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Author Topic: Woohoo....got Rita out of the house today.  (Read 1587 times)
John Schmidt
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*****
Posts: 15225


a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike

De Pere, WI (Green Bay)


« on: March 08, 2015, 06:15:18 PM »

She was bemoaning the fact it was such a beautiful day and was stuck in the house. Normally a trip to the store or library is a major undertaking for her. But, today I casually tossed out the idea of driving to JB Boondocks for a late lunch and mentioned it was only 45 miles. At the time her tremors were all over the place so didn't look like there was a chance. About an hour later, she comes to me and asked if it really was only 45 miles and how long would it take and what about traffic. I told her the route I'd take and sorta left it there. Another 15 minutes and she comes in the room and said change your clothes, I've got to try this. By the time we left her meds had started to take effect and the tremors were quieted down a lot. I drove out the east/west expwy. to the pike and north to exit 285. Looped around and got on 19 north and a few miles later we were in the parking lot. While there a number of boats came and went, waterfowl flying around, etc., she didn't want to leave. Had a great lunch and the waiter went out of his way to take care of her which earned him a nice tip. We got in the car and as I was driving out along the lake, she said "isn't the Bakery fairly close?"  She insisted we go there, so a lemon something for her and a rhubarb tort for me, all with coffee. Then headed for home a different way, a route she was familiar with that we used to use on the bike when she could still ride with me. When we got home, she spent a few minutes on the phone and then crashed with a smile on her face. Me....I was thrilled beyond measure, that's the first time she's been more than a few miles from home in over four years. For us it was a fantastic afternoon, hope it was for all of you guys as well.

She's not strong by any measure, was just determined today. Fully dressed at the dr. office last Thursday she weighed 100 lbs.  That's a 55 lb. loss in about five years, four lbs. just since January. Hope you all don't mind if I share this from time to time, it helps. 
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Grumpy
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Posts: 3106


Tampa, Fl


« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2015, 06:23:04 PM »

That is great John, glad she had an outing and sounds like she enjoyed it.  cooldude
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Life is like a hot bath. It feels good while you’re in it, but the longer you stay in, the more wrinkled you get.
flsix
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Posts: 1944


South Carolina


« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2015, 06:26:13 PM »

John that is really good news. It's nice to spend quality time together doing things you both like. Glad Rita was feeling up to it.
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2013 F6B    

           ESCHEW OBFUSCATION
Bronxboy
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Posts: 2669


Tampa Bay FL


« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2015, 06:42:13 PM »

Like the saying goes, "That's What Friends Are For" U are among friends here, and I am sure that the #1 Priority with all of us, is Family.

So we are all very Happy for U John, spending time with the one u love is what this life is all about, and ridding of course  cooldude
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FloridaValkRyder
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Posts: 1677


If your offended , you need a history lesson!!

Apopka, Florida


« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2015, 06:47:08 PM »

Great day for you both John. Rita is a wonderful little lady. Thank you for sharing that with us.
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I still miss her.
Pappy!
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Posts: 5710


Central Florida - Eustis


« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2015, 07:07:59 PM »

If you do it again on the spur of the moment and want more company just let us know.
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Flrider
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Posts: 2622


Jack

Kissimmee FL


« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2015, 07:26:37 PM »

That is awesome John, glad you both got to have a good time, the day sure was a nice one.

 thanks for sharing  cooldude
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reclaimerroger
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Posts: 400


Cortland OH.44410 & zephyrhills,fl 33542


« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2015, 07:32:24 PM »

So great to be able to spend a day doing something you both enjoy and haven't been able to do for so long.
Great weekend for you John.  Nice ride yesterday and today's outing with your wife.
Hopefully you will be able to enjoy many more.
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"Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare".
_Sheffjs_
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Posts: 5613


Jerry & Sherry Sheffer

Sarasota FL


« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2015, 07:38:20 PM »

 cooldude cooldude cooldude  cooldude cooldude cooldude
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larue
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Posts: 1660


Clermont,FL


« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2015, 08:00:09 PM »

That's a blessing john, glad you get to enjoy the day together  like that.
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John Schmidt
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Posts: 15225


a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike

De Pere, WI (Green Bay)


« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2015, 08:01:47 PM »

If you do it again on the spur of the moment and want more company just let us know.
I'll sure do that. Rita always enjoyed the Florida gang and misses being able to mingle. She has trouble talking and being heard/understood. Some days are better than others....today was one of those days.
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TJ
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Lake Placid , Fl.


« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2015, 08:02:46 PM »

 cooldude cooldude
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MelbourneDan
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Posts: 93


Satellite Beach, FL


« Reply #12 on: March 08, 2015, 08:04:40 PM »

Nice!
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Bert AKA,Valkaholic
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Posts: 1255


Back-N-Black


« Reply #13 on: March 08, 2015, 08:48:31 PM »

I'm Glad To Hear That You And Rita Were Able To Get Out And Enjoy This Beautiful Day Together. Tell Rita Hi For Me !
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Life Is A Highway, I Wanna Ride It All Night Long !
Tundra
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Posts: 3882


2014 Valkyrie 1800

Seminole, Florida


« Reply #14 on: March 09, 2015, 02:52:06 AM »

Awesome John, Glad you were able to get OUT TOGETHER
Someone had a great weekend Roll Eyes Got out both Saturday and Sunday cooldude
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If you can't be a good example: be a WARNING!!
Thunderbolt
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Posts: 3725


Worthington Springs FL.


« Reply #15 on: March 09, 2015, 03:37:55 AM »

Good deal Lucille..... I mean John and Rita. Smiley  It was a beautiful day.
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Jo k
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Posts: 123


« Reply #16 on: March 09, 2015, 11:03:13 AM »

It was a beautiful day! Glad you both got to enjoy it together Smiley
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boss hoss bill
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Posts: 460



« Reply #17 on: March 09, 2015, 11:28:01 AM »

John

Glad you got to spend quality time with your "honey bunny".

Makes you appreciate even the simplest acts of companionship that have denied due to illness.

Hope this happens with more frequency in the future.
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sixlow
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Posts: 1794


St. Augustine, Fl.


« Reply #18 on: March 09, 2015, 04:51:26 PM »

I am happy for you John, it is a special relationship when 2 people spend most of their lives together. We spent the weekend with my Wifes parents who were renewing their wedding vows after 50 years of marriage, very touching and heart warming, every couple that lasts that long are sure to be great people. God Bless ya's
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Pete
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Posts: 2673


Frasier in Southeast Tennessee


« Reply #19 on: March 09, 2015, 05:10:11 PM »

Best wishes, glad she got out and enjoyed it.
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specialdose
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Posts: 576

Jonesboro, Ga


« Reply #20 on: March 10, 2015, 06:09:41 AM »


        John, I only know you and your Precious Rita from your post here. This one got me a little misty eyed. You two are so blessed to have each other. Gods continued blessings.
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John Schmidt
Member
*****
Posts: 15225


a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike

De Pere, WI (Green Bay)


« Reply #21 on: March 10, 2015, 09:09:51 AM »

Thanks for all the great notes posted about "our" afternoon out. It was special to say the least. For those not familiar with it, the "Bakery" refers to a small place called The Yalaha Bakery, out in the country and is a big drawing card for those of us that shouldn't really be visiting there.  Wink  It also has a geat deli at one end for sandwiches you can't make at home, and most Saturdays there's live music on the patio, weather permitting. This Sunday it wasn't crowded which made it even nicer for us, we could talk and be heard. Her voice is quite weak and at times it's hard to understand her, but we did fine that day. It's all the result of the Parkinson's disease. She loves the water and it kills her that she can't travel to the Gulf for a weekend with her two sons. We take what we can get.

As an aside, I've had a cancer policy with AFLAC for 40 years. Last year her oncologist for her blood disorder suggested I look into putting in a claim and I finally called AFLAC last Fall, they suggested it was indeed worth a try. The lady I talked to did suggest I don't go through the extra effort at first to collect all the info on infusions, meds, etc., until we find out if it was in fact a viable claim. So, we got the dr. to sign off on a couple forms, I filled out the rest and mailed it in. You often hear on TV of someone that got paid by AFLAC in four days, it wasn't quite that quick but I mailed it on a Friday and by the end of the following week I had an email saying the check was in the mail. The first check rec'd. yesterday was just under $7k, I was going to give the entire thing to Rita but she insisted we at least split it to use as we want. We still have some infusions to collect info on, all her meds for this covering the last 10 years, and most dr. visits. Since this is all on a covered family member, we only get half of what the benefit schedule calls for. If the first check had been for me as the policy holder, it would have been double the amount. Regardless, we'll take it. I hate that we have to make a claim, but thankful we can. It doesn't make her life any easier with two major afflictions, but it helps with the extra expenses I sometimes have just trying to make things easier....which often is nothing more than going out to eat. She still tries to cook a little and does pretty good at it....according to my waistline. But I try to keep it at a minimum, for safety sake if nothing else.

She misses the group as a whole, and is also aware there are many new members which she wished she were able to go meet. As she told me one day after my return from a lunch ride; "I know they have to be a great bunch if they put up with the likes of you & TJ."  At least she has two of pegged pretty good!  Grin
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