Winterhaven, California, and St. Thomas Dental Clinic, Algadones, Day 20

It’s 230 am,  I woke at 130 having gone to bed at 830 after watching the delightful Cameron Diaz spy movie Back again and sharing  Barbecued chicken and microwave reheated wedgies with Madigan.

It was an exhausting day.  I was up early to walk Madigan around the Sleepy Hollow RV Park greeting the mourning doves and enjoying the dry hair with just a slight chill.  The wind was down and sun out.  The sun has been out most days I’ve been here.  No rain but some bits of clouds.  There’s border patrol helicopter and marine jets in the air as well.

My appointment in Algadones Mexico at St. Thomas Clinic was at 930 am.  The  California Pacific Times was  was 930 in Winterhaven California’s Sleepy Hollow but in Algadones Arizona Mountain time it was 830.  Mara, the administration, a lovely young woman proficient in English and Spanish explained what would be done. Then the female dentist also bilingual did a thorough examination and discussed it with on the male dentists I recognized from before. I think he must be a co owner.  Another couple did the cleaning then she prepared the lower left jaw with anesthetic.  Painless. I needed two root canals and crowns as well as a cavity addressed. In addition I needed some front crowns.  The fellow came in and did the upper post I believe. I was there till noon with one bathroom break. I am to come back this morning again.

When I left I just wanted to get home to Madigan who was alone in the camper. The trouble was that on Friday afternoon the line up to leave was too the hill and took three quarters of an hour to get to the border where thankfully the US customs fellow essentially waved me through when I told him I had nothing to declare and had just been there for dental work.  I gather this is common. Aldagones has the greatest density of top Mexican dentists used by Canadian and American Snow birds.

I have a great dentist in Canada,  The cost is definitely 4 to 5 times higher than in Mexico.  This year because the Canadian money after years of Trudeau was so weak it probably was only a third of the cost of Canadian equivalent.  However for me the gain is that I routinely get sick after dental work in the north in winter. I think it’s because I’m run down or the flu or whatever but I simply don’t get the bacterium is and flu like follow up illness that goes with even the least dental cleaning in the north. In the dry and on vacation I get the work done and recovery without a respiratory infections that lasts a couple of days. I don’t think it has anything to do with the excellent antiseptic surgery in the north but rather my personal stress. I invariably lose a few days of work in addition to the actual dental visit.  I also feel horrible with the respiratory illness.

Since Covid I’ve been anxious about respiratory illnesses. Apparently I got TB as a fly in doctor in the north.  Certainly I was exposed to it most days of my work but it was only discovered when I worked in the US and had an X-ray followed by a year of TB antibiotics.  Annually I’ve had a flu or bronchitis and couple of bouts of mild pnueomonia requiring antibiotics from the decade of smoking.  When I was in Delhi the year of Covid the air was so bad , horrid smog, daily stay in doors warnings that when I caught a ‘cold’ I was really sick. I was in Bombay and literally couldn’t get my breath, It was like the time when I was under the reef scuba diving and my air ran out.  Quite terrifying.  Thankfully in Bombay I could get doxycycline and Zithromax and a whole lot of tea and orange juice. I was able to get over the worst in a couple of feeling like death days before flying home masked.  

It’s not really the dental surgery in Canada but the ‘cleaning’.  The dentist who repaired my tooth which chipped in the fall and my own dentist when he’s done a procedure haven’t left me sick. What occurs though is that several appointments are needed spaced over a few weeks whereas here the labs and aeveryone are dedicated for the tourists so that root canals and crowns are done in a couple of days. I even heard one man flying in who would have his root canal done in the morning and the crown in the afternoon so he didn’t have to stay in Yuma overnight.  That’s the streamlined efficient nature of the practice of the whole town dedicated to this service.

Unfortunately customs slows the works but I did get home to a happy dog at 130 and was able to attend my on line cyberdoc meeting.  Then after a short walk I loaded Madigan on the back of my Vespa in his box and headed out to find a microwave. I normally microwave vegetables when I barbecue steaks. I also like microwaved meat and chicken pies and use it for reheating.  I missed it and decided since I bring out my tv from storage to use I could have a microwave I could set up to use too.  There’s no room for it in the small space in the camper.  

