Journey's End

To all of our dear friends and followers......It is with great saddness that I have to tell you that on September 3, 2009 Bob lost his couragous battle with cancer. It has been a long and difficult 6 weeks since chemotherapy was discontinued near the end of July. Each day brought new challenges. Not only did he have extreme shortness of breath but he was unable to swallow almost anything and could only speak in a whisper (I admit, I did take advantage of that situation). In spite of all of the above, we were able to make what would be our last camping trip the first week in August. It was to Gettysburg with my two oldest grandsons (and we all know how how much Bob liked children!!!) but he did love traveling and living in the motorhome. Thanks to everyone for your cards, calls of concern and prayers. So, much sooner than we had expected ,this particular journey, for us, has come to an end. Our time together was brief ,but we did have one heck of a time and I will always have those memories in my heart. So goodby to my "Cowboy Bob".............'till we meet again..................

We left FL on Wed, as planned and headed north. It took us three days to get to PA. The weather was perfect and until the last three hours ,traffic was manageable. Bob was able to drive several hours a day and that made the trip easier. I hadn't realized how much I missed seeing spring flowers and green mountains until we headed up 81 in VA. The dogwoods were spectacular and the rolling green hills looked like a painting. Sat morning we got up early and had breakfast with Bob's son,daughter ,son-in-law and granddaughter. I then went to watch my two oldest grandsons play baseball. Zak was actually playing "T" ball . They were definitely having a good time and occasionally even managed to play ball. That evening we went to my youngest Grandson's 2nd birthday party. We were both exhausted by the time we got home that night. Anyway we are still trying to clean the inside and outside of the motorhome, that will be a summer-long project. The yard is totally overgrown also ,so we are going to have to get out of the FL mode and get to work. Bob is scheduled to see the DR here on Thurs and then we can continue with Chemotherapy. We miss everyone and look forward to seeing you again so take care. Let us hear from you ........................take care...................Carole and Bob

What's Up

OK, Let's give this another try..... We are still in FL at Toby's, although we think it should be re-named "Windy Acres". It has been a cool and very windy season in Fl but we did survive. Bob has one treatment to finish on Mon and that will complete 4 cycles (out of 6) and then we will move back to PA to finish the treatments. He has been doing very well with chemotherapy and is still able to do many of the things he wants to do (OK, his favorite thing was always to do as little as possible so it is hard to evaluate sometimes) . Anyway for those who were with us all winter at Toby's , here's an update. The park is really deserted now but those of us who are left are getting to know each other better .We now have two small
alligators in our pond . One of our favorite things to do is watch the wind blow the fire ants off their mounds. Several weeks ago John and Marlyn had a new , large cement pad poured and we sat and watched that dry for an hour or so. We have had tag-a-long dinners a couple of nights and we discovered some new places to eat and have met some new people. We do miss ya'll and look forward to seeing you in the fall. To all of our friends in PA hope to see you soon and take care...............Bob & Carole

Busy,Busy Week

It has been a good but hectic week for us. Last Saturday we had "Casino" night in the park. You could get $500 play money for five dollars and play a number of games of chance. As you can see Bob choose to be a blackjack dealer and by the look on his face I think he enjoyed taking other people's money. We had a lot of fun and at the end of the evening there was an auction so we could spend any money we hadn't lost at the tables. Because everyone had plenty of leftover money it was a very interesting affair. I bought a real neat clothespin bag for $1900. I really wanted the box of chocolates but they went for $1200 and I didn't have that much left. On Monday Bob had his first Chemotherapy and I'm happy to say all went very well. No adverse problems all week so he will be ready for tomorrow's session. Also upon the Doctors recommendation he will get radiation therapy to his right hip so he can get faster relief of the pain he has in that area. The good news was that he can get those treatments right here in Arcadia so we don't have a two hour drive each day.





We had a big pig roast and luau last night . The weather has finally warmed up and with all of the decorations we could have been in Hawaii. As you can see from this picture Bob did have "some" body changes, maybe Chemo won't be so bad after all. Today has been quiet, great weather and I have been taking advantage of Bob's "quiet time" and taking a little nap. It has been good today, and we thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Until we meet again................Bob & Carole

The Journey continues.......

I know it has been some time since you have heard from us and I apologize . Bob recovered from his hernia surgery but an incidental finding while he was in the hospital has required us to travel a different road. After numerous tests and a biopsy we have been told he has lung cancer. While reviewing his options and giving us time to tell our families, we went home for Christmas. In spite of the news we thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of the holidays with our families. Our last morning home we had breakfast with Bob's family(it was very.early in the morning).

We arrived back in FL (much warmer) in time for the New Year's celebration and joined up with many of our "winter families". So my dear friends ,we are embarking on a new and somewhat frightening "Journey". Bob's wish is to stay where it is warm and he can enjoy the beautiful blue sky, sit in the sun ,play horseshoes, golf and ride his bike. We ask all of you to keep us in your prayers and we will try to keep you informed via the "blog"................until we meet again................Bob & Carole