We made it to New Mexico and back. Driving the motor home went well and I even towed a little 4 x 4 car for us to run around in when we arrived. We stopped at farm stands and bought fresh vegetables and just picked apples for our dinner. When we arrived at the camp site it started to pour rain. So, I hurried to unhitch the tow car and get the RV hooked up to electric, water and sewer. Walked the dogs and cleaned the mud off them and then fixed Denny a quick snack. Then I finished setting up camp by putting out the awning, chairs, getting Denny's scooter unloaded and put together and lastly put out the ever important ground mat to keep the dirt out of the camper. The rain stopped and we decided to sit outside and listen to the river. After all, I paid extra for a premium spot along the river. Within moments, a man on a tractor comes chugging up the river and begins to shore of the river back at the campsite next to us. Well, I am sure it was needed or else he wouldn't be disturbing us while we enjoyed our premium spot. Denny was tired, so we went back inside and he got ready for an early night.

The next day, I moved the HUGE wooden picnic table so it would be easier for Denny to sit at and set up the grill and fire ring. We were sitting outside, watching the dogs enjoy the river when here comes the tractor again. Needless to say, I was peeved. :Tantrum: I went up to the office and complained that my premium spot was far from premium. Long story short, they offered me another site, very secluded and about 1/2 a mile up the river. Yep, you guessed it, I had to take down everything I put up and put away everything I took out. Rehitch the little car, load the scooter, unhook electric, water and sewer and move. THEN set it all up again. The new spot was so lovely and indeed secluded. But not secluded enough to prevent the MALE RV'rs in their one piece coveralls from huddling together to WATCH me set up our camp AGAIN. Did they offer to help - heck no! Just stared.

We eventually got down to the job of camping. Denny figured out how to fish with one hand. He would cast with his good arm, then hurry and stick the pole in the tube of his sling on the other hand, then reel in with his good hand. Worked great as long as I was there to rig the line, bait the hooks and get the tangles out when things didn't work out quite right. Oh, did I mention I carried the chair to the river bank, the fishing tackle box, the pool, the snacks and managed two large dogs on leashes. Can you say SHERPA? That is just how I felt the entire trip.

We took one day to visit a Women's Cooperative Woolen Shop. They spin the wool and weave the most beautiful rugs. I decided I deserved one for all the work I was doing while on my "relaxing" camping trip. We visited another farm stand and filled up our freezer with roasted Hatch Green Chili. If you like spicy - I can take care of you. Also bought another bushel of apples to take home to make apple sauce and apple butter.

We arrived home at 3:30pm to an urgent message from one of my clients needing information for a 1pm conference call the next day. You all know the drill, unload the hubby, unload his medical gear feed him, medicate him and get him to bed. THEN, unload the perishable things from the RV. Come back to the computer and start work. Got to bed at 1am, up at 5am but was able to deliver what they client needed by noon the next day with an hour to spare. My work schedule has not slowed down. The next day, I get a call from the home where my Dad lives (it is a residential group home) telling me he was ill. Dad is also a stroke survivor and I was his caregiver for 10 years prior to my husband's stroke. Drop everything, arrange for someone to be with Denny and leave to take my Dad to the VA clinic. If you have ever had to get medical care on a walk in basis at the VA, you know how long we waited.

Dad had a UTI from the catheter he has to wear because of his prostate cancer progression. They prescribed antibiotics, then sent us to the lab, then back to the clinic and then to talk to the pharmacist and then to pick up the meds. 5 hours later we were on our way. Saturday the home calls again just as Denny and I were sitting down for dinner with my sister 60 miles away from Dad's. He was very ill and needed to go to the ER. Load Denny in the car again and off we go. Drop Denny at home, get him in bed, medicated etc. and then go get Dad. 2:00am he is admitted to the hospital and I head home. Oh yes, did I mention I had that bushel of apples crying out to not be wasted. Got the applesauce made and in the freezer. Gave up on apple butter.

So, now I am trying to figure out how to run my business so I can pay our bills, take care of Denny, take care of Dad and keep sane.

ARRGGGGHHH - I would love to go take a nice relaxing bath, but I want to wait until Denny is snoring so I can REALLY relax, that is unless the phone rings and Dad needs something. :snorkel:

Photos of the camping trip in our gallery...