Tuesday, October 18, through, Saturday, October 29: That's Life

Becky decided it was time to return to transferring utilities, credit cards, memberships, and subscriptions into her name.  It was like dialing for dollars.  Some of the challenges were the automated telephone systems.  There was never an option for DEATH of account holder!

Richard's brother, Bob, is having a very difficult time in the hospital.  He's at St. John's in Santa Monica.  They decided not to perform more surgeries.  But, he was moved to a critical care unit, and recently, intensive care.  His kidney's are not working well, so they are going to put him on dialysis. Bob is 81 years old. Darn, darn, darn!

This time of year, the national forest department initiates prescribed burns.  It thins out the dead branches and debris.  Unfortunately, a prescribed burn met heavy winds and it was smoky in Williams today.

Reverend James Baird, from San Marino Community Church, is officiating the Celebration of Life.  Becky and James met over the telephone today.  She had already sent him autobiography pieces and overviews of Richard's Life.  It was a very special phone meeting.

Thursday was an appointment in Flagstaff --- a facial with Sue Kelly.  Becky had hoped to run some errands beforehand, but realized she left her wallet at home.  But, she did stop at FedEx to give them the Celebration of Life file.  They are going to print the program. 

Becky's former associate, Linda Horowitz, helped Becky tremendously in enhancing the program look and feel.  Linda is a top notch marketing maven!

The program was ready the next day!

Friday night, Becky met up with Barb and Joe Clark.  Barb and Joe are friends from Thousand Trails and Pickleball enthusiasts.  The three of them decided to go to the Grand Canyon Brewery for dinner.  This brewery moved from a small venue in the historic part of downtown to this very large barn building --- across from the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park. 

The appetizers and beer were good, but there is a weekend band.  It was too difficult to talk.  So, they left and went to Kick's on Route 66.

Becky decided that she would stop by Camping World Saturday morning.  All of the salesmen were occupied, so the TJ, the Sales Manager, suggested she just go out on the lot and look inside the trailers.  And she did!

There was one trailer that caught her eye.  It was a Forest River trailer with two slides --- and a fireplace!  She came back into the sales office and met with salesman Richard.  Becky told Richard that she was interested in the trailer, but the important factor was trade-in value of her HUGE 5th wheel.  Richard collected information about the 5th wheel and met with TJ.  Great news!  They were going to exchange her five year old 5th wheel for a 2017 Surveyor trailer and receive a check back for $2,000.

All was very enticing.  Becky needed to go back home and walk the dogs for an hour.  As she drove up to her home, she saw her neighbor, Jay.  She asked Jay if he would to go back to Camping World with her, and see the trailer.  Jay and his wife, Connie, are frequent RVers.

Jay liked the trailer and Becky signed papers to purchase the trailer.

The HUGE 5th Wheel that Richard and Becky had since March, 2011, was a daunting piece of machinery for Becky.  One of her high school classmates, Stephanie Hunt Raffel, has the same 5th Wheel --- only one year older.  Stephanie and Joe have two homes --- one outside of Albuquerque and one in Desert Hot Springs.  So, they must always drive through Williams.  Becky found out that they would be doing the trek on Sunday.  So, Becky fed them fresh bagels and cream cheese, and Joe hooked up the RV and pulled it out of the RV barn.  Yeah!



Joe Raffel used to have trailers.  He said he had a trailer hitch and sway bar that would work well for Becky's new trailer.  So, Becky made arrangements to visit Steph and Joe in Desert Hot Springs on her way to Los Angeles.

Becky spent the rest of that day moving items out of the 5th Wheel.  She put it all in the garage.  Camping World was coming on Monday to pick up the "trade-in."

Chuck from Camping World came at 11:00am to get the 5th Wheel.  Becky was surprised that their was no sadness --- as she was ready to move on to life with the dogs and the Surveyor travel trailer.  That 5th Wheel was just too much for one person!

