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JFXG · 06-28-2013, 10:50 PM

We thought we'd be somewhere in Tennessee or Alabama about now, but we're not. Lots of old friends are prepping for a 4 day camp on the NC/SC border over the fourth, but we're basking in the 102* breezes in Salt Lake. Livin' the RV lifestyle!! Life in the fast lane is fun!

During our winter stay up on the Olympic Peninsula, the rear ac/heat pump decided to leave this earth. That's ok, we still had the front unit, and the propane furnace too, if required. When we left there in mid-May, we stopped in Seattle to visit our son and replace the roof unit. Done. That's one.

Got under way just after Memorial Day. Second day, just crossed into Oregon at Umatilla, we stopped for lunch at the visitor center. When I restarted, we got the big squeal serenade. When I checked it out, it turns out the engine mounted a/c compressor clutch had picked that hour to seize. Part of the grand adventure, right? Of course, it was Sunday, but Coachnet found a tow, and soon we were boondocking outside a Freightliner truck place in Pendleton. Well, they checked it out, but couldn't work on us til Tuesday, then had to wait another day for parts they thought they had in stock, while we were at the hotel. Anyway, done by Friday AM, we parked at a local place for a couple more nights to let the cat get unstressed and do some cleanup. That's two.

Hit the road again and had a few real pleasant days, wending down toward Utah. Lots of big hills between western Idaho and Salt Lake. Lots of long grades. 95 degrees outside, and getting hot inside my Cat, too. Got the overheat buzzer a few times just as I was cresting, so it only lasted 10 seconds or so, but I stopped a few times to let things cool a bit. We made it into Salt Lake, and first thing I called the local Freightliner place, Freightliner of Utah, which turned out to be a huge depot, a 24/7 operation.

By this time I was- we both were- tired of problems, so I decided that as long as we were there for the cooling I would go ahead and have the service done that I had been planning for Gaffney. They got us in the next morning for the service, but the following day for the cooling problem. They suspected right away where the problem lay, but checked all the mech and fluid stuff to be sure. Then our tech, Robert, pulled a big pile of leaves and twigs out from between the coolers, blew out clouds of dust, and then steam cleaned them as a dirty brown slurry flowed across the floor. Cooling problem gone! That's three. I'm not likin' this.

Meanwhile....... while I was with the coach, Diane ran over to the clinic at the UU Med Center to take care of a minor medical thing that was bothering her. The medico she saw thought the symptoms were a bit hinky, so he called for a CT. When that came back, the Dutchstar fell down the priority list real fast. Enough to say we started out real scared, spent the past week having tests and other appointments, and now we're not too scared, but DW will have surgery before we leave Salt Lake. The important things take precedence, so we'll be here til the end of July, and move on from there. That whole list- from Monument Valley to the Natchez Trace- is on hold. I'm sure we'll find stuff to see while here, but then it'll be pretty much direct Boston, for son's wedding in September.

We're just supremely thankful that what scared us silly a week ago has turned out to be not so threatening as was first thought. But here's the thing-- the lesson has been once again reinforced! We've all heard people say it , and we've all said it ourselves, too. But pay attention!!! Grab life while you can, my friends I've never met, because any day now someone or something can just slide up next to you in a crowd and take it all away.

So, I'll try to keep you posted on the highlights of Salt Lake City!!

Fred1609 · 06-28-2013, 11:19 PM

John, your absolutely right. Glad things are well with your DW. Good to be reminded about what's important.

Bruce C · 06-29-2013, 02:52 AM

John, In reading your post I have to say everything happens for a reason. Be glad for the problems that led you to your cooling fix, it seems that it led to something that needed attention and perhaps far more important to you. I hope everything in Salt Lake works out to be the best stop over yet. It seems that we all need that wake up call from time to time. Keep us posted.

"007" · 06-29-2013, 05:11 AM

The mechanical things are minor when compared to your DW

health and yours.
The machines can be fixed but your health is dependent for both of you to continue your adventure.
Glad your wife is in good care and you will have time to sons wedding.
My wife and I are at the end of our travels our health can no longer support the traveling lifestyle and coach and us will be parting ways.
We have had a full life with our travels and the memories we have and all the good times with friends and groups.
May you both have many safe travels and memories ahead of you.

Mystery · 06-29-2013, 06:51 PM

A good reminder on why to put things in the proper perspective.

**JohnRR** · 06-29-2013, 06:59 PM

At least it sounds like it's improving.

FLSteve · 06-29-2013, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystery

A good reminder on why to put things in the proper perspective.

Well said Mystery ... +1

Mystery · 06-30-2013, 07:29 AM

My parents worked and did without while planning on retirement and life happened. Needless to say 38 years of marriage and no retirement. Cancer for both. That's why I bought the RV when I was 47. Life is definitely short. Y'all get out there and see all of our great land!

Ma Snart · 06-30-2013, 08:28 AM

Prayers that all goes well...
Ma Snart

JFXG · 06-30-2013, 11:13 PM

Thanks to all for the thoughts, prayers, and kind words. Appt with the surgeon Wednesday, then we'll have a schedule. I'll keep you posted.

JG

Mr_D · 06-30-2013, 11:52 PM

Yep, we knopw what you mean. I "retired" at 51 in 1998, wife kept working. So I went back to work. Then her daughter died, leaving us with two grandkids to raise. Oldest has moved out, youngest is 13 now and still with us (naturally).
Now my wife's diabetes has affected her organs and they may have to do some shunts and bypasses. Still trying to get that straightened out. Hosp bills are over $150,000 now, but thank God for insurance. They're even been paying her full salary.
But how much longer before we know what's going on and when can they "fix" it if even possible.
Without your health you really have nothing. I was diagnosed with MS in 1983 but so far it's been kind of a minor nuisance.

JFXG · 07-31-2013, 05:10 PM

Well folks....... sorry I haven't been real good with the updates, but its time to close out this thread-- in a good way!

DW had her surgery on 7/16, and everything went very smoothly. Surgeon said she was sure all was benign, and subsequent path tests confirmed this.

[[Her surgeon, by the way, is a specialist and apparently something of an expert in laproscopic and robotic surgery. Initially we were shocked!! Who is this kid?? Your first thought on meeting her is "Doogie Houser". She's about 28-30 but looks 17, stands about 5- nothin', and absolutely never stops moving or talking. I think she has a special platform she has to stand on for surgery.]]

Diane recovered very quickly, feels immensely better, and today had her two week follow-up. Fully cleared for the future, no further follow-up required. We depart SLC tomorrow.

We thank you all for your concern and well wishes, and we'll see some of you late Oct at the Roost!