POST 1449; FEBRUARY 04, 2015; CULLODEN, WEST VIRGINIA

Winter cold and snow has finally arrived in CULLODEN, West Virginia.

SAM and ME have been hosted for a bit over four months by DALLAS...having been invited to Winter Over.  Looks as though another two or three weeks will see SAM and ME on our way, walking and rolling back across America.  Plan to route ourselves to DeKALB, Illinois, (to visit Sister CAROL for the sixth time on foot), thence West via Highway 30 and 20, transiting YELLOWSTONE, arriving at the BLAINE, Washington USA/CANADA Border Crossing approximately June 01, 2015.

June 21, 2015, have prepaid DELTA Airline ticket from BELLINGHAM, Washington to PORTLAND, Maine, where we will recover our MAZDA MPV, "SPIA" from storage.  Once again, SPIA, and ME will cross AMERICA.  SPIA will go back into storage at BELLINGHAM while SAM and ME will walk and roll East...shaking bushes to discover new treasures...which we will share in pics and narrative blog updates.

My 5-year plan to walk from LISBON, Portugal to BEIJING is still on, but becoming somewhat dim with world turmoils blocking our route...and lack of $$ to finance our way.

Please say HELLO once again to DALLAS and his sidekick, BUDDY. 

Please say HELLO to JOY, Director of HURRICANE, West Virginia SENIOR CENTER.  Monday through Friday, Lunch is served for Seniors...at a cost of from $1,50 to $4.00 - based on individual $$ income.

Senior Center is hosting Seniors to FREE IRS Tax Returns...a $180.00 value...among other benefits available to all Seniors .

HURRICANE SENIOR CENTER and IRS Tax Return visitors, receiving FREE lunch while waiting their turn.

Scenic back roads in Winter's Majesty...SAM and ME have, for the recent months, walked and rolled these byways preparing for our continued crossing(s) of America.

DALLAS' Church in nearby BOURBONVILLE.

After church lunch potluck offered each Saturday.

Please say HELLO to DALLAS and the family of his SON, SCOTT, during their visit last week.

Please say HELLO to sleepy Grandson BRYSEN, Wife, AMBER, Baby LANDON, and SCOTT.    .

Dead-end drive adjacent to the home of DALLAS.  I-64 forms a "T" at the end of the drive.  City of CHARLESTON, Capital of West Virginia, is 35 miles East (to the right).

* * * * * * * * * *

DALLAS has during recent many weeks, submitted to daily out-patient Diabetis treatments, which continue for some weeks into the future.  His friend, CAROL, has been at his side as unofficial caregiver and companion.  I have taken it upon myself to see to providing - buying, preparing, and cleanup - balanced meals for the three of us - with grateful participation by Carol and the Senior Center.

A minor foot irritation led me to visit the local hospital, where Emergency Room Dr. ADKINS, MD, certified a CALLUS on the bottom of my left foot was the cause.  Dr. ADKIN referred me to Dr. WHITE of the WEST VIRGINIA FOOT CARE SPECIALIST,   I made an appointment with Dr. WHITE to look at my CALLUS.  The following occurred:

Technicians began by beginning tests related to my heart.  I expressly told them not to do that as my visit was to be limited to my CALLUS.  The Technicians then proceeded to take a series of X-Rays...which I again objected to as having nothing to do with my clearly visible CALLUS.  They insisted on completion of six X-Rays over my objections.

Dr. WHITE appeared, lifted my foot to examine, saying he was going to freeze it...again over my objection.  Dr. White then, without another word, taking a scalpel, proceeded to cut open my foot.
followed by taking a photograph with his IPhone...proudly shoving the phone under my eyes..."See, said he"...BLOOD.  "You do not have a CALLUS"..."you have a WART !"  Where upon his technician applied some liquid and a bandage, as Dr. WHITE, left the examining Room saying, "We'll give you a kit.  "Follow the instructions and come back in two weeks."   I did NOT take his "Kit", which cost $19.95...his method of gathering in some extra $$ from the local pharmacy???

I was handed back my walking shoes with the explanation that new insoles had been substituted for my own.  I objected that my insoles were perfectly fine...removed the new ones and reinserted my own.

Upon leaving the crowded waiting room, I was LOUDLY called back to pay my Office Visit Co-Pay of $167.00.  I asked .."for what?...I was here all of 10 minutes.  The clerk said my entire charges were $699.00, most of which was being billed to MEDICARE.  "You gotta be kidding", was my shocked reply.

