A New Direction

Marc has put the Chili’s gig behind him forever. His company just didn’t seem to understand that working long shifts continuously with no time off is not conducive to a productive and long-term employee. Once the plantar fasciitis brought on by the long hours got so bad Marc could barely walk, he figured he had better call it quits before it required surgery. We wrapped it up in Los Banos and headed to Bend.

My family here is doing well and it’s been great to get a break from the heat and stressful lifestyle that we left behind in California. I don’t think we’ve ever been so happy to leave behind such a marginal RV park; where we were stuck next to a homeless family of three living in a 12 foot trailer, where daily we got to witness their grey water just running out the side of the trailer and overheard their constant, vicious, foul-mouthed arguments. Even though it was only about 550 mile trip, we broke it into two days and boondocked in the mountains just outside the gorgeous, looming, and mysterious Mt. Shasta.

We don’t have any set plans but intend to be in Bend for at least 6-8 weeks. Marc, taking his time, has started playing handyman for my mother’s fix-it list; most recently her ancient car. Given that parts are no longer available he is not sure he can keep it safely running so she could face having to purchase another. Given that she will only be driving perhaps another year or two at most, this is not an easy thing to contemplate on her restricted income. 

We’ve had very poor internet connection here off our air card but have ordered DSL which is to be installed on Friday so that will help to keep us entertained and happy!