March 24, 2025 · 6:14 am

A Beautiful Day

Travel Pulse

This photo looks much like us yesterday. It started about 9:30 yesterday morning and continued until dinner time last night.

A bit of buying, selling, and giving away, freezer diving, and then just relaxing and visiting with lots of friends. Tears, memories, sharing, hugs, laughter – we had it all with people who have meant the world to us.

The part I clung to was that we can still communicate with text and email, plus the blog when I can get it going full speed again.

I have now shut down my Etsy site. Some sad thoughts, but mainly memories of people I’ve met, the joy of a sale, spending time in my art room, head brimming with ideas I wanted to try, and doing the work to list something on the site.

I look forward to finding out what kind of art people are doing in Thailand. I hope to find a group creating things that will allow me to watch and learn. Hopefully, I will be accepted into a group and make some new friends while maybe starting a new creative outlet for myself.

After a trip to the bank this morning, I’ll go visit another long time friend. We may have some more sales today.

There was one part of our trip that was bothering our son – the change of planes in Bangkok, bound for Chiang Mai. The time is really short. Our son would have simply RUN from one gate to the other if he were by himself. He found a service that will meet our flight in Bangkok, help us through what we have to do there, and carry us to the next gate. We are all relieved.

Leaving Wednesday evening seems a little bit surreal, still, but plans are solidifying by the hour at this point. I will try to at least leave a blurb via my phone starting on Wednesday morning, so you can travel with us, and will get back to full mode as soon as soon as we can arrange it.

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March 23, 2025 · 8:10 am

Last Call for Etsy

Last call for getting things from my Etsy shop. I will close it down tomorrow night, Monday, March 24th. Please order whatever you would like tonight and early tomorrow so we can get orders in the mail Tuesday.

It makes me sad to shut it down, but it just isn’t workable now. It’s the end of an era for me, but I’m looking forward to learning what people are doing in Thailand. I’m looking forward to learning new forms of art, new media, new techniques, as well as hopefully making some new friends. :0)

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March 23, 2025 · 8:02 am

Grand Central?

Dr. Amy Johnson

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point. There are so many details left to handle, plus I want to visit my friends, get packed, etc.

Today will be a bit like Grand Central Station – though in a good way –

Our friends who adopted Amber will be here to get the drafting table in the art room. Lisa wants to choose more art supplies, and they may decide to get the roll top desk. We’re not sure when they are coming. They’ll text us. My friend Carla, who is helping to rehome Jet, may or may not be with them.

Our long time friends Dave and Laufrain said they wanted to come over for a last visit. They will text when they are on their way.

The daughter of one of the Lunch Bunch originals, who is now a good friend, too, is coming to visit around 1:30.

Re the flights – we are leaving Wednesday evening. Our son has put together the most comfortable combination of flights for us. He spent a long time researching what was available. We only want to change planes in safe places. He is arranging that we are as comfortable as possible on each of the four flights. First flight is short – Ft. Smith to DFW. There we go through security and there is a 4 hour layover. The second flight is 14 hours, but we are going Business Class, which I have never even THOUGHT about using, where we can sleep (with a pillow and blanket and reclining seats or ones that may even lie flat.) Not to mention the food and the fact that you get earphones so you can watch a movie or listen to music (which I plan to do.) The third is Doha, Quatar to Bangkok, about 6 hours, also Business Class ( :0) ), and the 4th is Bangkok to Chiang Mai, another shorter flight. 32 hours in all, but arranged to be as comfortable as our son could arrange, with the shortest layover times. Also, we’ll be leaving in the evening from here, and arriving in the afternoon there, also very good.

When I was cleaning out the roll top desk, I FOUND the Medtronic Pacemaker ID Card I need for the flights. I didn’t remember seeing it before, but my brain hasn’t been working at its best lately. So now I don’t have to worry about the one I ordered online getting here soon enough. The medical alert bracelet is supposed to get here tomorrow. It’s not needed as badly, but I’ll be glad to have it.

So people may be coming at different times – or all at the same time in a pile. We’ll be glad to see each and every one of them, and will do the best we can to direct traffic, conduct needed business, and get and give hugs.

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March 22, 2025 · 4:30 pm

Playing “Find The…”

Vecteezy

Last night I cleaned out my roll top desk. I’ve had it for 1000 years more or less, and have used it for over 37 years here at this house. To say it was more than full of ‘stuff’ is the understatement of the century.

I sorted out the things that might sell in the auction, and got a big leaf bag. Then I got another one, and a third. I filled all three of them with a gazillion pens, markers, colored pencils, do-dads, papers, and more. I finally finished, after spending a couple of hours. Today I oiled the runners for the roll top, and cleaned everything, because the people coming today may decide they want it.

My biggest chore of the day was playing, “Find the…” a never-ending game around here. I told you recently that it seemed like everything was falling apart around here and we had no choice but to buy new. We ended up ordering a new bed and a new refrigerator. Then “I” fell apart, and we’ve hardly used either of our new things.

We would like to get what we paid for through the auction, if possible. I finally found the paperwork and sales receipt showing that the bed is less than a month old. We will leave that in the middle of the stripped bed when we leave. Even harder to find was the sales receipt for the fridge, but I finally came up with it. My husband had started a new refrigerator folder and then put the folder in the wrong place. I now have the sales receipt on the front of the fridge held on by magnets.

One of our neighbors is here now putting a huge CNC set up from the shop on a trailer. His daughter, who is very accomplished and just landed a cushy promotion, is into welding, art work and more, and so was interested in lots of stuff in the shop. We are waiting for them to take pics of some more stuff she would like so our son can try to find a reasonable price for them.

