Hello, I'm baaaacckkk! I left my last nursing assignment in Texas a couple months ago and and am now in Boulder City, NV. This was the weather a couple weeks before I left. I can't say I was glad to leave except for I had to say goodbye to two of my daughters and all of my grand-children.
I have visited the Boulder Dam several times over these past weeks to see the construction. It is awesome. Can you imagine being up there with nothing but cables holding you up. I understand no work is done during heavy winds. The dam will not be visible from the bridge and that's too bad I think.
I'm busy taking care of the rest of the issues of my Uncles estate and checking on his house. I have it up for sale even though it is a beautiful home and overlooks Lake Mead. I can't imagine living here since I have no family or friends so I hope it sells even in this tough market.
Hello, I'm baaaacckkk! I left my last nursing assignment in Texas a couple months ago and and am now in Boulder City, NV. This was the weather a couple weeks before I left. I can't say I was glad to leave except for I had to say goodbye to two of my daughters and all of my grand-children.
I have visited the Boulder Dam several times over these past weeks to see the construction. It is awesome. Can you imagine being up there with nothing but cables holding you up. I understand no work is done during heavy winds. The dam will not be visible from the bridge and that's too bad I think.
I'm busy taking care of the rest of the issues of my Uncles estate and checking on his house. I have it up for sale even though it is a beautiful home and overlooks Lake Mead. I can't imagine living here since I have no family or friends so I hope it sells even in this tough market.
Here's the Christmas gang of Christmas Eve since I had to work Christmas day. Me, baby Wyatt, Katherine, Annette, Trina, Elizabeth, Makayla and Garrett.
December 28th we gathered with some of the rest of the family in Arlington TX at the nursing faciltiy where my Aunt Joyce is living. Trina, me, Maria, Tracy, Warren, Doris, Katherine, Aunt Joyce and Cherie.
How about a visit to the little "ol Faithful"; New York City traffic; and the Abraham Lincloln Monument. And two of the four, submersibles my dad piloted. The deep Quest and the Alvin. He was the first person to set an American flag on the bottom of the ocean with a robotic arm on the deepest dive in history at that time in February 1968, over 8,150 feet down.
Special Times
Here a few shots of things I have enjoyed doing over these past years. Obviously I can't put everything but this and the next post will give you a little taste. Flight co-ordination of the Blue Angles and the Reno air show, Albuquerque, NM, rock rappelling, visiting Elvis at Graceland, and loving the mud.
Finally, I made it back to Texas to start my job at Medical Center of Lewisville Texas.
I took a little time to visit Livingston when I went to vote and to see what envelope I live in at the mail center. Met the editor who arranges the articles I write for the magazine and toured the editing area. It was a nice little tour. The park area is still a mess from the hurricane.
About my "new " RV.... I mentioned a few bugs I had to get worked out....you can see one of the problems was the new model frig by Dometic. The freezer got to nearly 50 degrees and the refrigerator to 60. I lost all my food also! All is well now. It needed the new updated control board.
This is the hospital I work in. My contract started September 20th and will end January 17. I will be heading to Quartzsite to see my WIN friends after that, if they still remember me that is.
Another Out With The Old and In With The New
Well, I made it to Coburg Oregon. Yep, I took the dive. After living in my Monaco for six and a half years I knew what I wanted in an RV. As long as I must keep working I plan on being comfortable. If I trade down it won't be for awhile. Unfortunately, Monaco does not make what I want in the 36 foot or shorter so I reluctantly chose a different maker. Now that the few bugs are worked out I love this coach. It is a 2006 Western Alpine and had 8000 miles on it. It is in prime condition and a dream to drive.
Heading to Alturas, California
After I left Boulder City, NV in August I headed toward Alturas, CA to put my mothers' ashes to rest. A task I so did not look forward to. Even so, it was a beautiful drive. While there I visited my cousin and reacquainted myself with the little town again. I spent some peaceful time sitting by my Uncle John, grandmother and grandfather and mothers gravesides.
While there I stayed in a very quiet, very nice RV park in an out of the way place called Likely. If you are ever out that way, try it out. Just stop at the little store and ask for the location, you can't miss it.
After a few days I headed north to Oregon to my original RV sales lot to get a little RV work done.
