FAT HEAD

WHATCOM FALLS PARK - WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

WHATCOM FALLS PARK - Salmon Fish Ladder on Right of Bridge to Hatchery

WHATCOM FALLS PARK - A separate trail - see below on left - has NO stairs.

WHATCOM FALLS PARK

SAM has received her new RED batteries. Three upgraded 15 amp hour (old set was 12 amp hour) batteries have been installed and charged up. Charge-up was NOT easily accomplished.

The new RED batteries refused to accept any charge. Checked out all wiring and connections...still no charge reaching the batteries. Spent a couple hours driving in the new Bellingham snow looking for wire and connectors, intending to change out the wiring for fear of possible "short" or broken connection. (Did not change out the wiring, but now have plenty of spare parts)

Plugged in the battery charger again...still NO charge reaching the batteries.

As it happened, ordered a new battery charger 2 weeks ago for back-up. Plugged in the new charger and viola...charge reached new RED pack at 41 volts. Let it cook overnight and this morning (Monday, January 09, 2011), RED is charged at 39 volts.

Belatedly, put the old charger on the volt meter...whaddyaknow...putting out only 18 volts, not the 36 volts needed. Old charger must have a defect.

Yes, stupid, I know. Should have checked the old charger immediately....but am learning.

So, SAM is ready to roll. SPIA is nearly loaded...also ready to roll.

Now, if Mother Nature will just cooperate. Snowed yesterday. Only 2 inches, but it froze last night and the snow is hanging around. More snow is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday later this week.

SAM cannot negotiate snow...so departure is - for the reason of snow - delayed.

BUT, that may be minor to what else is happening.

About midnight last night, back of My head began to swell and itch. Damn Damn Damn. This morning, the entire back of My head is swollen and itching like crazy. This is not just bumps here and there...this is the entire back - side to side - from bottom of skull to halfway to the top.

And, as this is being written, swelling is growing, starting to cause some pain.

Have a bad feeling about this.

Yesterday, ate two cheese sandwiches...no peanut butter or nuts for last 2 weeks.

Something very strange is going on...all starting last Summer in Lamar, Colorado.

Have a Dr. appointment Tuesday at 11. Don't believe it will wait that long...anyway, cannot afford to return to Dr. E.V. Some time ago she dropped out of the Medicare program, saying she could not afford it...and she must be paid in FULL at time of each visit. First visit of 15 minutes cost $135.00 - out of pocket on the spot. Asked for a receipt to submit a claim to Medicare...she says, "OK, but will do no good...since I (she) dropped out of the Medicare Program, none of my (her) client claims to Medicare will be honored..." (paraphrased). This revlation AFTER My 15 minutes were up.

Went to Dr. E.V. as the referral to a "specialist" by Primary Doctor, Dr. R. All she did was prescribe more CIPROFLOXACIN - same medication as prescribed by Lamar ER last Summer.

Simply put, cannot afford that kind of medical care.

On the other hand, this swelling / itching foolishness MUST be eliminated.

A real problem.

Took a long walk a couple days ago through Whatcom Falls Park to get SPIA, SAM, and the Van all home from SAM's (old) Place.

Whatcom Falls Park has excellent trails - including old railroad right of way -.... nice pics, if I say so myself.

SPIA & SAM

AIR SHOCKS RAISED SPIA ABOUT 2 INCHES...SAM PEEKING BELOW FLAG.

SAM LOOKS SECURE AND COMFY

SAM LOOKS OK. RED REFLECTORS WILL BE ADDED TO PLATFORM

Yesterday, SPIA received her rear platform for SAM. Had it fabricated to My design. It looks great and is exactly as requested. Have driven around Bellingham a couple hours this morning to check out stability, clearances, etc. All is OK, but SPIA needs the Air Shocks.

So, Les Schwab received SPIA's new Air Shocks yesterday (2 days early), and agreed to install them this morning. WOW...what a difference in SPIA's handling. A bit light on the front end, but will move the spare tire to the front bumper which will balance things out.

