We left Maine a couple of days after we had planned to, Rick was in the hospital with a mini-stroke. He had no control of his left side when he woke me up, I called 911 and followed him to the hospital. By time the ambulance arrived at the hospital (about 15 miles away) the symptoms had resolved themselves, but they still treated it as active. He had a CatScan, which showed no bleeds thankfully, then was admitted 10 hours later as he was still having some tingling in his fingertips. We decided this was the smart plan, otherwise something may of happened where we didn't have a place to stay and no friends around. Many tests, specialists, MRI's, and labs later (2 days) they let him leave as no more symptons had reappeared and only the tingling in the fingertips remained.
We left the next day and took our time (sort of) heading down through New England, Virginia, etc, managing to put some new states on the map and seeing some really beautiful countryside on the way. No problems with Rick and at all, but we were relieved to arrive in Huntsville and be close to family and major hospitals. (Mom and Benji)
We arrive at the Marshall Space Flight Center Museum campground on the 25th of Oct , made arrangements to stay there a month while we found other (cheaper options) even did some tree chopping (with permission) trying to get our new rooftop satellite some signal!
Had a great dinner with my family, all except one nephew sho is away at school at Auburn. We all ate 2 pounds of lobster meat and other great goodies and had a good time with most of us together again.(my brother Rick and brother-in-law Philip)
We found a mobile home park with 1/2 acre lots and good rent rate and moved there, it's about the same distance to Mom's house and much quieter than over by the Space Museum. We've met a few of the neighbors, one walks alot and come by frequently to visit with Rick. All in all, not a bad place. We've put out the bird feeders and are seeing beautiful Cardinals, both sexes, Blue Jays, and of course lots of House Finches and some unknown type of sparrows. The chimes are hanging, the front apron is up, so we are set in for the couple of months we'll be here.
Rick has set up his wood shop in Mom's basement, where my dad had his wood shop, so we go over frequently for me to visit and help Mom as I can, and Rick gets in his relaxing woodworking. He has taken up some carving again too and will be taking some classes in it at the Sr Center in Huntsville.
I've finished another quilt top and it is currently at the longarm quilters and now I'm slowly working on a lapquilt for myself, then one for Rick and Mom of Alaska Memories! I've also started beading again, haven't done much in the last year or so, just finished a 3D hummingbird necklace.
Thanksgiving day arrived and for the first time in. many many years, my family would be together. (The last time was after my Dad died in 2001 and Rick and I flew home for the first Christmas without Dad.) But it wasn't to be, my brother was sick!!! So his wife got him and herself a plate, then went home (which is next to mom's house) and at with him. We missed them both, but had a great time with the remaining family. My nephew came home from Auburn for the holiday, but the other nephew went down to Birmingham with his girlfriend. Maybe Christmas Eve ALL of us can get together!!!
Winter has arrived in Alabama now, so not so much sitting outside in the sunshine. We'll be here through January at least, Rick flies up to Seattle on January 17th for his Cardiologist appt and will be there a week, then we'll decide whether we leave for FL or continue to stay. Mom has congestive heart failure and both my brother/sister still work so I can help out as necessary with Dr appts, etc. So we'll see. Will post our plans as we decide them!!!
