Packing day…Last night out with my side of the family…Tonight, Tom’s family…Two days and counting…

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Tom wasn’t able to finish this enormous margarita last night at dinner with Greg, Heather, and the kids at El Loro Mexican Restaurant in Chanhassen. Time to say goodbye.

We had another fantastic evening last night at dinner with Greg, Maisie, and her boyfriend, Dakota, Miles, Madigan, Heather, and her daughter, Andi, at the same Mexican restaurant where we dined a year ago on our last night together.

Although the restaurant had changed hands in the past year, the food, ambiance, and service were all exemplary. But, most of all, being together one last time before we depart in two days was the most pleasing after many excellent get-togethers over the past three weeks since we arrived in Minnesota for Maisie’s graduation.

The kids have grown up so much, and we couldn’t have enjoyed them more. Each time we got together, the conversations and laughter flowed with ease, warming our hearts.

The same warm feelings were experienced with Tom’s adult kids and grandchildren on several occasions when we spent precious time with them.

Miles ordered this big plate of food and ate most of it. I forgot, once again, to take photos of people since I was preoccupied enjoying everyone’s company.

Today will be the last time for happy hour and dinner at Billy’s Bar and Grill in Anoka with Tom’s siblings and some nieces and nephews. As much as I’d like to go and say goodbye to everyone, I think that today, I need a day to finish laundry and prepare for our upcoming extended journey back to South Africa on Sunday. Tom will pick up his sisters this afternoon and head to Billy’s.

I will stay behind, awaiting the arrival of our final few packages today and finalizing some of the packing. We’re in good shape, although we will be overweight in one of our two bags. We purchased a lot of clothes and supplies while we were here, and Tom got his dress suit from Greg, who had been storing it for him.

I purchased two pairs of shoes, Tom purchased one, but we have yet to discard the old shoes, figuring we’d wear them and the old clothes during our remaining three months in South Africa. Additionally, we needed to restock several supplements and health supplies that were taking up space and weight.

Additionally, Tom purchased enough Crystal Light Iced Tea to last a year, until our return to the US next year for Miles’ graduation, and I bought an equal-sized supply of Good Earth caffeine-free tea bags to make my healthy iced tea. Both of these options took up a lot of space, but neither of us is willing to drink endless bottles of water, which would further pollute the environment.

We use pitchers to make our respective iced teas and load our mugs for daily drinking, as well as when we go out and about. I never added up how many plastic water bottles we avoid using, but it’s in the thousands each year.

That’s it for today, folks. Thanks to our readers for hanging in there with us during this three-week family visit. We’ll be back to the bush in four days (including two travel days) and looking forward to seeing our animal and human friends soon.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 13, 2015:

The private swimming pool for our exclusive use at the holiday home in Trinity Beach, Australia. For more photos, please click here.

Clarification…No ETA required to transit through the UK. We finally made it…No jet lag…Memorial Day in the US today…

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Mr. or Ms. Hornbill enjoying seeds from the hanging bird feeder at our holiday home in Marloth Park.

Tom was concerned we’d need an ETA to transit through London for our five-hour layover at Heathrow Airport. After checking online many times to ensure we wouldn’t have an issue, we decided not to bother. Here’s the information we found on this topic:

As of May 2025, whether you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to transit through London Heathrow Airport depends on the nature of your transit:

No ETA Required — Airside Transit

If you’re transiting airside—meaning you remain within the airport’s international transit area and do not pass through UK border control, you do not need an ETA. This exemption applies to Heathrow and Manchester airports and was implemented in January 2025 to facilitate smoother international connections.

ETA Required — Landside Transit

If your transit involves passing through UK border control—for example, to collect and recheck luggage, switch terminals without a secure connection, or stay overnight—you are considered a landside transit passenger. You must obtain an ETA, unless you already hold a valid UK visa or are otherwise exempt.

 Key Considerations

  • Check with your airline to determine if your connection requires passing through border control.

  • If you have two separate tickets or need to collect and recheck your luggage, you will likely need to go landside, requiring an ETA.

  • If your layover is under 24 hours and your baggage is checked through to your final destination, you may be able to stay airside.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the UK government’s official guidance on transit visas and ETA.