Discovered SPIA has a relatively new exhaust system. Problem: installation was made with the tail pipe laying directly on the plastic Toilet Holding Tank...and nearly burned through. So, took SPIA to a auto shop where a new tail pipe bracket was installed, moving the hot tail pipe 4 inches or so away from the Holding Tank...all at the cost of $20...a bargain.

Took the opportunity to check the underside of SPIA. Look OK to go.

The next couple days will see SPIA loaded up for our journey. Then, fill the propane tank and turn on refrigerator, stove, furnace and hot water tank...(may leave the hot water tank off and heat water as needed on the 4-burner stove).

All things are coming together superbly.

Scalp stopped itching & swelling has gone down - guess the PB was all absorbed and discarded -. Doctor appointment is Jan 11. If all checks out OK, plan to drive SPIA 12 miles to FERNDALE, Washington; park; remove SAM from her new home; Walk and Roll to the Peace Arch, 12 miles North at the Canadian/USA border.

At that moment, our new Walk and Roll to KEY WEST Florida will begin.

Will Walk and Roll with SAM from the Peace Arch back to Ferndale; then, Walk and Roll to Bellingham and back to Ferndale. SAM will be reloaded onto SPIA and we drive 10 miles or so South on Chuckanut Drive, where SPIA will be parked. SAM & ME will return to Bellingham and back to SPIA; then, Walk and Roll to BOW, Washington and back to SPIA.

Unless and until someone shows up to drive SPIA, this will be the logistics for our Walk and Roll. Not holding My breath...

Initially, plan to cover increments of 5 miles each way from SPIA, resulting in 10 miles per day forward (but 20 miles per day total Walk and Roll distance).

As the days get longer, mileage will be increased to eventually 20 miles per day forward and 40 miles per day total. Do NOT plan to Walk and Roll before or after dark.

Walking speed may predict survival in seniors – The Chart - CNN.com Blogs

Walking speed may predict survival in seniors – The Chart - CNN.com Blogs

MEDICAL COMMENTS

After 75 years allergies may have entered the equation.

Prided in never being allergic to anything...animals, food, plants, medicine, other folks...but a new era may have begun.

Last Summer's two month walk near non-stop 30 - 40 miles per day @ 4+ mph in over 100 F. temperatures at 5,000 - 8,000 foot elevations. Biggest problem was being NOT hungry together with drinking excessive quantities of water and electrolytes. In addition to the blood deprivation, an itchy / bumpy head became prominent.

Thinking back, a peanut butter bagel or three was always in the backpack...devoured en route - see Blog WAMSUTTER - RAWLINS. Then upon ending each day's Walk, a few spoonfulls of peanut butter were sometimes "dinner".

A never-before itch with lumpy scalp occurred concurrent with ER discovery of blood quantity deficiency. Antibiotics were prescribed. The itch/swelling disappeared within 36 hours.

A month of rest following ER proclamation of NO MORE WALKING until blood recovers, was without peanut butter...instead, good plentiful food recovering back in Bellingham; i.e., itch and swelling did NOT return...

U_N_T_I_L...returning to walk (with Jodi driving SPIA), both itch and swelling returned the very first day...which, of course included the routine of peanut butter and bagel.

Returned to the same ER in Lamar, Colorado, which prescribed more antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin).

The itch went away and with Jodi's admonitions, peanut butter was not allowed.

Upon return to Bellingham, the itch / bumps came and went. Ciprofloxacin pill took them away in 24 hours or so.

About to start Walk and Roll again, the itch / swelling malady had to be eliminated. New Dr. (dermatologist) one week ago, also prescribed Cipro; but, this time a maximum administration for 2 weeks. Three days ago, decided to do a wee test...ate four spoonfuls of peanut butter...OMG; the scalp exploded with massive bumps and itch.

Now, 3 days later, continuing the Cipro (and not even LOOKING at peanut butter), the itch/swelling is slowly dissipating.

Dr. is certain to be angry with me...heck, I am angry with me. Pretty stupid thing to do.