Katherine's Big Day
In May I loaded up a U-haul truck and headed to Texas from Boulder City, NV to take my mothers furniture to my daughters and to attend the wedding of my eldest granddaughter, Katherine. It was beautiful. She lives in Taft California near her husbands family.
I got to visit for a few days then flew back and landed in Las Vegas. My work was not quite done in Boulder City with my Uncle home.
His house is for sale. It is beautiful and over looks Hoover Lake from his kitchen and living room. At long last I will be on my way to Oregon to bury my mothers ashes. I so don't want this final chapter to happen, but it must.
A Catch UP on My Events
Hello all, at long last I am able to update my blog. Since I last wrote in my blog my Uncle Everett passed away. I spent time taking care of his affairs and took a few hours after cleaning his house to R & R. I tried a little ultra-lite flight. It was a blast even though I don't like flying. Here's a pic of me in the "plane".
Here He Is, The Main Man In My Life In Boulder!
Well folks, here I am in Boulder City, Nevada since March 08, shortly after my mom died. I have been here caring for my Uncle's needs and personal affairs. Unfortunately, I had to have him moved to a skilled nursing facility since his care needs are more than I could continue to handle 24/7 without any help.
Today, July 15, he turned 80 years old. Here he is in his room at the Nevada Veterans Home here in Boulder City. This photo was taken a few days ago on a better day when I really bugged him to smile. He is stable and holding his own even though he does not want to participate in the life within the facility.
I've been busy in his house getting it painted, scrubbed of 17 years of smoking damage and sprucing it up. You can see the wall stains in the photos above. What a job, even have to change the carpets. I had hoped to leave last week, but it will be next week, around the 22nd, if then, I hope. At least I won't have to worry about this job when I get back here in a few months. I can focus on visiting him and resting.
When I leave here I will be heading north to Alturas, CA to visit family and put my mothers ashes to rest, at last. Then off to Idaho to R & R with my best friend, Sandy and her husband Ray then off slowly toward Texas. I will be there by October. I sure hope to bump into some of my RV friends along the way.
A Little Bit of History
As mentioned in my last post, my mom passed away in January 2008. My dad passed away several years ago in 1998. I think they made a beautiful couple and I just wanted to add their photo here so on the occasions I write in my blog I can enjoy the photo. We will all go through the pain of losing a loved one, unfortunately. It is my hope for you all that you have other people who care for you to help you go through it.
My mom, Pearl was born in 1923 and my dad, Glenn was born in 1921. We were a Navy family all my growing up years. As a family we were blessed to travel all over the west and to Hawaii twice and to Japan. Thanks to them I have many awesome memories.
Hello, hello, I'm finally catching up on my BLOG!!!
Well, it's been a long time since I put anything in my blog. Not sure it gets read anyway, but here's the update. Here's the deal for the time I haven't written.
I bought my own ATV in SD while I was working there. Took some great rides I can tell you. I carry my kayak on racks over the ATV. The picture does not show them as you see. It's a TXR 500cc Honda Rubicon 4X4. I really enjoy it.
Toward the end of last November 07 as my travel nursing contract in SD was coming to an end I was notified that my mother was ill. I took off to CA to help my mother. That was the last time I worked. Her illness progressed and she passed away on January 6, 2008. Needless to say I was devastated.
Just days after she passed away my Uncle in Boulder City, NV called for me to come to him because he was ill. I took off for NV to help him, back to CA to finish up my mothers affairs then back here to NV. Yes, I say here because that is where I am right now. I have had to take over the care and well being of my uncle and will be here for at least another month, into July. With great guilt, after admitting to myself that after giving over 2 months of 24/7 care he needs without help, I made arrangements for him to stay in the Nevada State Veterans Home, the only one in the state, right here in Boulder City. A blessing for him and I.
Well bless my soul, he likes it there and is doing very well. He had surgery two days ago and is doing very well. After I settle his personal affairs and change his mail address to mine I will be able to travel.
From the looks of things I will not have to go back to work again. So officially I am now a full timer. I so look forward to catching up with the WINs and other friends. Can't wait. Would love to hear from you all out there.