On another note, after the fiasco in Nelspruit on the way to the airport, as described in yesterday’s post here, the remainder of the travel time was incident-free. We didn’t sleep much on either of the two long flights.

Overall, I watched four or five movies. We both had trouble with the sound in our monitors, making movie-watching less enjoyable. We didn’t experience any significant turbulence or delays. The first flight was with Virgin Atlantic, and the second was with Delta.

The food on both flights was awful. They both served a choice of chicken rice curry, laden with flour, and a vegetable pasta dish, neither of which I could eat, nor did Tom care for either option. Then again, we don’t fly for the food. Sure, it may be better on Business or First Class, but we’re not willing to pay six or seven times the fare we pay for Coach tickets. We nibbled on some peanuts, and Tom ate the bread, crackers, and desserts served with each meal.

To our surprise, we neither felt bad after staying awake, missing an entire night’s sleep. At the airport in Minneapolis, we picked up the rental at Sixt, the best price we could find for a nice Subaru SUV. By the time we were on the road for the 20-minute drive to the hotel, we realized we needed to eat and stopped at a Jimmy John’s to buy bread-free unwiches (sandwiches using lettuce instead of bread), knowing that once we arrived at the hotel, we’d be ready to eat.

On our way, son Greg called and said he wanted to see us immediately, and he met us at the restaurant. I can’t describe how meaningful those big hugs from Greg were. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. We both looked and felt tired, but we didn’t care.

We checked into the hotel in no time at all. But before we ate those delicious unwiches, we both got busy unpacking. We got everything put away so we could sit down, relax, and watch a show, after loading our various streaming services to the big TV monitor.

We decided we’d have to stay awake until 10:00 pm to ensure we’d adapt to Minnesota time as quickly as possible. We nodded off a few times but woke each other up to avoid taking a nap and upsetting the intended schedule. Last night, we both slept about six hours. My Fitbit indicated I’d slept about six hours, which made me feel good today. Neither of us has jet lag, this time around.

Today is Memorial Day in the US, when we honor veterans who lost their lives but we have no plans. All the activities with family and friends will begin in a few days and continue through the three weeks we are here in Minnesota.

We’ll make every effort to post daily while we’re here. Thanks for all the love and support from our readers!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 26, 2015:

Tom’s miniature lemon meringue pie for dessert on a cruise. For more photos, please click here.

Bookings for the near future..How much has it cost for us to be in Cleveland?…

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We were waiting to take this boat out to sea for whale watching in Maui.

Yesterday, we began booking our upcoming road trip to Lake Las Vegas in 36 days. Need I say I am counting the days? I look forward to leaving for Nevada on December 14 and then on to Africa in 113 days from today. Wow! It’s almost hard to believe we’ll finally be on our way.

As a result, yesterday, we booked an SUV at Costco Travel, which we’ll drop off at the Las Vegas Airport two days after we arrive on December 18. During those two days, while we still have the rental car, we’ll do any necessary shopping, stop at our mailing service to pick up any remaining mail, and perhaps meet family for dinner.

From that date on, as mentioned, we’ll use Uber or Lyft for anything we want to do outside of the Village. The Village is within walking distance from our condo building in Lake Las Vegas, where shops and restaurants are plentiful. Most likely, due to the convenience of our location, we’ll probably dine out twice a week.

What prompts us to use Costco for travel needs and venues? As Costoco members, we receive special discounts and credits toward our annual rebate check and shop cards, which we can use at any Costco store in the country. They can be saved and used well into the future if we won’t be in the US for quite a while.

The annual rebate more than pays for our yearly membership and then some. We use our Costco Visa credit card for more points and petrol credits. Using Costco becomes a trifecta of perks, and the prices for cars, hotels, flights, and other travel-related purchases are hard to beat.

Today, we’re ordering takeaway for dinner. We’re ordering enough to last three nights. The total cost for both of us for the three dinners is $32.17 for Tom’s Chinese food and $35.57 for my healthy Bibibop Asian bowls, for a total of $67.74. Divided by three nights’ dinners, the avergae daily cost is $22.58. These prices include delivery and tips.

I add a few cups of romaine lettuce at the bottom of my plate to extend my double order to three nights. I ordered double portions of the spicy chicken for three nights’ dinners. Tom’s double order of sweet and sour pork is easily three large servings, so his two orders work perfectly.