New subject: CNN today reported on extensive evaluations of Seniors walking. General outcome...faster walkers tend to live longer lives...yeah, I know...just another dumb way to throw away research $$...but then again ??? Sorry, but do not understand how to link that article...it can be found on Facebook @ SAM & ME.

BULLETIN: SPIA now has her carrier for SAM. Picked SPIA up with SAM aboard late this evening...just beautiful and exactly what I asked for. Took SPIA & SAM for a test drive. SPIA handles great... SAM is securely tied down and comfy...Pics tomorrow.

Now for Air Shocks on Thursday. With elimination of itch, SAM/SPIA & ME will be on our way.

JANUARY 01, 2011

MAY I INTRODUCE MT. BAKER, OUR LOCAL VOLCANO 80 MILES EAST OF BELLINGHAM

MAY I INTRODUCE "BUMMER" (See Prior Blog) AND LITTLE BROTHER, JIM...OH, & Me

MAY I INTRODUCE CHRISTIANE - CRI - ON OUR HAPPY DAY

As the first day of the New Year, 2011, comes to a close, my mind has been running back through the years remembering beautiful people, beautiful events, and beautiful places I have been privileged to experience...and share with the World.

Have also been reading some previous Blogs posted here.

DID I REALLY DO THOSE THINGS...DID I REALLY WRITE THOSE WORDS...

I am in awe and humbled.

Monday Morning, January 03, 2011, SPIA receives her new Stern Ramp which will become SAM's home for the next many months. Thursday, SPIA receives new Air Shock Absorbers to add stability. Will fabricate a Cover to protect SAM while at home on Her new Ramp.

Trust Dr. L will give the OK to begin walking again.

Considering bringing a companion along...a Dog. Leaning toward Border Collie or Lab. Such an added responsibility... not often admitting it, loneliness does set in now and then...So, shall see.

This morning, only a few cobwebs remain in SAM's Place. 23 years of life between those walls...and another 8 years back in White Plains, New York...has now come - absolutely - to a close.

Would be easy to become depressed...often think about it...but REFUSE to go there. Christiane and I once visited a local Psychiartrist who blatantly told Cri that she was going to die from her Cancer and told Me that I would commit suicide from her loss.

Cri has, in fact, died...she had no chance...I, however, refuse to pleasure that Psych B_ _ch by fulfilling her statement...I should, in fact, sue her A_ _; oh, forget it...SAM & ME have a mission. Cannot be bothered with losers.

Counting the hours...

...OF MICE AND MEN

Someone said it...I only repeat it..."The best laid plans of Mice and Men...etc.etc.etc...."

Primary Doctor, Dr. R., has referred to a skin specialist, Dr. L, a certain itchy and lumpy scalp. Yes, that irritable condition - carried from Lamar, Colorado since last Summer - is still with Me. Dr. L. advises it probably is NOT inflamed hair follicle and probably is NOT inflammation resulting from the wee metal buttons of the hat and probably NOT incubation during intense Summer heat of some vile bacteria...all suggestions from prior Doctor comments.

No, Dr. L. now suggests itch and lumps may derive from inflamed sinus resulting in "HIVES"...which, to limit it's spread say, to the throat - which might limit air flow, making a 911 call imperative - MUST be cured...and quickly.

Therefore, massive doses of antibiotic are being administered daily for 2 weeks...then Dr. L will take a look-see..Oh, the fun of getting older...

In the interim, SAM & ME are held in limbo.

Not to waste time in limbo:

Many large objects in SAM 's Place have been pawned off to deserving folks. Motorcycle is tucked away in the storage unit (Motorcycle has a hiccup... needing a tune-up).

Today, Van and Trailer are moving remaining large items into storage...then a general clean-up before handing SAM's Place back to the Landlord on Friday, New Year Eve Day.

SAM will then take up residence for remaining limbo time in the garage at home.

Today, SPIA returns to Les Schaub - which Company has been so very helpful to SAM & ME - to have the air lines to her Air Shocks replaced. When SPIA's tire blew in Denver, the tire tread shredded the underside of SPIA. All was repaired in Colorado - see prior Blog -, but the Air Shock Line - also shredded - was NOT replaced. Today, that Air Line gets replaced. SPIA will then become much more stable...why, one might ask repair the Air Shock Line at this time !!!