I objected, demanding a detailed cost breakdown, which after a short delay was presented with the following $$ breakdown in writing:

$181.00     Code 99203 - Office Registration -:i.e. signing me up
$203.00     Code 17110 - Dest Benign Lesion - i.e. Dr. WHITE's treatment of my WART
$280.00     Code 73630 & 73610 - X-Rays
$  35.00     Code 40664 - Shoe Insert

$699.00     TOTAL

Not the first time medical experts have disagreed on my conditions...which may be found in prior posts.  I have easily self-treated WARTS on the bottom of my foot.  This one I could not see, but with continued self-treatment, it is nearly gone.  Proper diagnosis by ER would have avoided any referrals and the resultant questionable charges.

POST 1448; JANUARY 19, 2015; CULLODON, WEST VIRGINIA

Nearly one month has gone by since our latest blog update.  That month has been in company with DALLAS and CAROL, primarily looking after DALLAS battling Diabetes ...  currently receiving daily outpatient treatment of antibiotics.  Eight more weeks til the current treatments end.

Arriving in HURRICANE late in September, my first two months were busy caring for the two homes and properties of DALLAS.  The third month was taken up by social functions - dancing and playing "house" at the invitations of S____ and B____, both of which ended in less than successful ventures.

Walking has, until two weeks ago, been nearly non existent.

SAM has been taken out of storage, accompanying me on daily walks of six to fifteen miles.  My body has responded wonderfully until two days ago when I pushed a bit too hard on a 15 mile walk in near zero degree temperatures, resulting in over stressing the right knee ligaments.  All will be OK, but must pull back to relieve the knee damage.

Took some photos during recent walks...photos which follow.

Am experiencing some conflicting issues about the condition of my heart.

In 1995, upon losing CRI, I suffered a heart attack.  Eighteen years later - in mid 2013, began experiencing excess fluid, determined by my doctors to be Congestional Heart Failure.  As part of the medical treatment, two Stents were inserted into my arteries.  I argued AGAINST the Stents, but was assured by my Cartiologist that my life was dependent upon the procedure...so I reluctantly said OK.

Walking through California, was informed by another Cardiologist that ..."  you have NO heart problem...", in direct opposition to years of extensive treatment.  In recent weeks, the two Stents have been causing daily discomfort and some pain.  One source suggests I may need open heart surgery.

Must study up on Congestional Heart Failure and "Stents".  To say the least, conflicting views by the "experts" are not encouraging.

But for now, I continue to increase the length and severity of my walks.  This old body has done OK for nearly twenty years with conflicting input.   I am more comfy with my own diagnosis than with conflicting input from "practitioners";...and what might that diagnosis be...?   SINUSITIS:  Fluids draining from the sinus cavities into the lungs and stomach ... and where does the Sinus Fluid come from...? ... from being POISONED by INTENTIONAL release of RADIOACTIVE GAS from the Hanford Atomic Energy Reservation by our own government from 1945 through 1953..resulting in effected "life forms" being referred to as DOWN WINDERS.

BUDDY has become the near perfect traveling doggie...intelligent to the degree that he has figured out that following instructions and behaving earns a spot with a great view between DALLAS and CAROL.

Our first light dusting of snow.

Heading out with SAM for our fifteen mile walk

Yes, the roadway is slippery...coated with ice

Please say HELLO to CHRIS, owner of the local Hunting Bow professional shop.

Please say HELLO to LANCE, friend of CHRIS.  Visited with CHRIS and LANCE for nearly an hour during our recent walk.

* * * * * * * * * *

Daily news hereabouts include multiple homicides.  Have learned that nearly EVERYONE "PACKS".  Took some research to discover that to "PACK" means carrying Concealed Guns.

How do I feel about that???   Uneasy !

It was B____ who "convinced me" of her threat that ..."...this is my home...and things are done my way..."...as she handed me one of her loaded Smith and Wessons from her night stand.

It was BOB HOPE, I believe, who sang...

..."I love yiu in Buckskins and in clothes that you've homespun...

...but I love you longer stronger where your friends don't tote no guns...! "

POST 1447; DECEMBER 21, 2014; HURRICANE, WEST VIRGINIA

11:30 Sunday morning in CULLODEN (Hurricane) is a sunny 40 F.  DALLAS and CAROL have done the hospital daily routine for DALLAS' Toe and taken in church in CAROL's neighborhood.  I'm dog sitting for Buddy.  Would rather be at SALLY's church, where I have been many times welcomed.  Being some 25 miles distant, however, is too far to walk in daylight...the Mud River Road being narrow winding without a side berm to escape passing vehicles.