They will be back later this evening to look at more art stuff for Lisa, and pack up my drafting table. They also may be interested in the roll top desk…

To say things are busy is a vast understatement. They are ‘good busy,’ though, with satisfaction that our stuff is going to people who can really use and enjoy it.

It looks like our leaving is becoming imminent. More on that as I know the details.

Hope you’re having a wonderful Saturday.

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March 22, 2025 · 9:39 am

Countdown has Started

Blocks of Life

Our son is working on choosing the best route with the best flight times for our tickets now. We have our passports. It’s real. I’m not sure which is our flight day yet, but it’s imminent. I know we will be here through the 25th, but that’s as much as I know.

The shut-down date for my Etsy site is March 25th, next Tuesday. This is the last call if you would like to order anything before it’s gone.

We have people coming to get things they have bought today, also, in some cases, to choose more. It’s a joy to see people getting things they really like, though it’s pretty exhausting at the same time.

Our son studied my husband’s last blood work and determined the low carb diet we have been eating was good, but that my husband continued to sabotage his health by defiantly continuing to eat carbs in addition during the day. Since we both got the flu, it has sabotaged his efforts so much he has made himself ill and is having trouble gaining strength. Our son got him to promise to give a strict low carb diet, with NO cheating, a try until we leave so we can have some assurance we can make it through the flights without incident. It’s one thing to maybe require a wheelchair. It’s another if you’re throwing up and delirious. My husband made the promise. Yesterday he felt more alert and energetic than he has felt since he got the flu. We all talked about it and we are all encouraged.

Each day we’re tying up more loose ends. Soon we will be on our way to start a brand new life!

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March 21, 2025 · 12:42 pm

It’s Getting REAL

Conde’ Nast Traveler

WE GOT OUR PASSPORTS! This is all becoming very real now. Our new lives are about to start! :0)

Our son is figuring out logistics and order of last-minute stuff. I’m trying to stay out of his hair as much as possible to give him a chance to think as he works his way through it all.

We had bought some new jeans for my husband a week ago. Yesterday the suspender buttons he ordered arrived. We tackled putting the buttons on the jeans today. We got it done, but needed two kinds of pliers to handle the fact that one set of new suspenders had leather, extremely stiff ends and it was super hard to get the buttons to go through the holes. I’m sporting a band-aid where I stuck a screwdriver into one of my fingers, but we prevailed.

Our son and I will probably tackle his packing in a day or two. He is showing no particular interested in the process. He’s been having a few tough days recovery-wise, so I really can’t blame him, but it seems a bit weird to choose tees, what he’ll wear on the plane, what to put in his backpack, etc., for him. We’ll manage. If we forget something, our son says we can get it in Thailand.

Carla, Tim, and Lisa are coming at some point today to continue finding things they would like to buy. Its a joy working with them. I’m sorry we didn’t meet Tim and Lisa sooner. Carla said Jet is doing fine. She is keeping her and will rehome her when she finds a good home. Meanwhile, she has a cat and several dogs, so things might get interesting, particularly with the other cat. I hope they can agree in cat terms to give each other space, rather than duke it out.

I found some more photos in my art room, so I’ve removed them from the frames and am taking them with us.

I paid bills this morning and added what I could to my computer spreadsheets on tax deductions, keeping it all up to date. All will change after the move, so it’ll be interesting to change to paperless, long distance paying of bills, going through things that need to be canceled once we get there, and more.

I got socked with a pretty large bill from my medical ordeal today. The last time I was faced with something my insurance wouldn’t cover, I discovered that the nurses on the other end of our medical portal would have acted as advocates and might have been able to do some good. This time I wrote, telling them the charge, recapping what happened briefly, and asking for their help. Fingers crossed that they can at least bring the bill down some, since I didn’t plan for my heart to stop or need a pacemaker.

Have a wonderful day.

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March 21, 2025 · 8:16 am

Running Like a Nut

DM-Zimmermann Peggy-Pinterest

Yesterday was busy, exhausting, and very good. Amber’s adoptive parents were here, plus my good friend, Carla, buying more stuff. They came twice. They’ll be back again today. It really makes me happy that they are finding things they can use and take joy in.

Carla took Jet (aka Monster Cat) and all her stuff yesterday. That was the first time we had no pets in over 40 years. Even though it seemed really empty, I was so happy and relieved that the animals will be well cared for. This morning I ordered a women’s medical alert bracelet that says, “Pacemaker” that will be delivered on the 25th – HOPEFULLY in time for me to wear it on the trip.

Conde’ Nast Traveler

We are due to get our passports today! Then the real count down begins on getting ready for our trip. Our son will start work on routing our trip and getting tickets. Before, it was still abstract that we’ll be leaving, even though we’re giving away and selling lots of stuff and I’m preparing to shut down my Etsy site. Once the passports arrive and our son lets us know the date we’re leaving, it will all be REAL.

I found a phone app on speaking Thai. I really want to be able to be polite and respectful and try my best on pronunciation. I know our son will help us, but he picks up new languages pretty easily. (He speaks English, Mandarin and Thai). We will need lots of practice and guidance before the new words sink in.

pinkpolkadotcreations.com

HAPPY SPRING!!! I forgot it was the first day of Spring yesterday and so didn’t wish you a happy one. So sorry. Thailand essentially has several different summers each year – including wet summer, dry summer, smoky summer, and so it will be an adjustment to not celebrate spring and fall. I have to admit I won’t miss winter, but will take time to look at beautiful pictures of it each year. :0)

I have my blog on my phone now, though I’m still using my computer here. I found out I can write you a note, but I haven’t figured out how to add any images yet, so I may not be able to do that. I CAN read comments and reply, so I’ll try to send you messages on what is happening until our son has the time to get computers going for us. I hope you will bear with us.

We will have a super busy day today with our friends coming to buy more stuff, deliveries, etc. An amazing time for us, for sure.