The above-mentioned daily cost is less than we pay for groceries, so financially, it makes sense to place such orders once a week, knowing the food is good and enjoying the convenience and break from cooking. Mine is exceptionally healthy, while Tom’s is not as much. Then again, Tom wants what he wants and doesn’t strive for healthy dinners when we dine out.

I won’t order groceries again until Monday when I cook dinner again. We each are on our own for breakfast when Tom goes downstairs to the restaurant for the included breakfast while I have eggs or a Greek yogurt bowl with ground flaxseeds. Although breakfast at the hotel is included, I don’t care to eat processed scrambled eggs and their deep-fried bacon or sausages. Once we arrive in Nevada, I’ll make breakfast for both of us each day, usually bacon and eggs, certainly not processed or deep fried.

For more bookings, we contacted Marriott Bonvoy yesterday to extend our stay at the hotel from December 2 to December 14, the day we leave. We checked all other hotel booking sites for price comparison, but the cost was best through the Bonvoy rewards program.

We could easily have paid as much as $200 per night by booking it on our own, but we could have paid $2083 for the 12 extra nights, averaging $173.58 per night, including taxes and fees. However, this is much higher than we usually pay for hotel rooms because this location is only a few blocks from Cleveland Clinic, which results in higher prices.

Imagine we’ve had to pay this amount for 111 nights, by the time we leave here for $19,267.38. However, we will receive a credit when we check out on December 14, which will be around $1200 based on Cleveland’s 6.5% hotel tax. It’s a good thing we haven’t had a rental car while here, considering the parking fees and rental car costs, which would have been over $100 per day.

Most people come to Cleveland Clinic and spend a week or two at most. Based on our circumstances, it was an extended period.

Once we arrive in Las Vegas, our expenses will be considerably less when we received an excellent price for the condo, and we won’t need a car. We’ll share those costs later.

Well, that’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 8, 2014:

Like many other tropical islands, the Hawaiian Islands are an ever-changing weather phenomenon. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Pros and cons of the top ten most affordable countries for retirement living and travel…

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In our travels, we often try to stay close to water, such as the Seine River, which is within walking distance from our hotel. In London, we’ll be within walking distance of the Thames River.

Here is the continuation from yesterday’s Part 1.

6. Bulgaria

Pros:

  • Low cost of living with affordable housing and utilities.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes and historic sites.
  • EU membership offers stability and ease of travel within Europe.
  • Friendly locals and a growing expat community.

Cons:

  • Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating.
  • Harsh winters in some regions.
  • Limited job opportunities outside major cities.

7. Indonesia

Pros:

  • Very low cost of living, particularly in Bali and Yogyakarta.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches and jungles.
  • Warm and welcoming local culture.
  • Strong digital nomad and expat communities.

Cons:

  • Infrastructure can be underdeveloped in rural areas.
  • Traffic congestion and pollution in major cities.
  • Language barrier outside tourist areas.

8. Turkey

Pros:

  • Affordable cost of living with cheap rent and food.
  • Rich cultural heritage with historic sites and diverse landscapes.
  • Strategic location between Europe and Asia.
  • Warm hospitality and vibrant local markets.

Cons:

  • Economic instability and inflation concerns.
  • Language barrier, especially in rural areas.
  • Political situation can be uncertain.

9. Philippines

Pros:

  • Low cost of living with affordable housing and food.
  • Warm climate and stunning beaches and islands.
  • English is widely spoken, making communication easier.
  • Friendly and hospitable local population.

Cons:

  • Infrastructure can be underdeveloped in some regions.
  • Natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes.
  • Healthcare can be limited outside major cities.

10. Georgia

Pros:

  • Very low cost of living with affordable housing and utilities.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes, from mountains to beaches.
  • Simplified visa regulations and ease of residency for foreigners.
  • Warm and welcoming local culture.

Cons:

  • Limited job opportunities outside tourism and expat services.
  • Language barrier, as Georgian is not widely spoken outside the country.
  • Healthcare can be limited outside major cities.

These countries offer a mix of affordability, cultural richness, and lifestyle options, making them attractive for expats, digital nomads, and budget-conscious travelers. The pros and cons highlight living in these locations’ potential challenges and benefits.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 15, 2014:

As the proverbial food voyeur, I’ve always reveled in looking at pastries, especially in Paris. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Pros and cons of the top ten most affordable countries for retirement living and travel…

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We boarded the Eurostar train, which travels under the English Channel, as we made our way to London for the second half of August 2014.

