For the past few weeks I’ve been staying at my dad’s place on Manchaug Pond. Not an unfamiliar spot. As a little kid I’d spend each summer with my Mem & Pep at their camp on the other side of the lake. This is the place I learned to swim, water ski, canoe, sail, and wind surf. Some great memories, that’s for sure.

My “campsite” on Manchaug Pond
This stay has been different. I’m going through a great number of life changes at the moment. Becoming a full timer via “shock introduction”, working out the termination of a decade long relationship, and dealing with a rare illness that has me flipping my world around in many regards. No more dogs, no more down, no more pizza. For those who know me well, the pizza thing is gonna be hard! The most recent shock was that spending a little time with my dog Dana went so badly on the health side. That was quite a blow.

I have taken the time here to get a little healing in. Physically I’m feeling better than I have in a year. The abdominal pain is at it’s lowest in recent memory. The dizzy spells haven’t been seen in a month (with the exception of Dana’s visit). And the feeling of being on edge while not knowing what my illness was is gone. So, that’s all the good stuff.

Low water level this spring
If it was warmer I think I’d jump in the lake. Something to be said for “washing off the last year” in a friendly pond. Maybe I’ll do that in the near future.

A morning shot of the lake

Well, in a few days my friend Tom and I will pull out and head south. It may only be a short trip. Depends on the pollen levels, and how they make me feel. Now that I know about the allergies I realize a good bit about how I felt last Spring, when I felt better, and when I felt worse. Days after rain were good. Many dry days were bad. There’s one part of the equation.

With chilly weather you can certainly go through propane in a hurry.  Glad we’re seeing some warmer days, and that I’ll be heading to warmer climates!  If you guessed I went out to refill my propane tank this morning, you’d be right!

Also did a swing through Wal-Mart today.  Rounded up some more eye drops, corn based cereal (gotta avoid the wheat more), and sought out a bigger water jug for in the fridge (failed in that effort…keep looking).

Driving back this morning I spent some time on the phone with the latest reseller of The Digital RV. Nice to see new distribution channels.  Wow, almost sound like a marketing person.

Over the weekend I remembered that the truck needed its oil change, tire rotation, etc.  One weird problem in the Titan.  The middle seat belt has been odd.  It’s now locked in place, and won’t extend out.  I called in to schedule service and mentioned it.  The person who answered says, “Well, did you want them to have a look at that?”  Uh, nah, I just mentioned it to pass the time.  Of course I want them to take a look at it.  What an odd question.

This afternoon I got to talk with my cousin Mary and her children Shane & Bridget.  Good to see them.  Great family.  Shane & Bridget are both big fans of Legos, just like me!

Tonight I’ve been experimenting with some “new food”, and investigating several Internet stores that cover my changed food requirements.  I was thrilled to see I can in fact still make pizza, in a way…..  $8.00 for a rice based pizza crust….  Hmmmm.  Still haven’t tried the soy based pizza cheese.  Oh yeah, learning experience.

The diet I’ll need seems like Atkins almost.  Here’s my issue.  I’m currently 135 lbs.  Dropped a few more in the past few weeks.  I need some more calories, and the foods I have to cut out are the big calorie items.  I’m scratching my head on what to do next.  Need to purchase some books on the subject.  And in answer to the question on your mind, no the doctors did not suggest dietary information or a dietician.  They instead said I would need to “experiment”.  Hmmm.  Somebody get me a lab coat, burner, and test tube.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be trying Rice Milk with my corn based cereal.  Haven’t tried the rice milk yet.  The one thing I can say about it, the stuff’s got a super long shelf life.  The box I purchased it good til next Christmas.  :D  I let you know if it’s as good as the real stuff.

One other note….you can sure go through cell phone minutes quick when you’ve gotten used to Vonage service. 

RV’s are pretty neat. They’re a microcosim of a real house, and they’re portable. Usually we have items we’d find in a home, only smaller. The same can be said for the equipment we drag along, like all of the digital gadgets I’m fond of.

