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| Pat and I during one of our visits to Palm Springs several years ago. |
Yes, Pat is coming for a visit!
I haven't seen Pat in person for two and a half years (February 2020).
Since 2013 we were getting together every quarter for a trip. Twice to Philadelhia (week each), once to Pat's hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and two weeks in California (the past few years all two weeks in Palm Springs). Then COVID happened which threw a monkey wrench in our quarterly excursions.
When COVID interrupted our trips I had already made three airline reservations (American) in advance for my trips. When COVID killed those trips plans, American Airlines kept my money but gave me credits instead for future trips. Since that time I have become the full-time caregiver for Bill so I couldn't make any trips. Those credits were to expire this year at the end of September. I got in contact with American Airlines and explained my situation and asked if I could transfer the credits to my friend Pat. They were very gracious and said they could. Those credits are what Pat is going to use to make the trip down to Philadelphia then rent a car to stay here a week at Casa Tipton-Kelly.
In addition to using my airline credits before they expire another reason for the trip is Pat can take me to my cataract surgery which is scheduled for this Thursday. Pat's already had cataract surgery so he knows all about "the drops." Also, it will be good to see Pat in person even though we're in contact daily by FaceTime or Zoom. I also would like him to see Bill while Bill is still here. Bill could outlive me but I doubt if Bill will be here next year. He's stabilized but he hasn't got better and he's off his blood thinner medicine. His hospice nurse suggested that there is less chance of a fall if Bill is off of Eliquis. What's worse? A stroke or a fall? We take our chances. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow.
So today is getting Pat's bedroom vacuumed (it's been unoccupied since he last visited three years ago) and ready for him. He's leaving Canada at midnight and driving to Buffalo, New York to catch his plane. Leaving from Buffalo is a lot better than leaving from Pierson International Airport in Toronto. Believe me, I've done it and I will never do it again. Buffalo is much nicer and more efficient. Usually, when Pat visits he takes the bus but we're splurging this time. I don't want to lose those airline credits.
Even though Bill still needs constant care, he does go to bed at around 6:30 PM. I'm hoping Pat and I can go out a few nights and have a restaurant meal. I haven't been to a restaurant in 2 1/2 years either. I probably should fasten my seat belt for the price increases but it would be nice to break there routine around here at Casa Tipton-Kelly.
When Pat lands in Philadelphia, he going to visit our friend Don McK. Then he will drive down here. Should be here tomorrow evening. Pooped. Straight to his bedroom where I will not disturb him until he's read to go. I plan to put him on my John Deere riding mower while he's down here. He doesn't mow a lot of grass at his penthouse home in the downtown center of Hamilton.
Have a great day everyone!
13 comments:
Have a great visit with Pat!!
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!!
Best--
xoxo
Yay. So glad Pat can visit and you can see him again. Please give him big hugs from me.
Sassybear
https://idleeyesandadormy.com/
A friendship that endures the test of time is a wonderful thing. Enjoy Pat's visit. Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a serious problem and sneaks up on you and takes you down quickly. I personally found out this past week (for the second time this year) how fast dehydration can take you down. Waking up in the ER and undergoing hydration therapy was not a pleasant experience. The two days of incarceration in the hospital has taught me to sip, sip, sip that damn water all day long. Crushed ice infused with lemon or lime has become my new best friend. So, Ron, Be good. Be careful.(no missteps, stumbles or falls!) Above all else, BE HAPPY. Lots of hugs from Woody.
Have a nice time!
Walter
I hope he gets there safe and sound and you have a good trip.
I’m so happy for you, Pat, and Bill!
Vic,
Pat is here now! Great to see him in person after 2 1/2 years of COVID restrictions.
Ron
Sassy,
Pat arrived yesterday afternoon at around 2:30 PM. Me and Bill were both asleep. He came into the house himself, opened my bedroom door saw me sleeping and threw a pillow at me.
Ron
Woody,
Pat is here now. So good to see him in person after a COVID separation of two and a half years. He's resting now. He started his trip just after midnight Saturday night and came straight through We're off for grand adventures this week. Pat nd I always have such a great time together.
By the way Woody, I know exactly how heat exhaustion can sneak up on you. I almost didn't make it back to our garage one day last year during a particularly humid day. I didn't end up in the ER like you did but came close. You take care of yourself Woody. I know of too many cases where perfectly young, healthy guys died of heat exhaustion.
Ron
Walter,
Thanks for your good wishes. Are you a new follower of my blog? "Walter" is my middle name.
Ron
Spo,
Pat finally got here after a few missteps in Philly.. He got wrong directions from the airport and ended up in Camden, New Jersey! You don't want to "end up" in Camden, New Jersey, believe me! But he's here now and resting after his long trip yesterday from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He's a great little trooper. I love the guy so much!
Ron
Karen,
Pat arrived yesterday afternoon. Woke me and Bill from our daily afternoon Od Men Naps. So good to see Pat in person again. We're off for adventure this week!
Ron
Hey Ron - Love the comments from your blog readers! So kind. And for sure - we always have the best time!!!
Pat
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