Dialysis on Road Could Be In Your Own RV

For folks who face a regular regimen of kidney dialysis, trips to the dialysis center can really kill the dream of any sort of RV lifestyle. One woman has shown that the lifestyle may be more in reach of RVers than they'd dreamed.

Diane Rachey has been on regular, three-times-a-week dialysis treatments since the end of 2005. Needless to say, while both she and her husband are retired, getting to use an RV seemed out of reach. But not long ago, Diane and hubby hopped in their RV for a two-week trip--and never stepped in a dialysis center. What happened?

Diane is now working with a new portable dialysis system called NxStage that takes dialysis out of the clinic and into the home--even if that home is on wheels. Says Diane, “Once I started using NxStage, I felt great! I am 100% better both mentally and physically. Going to the center was extremely restrictive. My whole outlook on life now is much more positive, especially because I am able to spend more time enjoying life!”

As opposed to 3-a-week treatments, the NxStage system calls for 6-a-week at home treatments lasting around two and a half hours each. The firm that produces the system has equipment and supplies available throughout the US. Learn more about Diane's story here. Or for more information about the NxStage system, visit their website here.

Loonies Making Florida Resurgence

Fulltimers and snowbirds of every stripe are beginning to make their way to their winter RV havens. The favorable Canada-US currency exchange rate is helping to bring Canadian "birds" to Florida already. It's all because the Loonie (the Canadian dollar coin with its memorable reproduction of the Loon) is so close to parity with Old George that plenty of Canadians are finding the winter trip a whole lot easier to take--financially--than in the past.

While we can't say we've seen a huge influx of Maple Leaf Flag Fliers cruising into Arizona just yet, according to Florida's Herald Tribune, the south-bound influx is already on. With the strength of the Loonie as good as it is, some Canucks are planning on buying big dollar items. Check out the whole story in the Tribune's piece, "Early Birds Get the Deal."

Photo courtesy bgilliard on Flickr

TV "Makeover" Show Needs Fulltime RVers

This post recently appeared on the Escapee's fulltimer forum:

"Hi,I work for a popular home makeover show on TLC. We would love to makeover an RV (the bigger the better)Candidates get their own designer, a carpenter and a $2,000 budget. If anyone is interested feel free to respond to this post or e-mail me directly at: xxxxxxxx and I will send you more info and answer any questions."

We're trying to find out how legitimate the issue is, but for now, here's a shot at it for you all.

EDITORS NOTE: We just received an update from the makeover show--apparently the show has been scuttled for the time being. If it rises from the ashes, we'll let you know. 10/5/07

Looking for Fall Color? How About Alberta?

One of the blessings we as RV fulltimers often have is the ability to change plans. That flexibility allows us to change plans and do the unexpected.

Here's what might be an unexpected beauty to take in: This fall's color in the Canadian Rockies is spectacular. If you're in the neighborhood of Alberta, check out our fall color in the Canadian Rockies entry in our sister blog, RVing Canada.

Photo courtesy Travel Alberta