Yesterday, attended DALLAS' Seventh Day Adventist church at East Pea Ridge, where we enjoyed an after-service Christmas Dinner/Lunch...visiting with old friends who have lived at some distant past in or near my birthplace, SEATTLE, Washington State.

Last evening, attended the local CULLODEN OPRY Christmas Dance and Dinner with some 200 local folks.  BETTY was there with  her acclaimed Fruit Jello Dessert.  Was appeased by BETTY accepting to dance with me during the entire 7 to 11 PM evening.  BETTY made convincingly clear that we remain close friends...but no chance for future co-habitation.  My foolishness in reacting to her..."..we do it my way...(and)...I told you I needed help and time to find 'TRUST' "... by packing my bag (for the third time ).  Calling my bluff, BETTY drove me back to DALLAS' home with vehement anger ending our short relationship.  

On the Eastern side of the OHIO RIVER and bounded by the ancient ALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS, the Northern end of which continue into Arctic wastes of SCANDINAVIA (EUROPE), lie the hills and valleys of WEST VIRGINIA.  In this rugged countryside live the folks with whom I have resided since arriving late October 2014.  Accepted with open arms by one and all, I quickly learned that
knowing one meant becoming known to a far reaching community of family and friends.  Up and down the hidden HOLLOWS (Hollers - Valleys) leading to delightful small villages and large towns - cities, actions and utterances one moment became common knowledge seemingly moments later.

Fiercely proud and protective of generations of life in the forested hills and valleys, newcomers are welcomed with lyrical - near musical - local dialect smilingly ignoring traditional "good" grammar, accusing visitors speaking with strong difficult-to-understand foreign accents.  One listens closely and heeds body language to "get it"; so as not to be misunderstood...or to misunderstand.

I confess to shirking my goal to blog (share) that which I see, hear, and learn.   My quick invitation and absorption into intimate personal and family life completely overwhelmed me.  Not that I feel need to apologize...but the adoration, intimacy and pleasures of the moment leaped to become my first priority.  In difference to those who have become dear to me, restraint in sharing details has been paramount.

* * * * * * * * * * *

...and so, SAM and ME are once again alone.

We hold this place and these people close to our heart.  I have been granted a special gift to be welcomed, loved, and cherished...a gift rare for one so old, so unknown, and so desperate to be accepted.

I know not what lies before SAM and ME.   It is our hope that our pride in those who have received and taken us in... is reciprocal.

POST 1446; DECEMBER 19, 2014;HURRICANE, W.VIRGINIA

Friday, December 19, 2014:   SAM and ME are once again back in the home of Dallas Lovejoy, in the town of HURRICANE, West Virginia.  Significant events have occurred including the slamming and locking of the gates on my dancing partner, Sally, (by Claude, long-time lover and jailer) and new dancing partner, Betty, who's invitation that I take up residence with her in her home in SAND POINT, Ohio, removed me from circulation for a bit.

Well, I'm back.  Dallas has a delightful new girlfriend, Carol, who has moved in to become his Care Giver for the next six weeks - at the minimum - while Dallas goes through daily hospital treatments to treat the infected toe bone of his left foot.  Lucky for me, Dallas has welcomed me back to my old room and Carol and I have seemingly found comfy places in our new-found small family.

My co-habitation with Betty (@ $500.00 per month) turned out to be an immediate challenge for both of us.  Living alone for years, each of us became somewhat fixed in how things should be done.  With Betty in the $$ driver seat, boiling down to ...we'll do it my way or NO way.  Stupidly, I packed my bag one time too many, finding myself on the outside looking in.  I walked some 27,000 miles to find Betty to hold my hand...and to be held in her arms.  I blew it.  I simply forgot that it takes time...MUCH time...to earn TRUST...and WHEN IN ROME DO AS THE ROMANS DO.

In two days WINTER arrives.  Cold Wet (SNOWY) Days will be upon this corner of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky on Christmas Eve.,,four days from today.  As much as I deeply appreciate Dallas' generosity, I would accept an invitation to return to being the FLY in Betty's WEB.

In the mean time, I will accompany Dallas and Carol to MILTON's Friday night dance as well as the Saturday night dance here in CULLODEN (A bedroom community for the city of HURRICANE, West Virginia). 