This morning, on the news, we repeatedly heard about the top ten states in the US for retirement. Since many of our readers live outside the US and can’t afford the high cost of living in this country for the long term, we decided to research the top ten countries worldwide for eventual retirement.

Adding the pros and cons is as important as listing the locations since many factors may be a deterrent for some. Thus, we’ve compiled this information with pros and cons in order to assist in the important topics for further research, which you may do on your own.

Tomorrow, in Part 2, we’ll list the second batch of the top ten countries for retirement or vacation/holiday again with the pros and cons.

In 2024, finding affordable countries to live in or travel to depends on several factors, including cost of living, safety, quality of life, and accessibility. Below are ten countries that are generally considered affordable, along with their pros and cons.

1. Vietnam

Pros:

  • Very low cost of living, especially for housing and food.
  • Rich culture and history with plenty of scenic landscapes.
  • Great street food and vibrant local markets.
  • Strong expat communities in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Cons:

  • Language barriers can be challenging.
  • Infrastructure in rural areas is less developed.
  • Pollution and traffic congestion in major cities.

2. Portugal

Pros:

  • Relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries.
  • Beautiful coastline, historic cities, and mild climate.
  • High quality of life with good healthcare and public transportation.
  • Friendly locals and a welcoming expat community.

Cons:

  • Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating.
  • Language learning is necessary for full integration.
  • Wages are relatively low compared to other EU countries.

3. Mexico

Pros:

  • Affordable cost of living, particularly outside of major tourist areas.
  • Warm climate and diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains.
  • Rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine.
  • Proximity to the U.S. for easy travel.

Cons:

  • Safety concerns in certain regions.
  • Language barrier in rural areas.
  • Bureaucratic processes can be cumbersome.

4. Thailand

Pros:

  • Very low cost of living with affordable housing and food.
  • Excellent healthcare services at a fraction of Western prices.
  • Warm climate year-round with beautiful beaches and mountains.
  • Strong digital nomad community, especially in Chiang Mai.

Cons:

  • Air pollution can be an issue in some areas.
  • Visa regulations can be complex and require careful planning.
  • Cultural differences may take time to adapt to.

5. Colombia

Pros:

  • Affordable cost of living, especially in cities like Medellín.
  • Beautiful landscapes, from beaches to mountains.
  • Vibrant culture with festivals, music, and dance.
  • Improved safety and infrastructure in recent years.

Cons:

  • Safety concerns remain in certain areas.
  • Language barrier, as English is not widely spoken.
  • Healthcare outside major cities can be limited.

Please check back tomorrow for more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 14, 2014:

The other tiny room in Bistrotters in Paris with seating for 12.  Total seating appeared to be available for 24 diners. For more photos, please click here.

Biting off more than we can chew in today’s busy world…

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Within hours of our arrival, we walked from our hotel to take this photo.The  Eiffel Tower was as busy ten years ago as it is right now during the Olympics.

Note: Ten years ago today, we left Madeira, Portugal, and made our way to Paris for a two-week stay!

We’ve observed our working family members and friends as they take on extra tasks and responsibilities. We appreciate their dedication to the lives of their children, jobs, friends, and community but can’t help but wonder if they have time to renew, relax, and refresh.

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, the idiom “biting off more than I can chew” resonates more than ever. With constant demands on our time and attention from work, family, social obligations, and the digital world, it’s easy to take on too much. This phrase captures the essence of overcommitting and the struggle to balance numerous responsibilities, often leading to stress, burnout, and diminished performance.

Modern society values productivity and multitasking, sometimes to an unhealthy extent. The pressure to excel in all areas of life can push individuals to overextend themselves. The rise of technology and social media has exacerbated this phenomenon, making it seem as if everyone is juggling multiple successful ventures effortlessly. This illusion of seamless multitasking can create unrealistic expectations, prompting people to take on more than they can handle.

Workplaces, in particular, are breeding grounds for overcommitment. The competitive job market and the drive to succeed professionally can lead employees to accept more responsibilities than they can realistically manage. The proliferation of remote work has blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, further complicating the ability to gauge one’s capacity. With emails, messages, and notifications pouring in at all hours, the line between work and leisure becomes indistinct, making it difficult to switch off and recharge.