I didn’t take the freeway but used the backwoods road not wanting to carry a microwave home on the Vespa at high speed. The backwoods road was interested.  Beatiful scenery along the river, ducks and geese, a road runner, and then the agricultural acres and workers outside the little Yuma suburb of Winterhaven proper.  The fellow at the first appliance store recommended Walmart as he only had large ones like at Home Depot.  The smallest i could find on line is a Whirlwind 5 cu size but it seems .7 cu is the lowest available. That’s what Walmart had. They started at $60 and this retro .7 Gallanz Robin egg blue was just too adorable to pass on. It was also quite light and at $80 I wouldn’t feel too bad if I didn’t keep it but rather gave it away after this year.  I’m that way with kitchen appliances. There’s use justifies them because it helps with home cooking and the cost of eating out is prohibitive. I’ve had a variety of tools like ice cream makers and bread makers and such that survived a limited time but the savings in eating in rather than eating out and the variety that is the spice of life warranted the cost.

I took Madigan into Walmart with me by taking him in the box he rides the motorcycles on and putting it all in the buggy. He was along for the ride.  I had my microwave and I restocked my refrigerator.  The Vespa does carry. Unfortunately the microwave wouldn’t fit between my legs and I had to bungee it to the front rack creating a significant wind issue.  Still I could drive home with my back case full of groceries, Madigan behind me in his doggie designed carrier box and the microwave sticking way ahead on the rack.  I had to keep at 45 miles an hour on the back road and even then the wind was brutal at times. Again the Friday line up at the border resulted in an extra 3/4 hour delay. I did succeed in by passing the traffic riding on the gravel ridge beside the road but it was dicey in the loose sand with the unbalanced bike.  I did spurts of progress and hurried my return.

The sun set over the mountain as I got home.  That lead to the comfort food and evening with Cameron Diaz, barbecue chicken and store wedgies I reheated in the charming little microwave.  Exhausted I fell asleep at 830 only to wake at 130.  I take comfort in learning that medieval folk often had a break in the night and monks wake at midnight to do prayers. I tried to return to sleep but after an hour have got up again. For sleep hygiene it’s best not to make the bed a battle ground.  If you are not back to sleep in 1/2 to 1 hour best to get up.  I’m also amused because the Facebook joke said being adult is being tired all the time and then not being able to sleep. Certainly that happened to me last night.  The excitement and stress of the dental procedure for sure. It was a full day and I’m contented.  I really am. It was a good day. An adventure.  Self care.  That’s important. I don’t do that sort of thing often.  I’m good with homes and equipments and caring for others but these dental events and trips to chiropractors and such are a reprieve that seem essential. Because I am tired. I’m wearing down at times but this escape to the south and sun and dry air revives me. I fear pneumonia , the old man’s friends and were I to retire I’d just do the same , live in Canada 10 months of the year and come south for 2 months . The outstanding issue this trip is whether I’ll go on to Mexico as planned.  Staying here on the border hasn’t been costly and it’s been so convenient with being able to walk across to Mexico.  

Thank you Jesus.  Thank you God. Thank you Holy Spirit. Three in one.  Jesus Christ. God within, God will come again. 

South for Sun , Day two, evening. 46.07/124.10, Alder Dune Campground off HW 101 Oregon

It’ day 2 in the evening.  I’ve driven from Astoria to this campground along the Oregon beaches about an hour south Newport and an hour north of Coos Bay.  I stopped at the Walmart in Newport and have an AT &T red iPhone SE with excess data for US and Mexico.  I’ve not even tried to use my Hamm Radio or the Sat Phone.  I’m pleased with this phone and plan just like last year with T Mobile.  I’ll stoop at Apple most likely in LA and get things sorted out.  

I’ve just loved the great waves. It reminded me of my coming down from the Columbia River in the SV GIRI, my 39.9 ft 13 ton  steel sailboarta day ,after a hurricane went through. The fishermen advised me to wait a day saying it takes that long for the sea to settle.  I didn’t and went out in these great waves like I’ve witnessed today.  My antennae broke off at the top of the mast and threatened 4to do more damage so I climbed the mast to fasten it down. Despite being on autopilot going forward slowly the ship was rolling from side to side.  I could have reached out and touched the water on each roll. I was glad to quickly fix the problem with bungee cords.  