I hope that your Friday is a wonderful one, with a great weekend to follow.

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March 20, 2025 · 7:50 am

Full, Busy Day

Sandy De Muro-Pinterest

Things are really coming together now.

We are supposed to get our passports tomorrow. Then our son will work on getting tickets for the best route he can find for getting us to our destination.

The oxygen company people are supposed to be here today to pick up their equipment.

We have the people who adopted Amber, plus our friend, Carla, who will take Jet, coming this afternoon to buy stuff.

We are trying to get my husband to stick to ONLY eating low carb today and walking with me around the house at least a couple of times, trying to build him up for the trip.

One of my friends brought up an issue I hadn’t thought about – flying with my pacemaker. I researched it, and – though there is no ‘airplane mode’ to switch to, as I do on my phone – I shouldn’t cause any problem for the plane. :0) There also shouldn’t be any problem for ME. I WILL need to alert the TSA that I have a pacemaker when I go through security as I will probably set off their detectors. I don’t have a ‘Pacemaker ID card.’ There was information on creating one online. We are working to request one.

I will probably close down my Etsy site mid next week. So please get whatever you would like very soon.

Have a wonderful day.

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March 19, 2025 · 7:14 am

A Stellar Day

Charry326 – Carol Saylor-Pinterest

Yesterday was emotional, exhausting, and wonderful.

First off, we found a home for Amber! The family is right down our road, a neighbor across the street from our good friend, Carla. Amber won the lottery on this, having a new family with kids who will shower her with love and attention, two ‘parents’ who are truly wonderful people, and even another dog to play with, a yard, etc. The dogs are already getting along! I cannot express how relieved and happy I am with this, even as I deal with pangs of ‘no-dog-staring-at-us-waiting-to-lick-our-plates’ and no dog to let out and feed this morning. This was a match sent from Heaven.

My friend Carla will take Jet (aka Monster Cat) to care for while she looks to rehome her for us. Carla is a true animal lover and will make sure Jet finds a really good family who will cherish her.

Having the pets cared for was my first concern when we decided to make the move. I was devastated when it turned out that my ‘agreement’ with our vet turned out to only be displaying their pics on their website. I wrote to him, asking him to reconsider, and still haven’t had a reply from him. This all turned out for the best yesterday.

After meeting Lisa, the woman who is part of Amber’s new family, she, Carla and I ended up in my art room. Lisa is an artist, and she showed a whole lot of interest in my supplies. She will text me when she is ready, letting me know the first of I hope will be several areas of interest and we will work something out on pricing. I’m delighted that many of the things I have gathered up there will go to someone who appreciates them and will use them happily.

Carla will also text me about things she would like from the art room and the shop. I was truly surprised when one of the things she wanted was the big slab of wood I have been using on my drafting table under my wood burning. She really likes my experiments and scratches! (This, of course, will be a ‘weird gift.’) :0)

Reminder that my Etsy site will be shut down very soon. Now is the time to order whatever you would like while we still have time to pack it and ship it to you. Depending on how things are moving here, I will shut it down at the end of next week for sure.

I got a notice that we might get my passport as early as this Friday! They will send supporting documents in another mailing. I’m assuming this time frame will be the same for my husband, since the applications went in together in the same envelope.

I’m trying to get my husband to walk around the outside of our house, hopefully building up to several times a day, so we’ll be strong enough to manage the airports on our trip. He says he will cooperate, and fingers are crossed that he keeps that promise.

I hope that you are doing well where you are, and enjoying pleasant, happy – if not ‘stellar’ days.

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March 18, 2025 · 7:56 am

Love Surrounds Us

Murray and John
My Harvey and Brian
Me hugging Murray

We had a wonderful lunch Sunday. There is never enough time with those you love, but we’re trying to see and hug as many as possible before we leave.

No news yet on rehoming our dog, Amber, and our cat, Jet (aka Monster Cat), but our son is talking to a lady who runs a grooming and boarding business in Greenwood who might be willing to work with us. A friend of mine has some neighbors who might be willing to give Jet a home. Fingers crossed.

The best news – this morning we found out we GOT the condo in Thailand in the same building as our son! Not sure of ANY of the details yet, but I’m having trouble trying to type this as I want to get up and dance. This will be perfect for us!!!!!

I’m headed to my primary doctor this morning for a last appointment after all my drama of the past month. I’m hoping she can look at my ears and figure out what to do about my continuing problem with hearing since all this started. I’ll also have to tell her we’re leaving the country, thanking her profusely for all the good care she has given my husband and me.

Things are definitely coming together now. I’m essentially packed now, just needing to throw a couple of things in my suitcase and backpack. I’ll start helping my husband with his stuff this afternoon, if he’s cooperative.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

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March 17, 2025 · 6:00 am

Last Call

I will be shutting down my Etsy site very soon. If you would like to look through and see if anything grabs your eye or meets your needs, please do it very soon. HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.

Wooden painted earrings – stud or post, dangle, clip-ons.

Wooden plaques

Wood-Burned Gifts

Small Wood-Burned Items – Bookmarks – key chains

Hand Painted Signs in Several Sizes

Painted Tote Bags

Note Card Packages and Stationery

Painted Journals – Large and Small

Handmade Greeting Cards

Christmas Items

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March 17, 2025 · 5:51 am

Monday 3-17-2025

123Greetings.com

My husband wasn’t feeling well yesterday, so we’re up early so we can get to our clinic when the doors first open so we can see someone even though we don’t have an appointment. I hope they can help him feel better.

Our visit with Murray and John yesterday couldn’t have gone better. We had lots of laughs, good conversation, good food, and lots of hugs. In the parking lot after, I gave them the gifts I brought, and they seemed to be pleased. We will still be able to communicate after the move, so that was comforting all of us.