Taking on excessive responsibilities at work can have several adverse effects. First, the quality of work can suffer. When individuals are spread too thin, they may struggle to give adequate attention to each task, leading to mistakes and subpar results. This affects personal performance and can impact team dynamics and project outcomes. Moreover, the stress of managing an overwhelming workload can lead to burnout, characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. Burnout is detrimental to the individual and costly for organizations in terms of lost productivity and increased turnover.

Outside of work, personal commitments can also become overwhelming. Balancing family responsibilities, social engagements, hobbies, and self-care can be daunting. The desire to maintain a vibrant social life, nurture relationships, and pursue personal interests often competes with the need for rest and downtime. Parents, in particular, may feel the strain of juggling their careers, children’s activities, household chores, and personal aspirations. The societal expectation to “have it all” can create immense pressure, leading to feelings of inadequacy and guilt when one inevitably falls short.

Social media exacerbates these pressures by creating a perpetual comparison trap. People often showcase their best moments online, giving the impression of effortlessly balanced and successful lives. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and the pressure to emulate such lifestyles. Consequently, individuals may overcommit to activities, social events, and projects in an attempt to match perceived standards, only to find themselves overwhelmed and dissatisfied.

Another critical aspect of biting off more than one can chew in today’s world is the impact on mental health. Chronic stress from overcommitting can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The constant juggling act can make finding time for self-care and relaxation challenging, which are essential for maintaining mental well-being. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the drive to achieve can keep people in a constant state of alertness and worry, further deteriorating mental health.

To navigate these challenges, developing self-awareness and setting realistic boundaries is crucial. Recognizing one’s limits and learning to say no are essential skills in managing commitments effectively. Prioritizing tasks and focusing on what truly matters can help reduce the burden of overcommitment. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques can aid in maintaining a healthy balance and preventing burnout.

Organizations can also play a significant role in addressing this issue. Promoting a healthy work-life balance, providing resources for stress management, and fostering a supportive work environment can help employees manage their workloads better. Encouraging realistic goal-setting and acknowledging the limitations of multitasking can create a more sustainable and productive workplace culture.

In conclusion, biting off more than one can chew is a common challenge in today’s busy world. The pressures of modern life, amplified by technology and societal expectations, can lead to overcommitment and its associated stresses. Individuals can better manage their responsibilities by developing self-awareness, setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and finding a healthier balance. Similarly, organizations are responsible for supporting their employees in navigating these demands and creating a more sustainable and fulfilling environment for everyone.

Are you “biting off more than you can chew?” Is our obsession with perfection impacting our daily lives? Only each one of us can stop to analyze which changes can ultimately provide balance and success in our day-to-day lives.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 1, 2014

The variety of colors of flowers on the island has been a pleasure to behold in Madeira. For more, please click here.

Why don’t we buy a motorhome and travel the US or rent an in other countries?…Advantages and disadvantages…

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Many travelers may find traveling their country in a motorhome (caravan or RV) appealing, but not to us. Not our photo.

We are often asked, “Why don’t you travel to the US or other countries by motorhome?” We haven’t in the past almost 12 years because we’ve spent most of our time outside the US, making owning or renting an RV impractical in another country for an extended period.

We are also not interested in renting an RV for short periods when we can easily travel outside the US using other means of travel, which provides us with a broader range of locations, safety, and cost options. Most certainly, traveling in the US in an RV is appealing, but neither of us, at our age, has any interest in the responsibility, cost, and upkeep.

In 1978, after subdividing some land in Minnetonka, Minnesota, I traded one of the vacant lots for a 36-foot King’s Highway Motorhome. As a single mom of two boys, I learned to drive and maintain it, and we often traveled the US, often with friends joining us, when I had time to take vacations while running my business.

Eventually, after realizing we wouldn’t use it as often as I would have liked, I rented it, off and on for a year, eventually selling it for a reasonable price. The experience left me with a dislike for traveling by RV based on the work required to set it up and take it down at various RV sites, with what seemed to be constant maintenance along with the cost of fuel.

