very many male patients. Some guys feel more comfortable with male doctors. It’s also documented that women pay more attention to getting regular checkups, etc than guys do.
Glad you found a new home for Janie. Maybe your friends dog was lonely. It’s always a challenge when you think you have things worked out and the plans change.
The “junior high” attorney cracked me up. We’re all so used to competent folks being our age or older that it’s sometimes a bit of a jolt to realize that we’re not 25 any more. My first “wake up” was when the counselor at our son’s high school was a kid that lived across the street from me and I remembered running around with my younger brother. I was in my mid 40s but it just seemed strange to see him grown up and in a responsible position!
I’m another one who reads your blog as soon as I get a notification. In fact, yesterday I went to the blog to see if there was a new installment that I didn’t get notified about. It’s always interesting.
Enjoy your final packing and the transition to “outta here”.
Hello, Reine!
I most definitely will let you know when I leave Georgia and my appt. for orientation. I’m going to take your advice given previously about where to stay the first night. I’ve said it before and I’ll be sure to say it again . . . I AM SO EXCITED!
Your “wake up” story is a good one! Teachers have a lot of those stories . . . like when a police officer pulls you over and he’s a former student or you find yourself asking for a loan from someone you once assigned detention . . .
I don’t know about the Rally. I’ll keep an open mind about it if it’s all right for a late sign-up. I’m so involved in details here and facing The Great Unknown that lies ahead, it’s hard for me to even think about more plans. It would be fun to learn from others. One thing I’m afraid of . . and I know this is silly . . . I’ll see another Casita model, like the Spirit, and then regret my choice. I know I don’t want to see the inside of anything but my Liberty when I’m at the factory. I need to bond with my “baby” first!
I’ll post tomorrow about Janie’s introduction to her new pal.
Don’t worry, you are going to love your Casita! They really are great. Each configuration has it’s advantages and disadvantages and I’m know you will make yours work for you. It must be hard not to rush off to Rice today and pick it up. I admire your patience.
Sheila,
My cheapness factor far exceeds my urge to rush off to Rice! I could have gone out there in early June, picked up my Casita, and pulled it back to Georgia. But I’m too cheap to make an unnecessary trip!
Plus it would have put a pinch on my cash flow . . . This entire plan, starting back in late 2004, has been a lesson in patience.
Thanks for the reassurance on my Casita. Since I’ve always bought used, a brand new Casita is sure to delight me!
Laugh……also admire your “cheapness”.
Sue, the fantastic thing about Casitas is that they keep their value really well. If you live in your liberty for a year or so and decide you would prefer a different model the resale value is REALLY great. We bought ours “gently loved” for half the new price when she was 8 years old. Imagine an 8 year old car being 50% of the new price!
You’re right not to pick up early, cheap or not. Imagine having a new Casita and NOT being able to camp because you had too many loose ends to tie up – HORRORS!
Good points . ..
Another reason not to have picked up the Casita and brought it back here before the house was sold: I could chicken out on the plan to vagabond! Plus where’s the drama in that?
As it is, I am homeless from the time I leave Georgia until I complete the purchase of my Casita! There’s no turning back.
This won’t be the first time I’ve slashed my little lifeboat from its moorings. (Hmmm, that would make a good story for a future post)
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Sue,
just so you know that there are more than a few people reading your post, I look online at your blog every day and when it gets into the third day with no post wonder what’s going on. LOL
Bill Kelleher
That’s nice to know, Bill. Thanks. No need to wonder. Ever so often I have to let life happen. I haven’t yet developed the skill of Tioga George who posts daily.
So you look for me and I’m not there? Awwww . . .
Thank you, Mumsy. Yes, everything is going to work out just fine. Hope all is well with you and Chancy!