I've been a member of this forum for awhile now and I don't think I have ever introduced myself. My name is DeAnna, usually go by De, and my DH's name is Randy. We are avid campers and are on our third fifth wheel. We are seasonal campers, but are looking forward to retirement and would like to try full-timing, in about five years. I'm like a sponge and have been absorbing so much information here and have learned so much, so thank you to for all who contribute to my learning.I know I'm going to have so many questions, but I usually find answers to any questions by searching here. I have a couple of questions that I haven't found yet. One is, where do you go for your hair appointments? I go every five weeks for a cut and color and have gone to the same person for over 20 years and I'm not sure how I'd find someone every five weeks to cut it like I like and color it like I'm used to. Another question, what do people do that need to have their blood tested on a regular basis? My DH is on coumadin and needs his blood tested monthly. I hope that by the time we retire, they will have do-it-yourself kits for testing it. :)Thanks in advance!

Can't help you on the hair question since I've lost most of mine.The blood testing may depend on your insurance coverage. For example, I have Tricare Standard (retired military) so I don't need any referrals. If I know I need something in a particular town, I'll check the website for participating doctors in that area and call well in advance. When I was married my DW needed monthly transfusions so our travel itinerary was dictated by availability of a nearby transfusion center.

For blood tests, try LabCorp. They have lab locations across the country.For hair, I try to find local women, like campground owners or employees, or someone at the grocery store who looks like they have a good haircut, and ask them for suggestions. Or try Yelp.com.Have fun preparing for full-timing!

Thanks so much for the helpful advice! Great suggestions on ways to find out about getting hair done. I know I'll have a lot more questions, and it's funny how hair was a priority.:B

Question # 1, sorry you can't find anyone that does as good a job on the hair as your long time stylist. That I've learned from wife Scottiemom's overall experiences over 9 years. Question #2 I was on Coumadin for 12 years prior to cancer treatment, then off it for 4 months and haven't had to go back on it the past 3 years. However when I was getting blood work done on the road, I got 20 blood draw scripts and all my med RXs good for a year from my internist at my annual physical. The blood draw scripts I took to Labcorp nationwide without a problem. They would do the blood draws and fax the results to my doctor who would have his nurse call with orders to change or stay the same on the amount taken. One time when Labcorp wasn't around I went to a rural hospital lab and it worked just as well. RXs we use Walgreen, they do a great job, I order my refills online for pickup the next day near by or at a town we are passing through.

De, make pictures of your hair cut when it is fresh cut... maybe even before styling so that you can give them to the person you have cut your hair... I have discovered that long or short have different definitions for different people and I can't always accurately describe what I want..also is there some way you can do your own color? If not, get the person who does it now, to write down the color she uses including brand (and magic formula if she mixes for you). You will need to explain to her that you will be traveling long term and can't come to her or she may not share her secrets.

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15 Replies

sowego
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
hair...that's a tough one because it's hard to switch from someone you know and trust. When I moved into a new area it was the worst thing to do...find a new stylist so....I've cut my own hair for 30 years,my husbands hair since we met, Mom's, Dad's, sister's but I don't do anyone else because I'm no pro. I watched the stylist cut so long I just decided I could do it. I also looked through the stylist's book. Depending on the style it's not that difficult and if you mess it up a bit...it will grow out. I'm not recommending starting to learn but it's really quite interesting and easier than I thought.

Color isn't too hard if you use a single process. If you ask the stylist what color they use you should be able to pick it up yourself.
RanDe_s
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
Hi Yose, and welcome to another newbie! I had not heard of this new tester. Definitely something worth looking into. Thanks for the info!
yose
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
Hi De!
I am new too! I just joined today. I am an RN and there is a small tester that you can use at home. The machine is a little bigger that the old glucometers that Diabetics used to use. The Dr can prescribe it (but warning it is expensive 1000. /1500.) When you get the tester the dr's office will have you bring it in and they will teach you and dh how to use it.
Yose
RanDe_s
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
Again, thanks so much for all of your replies, they are very helpful. I didn't know there were so many options out there, but you have opened my eyes. :)
tomkaren13
Explorer
Feb 25, 2014
For your hair color, get the formula and a good hairstylist should be able to do it right. The key is a word here is "good". This is how our friend does it.
Pop-Pop_C
Explorer
Feb 25, 2014
I have to have my blood tested also for my INR level.
Lab corps are good, also try the out patient lab at the local hosp.
That has worked well for me. We full time and are retired, withe Medicare
and supplemental AARP UnitedHealth care.
Good Luck!
hitchup
Explorer
Feb 25, 2014
I changed my hairstyle to fit our lifestyle. Don't ever get it permed or colored anymore, since I quit working. Now I will get it cut in various lengths of a bob and then let it grow past my shoulders.

I used to be able to go a full year without a cut, but now it's about every 6-8 mos. It's always a crapshoot even going to a Chain hair cuttery. Nothing like that was in Dodge City, KS, so I went to a Regis Salon in the Mall and was pleasantly surprised with a very well-done cut.

I can't even begin to tell you how much money we've saved. Especially since, DH cuts his own hair most of the time. But with the Arctic Vortex, he decided to grow it out a little since DC has a good barber. So he visits the barber every month.
backbencher
Explorer
Feb 25, 2014
Just go to the closest base & ask for a Marine medium - it's usually 2 or 3 fingers off the ears - very easy to take care of.
RanDe_s
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014
Thank you all to the great suggestions! It sounds like both are very doable and two things I now won't have to worry about. :)
restlesswind
Explorer
Feb 22, 2014
DW had me take a photo of her fresh cut hair.It usually works pretty well,
but it might be a good idea to get side and back views and print out 8x10s
She has learned to not expect a perfect haircut every time.

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