The recurring left knee pain is masked with pain killers - wee pills given by the Surgeon at time of the knee operation (which are hoarded for just such events) - AND the slow but certain realization that this old man is NOT getting any more spry, AND the imagination is quickly filling with dread, the daily setting up and taking down of SAM's "camp" for the next six months, or more...

SPIA has again returned to Our Walk and Roll plans.

SPIA is receiving a "tilting" ramped platform in back for SAM to ride and be safely tucked away overnight. SPIA is 22 feet long. The new platform + SAM aboard, will result in a definite tail-heavy appendage. Must therefore, move SPIA's on board camp Table, 2 Camp Chairs, and the 1,000 Watt gas-driven auxiliary power unit, forward to offset SPIA's center of balance.

One does NOT want SPIA to be down by the Stern while toting SAM the daily 10-miles jaunts from parking spot to parking spot, while SAM & ME do daily Walk and Roll.

Yes, having exercised the female option to change one's mind - not that any female gender is in any way involved - SPIA has rejoined SAM & ME. SAM will always be protected, being constantly with Me night and day. SPIA, daily driven in 5 mile increments - as Jodi and I did last Summer - allowing SAM & ME to walk the 5-miles of terrain just driven, plus another 5-miles forward...and back to SPIA.

This, of course, dictates SAM & ME to Walk and Roll 10-miles for each 5-miles of forward travel.
So be it...better walking 9,000 miles to Key West with the comfort and convenience of SPIA than camping every day.

SPIA also affords the luxury of unlimited electrical generation for SAM's batteries if Mother Nature does not allow SAM's Solar Panels to do their magic.

I know, I know...all the hoopla about JUST SAM & ME alone in the Big World...but then NO great adventure ever succeeded the first time out...remember NASA and the Moon...so, there is no feeling of need for apology...better adjust when adjusting is available...much better than Apollo 1 or Apollo 13 all over again. Probably receive NEGATIVE thoughts and comments comparing SAM & ME to Apollo; but since Me DID have a rather significant but minor role in getting Apollo to the Moon and back (subject of a future Blog???), feel somewhat entitled to ride NASA coat-tails a bit.

Just finished cup-o-hot-chocolate...Now for a shower, a bite of breakfast, then to SAM's Place to put things to right.

Big week for Washington Husky Football and Basketball Teams...go DAWGS !!!

UPDATE

In our desire to keep abreast of SAM & ME preparations, we offer this update.

SAM's Place is a shambles.

Whereas one week ago SAM had a home until at least March 2012, all that changed in an instant.
The Company assuming our lease was unable to continue. The ball was back in OUR court.

Simply not financially viable to support SAM's Place longer, WE near completion of a total move.

Most things, computers, filing cabinets, furniture, supplies, and a sundry of other items supporting a now non-existent Company, have been given away or offered at bargain basement prices - see Craigs List. Should one drive by SAM's Place today, a number of "FREE" items sit out front for the taking.

By New Year Eve, SAM's Place will be an empty chamber...only memories remaining.

SAM & ME are, of course, disappointed. On the other hand, WE now begin OUR Walk and Roll devoid of tangible burdens...they are gone.

Departing the Peace Arch, SAM & ME will be truly just SAM & ME.

Daunting as it seems to be...departing in the dead of Winter...SAM is ready... ME, too.

SAM & ME will have one and only one goal: TO WALK AND ROLL.

No longer must WE return to care for this or that. WE will miss our friends, family, and supporters...that is certain...but our mission will be: to reach Key West, Florida...and return to Bellingham together.

A matter of interest...WE will have travelled over 7,000 miles together...unless WE Walk and Roll Back - then it will be 10,000 miles...that sounds good to ME.

WE have our entire future to discover new places...to meet new friends...to share discoveries on this Blog.

We will do OUR best to be deserving of the following gathered around SAM - a magical creation - & ME - an old man.