Early on, before we decided to travel the world, we investigated purchasing a motorhome but lost interest when we both realized the cost would be prohibitive in today’s world since we aren’t campers and would have preferred modern conveniences over “roughing it.”

Over the years, we have met many travelers and friends who have reveled in home-free travel, living full-time in a motorhome. We commend those who made this big decision, but it wasn’t for us.

Today, we share our perspective of traveling by motorhome, RV, or camper, offering this unique experience with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown:

Advantages

  1. Flexibility and Freedom: You can travel at your own pace, stop wherever you like, and change your plans on the go. This flexibility is one of the biggest perks of motorhome travel.
  2. Cost Savings: While the initial cost can be high, you save on accommodation and dining costs. Campsites are generally cheaper than hotels, and you can cook your own meals.
  3. Comfort and Convenience: Modern motorhomes are equipped with many amenities like beds, kitchens, and bathrooms, providing the comforts of home while on the road.
  4. Closer to Nature: Motorhome travel allows you to stay in scenic locations such as national parks, beaches, and mountains, bringing you closer to nature.
  5. Family and Pet-Friendly: Traveling with family members and pets is easier. Everyone has their own space, and you can bring along your pet without the hassle of finding pet-friendly accommodations.
  6. Social Aspect: Campgrounds and RV parks can be very social places, offering a sense of community and the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers.

Disadvantages

  1. Initial Cost and Maintenance: Purchasing a motorhome is a significant investment. Additionally, maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs can add up.
  2. Driving Challenges: Motorhomes can be difficult to drive, especially for those not used to handling large vehicles. Parking can also be a challenge in urban areas.
  3. Limited Mobility in Urban Areas: Large vehicles can be impractical in cities, making it difficult to navigate narrow streets, find parking, or access certain attractions.
  4. Fuel Consumption: Motorhomes generally consume more fuel than regular cars, making long-distance travel expensive.
  5. Upkeep and Storage: Motorhomes require storage space when not in use. Additionally, maintenance can be time-consuming and costly.
  6. Dependency on Campsites: While you can park almost anywhere, for overnight stays with amenities like water, electricity, and waste disposal, you often need to stay in designated campgrounds.
  7. Weather Dependence: Traveling by motorhome can be less enjoyable in bad weather, as it limits outdoor activities and can make driving more hazardous.

In summary, motorhome travel can be an enriching and flexible way to explore, but it comes with cost considerations, driving difficulty, and maintenance, none of which are appealing to our lifestyle.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 23, 2014:

Ominous-looking cloud at dusk from our veranda in Madeira. For more photos, please click here.

Cleveland Clinic update… Fantastic evening with my son Greg and family…

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My 17-year-old granddaughter Maisie and I were at the Children’s Theater last night.

While we were on the challenging road trip from California to Minnesota, I received a notice for a few bills for upcoming tests and cardiology appointments in MyChart, which had been set up for me weeks ago without any recent updates.

When I called CC’s billing department, they advised me to ignore the bills since my Medicare and Plan G supplement would cover them 100%. It was a relief to see my new insurance plans doing their job.

When I hung up and looked further into the bills, I noticed the appointment date of August 28, over three months from now. Then I returned to MyChart to see if I was booked for three appointments on said date, starting at 12:45 pm, including tests and consultations.

I sighed in relief, seeing the appointments in place. Little did I know this was how I would be informed about upcoming appointments at the prestigious facility via My Chart rather than a call or email. Nonetheless, I was relieved. How I found out is irrelevant. The fact I have the appointments is of the utmost importance.

You may ask why the appointments are so far out when my Mitral and Tricuspid valves are severely regurgitating. Isn’t this an emergency? They take cases based on when they were requested and how urgent the cases are. I am still walking around and not in the hospital. Many patients are already in hospital, have had heart attacks or strokes, or are bedridden at home. These cases would supersede the urgency of my case.

I will continue to watch for potentially dangerous symptoms, like shortness of breath, swollen legs and ankles, and chest pain, none of which I have right now. Sure, I feel like a walking time bomb, but I can almost function somewhat normally. My biggest issue is my inability to walk since my legs and my arms feel like lead, a sign of poor blood flow to the extremities.

However, I will wait with determination and a positive attitude, making every attempt to live generally over the next three months. Tom is very helpful and supportive, as are family members and friends. No doubt, time will pass quickly while we keep busy with social events and time spent with those we love.