It’s easier to clean in my Airstream. There’s only so much space to fill up. Only so much “airspace” too. Stuff that built up in my old open post and beam home took time. In the Airstream it takes a lot less time.

With all that said, last night my eyes were burning. They used to do that a lot, but that hasn’t happened in weeks. Each day I’ve felt physical improvement. Yesterday felt like a step backward.

Of course, Dana hopped up on the bed next to me for the evening. It was good to have my buddy close by.

This morning though, I awoke and found my eyes super blood shot, and I was clogged again for the first time in weeks. I had a suspicion last evening, but didn’t want to say it out loud. When I went into my dad’s place this morning Phyllis noted that my right eye didn’t look good at all. That was my confirmation.

When I saw the allergist he told me, “Sometimes a zero on the testing isn’t a zero. You’re going to have to experiment with food, what you’re breathing, etc. If you’re feeling weird after something new, chances are you have issues with it. People with EG and EE can become super sensitive to chemicals, smells, etc.” That was the general gist of the speech he gave me on my disease and current allergic reactions.  And also it was enforced that “we don’t know much about this disease.”
It didn’t take me long to make a decision this morning.  I haven’t been this physically uncomfortable in weeks.  After my claritin I “de-clogged” a bit, and I did many eye drops (haven’t done those in weeks) to help ease the burning in my eye.  I gave a call to my former home, explained what was up, and we headed out to bring Dana the dog back to New Hampshire.

What I’m hoping over the next few weeks is that with the dietary change, the environmental change, and the progression toward feeling better, that maybe my immune system will tone it down a bit.  My blood cells have been on a rampage for a while, and they need a chance to ease off I guess.

Of course, I’ll be researching on the web a lot.  I’ve heard some people have been cured of allergies, so that track will be investigated.  If anyone can find a way, it’s me.

Since all the illness started I’ve consistently said that of the things I’ve had to cut out, I miss Dunkin Donuts French Vanilla the most.  Today I’m changing that statement.  The one thing that I want resolved above all others is that I can hang out with my four legged friends again.

7 days until I roll out of New England for a bit.  I’ll get feeling better again.  Learning to rolll with what comes along, even the stuff I think sucks.  Whoops, just lost the PG rating and went to a PG 13.  Anybody who has had and resolved pup allergies, drop me a note.  Thanks in advance. 

Today saw a great deal of road time. That’s actually super, given that I didn’t even like being in a car last year when I was feeling poorly.

A good bit to do on the trip up to NH. First, rounded up some Entocort (for the stomach issues) and hit Hannoford. They’ve got a decent selection of “non-standard” food products. Stocked up on rice cakes. Good to know I’m still alright with peanut butter!

After the small shopping spree we headed by the former homestead. Dana was there waiting for me. Madison had been taken out for the morning shopping. Dana was happy to see me. I was happy to see her too. I’m a little sad that both pups won’t be coming along at present, but I’m thrilled to be reunited with one of my friends. It’s great to not be allergic to them.

We got back just a short while ago. Dana insisted on her meeting her standard needs. Sit on her couch, check out the lake, bring a stick, insist on going into the lake. All standard Dana stuff. So glad to have a fuzzy buddy here with me!

Dana’s got her couch

First swim of the Spring

Shaking off that cold spring water!

Ready to go again!

Didn’t get around to posting yesterday.  Had a little frustration in the food department.

We swung by Trader Joe’s yesterday to look into meeting my updated food requirements.  Not as easy as I thought it would be.  By that I mean even at a “healthy” store, stuff still gets slipped in.

As I navigated the isles and read labels, it became apparent that I’ll need to shop in a new way.  Many foods were labeled “gluten free”.  But what I found was that somehow each manufacuturer would slip in 1 thing on my list that was in the allergy list.

I’d find food that was wheat free, but had milk and eggs.  Or there would be egg free items, and they had wheat and milk.  That story went on and on.

Fortunatley there are web sites that cater to different dietary requirements.  I’ll be going through those later today.