Today I’ll call and arrange for the company to pick up the oxygen and supplies. I haven’t had to use it for over two weeks now, so feel confident I can put that need behind me.

I’m also hopeful I will hear from the vet today or tomorrow. I really hope that he reconsiders and can take our pets. We’re working on other things outside of that, too. I will be anxious until we figure out something for them.

Enjoy your celebration of St. Patrick’s Day today.

“For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way –
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.“
~Author Unknown

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March 16, 2025 · 7:50 am

Sunday 3-16-2025

My Happy Pets – You Tube

We are meeting people who mean the world to us for lunch today. Technically, I guess, Murray is our cousin-in-law, but she is a mentor, friend, and “treasured person,” and she is coming with her smart, talented, kind son John, who we have seen from time to time over the years.

To give you a small idea of why Murray is so special – she had cancer and had to spend time in the hospital receiving chemo as part of her treatment. She got up and rolled her ‘tree’ with her chemo bag down the area, decorating it to look like a Christmas tree, visiting with the others receiving treatment, cheering them up. I’ve never known a kinder, more giving person.

They used to live in Thibodaux, Louisiana, but now live in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They are driving down to Greenwood to meet us at our favorite restaurant this morning.

Murray pointed out that the last time she saw our son, he was eight. He is now 46. :0) I’m trying to remember to take some pics of the group today, so I can share them with my SIL, MaryLou, later today.

This will be – again – a bittersweet event. We have never been able to arrange all the meetings we would have loved to have had over the years. Life gets in the way. We’ve managed to keep our bond strong with letters, phone calls, and messages, and we can continue the emails and phone messages after the move. We just won’t be able to SEE each other and hug their necks after today.

I’m so grateful that they could make the time to drive down here today. We’ll make it a lunch to remember. I have some stuff to give them before they leave. I won’t list details here because Murray reads my blog. :0)

I hope that you make as much time as possible to see the people you love. People are what makes life so rich. The love fills you up and simply spills out. We are lucky to have wonderful relatives and friends.

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March 15, 2025 · 9:33 am

Saturday 3-15-2025

Karin de Haas via Tammy Baker-Pinterest

It’s been really busy around here. There are SO many details to handle. We are definitely making progress. A suitcase was delivered this morning. We’re going to basically pack my husband’s things in it today to see if the 2nd suitcase we’re ordering should be the same size or maybe a little bit larger. We have the backpacks our son ordered, so we can decide what needs to go in each, like a change of clothes, freshening up supplies, kleenex, tablets and charger cords, etc.

One really worrisome and upsetting thing happened yesterday. I called the vet to make sure all was good about our calling when we were ready to bring our animals and their supplies to the vet clinic, and be sure that people could help us get everything in from the truck. The rug was yanked out from under me.

The receptionist told me they weren’t set up to take our animals. They were happy to help us try to rehome them by putting their pics up on their website and would call us if there was interest, but that was it. I guess I don’t speak English anymore, because I was devastated.

We now have a post in the rehoming – Greenwood section of Facebook, but we haven’t gotten any responses. I’ve texted all of our friends to see if anyone knows anybody who wants a dog or cat and their supplies. We’ll keep adding other options as we think of them. This is a major concern for us. We haven’t told my husband, figuring he doesn’t need the stress, but we won’t be able to keep the secret for long.

Meanwhile, I’ll try to put this out of my mind as we work on getting my husband basically packed for the move.

I wish everyone a really nice Saturday.

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March 14, 2025 · 7:40 am

Friday 3-14-2025

Trijnie Huizenga-Pinterest

Our son and I will go to our local bank today to deposit funds and move them around. We have done reasonably well on selling things in the past few days. We will continue to do that as we can before we leave.

I did get confirmation that people in Philadelphia received our passport applications and payments, so things are in the works. Basically, we can pack and buy tickets when we get them, leaving all remaining here for the auctioneer.

Today I’m hoping to see two friends. One is Linda, my dear friend who now lives in a retirement place locally. I usually see her when I get my luscious monthly massages, but since I got sick, I’ve changed so much my visit to her got lost due to my inability to handle things, drive, etc. I hope to be able to see her today. I have a really snugly throw I want to give her and hug her neck.

I want to take some really good canned meats I found recently, plus a quilt to my friend Nora and visit with her, as well. She has been a friend for years and years, and I would like to spend some time with her today.

I’ll make another pass at deciding what will be packed. I still haven’t decided what I’ll wear for the trip. Our son said to be sure to wear layers, since some places we’ll have layovers may be cold. I’ll figure out what to wear, what to take for a change of clothes in my backback for sure today. Then I’ll start trying on clothes to make SURE all is good – and organized – so it’ll be easy for our son to see if I’m taking too much in one area, or forgetting something else…

As each day passes, it’s a combination of tears and joy. I hate saying goodbye to our life here, but we are simply not able to handle it all anymore. It feels so freeing to be able to walk away from it. I’m excited about ‘moving to another planet’ in effect, with different weather, completely different lifestyle, new people, sights, sounds. Things to learn, new foods to try, new ways to shop and more. I look forward to learning some basic polite Thai words. The list is endless.

One of the best things to look forward to is our son getting a computer up and running for me so that I can continue to write the blog. He has a backup of everything now on both of our computers. My husband may want to ‘build,’ one, so I’m hoping mine can be a laptop, or something relatively quick and simple to set up.

I wish you something that brings you joy wherever you are, that brings a huge smile to your face and fills you with happiness.

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March 13, 2025 · 7:44 pm

Thursday 3-13-2025

MyInfo-Pinterest

Sorry to be so late in writing today. We were out selling stuff, and then our son was making backups of the data on our computers today, so I didn’t have access until this evening.

