Molly

With our trip west, we started noticing changes in Molly, specifically her stools starting getting very liquid. We assumed that it was related to her tendency to get hyper with any new changes, which the trip west certainly was - a new "home" every night practically. When it didn't get any better and in fact got worse after we had been at Butterfield for a while, we decided to get help by taking her to the local vet - Benson Animal Hospital. We took her in the day before Thanksgiving and met with Dr Jo Valentine. She was very pleasant to deal with and offered us some things to do, specifically a prescription of Metronidazol which was an anti-biotic / anti- fungal treatment to rid her of anything that might have been affecting her digestive tract. She also took a stool specimen. Advised that it might be good if Molly had eggs added to her diet.  This course of treatment seemed to work for a while, but as soon as the 5 day prescription ran out, we were back to very loose stools again. After a few days we noticed that her abdomen started appearing "bloated".  We again called the vet in Benson and were lucky to get to take her right in. This time we saw Dr Ellen Grygotis. She was very pleasant to deal with. Her course of action was to do an x-ray to see "what was going on inside of Molly" as well as new blood work. The X-Ray confirmed what she suspected, which was that Molly's abdomen was filled with fluid- which meant she could not get a good look at what was going on. At this point, she could not determine what was going on, whether it was Liver related or some other thing. Her worst fears were that it could be a liver tumor. She recommended escalating and going to Specialist in Tucson to have an abdominal Ultrasound done. Mary called when we got back to the park and lucky for us, they had a cancellation of an appointment the next day and we could take advantage of that opening and go up. We did.

Off to Tucson and Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center and a visit with Dr Dawn Bachman.

Abdominal ultrasound on 12/10/14 revealed moderate ascites(fluid in the abdomen). Mild changes to the small intestines that can be associated with protein losing enteropathy. Lab work revealed low albumin. Based on her history, abdominal ultrasound, and lab work protein losing enteropathy(PLE) was suspected.  Molly was started on prednisone on 12/10/14.  Her attending doctor was Dawn Bachman. She wanted to see Molly again in a week to check progress. On 12/16 we headed back up to Tucson.  Examination findings:
Noted that she was quiet, alert, and responsive. We reported that her stools were starting to get back to normal. While still moist, they at least now have form instead of being completely liquid. She was noted to have generalized muscle wasting. She was noted to have a heart murmur. She had lost 1.4 lbs since last visit. Her blood pressure was normal. Her Albumin showed a mild improvement. All in all, Dr Bachman said she looks great. Decided  to continue with steroids, reduced blood pressure med, and recheck in 1 month or sooner if there are concerns.

We have both been impressed with Dr Bachman. What she has prescribed seems to be working. Molly is starting to act like her old self again, doing some of the things she used to do at home in Vt, like bringing a ball to play with, like barking at me if I wasn't paying sufficient attention to her. Hopefully we are on the right track, as this has been a trying experience, especially when we didn't know and could only suspect what her problem might be. The biggest worry we had was trying to figure out how we would deal with a serious problem. As it was, between the Vets in Benson, and the Vet in Tucson, we've spent in the area of $1500. We both know though, that she is definitely worth this.

Cochise Terrace

On monday, 12/1/14 we took the long trip from Butterfield to Cochise Terrace - about 5 miles and got settled in to spot # 251.

We are situated on the North side of the park and look down into Benson. After getting the trailer situated, i.e., level, hookups in place, chairs, mats, and table in place and flag up, we did some exploring. Checked out the Crows Nest and what it had to offer - other than showers, and laundry.

We are quite close, as this pic of our Airstream shows.

Exercise equipment

Mary giving one a try

At night we have a great view looking down in to the valley and seeing all the headlights of vehicles on I10 coming out of the Dragoon Mtns heading west into Benson. On tuesday morning, we were presented with a real treat at sunrise -

Sunrise from Cochise Terrace 12/2/14- looking East

Same day, looking West

On tuesday afternoon, we experienced our first Happy Hour in the Barn..... I met a couple from South Dakota(yes, they really were from SD) - Larry and Jeannie. Turns out he was a retired High School Chemistry teacher and I was quick to call him Walter(as in Walter White). He thought that was funny and told me about instance where he had to complete inventory of all chemicals he had on hand for FBI. Turns out he had an old, out-dated bottle of something that the FBI was very interested in. So interested, they had the bomb squad in to remove it.