Later on that same day, Becky went to Camping World to sign all of the paperwork.  It was a relatively easy process.  She worked with Salesman Richard Bennett.  Since Becky was going to Los Angeles for the Celebration of Life, arrangements were made to have her take possession of the trailer on Thursday, November 3.  Becky is going to become an Arizona citizen in January.  They were also kind to extend the licensing deadline to January 22.  Very accommodating Camping World!

While Becky was on the road trip last month with her sister, Wendy, she was introduced to a fun product.  Becky eyed it at Camping World and bought one for herself.  It is called Poo-Pourri ---
before-you-go toilet spray!

Becky dropped the dogs off at Cinder Hills Kennel early Wednesday morning.  The kennel was all decked out for Halloween.

It was a 350 mile drive from Becky's home in Williams to the Raffel home in Desert Hot Springs.  Before heading down highway 95 to California, Becky completed her first diesel transaction at Pilot on her own.  The membership and fuel discount had always been a "Richard" job.  She was very proud of herself!

Becky arrived in Desert Hot Springs by 6:00pm.  Joe proceeded to show her the trailer hitch elements.  After driving almost six hours, Becky's brain was a little mushy, so she took photos on her phone.

Stephanie and Joe are so inclusive and easy to be around.  They had a delicious steak dinner together, and regrouped in the morning for eggs, bacon, and homemade potatoes from Stephanie's garden in New Mexico.

Once in Desert Hot Springs, the drive to Peter and Terry's home in San Gabriel was a breeze.  It was a two hour, 110 mile drive.

Terry and Peter were both at work when Becky arrived around noon.  She decided to get her fitbit steps in and walked several miles in the San Gabriel neighborhood.  It was there that she saw her first Clinton-Kaine yard signs.  No sight of these signs in Williams!

Peter was going to the Cal-USC game that evening at the LA Coliseum.  He was joined by Terry's mother, Dudley, who also went to Cal, and son Michael.  So, Becky and Terry walked two dogs around the block --- their dog and Dudley's dog.

Becky and Terry spent Thursday night hanging out and watching television.  It was a cozy evening with wine, cheese, fruit, and crackers.

Terry has an annual pass to the Huntington Library and Gardens.  It allows her to get into the gardens two hours before the public.  Becky and Terry had a wonderful one hour walk throughout the property. Many changes have been made since Becky was last there, but some was the usual classic.

Arrangements were made to see Sally Jo and Chris Benjamin, Pinky and Don Eastman, and Jackie and Denny Dexter for lunch at the Jonathan Beach Club.  Richard's brother Bob was still in the hospital and not making progress.  His wife Elise has been sending regular e-mails reporting on Bob's status.  Elise had originally offered to bring the table flowers.  She still said she would bring the flowers, with the help of friend Mara Hunter Redden.  But, Becky wanted a back-up plan too.  Sally Jo was bringing a variety of fake flower arrangements borrowed from her church.

On the way to the Jonathan Beach Club, Becky had the truck washed.  Don't want to be embarrassed at a private beach club!

The lunch at the Jonathan Beach Club was fun and well received.  Jackie was not feeling up-to-par, so Denny came solo. Chris, Don, and Denny were fraternity brothers of Richard's at UCLA --- Phi Kappa Sigma. At the end of the meal, a photo was taken of Becky with Richard (yellow bag of ashes) and his three fraternity brothers!

That night, Peter and Terry took Becky out to dinner at a Pasadena restaurant called Malbec.  It was delicious Argentine food.  Becky had her favorite, paella!  How delicious --- and thanks, Peter and Terry.

So the BIG DAY has arrived --- San Gabriel Country Club and Richard's Celebration of Life!  Becky was ready.  She put on her new outfit selected for the event, and headed over to the club.

The California Room setting was beautiful.  All 17 photo posters were set up in the room.  Donna and David set up the photo slide show.  The lovely buffet table flower arrangement was in place.  Guests started to arrive as early at 10:30am.  The official start-time was 11:00am with mingling, followed by the program.