Speaking of “those we love,” last night, at 5:30, Greg and the kids picked me up to go out to dinner at Champs and then off to downtown Minneapolis to the Art Institute’s Children’s Theater, where the musical. “Frog and Toad” was being performed. What a delightful musical! It was full of humor, great singing and dancing, and excellent acting. It couldn’t have been more fun.

My grandkids, as did Greg and his girlfriend Heather, were stuck by my side and joined us at the theater. My 17-year-old granddaughter Maisie, shown in the above photo with me, was a constant joy, as were Madighan and Miles. How lucky I am to have them.

Tom got together with his son TJ and had a great time visiting with him, as always. We both ended up back at the hotel around 9:30 pm, and shortly after, I went to bed for another great night’s sleep. Tom didn’t join me until about 11:30 when I was already sound asleep. Today, I feel good.

At 3:30 today, we’ll be at Billy’s Bar and Grill in Anoka, a 45-minute drive, to meet with his sisters and other family members. Billy’s is a weekly tradition in his family; we will join them all each Friday while we are in Minnesota.

Yes, our lives are up in the air, but somehow, we will make it through.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today. May 10. 2014:

Undercover at the ATM area, where there were multiple machines. For more photos, please click here.

We’re finally made it…Quite a challenging road trip…Tomorrow, details of my upcoming appointments at Cleveland Clinic…

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The snowstorm was much worse than shown in this photo as we left Layton, Utah.

We finally made it to Minnesota and arrived at the hotel last night at about 6:00 pm. It was a relief the long and stressful road trip was over after encountering 2½ days of challenging driving during a blizzard in Utah and Wyoming, the longest stretches during the four days of travel.

I tried to take photos during the blizzard but found it impossible during “whiteouts.” I was so busy hanging onto my seat that I couldn’t get a photo through an open window when the wind was blowing at 70 to 80 mph, nor could I get a photo through the windshield, which was covered with snow between each fast swipe.

Numerous accidents along the highway often slowed us down for long stretches, including cars, but more so semi trucks that toppled over in the high winds. What an ordeal. I couldn’t imagine how we’d get through it without being scathed. If we got trapped, we had a big blanket in the SUV, our mugs of Crystal Light iced tea, lemonade, and some protein bars. We were as prepared as we could be.

The Virgin River Gorge in Utah.

But, thank God, we made it through with Tom’s expert driving skills, although at times, I thought he took too many chances and asked him to slow down on several occasions. He was determined to get through it. We had a couple of close calls when vehicles started sliding toward us.

Thank goodness, living in Minnesota most of his life, he had acquired excellent driving skills in inclement weather. But, even for the more expert drivers, driving through this nightmare was a real challenge. After the blizzard, the high winds remained, and more accidents occurred.

Getting out of the SUV to go to the restroom at a petro station or rest area almost blew me away. I hesitated to walk outdoors on the way back to the car. Whew! The winds continued after we arrived in Nebraska but finally died down on the final day.

The Layton Utah Temple is a three-story, nearly 94,000-square-foot structure. It sits on a slope between the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains and the valley floor at 1400 Oak Hills Drive. The sacred structure is the second house of the Lord in Davis County.

We had a great dinner and breakfast with Marylin and Gary in their hometown of Layton, Utah. It was a charming town of 82,000 people with a strong Mormon influence. They drove us to see their new temple and showed us the snowy, peaked mountains surrounding the quaint and charming town.

When we went to dinner at a Mongolian-pot-type restaurant, I proceeded to order a glass of wine, reminded that no alcohol can be served in Utah unless under exceptional circumstances. I ordered an iced tea and forgot about the wine, or lack thereof, in seconds.

In the morning, we met up with them for breakfast and then were on our way. The skies were cloudy, and a light dusting of snow covered the car. An hour after leaving Layton, we were entrenched in what became the most challenging long drive in a blizzard neither of us had experienced, especially for such an extended period. As we read along the way, Wyoming is one of the US’s most deadly locations to travel. We certainly got a taste of that.

As mentioned above, once we reached Nebraska, the blizzard ended, and many miles later, the winds died down, and we could enjoy the remainder of the trip. We drove through Nebraska and Iowa and then entered Minnesota, encountering traffic. The last few hours seemed painstaking.