For this morning I’m off to pick up one of my two dogs.  One will be staying at my former home, one will be coming with me.  I hate having to choose only one, but that’s the reality.  It will be good to have one of my friends with me again, and I’m so happy to know I’m not allergic to them!

Well, that’s my new question now.  I think the Airstream Chronicles will be full of lots of other stuff beyond full-timing in an Airstream.  Actually, I don’t think it, I know it! 

Got to see the allergist today.  Had hours of testing.  Didn’t even study (you knew that joke was coming).  Normally, I like to score high on tests.  Today I wanted to see zeros (not allergic).  But I went and scored high just to be obtuse.

Fortunately I’m not allergic to dogs.  They seem to be one of the only things that don’t aggravate me.  Most trees do (pollen), 95% of what I eat does (say good by to wheat, milk, eggs, chicken, etc), down does, dust mites do, etc.  What in the world is ragweed anyhow???  Looks like I’ll be learning about gluten free living while learning about full timing and practicing at being a digital rv’er.  Should be tons to share!

So, now, how do I turn my Airstream Safari into a clean room???  Just kidding, I won’t be putting myself in a bubble over this. However, some of my favorite food items have been behind my year of absolute pain and discomfort.  If you didn’t read about my weird disease, you can check it out by clicking here.

Alright folks, fun food suggestions for a guy who can’t have:

• Chocolate
• Wheat
• Barley (no adult beverages folks)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Fish
• Oats (Mr. Ed would be depressed, eh Wilbur?)
• Chicken

For a pizza junkie like me this is gonna be an adjustment.  Looks like I’m going steak and potatoes all the way.  Anyone know what’s in jelly beans? 

I’ll spend some time this evening reading about gluten free diets, cause that seems to be the road I’m on if I want the abdominal pain and inflamation to stop.  And I think I’d like that.  Pain is such a pain.

So, in the coming weeks I’ll be blogging on Airstreaming, Full-Timing, Digital RV issues, Travel, and cooking for a super sensitive tummy!  A little something for everyone.  Who knows, maybe I’ll do movie reviews for fun as well….. 

What led me to full timing?
Here’s the first entry in the “full timing” personal journal. Yup, it will be part of the Airstream Chronicles for sure. How can it not be, I’m living in an Airstream.

The past year has been hard. I got sick over a year ago. Physicians dismissed me, and questioned whether or not my illness was in my head. My marriage, already strained due to a lack of communication, became even more strained. The illness only increased the distance between my wife and I.

Finally, as I saw light at the end of the tunnel (a diagnosis was forthcoming) two bombshells hit. My spouse felt that there was no point in trying to work on our marriage any longer. It was too hard. I didn’t see it that way, but the line had been drawn, and no further discussion would be had. Right behind that I found out I’ve got a very rare and odd illness only two days after that announcement.

All in all, quite the shocks. It became too hard to remain at home, even though I’m awaiting further medical testing. My spouse began her new life immediately, and it hurt. So, the Airstream got loaded up quickly, and it was moved down to my dad’s for the short term. No point in subjecting yourself to chinese water torture, eh?

After all this, my first week of full timing has been completed. I’d always thought it would be exciting form the start. However, I always picutred my spouse & dogs with me. And I always felt we’d return home (ok, not full timing then, but part timing). So much for counting chickens.

Unlike the last time I spent a long while in the Safari, this time it’s so different. No home to return to, no smile & a hug waiting for me. This time, whatever comes, it’s permanent.

Read this far, and not deterred?

Good for you. No worries, this journal will be fun and interesting in the near future. You’re at the beginning with me, and this is just the hardest week. No sense in pulling punches about it, or not writing about it. Frankly I’m looking forward to meeting interesting people, hearing interesting tales, and seeing things I haven’t seen before.

While the week was hard, I did spend time getting my trailer ready. There’s been a lot to do. Cleaning after the winter (not like winter is over). There’s a bit of mildew on my shades, so trying to deal with that. Also I’ve been figuring out the question of batteries. Thanks to many friends on the road now I’ve got some ideas.