Wow! Becky could not have asked for a better celebration!  The reverend was exceptional.  The people who spoke were perfect.  Meghan and Emily did IZ's "Over the Rainbow."  Amazing!  Jennifer's beautiful voice sang "Danny Boy" a capella.  The tone, the humor, the love, and the guests all brought together a real celebration of Richard's life.

There were over 130 guests from throughout Richard's life --- and Becky's too!  It was really an eclectic group --- but it seemed like everyone had a joyous and fun time.  Someone said it was more like a reunion!

After the celebration concluded, family members headed over to Peter and Terry's home.  It was fun having all the first cousins together.  Donna Haste, and her daughter Lindsey, even came in from Atlanta, Georgia!

At 6pm, a group of Bernstein, Ebbert, and Shelton family members met at El Cholo Mexican Restaurant in Hollywood.  El Cholo had been a neighborhood hang out in the 1983-5 time period for Richard, Becky, Donna, and Rick.  What fun to be back there again.  A great way to end the day's festivities.  Can you say margaritas???

The next morning, it was time to take the obligatory walk with Berkeley.  It was a beautiful morning in the neighborhood.

Thursday, October 6, through Monday, October 17: One Day at a Time

Ramsey's back legs have not been working properly.  He has had some difficulty jumping into the truck.  So, Becky took nine-year old Ramsey to the Williams Veterinary Clinic for a check-up.  Ramsey had to be sedated in order to be fully evaluated.  Dr. Jacoby took x-rays.

After evaluating Ramsey, Dr. Jacoby saw no evidence of deterioration in his spine, hips and legs.  He suggested that Ramsey be given some pain medicine for a week --- like a Tylenol product for dogs.  Done!

Friday was the day that Ray and his crew began trimming the Ponderosa pines on Becky's property.  They began with the trees near the house.  Then, on Saturday, worked on the other trees.  It was amazing watching their talent.  Climbing the trees --- going up 100 feet or so!

Ray suggested that one tree be taken out.  It had shared a root system with another tree that had been cut off at the base some years ago.  The root system was jeopardized and the tree might fall.  Don't need that!

Becky knew it was time to create a program for Richard's Celebration of Life.  She reached out to her former colleague, Linda Horowitz.  Linda had created a program for her mother's memorial service.  Linda is a marketing genius.  She did her mother's program from scratch!  Becky was not that talented.  So, she went on the internet, and found a Funeral/Memorial template for $19.99 --- nice!  Over the weekend, she worked on the program --- getting help from Donna and Rick.  Donna suggested better photos.  Thanks, Donna!

Sunday morning, it was evident that Libby was not feeling well.  She was throwing up and had diarrhea.  What is with these dogs?!?  Becky decided to call Canyon Pet Hospital in Flagstaff and get an appointment.  The earliest they could take her was 4:00pm.  So, Ramsey and Kelsey enjoyed walks with Becky while Libby rested.

So, at 3:00pm, Becky loaded Libby in the truck and they headed off to Flagstaff.  Unfortunately, Canyon Pet Hospital had had some emergencies and they were backed up.  So, Libby just hung out.

Becky and Libby met with Dr. Amstutz.  It was recommended that blood work and tests be administered.  An hour later, the veterinarian said that Libby had pancreatitis. This is a very painful disorder that can be treated, but she recommended that Libby be hospitalized.  She needed fluids and careful attention.  Can you say "cha ching, cha ching?"  Becky signed an authorization with estimated costs from $850.00 to over $1,200.00.  But, hey, what can you do?

Libby was in the hospital for two nights.  Canyon Pet Hospital was very diligent about calling and providing updates.

Becky had a wonderful pedicure with Corey in Williams.  Corey and her husband have been planning to move to St. John's in the Caribbean.  Their house finally sold, and a woman has purchased Corey's manicure and pedicure business.  Bon Voyage!