Happy Hour at Cochise Terrace

Mary with new friends Cathy and Barbara

On wednesday, we hit the road - heading to Sierra Vista and Bank of America branch where I could use ATM machine to get some cash and then traveling back north a few miles to head over to Patagonia Lake State Park. We took advantage of our Coupon Book to get 1/2 off the admission price. Very beautiful park. We found the Marina and a picnic table and had a picnic lunch under the watchful eyes of a bunch of Coots......

Really a nice Park which we were told gets quite busy in late January/early February as a destination for migrating birds and bird watchers,i.e., Vermont Birder.

The Marina at PLSP

The bridge from Marina area to Visitors Center

Wrightson Mountain

Hopkins Mountain

The Visitors Center

We even found that fishing is pretty good on this body of water, and the proof is in the pictures.....

Boat rentals

An actual Bass Boat

A couple of fisherman coming back in to the Marina area

Another REAL Bass Boat!

Wishing I was Fishing.....

We met a couple near the Visitors Center who were fishing and had a nice talk with them about the area. On the way  out we heard this a..hole talking on cell phone from his campsite/trailer refer to us as we walked by as snowbird ilk. I was thinking of thanking him for the compliment but decided against it, because his next comment to his phone partner was to discuss an upcoming, local AA meeting. Figured he had enough of his own problems......


On the way out, we checked out the nice camping spots  and found the Birding Trail. Made mental notes that we needed to come back here. Mary for the birds and me for the fishing. Maybe even involve Ken & Judy from Butterfield.

When we got back to the Park late PM, it was time to get ready for the Park supper. Dinner of Pot Roast was being served at 6:00 in the Barn. Good meal. We met a few new people, Jim and Donna from South Dakota(yes, they were really from SD), and some new/old friends: Larry and Cathy and Greg and Pat. When the meal was done there was a Jam session - local musicians set up on the stage and played a variety of music- christmas, country, pop.....All in all, it was an interesting night.

Friday morning it was Coffee Hour in the Barn. Went up for the 9:00 session at 8:40 to beat the rush for donuts and found the place pretty full already but did manage to get our donuts. Interesting time and we even met some more new people - Ben & Bonnie(full timers from California near Sacramento, who own a lot here at the park), who told us about their upcoming trip to Quartzite. We have been thinking about heading there some time after we do the Solar upgrade on our Airstream and their insight and descriptions were very helpful. Also saw Jim & Donna there. As we were leaving we signed up for the Christmas dinner - 1) to attend(buy tickets), 2) to volunteer for cleanup, and 3) to bring a dish. Also signed up for the next wed night meal(Meatloaf) on Dec 17.

Last week at Butterfield

Our last week at Butterfield RV Resort came way too quickly.  It seemed like we had just gotten here and now it was almost time to start saying goodbye to all of our new friends.

So how did we spend our last week? My days usually started with a walk "up the hill".  I'd take a left hand turn out of the park and head south. After ascending the hill and walking about 1.25 miles, I'd turn around and head back. Good exercise. Clean air. Good views from up on top. Mary continued with her Water Aerobics every Mon-Wed-Fri, excuse me, Mary & Dorann did the Water Aerobics every Mon-Wed-Fri. They were a pair.

The last week also included Thanksgiving.  On wednesday PM I joined a few other volunteers to set up the Clubhouse for the big meal. While we were setting up, another bunch was working on the meal- getting turkeys ready and preparing food.  Initial estimate was for 79 people to be attending. We set up for 92, just in case. The final count on thursday was 97. Pretty popular event. What brought the count up was a group from the Phoenix area that showed up as well as a bunch of "overnighters" that arrived.  Anyways, there was plenty of food for all, and not much left when all done. Actually there was quite a variety of food. And all good.

Woody surveying the scene

The place was FULL

Mary and just to her right, Dick & Patti from Durango

Our answer to the Walmart greeter.....

Mary & Paula

Mary, Paula, and Dick - the Greeters

Our table with a whole bunch of our friends. Notice the full plates!

Dinner was served at 2:00 to a full house. When we were done, we  kind of hung around and helped a bit with clean up, and then it was time to rest and get ready for dessert, which was phase 2 of the Thanksgiving Extravaganzaa to be held at 6:00 pm. Dessert was almost as good as the main meal! Boy, did I eat a lot. Baked Alaska, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Squash Pie, Chocolate cake........waaay too good.