Gilbert, Arizona
Well, here I am in Apache Junction Arizona staying in a RV park until mid April when this nursing contract ends. I work at a new hospital in Gilbert called Mercy, one of the Catholic Healthcare West facilities. I'm working on the heart telemetry floor. I usually work in ER but I won't work the night shift so I chose a heart floor this time so I can work days.
I'm having a good time exploring and going quading. I haven't used my kayak yet in this area. The weather is great, comfortable so far. It surely will be much warmer by the time I leave here in April.
The hospital I work in is beautiful and is only 7 months old, it opened in June of 06. I really enjoy the people and enjoy the work.
LIVINGKARENSDREAM!!Dreams are the stuff of reality only if we set goals and make choices that bring our dreams to life.
LIVING PART 'A' OF MY DREAM
Since the things we go through in life are part of the "trip" we are on, all we can do is make the best choices we can so our trip is as good as it can be.
I see work in a job as a means to an end for how I want my future years to be. Even though I try not to wish away the days I'm living now, I have to admit I await those days ahead with excitement when I will be free of the employment part of my life.
Working, exploring, meeting up with my RV friends when I can, keeps me busy and fulfilled. Living in my RV, traveling to great places to work for 13 weeks then onto another location, this is the best of both worlds, work and play.
Do you ever ask yourself what your dreams are, what you want to do in the future? Do you ever get bogged down wondering how you can bring your dreams into your reality? Do you even think if a dream is worth having?
Do you have a dream, are you living it, how did you get it to come into your reality, how is it going for you?
I began living my dream in June of 2002. It took me a couple years to get everything planned and ready to go and deal with some health issuues, but I got it done and hit the road as a travel nurse. My first stop was in Salem Oregan to work in the medical center. I bought my RV at the Salem RV show.
FROM THEN TO NOW.........
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow......
No doubt you have heard about all the record making weather here in NW Washington. Well, this shot is taken from the front of my RV toward the mobile part of the park. The snow got deeper and stayed on the ground for a week. The next week the wind tore the heck out of parts of
WA. This park was without electricity for 4 days. The mobile homes had troubles, us RVers did just fine because we are self sufficient. Driving on the icy and snow covered roads was a little spooky though. We saw multiple people in the ED from rollevers and other accidents. Yesterday we had a women suffering from CO poisoning from a generator.
posted by Karen @ 8:55 PM 0 comments links to this post
Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, WA
Hello again. I have been in Washington State since early October and will leave here the first week in January. This is Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton where I work in the ED department. I was born at the Navy hospital in Keyport and wanted to see the area since my family moved when I was still an infant. Washington beautiful place. Except for the weather I might consider extending my contract. I love the rain but the area has made its own history with this winter weather. I stay in an RV, mobile park in Poulsbo, a cute Scandinavian town.
posted by Karen @ 11:11 AM 0 comments links to this post
Natures Beauty
Here are some beauties that I have seen as I have been out exploring. Enjoy!!!
posted by Karen @ 11:05 AM 0 comments links to this post
From Old to New
how nice, the kayak matches my Knight. I figure since I am heading toward retirement I better make sure I have some healthy wheels under me. I bought it wh
ile I was in Medford Oregon.
posted by Karen @ 10:58 AM 1 comments links to this post
LazyAcres, Gold Hill, Oregon
This is a view of my spot at Lazy Acres RV park in Gold Hill, OR. Th
e population is only 5200 people and the town is quaint and quiet. I drive about 20 minutes to work in my Blazer. The beautiful Rogue River is less than 100 feet from my spot. The sound is 24 hours of rushing water which is soothing and yet powerful music to me. Being a Navy "brat" the sound of the ocean is something I grew to love and this river is as close to that sound as I can get for now.I took a great kayak trip down it for several hours. It was terrific.
posted by Karen @ 10:37 AM 0 comments links to this post
Dreaming In Medford, Oregon
I am now in Medford Oregon working at Rogue Valley Medical Center. A very beautiful hospital and what a beautiful state this is also! In any direction one can disappear into the thick, beautiful green of multiple species of trees. The berry bushes will be loaded with ripe berries very soon and I plan on reaping a little of the bounty.I am in an RV park that I can w
atch the Rogue River flow by from my RV window. Beautiful and serene.Well, I couldn't help it, I bought a kayak. I will take delivery next week. I plan to use every opportunity while I'm here to enjoy the lakes and rivers in Southern Oregon and Northern California.My very first travel nurse assignment was in Salem Oregon 4 years ago. While there I bought my RV.
posted by Karen @ 11:08 PM 1 comments links to this post
Since the things we go through in life are part of the "trip" we are on, all we can do is make the best choices we can so our trip is as good as it can be.