We sold a bunch of stuff today, sad, yet freeing. The things we were selling weren’t appropriate to be sold at auction, so we gathered up stuff, this morning and then again this afternoon, to sell ourselves. We didn’t get home until almost dinner time.

I also had a good friend come and play, “Freezer Dive,” today. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that I can share some of what we have with people I care about. AND I got a couple of hugs.

Things are starting to come together now. I got a good start on figuring out what I’m going to take with me when we leave. The backpacks our son ordered for us arrived today. They are only really meant for the trip to Thailand. He says they sell really good ones that we’ll get when we get settled. We’ll wear these when we go on our walks, buying fresh food from the Farmer’s Market type stalls and things from the mall. They’re meant for us to use as carry-ons, with a change of clothes, overnight stuff, tablets, etc.

He also ordered one suitcase. We’re going to use it for my husband’s packing, and then figure out whether this is a good size or the 2nd one needs to be a bit larger.

Our big errand is to go to the bank tomorrow. Otherwise, I’m going to make decisions on tops – one to wear on the flights, another as a spare for the backpack, and the others to be my main clothes until further notice once we get there and settle.

I’m going to try everything on to be SURE all are good before they go in the ‘take’ group. Only summer stuff, except for the flight day. Our son says the airports, restaurants, waiting areas, and even the planes sometimes, are cold, though the airplanes may provide a blanket.

This is a big transition for me. I’m the one who buys two of everything – one to use and another as a backup so I don’t run out. This is a good exercise for me in learning to be more minimalist, and take only what I need. (I did admit, though, that I’m taking a small teddy bear to bring ‘home’ with me.) Our son smiled and said that was good. I also said my husband should take his little bitty pillow that he prefers, plus a couple of extra pillow cases, in his luggage, as that will help him sleep better and be a comfort to him.

Just a reminder – HandmadeHavenbyLinda, my Etsy site, will be shut down soon. If you would like anything, please make your decisions as soon as possible so we can be sure to get them mailed to you before we go.

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March 12, 2025 · 10:19 am

Wednesday 3-12-2025

omalij.bsky.social-@omalig.bsky.social

My heart just melted when I saw this cute little guy.

Things are moving right along here. My husband and son are handling some errands while I hold the fort here this morning. This afternoon a friend is picking me up so we can have coffee and visit. I’m really looking forward to that.

I’m starting to make decisions on what I’m going to take with me. Some of it is easy. No cool or cold weather clothes! No boots, coats, sweaters, etc. Only hot weather clothes, except for the actual flight. I’ll start putting things out later today, where I can see everything.

I’m probably going to wait to call for the oxygen guy to come get his supplies and equipment. I haven’t used it in a week, or at night, or even when we walked so far at the hospital yesterday, so I don’t think I need it anymore, but there is no reason to rush thing, either.

Lots and lots of details left to handle, but our son is handling things calmly and carefully, so we’re in excellent hands.

Are you doing anything fun/exciting/challenging? I would love to hear about it.

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March 11, 2025 · 4:22 pm

Tuesday 3-11-2025

Karin de Haas via Pinterest

We had a very active day today.

I had an appointment with the pacemaker installation doctor’s office today. Our son has a problem when driving long distances, and he discovered that we now have Uber! We drove to the communal parking lot in the space where the main road in Greenwood meets the highway, so we parked there and then called Uber. We had a nice ride to the hospital. I was delighted at how well the man drove and how clean the vehicle was.

We found the doctor’s office without problem. After waiting awhile, the end result was that my pacemaker is working perfectly and should be good for 10 years. I’ll take it!

We then had to walk the entire length of the main hospital through a maze to reach a window with a phone on the wall outside of it. I called and explained that I wanted the meds that the ER people had collected and given to them. I showed my ID and soon had my meds in hand. After walking the whole length of the hospital back to the entrance, I was pretty wobbly, but I only had to stop and sit once, which was pretty good. We called for another Uber and were brought back to our truck.

We did our other errands and brought home a cheeseburger which my husband devoured with great enthusiasm. Since I’m trying to be a good girl, I ate a sandwich our son made for us.

I got an email confirmation from the passport people that they were working on our new passports and estimated 2 to 3 weeks.

Our son is working on where we will live. He is also juggling countless other details, plus taking complete care of us.

Things are coming together now. I’m am starting to get serious about deciding what I’ll take in my one suitcase and backpack. I’ll put it all out and then have our son look at things, tell me what I need to change, etc.

We stopped at our local grocery on the way back from my doctor’s appointment. My favorite clerk, Nina, was there. I told her ‘hello,’ and then ‘goodbye,’ and told her our plans. We hugged each other. She was happy for us, but we’ll miss seeing each other.

My friend Carla is going to pick me up and take me for coffee tomorrow afternoon. She wants to be able to visit and find out what I’m thinking, how I’m feeling, etc. I’m looking forward to the time with her.

I hope that you are doing well and that you’re enjoying some nice weather.

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March 10, 2025 · 7:43 am

Monday 3-10-2025

Julie Van Meter-Pinterest

Things are moving right along here in our efforts to move to Thailand to be with our son.

Several years ago our friend Carla gave us a riding lawn mower that really saved us a lot of work. We enjoyed using it, and the mowing of the lawn didn’t stress him the way the walk-behind mower did. It finally developed problems that couldn’t be fixed, so we bought a new one. It’s a nice one with zero-turn radius, and my husband almost grin when he uses it, though mowing the grass around the house is still a stressful proposition for him.

When we decided to move to Thailand to be with our son, it was a no-brainer who the riding lawn mower should be given to. We know we won’t get top dollar for anything in the auction, and we wanted to complete the circle by gifting it to Carla.