Going forward I’ll try to do a daily journal. I’ll also be doing regular updates on The Digital RV. So check in regularly. And I promise, it will get happier in time. Just going to take a while to adjust.

I’ve been trying to think of ways to handle the two blogs, and I’ve finally come up with it. The Digital RV’s Blog will stick to all things digital, reviews, and how the technology functions in the trailer going forward. Gadget’s Airstream Blog (where you are now) will be my space for posting personal information regarding living aboard my 25 foot Safari. That will be the “story telling” blog, and The Digital RV will be all about “business”.

Recently I haven’t been posting much on either blog. There have been too many life distractions. My recent diagnosis, the recent upset in my home life (divorce unfortunately), and moving the Airstream to my dad’s to live in for a few weeks have all been major distractions to say the least. More than distractions, they’re all down right consuming at moments.

Now that I’m settling in to how much things have changed, I think I’ll get back to documenting technology, and being a new full timer. I just wish the full timing had come about in a different way!

Over the years I’ve imagined full time living on the road.  I’ve read several books, thought of where I’d go, etc.  For anyone who’s considered it, you know what I’m talking about.

Given my current personal situation, I was not preparing to full time so soon.  It’s easier to deal with an illness while you’re in a fixed spot, and that’s what I need right now.  Unfortunately, we don’t always get what we want or need.

Today I spent a good deal of time packing.  I’ll be moving my time table up to pull the Airstream out sooner.  For the short term I’ll be popping it down to my dad’s house until I’m finished with the physicians.

Everything I’ve read on full time living has never covered needing to bug out of your house fast.  Fortunately I’ve still had some time to pack, pick through items, and try to organize myself as best I can.  Still, my experience is nothing compared to the survivors of the recent natural disasters.  They had even less time or prepartion.  My heart truly goes out to their situation.  From what I’ve been living recently, I can’t imagine how heart wrenching their experiences have been.

Over the next few weeks I’ll document sorting through what will stay in the Airstream and what will end up in a box stored away.  While I’m pretty good at picking small items to make travel easier, I’m now working on going from living in a 2600 foot home to a 25 foot long Airstream.  A lot will be cut out!

Who knows, my experience my help the next reluctant full timer.  :D  I hope so.

Everything will also be documented on the Digital RV’s Blog.  And I’ll regularly be posting on the Forum at the Digital RV as well.

Wish me luck all!

Very soon, this blog will become busy documenting a change in lifestyle. It will be very Airstream focused again, and it will focus on full-time RV’ing. The thing is, I wasn’t planning on going full time at this point in my life. However, circustances change, and I find myself looking at having to go full time.

Due to a host of issues, my wife and I will be splitting. It was recommended this weekend that we divorce, and that seems to be that. I won’t get into all the details, just that the past few years have become difficult between us, and this past year has really put stress on the system.

The entire situation is a real disappointment, and I know we’re both sad about it. While losing a 10 year relationship isn’t what I want, it will be a “growing” experience. I’ve had a lot of those this year with my illness.

So, with all that in mind we’ve agreed that my spouse will retain the house, and I will drive off to points unknown with the Airstream. That is as soon as I settle on to my new medications for my recently diagnosed illness, and we figure out the details of our separation and divorce.

Don’t feel bad. This won’t be a “downer” of a blog going forward. There might be days when I’m a little low, but I’ll be documenting how the whole experience goes. Not the divorce, the “shock” intro to full timing!

Currently I’m scrambling to learn all I can about becoming a full-timer! I’m sorting through personal belongings, packing, and picking “yard sale” items. There’s so much to do. I’ve also been contacting friends who full time to learn about health insurance (a big one as my medical conidition looks to be chronic), mail forwarding, and the standard full time issues.

Fortunately I’ve got a good deal of my full time accessories already in hand. And with all my research and work on “The Digital RV”, I know I’m ready for a great deal. The big thing here is that this is a quick immersion into becoming a full timer. Most folks get to plan a good bit. I’ll be jumping into the pool, rather than wading in. It will be interesting. I hope you’ll follow along with me.