~ I still have as of this very minute, 687 emails in my inbox to deal with. Some are very important but most require a reply that I have no time for. Two blockages by banks and a credit card have been over the top to deal with. In fact I have yet to go thru all the notes that I took while in the hospital on other issues of which I am certain some are important. My family just found out two days ago about the stroke. Much as I want to contact you all I just can’t.
The girls take turns being on Colin’s lap. 24/7! They change out every 5 -6 hours. They know something is not right and love their Dad! Carlie is licking Colins wrist here.
~ I am now sleeping in the same sheets for 30 days, who wants to come and help me change my bedding? I am not capable of doing it on my own. I am still having trouble just getting in and out of the RV.
~ waiting for tropical storm Alvin. It has been cloudy since we woke up. Just in the past hour it is darkening. Light winds and at one point we had a mini Maui shower.
~ Octavio is pleased with Colins progress in the past 36 hours. Not quite back to where he was before his relapse. But to me Colin is looking more like his old self today.
~ 4:30PM and almost done my daily chores, have another poop pick up and trash run. Have to lock the gate which I hate as it is so rusty but it needs to be done. Only two visitors today but tomorrow we are expecting six!! Once Dallas delivers the pizza tomorrow afternoon I plan to lock the gate until Monday morning. Wish I had more keys to hand out to people who come in daily, would make my life easier. No one does key cutting here on the Isla.
~ just an FYI, someone asked about us driving at night in Mazatlan & someone else about daytime driving – once we move to Las Jaibas. Neither of us will be driving, I can’t because I can’t see properly and Colin can’t make his right foot or ankle move so he can’t drive. For that matter he is unable to play the guitar. At least he now has his speech back.
~ I don’t understand why so many are telling us to go back to Canada? Please explain that to me! Okay so yes we would have to hire someone to drive the RV back. Colin would have to fly as it too much of a drive for him at this point. So who sets him up in the empty house we have back in Kelowna. Who would look after him. All of our things and that is everything we need to live and function with, are in the RV. Then who would unload all of that and re set up a home there. Neither of us ( Colin’s primary decision ) want to live there. We love living in this RV – even if he can’t drive it anywhere – we love our location. We still would need help buying groceries and getting transportation to a medical appointment. Then there is the medical system. My very special friend in Kelowna has waited close to 2 full years for knee surgery. Sadly this is the new Canadian system, we used to be known for our medical care, no longer. Here I can text a doctor and have him call us immediately. No wait to see a cardiologist or a neurologist, medical tests done right away. A top notch physiotherapist for only $40.00CAD per one hour visit who brings the equipment needed here to us. Blood work done here in the RV for only $20.00 CAD for that service. Our own doctor coming to visit us here – tomorrow – for only $43.00CAD for the visit. If we don’t want to go back why should we go? How will it make our life better?
All packed up for the storm and for the move to Las Jaibas.
Anything left will go into the RV or the Jeep. Except for the 38 plant pots….they will stay.
~ yes we have some unusual challenges such as the power being cut last Wednesday- because someone forgot to ay the electrical bill! It was back on within a few hours. The water truck stopped delivery because they thought we had gone – easily rectified.
Ciela does her own thing during the day but is glued to Colin at night.
~ still waiting for the storm. Enjoying the cooler ( still hot and sticky but much more pleasant ) breezes!
This the very special sunset that I missed last night. Colin was right – he said that Dallas would be sure to capture it and he did. Gracis Dallas.
You have thought thru your current situation and made some very good decisions- be happy with what you have. I am sure all your friends are praying for you both and especially for Colin to continue to improve and get back, as much as possible, to where he was before the stroke. We can tell you that a positive attitude and a decision to work hard at recovery is extremely important. Ensure you take time for yourself as right now you are the ‘leader of the pack’.
Thank you Don! Trying to dine time for me…..when I have a personal moment I am posting an update or doing some replies like now.
The comments about returning to Canada show so much ignorance. You gain being in an English environment, but lose everything else you mentioned. Colin is getting and going to get much better medical care down here. I am looking forward to having you in town where you’re going to have fewer challenges and it will be easier to get help, but otherwise, I know you’re in the right place. *hugs to all four of you.
Your hugs means so much. Mille gracias. So special to actually have the doctor here today and for him to say that I only have to text him regarding anything. Oh and he speaks perfect English.
Contessa, hola, I’m so glad Colin continues to improve. Regarding your rusted gate…what about some WD-40 to the hinges ? Que bueno que todo esta listo para irse a ‘Las Jaibas’.
The problem is that the chain has rusted so I get dirty and rusty locking up at night and opening up in the morning. Probably not going to Las Jaibas for a few more weeks.
didn’t you buy a small golf cart type vehicle. there is plenty of parking at las jaibas, especially this time of year and it would be ideal to get to office and pool from your spot. – could even take it across the street to the beach. if you can see well enough for short trip.. I believe both restaurants at front of park – one seafood the other taco time have take out, forgot there is another little restaurant between oxxo and pharmacy, make good smoothies and food is good. glad colin continues to make progress. Hope you get your bank and card business settled soon. Think of both often. Tomorrow we are supposed to start getting rain from Alvin.
Great information as always Carol, thank you so much. We have no way to bring our UTV to Mazatlan. Neither of us could drive it right now and I don;t know that Colin could even get into it. I don’t he nor I will be using then pool. really looking forward to doing take out and great idea re the smoothie place. Colin needs to increase his proteins. Never got any rain.
Hi again Contessa, I love all the pictures of the beach, the flowers & your yard’s at the island; it has occurred to me that the reason some people suggest for U to go back to Canada is they are concerned about the language barrier you guys are encountering. You amigos have difficulty speaking Spanish & the vast Mexican population do not speak English; under normal circumstances this language barrier is not a mayor constraint but it is under this present situation. Praying for Colin getting back to his old self & for you to keep healthy.
Yes there is the language issue but trust me, we are picking up many new words daily plus there is always Google translate. I would rather have a language issue than no medical help.
“I would rather have a language issue than no medical help.” THIS.
It’s incredible to me that there are still Canadians who believe our healthcare system works! Let me tell you, it’ll be just like what happened with my mother — they’ll lose their family doctor and then learn what it’s been like for Gen Xers onward. It’s ugly and people are dying. There are so many professionals in Mexico who speak perfect English or have colleagues who do. As you settle in, you’ll find the support team you need. *HUGS*
Just thinking lots about you and Colin. Sending all my good vibes in this challenging time. You are both positive people. Lots of love and hugs.
Thank you Nancy. Your words mean a great deal to me and to Colin. Thank you for your special thoughts.
Don’t worry about your emails; you have likely have answered the questions in those emails through your blog. Take time to just relax!
Wish we were still there; we would certainly handle your sheets.
So glad Octavio is pleased with Colins progress, hope they soon determine the vitals. Amazing the doctor only charges $43cdn for the in-home visit. We were paying 700p when we went to the doctor’s office.
Know you both are constantly in our thoughts, take care of yourself too. Sending big hugs and positive vibes.
Contessa I am going to email you. let you know something that happened to Bill