Coos Bay was where we put in the first time going south because the exaust separated from the engine with the vibration.  The whole for the cabin filled with smoke and was terrifying till we realized there was no fire.  We fixed the exhaust in Coos Bay and carried on. I’ve a soft spot for these harbours as a consequence.

Now I’m enjoying my camper and truck with the Vespa on the front. I’ve yet to use that. Once I’m in one place for a while I will.  This morning I was up at 530 and on the road at 700.  We stopped or Macdonalds egg sausge bun.  Madigan doesn’t like sausage like he likes burger but will eat it if I chop it into little pieces and hand feed him.

The fellow just came by to collect camping fee. $31 .I only had American $20.  First cash I’ve used.  Each day I’ve  put $100 in the tank and spent $20 on food a coffee. I’m using my supplies from the fridge and cupboards.  

It’s continued to rain though I had some dry parts in the day.  Low hanging clouds.

I phoned Laura and left my new number on her answering service .  

I had poor Starlink coverage because of obstruction, I’m right under a fir tree, and the heavy rain. I’ll have to pay taxes when I have a better connection. I downloaded a few kindle books.  I only had the Renaissance history which I am enjoying but I’m looking forward to the naval historical fiction.  I’m rather mentally exhausted at the end of the day.  Building up stamina.  A lot of concentration.  It was especially nerve racking the first couple of hours in the dark with the rain.  So much is weather.  

The two hours waiting at Walmart was an expertise in patience but well worth the effort. I worried about Madigan in the camper in the parking lot but he was okay and happy to see me happy when I returned.  Enrique took care of all the paper work and number insertion with the cell phones. What a todo.  I’d have hated to do it myself if I even could.  I agree with Elon Musk there is way too much government regulation.Part of the problem was being Canadian and trying to get a phone in the US but i had no such difficulty buying a phone in Greece. The only difficulty there was it was programmed in the language and I made some mistakes guessing at what a message meant.

Now I’m tired. Laura texted me she had steak and has gone to bed. I fried up potatoes the way my dad liked them with a shallot and smokies chopped up , all fried in butter with mustard salt and pepper and very tasty. 

Madigan had a bowl of his Tikki France wet food.  I had to get him new water. The water I’d had in the truck must be stale because he wouldn’t drink it. He’s fine with the tap water in the camper and the new Spring water.  He’s been a really good boy cuddling up beside me on the trip down.  

Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord of All.

I really enjoyed trying out my new 3200i Honda Generator.  I powered the Starlink and charged all my devices. I had locked to the stairs but put everything way so I can get away easy in the morning. I can make stove top espresso too.  It’s a good day. Thank you. 

Bonita Mesa RV Camp, Yuma

I slept in only getting up at 9 am.  The sun was up and the air was dry.  Lovely.  Groggily I walked Madigan praying in my mind to the off leash desert area. Madigan met three other little dogs and pooped.  I cleaned it up with a doggy bag dropped it in the bin by the gate back into the compound.  

 I made instant oatmeal with milk and honey, having it with Greek blueberry yoghurt and espresso coffee.Thus fortified I headed out to T mobile following the directions the tech had given me the evening before. I input everything into my truck gps destination finder.

A lovely young sales girl who spoke Spanish and English like so many do here had impressive false eyelashes and a very pretty face. She was totally professional as I explained my problem with the Telus easy roam.  Days I’d not been able to call out and concluded I needed a back up especially after getting instant access to the T Mobile tech service which a weekend and two seriously days lapsed before I spoke with a Telus human who was excellent.  I gather there’d been an AI revolt because all I’d been able to reach were the Borg or Hal or some combination of them.  Hearing the voice of a Telus Human I concluded the humans won this round. I’d encountered a similar problem unable to get tech support in 2018.  

