.

.
Borrego Springs, CA

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Preparing for Nurse Ratchet, and other trivia

You know, I’ve been living on the road solo for about six and a half years, and I have to admit that I’ve just about filled the closet and drawers with my clothes.  Couples that travel together have to share a closet and three drawers, but not me.  In a couple of weeks, Nurse Ratchet, aka my brother Kurt, will be arriving to help me through the surgery recovery process.  The other day I got to thinking that he’ll probably be bringing more than the clothes on his back with him since he’ll be here several weeks.  Confused smile

Hmm… what’s a girl to do?  You have to remember that I have clothes for all seasons, and a drawer full of just volunteer uniform items.  Doing laundry is a pain in the neck for me, so I’m comfortable with a two week supply of all needed clothing items.  (Well, maybe a little more than that)  I had a brain storm the other day, and this was my solution:

IMG_1414

When I first hit the road in a smaller rig, I had the passenger’s seat removed and put in two of these plastic drawer stacks to afford me more storage space.  I didn’t need them in my present rig, but they gave me the idea.  It’s hard to live out of a suitcase for an extended period, and these drawers fit nicely behind the turned around passenger’s seat.  I think this will work out just fine.

In other news around here, a commenter a while back suggested I offer to sign a liability release with the refuge so I wouldn’t have to move off refuge for my surgery.  Well, that offer was turned down as well, so I’ll be packing up soon and moving down the road.  It had come to my attention that others had been allowed to stay while having surgery, but they were all couples where the husband could continue to volunteer while the wife recuperated.  I guess I’ll just chalk that up to another disadvantage to traveling solo.  Crying face

IMG_1415 (2)

While I was out shopping for the drawers yesterday, I decided to break down and buy a new set of pajamas for my hospital stay and recovery.  I haven’t bought new PJs since before I went on the road, so what I have is pretty ragged.  Won’t I be stylish?

Good news today, was that I finally got my first customer at the Hard Rock Bird Café.  A little American goldfinch came in for a bite to eat.  I hope he returns with some friends.  Wouldn’t you know, now that I have to leave, a bird comes.  I’m thinking I may leave the feeders up and just ask Barry and Barb to keep them filled with my supply of seeds until I return.

_MG_1418

I thought I’d include my view out my dining booth window tonight.  That view could change soon.  There is another volunteer couple coming in at the end of the month.  They have two sites to choose from, and I’m hoping they choose the site across from me.  We’ll see.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

28 comments:

  1. Looks like you have the storage space under control. I'd still be shaking my head wondering what the heck I'd do with someone else's stuff. We took a friend from Florida to Ohio (and back) a couple of times... both Bill & I had to buy new PJ's just so we'd be decent if we had to get up to use the bathroom during the night on our 3 days on the road. Your surgery experience will be interesting to hear about... but I bet reading how you share your rig will be even more so ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cool PJs...you're going to be recuperating in style. Good idea on the drawers - you're just about all set.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the jammies...very cute...great storage solution!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good of you to provide a place for your brother to put his stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ON the advice of counsel, I cannot comment on the PJ's:) maybe if you got a few of those big covered tubs, nurse Ratchet could keep some gear outside.

    ReplyDelete
  6. And I was hoping to see a picture of you in Sock Monkey PJs! :c(

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those storage drawers/bins are great ... we have them in different sizes all around the Phaeton.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Stylish, indeed! Where to, Judy, do you know?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well, at least I know how much storage Room I'll have. Good thing I'm bringing the VW bus for the overflow.LOL. Actually 3 drawers will do just fine.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You also might want to get a nightgown because trying to put on pj bottoms is going to HURT after sugery! You will be darn lucky to get undies on!
    Marge

    ReplyDelete
  11. Marge makes a good point. On your pre-op appt. they will probably suggest something appropriate to wear for physical therapy. Slippers??? Sweater or bed-coat for those chilly hospital rooms??? A while back someone suggested showing your PT team photos of your rig. Don't forget pixs of the bathroom. One "aid" you might pick-up at a medical supply store is a raised toilet seat. Very handy!!!

    BTW, will Nurse Ratchet be allowed to post his side of the upcoming recovery project?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yep to Judy's raised toilet seat suggestion! Sounds as if you are getting ready for the surgery and your caretaker--any thoughts on where you are going?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love your new PJ's. It is so nice of your brother to come down to help you out. Good luck with it all.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am sure your brother appreciates you thinking of his comfort. Nice thing about this areangement is that guys usually don't have as much stuff as we women do. Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  15. How well I know the dilemna of extra people and their stuff. We can hardly move in here when the granddaughters visit for a weekend. Even worse was a couple of years ago we were in TX and daughter and hubby came for a week. Talk about living out of suitcases!

    You have a great brother there!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Those plastic draers are great. In my trailer up north there wasn't much drawer space. I bought a couple of them and stuck them in the closet. When I sell they will stay.

    PJ's are cute but I bet they make you wear that open end gowns. Glad you will finally be getting this hip fixed.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Why don't you have your brother take over your volunteer duties, that way you can stay? Assuming your brother would want to do that.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Those plastic drawers are great. My travel trailer up north didn't have much drawer space so I bought a few of those and put them in the closet worked out great.

    So happy you will be getting this hip replaced soon.

    ReplyDelete
  19. When I had my knees replaced, they asked that I stay in hospital gowns (in case of any emergency).... I wonder what Mayo will say. Of course those hospital gowns are sooo oh-la-la!

    ReplyDelete
  20. My thoughts exactly on PJs , they may not be too comfortable right after surgery. Gowns dont have elastic to pull over dressings.
    I also have several of those drawer units for odds and ends that I use all the time, but get lost in the bigger regular drawers and are easy to secure when in transit. Enjoy your brother's stay. I'm sure he will be a big help and will keep your spirits up.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Can't help but think you'll manage through the whole process with ease; RVing solo has perhaps prepared you for this endeavor. You are in our thoughts and prayers. From a selfish standpoint, keep us up to date via your journal.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Cute jammies, Judy! You'll be the Belle of the Ball, or hospital ;-) I didn't realize you had been living in an rV for so long. As I was reading this, I relayed it to my sister-in-law, preparing the way for my almost-full-time plan. Ha! Thanks for such a great "reference" post. (Look! Here is a lady not only having hip surgery but continuing to live in her RV during the recovery!!!)
    Have a Merry Christmas and looking forward to hear how your recovery is going. You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I met a lady yesterday here in the Yuma Escapee Park that is still in her TV and recovering from having both knees replaced. She is up and about with a walker but she is up. Your going to do fine in the RV with the tender care of Nurse Ratchet.

      Delete
    2. Perhaps I should look twice at what I type. That should be RV not TV! DUH!!

      Delete
  23. You can get arm rails that fit in an RV if you prefer those to a raised toilet seat. A friend of mine had knee surgery and needed help getting up. She wasn't sure if arm rails would fit but she ordered them and they do. Good luck on your surgery, I hope all goes well for you.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lots of good suggestions here. We'll send a prayer or two your way.

    ReplyDelete