Riding with Dallas in his HONDA to a family dinner with his Sister in Law, FLORA, living near the Mud River Dam and Park some 40 miles South West of HURRICANE, West Virginia.

FLORA's home sits astride one of the steep West Virginia hills.

Dallas - center - and SALLY - Top right - in Sally's family church.  I have been prohibited from phoning Sally (by Claude), but discovered her alone at church, where we shared a moment.  No further contact has been with my former dance partner.

MILTON VFW POST, where Dallas and I enjoyed a Dinner honering America's military veterans.

Mud River Road on the way to FLORA's home near Mud River Dam and Park.

Looking back North from Flora's home.

Dallas about to announce our "early" arrival for dinner.

DALLAS and Sister in Law, FLORA, widow of the Brother of Dallas.  FLORA asked me if I could live in such isolation...as she has for some fifteen years.   I smiled and said ...

Dallas, and Flora with her Son, "BUTCH" and his "Significant Other", SALINA.

SALINA and Daughter (with Butch), KYIA.

SARAH, 14 year old Daughter of Salina, from her prior marriage.

DALLAS at the Reunion of the CNR Railroad...I was kindly invited.

Yes, we do like pics of old barns.

Today, Friday December 19, 2014, HURRICANE Senior Citizens held their Christmas Luncheon.  Dallas rushed from his morning hospital appointment to pick me up - at his home - so we could enjoy the moment.  The Mayor and his staff were present - with gifts for each Senior - and remained to dine with us.  THANK YOU for your thoughtfulness.  WENDY's Restaurant was also present to serve the sit-down lunch

Based on individual income, donations are suggested...ranging from $1.50 to $4.00 or so.  Visitors are always welcome at the Senior Center events.  ALL communities in and around the Tri-State area of West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky have similar Senior Centers.  Dancing Class for SALLY and ME was at the HUNTINGTON, West Virginia Senior Center.

DALLAS and CAROL ...

Director JOY.  Hyper Active, JOY has melded a fun friendly active group of seniors.

Senior Center Kitchen, where all meals are prepared and served.  Near 75 Meals On Wheels are also prepared in this kitchen for Seniors unable to get to the Center.

HURRICANE Mayor EDWARDS and staff, who came bearing gifts and joined for our Christmas Lunch.

PUTNAM COUNTY SHERIFF passing out gifts.

TIM, WENDY's Restaurant Staff, who served Seniors and honored guests at the HURRICANE Senior Center Christmas Luncheon.

...and this is Dinner...Baked  Honey HAM, cold PASTA SALAD, Butter STRING BEANS,  DINNER ROLL, and Yummy APPLE PIE...with Coffee, Tea - Hot and Iced - Milk and Water...

...Not to forget the daily tray of fresh Donuts and Sweet Pastries..


* * * * * * * * * *

In truth, my two months here in the Tri-State has been filled with unforgettable moments and unforgettable new friends.  No less than five times I have been welcomed with..."...sent in answer to my prayers..."...a humbling yet confusing message.  I fear I have failed in some eyes, including my own.  I am not at all certain what has been expected of me.  I even stood before SALLY's Church Members asking for guidance. 

Try as I might, I come up short...still, liking myself and begging those dear to me to try doing the same for themselves.

Yes, I am miserable  ...but determined....

POST 1445; SOUTH POINT, OHIO; DECEMBER 06, 2014

Must once again apologize for the unfortunate absence of our blog update for the past many days.  My computer was attacked by multiple virus - probably for visiting sites not recommended -, causing me to ship it back to my computer guru, Darrel, owner of The Virus Buster, in Bellingham, Washington.  Received the computer back yesterday, working like a new machine.  Darrel may be reached at 360-676-7501.

I have, in recent days, moved to the home of Betty M., a "fixer upper" in transition, where I have lent my hand and back to help with finishing touches.  Still, I am watching over Dallas, who, though fighting off some recurring medical events, is pleased to have cold weather arrive shortly after "we" completed essential outdoor projects.

Have only limited walking opportunity in recent weeks.

Me?   Am of sound body, mind, and spirit. Others may question that statement, but my take is the important one. 

Flu is making the rounds here in the Tri-State (Ohio-Kentucky-West Virginia) region.  Expect my good health will protect me from catching anything...Last Flu Shot was back in 1963.  Have given my body the job of warding off transgressors.  So far, So good.