We did this yesterday, with my husband driving the mower first down our gravelly, STEEP driveway, then down the road about 2 miles from our house, where Carla lives. She cried. It was a really wonderful moment to return the joy of the gift she gave to us year ago. The mower will be appreciated and enjoyed. A true gift for all of us.

Today we have the auctioneer coming to the house at 11:00. I’m not sure what will happen, other than our signing contracts with him. I’m hoping we’ll get an idea of the plan on the auctions, time line, etc.

We have some errands to run after, and then I’ll continue going through things, throwing sensitive stuff away each week, trying to start putting things out in preparation for packing my one suitcase (still to be purchased) and my backpack that will be my carry-on. (ordered). (I finally had the energy to put all the laundry our son has done for us back where it lives and bring the laundry baskets back downstairs.)

I figure I’ll call the oxygen people at the end of this week or the first of next week to come get all the oxygen and equipment if I don’t need the oxygen at night anymore.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes yesterday. You made me feel special. :0)

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March 9, 2025 · 7:08 am

Sunday 3-9-2025

giphy

Today is my birthday. I’m 78. I’m especially happy to celebrate today because I almost didn’t get to celebrate this one. Because of the weird circumstance of being admitted to the ER because of shortness of breath and low blood oxygen, I was in the proper place to have good people there when my heart stopped twice on February 6th, plus the cardiology department who gave me a new lease on life with a temporary, then a permanent pacemaker. So, I’m celebrating today with a super-happy, ear-to-ear grin. If I can find a piece of chocolate cake with chocolate icing, you can bet I’m snarfing it down with pleasure! :0)

Kudoboard

Things are moving at a rapid pace around here on trying to get ready to move to Thailand to be with our son.

Our “emu” planters went to live with some good friends yesterday. They will need a coat of paint and some new googly eyes; but my friend loves them and they’ll have a wonderful home at her house.

I’m still busily canceling things like subscriptions, automatic renewals, automatic orders, etc., plus making lists of things to cancel when we are in Thailand.

We have a busy week ahead, sewing up lots of details, meeting with people, doctor appts, and more, but also have visits with friends scheduled and unscheduled as yet to enjoy.

Our son ordered backpacks for my husband and me to use as carry-ons until we get to Thailand. He will also order a suitcase for each of us, since the only ones we have weigh a ton and are older than he is. The new ones only have to live through one set of flights, so we should be able to get something at a reasonable price. We will each pack one suitcase and the backpack. That’s it. All else we let go.

The auctions may or may not happen while we are here. Our passports should be here in about two weeks, so we’ll be leaving soon after that. I’m concentrating on gathering as much energy as I can for the 23 or so hour trip.

I’m hoping that your life is going well, and that today – especially – you have a good reason to smile.

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March 7, 2025 · 11:40 am

Challenges 3-7-2025

I should be getting a call back on trying to cancel our house security system. I’ve tried twice, finally managed to leave a call back number after waiting for over 10 minutes on hold. Fingers crossed that they do it this time. The call is supposed to come any minute now.

Update – after countless transfers to another department, a man was finally able to cancel our account and give me a confirmation #.

I will finally get my much rescheduled haircut tomorrow morning. I look like a much-used dandelion gone-to-seed and maybe stepped on now, with my hair going every which way, with no plan in sight. This will be my final haircut with our wonderful hair stylist. I will tell him we are moving to Thailand, and invite him to freezer dive after work or on the weekend to give him more of a thank you.

I will soon shut down my Etsy site. It’s sad to do this, leaving a lot of stuff here at the house that will simply be auctioned off, but it’s one of the many things we’re ‘letting go.’ If you would like to take a look and see if you would like to order something soon, the Etsy site is HandmadeHavenbyLinda I’ve had a wonderful time making things for the site. Our spare bedroom has been a fun place to try to learn new skills. I look forward to finding a class or two in Thailand where I can watch what they’re doing and maybe start a whole new chapter!

Our son MAY have a line on a condo for us in the same building where his is. He contacted them yesterday and expressed interest in putting money down on the condo. All my appendages are crossed that we can get this one. It’s light, airy, and has plenty of space. The kitchen area is a little small, but we’ll be taking walks to get fresh stuff, or having it delivered, or even prepared for us.

Have a wonderful day.

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March 6, 2025 · 11:12 am

Letting Go

TypePad

We are learning to let go.

Some of this is easy. We are giving a lot of things away to good friends. We have always tried to be proactive and stay stocked up in case we get stuck up here on top of our ridge line for one reason or another. In lots of cases, we did a lot more than we needed to…

Some things are more difficult. They connect to our image of our ‘self.’ Like my husband’s gun collection, the tools we’ve worked with for years in our shop, making our yard critters, mailbox decorations, etc. For me, closing down my Etsy shop will be the end of an era, and a piece of my identity. I have found, though, that when we get settled in Thailand, there are groups that get together to make art! I’ll be exposed to new people, new techniques, and maybe open up a whole new chapter on my art, too.

My friend Shelia gave me some good advice. She said it helped her to save some treasured things that mean home or comfort so that you in effect carry your home with you wherever you go. I have a really small, soft, teddy bear that has had a place on the shelf to my right for some 37 years as I type and work at my computer. He will go in my bag to indicate home and bring me comfort if things feel strange. My blog – and being able to get back to it after the move – will be my other treasure. Our son has promised to save our data from our current computers and build each of us a laptop as soon as possible so that I’ll be able to get back to you. He knows how important this is to me, and I’ve promised myself not to bug him overmuch about it, but I assure you this will happen just as soon as we can make it happen. (We do need to find a place to live and get settled a bit first).

The hardest thing for us will be our animals. I called our vet, who has cared for our animals and us for as long as I can remember. I explained our situation and asked him if he was in a position to help re-home them. We want them to have adopted families who will treasure them as we have, and give them the best possible life. He agreed, and I sent him pictures of Amber and Jet (aka as Monster Cat.) I also told him we have extra food, toys, and a cat tower that will go with them.