Having a back up phone was an obvious solution especially as my satellite phone was refusing to work in Yuma giving me a message that something was needed doing now I was no longer in Canada. I remembered having the phone overseas and encountering a similar problem with Iridium.

T Mobile was great.  I bought the latest version of the Apple IPhone SE half the price of my skookum Apple 15 max pro.  This phone works in my camper whereas my other phone has intermittent coverage in the camper. This phone also seems to work on WiFi too.  I was so happy to be able to phone patients and pharmacies again and return calls on my voice mail.

After the T Mobile stop with new phone and a pay as I go plan I left Madigan in the truck with water and the ceiling roof open. I was on a mission and the local Walmart had just the little electric espresso machine I wanted.  I used a stove top expresso machine camping but I’m not moving anywhere for a month or more so don’t have to worry about stowing weekend to weekend. It sits proudly now on the counter beside the little electric kettle. The Ethiopian Yergicheff espresso never tasted better. Tonight I had lemon and ginger tea like I loved in Paris.  

I also found a really fine chair that has lounging and sitting up position so I could actually work with it or sun tan. I love it.  I’d left the old one at home and now have a new army green one I tried out for comfort. It passed with A plus’s. I also git new cleans sheets and pillow cases thinking of Laura joining me in a couple of days.  It’s been a stowing nightmare and I believe I have sheets and pillow cases in the bedroom cupboards but it’s easier to buy some new ones.

On the way home I gave a guy on the side of the road my old TV.  I’ts only a few years old and working with all the tech but the new one has a crispier view, is half the weight and interfaces with all the other tech and the satellite.  I asked the guy if he wanted one and he said sure with enthusiasm glad to get the gift which would likely sell for 20 to 40 dollars if he didn’t keep and use himself. My new one was only a $150 about , the Best Buy Insignia Smart TV which was all set up for Prime and Apple and Netflix the services I had back home and now have here. 

Last night I watched this series’s along the line of Sons of anarchy but this was CIA agents who were saving the world like 007 but after a party in Vegas with girl sex boy sex sex and more sex, a camel and LSD and gratuitous violence.  I kept watching and realised it was a mind pollutant but I’ve been eating fast food for a few days and the tv pixels really made great viewing. The audio was really clear too which helped with the growing deafness.

I want to go to Mexico to get hearing aids and back ups and more glasses. I want to have my teeth cleaned . Dr. Lovely is the greatest dentist in the world in New Westminster but I always get sick after teeth cleaning and generally fear dental work since Covid. Here the heat and dryness and the ability to lie in the sun on my new lounge chair makes the option okay.  Besides Laura’s the type of girl that thinks being taken to a dentist on vacation is a better date than dinner out.  I actually think the attraction for her is Madigan and sunshine as well as time away from angry patients .  I do enjoy her company and sm so looking forward to seeing her in only two sleeps.  I tell Madigan Laura’s coming and now he’s smiling in his sleep

I guess blogging is journaling. It helps memory and is calming and reviewing 

The Jets from the Marine Base have flown over several times. In Vancouver I had the trains frequently.  These are infrequent but spectacular.  

I was reading about Yuma and reminded of the greatest of great western movies 3:10 to Yuma.  Wrote Laura and said we should have a tv movie night and watch it. She hasn’t seen it and is game.

Time to crawl into bed.  I’m having great dreams but still waking around 3 am.  I get back to sleep again but it can take time,  I feel the hot and dry is healing.  I bought carrots to chomp on watching tv . Carrots are good for the lungs and stop me from bread and peanut butter , chocolates and such. My low back still hurts and I’m eating Robaxin and entrophen.  It’s not the sciatica I had last year but I may have time for manipulation or massage or acupuncture.  I mostly need to exercise more with the Foundation Exercies Gary recommended,  I’ve just driven 4 days so am doing pretty good. 

Now that I’ve solved the cell connection problem and I’m going to get caught up on patients and pharmacists calls I hope to be less harried.  I saw that I’ve 10 days holidays over Christmas with Laura and looking forward to that a whole lot.  Unwinding and relaxing.  I’ll be glad to be off the clock.  I’m really blessed .  

God is good all of the time. Thank you Jesus.