I see work in a job as a means to an end for how I want my future years to be. Even though I try not to wish away the days I'm living now, I have to admit I await those days ahead with excitement when I will be free of the employment part of my life.
Working, exploring, meeting up with my RV friends when I can, keeps me busy and fulfilled. Living in my RV, traveling to great places to work for 13 weeks then onto another location, this is the best of both worlds, work and play.
Do you ever ask yourself what your dreams are, what you want to do in the future? Do you ever get bogged down wondering how you can bring your dreams into your reality? Do you even think if a dream is worth having?
Do you have a dream, are you living it, how did you get it to come into your reality, how is it going for you?
I began living my dream in June of 2002. It took me a couple years to get everything planned and ready to go and deal with some health issuues, but I got it done and hit the road as a travel nurse. My first stop was in Salem Oregan to work in the medical center. I bought my RV at the Salem RV show.
FROM THEN TO NOW.........
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow......
No doubt you have heard about all the record making weather here in NW Washington. Well, this shot is taken from the front of my RV toward the mobile part of the park. The snow got deeper and stayed on the ground for a week. The next week the wind tore the heck out of parts of
WA. This park was without electricity for 4 days. The mobile homes had troubles, us RVers did just fine because we are self sufficient. Driving on the icy and snow covered roads was a little spooky though. We saw multiple people in the ED from rollevers and other accidents. Yesterday we had a women suffering from CO poisoning from a generator.posted by Karen @ 8:55 PM 0 comments links to this post
Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, WA
Hello again. I have been in Washington State since early October and will leave here the first week in January. This is Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton where I work in the ED department. I was born at the Navy hospital in Keyport and wanted to see the area since my family moved when I was still an infant. Washington beautiful place. Except for the weather I might consider extending my contract. I love the rain but the area has made its own history with this winter weather. I stay in an RV, mobile park in Poulsbo, a cute Scandinavian town.
posted by Karen @ 11:11 AM 0 comments links to this post
Natures Beauty
Here are some beauties that I have seen as I have been out exploring. Enjoy!!!
posted by Karen @ 11:05 AM 0 comments links to this post
From Old to New
Well, look at that, where's the old faithful Blazer. Here is my new ride. A 2006 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with 4 doors and power utilities inside. And
how nice, the kayak matches my Knight. I figure since I am heading toward retirement I better make sure I have some healthy wheels under me. I bought it wh
ile I was in Medford Oregon.posted by Karen @ 10:58 AM 1 comments links to this post
LazyAcres, Gold Hill, Oregon
This is a view of my spot at Lazy Acres RV park in Gold Hill, OR. Th
e population is only 5200 people and the town is quaint and quiet. I drive about 20 minutes to work in my Blazer. The beautiful Rogue River is less than 100 feet from my spot. The sound is 24 hours of rushing water which is soothing and yet powerful music to me. Being a Navy "brat" the sound of the ocean is something I grew to love and this river is as close to that sound as I can get for now.I took a great kayak trip down it for several hours. It was terrific.posted by Karen @ 10:37 AM 0 comments links to this post
Dreaming In Medford, Oregon
I am now in Medford Oregon working at Rogue Valley Medical Center. A very beautiful hospital and what a beautiful state this is also! In any direction one can disappear into the thick, beautiful green of multiple species of trees. The berry bushes will be loaded with ripe berries very soon and I plan on reaping a little of the bounty.I am in an RV park that I can w
atch the Rogue River flow by from my RV window. Beautiful and serene.Well, I couldn't help it, I bought a kayak. I will take delivery next week. I plan to use every opportunity while I'm here to enjoy the lakes and rivers in Southern Oregon and Northern California.My very first travel nurse assignment was in Salem Oregon 4 years ago. While there I bought my RV.posted by Karen @ 11:08 PM 1 comments links to this post
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