Thankfully, we’ll be able to keep up with friends and family via our phones. We will need some type of SIM card to transition from here to Thailand, but that shouldn’t be a big deal. I’ll be able to receive and send gmail, messages, etc.

We are busily handling lots and lots of details each day. Trying to get our belongings down to one suitcase and one backpack each will be quite the challenge. Our son has promised to guide us, and I’m relieved we’ll be handling this journal into our future together.

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March 5, 2025 · 10:01 am

Details 3-5-2025

Freepik

I’m trying to do a bit each day in our efforts to get ready to move. Most of the details will be handled by an auctioneer who has a really good reputation and has worked in our area as long as I can remember.

My task lately has been to go through a four-drawer file cabinet to see if there are things that should be destroyed or saved or left for the auction company. Added to the task is the stuff we got from our safe deposit box at the bank.

I think I’ve finished going through the files. I’m still trying to make my way through the pile that is now on my desk. I will try to finish that today.

One of the nice things that is happening is that as I tell my friends we’re moving, I’m inviting them over to either freezer-dive, taking whatever they would like, and/or giving them things I think they would like. It makes me happy to give people I care about a bit of a boost. :0)

Our son is trying to help us clean up our habits, otherwise. I’ve been snacking like a fiend on Ritz Crackers like they won’t be made anymore. Actually, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get them in Thailand or not, but that isn’t the issue. The issue is eating between meals and I need to stop that – particularly eating things like crackers. Our son is cooking us some really nice meals, and I’m going to redouble my efforts to hold my eating to those.

My husband is ignoring all that, of course. Last night he had a bad night. We were up over and over with him being sick. So we talked to him when he came downstairs this morning about letting his stomach rest, and eating sicky food today. So what does he do? He got a jar of jelly and a knife and proceeded to eat the jelly straight from the jar. We have thrown up our hands now and he will do what he will do.

Our son has researched and found some supplements that he thinks may help my high blood pressure, so I’m embracing that change. Hopefully in time I will regain my strength, continue to lose my lard, take the new supplements, and resume my exercise schedule once we recover our general health and then recover from the grueling flight schedule to Thailand.

We will all fly together and we only have to do it once, so I am gearing up for that.

It’ll be amazing to ONLY pack things appropriate for the summer. In Thailand they have summer, wet summer, smoky summer, and more summer. That will be interesting to get used to. :0)

I hope you have a nice day today.

Take care.

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March 4, 2025 · 8:23 am

Big News

Caroline – Pinterest

I’m still feeling pleased that I FINALLY reached my 50-pounds-down goal this past week. I am now into my 5-more-off-goal and have managed to get one more pound off. A large part of the credit goes to our son, who is doing all the cooking for us while my husband and I continue to try to recover from his flu and pneumonia, and my flu, bronchitis and follow up ER stay and pacemaker installation.

I have some big news in regard to our future. We are going to move to Thailand to be close to our son and to make the rest of our lives as comfortable as possible. I look forward to sharing our new lives with you here on the blog.

We have applied for expedited passports, and will basically leave as soon as we have those in hand and our tickets. There will be a block of time between our arrival there and the setup of a laptop where I can write to you again, but I hope that time will be short. I hope you will bear with me during the change.

I am looking forward to a new life as we handle many, many details of leaving here. I hope that you are celebrating changes that bring YOU joy in your lives, too.

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March 2, 2025 · 10:25 am

Sassy Squirrels

Aintright-@aintright.bsky.social

A squirrel is just a rat with a cuter outfit! ~ Sarah Jessica Parker

Artologica aka Michele Banks-@artologica.net2

You can’t keep a squirrel on the ground. ~Mary Lasswell

Dreamcatcher-@dreamcatcher01.bsky.social

I just need green. I need to wake up and see grass and squirrels. I don’t want to see skyscrapers. ~Andre Leon Talley

froggy-terri.bsky.social

Sometimes big trees grow out of acorns – I think I heard that from a squirrel. ~ Jerry Coleman

jon5cents-@jon5cents.bsky.social

The highway of life is filled with flat squirrels that couldn’t make a decision. ~ John C. Maxwell

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March 2, 2025 · 9:56 am

Sunday 3-2-2025

Journaling Happiness-@alcycarmstrong.bsky.social

I love this photo. To me it means that the possibilities of the path ahead are endless, full of opportunity, wonderful changes and chances to reshape our lives.

I am definitely feeling stronger this morning. I still can’t sleep flat on a bed without panicking over being able to breathe, but I spend some time up there each night, staying as long as I can, then finish the night downstairs in my recliner with the oxygen. It’s working for me, and hopefully I won’t need it much longer. I’m already going the whole day without the need for oxygen, so am hopeful this part of my recovery is well on its way.

With all that has happened over the month of February, I was surprised to see that I finally reached my interim weight loss goal of 5o-pounds-less-of-me-than-there-was-before. I don’t recommend doing it the way I have, but I’m happy, none-the-less. I’ll continue using MyFitnessPal.com to track my progress, making new goals for daily eating (once I figure out what they are), but I’ll be concentrating on heart-healthy whole foods, lots more fruits and veggies, etc. I’m setting my next 5-pound-increment goal and will see how things stand once I’m fully recovered.

I’m so grateful that our son dropped everything to come take care of us. He has done all the cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry, etc. since he came home. He has been truly wonderful. We are more and more able to enjoy our time together as we feel more like ourselves. I’m sorry that it took my husband and I falling apart at the same time to have him home, but I can say that we’re cherishing every minute together. He is coming up with all kinds of things that are good for us, in food, drinks, and vitamins, so I’m embracing the changes.