The rest of the week, Becky worked on "Richard" matters --- cancelling credit cards, taking Richard's name off of subscriptions and memberships, etc.

Thursday morning, Becky walked the dogs and then she decided to drive 60+ miles down to the Costco in Prescott.  Becky found out that because Richard was the primary account holder on their Costco VISA card, that the account would have to be closed.  Costco customer service said that the best alternative for Becky was to go to a Costco Warehouse and apply for her own card.  Done!

Kelsey had her monthly anal gland procedure done at the Williams Veterinary Clinic.  While in the reception, one of Becky's Thousand Trails and Pickleball colleagues entered the office --- Joe Clark!  Joe and his wife Barb are in Williams for a week or so.  Joe sells advertising space for various RV Parks.  They are staying at the Circle Pines KOA.  Small world!

Becky gave Joe her personal business card and invited the two of them to come to her home over the weekend and enjoy an adult beverage or two.

It was now time to begin the process of creating photo poster boards for Richard's Celebration of Life.  Becky decided on nine themes --- The Early Years, UCLA, Family, Friends, Travel, Christmas Cards, A 30+ Year Love Story, Activities & Fun, and Being Himself.  She had purchased 20 poster boards in Flagstaff and it looks like all will be used!

Saturday was a good mail day.  Transamerica sent Becky the $5,700+ trip insurance claim check for the cancelled France cruise. Yeah!  That will help pay for Richard's Celebration of Life event at San Gabriel Country Club on Saturday, October 29.

Becky found out that Richard's brother, Bob, had surgery on a disc in his back.  She knew that he and Elise were trying to get this scheduled.  Unfortunately, it is not healing properly and further surgery is scheduled.  Bob has been in the hospital for almost a week.  Darn!

Barb and Joe Clark called Becky.  They are coming over to Becky's home on Sunday.  Joe is allergic to dogs, so a patio get together it is!  Earlier in the day, Becky vacuumed and cleaned the marble floors.  She even took all the dog beds and crates and cleaned them!

Photo boards project completed!  There are 16 of them.  They will be great at the Celebration of Life.

Saturday, September 24, through Wednesday, October 5: Moving Forward

Becky's sister, Wendy, leaves this evening, aboard the westbound Amtrak Southwest Chief.  Since it is coming from Chicago, it often loses time.  In the meantime, Becky and Wendy walked the dogs through the neighborhood.  Look, Wendy has all three for a photo opportunity!

With the uncertainty of when the train will reach Williams, Wendy and Becky started a jigsaw puzzle.  The theme of this puzzle is candy wrappers!

For a special treat, filet mignon steaks were purchased for Saturday's dinner.  Becky cooked her steak at rare, and she then placed it on the counter.  She then went back to the grill to make Wendy's medium rare.  In few minutes, Becky and Wendy caught Ramsey with Becky's steak in his mouth.  He ate it whole, like a python eating a mouse!  It was incredible!  They called Ramsey "beef boy" the rest of the evening.  He was comfortable sleeping away in his crate.

Wendy's Amtrak train was over 90 minutes late.  Becky dropped her off at the Grand Canyon Railroad Hotel lobby at 10:45am.

The next morning, Wendy texted Becky.  Her train did not get into Union Station until 9:30am.  Usually, the train makes up the delayed time.  Not this Sunday!

While on the sisterly road trip, Becky turned off the backyard water feature.  It is the season for pine needles.  So, Becky spent some time in the afternoon picking up pine needles --- so that she could start the water falls again.

The rest of Sunday was beginning the process of preparing the Evite invitation for Richard's Celebration of Life.  Becky also began inputting e-mail addresses for the electronic invitation.

Monday was time to read all the sympathy cards sent to Becky's Williams address.  So far, 51 cards.  How very special.  Becky also finalized the Evite invitations --- 119 in all.  It will be fun seeing the responses over the next few weeks.