The Wasatch Mountains, also known as the Wasatch Range, border Layton, Utah, to the east. The Wasatch Range is a 160-mile mountain range from the Utah-Idaho border to central Utah. It’s the western edge of the Rocky Mountains and the eastern edge of the Great Basin region. The Wasatch Mountains are the most prominent landmarks in the area and define the east boundary of Davis County. The mountains are still rising today due to the Wasatch fault, which causes the earth’s crust to shift suddenly. It was beautiful to see.

Since Tom was still full from a massive breakfast at Perkins in Lincoln, Nebraska, he wasn’t hungry for dinner, but I’d only eaten a small omelet and two pieces of Tom’s bacon for breakfast. Nine hours later, I was ready for something for dinner. We walked across the parking lot of our hotel to the Pizza Luce restaurant, where I had an appetizer size of gluten-free meatballs with sauce and mozzarella. Tom ate my garlic toast.

Back at the hotel, I set up the room’s TV to work with the streaming apps on my phone, and we relaxed and watched a few shows until bedtime. We both had an uninterrupted good night’s sleep. This morning, we ate at the hotel “included breakfast” and met a lovely couple our age. We enjoyed a lively conversation with them for over an hour.

Tom headed out the door 30 minutes ago when he noticed a retiree lunch for railroad guys starting at 11:30. He didn’t tell any of them he was coming, and it will be a fun surprise for his old railroad buddies. At around 5:30, my son Greg will pick me up to join them for dinner and a musical at the Minneapolis Children’s Theater after that. All three of my grandchildren and Greg’s lovely girlfriend, Heather, will be attending. It will surely be a pleasant evening.

In the future, we’ll be posting daily as we have in the past. Tomorrow, I will share the details and dates of my appointments at Cleveland Clinic.

I appreciate your patience with the lack of posts in the past few weeks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 9, 2014:

My friend Joan posted this on Facebook last night, and it caught my eye this morning. So true. For more photos, please click here.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those who celebrate!…

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    Happy St. Patrick’s Day to our celebrating family, friends and readers!

Last night, we heard the sounds of bagpipes while putting dinner together. We ran out to the veranda to see what was happening in the Village.  Much to our delight, there was a flurry of activity in the Village.

We dropped what we were doing, put on our shoes and jackets, and headed out. The Irish music emanated from the Pub, one flight down from our floor, and wafted from other bars and restaurants in the area.

We didn’t take photos. The bars and restaurants were too busy to even enter for a few photos amid the loud activities. But it was fun to hear and see the celebrations. If it continues tonight, we will go downstairs again to see if we can take a few photos or a video to share in tomorrow’s post.

Tom is 100% Irish but rarely celebrated to any degree. Most often, he has no interest in sitting in a crowded bar with loud drinkers carrying on. Also, he doesn’t care for crowds if he can avoid them.

Before too long, we wandered back to our condo to finish making dinner, followed by a lovely meal and a relaxing evening. We couldn’t have been more content. The evening flew by quickly, and then it was time for bed. I was hoping for a good night’s sleep.

A few days ago, I wrote about trying to improve my sleep. I’ve been having trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. I had been awake for two to three hours during the night. To compensate, I’d awaken too late in the day and repeat the same process over and over again.

Promising myself to change this undesirable pattern, I decided to get up and out of bed earlier each day since I needed to be more tired when I went to bed. So far, so good. I still have trouble falling asleep but have not been awake for so long during the night.

I am a little tired from this change, but hopefully, I will soon be able to fall asleep before 1:00 am. I am only getting about 6½ hours a night, not quite enough to feel well rested but enough to not feel awful during the day. We shall see how it goes.

I am optimistic that this issue will be resolved by the time we leave here in about two weeks. I continue to work out daily and perform my usual tasks around the house.

We just finished watching CBS Sunday Morning, and at 12:30, we will start streaming the Las Vegas Golden Knights game. I’ve already prepared tonight’s chicken salad dinner with a large green salad and hung two loads of laundry on the drying rack.

I only need to walk in the corridor one more time to complete the two miles. When I return, I will do the BetterMe exercises, and then I can relax for the remainder of the day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 17, 2014:

Colorful dresses are also offered in the souk in Marrakesh, Morocco. For more photos, please click here.