The Portland Adventure

Some of you have already read this, but I want to post it here in an attempt to offset the "downer" posts I've added lately. Maybe bring a smile to my readers around the World. 

Well, I'm glad THAT trip is done. We drove to Portland last night and stayed at a hotel provided for by the VA (Veterans' Administration) because John needed to be at the hospital at 7:00 a.m. for the surgery on his hand and we live 2 hours away. We couldn't bear to be without "our boys," so we took them with us. They were GREAT and only made one warning "be quiet out there!" ARF! and that was it.  (I worried about them barking)  (The "boys" are our dogs, Nicky Elmo and Zorro.)

First leg of the trip completed.

NOBODY slept.

Dragged ourselves out of bed at 5:30 the next morning, crammed down a maple bar, and headed to the hospital. Of course, not without a few wrong turns. Just to make sure I'd have a hard time finding my way back to the freeway!

Got the boys all set up in the car and made our way to the appropriate location. At 7:30, they took John in. For the next 4 hours, I sat in the waiting area and did my applique work, after discovering (much to my dismay) they do not provide a nap room.

No problem. Chatted with another quilter/crocheter. She laughed at everything. And I DO mean EVERYthing. But a very nice lady.

Finally, they said John was ready to go. I asked if he'd behaved, and the nurse assured me he'd been good. I said, "Then you've got the wrong guy!" We had a laugh about that.

Second leg of the trip completed.

Out to the car, where the boys were thrilled to see us. Then I got behind the wheel. I am not enjoying this part; I rarely drive.

After a couple wrong turns (thanks to John's drug-flavored directions!) I got to the freeway entrance and begin to merge. There's a stupid truck in front of me, slow-moving. I check the lane to my left and see it's clear for me to merge and then pass the truck.

Except...

Another driver decided to join me in the lane I'm trying to switch to. This is not a good thing.

John made a noise that sounded positively inhuman, followed by "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!!!!!!" but it was very melodic, if not sing-songy. This wouldn't have been so bad if he'd ended it with "dearest." But I'm pretty sure that didn't happen.

I managed to get the car back into the proper lane without colliding with the car to my left, or the big truck on my right. 

But, now we have to stop so John can change his pants.

Naw...just kidding.

After everybody gets resituated in their seats, we continue on our way. But for the rest of the trip, I'm afraid to switch lanes, so I stay in the center lane. Besides, it was difficult to turn my head because apparently I'd stored all the stress from the past few days in my neck.

Finally, we're home. I had to resist the urge to kiss the ground. But I did yell "HOME!!!" several times.

Last leg of trip completed.

After getting settled, I immediately took a nap. I was absolutely exhausted.

The hard part now will be keeping John in check. So far, I've had to fight him several times to keep him from being too active. He's not very good at that. (I know, you're all saying "Really?? I've always found him to be so mellow!") I assure you, that's a lie.

The cat decided my chest was a good place to sleep, so now my eyes are all itchy and red because I'm allergic to cat hair. She sneaked up when I was too far gone to stop her.

So...a few minutes ago, John informed me that he'd agreed to split a pickup load of dirt with a neighbor. The dirt is in the park manager's truck, which is now in our driveway waiting to be offloaded. Tomorrow.

And just who the bloody hell is going to do THAT, I ask?

I forgot to tell you.

YOU FORGOT TO TELL ME?????

Now I have to watch him every minute because I know he'll convince himself he can do the shoveling with one hand. In fact, I haven't seen him for a few minutes, so had better go track him down.

Just like little kids: When it's quiet, there's usually trouble.

Turns out, the neighbor agreed to help. We'll see. Keep your fingers crossed. Otherwise, yours truly will be doing the shoveling.

Like I said, I'm glad that trip is over.

P.S. The boys have not moved from my lap since I sat down.