POST 1450; FEBRUARY 17, 2015; CULLODEN, WEST VIRGINIA

Five months in West Virginia has left an indelible impression...about the land...about the people...about the language...about the fierce pride instilled in the folks who call this Tri-State corner home.

SALLY has peeked out from her hidy hole ...even accepting my dance (Jitterbug / Swing) request last week...making it clear and final that there is no space for further relationship between us.  Grateful for the few moments we shared gliding above the (concrete) dance floors of Huntington, Milton and Culloden.

Betty, too, has taken a road divergent from her invitation into her life, her home...house and automobile keys have been returned to her...she kept my $500.00.

But for the recent snow storm, SAM and ME would be on our way once again.  For the moment, DALLAS and CAROL welcome our continued presence in their Culloden home.  I have some weeks ago initiated morning and evening home cooked meals together, rewarding us with more moments together if not a few new-found pounds we could all do without.

I must admit to growing loss of day and night vision...loss significent enough to become worrysome.

We have a new tent, air mattress and sleeping bag.

The STENTS are causing increasing irritation./..if not some pain... night and day.  By-pass surgery has been suggested as being a near-future option.

Waiting for a proper weather window.  Have not settled on a time or route to walk.  Plan arriving by mid June in Portland, Maine to retrieve SPIA from storage.

HURRICANE private Mail Box bearing the last name ( LOVEJOY )  of DALLAS.  Not a relative of DALLAS, however the name LOVEJOY is common in these parts.

Please say HELLO to CAROL, DALLAS, and FLORA, Sister in Law of DALLAS.

FLORA and ME at the CULLODEN Saturday Night dance.

Please say HELLO to FLORA, a most delightful lady...and Widow to the Brother of DALLAS.

Please say HELLO to JAMES ....

.... and his wife, BETTY, both of whom oversee the Saturday Night CULLODEN Dances.

One of two US FOODS Warehouses in CULLODEN / HURRICANE, West Virginia, receiving and distributing fresh foods nationwide. 

Senior Center facilities located in neighboring City of NITRO...home town of CAROL

Many activities are available daily, including a nutritious lunch.  Most local cities and towns in the Tri State Region offer similar Senior Centers.

Please say HELLO to DON, a local Disc Jockey offering dance music at NITRO Senior Center. 

Line Dancing to DON's music.

DO-SI-DO ...

DON and CAROL.  For years, CAROL was a fixture at the NITRO City Senior Center

Please say HELLO to Yours Truly and RUTH .....

Please say HELLO to DONNA, Director of NITRO Senior Center.

NITRO Senior Center Facilities.

Please say HELLO to LILLY, HURRICANE City Senior Center Staff member.

Please say HELLO to sisters PATTY and RUTH

Please say HELLO to ROB who stopped in at the Senior Center to interview DALLAS regarding reaching old age.

Please say HELLO to CAROL, dedicated to helping DALLAS through daily Diabetes treatments.

12 inch snow pack tn the back yard of DALLAS' home.

Garbage Can Art ... yes, a good 12 inches inabout 12 hours.  Next few days will see another + / - 4 inches falling in "MINUS" Temperatures.

CAROL's Pontiac blanketed under a foot of feather-light snow.

Here comes the CSX Coal Train.

In the midst of our snow storm of yesterday, the 109 Car Crude Oil Train from North Dakota derailed and self destructed by exploding some 60 miles from HURRICANE.

* * * * * * * * * *

The WART on the bottom of my left foot is healing nicely using DR. SCHOLL'S "Clear Away".  Absolutely criminal Dr. White demands $700.00 to LOOK, LANCE, and BANDAGE the Wart on my foot.

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.