Friday of the last week saw the odd foursome(Keith, Dorann, Mary and I) heading to Apache Station Wildlife Area. The four of us had made individual trips there the week before and enjoyed it so much that one last trip was definitely called for before Dorann and Keith headed north to Casa Grande.

 

Me signing the guest book

We left late morning and brought a picnic lunch with us. We were not disappointed as we were presented with an awesome sight:

Literally thousands of Sand Hill Cranes

We enjoyed watching them, especially the new groups coming in.

Professional birders- Dorann & Mary

Our new friends, Keith & Dorann

Picture says it all.......


It is kind of strange for us, being from Vermont, getting used to the attitudes out here. We left Vermont, a state where recycling is commonplace and clean energy is a given, to come to Arizona where recycling is almost non-existent, and coal fired power plants, like here at Apache Station are commonplace.

Apache Station Coal fired power plant

On the way home we toured through Cochise Stronghold. This is another whole trip by itself, one to plug in for the future. We stopped at a little gift shop in  Sunsets and saw some of the neatest birds in some yards and crossing road in front of us - Gambel's Quails.....

By mid afternoon, it was time to get back to Butterfield for our last "official" park Happy Hour. We could not miss this one......

Part of our Group- Keith, Dorann, Patti, and Dick

More of our group- Debbie, Lee, LaVern, Shirley, Judy, Ken,  Nancy and  Dave

Steve & Barbara

The Group - minus me

And then there were the last "unofficial happy hour"-

 And finally the last night for all of us to get together- Saturday.

Dorann & Debbie - and is that really Vodka?

Our new family- Dorann, Keith, Mary, Steve, Barbara, Debbie and Lee

A picture with me in it......

Still at it......

Not only was this a Happy Hour, this night was special - it included supper too! Barbara had grabbed all left over turkey 'stuff' and made a delicious Turkey Noodle Soup. Mary prepared a nice salad to go with the soup and we all ate well. Everything was great. Especially the friends and the comaradarie.

Saturday night, Keith, Dorann, Mary and I went to the Observatory for one last time. Ken was our "guide" and put on a great show. We saw Mars, the Moon, M15, M11, Uranus, Pleides, Andromeda Galaxy, and the double star, Albireo. When the "show" was over, we stopped by the Clubhouse for a piece of Pumpkin Pie. Quite a few left over from Thursday. Ken joined us and told us some great stories about the history of the area, i.e., the Movie sets, the political side of Wyatt Earp, and a little about himself and his goal of being an historical source. It was a very enjoyable evening. Was sorry it had to end.

Sunday morning was a sad time for us. We watched as Keith and Dorann loaded up everything and prepared to leave Butterfield for Casa Grande RV park outside of Phoenix. Over the course of the month, we both really came to enjoy their company and we very much look forward to meeting up again. Mary and Dorann became "friends" on Facebook, so they are guaranteed to keep in touch. With all the things Mary and Dorann did together, I am sure it is going to be tough on Mary. Was definitely a sad moment when they pulled out.

Keith & Dorann heading out of Butterfield

Casa Grande here we come.

Monday morning rolled around and it was time for us to get packed up and headed out. We were not alone. Our other new friends, Jerry and Kitty (from North Dakota), were also packing up and heading out to Tombstone, where they would stay for a month, meeting up  with some friends from back home. In January they would be coming back to Butterfield and then in April, taking up residence in a Park unit that they purchased. They really do like the place. While I was on my walk, I got a phone call from Patti Giesel, letting me know that they were on their way out, heading for Lazy Days RV Park in Tucson. They would be spending the month in Tucson where Dick was scheduled to have some medical tests(Patti and Dick are from Durango, CO).  Hopefully everything goes well and we see them back at Butterfield the following month(s). Oh, did I mention that prior to our leaving Butterfield, I reserved a spot for the month of February and part of March. So, yes, we are coming back. Hopefully we'll get to see Dick and Patti, Lee and Debbie, Steve and Barbara, and Jerry and Kitty again. That would be great. And then it was off to Cochise Terrace RV Park.

Leaving #105 and Butterfield RV Park