Author: randy

“The Titos” which is a huge band in Ecuador came to the local neighborhood and gave a wonderful concert. It was a huge success. It was only a kilometer from the casa and actually on the same street. Daniela mentioned she hasn’t seen the neighborhood with so much activity since way before the pandemic. Elena said, “it’s like Michael Jackson coming to town”. Mateo compared them to the “Rolling Stones”.

There were 4 local acts before the main attraction. First time I stood for over 5 1/2 hours in one place without moving since the accident. My legs were killing me, but I was afraid to move because they were so stiff, I wasn’t sure how well I could walk.

It was a great time enjoyed by all!

I hope that all my family and friends have had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As those close to me know it is my favorite holiday. While living in Greenwood it became a 4-day holiday spent with family and friends that couldn’t be beat. So much fun and love, I miss it very much.

So many blessings this year. Most important are the additions to the family. Mae, Ellie and Amanda just to name a few. Way cool. Amanda has been part of the family for years, but it was made official (hahaha big smile). Wish I could have been there for the event!

This year I planned on making a USA style Thanksgiving dinner for a small group here in Ecuador. It ended up a little bigger and much nicer. The Pallo Hidalgo family has gone beyond making me feel at home. I owe them a big thank you. Not all enjoyed the USA dishes served but I didn’t hear any complaints. I am sure some got something to eat when they got home.

Thanksgiving this year personally has been a lot of over whelming thoughts. Not sure what they all mean but hopefully as time passes it will get clearer in my head. The accident opened my eyes to a few things that needed my immediate attention. I have taken time to tend to those so, I am happy about that. Crazy how, an almost death experience shows you what’s important. For some reason I have been given that chance.

Physically it is going to take a few more months to figure out what I have to work with. A month in the hospital, being a burden in Rock Island for eight weeks, and now a burden in Ecuador. Healing has taken its toll on my feelings of independence. Thank everyone who has and is putting up with me. Humbling for sure.

I am truly thankful for all that has been bestowed upon me. Not sure, if I deserve all I have been blessed with. There are things that have become clearer and things that are still in a fog. That is the way life goes.

Thank you all for making my life better.

Love Randy

I did get back in the saddle, so they say. Today was my first ride since the accident. Bori wanted to go but I said no. Not too bad just wore me out a little.

Well not much going on fun with me lately. Still healing up, my legs are covered with skin again and my back/ribs are sure taking their time getting better. Did some MRI’s the other day and even one biopsy. Gee whiz I have a small patch of skin cancer and surgery on Tuesday. Like I said not much fun. Just as in the USA the family here is putting up with me. They are feeding me even though I don’t do much work around the place. Thank God for that, it is against the rules. I have been blessed in both countries. Still waiting on my visa renewal, hopefully it will be done soon. If not what’s next?

On a good note, actually the best note. El made it home safe and healthy. I am so happy for the new parents!

Here, the family took me along to a local wedding. That means I got to wear the suit bought for the California wedding I didn’t make it to. Daniela took me out for my first short hike in the national park. It was nice to get out in nature. We were going to go fishing at a local lake but, it being a holiday it was too busy. Instead, we stopped at a local fishery on the way home and caught 6 trout for dinner. Later in the week to celebrate the day of the dead, the family had a get together to make baby bread. A huge tradition.

The plan is to spend Christmas in the USA this year. That will be fun. So, I may get to see some of you soon. Daniela is planning to come along during her break. She has never been to the west coast or Midwest so there is a lot she would like to see. I am looking forward to introducing her to everyone and showing here some of my favorite areas in the country that I love. She has taken the time to show me so much of Ecuador it will be nice to return the favor.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving !!!!!!!!

Ya’all take care now, ya hear!

Howdy, well I am back in Ecuador for a bit to apply for my new Visa. I was not planning to return until November, but I cannot be out of the country more than 90 days. If I go beyond the 90 days, I would have had to start from scratch for the new visa. As it so happened the vacuum pump was removed from my knee a week earlier, so it made my decision easier.

After leaving the hospital my sister dropped me off at the Parer’s home to start my outpatient treatment. All I can say is thank you to Andrea and Andy for taking me in, such gracious hosts. With everything going on like a new addition to their family it was a good time. Mae was born and Arthur kept me paying attention. Thanks again for putting up with me.

Not only was Mae born but Also Ellie, so two new great nieces. Yahoo, very cool. It is nice to know that they are all doing so well.

The welcome at the airport was more than i had expected. So much for slipping back quietly. Thanks to everyone for the smiles! I am slowly healing and am starting my paperwork on the visa this month. After it is taken care of, I need to head back to the states to take care of business there.

Life is good and I sincerely thank my family and friends!! God bless you all.

PS. Same here as in the USA, they won’t let drive a car or ride my motorcycle. ugh!

So, I was released from the hospital on August 3rd (accident happened July 9th) and my sister dropped me off at my nephew’s home. I will be spending the next couple of months going to the clinic 3 times a week for bandage changes until my wounds heal up some. As far as all the broken ribs they have a mind of their own and will heal according to their schedule. my left upper body took some pretty good hits. Boring!! Both legs are in braces for the entire treatment, ugh! Many thanks to the Parer’s for putting up with me.

I love you both dearly and I hope for you both so much happiness. Love UR

I feel lucky to have been close to this hospital. Those who know me well know that I have spent some of my time as a caregiver. I have spent time in some of the best hospitals in the USA. Stanford University, San Franscisco University to name a couple and many smaller local hospitals. The care I have received here is top notch and the people are amazingly kind. The doctors, nurses and their assistants have shown exceptional professionalism and kindness towards me. I am not saying that everything is perfect but even in the highest rated places nothing is perfect. You are dealing with people, but I am very happy with the care I have been provided.

There are so many I owe thanks to.

Driver of a pick up truck didn’t see me in time and bumped me while I was in the slow lane of the freeway in Nebraska. I don’t remember the accident but a guess I rolled a few times and the bike landed on top of me. This was on 7-9-22 and was no fun. People that saw the accident added on a local Facebook page that they were surprised I was alive and the police said it was not my fault.

Spent a couple of days getting ready to head west for the Wedding. Arthur is a king and Ash is having their first child. Super cool.