Back to The Bend

This morning we loaded the last bits and pieces onto the RV. We are ready for a road trip!

I took off in the car as I had a morning appointment with a podiatrist in Brooksville, about 45 minutes from our home. He's in the same practice as the hand surgeon. 

The Mister dealt with the last dribs and drabs, locked everything up, and turned south in the RV. 

There happens to be a Hobby Lobby store a few miles from the podiatrist, and I was a wee bit early, so I ran in to get a painting canvas for a project.  I hope to get it finished this week. I'll share then. 

The podiatrist wasn't very encouraging. I was hoping for something beyond, "Arthritis is the cause of your pain." I was hoping to hear, "Oh, I have an easy fix!" He had me purchase orthotics that he feels are the most supportive, and gave me a list of recommended shoes (the Hoka sneakers I wear daily are on his list. We talked about injections. I've had them a few times with varying results. I'm willing to try again and will probably do so in a few weeks. The doctor mentioned two possible surgical solutions, but at this point in time I'm hesitant - I think the arthritis is more extensive, and fixing one area won't provide enough relief for the entire foot/ankle.

After leaving the office I continued south and stopped by the solar electric company to make our final payment on the system they have just installed. In this coming new year we will be getting most of our power from solar panels on the roof of our barn. 

I continued further south and had smooth sailing until I reached the Sarasota area. Traffic was snarled. I could only drive in first or second gear, with constant starts/stops. It was all very annoying and tiring.  The Mister was a few miles behind me in the motorhome and we occasionally chatted on our cell phones (whined about the traffic). 

Just before Venice, FL, traffic cleared, but at this point I hopped off the Interstate to stop in and see a friend of ours. I set my timer for 20 minutes. I enjoyed a brief respite to the trip. It was great to see her...and of course, I didn't think of taking pictures! 

The Mister got ahead of me at this point, and beat me to RiverBend Motorcoach Resort near LaBelle, FL We rented a friend's lot and will be here for a week. We used to own a lot in this resort, and have always loved it here. 

 I took the girls out for a walk when we arrived, and later before bed time. 

There are a lot of good smells around, they tell me!