We kept pushing back the departure date until there came a point when we just couldn't wait another day., We pulled out of the driveway of150 Lombard at 10:10 on 10/10/10 and hauled a truckload of belongings to the dealer in Los Banos, all ready to begin the retirement. It was very difficult for me to leave San Francisco after 36 years (Marco's farewell CD of Tony Bennett only made it more poignant - but Thank You, Marco) so Al had to deal with tears, which seem to be subsiding as I become accustomed to this new life.
Monday we were just getting settled when the call came that Giano, Al's third child, second son, (32) was in a very serious motorcycle accident so we returned to the city for a week. He is still in ICU at Marin General and most of his damaged body parts have been repaired, (tib/fib fracture, fracture on C2 with a torn ligament between C1 and C2, along with lots of scrapes and bruises) so now we're all hoping that his brain will recover as well. At this point there have been little signs of cognitive responses, but everyone is optimistic that he will return soon - maybe minus the need-for-speed. Thank you for all the kind wishes and prayers for his recovery. We'll be going back home for Thanksgiving - or before, if Giano begins to show more indications of awakening.
On Tuesday, Oct 19, we went back to Los Banos to learn how to work all the bells and whistles on the RV. Thursday, Oct 21 we followed the driver to Reno, where we took official delivery (out of California) and spent a few days there getting all the nooks and crannies organized. The Reno fun included time spent with Al's cousins, Tom and Sandy Combs and Vicki and Neil Johnson. We found out that our Little House survived quiet well in strong winds and temps in the teens, all snug and cozy. After many trips to Lowes, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, we managed our first solo trip as far as Beatty NV. Al impressed me with his driving confidence because the thing seems enormous to me. Beatty is on the Eastern edge of Death Valley, so Thursday was spent driving through and among sand and rocks and dessert plants. Badwater is 282 ft below sea level, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Where was Al Gore for that global warming episode?
On to Las Vegas - did you know that there is a KOA RV campground behind Circus Circus, right on the Strip? Now you do. Jackie and Rob (my sister and BIL) joined us for a couple days of eating way too much.
We're learning so many things - about the mechanics of the RV, living in a small space, being together all day, every day, and having a great time!
Next time I'll learn how to add photos. Maybe. I need a kid around.
