Three steps forward and three steps backward (oh well). As some of you know I write with the help of a program called Dragon. It takes my spoken words and translates them to type. It makes mistakes so it’s a long process to get anything to the point of publishing. Since I was left-handed and now my left side doesn’t work I can’t write and I have trouble spelling so please forgive me if you find some errors. I’ve got about as many stories that are not ready for publishing either they’re not finished or haven’t been proofread. Cathy was proofreading but she’s got too much on her plate right now. So I thought it would be a good idea to catch everyone up on what’s going on with us. Cathy’s been trying to keep up on Facebook but sometimes, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. We were living in Cambria in a one-room Independent Care Concept where our meals were prepared for us to share together. There were three other people with rooms. Each bedroom had a private bathroom. Prior to this was set up as an Independent Living Home, owner of the building had tried to sell it for an unrealistic price and it remained vacant for several years. Now his asking price has gone up to two million dollars for the place (you’re kidding right?) The company called (Cherish House) was rent the place and we rented from them. They wanted to buy it but not for that price. If it was a view lot on the ocean that would be a reasonable asking price. We shall see how long it’s on the market this time.
We enjoyed our stay at the “Burton House” although it was really cramped living in one room. But after almost a year we were definitely looking for a change. We had a lady who supposedly wanted to buy our mobile home and when it came down to it she backed out. (That’s a story that will wait for another time.) We had given notice at the Burton House and the very next day everyone was told of the sale and to find new accommodations. We had put a deposit on a nice little mobile home in a really nice park in Paso Robles contingent on the sale of ours in Union City. Because of my progress, we felt that we could live on our own again. We wanted to closer to our daughter and we like the area around Paso Robles, as Cambria was too far of a drive for my therapy sessions and doctors. But as our mobile home was still ours, we decided to move back to Union City for a while. Of course four months ago we had an estate sale where we sold everything. Now we had no utensils or pans to cook with and no dishes. We even sold our bed. So now it seems like we’re starting over again. We’ve been back in Union City since the beginning of November. Cathy’s sister bought her a bed and Medicare with Medicare Supplement covered my hospital bed. (That’s another story for a different time.) Cathy ordered that bed before we left Cambria. We have not gotten it yet so I am still on the easy chair out in the living room. I’ve been doing some of the cooking and of course the van a been a godsend. (That is also another interesting story or two which I’ll publish hopefully soon) Our neighbors were glad to see us back again. We’ve enjoyed some community breakfasts, activities, and we’ve even have gotten over to the big hot tub a couple of times with my left shoe, sock, and an ankle-foot orthotic brace on. I like to float!
I think I inherited my sneezes from my mom. When I was a very little boy growing up in Boulder city (the gateway to the Hoover dam in Nevada) my father worked for the Department Of Water And Power for the city of Los Angeles. We lived in a company house that had a garage about 75 feet behind the house. There were three painters painting the garage when my mother let out one of her famous sneezes. From the roof of the garage, I heard three voices saying “God bless you” Mrs. Patterson. My mom, of course, was embarrassed but couldn’t stop laughing.
Unfortunately, two days ago, I sneezed and fell – yes – that’s right I sneezed and fell. Unfortunately, I had to prove myself capable so tried to stand up by myself. I injured my knee and my hip when I tried to do that. Fortunately, the x-rays and CAT scan show that nothing was broken, probably just sprained. I’ve not used my wheelchair in the house since probably March and getting around with my four-pronged cane and even getting around a bit without my cane. Now I can’t bear weight on my left leg or even move it two inches without hip pain and my knee seems different, though I can’t feel my left leg. I can’t do stairs right now so that means I can’t visit either daughter’s house or Cathy’s sister’s, all of whom have invited us over during the upcoming Christmas weeks. It’s my own fault; I tried to do something I shouldn’t have. This is why I have the “Life Alert” and why we pay taxes for our very capable EMS people. Hopefully, this is a minor setback for me. MRIs are scheduled this week of my whole leg; hip, knee, ankle.
If you would like to keep up with my progress and our travels please check out my blog site at: redwoodink.wordpress.com
Tom Patterson – Photographer – Writer – and Seeker 
What troopers you both are! So glad to hear all your news, even that hard ones. I send good thoughts and prayers. – Jan
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