I hope that things are going well for you, too. Reach out to those you love and let them know how much they mean to you. There are no guarantees for any of us, and time is of the essence.

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February 28, 2025 · 11:09 am

Priorities

Jamie Hart-Pinterest

I went without my oxygen this morning for a while, paid a bill online, and am now writing this as if I were a regular person! This is a big step for me. It still doesn’t take much to knock me flat, but I’m gaining on things.

What I wanted to stress today was how important you are. Yes. YOU.

I have always valued you, and spent quite a while each day collecting things that I think are wonderful to share with you. But I wanted you know know that since my husband and I got sick in February and our world was turned on its ear, the ‘valuing’ has become much more personal.

I thank you for the comments and messages. The welcome-backs. The honest concern. For checking on me. These are all priceless.

I hope that I will be able to write TWO posts tomorrow, and soon be back to holding myself to 4 blog posts a day one day soon. :0)

Take good care.

Linda

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February 27, 2025 · 11:21 am

“Ch-ch-ch-ch-anges…”

Elizabeth Westfall-Pinterest

I am still among the land of the living and am finally feeling strong enough to try to get one blog post written this morning.

There are lots and lots of changes going on around here, due to the sudden events of the past 2 weeks or so. I appreciate your bearing with me on things I’m having to do differently as I adapt.

To summarize the events of February, my husband and I both were diagnosed with Flu A (husband flu plus pneumonia. Me flu plus bronchitis.) at our walk-in clinic on the 6th. The doc there strongly suggested I go to the ER due to low blood oxygen. We went home and I called a friend, who drove me to the ER. I was admitted there, transferred to the ICU, had two operations in three days due to my heart stopping beating, one for a temporary pace maker and the other for a permanent one. I was released on the 12th.

I asked our son to come home from across the world from us. He dropped everything and traveled 24 hours to get here. He has handled all the cooking, cleaning, medications, animals, taking care of us beautifully. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without him.

We are both improving very slowly. I am on oxygen, but am trying to wean myself off of it as I can.

Yesterday our new bed came and the fridge guy came to look at the ice maker in the new fridge. The bed will be fine, though we both need to do some adaptation. The tech ordered a part for the fridge, so that will be handled eventually, too.

The most impactful thing from all of this is that my husband and I have always planned carefully for future scenarios, not wanting to be caught flat footed. We honestly hadn’t thought about the fact that I could croak first. This has upended everything. We also never planned for both of us to be sick at the same time, and that upended anything that was left. I have to admit I am rocked down to my core on this one. I could handle being the survivor, but I seriously worry about my husband’s ability to function by himself.

This will take a lot of thinking and replanning, and possible scenarios we never even considered before.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read all of this. I hope to be able to get back to the regular blog posts starting tomorrow. I’m trying to give myself some slack, though, since I tend to give out at the slightest effort, and will need to work to build my stamina again.

Meanwhile you’ve been on my mind and I hope you’re doing well.

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February 18, 2025 · 1:05 pm

Day Of Celebration

Brenda Beaudet-Gaba-Pinterest

Good afternoon. Just one message to you today – if you’re reading this, thank you!

My life since the 6th has been a scary one – dignosis of both my husband and I at the walk in clinic in Greenwood of (Flu A with pneumonia with my husband and with Flu A with bronchitis for me.) My blood oxygen level was so low at the clinic the doc there insisted I go to the ER in Ft. Smith. My friend Carla took me because my husband was way too sick. From the ER, I was admitted to the hospital because of my labs and symptoms. 3 days later I woke up with a group of nurses around my bed, asking if I was “all right.” They told me then that I had techically died several times that night, my heart simply stopping for several seconds each time. They arranged a transfer to ICU, where in the middle of the night I received a temporary pacemaker. 3 days after that I received a permanent pacemaker. I was released home on the 12th.

My husband is home, too, and is making good progress after a 14 day course of antibiotics.

When our son asked if we wanted him to come home from across the world from us, I selfishly said, “yes.” He has been here, taking wonderful care of us for a few days now.

I am on antibiotics, steroids, stopped several of my regular meds until further notice.

Yesterday at my follow up primary doc’s office, I simply collapsed trying to stand long enough for a chest x-ray. As of yesterday afternoon, I am on oxygen. I can now breathe for the first time since being released, (maybe a slight exxageration) and I slept for the first time. Breathing should not be underrated. I enjoy doing it a lot, but prefer it not to hurt and to get enough not being afraid I’ll faint. )It was fabulous last night to be able to lie back and really relax, getting the air I need, shut my eyes without nausea and then panic panting trying to catch my breath over and over all night long.

I am definitely in celebration mode here. Happy and relieved that my husband is a bit stronger each day. Relieved and grateful to Carla who dropped everything to get me where I needed to go. Delighted our son is here, taking good care of us, and able to concentrate on being happy I am alive to type.

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February 7, 2025 · 8:35 am

Still Alive, but in Hospital

Quick note. I am in here until further notice. I have FlA, bronchitis, shortness of breath, low blood oxygen. I went to the emergency room yesterday and they admitted me to the w. I have no clue what the plan is. They are giving me breathing treatments. I ate last night for the first time since last Thursday I will try to send messages

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February 4, 2025 · 8:37 pm

Health? Update

Orange Dots-Bandcamp

We are still a mess. We spent most of the day coughing, trying to sleep, coughing…. I also had waves of a cough, then getting really short of breath. We dug out some Theraflu, since we seem to be past the sore throat stage now and into the just coughing one. We managed to make and eat some soup this afternoon, and that was it for the day. Hopefully, the antibiotics will bring us back to life a little at a time. Meanwhile, we’ve made a pact that we won’t ever both be sick at the same time.

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