On Tuesday, Becky drove to Flagstaff.  She took Ramsey with her, but left Kelsey and Libby at home.  First on the agenda, was to go to Dr. Mathern's office.  Dr. Mathern was Richard's oncologist.  He has not yet responded to Becky's September 8th letter asking that he complete an attending physician's form.  Becky and Richard had to cancel their October trip to France.  The trip insurance company requires certain documents to process a claim.

While in Flagstaff, Ramsey started throwing up in the back seat of the truck.  The "beef boy" episode from Saturday night already created a diarrhea scenario.  Becky called the Williams Veterinary Clinic.  They suggested that she get in touch with a Veterinary Hospital in Flagstaff.  So, Becky called Canyon Pet Hospital. 

They could not see Ramsey until 3pm.  Becky drove back to Williams, picked up Kelsey and Ramsey, and returned to the Pet Hospital.  Ramsey's appointment was with Dr. McKenna.  Lab work and x-rays were taken.  All appeared normal, except that Ramsey had a lot of gas in his stomach.  He was given pills for his nausea symptoms, gas, and put on a bland diet.

FedEx had called.  Richard's large photo for the Celebration of Life was ready to be picked up.  Done!

Ramsey is feeling better.  For the next week or two, Becky is fixing three different bowls of dog food for each.

Becky picked up several medium Priority Mail boxes.  She completed the project of mailing 1/3rd of Richard's ashes to Donna, and 1/3rd of Richard's ashes to Rick.

Thursday was another trip to Flagstaff.  Dr. Mathern's office had the paperwork completed to submit to the trip insurance company.  Becky's own version of fall, it a red maple in front of her Williams home.

Joey, from Summit Spa, came out on Friday to replace two broken spa jets.  Then, Becky refilled the spa with fresh water.  She is looking forward to a nice hot spa in a day or two.

On Saturday, friends from the Grand Canyon, Dorthy Westmoreland and Nancy Charette, came to visit Becky, see the Pinehurst home, and enjoy some chicken curry salad for lunch.  It was a fun visit.

Since the road trip with Wendy, Becky has been thinking about trading in the HUGE 5th wheel and getting a smaller trailer for her and the dogs to enjoy.  So, she packed up the dogs, and headed for Affinity RV in Prescott.  She also called Stephanie and Joe Hap.  Since they live in Prescott, perhaps the three of them could meet for a late lunch.

Becky met with salesman, Clint Eastvold, at Affinity RV.  She really liked the 28 foot Lance trailer.  It was very high end and met the space needs of having three dogs.

She went home with paperwork to see how much Affinity RV would take as a trade-in for the Brookstone 5th Wheel.

Stephanie and Joe Hap suggested a late lunch in Chico Valley at Amora Italian Restaurant.  It fit the bill!

Monday morning was the day that Becky jumped into the spa --- with fresh, clean water and two new jets.  Delightful.

The dogs and Becky also drove the five miles to Kaibab Lake.  It will close to campers in a week.  Part of the day was also used to complete the Affinity RV Appraisal form, scan it, and e-mail it all back to salesman Clint.

Becky knew she wanted a new outfit for the Celebration of Life event later in the month.  So, she walked the dogs sufficiently and left them at home while she headed off to errands in Flagstaff.  It seemed that Chico's was a good place to start.  There is something interesting in being a size 0 in their weird way of sizing!  Normal stores would call it a 6-8 size.  A possible attire was found --- just add some heals, maybe?

On Wednesday, Affinity salesman, Clint, called back --- after reviewing the trade-in paperwork.  Becky had hoped that the trade-in would cover the cost of the new trailer.  Unfortunately, Affinity wanted an additional $10,000 to make the deal.  It was not the money, but Becky knew the luxurious 5th wheel was worth a lot more than what the dealership quoted.  So, this was a sign that no deal would be made.  Some disappointment, but Becky knows she can handle the 5th wheel with some practice in hitching it to the truck and learning the gray/black tank process.